1. Welcome to the Game

You hold in your hands the key to infinite worlds.

Razorweave is a tabletop roleplaying game where you and your friends create stories together—stories of daring heists and desperate escapes, of mysteries unraveled and alliances forged, of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The dice add tension. The rules keep things fair. But the heart of the game is the moment when everyone at the table leans in, waiting to see what happens next.

This is not a video game where choices are scripted. This is not a board game where victory conditions are fixed. This is collaborative fiction with stakes. Your character might charm a guard, scale a crumbling tower, or face down a rival with nothing but wits and nerve. When the outcome is uncertain, you roll dice. When it's not, you simply say what happens. The story emerges from everyone's contributions—surprising even those who thought they knew where it was going.

The rules in this book support that experience. They give structure to chaos, consequences to choices, and weight to dramatic moments. You don't need to memorize everything before playing. Read what you need, play, and return for more when questions arise.

Whether you're here for pulse-pounding action, intricate mysteries, quiet character moments, or all of the above—welcome to Razorweave. Your story starts now.

Ready to Play Now?

If you want to jump right into your first session, continue to the Quick-Start Guide below. It covers everything you need to start playing in 30 minutes with simplified rules, pre-made characters, and a complete starter adventure.

If you prefer to understand the full system first, skip ahead to Chapter 2: Core Concepts.

Quick-Start Guide

Welcome to Razorweave! This chapter gets you playing in 30 minutes. Everything you need for your first session is here: simplified rules, pre-made characters, and a complete adventure. You can explore the full rulebook later—for now, let's play.

What You Need

To play Razorweave, gather these essentials:

• These rules: You're holding them. The Quick-Start section below covers everything for your first session.
• Dice: Four six-sided dice (4d6). More sets speed up play when sharing a table.
• Something to write on: Character sheets, index cards, or just scrap paper.
• Time to play: A first session typically runs 2-3 hours. Future sessions flex to fit your schedule.

The GM describes situations, players describe what their characters do, and dice determine outcomes when success is uncertain. That's the entire game loop. Everything else is just detail.

The Core Rules

These condensed rules cover everything you need for your first session. Full explanations appear in later chapters, but you can play right now with what's here.

Your Character

Every character has four Attributes rated from 0 to 2:

• Might (MIG): Physical strength, endurance, and toughness
• Agility (AGI): Speed, precision, and reflexes
• Presence (PRE): Charisma, social influence, and force of personality
• Reason (RSN): Analysis, knowledge, and problem-solving

A rating of 2 means you're exceptional in that area. A 1 means you're competent. A 0 means you're average or weak—you can still try, but success is less certain.

When creating a character, you assign 2, 1, 1, 0 across your four Attributes—one score to each. Put your 2 in what defines your character, your 0 in what they struggle with.

Skills represent training in specific actions. If you have a relevant Skill (like Stealth, Persuasion, or Athletics), you add +1 to your roll. Skills are simple: you either have one or you don't.

Proficiencies represent specialized knowledge or tool familiarity. They don't add numbers—instead, they let you attempt things others can't or give you advantages (explained below).

Making Checks

When your character tries something risky where success isn't guaranteed, the GM calls for a Check. Here's how:

1. Roll 4d6: Roll four six-sided dice and add them together
2. Add your Attribute: Add the relevant Attribute value (0, 1, or 2)
3. Add +1 if you have a relevant Skill: If one of your Skills applies, add 1
4. Compare to the DC: The GM sets a Difficulty Class (DC) you're trying to beat

Example: Tomas tries to climb a fence while guards chase him. The GM calls for an AGI Check, DC 12. Tomas rolls 4d6 and gets 3, 4, 5, 2. He adds them together (3+4+5+2=14), then adds his AGI 1 for a total of 15. That beats DC 12—he makes it over the fence!

Difficulty Classes (DCs)

The GM picks a DC based on how hard the task is:

For your first session, use DC 12 for easy tasks and DC 14 for most others. Save DC 16 for climactic moments.

Outcomes

Compare your total roll to the DC to determine the outcome:

Example Outcomes: Using Tomas from before (rolled 15 vs DC 12):

• If DC was 12: Full Success—he clears the fence cleanly
• If DC was 14: Full Success—he clears the fence cleanly
• If DC was 16: Partial Success—he makes it over but tears his coat, loses an item, or lands badly

Edge and Burden

Sometimes circumstances help or hinder you. The GM can grant Edge (advantage) or Burden (disadvantage):

Edge: Roll extra dice and drop the lowest results, keeping only 4.

