The Ethos system presents an alternative approach to character advancement that rewards dedication to personal convictions. Characters who embody their deepest motivations gain supernatural abilities that reflect their unwavering commitment to their ideals.
CurrencyEthos Points
FuelEthos Pool
AxisDepth 0 – 4
GateTrials at 5 / 10 / 15 / 20
Point of no returnThe first Trial
IOverview
I
System Overview
Core Mechanics
The Ethos system utilizes three distinct resources that govern character advancement and ability usage.
Ethos Points (EP)
A permanent advancement currency earned in play (see Earning Ethos Points). Characters spend Ethos Points to permanently acquire new abilities. Once spent, these points are not recovered.
Ethos Pool
A renewable resource that fuels Ethos abilities. This pool functions similarly to other limited-use class features such as ki points or arcane pools. Points spent from the Ethos Pool are recovered through rest and meditation.
Depth
A measure of how far into their chosen motivation a character is. Depth enhances all Ethos abilities and increases available resources. Characters advance in Depth by completing Trials that test their convictions.
Integration with Core Rules
The Ethos system functions as an overlay to existing class progression. Characters retain all standard class features, feats, and abilities while gaining additional options through their Ethos development.
IICreation
II
Character Creation
Step 1: Select a Motivation
Each character must choose a single driving motivation that defines their core identity. This motivation should create both narrative opportunities and moral dilemmas. A motivation must be broad enough to apply in various situations yet specific enough to create meaningful choices.
This choice becomes permanent upon completing your first Trial at 5th level. Until then, you walk the path but have not fully committed your soul. After your first Trial, betrayal leads to spiritual annihilation.
Example Motivations:
Freedom:The character cannot abide restrictions on personal liberty. They challenge tyranny wherever it appears. Conflicts arise when one person's freedom infringes upon another's safety or when breaking unjust laws endangers innocents.Justice:The character seeks to ensure wrongdoers face appropriate consequences for their actions. They pursue fairness and retribution with equal fervor. Conflicts arise when justice contradicts mercy or when laws themselves are unjust.Knowledge:The character pursues truth and understanding above all else. They seek to uncover secrets and preserve what is learned. Conflicts arise when knowledge comes at a cost or when ignorance would spare suffering.Protection:The character exists to shield others from harm. They interpose themselves between danger and those who cannot defend themselves. Conflicts arise when protecting one person requires abandoning another or when those protected reject assistance.
Work with your GM to develop a motivation appropriate to your campaign that will generate compelling story moments.
Step 2: Determine Starting Resources
All characters begin with the following Ethos resources:
8 Ethos Points to purchase abilities
Ethos Pool equal to your character level + chosen mental ability modifier (Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma), minimum 5
The Motivated Action ability at no cost
Step 3: Motivated Action
All characters with an Ethos gain the following ability:
Motivated Action (Su)
No EP cost
When you make a d20 roll in the service of your motivation, you may spend 1 point from your Ethos Pool to gain a +4 bonus on that roll. Spending the point is not an action, and you may spend it when it is not your turn, such as on a saving throw, an attack of opportunity, or a readied action. You must declare the use of this ability before the roll is made.
You recover spent Ethos Pool points at a rate of 1 point per hour of meditation focused on your motivation, or recover your entire pool after 8 hours of rest.
IIIPoints
III
Earning Ethos Points
Characters earn Ethos Points through meaningful engagement with their motivation. The following methods provide EP for purchasing new abilities:
2
Ethical Acts
When a character makes a significant sacrifice purely because of their motivation, they gain 2 EP. This reward applies when the character chooses the difficult path solely because their motivation demands it, not because it provides the best outcome. Characters may earn this reward once per character level.
3
Defining Moments
Major story beats where a character's motivation fundamentally shapes the narrative award 3 EP. These moments require GM approval and should be memorable scenes that significantly impact the campaign. Defining Moments cannot be planned; they emerge organically from play when motivation drives pivotal decisions.
5
Trials
Special challenges designed to test a character's commitment to their motivation become available at 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th level. Each completed Trial awards 5 EP. Trials force characters to confront the limits or dark aspects of their beliefs, choosing between their motivation and other values they hold dear. A choice made within a Trial is not a contradiction of your motivation for Depth penalties or for Motivation Betrayal.
1
Level Progression
Characters gain 1 EP at every character level after 1st, and 1 additional EP at every even character level, representing gradual philosophical development.
