Difficulty Levels
After the GM decides (invariably with input from the player) which characteristic
is most appropriate, the GM may choose to assign a level of difficulty (this
is entirely optional; many rolls will be zero difficulty). This difficulty
level is subtracted from the required roll before success is determined.
The suggested levels of difficulty are as follows:
-2 Very Difficult
-1 Difficult
0 Average (no modifier)
+1 Easy
+2 Very Easy
Example: Paul, a Servant of God, is chasing a Demon through a building,
with a 7-yard gap between them. With one well-timed leap down the approaching
stairs, he might be able to close the gap between himself and the evil creature.
The GM decides he should roll against his Agility. Paul's is 7, which is
pretty good for a human. However, the GM also rules that the difficulty
is -1 (Difficult). Paul must roll less than or equal to a 6 (7-1). He rolls
a 2, a 2 and a 5 - and successfully leaps down the long stairwell.
The GM rules that Paul manages to gain 5 yards (the check digit of the d666)
on his prey.
Another Example: The demon Mynofrigith is trying to break a cane that a
priest is using to block his way. The difficulty is +1 (Easy) and his Strength
is 11, meaning he has to roll less than or equal to a 12! Success, in this
case, is automatic. He rolls anyway, to get the check digit, check for Intervention,
and generally mock the poor GM, getting a 2, a 4 and a 4. The cane snaps
like a twig into four pieces (a trivial detail derived from the check digit).
Adjusting Difficulties
In certain situations, players may choose to increase or decrease the level
of difficulty by 1 point (and only 1) by modifying their attempt. In these
cases, the GM should require that the player describe exactly what his character
is doing to make the task simpler or more complex. Increasing the difficulty
by 1 point will add 1 to the check digit of the roll, resulting in a better
success or more severe failure. Making the task easier by 1 point subtracts
1 from the check digit, making failures less severe and successes more mundane.
This type of modification does not work in all situations, and should be
allowed sparingly.
Example: Thomas, playing the Demon Mynofrigith, tells the GM he wants to
shoot at a fleeing car in an attempt to stop it. He asks to accept an additional
level of difficulty and elaborates that he's aiming for the tires (or gas
tank, or whatever). The GM agrees and Thomas rolls, subtracting an additional
-1 from the required roll and adding 1 to the check digit.
Difficulty Levels | Using Resources |
Trading Essence
for Skill
Game Mechanics |
Choirs of
Angels |
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