## ESCALATION

At any time during play, the Game Master may declare that a Villain has transformed into a new version of themselves — one with greater powers and darker ambitions. Narratively speaking, this is the moment in which the Villain rejects a chance at redemption and grows even more obsessive in the pursuit of their goal. The heroes forced them into a corner, and the results have proven catastrophic.

- A minor Villain can become a major Villain.
- A major Villain can become a supreme Villain.
- A supreme Villain cannot grow any more powerful.

Following this transformation, the character is treated as an entirely new Villain; the first time they appear during a scene, their Ultima Points will reset to a value appropriate to their new role in the story.

- If a Villain has no Ultima Points left and is reduced to 0 Hit Points, they may immediately escalate while still on the scene; this will allow them to recharge their Ultima Points and no longer be forced to surrender (page 87).
- If a Villain escalates while on the scene, they are immediately treated as a new Villain and thus award each Player Character 1 Fabula Point.