• Edge +1: Roll 5d6, drop the lowest 1, sum the best 4
• Edge +2: Roll 6d6, drop the lowest 2, sum the best 4

Burden: Roll extra dice and drop the highest results, keeping only 4.

• Burden -1: Roll 5d6, drop the highest 1, sum the worst 4
• Burden -2: Roll 6d6, drop the highest 2, sum the worst 4

Caps and Stacking: Edge and Burden each cap at 2. Multiple sources stack until the cap. Edge and Burden cancel each other out—if you have Edge +2 and Burden -1, you roll with Edge +1.

Use Edge when conditions favor you—good lighting, assistance from an ally, proper tools. Use Burden when conditions work against you—poor visibility, injuries, improvised equipment.

Example: Sera tries to pick a lock. She has Lockpicking Tools (Proficiency), so the GM gives her Edge +1. She rolls 5d6: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. She drops the lowest (the 2) and sums the remaining four: 3+4+5+6=18, plus her AGI 2, plus her Lockpicking Skill +1, for a total of 21. The lock opens easily.

Combat Basics

When fighting breaks out, follow this structure:

Turn Order: For your first session, use simple conversational turn order—the GM and players alternate naturally. The GM can have multiple enemies act on a single "GM turn."

Your Turn: On your turn, you can:

• Move: Walk or run a reasonable distance (about 30 feet)
• Take one action: Strike an enemy, help an ally, use an item, or attempt something creative

Core Combat Actions:

• Strike: Attack an enemy. Roll 4d6 + Attribute (usually MIG or AGI) + Combat Skill if you have one, vs DC 14. Success deals damage (see below).
• Maneuver: Reposition, create obstacles, grab something, push someone. Roll 4d6 + Attribute vs DC 12-14.
• Set Up: Create an advantage for yourself or an ally. Roll 4d6 + Attribute vs DC 12. Success creates a beneficial situation that grants Edge on the next relevant action.
• Defend/Withdraw: Protect yourself or escape. Roll 4d6 + Attribute vs DC 12-14 depending on the threat.

Damage and Being Taken Out: Instead of hit points, characters have a Resolve Clock—a track with 6 segments. When you're successfully struck in combat:

• Critical Success (attacker's margin +5 or more): Fill 3 segments
• Full Success (attacker beats DC): Fill 2 segments
• Partial Success (attacker close but misses): Fill 1 segment
• Failure (attacker misses): No damage

When your Resolve Clock fills completely (6 segments), you're taken out—knocked unconscious, forced to surrender, or flee. You're not dead unless the story demands it, but you can't keep fighting.

Example Combat Round: Rella fights a bandit. Both start with empty 6-segment Resolve Clocks.

Rella's Turn: "I strike at his weapon arm." She rolls 4d6 + AGI 2 = 16 vs DC 14. Full Success—2 segments filled on the bandit's clock (2/6).

Bandit's Turn: He swings back. GM rolls for the bandit: 13 vs DC 14. Partial Success—1 segment filled on Rella's clock (1/6).

The fight continues until one Resolve Clock fills.

That's Everything

You now know enough to play. The rules above handle 90% of situations. When something unusual comes up, the GM makes a ruling and play continues. You can look up detailed rules later—for now, dive in with the pre-generated characters and the adventure below.

Pre-Generated Characters

Choose one of these three characters for your first session. Each represents a common archetype and shows how Attributes, Skills, and Proficiencies work together.

The Tank: Garrick Ironhand

Concept: Dockyard enforcer who solves problems through physical presence and intimidation.

Why play this character: You enjoy being the tough one. You excel in combat and physical challenges. When things need to be broken, moved, or intimidated, you're the answer. Let your teammates handle the talking and thinking—you're here to protect them and handle threats directly.

Attributes:

• Might (MIG): 2 — Exceptional strength and toughness
• Presence (PRE): 1 — Intimidating when needed
• Agility (AGI): 1 — Basic mobility
• Reason (RSN): 0 — Acts on instinct, not analysis

Skills: Brawling, Endurance, Intimidation, Athletics

Proficiencies: Dockyard Work, Heavy Tools

Starting Gear:

• Heavy work clothes (provides some protection)
• Crowbar (useful tool and improvised weapon)
• Rope (50 feet)
• Belt pouch with 10 silver coins
• Lucky brass knuckles (sentimental item from first job)

Connection: Marta, the dock foreman who gave you your first job. You owe her loyalty, and she occasionally sends work your way.

