22 GAME RULES

For a Game Master, knowing when to call for a Check and when not to do so is a Skill that develops over time through trial and error. The following guidelines can be of help:

• The Player Characters are heroes. Unless there’s a capable opposition or immediate threat, a Player Character's actions should simply succeed. Finding the tavern requires no roll — getting there without being noticed by the local bandit gang, on the other hand, will take some effort.
• Context and circumstances. The same action might require a Check depending on when and where it takes place. Swimming in a calm river doesn’t require a Check, while doing the same during a flood is extremely dangerous and would require a Check.
• Relevant background. If a character’s Traits or general background are enough for them to succeed, the Game Master should simply allow it. For instance, an aristocrat will have little to no trouble securing an invitation for a court ball.
• Impossible actions. Some actions simply cannot succeed, but you have to be open to the Players’ creativity! You can’t jump from Earth to the Moon, but you can build a magical ship to get there. You just need to remember that nothing comes for free, and build interesting situations around the Players’ ideas.
• Relevant failure. Failing a Check means the situation gets worse. If failure has no relevant impact on the situation, the Game Master should simply describe the outcome of the action and skip the Check. The same is true when a character isn’t acting under pressure: their actions may require time, but they will no doubt achieve their goal.
• Stick to the rules. If the rules ask for a Check — or if they don’t — there’s probably a good reason. Think twice before doing the opposite, and only do so if everyone at the table is okay with it.

WHEN TO PERFORM CHECKS

Philip Forlenza (Order #)