Wargame Mechanics Index

Noise and tension escalation

Player-side actions generate noise or alert tokens that bias non-player reaction rolls, and a cumulative global tension level sets a minimum reaction result, so non-player forces grow more aggressive as disturbances accumulate even without direct detection.

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How games do it 1 game

3solo
Noise and Tension levelWrath of Heaven (Tenchu)

Player actions generate noise that pushes NPC reactions toward the Ninja, while a global tension level sets a floor on NPC reaction rolls.

How it works

A Ninja gains Noise tokens for running/climbing (1), fighting (1), falling (1), explosions (2, drawing NPCs to the blast) and a 'Ninja!' shout (2, then 1); tokens add to NPC reaction rolls and normally clear on the Ninja's next activation or turn end. Tension starts at 1, +1 for dead in the open, +1 smoke visible, +1 fighting or 'Ninja!' this turn; any modified reaction roll below the tension level is raised to it. Hiding corpses reduces tension.

The tension level becomes the minimum reaction that NPCs will perform when they are activated (after modifications for noise).
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