Custom Expeditions

Custom Expeditions are offer a reimagined exploration system where you chart unknown lands, uncover hidden wonders, and face the unexpected. Expeditions are now free, but require preparation and wit. Your choices, equipment, and a bit of luck will determine what you find -- and what finds you.

How It Works

1. Player initiates the mini-game by going to Custom Shop > Start an Expedition.
2. Support opens a new thread in the #catalysts-and-games channel.
3. At each Checkpoint, the player will be presented with a narrative challenge and 3 choices with clear Risk Levels (Low, Medium, High).
4. Player selects one option, Support completes rolls (explained below), and the outcome is narrated.
5. Steps 3 & 4 are repeated until the player's requested number of Checkpoints have been hit.
6. The final outcome is decided and posted, XP is calculated, and rewards are placed in inventories.
7. Players can redistribute earnings, finalize discoveries, and write post(s) about any/all Checkpoints to obtain +1 bonus XP per post.

Basic Procedure

1. Support rolls a number between 1 - 20 to give you your baseline Checkpoint result.
2. Support adds your Proficiency Bonus (see Proficiency for more information).
3. Support applies Gear Modifiers and your chosen Risk Level modifier.
4. The combined total determines the Outcome Tier for that Checkpoint: Mishap, Dead End, Standard Discovery, Enhanced Discovery, or Major Find.
5. Each Outcome Tier provides Discovery Points (DP) and may trigger additional results.
6. At the end of your Expedition, the total DP is added up to produce a final reward tier.

Expedition Gear

Every Expedition requires characters to equip specific items before departure. These provide both narrative and mechanical advantages that help mitigate danger and improve discovery quality. You must bring 1 weapon, 1 piece of armor, and 1 consumable (usually food). You may also bring one charm; additional Charm slots can be unlocked through Proficiency levels and the Token Shop.

Gear Modifiers

Each equipped item provides flat modifiers that apply directly to Checkpoint rolls. These reflect how well your character can navigate danger, hunt creatures, or push deeper into unknown territory.

Gear Type	Required?	Modifier	Mechanical Effect	Notes
Weapon	✔	+1 to combat-related Checkpoints	Reduce severity of Mishaps caused by enemy encounters	Reusable (stays in inventory)
Armor	✔	+1 to survival and hazard Checkpoints	Downgrades one Mishap per Expedition to a Dead End	Reusable (stays in inventory)
Food	✔	1 use per Expedition	Remove 1 negative condition after the roll	Consumed on use
Charm	✖	Variable	Applies Charm ability	Charms may have variable degradation rates

Gear Degradation & Upgrades

Mishaps may:

• Reduce your Weapon bonus for the duration of the event
• Add wear or tear to Armor that impacts future results
• Spoil Food before it can be used
• Cause damage that must be repaired through the Crafting mini-game

Major Finds or Special Events may:

• Upgrade gear
• Add special properties
• Unlock new open slots to fill with a feature of your choice
• Repair broken items in inventory

Gear Inventory & Requirements

• All equipped items must be present in the character's actual inventory
• Food always has a single use per Expedition unless otherwise noted
• Only one Weapon and Armor count toward modifiers even if carrying more

Outcome Tiers

Your results determine Discovery Points earned for that Checkpoint:

Outcome Tier	DP Gained	Possible Effects
Mishap	0	Injury, gear damage, condition, lost supplies
Dead End	0	No significant discovery; reward equivalent to a Talent under 1k in value
Standard Discovery	1	Common flora/fauna; small landmark; small coin gain; reward equivalent to a Talent between 1 - 1.5k in value
Enhanced Discovery	2	Uncommon flora/fauna; medium landmark; moderate coin gain; pet encounter; reward equivalent to a Talent between 3 - 4k in value
Major Find	3	Rare flora/fauna; large landmark; large coin gain; rare pet encounter; reward equivalent to a Talent up to 6k in value

Special Event Triggers

Special triggers modify results before DP assignment.