IVDepth
IV
Depth
Depth represents the integration of motivation into a character's fundamental nature. As characters advance in Depth, their existing abilities evolve to reflect their deepening commitment to their ideals.
Depth Mechanics
Each level of Depth enhances abilities based on their tier level. When you gain a Depth level, all abilities from the corresponding tier and lower tiers gain their enhanced effects:
Depth 1:Enhances all Tier 1 abilitiesDepth 2:Enhances all Tier 1 and Tier 2 abilitiesDepth 3:Enhances all Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 abilitiesDepth 4:Enhances all abilities from every tier
Advancing Depth
Characters advance in Depth by completing Trials at specific level thresholds:
5th level:May advance from Depth 0 to Depth 110th level:May advance from Depth 1 to Depth 215th level:May advance from Depth 2 to Depth 320th level:May advance from Depth 3 to Depth 4
Completing a Trial and advancing in Depth provides:
3 additional Ethos Points
Increase Ethos Pool by 1/2 character level
+2 bonus on saving throws when using Motivated Action (cumulative)
Enhanced versions of abilities from appropriate tiers
One ability you own of a tier higher than your new Depth gains its Depth Enhancement immediately, chosen when you complete the Trial and kept thereafter
Depth Levels
0
Depth 0 (Starting)
The character acts on their motivation but remains capable of compromise. No abilities are enhanced. You may still abandon this path with consequences (see Motivation Betrayal).
1
Depth 1 (Committed)
The motivation strongly influences most major decisions. All Tier 1 abilities gain their enhanced effects. The character finds it uncomfortable to act against their motivation. Minor contradictions cause 1 point of Wisdom damage (heals naturally).
2
Depth 2 (Devoted)
The character rarely acts against their motivation without severe internal conflict. All Tier 1 and Tier 2 abilities gain their enhanced effects. Contradicting their motivation requires a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 character level + twice your Depth) or become shaken for 24 hours. Failure by 5 or more also causes 1d4 Wisdom drain.
3
Depth 3 (Embodied)
The motivation defines nearly every action. All Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 abilities gain their enhanced effects. Contradicting their motivation requires a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 character level + twice your Depth) or become nauseated for 1 hour and sickened for 24 hours. Any contradiction causes 1d6 Wisdom drain.
4
Depth 4 (Transcendent)
The character has become a living embodiment of their principle. All abilities gain their enhanced effects. The character cannot voluntarily act against their motivation without magical compulsion.
Ethos abilities are organized into four tiers representing increasing internalization of the character's motivation.
Tier 1 - Foundation (1-2 EP):Basic supernatural manifestations of living one's motivation. Always available for purchase.Tier 2 - Development (2-5 EP):More complex abilities showing the motivation's growing influence. Requires owning 3+ Tier 1 abilities.Tier 3 - Mastery (5-6 EP):Powerful abilities that warp reality to serve the character's purpose. Requires owning 3+ Tier 2 abilities and Depth 1+.Tier 4 - Transcendence (7-12 EP):Ultimate expressions of motivational dedication. Requires owning 3+ Tier 3 abilities and Depth 2+.
You cannot own more abilities of any tier above Tier 1 than you own of the tier directly below it.
Third-Party Terminology
Abilities marked (3PP) reference the following systems:
Spheres of Power/Might:Alternative magic/martial systems using talents instead of spells/featsLow/Mid/High/Full Casterrefers to talent progression ratesAdept/Expertrefers to martial talent progressionPsionics:Mind-based powers using power points instead of spell slotsPath of War:Martial maneuver system with recoverable techniquesAkashic:Shaping raw essence into magical itemsSpheres of Guile:Skill-based system expanding non-combat options
Spending the Pool
Spending Ethos Pool points is not an action, and you may spend them when it is not your turn, unless the ability says otherwise.
Abilities that require spending Ethos Pool points list this cost in their description. If an ability doesn't mention a pool cost, it functions continuously without expenditure.
Spending again on an ability whose duration is still running refreshes that duration.
Motivation Resonance
Abilities closely aligned with a character's motivation cost 1 EP less (minimum 1 EP), while abilities that stretch the motivation's theme cost 1 EP more. The GM determines resonance based on thematic appropriateness and the player's justification.
