# W CHECKS IN PLAY

Now that you know the mechanical process behind a Check, let's take a look at how it will work in play.

Our heroes have been allowed before the High Master of Relde, a village whose aid would prove invaluable in the struggle against Empress Almara's forces. Since Relde's people are well-versed in philosophy and magic, everyone agrees this negotiation should be handled by Brigid, the group's scholar.

Brigid's Player, Emil, describes her goal and approach: "Brigid doesn't like to beat around the bush, so... I'll simply stand before the High Master and explain that Almara's army is getting closer by the day. If the people of Relde forbid them from crossing the mountain pass, the army will be forced to take a longer route and we'll have more time to prepare for the battle and evacuate the locals."

The Game Master nods. "Okay. Is there anything else you think you can use to your advantage? This won't be easy, you're asking him to endanger his own people."

"I... not really. But I'll add this: if he refuses, we still plan on fighting the Empire, tooth and nail. Which means his village and the pass will probably become a base of operations for the Imperial forces, sooner or later."

"I see. I was thinking Insight + Willpower for the Check, but you are almost threatening him... so Willpower + Willpower seems better."

"Oh, I'm great at Willpower! So... thanks, I guess?"

"Yours is a bit of a risky play. If the Check fails, you'll probably be kicked out of Relde. Still, Reldeans are keepers to many secrets and wouldn't want them to fall into Imperial hands... because of that, the Difficulty Level is just 10."

Brigid has a Willpower of d10, so she rolls 2d10 and adds them together... only a 5!

It is normally the Game Master's role to describe the outcome of an action by taking into account the character's stated goals and the Result of their Check; however, taking a step back and asking for input can make for great roleplay moments.

"That doesn't look good," the Game Master raises their eyebrows. "How about you tell me where you messed up?"

"You know what? I think the problem is there's some bad blood between Relde's 'faculty' and my own. The High Master probably doesn't like that I'm implying his people wouldn't stand a chance against the empire..."

"Oh, I like that a lot! But he doesn't. You're quickly escorted outside the village."