Characters grow through a variety of rewards that reflect their achievements, resilience, and impact on the world around them. The rewards in this section aim to create a balance between personal growth, material wealth, magical discovery, and influence, each enriching the character’s story and place in the world.
Unbound Tales uses a milestone-based progression system rather than experience points. Most milestones are awarded through the Victory system, which is tied to encounters. However, the Director should also consider awarding additional milestones when a story arc concludes. Typically, one milestone is given at the end of a story, with a second milestone added if the party achieved a successful outcome.
Silver pennies are the standard currency, but coin may come in other forms: a handful of copper from a grateful village, a noble’s gift of rare trade goods, or treasure found on an adventure. Monetary rewards cover necessities, provide access to equipment and consumables, and allow characters to buy the occasional luxury item.
Magic is rare and coveted, with magical items often holding history and personality. Magical rewards are typically discovered during quests, sometimes deeply hidden, and each one tends to grant a unique ability or bonus, rather than general power boosts.
Characters gain Prestige by achieving renown or favor with specific factions. Prestige can be accumulated with various groups—guilds, nobility, or even local villages—and provides small, passive bonuses. The Director should include Prestige rewards—and penalties—in every story line.