Examples:
A character with Protection motivation finds Guardian's Resolve resonant (-1 EP) as it directly protects allies
A character with Freedom motivation might find Shapechanger resonant (-1 EP) as it represents freedom from fixed form
A character with Knowledge motivation taking Rage of Purpose would stretch the theme (+1 EP) unless justified as "rage against ignorance"
A character with Justice motivation could justify almost any combat ability as serving justice; the GM still rules on each one
VIClarifications
VI
System Clarifications
Multiclassing
The Ethos system uses total character level for all calculations, regardless of class distribution. A Fighter 5/Wizard 5 counts as 10th level for all Ethos purposes.
Lost Prerequisites
If you lose access to an ability's prerequisites (such as losing a required ability score or class feature), the ability becomes dormant but is not lost. It reactivates immediately upon regaining the prerequisites.
Temporary Effects
Temporary ability score increases must last at least 24 hours to affect your Ethos Pool size. Temporary decreases affect your pool immediately as per normal ability damage/drain rules.
Retraining
The Ethos system represents deep spiritual commitment. Retraining abilities requires major narrative justification and GM approval.
Custom Abilities
GMs may create new abilities following these guidelines:
Tier 1:Minor benefits comparable to feats or low-level class features (1-2 EP)Tier 2:Moderate benefits like mid-level class features or feat chains (2-5 EP)Tier 3:Major benefits like high-level class features or defining abilities (5-6 EP)Tier 4:Capstone benefits that fundamentally alter gameplay (7-12 EP)
VIITier 1
VII
Tier 1: Foundation Abilities
1-2 EP · Always available for purchase.
Physical Enhancement
1 EP
Your dedication transforms your body to better serve your motivation.
Choose one enhancement:
Advance your base attack bonus progression by one step (poor to average to good)
Increase your Hit Die size by one step (d6 to d8, d8 to d10, etc.)
Gain 2 additional skill points per level that must be spent on skills related to your motivation
Depth Enhancement
The skill benefit grants 3 skill points per level instead of 2; the base attack bonus and Hit Die benefits instead grant +1 hit point per character level.
Ethos Barrier
2 EP
Your conviction manifests as a protective force, its appearance shaped by your motivation.
You gain temporary hit points equal to twice your character level. As a swift action, once per round, you may spend 1 point from your Ethos Pool to completely refresh this barrier.
Depth Enhancement
Gain an additional 2 temporary hit points per character level.
Dedicated Training
1 EP
Your motivation drives mastery of necessary tools.
Choose one benefit:
Proficiency with all simple and martial weapons
Proficiency with all armor and shields
Depth Enhancement
Gain both proficiency sets.
Psionic Awakening
1 EP3PP
Your mind awakens to psychic potential.
Gain a power point pool equal to an aegis of your level and the ability to maintain psionic focus. This pool grants no powers by itself; it fuels other psionic abilities.
Depth Enhancement
Gain bonus power points equal to twice your Ethos ability modifier.
Magical Talent
1 EP3PP
Prerequisites: Spheres of Power campaign
Gain Basic Magic Training and Advanced Magic Training, allowing basic sphere casting.
Depth Enhancement
Gain one bonus magic talent.
Martial Talent
1 EP3PP
Prerequisites: Spheres of Might campaign
Gain proficiency with a combat sphere's associated weapons and one base sphere ability.
Depth Enhancement
Gain one bonus combat talent.
Motivation Surge
2 EP
Channel pure motivational force into your actions.
When you use Motivated Action, add your Ethos ability modifier to the roll instead of the flat +4, and you may declare the spend after the die is rolled, so long as the result has not yet been compared to a DC.
Depth Enhancement
The bonus increases by +2, and once per encounter you may spend 1 additional Ethos Pool point to reroll a d20 that has already failed, taking the second result.
Improved Resilience
2 EP
Your dedication shields body and mind.
Choose one saving throw using poor progression and improve it to good progression.
Depth Enhancement
Gain +1 bonus to all saving throws.
Inner Reserve
2 EP
Develop an internal reservoir of power.
You gain a pool equal to 1/2 your character level + your Ethos ability modifier. This pool can function as ki points, grit points, or any similar resource depending on other abilities you acquire. It fuels class features, feats, and abilities that consume such resources — a monk's ki powers, a gunslinger's deeds, and the like — and can power Spheres of Guile skill tricks as described under Hybrid Disciplines.
Depth Enhancement
Pool increases to full character level + modifier.
