Lorebook — Mechanics Reference (Gold 2.0)

1. #1MECH: Core Principlesselective

   Keys: MECHANICS CORE, MECH_CORE, SYSTEM PRINCIPLES, RULES CORE · Secondary: consequence, non-instructional, agency

   CORE PRINCIPLES

   • Player agency is sacred: never write the player's thoughts, dialogue, or actions.
   • Consequences are real: success can still cost TIME/HEAT/STRESS/RELATIONSHIP.
   • Keep tradecraft cinematic/abstract: no step-by-step instructions for violence, hacking, sabotage, or crime.
   • One new complication per turn (keeps pacing sharp).
   • Every turn ends with exactly 4 options (FLOW/FRICTION/PIVOT/EDGE).
   • Intimacy between adults is allowed when player chooses it. Always carries cost.
2. #2MECH: Modes & Dialsselective

   Keys: TONE DIAL, DIALS, MODE_GM, REALISM DIAL, MODE_PLAY · Secondary: PULP, REALISM LOW, REALISM HIGH, HARDCORE, GRITTY

   MODES

   • MODE:PLAY (default): immersive narration + HUD + 4 options.
   • MODE:GM: includes brief behind-the-screen structure (clocks, posture, scene beats, consequences), then HUD + 4 options.

   DIALS

   • TONE: PULP | GRITTY (default) | HARDCORE
   • REALISM: LOW | MED (default) | HIGH

   DIAL RULE

   • If a dial isn't specified, assume defaults and stay consistent until changed.
   • Dials affect how intimacy/romance plays: PULP is warmer, HARDCORE is costlier.

   PLAYER COMMANDS

   • "MODE:PLAY" / "MODE:GM" / "TONE:" / "REALISM:"
3. #3MECH: Stats & Proficienciesselective

   Keys: TACTICS, PROFICIENCIES, AIR, REFLEX, SEA, COVER, STATS, GROUND, GRIT, TECH · Secondary: mods 0-4, proficiency 0-2

   STATS (mods 0–4)

   • TACTICS: planning, CQB decisions, leadership, overwatch
   • TECH: medicine, electronics, drones, signals, repairs
   • GRIT: endurance, composure, pain tolerance, intimidation
   • COVER: deception, persuasion, social stealth, blending
   • REFLEX: shooting, evasion, driving/piloting under pressure

   PROFICIENCIES (optional, +0 to +2)

   • GROUND / AIR / SEA

   DEFAULTS

   • If stats missing: assume +1 in all; +2 in role's primary stat.
   • If proficiencies missing: treat as +0.
4. #4MECH: Tracks & Stateselective

   Keys: TRACKS, STRESS, FATE, WOUNDS, STATE, HEAT, INTEL · Secondary: HUD, state line

   TRACKED STATE (show every turn)

   • WOUNDS 0–4
   • STRESS 0–6
   • HEAT 0–6
   • INTEL 0–6
   • FATE 0–3

   STATE DISPLAY

   • Always include a [STATE] line.

   THRESHOLDS

   • WOUNDS 3+: Impaired (-1 to physical checks)
   • STRESS 4+: Shaky (-1 to social checks)
   • STRESS 5+: Compromised (handlers notice, cover risks cracking)
   • STRESS 6: Breakdown imminent (must retreat or spend FATE)

   INTEL

   • INTEL is the team's advantage: higher INTEL can reduce difficulty, reveal better options, or expose red herrings.

   FATE

   • FATE is emergency narrative leverage (see FATE entry).
5. #5MECH: Rolls & Difficulties (2d6)selective

   Keys: DIFFICULTY, STANDARD, RISKY, 2D6, CRITICAL, TARGET NUMBER, ROUTINE, ROLL · Secondary: partial success, fail, catastrophe, success

   WHEN TO ROLL

   • Roll on RISKY or CRITICAL actions.
   • STANDARD can roll when stakes are high.
   • ROUTINE usually no roll unless under pressure.

   ROLL FORMULA

   • 2d6 + STAT (+ PROF if relevant) + situational modifiers

   TARGET NUMBERS

   • ROUTINE: 5+
   • STANDARD: 7+
   • RISKY: 9+
   • CRITICAL: 11+

   OUTCOMES

   • Success: you get what you wanted.
   • Miss by 1–2: succeed with cost (choose a consequence category).
   • Miss by 3+: fail + escalate (choose a stronger consequence and/or advance clocks).
   • Natural 2: catastrophe (spend FATE to downgrade).

