Profession Perks
AX.GIL.08.02 - Profession Progression Track Extensions
Iron Lattice Perks
Overview
This section defines the Layer 2 Setting Perks for the Iron Lattice Genre Catalog, per the two-layer framework established in AX.C.09.02. These perks extend the Core Perk library with IL-specific capabilities that reference the Harmonic Tradition system, faction authority structures, setting-specific environments, and IL information systems.
These perks follow the same format as Core Perks. They may be assigned to Profession Progression Track Stages alongside or instead of Core Perks. Stage guidance is identical to 07.2:
| Stage | Action Economy | Target Scope | Recovery | Power Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Free Action | Self or single target | Short Rest | Small, reliable |
| 2 | Primary Action | Nearby scope | Long Rest | Moderate, tactically significant |
| 3 | Primary Action | Area or unusual effect | Full Rest | Major, encounter-shaping |
Using Core Perks alongside Setting Perks: A Profession assigns one perk per Stage. Each Stage may draw from the Core library, this Setting Perk list, or a custom-authored perk. Mixing is expected, a BVHI Seismic Engineer might take Exploit Opening (Core, Stage 1), Infrastructure Override (Setting, Stage 2), and Signature Move (Core, Stage 3).
DESIGN NOTES
Why these 14 and not others: Every perk in this list fills a specific gap that the AX.C.09.02 library cannot address: interaction with the Friction Rule, org-specific legal authority beyond generic Organizational perks, in-Plane mechanics, and IL-specific environmental systems (Entropy, Dead Zones). Any capability that works identically in a dungeon or a server room belongs in AX.C.09.02, not here.
Faction Authority perks replace, not stack: A Resonance Notary who takes Axiomatic Injunction at Stage 2 gets the IL-calibrated version of organizational authority. They do not also take Core Organizational Authority. The Setting Perk is the more precisely defined tool for a character operating in a specific institutional context.
Collapse Containment and the Entropy rules: The Entropy State table in Entropy Signature establishes the basic mechanical framework for Kinetic Debt in play. This framework is intentionally minimal, full Entropy Collapse as an encounter environment is flagged for dedicated design (see AX.GIL.08.01 design notes). Collapse Containment gives the Kinetic Auditor something to do at Stage 3 without requiring the full environmental rules to exist first.
Spirit Severance and the Zero-Day Soul: The ethical weight of the NTC secret, that bound spirits are living consciousnesses, is carried by the perk's Dispersal outcome note rather than by rules that tell the character what to choose. The mechanics support all three outcomes equally. The moral weight belongs to the player, not the table.
Stage 3 gaps by org: LGT has two Stage 3 options (both LGT-only). NTC and NVS each have one. BVHI and HIA have none. BVHI Stage 3 professions (Seismic Engineer, Material Fabricator) should pull Core Perks, Signature Move or Last Stand fit both roles. HIA Stage 3 professions (Marginal Operative, Shadow Liaison) are well-served by Core Faction Pull or Mastery. This gap is intentional, not every org needs a setting-specific Stage 3.