Trigger	Condition	Effect
Natural 1	Always	Negative Event (flaw/complication)
Natural 20	Always	Positive Event (bonus trait)
High Risk + Low Roll	Roll ≤ (5 - Bonus)	Negative Event (if not natural 1)
High Risk + High Roll	Roll ≥ (19 - Bonus)	Positive Event (if not natural 20)
Style/Mood/Theme Mismatch	Choice conflicts with Style, Mood, or Theme	50% chance of mixed event

Special Events can:

• Enhance or corrupt gear
• Grant new characters, Companions, or pet
• Alter or enhance characters, Companions or pets
• Grant bonus loot
• Cause injuries or temporary setbacks
• Introduce character development opportunities and hooks
• Introduce effects that influence the next roll, or all subsequent rolls

Final Expedition Reward Tier

After your final Checkpoint, total your DP:

Total DP	Expedition Result	Reward Bonuses
0 - 3	Standard Outcome	Base rewards from rolls only
4 - 7	Enhanced Outcome	+1 bonus reward roll from Standard or Enhanced tier
8+	Exceptional Outcome	+2 bonus reward rolls from Major tier

All discoveries (items, pets, landmarks) remain with the individual who earned them, unless players privately agree otherwise.

Proficiency

Every Expedition awards Expedition Points (XP). As you gain Proficiency, you become more capable of surviving dangers, steering outcomes toward higher tiers, and taking advantage of rare discoveries. Your Proficiency Bonus is added to all Expedition rolls.

Earning Expedition Points (XP)

Action	XP Awarded
Completing a Checkpoint	+2 XP
Writing an in-character response to a Checkpoint	+1 XP
Triggering a Positive Special Event	+1 XP
Ending the Expedition with at least one Major Find	+2 XP bonus (once per Expedition)
Bringing at least one ally (PC, NPC, Companion, or Pet) on the Expedition	+1 XP “Group Explorer” bonus (once per Expedition)

XP is tracked per character. Each participant earns XP based on their own Checkpoints, responses, and events.

Proficiency Levels

Level	Title	Proficiency Bonus	XP Needed (Total)	Unlocks & Perks
0	Novice Scout	+0	0	Base system
1	Wayfinder	+1	25	Once per Expedition, downgrade one Mishap to a Dead End after seeing the result.
2	Pathfinder	+2	50	Once per Expedition, upgrade one Dead End to a Standard Discovery.
3	Field Explorer	+3	100	Choose one Biome Affinity: when you roll an Enhanced Discovery or Major Find in that biome, gain +1 DP for that Checkpoint.
4	Veteran Explorer	+4	150	You may equip one additional Charm slot (maximum 3 Charms equipped per Expedition).
5	Vanguard	+5	200	Once per Expedition, upgrade one Standard Discovery to an Enhanced Discovery after seeing the result.
6	Navigator	+6	250	When your final Expedition Result is Enhanced or Exceptional, gain +1 additional bonus reward roll. Gain a second Biome Affinity.
7	Legendary Explorer	+7	325	Items and valuables earned from Expeditions gain +10% resale value, and Expedition-related discoveries may receive enhanced narrative significance.

Outcome Tables

Your skill and choices affect the range of results that produce each Outcome Tier. Proficiency narrows the Mishap range and expands Enhanced and Major Find possibilities.

The following tables assume Total Roll = d20 + Proficiency Bonus + Gear Modifiers + Risk Modifier.

Tier 1: Beginners (Proficiency Levels 0 - 2)

Risk Level	Mishap	Dead End	Standard	Enhanced	Major
Low	1 - 3	4 - 5	6 - 20	—	—
Medium	1 - 3	4 - 5	6 - 15	16 - 18	19 - 20
High	1 - 3	4 - 5	6 - 14	15 - 18	19 - 20

Tier 2: Intermediate (Proficiency Levels 3 - 5)

Risk Level	Mishap	Dead End	Standard	Enhanced	Major
Low	1 - 2	3 - (5 - Bonus)	(6 - Bonus) - 20	—	—
Medium	1 - 2	3 - (3 - Bonus/2)	4 - 15	16 - 18	(19 - Bonus) - 20
High	1 - 2	3 - (5 - Bonus)	6 - 14	15 - 18	(19 - Bonus) - 20

Tier 3: Masters (Proficiency Levels 6 - 7)

Risk Level	Mishap	Dead End	Standard	Enhanced	Major
Low	1	2	3 - 20	—	—
Medium	1	2	3 - 15	16 - 18	(19 - Bonus) - 20
High	1	2	3 - 14	15 - 18	(19 - Bonus) - 20

Biome Affinity (Unlocked at Proficiency Level 3+)