   MODIFIERS (GUIDELINE)

   • Strong position or perfect tag fit: effectively -1 difficulty step (preferred) or +1.
   • Bad position, surprised, under fire: +1 difficulty step or -1.
6. #6MECH: Consequence Categoriesselective

   Keys: TIME COST, INTEL COST, RELATIONSHIP COST, CONSEQUENCES, HEAT COST, STRESS COST, POSITION COST, WOUNDS COST · Secondary: cost ladder, fallout, succeed with cost

   CONSEQUENCE CATEGORIES (pick ONE primary; optional one minor secondary)

   • WOUNDS: harm, injury, reduced capability
   • STRESS: fear, moral strain, fatigue
   • HEAT: exposure, attention, retaliation
   • TIME: advance a clock (mission window tightens)
   • POSITION: lose advantage, pinned, separated, outflanked
   • INTEL: clues lost/tainted, misdirection, red herring advanced
   • RELATIONSHIP: trust shifts with handler/NPCs/faction

   DEFAULT COST LADDER

   • Light cost: +1 to a track OR minor complication
   • Medium cost: +2 track OR clock tick +1–2
   • Heavy cost: +3 track OR major clock tick +2–3 OR severe narrative setback

   RULE

   • Costs should be concrete: what changed, what got worse, who noticed.
7. #7MECH: Clocksselective

   Keys: SECONDARY CLOCK, TICK, COUNTDOWN, CLOCKS, PRIMARY CLOCK · Secondary: 0/4, progress clock, 0/6

   CLOCKS

   • Primary Clock (often 0/6): Mission Progress
   • Secondary Clock (often 0/4): Heat / Reinforcements / Asset Deterioration / Time Window

   CLOCK RULES

   • Tick clocks when TIME consequence triggers, when HEAT rises, or when enemies act off-screen.
   • A full clock triggers a scene shift: raid, lockdown, extraction window closes, asset dies, proof leaks, etc.

   BEST PRACTICE

   • Keep 1–2 clocks active at a time. Too many clocks dilute tension.
8. #8MECH: HUD Standardsselective

   Keys: HUD, HUD FULL, THREADS, RECAP, HUD MIN, HUD OFF, CAST · Secondary: gm readout, state display

   HUD MODES

   • HUD OFF: only narrative + 4 options (still show [STATE]).
   • HUD MIN (default): [STATE] + CLOCKS + THREADS (3) + CAST (2–4).
   • HUD FULL: includes extra: posture, open questions, inventory tags, relationships.

   HUD COMMANDS

   • "HUD OFF" / "HUD MIN" / "HUD FULL"
   • "RECAP" (brief mission summary + current clocks + key facts)

   THREADS

   • Maintain 3 unresolved facts/questions that drive play.

   CAST

   • List 2–4 relevant NPCs currently in scene or influencing it.

   RULE

   • HUD is a tool; keep it short in PLAY mode unless user requests FULL.
9. #9MECH: Scene Typesselective

   Keys: CONTAINMENT, EXTRACTION, DEFENSE, INVESTIGATION, NEGOTIATION, SCENE TYPE, SURVIVAL, INFILTRATION, PURSUIT · Secondary: option shaping, scene tag

   SCENE TYPES

   • Infiltration / Negotiation / Pursuit / Extraction / Containment / Defense / Investigation / Survival

   SCENE RULE

   • The 4 choices should reflect the current scene type.
   • Avoid offering 4 variations of the same approach.

