Progression – Adventurer Rank¶

Document: Game Design – Gameplay – Progression – Adventurer Rank
Status: Exploratory
Last updated: 2026-01-10

1. Purpose of This Document¶

This document defines the Adventurer Rank system in Atherion.

Adventurer Rank replaces traditional character levels and serves as:

the primary indicator of player progression
a gate for content access and responsibility
a form of social recognition within the world

The goal is to create progression that feels earned, visible, and persistent, without relying on infinite numerical scaling.

2. Core Philosophy¶

Progression is recognition, not just power.

Adventurer Rank represents:

what challenges a player has overcome
what responsibilities they are trusted with
what content they are allowed to access

It is not a simple measure of:

hours played
experience points accumulated
raw combat strength

3. Rank Structure¶

3.1. Rank Tiers (Illustrative)¶

A working rank ladder may look like:

F – Novice
E
D
C
B
A
S – Elite
SS – Exceptional

Exact naming and number of tiers may change, but the intent is:

most players cluster around B–A
S represents high mastery
SS is rare and prestigious

3.2. Rank Is Not Infinite¶

Decision (hard):
Adventurer Rank is bounded.

Rationale:

Prevents infinite vertical inflation.
Preserves the meaning of high ranks.
Keeps old achievements relevant.

New content does not add new rank tiers lightly; it adds new ways to express mastery within existing tiers.

4. How Rank Is Earned¶

4.1. Rank Advancement Is Milestone-Based¶

Decision (current):
Rank progression is earned by completing milestones, not by accumulating generic XP.

Milestones may include:

defeating specific Everspire bosses or depths
completing high-difficulty challenges
demonstrating mastery of a profession
completing notable open-world feats
contributing significantly to group success

Milestones are:

explicit
auditable
resistant to grind exploitation

4.2. No Single Mandatory Path¶

Decision (directional):
There is no single required activity to advance rank.

Examples:

A combat-focused player advances via Everspire and strikes.
A crafter may advance through mastery, rare creations, and economic contribution.
A support-oriented player advances through group success and reliability.

Some ranks may require breadth, not just depth.

5. Rank Promotion Process¶

5.1. Promotion Is Explicit¶

Rank does not increase silently.

Promotion involves:

meeting prerequisites
applying or being evaluated
receiving confirmation (narrative + mechanical)

This reinforces rank as a social status, not just a number.

5.2. Tests, Trials, and Validation¶

Higher ranks may require:

specific trials
challenge modes
evaluations that cannot be brute-forced

Example:

Promotion to S may require completing a high-difficulty Everspire challenge.
Promotion to SS may require exceptional feats that few players achieve.

6. What Rank Unlocks¶

6.1. Access, Not Raw Power¶

Decision (hard):
Adventurer Rank primarily unlocks access and responsibility, not linear stat increases.

Rank may unlock:

access to deeper Everspire layers
eligibility for certain bounties or contracts
ability to lead high-risk expeditions
access to advanced crafting blueprints
social recognition and titles

Raw numerical advantages should be limited and controlled.

6.2. Rank as Trust¶

Higher-ranked adventurers are:

trusted with higher-risk content
expected to act responsibly in groups
more visible in social contexts

This allows rank to function as a soft reputation system.

7. Rank, Skill Growth, and Stats¶

7.1. Skill-Based Growth¶

Decision (directional):
Skills improve through use, not rank.

Examples:

sword proficiency increases through sword combat
crafting skills improve through crafting
support effectiveness improves through support actions

Rank does not directly grant skill levels.

7.2. Base Stats and Rank¶

Rank may:

unlock stat caps
unlock new stat growth avenues
enable specialization paths

Rank should not:

automatically increase all stats
invalidate earlier build choices

Stat growth remains expressive, not automatic.

8. Rank and Group Content¶

8.1. Rank as a Soft Filter¶

Groups may use rank as:

a guideline for expected experience
a trust signal for harder content

However:

rank should not hard-lock most content
exceptional players may outperform their rank
mentorship and mixed-rank groups are encouraged

8.2. Rank in Large-Scale Content¶

In content requiring many players:

rank distribution matters more than individual peaks
coordination and reliability outweigh raw rank

This reinforces social play over elitism.

9. Rank Decay and Permanence¶

Decision (current):
Adventurer Rank does not decay over time.