Essence Pool
2 EP3PP
Shape raw akashic energy into power.
Gain an essence pool equal to half your level (minimum 1). This enables veilweaving abilities.
Depth Enhancement
Essence pool increases to 3/4 level.
Cunning Talent
2 EP3PP
Prerequisites: Spheres of Guile campaign
Gain training in one skill sphere and its base abilities. Add all associated skills as class skills.
Depth Enhancement
Gain one bonus skill talent.
VIIITier 2
VIII
Tier 2: Development Abilities
3-4 EP · Requires owning 3+ Tier 1 abilities.
Embodied Ideal
3 EP
Your form evolves to match your idealized self.
You gain the following at 1st level and again every 5 character levels thereafter:
+1 insight bonus to all ability scores
+1 dodge bonus to AC and +1 insight bonus on all saving throws
+10 feet insight bonus to all movement speeds
+1 competence bonus to motivation-related skills
By spending 1 Ethos Pool point, double all of these bonuses for 1 round per character level.
Depth Enhancement
All bonuses increase by +1 (+10 feet for movement).
Combat Momentum
3 EP
Your strikes carry motivational weight.
Gain a +2 bonus on damage rolls with all attacks. By spending 1 Ethos Pool point, every attack you make for 1 round per character level deals an additional 1d6 damage per five character levels.
Depth Enhancement
Base damage bonus increases to +4.
Defensive Stance
2 EP
Motivation shields you from harm.
Gain +1 dodge bonus to AC at 2nd level and every four levels thereafter. Spend 1 Ethos Pool point to gain an additional +2 dodge bonus to AC for 1 minute.
Depth Enhancement
All AC bonuses increase by +1.
Swift Movement
3 EP
Purpose drives you forward.
Gain +10 feet to base movement speed, with an additional +10 feet at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 20th level. Spending 1 Ethos Pool point doubles your movement speeds for 1 minute.
Depth Enhancement
Movement increases become +15 feet instead of +10.
Minor Magic
3 EP
Your motivation grants limited spellcasting.
You gain spellcasting as a ranger or paladin. Choose divine or arcane spells. Your spell selection must reflect your motivation.
Depth Enhancement
Increase caster level by 1.
Scholarly Pursuit
3 EP
Particularly resonant with Knowledge motivations
Gain an inspiration pool equal to your level + Intelligence modifier, usable only on tasks related to your motivation. Gain one investigator talent per four character levels.
Depth Enhancement
Use inspiration on any Intelligence-based roll without motivation restrictions.
Sphere Adept
3 EP3PP
Expand your magical understanding across multiple spheres.
Become a Low Caster in Spheres of Power with normal talent progression. Your magical expression must reflect your motivation.
Depth Enhancement
Your caster level increases by +2.
Martial Dedication
3 EP3PP
Your combat style evolves to embody your ideals.
Advance to Adept progression in Spheres of Might. Your combat spheres must reflect your motivation.
Depth Enhancement
Gain the benefits of one Equipment sphere talent.
Psionic Manifestation
3 EP3PP
Prerequisites: Psionic Awakening or existing psionic abilities
Gain the Marksman's psionic progression. Choose powers from Marksman, Gifted Blade, Psion, or Vitalist that resonate with your motivation.
Depth Enhancement
Your manifester level increases by +2 for determining power effects.
Akashic Weaver
3 EP3PP
Shape multiple veils to serve your purpose.
Gain veils as a Guru: 2 at 1st level, plus 1 at 4th level and every 4 levels thereafter. Gain an essence pool equal to your level. You can bind to chakra as a Guru.
Depth Enhancement
Gain +2 essence and unlock the next tier of chakra binds.
Sneak Attack
5 EP
Strike at vulnerabilities others cannot perceive.
Gain sneak attack +1d6 damage, increasing by +1d6 at every odd character level.
Depth Enhancement
You can sneak attack creatures normally immune to precision damage if they directly oppose your motivation.
Combat Training
5 EP
Master combat techniques that serve your goals.
Gain a combat feat at 1st level and every three levels thereafter. You qualify as a fighter of your character level for feat prerequisites.
Depth Enhancement
Gain a combat feat every two levels instead of three.
