Leveling Up

Survival is a grueling climb. As Hunters face the horrors of the unknown, they learn, adapt, and grow stronger. This growth is represented through experience points (XP), a numerical measure of a Hunter's progress. Hunters earn XP by overcoming challenges, solving mysteries, and surviving encounters with the supernatural. Accumulating enough XP leads to a "level up," a significant milestone in a Hunter's journey.

The Leveling Process

The leveling process in Obscured is straightforward:

1. Accumulate XP: Hunters earn XP through their adventures and challenges. Each Hunter tracks their own running total, and that total is never spent or reset; it only ever climbs.

2. Reach the Threshold: Once a Hunter's total XP reaches the value listed for the next level (see the Reference Table below), they level up.

3. Gain Benefits: The Hunter gains various benefits, detailed below.

4. Maximum Level: The maximum level a Hunter can achieve is 18.

Benefits of Leveling Up

Each level-up provides different benefits that enhance a Hunter's capabilities. HP increases at every level; larger breakthroughs arrive less often and mark moments when the Hunter has time, scars, and context enough to change how they operate:

• Attribute Improvement: Increase two attributes by 1 point each. This can help Hunters specialize in certain areas or shore up weaknesses.

• Ability Unlock: Gain access to new abilities from the chosen archetype. These abilities provide new tactical options, enhance existing strengths, or offer utility in and out of combat.

• Health Increase: Increase maximum Hit Points (HP) at every level, making Hunters more resilient against dangers.

Choosing Improvements

When leveling up and choosing Attribute Improvements, consider your character's role, playstyle, and the challenges they expect to face. Examples include:

• Ranged Hunter: Prioritize Dexterity for shooting accuracy and Awareness to detect threats.

• Tactician: Focus on Intellect for problem-solving skills and Charm for leadership abilities.

• Brawler: Choose Strength and Durability to excel in close combat and withstand more damage.

When gaining new abilities, think about how they complement existing capabilities and strategies. Levels 8, 12, and 16 are deliberate breakthrough levels: the XP climb is steeper, and the reward is both a new ability and an attribute improvement. Treat these as major turning points in the Hunter's story, not routine upgrades.

Example

Overseer: "As the dust settles and the echo of the banshee's final wail fades, you each gain 3000 XP."

David: "Wait, that pushes me over the top! Theodore levels up to Level 4!"

Overseer: "Congratulations! At Level 4, Theodore gains an Attribute Improvement. Given his studious nature and silver tongue, you mentioned that you wanted to increase his Intellect and Charm by 1. He also gets an increase to his max HP."

David: "Perfect! With his enhanced mental prowess and persuasive skills, Theodore will be even better at unearthing ancient secrets and talking his way out of trouble."

Amy: "Just don't forget about the HP boost. We need you alive to put those new attributes to use!"

Reference Table

The Total XP column is the running total a Hunter needs to reach each level. The XP to Advance column shows the additional XP they earn at that level before climbing to the next, which is handy for Overseers tuning a single stretch of the campaign.

Level	Total XP	XP to Advance	Benefits
1	0	1,270	Starting level
2	1,270	3,500	Attribute Improvement, HP increase
3	4,770	7,200	Ability Unlock, HP increase
4	11,970	12,550	Attribute Improvement, HP increase
5	24,520	19,800	Ability Unlock, HP increase
6	44,320	29,100	Attribute Improvement, HP increase
7	73,420	40,700	HP increase
8	114,120	54,600	Attribute Improvement, Ability Unlock, HP increase
9	168,720	71,100	HP increase
10	239,820	90,200	Attribute Improvement, HP increase
11	330,020	112,200	HP increase
12	442,220	137,000	Attribute Improvement, Ability Unlock, HP increase
13	579,220	165,000	HP increase
14	744,220	195,000	Attribute Improvement, HP increase
15	939,220	230,000	HP increase
16	1,169,220	265,000	Attribute Improvement, Ability Unlock, HP increase
17	1,434,220	300,000	HP increase
18	1,734,220	MAX	Double Attribute Improvement, HP increase

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Overseers, remember that leveling up is a significant moment for players to shape their Hunters' growth. Encourage them to think about their choices in the context of their character's story, the party's needs, and the challenges that lie ahead. While you can offer guidance, let the players ultimately decide their Hunters' path.