Adaptation Hub
System-Neutral Adaptation
Preserve the fiction first. Choose the mechanics second.
Mar de Oro can be played using your preferred TTRPG system or with the optional 2d6 Resolution Bridge. The adaptation framework helps Game Masters translate characters, threats, vessels, institutions, and situations without losing what makes them meaningful in the setting.
Begin with what something does in the fiction. Then determine its capability, scale, pressure, and consequences. Only after those elements are clear should you choose a mechanical expression.
For the table-level philosophy these procedures are intended to preserve, read How Mar de Oro Plays.
This is an explanatory framework, not an interactive tool. To produce editable mechanical drafts in a browser, use the Conversion Companion, one of the three free interactive Mar de Oro tools.
New to the idea of system-neutral play? Read A System-Neutral TTRPG Setting for the design principles behind this adaptation framework.
Once the fiction is settled, express it through a published conversion: Mar de Oro for D&D 5e, Mar de Oro for Pathfinder First Edition, Mar de Oro for Pathfinder 2e Remastered, or Mar de Oro for Forged in the Dark.
The Six-Step Adaptation Ladder
Work through the six steps in order. Each earlier step constrains the next, so the mechanical expression at the end reflects what the element actually does in the world.
Step 1, Fictional Role
What is this element meant to do in the story and at the table?
Step 2, Capability
How reliably and effectively can it perform its defining actions?
Step 3, Scale
At what level does it operate: Personal, Crew, Vessel, Faction, or Regional?
Step 4, Pressure
What problem, risk, or difficult choice does it create?
Step 5, Consequences
What can change, worsen, be lost, or become newly possible?
Step 6, Mechanical Expression
Which rules in the chosen system best reproduce the previous five elements?
Mechanics are the final expression of the fiction, not the starting point.
The Five Chapters
- Page 1 of 58 min read
The Six-Step Adaptation Ladder
Understand every step from fictional role to mechanical expression, including capability ranks, scale, pressure, and consequences.
For: New GM, Experienced GM, Conversion designer
Read chapter - Page 2 of 57 min read
Adapting Characters, Bonds and Burdens
Translate players and supporting cast by fictional role first, with Bonds and Burdens as living ties rather than mandatory numbers.
For: New GM, Player, Conversion designer
Read chapter - Page 3 of 57 min read
Adapting Threats, Institutions and Factions
Prepare adversaries, creatures, moon-affected beings, navies, churches, and networks as pressure sources, not stat blocks.
For: Experienced GM, Conversion designer
Read chapter - Page 4 of 59 min read
Adapting Fortera, Éterlumin and Airships
Preserve the scientific framing of Fortera and Éterlumin and treat airships as vessels, environments, and sources of pressure.
For: Experienced GM, Conversion designer, Rules tinkerer
Read chapter - Page 5 of 510 min read
Worked Conversions and Calibration
Six full worked examples plus calibration questions to check whether a converted element still feels like Mar de Oro.
For: Experienced GM, Conversion designer, Rules tinkerer
Read chapter
Shared Table Procedures
Procedures previously known as “Hard Calls at the Table” are supported by the Six-Step Adaptation Ladder. For adapting “Running the Powered Arts”, use the Fortera/Éterlumin and Airships adaptation chapter.
Supporting resources
Adaptation Reference Sheet
A two-page printable summary of the ladder, ranks, scales, pressures, consequences, and the four conversion checklists. Available as accessible HTML.
Open the referenceConversion Companion
Experimental toolAn assisted worksheet that walks the ladder alongside you. It is an aid, not an authoritative converter, and manual balancing is expected.
Open the companionHow to read the labels
Every page in this section carries one of five labels so you can tell at a glance whether you are reading setting canon, neutral procedure, optional rules, named-system guidance, or an experimental tool.
- SETTING CANONFactual information about the world of Aeon.
- SYSTEM-NEUTRAL PROCEDUREThe ladder and neutral preparation guidance.
- OPTIONAL RESOLUTION BRIDGEThe optional 2d6 Resolution Bridge only.
- NAMED-SYSTEM ADAPTATIONGuidance for a specific published ruleset.
- EXPERIMENTAL TOOLAssisted tools that have not been fully validated.