Effect Tree Progression
Oakening is the process of evolution for our Effect Trees. Every time we use an effect we may gain Oakening Progress. Most Effects improve with every point. Once the Oakening process is complete, the Effect becomes Oakened.
Root Effect Trees
At level One we get to unlock one Core Effect Tree. We may spend experience points (xps) to unlock more Root Effects, Leaf Effects, or Crown Effects.
Any Root Effect Tree may be unlocked with xps, other prerequisites may apply.
The barriers for unlocking Effect Trees are written into their entries.
Oakening unlocks the Root Effects associated with the Talents in our Core Effect Trees.
Root Effect Trees unlocked by xps do not require Talent Oakening. They are fully unlocked when acquired.
The Oakening process may be relatively slow for most Effect Trees. While it may be tempting to unlock dozens of Root Effects, becoming Oakened takes time. We recommend only picking up two to three extra Root Effect Trees beyond your Core Effect Tree, and instead focus on unlocking Leaf and Crown Effects with your xps.
Effect Growth
Branch Effects are unlocked by becoming Oakened in Root Effects. Certain Branch Effects require multiple Root Effect Trees to become Oakened to unlock.
Leaf Effects are effects unrelated to Root Effects & Branche Effects. They may be unlocked by xps, special events, reading special books, or apprenticeship. Leaf Effects unlocked with xps may be discarded by going through Abscission.
Crown Effects are the ultimate effects in Vaia and cost a significant amount of xps to unlock. It is common to fill the tree with Leaf Effects, then go through Abscission to regain the experience needed to unlock a Crown Effect.
Tracking Oakening
Becoming Oakened in most Effect Trees takes Five points.
We use Tally Marks.
Tracking Talents
Since Talents only need Three points.
Triangle then checkmark.
Notes for the Story Guide
We want our player’s characters to grow, and quickly. A mix of short and long term goals for character growth gives us snacks for now and desert later. Oakening simulates real time character progression.
Oakening
Every time a player’s character uses an effect we have the opportunity to grant them a point of Oakening for the effect they used. The way this works in balance for character power balance follows the following loose guidelines.
Encounter Oakening: The Rule of Thumb — Activate it Hit or Miss, Oakening Happens. Yes, it is possible to go from Zero to Oakened in an Effect Tree in one Full Round. Effects with long activation times may take a few encounters to become Oakened.
Non-Encounter Oakening: Using effects outside of encounters for the sake of Oakening should be avoided. The exception here is if the table is split. Allowing a player to grab a point of Oakening in exchange for playing spectator mode is a good reward if someone else is spending a lot of time shopping.
Time Lapse Oakening: Our recommendation is be prepared. Offer the table a number of Oakening Points to divide amongst themselves or lay down a flat amount of Oakening they my apply as they see fit.