Biome	Environmental Focus	What You’re Better At
Forest	Verdant growth, wildlife navigation	Plant/animal encounters, herbs, food discovery
Mountain	Harsh terrain, altitude survival	Mineral veins, ancient ruins, high-value finds
Coast / Ocean	Tides, storms, shipwrecks	Fishing, salvage, aquatic discoveries, pearls
Swamp	Rot, disease, hidden life	Rare creatures, alchemical materials
Desert	Heat, scarcity, mirages	Preservation of supplies, rare mineral finds
Tundra	Cold, endurance	Weather survival, thick pelts, frost flora
Cavern / Underground	Darkness, echoes, depth	Crystals, underground beasts, lost Holds
Ruins / Remnant Zones	History, magic remnants	Artifact fragments, cultural discoveries

Optional Features

Expedition Style

Every explorer has a guiding method: some stalk prey, some map the stars, some chase glory. Before departure, choose one Expedition Style. It will:

• Influence how narrative choices are framed
• Provide a specific bonus relevant to that approach
• Create occasional drawbacks when acting against your nature
• Count as a Guild Task if you choose to write post(s) about your experience

Style	Explanation	Mechanical Benefit	Mismatch Triggers
Hunter	Tracks beasts, reads signs in nature	+1 to rolls against creatures / wildlife threats	Choosing to avoid a creature encounter when presented.
Archaeologist	Seeks lost civilizations and relics	+1 on checks involving ruins, artifacts, or ancient tech	Choosing to ignore or bypass a ruin/artifact without investigating.
Naturalist	Studies flora, foraging, ecosystems	+1 on gathering materials / identifying terrain	Choosing to skip a gathering/foraging opportunity.
Treasure Seeker	Greedy, daring, adventure-drunk	+1 DP on High-Risk Major Finds	Choosing a Low Risk option when treasure is hinted.
Scout	Cautious pathfinder, navigates danger	Once per Expedition downgrade 1 Mishap → Dead End after seeing roll	Choosing a High Risk option without scouting first.
Chronicler	Gathers knowledge, records history	+1 XP at Expedition end if ≥1 Enhanced Find	Choosing not to document or record a discovery.
Beast Warden	Fights with a trusted animal assistant	+1 Assistant Benefit (for a total of 2 per assistant)	Choosing to deliberately endanger or harm your assistant.
Tech Salvager	Salvage-focused, dismantles machines	+1 on salvage, nanites, and remnants of tech	Choosing to leave salvageable tech behind without looting.

Location

Locations represent the environmental context of an Expedition. Different environments emphasize different types of discoveries, hazards, and development hooks.

Each Expedition must select one primary Location before the first Checkpoint. The chosen Location provides:

• A Location Benefit (always active when relevant)
• A Location Trigger (conditional effect when its condition is met)
• A Style Synergy bonus when a matching Expedition Style acts in a suitable context

Pyronmouth District modifiers and Special Expedition Types are layered on top of the primary Location when applicable.

How Location + Style Synergy Works

If all three are true in a Checkpoint:

1. The character’s Expedition Style is relevant to the action being taken.
2. The action clearly fits the Location’s environmental focus.
3. The Checkpoint result is Enhanced Discovery or Major Find.

Then that Checkpoint gains +1 additional DP (Style Synergy). This bonus stacks with Biome Affinity and with the Location’s normal DP effects if any.

Standard Island Regions

These are the main wilderness and anomalous regions of New Ognos.