What You're Good At:

• Fighting: You hit hard and reliably. Rolling 4d6 + MIG 2 + Brawling 1 = average 17 vs DC 14. You succeed most of the time.
• Physical Challenges: Breaking doors, moving heavy objects, enduring hardship. You rarely fail when strength matters.
• Intimidation: When you need to threaten or coerce, PRE 1 + Intimidation 1 gets you far, especially backed by your physical presence.

What You Struggle With:

• Complex Thinking: RSN 0 means puzzles, investigation, and analysis are hard. Let your teammates figure out the mystery—you focus on the action.
• Social Finesse: You can intimidate, but persuasion and deception aren't your strength. Let the Face talk when charm is needed.

Combat Tactics: Get up close and Strike. You're tough enough to absorb damage. Use Intimidation to make enemies hesitate. Protect allies who are less durable.

Quick Background: You grew up on the docks, doing hard labor for hard people. You learned that problems can be solved with muscle and reputation. People respect strength—or at least fear it—and you've built a reputation as someone who gets physical jobs done. You're loyal to those who've earned it and have no patience for complicated schemes.

The Face: Sera Vane

Concept: Traveling merchant who navigates social networks and avoids physical confrontation.

Why play this character: You enjoy talking your way through problems. You excel at persuasion, deception, gathering information, and reading people. You make friends, cut deals, and turn enemies into allies. When violence erupts, you talk it down or slip away—you're here to solve problems with words, not weapons.

Attributes:

• Presence (PRE): 2 — Exceptional charm and social influence
• Agility (AGI): 1 — Quick enough to escape danger
• Reason (RSN): 1 — Sharp enough to read situations
• Might (MIG): 0 — Not physically imposing

Skills: Persuasion, Deception, Empathy, Negotiation

Proficiencies: Trade Networks, Urban Navigation

Starting Gear:

• Fine traveling clothes (marks you as someone of means)
• Small lockbox with trade documents
• Silver merchant's ring (proof of guild membership)
• Belt pouch with 25 silver coins
• Small knife (practical tool, emergency weapon)

Connection: Jorin, a rival merchant who competes for the same contracts. Your relationship is complicated—you respect each other but constantly try to outmaneuver one another.

What You're Good At:

• Social Interaction: You excel at persuasion and negotiation. Rolling 4d6 + PRE 2 + Persuasion 1 = average 17 vs DC 14. You talk your way through most situations.
• Information Gathering: Between Empathy, RSN 1, and your social Skills, you learn secrets others miss.
• Evasion: AGI 1 means you can escape when talking fails. You're not a fighter—you're a survivor.

What You Struggle With:

• Combat: MIG 0 and no combat training mean fights are dangerous. Avoid them, talk them down, or flee.
• Physical Challenges: Heavy lifting, breaking through barriers, enduring hardship—you need help or clever alternatives.

Combat Tactics: Avoid fighting. If combat starts, try to negotiate or retreat. If forced to fight, use AGI for quick strikes and disengage immediately. Let tougher allies handle prolonged fights.

Quick Background: You've spent years traveling trade routes, learning that people are the real currency. You know how to read a room, make an impression, and turn suspicion into trust. You've talked your way out of more trouble than most people will ever see, and you've made enough coin to live comfortably. Violence is messy and bad for business—you prefer deals everyone walks away from.

The Specialist: Rella

Concept: Former telegraph engineer who searches for meaning in strange message patterns.

Why play this character: You enjoy solving technical problems and uncovering mysteries. You excel at observation, working with machinery, and moving quietly through dangerous spaces. You notice details others miss, fix things that are broken, and handle delicate work under pressure. You're competent in many areas without dominating any single one.

Attributes:

• Reason (RSN): 2 — Analytical mind, pattern recognition
• Agility (AGI): 1 — Steady hands, careful movement
• Presence (PRE): 1 — Quiet competence
• Might (MIG): 0 — Physical labor isn't your strength

Skills: Observation, Stealth, Technical Work, Machinery Handling

Proficiencies: Telegraph Instruments, Precision Tools

Starting Gear:

• Practical layered clothing with tool belt
• Compact technical toolkit
• Notebook filled with cipher fragments and observations
• Insulated lantern
• Belt pouch with 15 silver coins

Connection: Isten, a former coworker and mentor. Your friendship ended over a dispute about unsafe repair methods. You wonder if the relationship can be repaired, or if you were right to walk away.

What You're Good At:

• Observation and Investigation: RSN 2 + Observation means you spot details and connect patterns. Rolling 4d6 + RSN 2 + Observation 1 = average 17 vs DC 14.
• Technical Work: You repair, modify, and understand machinery. Your Proficiencies with tools and instruments give you Edge on relevant tasks.
• Stealth: AGI 1 + Stealth means you move quietly. You're not the best infiltrator, but you can sneak when needed.