Guardian's Resolve
4 EP
Particularly resonant with Protection motivations
You and every ally within 10 feet gain a +2 dodge bonus to AC and a +2 morale bonus on saving throws. By spending 1 Ethos Pool point you widen the aura to 30 feet for 1 minute, and while it is wide you may, as an immediate action, take the damage of one attack or effect that has struck an ally inside it in their place.
Depth Enhancement
Bonuses increase to +3, and the wide aura lasts 10 minutes.
Warrior's Path
4 EP
Master weapons that serve your purpose.
Gain weapon training as a fighter with one weapon group. Add additional groups at 9th, 13th, and 17th level.
Depth Enhancement
All weapon training bonuses increase by +1.
Martial Scholar
4 EP3PP
Master combat techniques that serve your motivation.
Gain initiator progression with 4 disciplines as per Path of War archetype rules. Recover one maneuver as a standard action or all maneuvers with a full-round action.
Depth Enhancement
Recover one maneuver as a move action.
Sphere Specialist
4 EP3PP
Prerequisites: Sphere Adept or sphere casting
Gain an Incanter's sphere specialization, including +1 caster level and bonus talents. The specialized sphere must reflect your motivation.
Depth Enhancement
Double your specialization's caster level bonus.
IXTier 3
IX
Tier 3: Mastery Abilities
5-6 EP · Requires owning 3+ Tier 2 abilities and Depth 1+.
Shapechanger
5 EP
Your form becomes fluid to serve your purpose.
You can wild shape as a druid of your character level, beginning at 4th level and increasing on the normal druid progression. Forms must reflect your motivation.
Depth Enhancement
You keep speech, fine manipulation, and the use of your Ethos abilities in any form, and changing shape takes a swift action.
Mystical Talent
5 EP
Manifest a magical tradition aligned with your motivation.
Choose a sorcerer bloodline, oracle mystery, or wizard school. Gain the abilities granted at 1st, 3rd, 9th, and 15th levels. The choice must align thematically with your motivation.
Depth Enhancement
Gain the 20th level capstone ability OR gain abilities 2 levels early (minimum 1st level).
Rage of Purpose
5 EP
When pursuing or defending your motivation, enter a focused rage.
You can rage as a barbarian for 4 + Constitution modifier + 2 per character level rounds per day. Gain one rage power at 1st level and every three levels thereafter.
Depth Enhancement
You suffer no fatigue after raging.
Hexmaster
5 EP
Your motivation warps reality in subtle ways.
Gain a witch hex at 1st level, 2nd level, and every three levels thereafter. Major hexes become available at 10th level, grand hexes at 18th. Hexes must reflect your motivation.
Depth Enhancement
All hex DCs increase by +1.
Sphere Authority
5 EP3PP
Your magical power expands dramatically.
Become a Mid Caster in Spheres of Power with full talent progression. Your sphere choices must reflect your motivation.
Depth Enhancement
Gain 2 bonus talents that can be from any sphere.
Martial Exemplar
5 EP3PP
Achieve mastery of combat arts.
Advance to Expert progression in Spheres of Might. Your legendary techniques manifest your motivation through battle.
Depth Enhancement
Gain the benefits of one Legendary talent without meeting prerequisites.
Divine Champion
5 EP
Channel forces aligned with your motivation.
You can channel energy 3 + Charisma modifier times per day, dealing 1d6 per two character levels. Choose positive or negative energy based on your motivation's nature. Gain the granted powers of one thematically appropriate domain, and its domain spells as spell-like abilities, each usable once per day, unlocking as a cleric of your character level.
Depth Enhancement
Channel energy dice increase by one size.
Battle Performer
6 EP
Your presence inspires others toward your ideals.
Gain bardic performance for 4 + Charisma modifier + 2 per character level rounds per day, and the performances a bard of your character level knows. Performances must reflect your motivation. Starting a performance is a move action, and a swift action from 13th level.
Depth Enhancement
Starting a performance is a free action, and you may maintain two performances at once.
Companion Soul
6 EP
A creature embodying your motivation joins you.
Gain an animal companion, eidolon, or phantom using full class progression. The companion's nature must reflect your motivation.
Depth Enhancement
Your companion gains +2 to all ability scores.
Psionic Ascension
6 EP3PP
Prerequisites: Psionic Manifestation or 4th-level power manifestation
Gain the Psychic Warrior's manifesting progression. Choose powers from Psychic Warrior, Cryptic, Dread, Psion, or Vitalist lists.