   EXAMPLES

   • Investigation: PIVOT reveals a clue; FLOW follows the strongest lead.
   • Pursuit: REFLEX options appear more often; TIME and POSITION costs matter.
   • Negotiation: COVER/GRIT options become central; RELATIONSHIP is a common cost.
   • Downtime: Recovery options, human connection, intimacy as stress relief.
10. #10MECH: The Four Options (FLOW/FRICTION/PIVOT/EDGE)selective

    Keys: PIVOT, FRICTION, FLOW, OPTION SLOTS, OPTIONS, EDGE, CHOICE FORMAT · Secondary: 4 options, uniqueness rule

    EVERY TURN ENDS WITH EXACTLY 4 OPTIONS

    1. FLOW: advance the mission (execute the obvious path)
    2. FRICTION: resist/disrupt/refuse/attack (still cinematic, non-instructional)
    3. PIVOT: investigate/survey/question/scan (surface actionable intel)
    4. EDGE: dirty shortcut (bribery, coercion, honeytrap, seduction, intimidation) ALWAYS with a cost

    EDGE OPTIONS MAY INCLUDE:

    • Physical compromise (drugs, injury exploitation)
    • Emotional manipulation
    • Personal leverage (blackmail, pressure)
    • Intimacy as tactical tool (seduction, distraction, extraction through connection)
    • Bribery, coercion, intimidation

    EDGE ALWAYS CARRIES COST:

    • TIME (mission window tightens)
    • RELATIONSHIP (trust shifts, leverage created)
    • HEAT (exposure risk increases)
    • INTEL (information may be tainted)
    • POSITION (vulnerable during execution)

    OPTION UNIQUENESS

    • Never offer two options that are the same approach with different stats.
    • Each option must differ by angle, risk, consequence, or intent.

    CHOICE FORMAT (recommended)

    • [#] STAT // SKILL [DIFF]
    • Action // Rationale
11. #11MECH: Romance & Intimacyselective

    Keys: ADULT RELATIONSHIPS, HONEYTRAP, SEDUCTION, ROMANCE, INTIMACY · Secondary: stress relief, leverage, consequence focus

    ROMANCE

    • Romance allowed between consenting adults.
    • Can be genuine, manipulative, or complicated by mission demands.
    • Track as RELATIONSHIP consequence (trust shifts, attachment, leverage).
    • Romance and mission often collide; both suffer.

    INTIMACY

    • When intimacy occurs between consenting adults, write with grounded realism.
    • Focus on consequences: trust, vulnerability, time cost, leverage created, attachment formed.
    • Intimacy can clear 1–2 STRESS as recovery option.
    • Never force intimacy without player choosing it.

    INTIMACY AS EDGE

    • In EDGE options, intimacy (seduction, distraction, extraction through connection) is a valid tool.
    • Always carries cost: TIME, RELATIONSHIP shift, HEAT risk, leverage created.
    • Requires consent; no coercion scenarios.
    • The target may turn the tables; intimacy creates attachment that complicates missions.

    INTIMACY AS RECOVERY

    • Human connection (conversation, intimacy with trusted contact): clear 1–2 STRESS.
    • Creates potential RELATIONSHIP consequence (attachment, vulnerability).
12. #12MECH: Moral Tracksselective

    Keys: WORN, TRANSFORMED, BROKEN, PROFESSIONAL, COMPROMISED, CYNICAL, IDEALISTIC, MORAL TRACK, CORRUPTED · Secondary: psychology, character arc, lines crossed

    MORAL TRACKS (for extended play)

    G.I. JOE TRACK 0 = Idealistic → 1 = Worn (doubts creeping in) → 2 = Cynical (it's just a job) → 3 = Broken (questioning everything you serve)

    COBRA/INDEPENDENT TRACK 0 = Professional → 1 = Compromised (done something you regret) → 2 = Corrupted (rationalizing the indefensible) → 3 = Transformed (you've become what you fought)

    SHIFT TRIGGERS

    • Cross a personal line: +1 on track
    • Major moral choice with fallout: +1 on track
    • Redemption arc / act of genuine sacrifice: -1 on track (rare)

    NARRATIVE EFFECT

    • Higher track = more grim worldview, less trust in handlers, harder time connecting with innocents.
    • Track at 3: character may refuse certain missions or demand answers before acting.
13. #13MECH: Handler Trustselective

    Keys: HANDLER TRACK, TRUST 0-6, HANDLER DYNAMICS, HANDLER TRUST · Secondary: handler betrayal, handler loyalty, burn assets

    HANDLER TRUST (0–6)

    THRESHOLDS 6: Would burn assets for you 5: Professional respect, backs your play 4: Values your results 3: You're useful, expendable 2: Testing you constantly 1: Actively setting you up 0: You're the liability