What You Struggle With:

• Physical Strength: MIG 0 makes heavy lifting, breaking obstacles, and enduring hardship difficult. Find clever solutions or ask for help.
• Social Leadership: PRE 1 is adequate but not exceptional. You can connect with individuals, but don't try to lead crowds or dominate negotiations.

Combat Tactics: Avoid direct confrontation. Use Stealth to gain positioning advantages. Strike from surprise or support allies by identifying enemy weaknesses (using Observation). You're competent but not a front-line fighter.

Quick Background: You spent years maintaining telegraph relay stations in canyon settlements, logging message patterns and keeping delicate instruments working in harsh conditions. You started noticing anomalies—patterns that shouldn't exist, messages that made no sense. When you reported them, supervisors dismissed your concerns. You left your position to investigate independently, which led you to your current situation. You're driven by curiosity and a need to understand what you've uncovered.

Your First Adventure: The Missing Merchant

This scenario introduces basic rules through a structured adventure. It includes social interaction, exploration, and combat—the three main types of scenes in Razorweave.

For the GM: Read this entire section before starting. You'll describe scenes, play NPCs, call for Checks, and narrate outcomes. Don't worry about getting everything perfect—focus on keeping the game moving and describing what happens.

For Players: Listen to the GM's descriptions, ask questions, and describe what your characters do. The GM will tell you when to roll dice.

Setup: The Missing Merchant

Opening narration for the GM:

"You've arrived in Millhaven, a small trading town where two rivers meet. The place is busy—merchants haggling, dockworkers loading boats, travelers coming and going. You're here because a local merchant named Corvin Tresh hired you three days ago for a simple job: escort a trade shipment from Millhaven to Greywater, a settlement two days' journey downriver.

But Corvin never showed up yesterday morning as planned. His business partner, a nervous woman named Elara, tracked you down at your inn. She's worried—Corvin left two days ago to finalize arrangements at a nearby logging camp, and he should have returned by now. She's offering double your original fee if you find him and bring him back safely. She suspects he ran into trouble on the forest road.

What do you do?"

Key Information:

• Corvin Tresh is a grain merchant, middle-aged, cautious by nature
• He left two days ago heading north to Oakridge Logging Camp, a 4-hour walk
• The forest road is usually safe, but bandits have been reported in the area recently
• Elara is offering 50 silver coins (total) to find Corvin and bring him back

Goal: The players need to investigate Corvin's disappearance, track him through the forest, and rescue him from bandits.

Scene 1: Gathering Information

Purpose: Introduce social Checks and information gathering.

Location: Millhaven town center, docks, or taverns.

What's Happening: The players can question witnesses and gather clues before heading into the forest. They should learn:

1. Corvin took the north forest road toward Oakridge Camp
2. Two travelers saw a merchant matching his description yesterday afternoon
3. Bandits have been spotted near the old mill ruins, about halfway to Oakridge
4. Corvin's horse returned to town without him last night

NPCs to Question:

Elara (Corvin's partner): Nervous, distracted, genuinely worried. She knows Corvin's route and schedule.

• DC 12 PRE Check (Persuasion or Empathy): She reveals Corvin was carrying 100 silver coins to pay the loggers
• DC 14 PRE Check: She admits Corvin has been acting strangely lately, mentioning strange sounds in the forest

Old Tam (dockworker): Gruff, seen everything. Sits near the docks smoking a pipe.

• DC 12 PRE Check (Persuasion or Negotiation): He saw Corvin leave two days ago, heading north, alone
• DC 14 PRE Check: For the price of a drink (1 silver), he mentions bandits have a camp near the old mill ruins—he's heard rumors from travelers

Mira (stablehand): Young, observant, cares about the horses.

• DC 12 RSN or PRE Check (Empathy): She saw Corvin's horse return last night, spooked and sweating, still saddled
• DC 14 RSN Check (Observation): She points out dried blood on the saddle—not much, but enough to show something happened

Running This Scene:

1. Let players decide how to investigate. Some might split up, others might stick together.
2. Call for Checks when they try to convince reluctant NPCs or notice subtle details.
3. Players don't need to question all three NPCs—two conversations should give them enough information.
4. Once players know the route and the bandit connection, they'll likely head north.

GM Tip: If players struggle or don't know what to do, have Elara suggest questioning people who might have seen Corvin leave, or have an NPC volunteer information without requiring a Check.

