Now we’re beyond a character’s origins and why they are; we’re moving into what role they play in a setting or group. This provides both mechanical benefits and guidance in their motivation as an adventurer. I wanted a system that offered customization while also providing expected RPG tropes for those looking to jump in quickly.

Reinforcing Role Identity

Terms like Wizard, Fighter, Thief, Sorcerer all provide fairly clear expectations for the role that the characters will fill. I wanted to take the opportunity to expand on traditional tropes through the Profession mechanics.

Our initial attempt combined an Attribute with a Theme to create a grid of 9 ‘essential’ professions. They were surprisingly flexible and provided players with space to really tailor their character’s role in a setting.

With this re-evaluation I wanted to explore some other options.

Option 1: Talent Trees

Each Profession has a talent tree with 3 tiers of abilities. Characters progress vertically through their chosen path, unlocking more powerful versions of their core concept.

Progression

  • Tier 1 Talent: 10 XP (requires archetype foundation)
  • Tier 2 Talent: 15 XP (requires 1 Tier 1 talent from same tree)
  • Tier 3 Talent: 20 XP (requires 1 Tier 2 talent from same tree)

Unique Group Role

Different trees within same Profession let party members with same Profession specialize differently (two Warriors can become “Tank” and “Damage Dealer”)

Reinforcing Individual Identity

Players choose which tree to pursue, creating unique build within their archetype

Option 2: Milestones

Each Profession has a linear progression path of 5 milestones. Characters advance through set stages, each representing growth in their role.

Progression

  • Milestone 1: 10 XP
  • Milestone 2: 20 XP (cumulative: 30 XP total)
  • Milestone 3: 30 XP (cumulative: 60 XP total)
  • Milestone 4: 40 XP (cumulative: 100 XP total)
  • Milestone 5: 50 XP (cumulative: 150 XP total)

Key Feature: Each milestone grants a small benefit, keeping entire Profession path relevant

Unique Group Role

All members of same Profession follow same path but may be at different milestones, potentially creating mentor/student dynamics

Reinforcing Individual Identity

Combination of Talents and other special abilities create unique play options.

Option 3: Signature Moves

Each Profession defines signature abilities unique to their role. Characters unlock increasingly powerful versions and combinations.

Progression

  • Basic Signature: 10 XP
  • Improved Signature: 15 XP (requires Basic)
  • Master Signature: 20 XP (requires Improved)
  • Signature Combination: 25 XP (requires 2 Master Signatures)

Key Feature: Multiple signature move chains possible; can create dramatic, iconic moments

Unique Group Role

Same Profession would have different signature specialties (two Wizards: one fire specialist, one ice specialist)

Reinforce Individual Identity

Highly personalized – players choose which signatures to develop

Option 4: Role Refinement

Each Profession has 3 core roles they can improve. As characters advance, they refine their approach to these roles.

Progression

Role Rank 1: 10 XP (gain basic role benefit)
Role Rank 2: 20 XP (gain improved role benefit)
Role Rank 3: 30 XP (gain mastery role benefit)

Limit: Maximum 3 roles developed (one from each category)

Example Three Role Categories

These could be genre specific to highlight the setting.

  • Combat Role (how you fight)
  • Exploration Role (how you interact with world)
  • Social Role (how you interact with people)

Unique Group Role

Party members naturally fill different niches across the three role categories

Reinforce Individual Identity

Same Professions can have completely different role combinations

Option 5: Profession Mastery

Simple linear progression representing mastery of a Profession’s core concept. Each tier grants a package of related benefits rather than choosing individual abilities.

Progression

  • Journeyman Tier: 25 XP
  • Expert Tier: 50 XP (cumulative: 75 XP total)
  • Master Tier: 75 XP (cumulative: 150 XP total)

Key Feature: Streamlined – only 3 choices, but each is substantial

Unique Group Role

All same-Profession characters advance through identical tiers, reinforcing archetype identity

Reinforce Individual Identity

Individuality comes from Talents, Lineage and general abilities outside the Profession tiers

Discussion

I’m not sold on any one of these options specifically. There’s merit to each, I’m sure but the final product will require building out one or more of these progressions and play testing them to understand the impact and figure out how to iterate the concept across each planned genre.

The next post will explore