Depth Enhancement
Gain psionic focus as a move action and maintain two foci simultaneously.
Veil Master
6 EP3PP
Prerequisites: Akashic Weaver or existing veilweaving
Gain the full veil progression, essence pool, and chakra binds of a Guru. Your veils manifest your motivation's influence on reality.
Depth Enhancement
Shape one veil as a constellation, gaining its enhanced effects.
War Master
6 EP3PP
Prerequisites: Martial Scholar or initiator levels
Gain full initiator progression with 6 disciplines. Your martial philosophy embodies your motivation through supreme technique.
Depth Enhancement
Ready one additional maneuver, gain +2 to initiation modifier, and recover one maneuver as a move action or all maneuvers as a standard action.
XTier 4
X
Tier 4: Transcendence Abilities
7-12 EP · Requires owning 3+ Tier 3 abilities and Depth 2+.
Master Caster
7 EP
Prerequisites: Minor Magic OR the ability to cast 4th-level spells
Expand your magical power dramatically.
Gain 6-level spellcasting (as bard). Choose arcane, divine, or psychic tradition. Every spell selected must reflect your motivation.
Depth Enhancement
You gain the following benefits based on your casting type:
Spontaneous casters: Gain +1 spell known per spell level
Prepared casters: Gain +1 spell slot per spell level
Both: Your caster level increases by +2 for determining spell effects (not spells per day)
Martial Legend
7 EP3PP
Prerequisites: Martial Exemplar or Expert SoM progression
Your combat abilities reach legendary status. Gain access to all Legendary talents from your combat spheres and one per two levels.
Depth Enhancement
Once per encounter, use any talent or maneuver as a swift action.
Metamorphosis
8 EP
Transform into an idealized version of yourself.
By spending 1 minute in meditation and 3 Ethos Pool points, you transform and gain the following for 10 minutes per character level:
Fly speed 60 feet (perfect maneuverability)
+6 insight bonus to all physical ability scores and +4 insight bonus to your Ethos ability score
+4 dodge bonus to AC, and damage reduction 5/— that becomes 10/— at 15th level
Using Motivated Action costs no Ethos Pool points while the transformation lasts
Depth Enhancement
Transformation takes a swift action and lasts 1 hour per character level.
Akashic Apotheosis
8 EP3PP
Prerequisites: Veil Master or equivalent veilweaving
You can shape veils equal to a Rajah, with access to titles and enhanced binds.
Depth Enhancement
All your veils gain +1 essence capacity and you radiate veils to allies within 30 feet.
Psionic Transcendence
9 EP3PP
Prerequisites: Psionic Ascension or 6th-level power manifestation
Gain manifestation as a Psion with full power progression. Your mind transcends normal limitations through motivational focus. Requires Depth 3 or higher.
Depth Enhancement
Reduce all power point costs by 1 (minimum 1) and gain +4 to saves against psionic effects.
Guile Paragon
8 EP3PP
Prerequisites: Cunning Talent, or Master rank in multiple skill spheres
Your skills transcend mortal limits. Gain Legendary skill tricks and can take 20 on any skill check once per hour.
Depth Enhancement
Your skill tricks affect creatures normally immune to such effects if they oppose your motivation.
True Calling
12 EP
Prerequisites: Master Caster OR the ability to cast 6th-level spells
You achieve full spellcasting ability as a wizard, cleric, or similar 9-level caster. Every spell selected must relate to your motivation. A spell whose relation to your motivation is contested is unavailable until the GM rules that it relates. Requires Depth 3 or higher.
Depth Enhancement
Gain bonus metamagic feats equal to your Depth.
Sphere Paragon
9 EP3PP
Prerequisites: Sphere Authority OR High Caster in Spheres of Power
Become a Full Caster in Spheres of Power. Your complete mastery allows unprecedented magical expression of your motivation. Requires Depth 3 or higher.
Depth Enhancement
Gain one Advanced talent from any sphere without prerequisites.
XIGM Tools
XI
GM Tools
Sample Trials
5th Level Trial - First Commitment
Present a situation where the character must choose between their motivation and something they hold dear (wealth, safety, relationships). The choice must have lasting consequences.
Protection:Choose between saving many strangers or one loved oneFreedom:Accept imprisonment to free others, or preserve your freedom at their costJustice:Punish a wrongdoer who has genuinely reformed, or show mercyKnowledge:Reveal a truth that will cause great harm, or preserve a beneficial lie
10th Level Trial - The Shadow
Force the character to confront the harm their motivation does when taken to extremes, and who pays for it.