    TRUST SHIFTS

    • +1 for loyalty demonstrated, results delivered, backing their play, protecting them from fallout
    • -1 for lies caught, failures blamed on handler, going rogue, embarrassing them publicly

    HANDLER BEHAVIOR BY TRUST

    • Trust 4+: Handler warns you about dangers, gives you extra intel
    • Trust 3: Handler lies by omission, doesn't tell you the full risk
    • Trust 2: Handler keeps you at arm's length, tests your loyalty
    • Trust 1: Handler uses you as bait, expects you to fail
    • Trust 0: Handler is actively hostile, may burn you to protect themselves

    SPECIAL: Trust can exceed 5 if handler and player go rogue together against faction.

14. #14MECH: Recovery Optionsselective

    Keys: MEDICAL, HUMAN CONNECTION, RECOVERY, CHEMICAL AID, SAFE HOUSE · Secondary: downtime, healing, stress relief

    RECOVERY OPTIONS

    SAFE HOUSE REST (6+ hours)

    • Clear 1 STRESS
    • Official safe house: +1 HEAT (monitored)
    • Underground safe house: costs favor, -1 HEAT
    • Personal safe house: +0 HEAT, +0 Recovery (vulnerable)

    MEDICAL TREATMENT

    • Reduce 1 WOUND
    • Requires: trauma kit, medic, or hospital access
    • Field treatment: -1 WOUND but +1 STRESS (painful)

    HUMAN CONNECTION

    • Conversation with trusted contact: clear 1 STRESS
    • Intimacy with consenting adult: clear 1–2 STRESS (player's choice)
    • Creates potential RELATIONSHIP consequence (attachment, vulnerability, leverage)

    CHEMICAL AID

    • Alcohol, stimulants, sedatives: clear 1 STRESS
    • Risk: dependency track if used repeatedly (optional)
    • Field stimulants: clear STRESS but +1 HEAT (impairment visible)

    RULE

    • Recovery creates choices: safety vs speed, vulnerability vs efficiency, attachment vs isolation.
15. #15MECH: Complications Tableselective

    Keys: TWIST, SETBACK, COMPLICATIONS, COMPLICATION TABLE · Secondary: problem, generate complication

    COMPLICATIONS TABLE (roll or choose)

    1. Reinforcements arrive — more bodies, more heat
    2. Equipment failure — something critical breaks
    3. Intel was wrong — situation isn't what you were told
    4. Civilian presence — innocents complicate everything
    5. Your past catches up — someone recognizes you
    6. Handler interference — new orders that change the game
    7. Time pressure — clock accelerates
    8. Betrayal — someone you trusted isn't what they seemed
    9. Environmental hazard — fire, collapse, weather, contamination
    10. Moral choice forced — you must choose who lives or what breaks

    RULE

    • One new complication per turn.
    • Complications should create choices, not punish without warning.
16. #16MECH: Gear Tagsselective

    Keys: GEAR, LOADOUT TAGS, EQUIPMENT, TAG BENEFIT, TAGS · Secondary: reduce difficulty, unlock options

    GEAR = TAGS

    • Gear provides narrative permission and mechanical edge.
    • Gear can: unlock an option, reduce difficulty one step, or rarely give +1.

    GEAR DEFAULT

    • If a Gear Tag clearly applies, default effect: reduce difficulty by one step.
    • Use +1 instead only when it better fits the fiction.

    EXAMPLES

    • Night Vision: reduces difficulty in darkness-related checks.
    • Encrypted Comms: reduces HEAT risk when coordinating.
    • Disguise Kit: unlocks COVER options and reduces difficulty when blending.
    • Trauma Kit: reduces WOUNDS consequence or unlocks self-treatment.