Location	Environmental Summary	Benefit (Always Active)	Trigger (Conditional Bonus)	Style Synergy
Aethelreach	Vertical realm: fossil plains below + floating islands above, with Skyrifts, violent updrafts, and unstable gravity pockets.	+1 to elevation, fossil/ruin, and aerial navigation Checkpoints.	When a Checkpoint involves Skyrifts, floating traversal, or surviving gravity/weather hazards and succeeds, gain +1 DP for that Checkpoint.	Scout, Archaeologist, Tech Salvager gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results involving vertical traversal, fossils/ruins, or sky-tech salvage here.
Chromabloom Isle	Living bloomfield island: rapid-cycling wildflowers, botanical “fauna,” unstable root-mats, pollen effects.	+1 to flora, gathering, and alchemy/ingredient Checkpoints.	Once per Expedition, when a Checkpoint involves volatile blooms, pollen clouds, or plant-beast behavior and succeeds, gain +1 DP for that Checkpoint.	Naturalist, Hunter, Beast Warden gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results involving botanical creatures, rare ingredients, or hostile flora here.
Dreadmire Swamp	Murky swamp with unstable ground, tangled vegetation, and hidden creatures.	+1 to gathering and creature-related Checkpoints.	When a Checkpoint involves navigating unstable or concealed hazards and succeeds, gain +1 DP for that Checkpoint.	Hunter, Naturalist, Beast Warden gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results involving wildlife, tracking, or dangerous flora here.
The Drowned Tangle	Submerged expanse of shipwrecks, gravestones, and shifting sands where normal rules break down.	+1 to salvage, relic, and ancient-tech Checkpoints.	When a Major Find involves a wreck, relic, or salvaged construct, gain +1 additional Standard reward roll.	Archaeologist, Tech Salvager, Treasure Seeker gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results involving salvage, wrecks, or relics here.
Frostveil	Icebound layered territory: sinkholes/vents on the surface, Mid-Ice settlements, Under-Ice travel routes and preserved ruins.	+1 to cold/endurance, survival, and subterranean navigation Checkpoints.	When a Checkpoint involves Under-Ice routes, descent points, or shifting ice hazards and succeeds, gain +1 DP for that Checkpoint.	Scout, Hunter, Archaeologist gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results involving Under-Ice travel, preserved ruins/remains, or vibration-hunting predators here.
Hollowdeep Caves	Labyrinthine tunnels and caverns with living crystals, runes, and warped physics.	+1 to hazard mitigation and anomaly/magic-related Checkpoints.	On a Natural 20, gain +1 DP and a beneficial environmental effect (Support narrates).	Archaeologist, Chronicler gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results involving runes, old structures, or historical remains here.
Mistmere Beach	Ever-changing shoreline, heavy mist, strange tracks, and luminous marine life.	If the Expedition ends with at least one Enhanced Discovery, add +2 DP to the final total.	Once per Expedition, when coastal terrain is involved, downgrade one Mishap to a Dead End.	Scout, Hunter gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results involving navigation, tracking, or reading the shoreline here.
Nocthollow Forest	Sentient-feeling forest of responsive vines, spores, symbols, and elusive sounds.	+1 to flora-related and pet/creature interaction Checkpoints.	Once per Expedition, when luminescent or responsive flora is present, upgrade one Standard Discovery to an Enhanced Discovery.	Naturalist, Beast Warden, Hunter gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results involving flora, fauna, or forest phenomena here.
Scorched Desert	Treacherous expanse of dunes, volcanic glass, mirages, and rare desert life.	+1 to rare mineral/material discovery Checkpoints.	On any High-Risk success (Standard or better), gain +1 DP.	Treasure Seeker, Scout, Naturalist gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results involving navigation, survival, or rare resource discovery here.
Serenity Falls	Cascading waterfalls, restorative pools, and ambient energy that suppresses hostility.	+1 XP at Expedition end if no Mishaps occurred during the Expedition.	Once per Expedition, treat one Dead End as a Standard Discovery.	Chronicler, Naturalist, Healer-leaning characters using any Style gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results tied to restoration, reflection, or emotional resolution here.
Skyrend Mountains	Mountain barrier, highland savanna, monoliths, and elusive protectors.	+1 to scouting, pathfinding, and elevation-related Checkpoints.	The first successful landmark-related Checkpoint grants +1 additional bonus reward roll (any tier allowed by result).	Scout, Hunter gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results tied to navigation, vantage points, or high-ground wildlife encounters here.
Telos Gestalt	Territory-wide fungal superorganism: bioluminescent mycelium ground, shelter/bridges formed for travelers, cruelty triggers hostility.	Once per Expedition, after any successful (Standard+) Checkpoint, you may remove 1 negative condition (restorative shelter/spores).	When a Checkpoint involves communion, Core Sap, Fallen Glade, or guidance from the network and succeeds, gain +1 DP for that Checkpoint.	Naturalist, Chronicler, Beast Warden gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results involving fungal ecology, communion, or compassionate outcomes here.
The Whispering Atoll	Necropolis-island with active spirits, constant whispers, and thin veil between life and death.	+1 to spectral, memory, and historical Checkpoints (including communing with spirits).	On a Natural 1, the Mishap shifts its primary effect onto a Companion/Pet or ambient environment instead of the character (Support chooses a narrative consequence that is still meaningful but does not directly cripple the PC).	Chronicler, Archaeologist, Beast Warden (with spiritual or necromantic ties) gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results tied to spirits, memories, or graves here.

Pyronmouth District Modifiers

Pyronmouth acts as a distinct urban Location (Pyronmouth – General), but District-specific modifiers apply to any Checkpoint that occurs narratively within that district.

Pyronmouth General:

• Benefit: +1 to NPC interaction and structure/salvage-related Checkpoints inside the city.
• Trigger: The first successful explicitly social Checkpoint (negotiation, questioning, persuasion, etc.) grants +1 DP.

