The specific circumstances in effect when a character makes a check confer modifiers on that check. Situational modifiers include a number of possibilities. These might be temporary conditions affecting the character or his opponent directly, environmental conditions or conditions related to when the check occurs, the quality of an implement being used, assistance from an ally or hindrance from any enemy, or anything unique to when and where the check occurs. Whether the modifier is a bonus or a penalty and the magnitude of the modifier is determined by the GM based on the nature and severity of the situation.
Proficiency: Some checks involve the use of tools, weapons, or special equipment. If the item in question requires some knowledge or training to use properly, a character using it without such proficiency suffers a penalty to the check. A profici
]]>The specific circumstances in effect when a character makes a check confer modifiers on that check. Situational modifiers include a number of possibilities. These might be temporary conditions affecting the character or his opponent directly, environmental conditions or conditions related to when the check occurs, the quality of an implement being used, assistance from an ally or hindrance from any enemy, or anything unique to when and where the check occurs. Whether the modifier is a bonus or a penalty and the magnitude of the modifier is determined by the GM based on the nature and severity of the situation.
Proficiency: Some checks involve the use of tools, weapons, or special equipment. If the item in question requires some knowledge or training to use properly, a character using it without such proficiency suffers a penalty to the check. A proficiency penalty mi
]]>All characters have qualities (see 3.1). These qualities represent all of the various, relevant characteristics of the character, including physical or mental attributes, training, resources, beliefs, and flaws. Qualities have both a name and a modifier. The name establishes the quality’s relevance to any given check. If a quality is relevant to a check, the player applies its associated modifier.
Examples: “Trained by Swordmaster Karn himself +4”, “Very intelligent +5”, “A million bucks in the bank +6”, “My trusty pocketwatch +2”, “Hot-headed with bigots -1”, “Sickly since birth -3”, etc.
Thus, in a fencing duel, a character with the example qualities above might apply his “Trained by Swordmaster Karn himself” quality and apply a +4 bonus to the check. If the duel was with a bigot, the GM might decide to apply his “Hot-headed with bigots” quality and apply a -1 pena
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|
Modifier(M) |
Narrative Label |
Narrative Description |
|
-10 |
Major Handicap |
Driving through an obstacle course in dense fog; running on an ice-covered sidewalk; playing golf with a broken arm; building a table without any tools; firing a gun prototype for the first time. |
|
-5 |
Moderate Handicap |
Driving in heavy tr |
Checks are not made in a vacuum. For any given situation there can be a variety of factors favoring or working against the character. These factors are represented by modifiers to the roll. Factors that benefit the character are represented by bonuses; factors that hinder the character are represented by penalties. Bonuses are represented by “+” signs; penalties are represented by “-” signs. The amount of the modifier is referred to as the “magnitude”. All modifiers bear the notation “M”. For example, “+2M” denotes a +2 bonus to the check; “-3M” denotes a -3 penalty to the check.
When the GM calls for a check, she identifies all modifiers that apply. Even factors that the character would not be aware of should be identified openly. The GM should also solicit suggestions from the players. This is an opportunity for the player to negotiate for the application of appro
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