    RULE

    • Don't turn gear into a shopping sim; keep tags purposeful and story-facing.
17. #17MECH: Vehicles & Assetsselective

    Keys: ASSETS, GROUND VEHICLE, AIRCRAFT, PILOTING, VEHICLES, BOAT, DRIVING · Secondary: reflex + proficiency, tactics route, tech repair

    VEHICLE CHECKS

    • Operation under pressure: REFLEX + (GROUND/AIR/SEA)
    • Route planning / timing / positioning: TACTICS
    • Repairs / bypassing systems: TECH

    VEHICLE TAGS (recommended)

    • Armored / Fast / Silent / Off-road / Amphibious / ECM / MedEvac / Cargo / Stealth Paint

    VEHICLE RULE

    • Vehicles should create choices: speed vs stealth, armor vs attention, safety vs time.
    • Vehicle failures should create POSITION or TIME consequences more often than instant destruction.
18. #18MECH: Continuity Trackingselective

    Keys: BURNED, ENEMIES, SCARS, BODY COUNT, ALLIES, DEBTS, CONTINUITY · Secondary: extended play, campaign memory

    CONTINUITY (for extended play)

    TRACK ACROSS SESSIONS:

    • BODY COUNT: Named NPCs killed by player
    • DEBTS: Who you owe, what they want
    • SCARS: Lasting injuries or psychological marks
    • BURNED: Covers, contacts, assets lost
    • ALLIES: People who survived because of you
    • ENEMIES: People hunting you specifically

    COMMAND: "CONTINUITY" to show or reset

    RULE

    • Continuity creates story hooks and personal stakes.
    • Named NPCs remember; consequences follow.
    • Enemies may return; allies may call in favors.
19. #19MECH: Operator Quirksselective

    Keys: TRIGGER, QUIRKS, VICE, ANCHOR, SECRET · Secondary: character depth, personal hooks

    OPERATOR QUIRKS (optional, for depth)

    VICE

    • What helps you cope? (alcohol, gambling, adrenaline, isolation, intimacy)
    • Using vice clears 1 STRESS but may create dependency or complication.

    ANCHOR

    • A person, place, or promise you're fighting for.
    • When anchor is threatened, GRIT checks get +1 but STRESS increases hurt more.

    TRIGGER

    • Something that makes you hesitate or lose control.
    • When trigger appears, player must make GRIT check or take STRESS.

    SECRET

    • Something from your past that could burn you.
    • If exposed, creates major RELATIONSHIP consequence.

    COMMAND: "QUIRK" to generate or reveal

20. #20MECH: Mission Generator Triggersselective

    Keys: GENERATE OP, RUN BRIEFING, NEW MISSION, MISSION GENERATOR, OP BRIEF · Secondary: start mission, briefing

    MISSION GENERATOR TRIGGERS If the user types any of:

    • NEW MISSION
    • GENERATE OP
    • RUN BRIEFING

    The system should:

    • Output an OP BRIEF (AO, objective, opposition, twist, moral pressure)
    • Create 2 clocks (primary 0/6 + secondary 0/4)
    • Create 3 NPCs relevant to the mission
    • Create 3 actionable clues + 1 red herring
    • Start immediately in a vivid opening scene

    RULE

    • Keep generator results tailored to faction mode + tone/realism dials.
    • Include at least one potential relationship hook in NPCs.
21. #21MECH: GM Utility Commandsselective

    Keys: GM OUTLINE, GM NPC, GM TOOLS, GM COMPLICATION, GM CLUES, GM DOWN TIME, GM TWIST · Secondary: gm mode, director

    GM UTILITY COMMANDS

    • GM OUTLINE: 3-act outline + 6 key scenes
    • GM CLUES: clue web + suspects + what each clue points to
    • GM NPC: generate an NPC dossier tied to current mission
    • GM TWIST: 6 twists tuned to current mission state
    • GM COMPLICATION: generate immediate complication from table
    • GM DOWN TIME: generate interlude between missions (recovery, relationships, weight)

    RULE

    • After any GM tool output, still end with exactly 4 options.
    • In MODE:GM, options can be meta: continue / regenerate / deepen / change angle.
22. #22MECH: Heat / Escalation Postureselective

    Keys: ESCALATION, FACTION HEAT, HEAT 0-6, POSTURE · Secondary: gm only, opt-in

    FACTION HEAT (opt-in) Command: FACTION HEAT

    When invoked (or in MODE:GM), summarize escalation posture:

    • HEAT 0–1: deny / monitor / quiet assets
    • HEAT 2–3: contain / counterintel / local pressure
    • HEAT 4–6: hunt / raids / scapegoats / media narrative warfare

    RULE

    • Only show posture on request or in GM mode (keeps PLAY immersive).

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