Style Synergy (General Pyronmouth):

• Chronicler, Merchant-flavored Treasure Seeker, Scout gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major social, investigative, or urban navigation Checkpoints within Pyronmouth (any district).

District Modifiers Table

District	Focus	Bonus (Always Active when in this district)	Style Synergy
Emerald District	Wealth, noble estates, high-status goods.	+1 to discoveries involving luxury goods, high-value items, or noble resources.	Treasure Seeker, Merchant-aligned styles, Chronicler gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results involving noble politics, high society, or rare valuables here.
Sapphire District	Scholars, merchants, soldiers, and research spaces.	+1 to tech, research, and artifact-related Checkpoints.	Archaeologist, Tech Salvager, Chronicler gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results when dealing with research, records, or advanced tech here.
Ruby District	Commoner housing, trades, and integrated farmland/livestock.	+1 to forage, food production, livestock, and everyday trade discoveries.	Naturalist, Hunter, Treasure Seeker gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results that involve resource supply, everyday commerce, or community-focused outcomes here.
Obsidian / Ash District	Valka territory, open fires, communal halls, rituals.	+1 to cultural, ritual, or Valka-specific Checkpoints.	Chronicler, Beast Warden, any Style belonging to a Valka character gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major ritual, clan, or tradition-focused results here.
Copper District	Markets, bazaar, trade hub.	+1 to coin yield from reward rolls generated in this district.	Treasure Seeker, Merchant-aligned characters, Tech Salvager gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major trade, bargaining, or high-volume salvage sales here.
Iron District	Docks, ships, naval logistics.	+1 to aquatic salvage, fishing, and maritime Checkpoints.	Tech Salvager, Hunter (sea-focused), Scout gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results tied to ships, docks, or marine encounters here.
Platinum District / The Hub	Governance, records, guild halls, law.	+1 to administrative, legal, and historical discovery Checkpoints.	Chronicler, Archaeologist, Scout gain +1 DP on Enhanced/Major results involving law, records, or guild-related discoveries here.

Special Expedition Types

Why Choose a Special Expedition?

Type	What It Is / Why Use It	Benefit (Always Active)	Trigger (Conditional Bonus)
Home Expeditions	Exploration of a character’s home, workshop, adjacent land, or immediate neighborhood. Used for low-risk discovery, unlocks housing features and benefits, and domestic or slice-of-life plot hooks.	All Mishaps downgrade to Dead Ends.	If the Expedition produces at least 2 Standard Discoveries, gain +1 bonus reward.
Dream Expeditions	Oneiric, symbolic, or altered-state journeys traveled in sleep, trance, or under supernatural influence. Used to explore internal conflict, unlock dream-oriented rewards, and experience surreal environments; may include intense or "spooky" scenes.	The first Style/Mood/Theme mismatch in the Expedition has no mechanical drawback.	On a Natural 20, the character gains a high-level reward (equivalent to a Talent valued at 6k or above).
Simulation Expeditions	High-intensity training in a controlled environment; characters face dangerous scenarios without risking true loss.	Mishaps do not degrade gear, spoil food, or inflict lasting injuries.	If a High-Risk Checkpoint of Standard+ success occurs, gain +1 DP.

Helper NPCs, Companions, & Pets

Assistants can provide valuable assistance during Expeditions.

How Helpers Work:

• Mention your helper in your Expedition request.
• The helper provides one random benefit from the benefit list.
• Some NPCs, Companions, and Pets may offer additional benefits beyond the base choices below.

Assistant Benefit List:

RNG	Boon Name	Effect During Expedition
1	Pathfinder Backup	Rerolls a Checkpoint result. The new result must be used.
2	Pocket-Sized Luck	Adds +3 to one Checkpoint roll before determining its Outcome Tier.
3	Safety Net	Downgrade 1 Mishap → Dead End.
4	Field Momentum	Adds +1 DP to the Expedition’s final total.
5	Fortune Twist	Converts 1 Negative Special Event → Positive Special Event. If already positive, it improves further.
6	Calm Under Pressure	Lowers the Risk Level of one choice by one step (High → Medium, Medium → Low).
7	Quick Route	Reduces the required number of Checkpoints by 1 (minimum 1).
8	Hazard Buffer	Cancels all negative consequences of a single Negative Special Event (including Natural 1 narrative fallout).
9	Expedition Synergy	An Enhanced or Major Find earns +1 bonus DP for that Checkpoint.
10	Flash of Insight	Gain +1 Proficiency Bonus for all remaining Checkpoints after this benefit triggers.