This particular kind of Attribute Check has no Difficulty Level: instead, the Result tells us how well the character performed. These Checks are often used when researching information, examining an area or recalling important lore.
When you perform an Open Check, simply compare the Result with the table below:
7+: What could be accomplished by a person with a bit of training or talent.
10+: What could be achieved by someone competent or very talented.
13+: The work of an expert or true prodigy.
16+: A result worthy of being remembered in history.
If a character performs a Check while in a strongly advantageous or disadvantageous position, the Game Master may impose a +2 bonus or -2 penalty to the Result. For example: Princess Camilla is attempting to persuade the Bandit Queen Remora to stop raiding the nearby village of Karsa; however, Remora's lieutenant T oris is arguing against her. This is an Opposed Check, but Camilla also offers Remora a single favor on behalf of her family.
Because of this, the Game Master grants Camilla a +2 bonus to her Check.
Most of the time you will not need to use situational modifiers — adjusting the Difficulty Level will be more than enough. However, they can prove useful when said Difficulty is established by the rules (such as with an Accuracy Check) or during Opposed Checks (as shown by the example above).
If you are the Game Master, use situational modifiers to reward approaches that take advantage of the opposition's Traits, personality and objectives.
Philip Forlenza (Order #)