Protection:Your overprotection has made others weak and dependentFreedom:Your freedom has enabled tyrants to oppress othersJustice:Your justice has become vengeance without mercyKnowledge:Your revelations have destroyed lives and communities
15th Level Trial - The Paradox
Present an impossible situation where the motivation contradicts itself.
Protection:Two groups need protection from each otherFreedom:Granting freedom to one enslaves anotherJustice:Equal justice creates greater injusticeKnowledge:The only way to keep a truth safe is to make sure no one can learn it
20th Level Trial - Transcendence
The character must sacrifice their mortality for their motivation, knowing they will outlive all they care about.
Awarding Ethos Points
A shared baseline keeps two tables running this system at comparable power.
Reference discretionary rates: about one Ethical Act per two levels (2 EP each, well inside the once-per-level cap) and about one Defining Moment per five levels (3 EP each). If discretionary awards land well above or below these rates over an arc, tighten or loosen recognition.
Ethical Acts (2 EP): Look for moments when:
The character suffers significant mechanical penalties for their motivation
They give up treasure, allies, or advancement opportunities
They make enemies they could have avoided
The choice surprises even you as the GM
Defining Moments (3 EP): These should be:
Memorable sessions the group will talk about later
Turning points in the campaign
Moments when the character's motivation drives the entire story
Campaign Integration
Introduce NPCs who share or oppose character motivations
Create locations that test or reward specific motivations
Design adventures around motivation conflicts
Use motivation synergies to encourage party cooperation
Remember that Trials are opportunities for character growth, not punishment
Common Pitfalls
Don't punish players for having motivations; reward engaging with them
Avoid "gotcha" moments that force betrayal
Ensure all motivations get equal spotlight time
Remember that interpretations can be flexible
XIIOptions
XII
Additional Options
Motivation-Specific Sphere Gifts 3PP
Certain spheres naturally align with specific motivations. When taking sphere abilities that match these alignments, reduce the EP cost by 1 (minimum 1); this reduction and Motivation Resonance's do not stack on one purchase:
Characters who combine multiple third-party systems gain synergistic benefits:
Psionic + Spheres:Your power points can substitute for spell points at 2:1 ratioPath of War + Spheres of Might:Martial flexibility allows switching one talent for one maneuver 1/dayVeilweaving + Any:Veils can enhance other subsystem abilities with essence investmentSpheres of Guile + Any:Skill tricks can be powered by any resource pool (ki, grit, spell points, etc.) at 1:1 ratio
Motivation Synergies
Characters with related motivations working together gain benefits:
Identical Motivations:while you can see each other, both characters' Ethos Pools increase by your Depth, minimum 1, and either may spend from the other's poolComplementary Motivations:once per day, either may use one Ethos ability the other owns, at their own character level and save DCsOpposed Motivations:+2 bonus on rolls made directly against any creature whose driving motivation opposes yours, whether that is another Ethos character or an NPC the GM has named as such
Motivation Betrayal
The Ethos system demands absolute dedication. Characters who betray their motivation face consequences based on their Depth:
Depth 0 Betrayal - Lost Path
If you betray your motivation while still at Depth 0, you suffer temporary spiritual confusion:
Lose all Ethos abilities and unspent Ethos Points
Spent Ethos Points are refunded over time (1 EP per level gained)
-2 penalty on Will saves for one year
Cannot adopt a new motivation for one year
After one year, may begin again with a new motivation at Depth 0
Depth 1+ Betrayal - Spiritual Annihilation
An act forced by mind control or a similar effect is never betrayal; it instead causes 2d6 Constitution drain upon regaining control. Once you have completed your first Trial and reached Depth 1, willing betrayal becomes catastrophic:
Immediate Loss
If you take a significant action that directly contradicts your motivation (GM's discretion), you immediately lose:
All Ethos abilities
All Ethos Points (both spent and unspent)
Your entire Ethos Pool
All benefits from Depth
Scarred Soul
Betraying your core identity leaves permanent marks:
-4 penalty on all Will saves (permanent)
-2 penalty on all Charisma-based checks (permanent)
Cannot gain morale bonuses from any source
Vulnerable to mind-affecting effects (+4 to DCs against you)
Philosophical Void
You cannot adopt a new motivation or regain Ethos abilities through any means. No magic short of divine intervention can restore it.
