Treasure & Salvage
Extraction matters more than acquisition. Use this page to generate loot that creates decisions, not inventory bloat.
At-a-Glance
- Seed rewards with Loot Seed Tables.
- Keep weird-tech flavor high using D100 Minor Science-Fantasy Treasures.
- Gate value behind risk with Salvage Extraction and Exfiltration Procedure.
- Treat depletion as play fuel using Usage Die Variations.
- Add dangerous upside from Lost Sci-Fi Items and D100 Curses Table.
Play Mode Routes
Solo Route
- Tie each haul to one immediate spend decision and one risk.
- Keep carry limits strict so route planning stays meaningful.
- Favor compact, high-identity loot over broad random piles.
Duet Route
- Use loot that pressures values: power now versus future obligations.
- Keep retrieval scenes short with clear extraction dilemmas.
- Offer at least one social disposal path for questionable items.
Table Route (Party)
- Seed mixed loot types so different player roles engage.
- Make transport and split decisions visible at the table.
- Tie major finds to faction response or market shifts.
Player Quick Rules (Loot Discipline)
- Ask three questions before taking anything: value, weight, consequence.
- Keep one open slot for emergency extraction gear.
- Identify or quarantine unknown tech before resting.
- A partial haul that exits safely beats a full haul that strands you.
Referee Procedure Loop (Salvage Runtime)
- Reveal loot signal (visual, thermal, rumor, or map mark).
- State access obstacle and extraction risk.
- Resolve retrieval method.
- Apply load, time, and attention costs.
- Trigger response (hazard, rivals, faction claim, curse, or malfunction).
- Offer keep, cache, convert, or abandon decision.
Sci-Fantasy Salvage Complication Table (d8)
| d8 | Complication |
|---|---|
| 1 | Item broadcasts owner-ID once per hour. |
| 2 | Relic leaks coolant and degrades adjacent gear. |
| 3 | Salvage crate is booby-trapped with adhesive foam. |
| 4 | Buyer offers double value if delivered tonight only. |
| 5 | Artifact duplicates one random item, then shatters. |
| 6 | Faction patrol marks your haul as taxed property. |
| 7 | Container is alive and negotiates release terms. |
| 8 | Cargo shifts gravity, changing carry slot costs. |
One-Click Deep Dives
Loot and Weird-Tech Tables
Equipment and Route Value
Risk and Depletion
- Salvage Extraction and Exfiltration Procedure
- Usage Die Variations
- Lost Sci-Fi Items
- D100 Curses Table
Advanced/Edge Cases
- For campaign economy play, tie salvage buyers to Factions & Domain instead of fixed price lists.