Character Mechanics
This is the canonical reference for how characters work in Chef RPG. All character-related documents link here.
Exploration Stats
Characters have three exploration stats:
- Foraging - Finding and gathering ingredients
- Combat - Fighting creatures and defending the crew
- Social - Negotiating, charming, bribing, persuading
(Discovery happens by default through narrative. Puzzles removed as unclear.)
Character Creation (Point-Buy System)
All characters have a total stat value of 4 points, distributed differently:
Chef (Baseline):
- Gets 4 points to distribute freely across the 3 exploration stats
- No automatic bonuses
- Maximum flexibility in stat allocation
Focused Specialists (Single +2 bonus):
- Forager: Automatic +2 Foraging + 2 points to distribute
- Butcher: Automatic +2 Combat + 2 points to distribute
- Host: Automatic +2 Social + 2 points to distribute
- Exceptional in one area, flexible in others
Hybrid Specialists (Dual +1 bonuses):
- Pastry Chef: Automatic +1 Foraging, +1 Social + 2 points to distribute
- Food Scientist: Automatic +1 Combat, +1 Foraging + 2 points to distribute
- Good at two areas instead of exceptional in one
Examples:
- Forager (Focused): Foraging +2 (auto), Combat +2, Social +0 = Total +4
- Pastry Chef (Hybrid): Foraging +2, Combat +0, Social +2 = Total +4 (includes +1/+1 auto)
- Chef (Baseline): Foraging +2, Combat +1, Social +1 = Total +4 (all manual)
Resolution System
When a challenge arises:
- Roll d20 + relevant stat bonus
- Results determine outcome quality (specific thresholds defined per challenge type)
Who rolls in group play:
- Group discusses and decides who rolls based on narrative
- Anyone can attempt any roll
- Specialists have higher bonuses in their specialty, but aren’t required to roll
Combat Resolution:
- Combat uses the standard d20 + Combat stat resolution - no special combat rules
- Combat encounters use the Narrative Resolution system
- Roll d20 + Combat stat, compare to outcome thresholds
- Combat is treated like any other exploration challenge (Social, Foraging, etc.)
Solo vs Group Play
Solo Play:
- Player controls the Chef
- Hires NPC crew members as restaurant gains prestige
- NPC crew provide mechanical buffs (their stat bonuses)
- Player narrates how crew contributes to the story
Group Play:
- One player must be the Chef
- Other players choose from five specialist roles
- As restaurant gains prestige, group can hire additional NPC crew for extra buffs
Universal Rule
Everyone can attempt everything - No character is locked out of any action. Specialists just have better odds in their specialty area.