Social Consequences
Those who shared your motivation instinctively recognize your betrayal. Former allies who held the same conviction treat you as hostile. Disciples lose all benefits and may seek retribution for your abandonment of the cause.
Multipath Development
Upon reaching Depth 2, you may adopt a secondary motivation representing character growth. Motivated Action, Motivation Resonance, and any requirement that an ability reflect your motivation may use either motivation. Depth penalties and Motivation Betrayal apply to each motivation separately.
Corruption and Redemption
Characters who consistently act against their motivation may face a special Trial to maintain their abilities. Success reaffirms their path; failure may require adopting a new motivation.
XIIIParagon
XIII
Legendary Depth
Upon achieving Depth 4 at 20th level, a character transcends mortality to become a Paragon—a living incarnation of their motivation.
Paragon Transformation
All Paragons gain the following benefits:
Immortal Purpose
You no longer age and cannot die from old age. You become immune to death effects and energy drain. If killed, you automatically resurrect after 24 hours unless your body is completely destroyed. You can only be permanently killed by effects that directly oppose your motivation (GM's discretion).
Motivational Aura
You radiate an aura of your motivation in a 30-foot radius. Choose one of the following based on your motivation:
Protection:Allies gain DR 10/— and immunity to fearFreedom:Allies gain freedom of movement and +10 to escape artist checksJustice:Allies gain true seeing and +4 to attack rolls against creatures you judge guiltyKnowledge:Allies gain +10 to all knowledge checks and can reroll failed saves against illusions
Exemplar's Presence
You gain a +10 bonus to all Charisma-based checks when acting in accordance with your motivation. Creatures opposing your motivation take a -4 penalty on saves against your abilities.
Conceptual Existence
You gain the following traits:
Damage reduction 20/epic
Spell resistance equal to 15 + character level
Immunity to ability damage, ability drain, and mind-affecting effects that would compel you to act against your motivation
Regeneration 10 (damage from sources antithetical to your motivation cannot be regenerated)
Motivation Manifestation
In addition to the base Paragon benefits, choose one Motivation Manifestation based on your specific motivation. These abilities can be used at will unless otherwise noted.
Protection - The Eternal Guardian
Create a sanctuary effect (CL 20) on any location, lasting until dispelled
As an immediate action, redirect any attack or effect targeting an ally within 100 feet to yourself
Once per day, grant one creature immortality for 24 hours (as Immortal Purpose above)
Freedom - The Unbound
Teleport without error to any location you have visited
Free any creature from any form of bondage or compulsion with a touch (no save)
Once per day, open a gate to any plane, or seal a planar portal permanently
Justice - The Final Arbiter
Know the greatest crime of any creature you observe; this requires no action and works even when it is not your turn
Your attacks ignore all damage reduction, hardness, and regeneration of those you judge guilty
Once per day, pronounce judgment on a creature (as power word kill, but only affects those who have committed severe injustices)
Knowledge - The Omniscient Sage
Ask one question per round and receive a true answer (as commune with no deity required)
Read, speak, and understand all languages; gain telepathy 100 feet
Once per day, alter reality in a small way (as limited wish)
Paragon's Legacy
Paragons shape the world through their existence:
Motivational Sites
Locations where you perform great deeds aligned with your motivation become consecrated. These sites grant +2 to all d20 rolls for creatures acting in accordance with your motivation and -2 for those opposing it. You always know when someone acts within these sites.
Disciples of Purpose
You can invest a portion of your power in worthy individuals. As a ritual requiring 24 hours, you can grant another creature 5 bonus Ethos Points if they share your motivation. You can maintain a number of disciples equal to your Ethos ability modifier (minimum 1).
Cosmic Recognition
Powers aligned with your motivation take notice. You gain:
Plane shift to any plane aligned with your motivation 1/day
Summon an outsider (CR 18 or lower) that shares your motivation 1/week
Direct intervention by your motivation's cosmic embodiment at a moment of crisis (GM's discretion)
Eternal Return
If permanently destroyed, you will return within 100 years if:
A great need for your motivation arises
Your disciples call upon you in a time of crisis
Someone completes a quest embodying your motivation in your name
This resurrection requires no body and restores you completely, though you return at 15th level and must rebuild to your former power.