One Source. Infinite Agency.

Where it Started

I wanted to build a system with parity, where you could swing a sword and engage an audience without killing the fantasy in the name of optimization.

Heroes want to rely on their creativity and personal investment when the time comes to stand firm in the face of conflict.
Not bend over backwards to shoehorn fixes while negotiating their vision of themselves.

How it's Going

My solution is Source. Every character and technique is balanced around the same choice: spend or conserve. Dig in or Press the Attack.

This single resource system pulls different story levers, modifying your checks when you nova or stressing otherwise simple actions during combat.

It enables you to scale effects, targets, and damage — or withhold to spend in defense of your goals, your friends, or yourself.

But this also keeps the world dangerous. When facing more powerful beings, the power difference is the Source Pool and dice size, instead of level gated techniques. (Scaling from 6d6 at level 1 to 20d20 at level 17+)

Source creates a path to power ...for a price.

Movement Conversion

Because Source is core, it was a simple calculation to set 1SD = 10ft of movement.

So when you spend a Core Action/Equivalent + Movement, Conversion is activated, and 10ft of movement becomes 1SD.

This elevates positioning and leaves you feeling satisfied that your choices matter every step of the way.

If this strikes a chord in you, it's time to

Sunder Your Game