Scene 2: Tracking Through the Forest

Purpose: Introduce exploration Checks and environmental challenges.

Location: The north forest road leading to Oakridge Camp.

What's Happening: The players follow the forest road north. After about two hours of walking, they reach the area where Corvin was ambushed. They need to find clues and track him to the bandit camp.

The Ambush Site:

Read this when players reach the halfway point:

"The forest road narrows here, with thick underbrush on both sides. The ground shows signs of a struggle—disturbed dirt, broken branches, and hoofprints that stop suddenly. Something happened here."

Clues to Find:

DC 12 RSN Check (Observation): Players notice:

• Tracks from multiple people (3-4 individuals) leading west off the road
• Drag marks suggesting someone was pulled or carried
• A torn piece of expensive cloth (Corvin's coat) caught on a bush

DC 14 RSN Check (Observation): Additional details:

• The tracks are fresh—less than a day old
• One set of prints is deep and uneven, suggesting someone carrying a burden
• Faint smell of wood smoke to the west—someone has a camp nearby

Following the Tracks:

DC 12 RSN Check (Tracking or Survival): Players successfully follow the trail west through the forest toward the old mill ruins.

Failure or Partial Success: They lose the trail briefly, taking extra time, or they follow correctly but make noise, alerting the bandits (gives bandits time to prepare—see Scene 3).

The Approach:

After 30 minutes of tracking, players approach the bandit camp:

"Through the trees ahead, you see the ruins of an old mill—stone walls half-collapsed, the waterwheel long gone. Smoke rises from a small campfire. You hear voices—two, maybe three people. One voice is higher-pitched, pleading: 'I already told you, the money's back in town! Let me go and I'll bring it to you!' That might be Corvin."

Stealth Approach (Optional):

If players want to sneak closer and observe before acting:

DC 12 AGI Check (Stealth): Players get close enough to see the camp layout without being spotted:

• Three bandits (two near the fire, one on watch)
• Corvin tied to a post near the ruins
• The bandits are armed with clubs and knives
• There's a clear path from the east side that provides cover

DC 14 AGI Check (Stealth): Players also notice:

• The guard on watch is distracted and not paying close attention
• One bandit is injured (bandaged arm)—easier to fight
• The bandits' weapons are within reach but not currently held

Failure: The guard spots movement. The bandits grab their weapons and call out: "Who's there? Show yourselves!" Combat begins with the bandits prepared (no surprise advantage).

Running This Scene:

1. Let players decide how to approach—stealth, direct confrontation, or trying to negotiate.
2. Reward creative solutions. If they create a distraction to lure bandits away, that might avoid combat.
3. The goal is rescuing Corvin, not necessarily killing all the bandits.

Scene 3: Confronting the Bandits

Purpose: Introduce combat with a manageable encounter.

Location: The old mill ruins and bandit camp.

The Bandits:

Bandit Leader (Torvin):

• Resolve Clock: 6 segments
• Attributes: MIG 1, AGI 1, PRE 1, RSN 0
• Skills: Intimidation, Brawling
• Weapon: Club (counts as simple weapon, uses MIG for Strikes)
• Tactics: Torvin tries to intimidate first, fights aggressively if that fails. He's a bully, not a soldier.

Bandit 1 (Kess):

• Resolve Clock: 6 segments
• Attributes: MIG 1, AGI 1
• Skills: Brawling
• Weapon: Knife
• Tactics: Kess stays close to Torvin, supporting him. If badly hurt, will surrender.

Bandit 2 (Rol):

• Resolve Clock: 4 segments (injured from earlier fight with Corvin)
• Attributes: MIG 0, AGI 1
• Weapon: Knife
• Tactics: Rol is already wounded and not eager to fight. First to flee or surrender.

Corvin (the merchant):

• Tied up, unarmed, not a threat. If freed, he'll flee to safety and won't participate in the fight.

Starting the Fight:

If players try to negotiate:

• DC 14 PRE Check (Persuasion or Intimidation): Torvin considers letting Corvin go if paid 100 silver (the amount Corvin was carrying). He's suspicious but willing to deal.
• DC 16 PRE Check: Torvin releases Corvin for 50 silver, grumbling but intimidated by the group.
• Failure: Torvin laughs and draws his club. "You think you can threaten us? We're taking your coin too!" Combat begins.

If players attack:

• Initiative is conversational—players act first if they surprised the bandits, otherwise GM and players alternate.

Running the Combat:

Round 1: Torvin tries to intimidate: "Back off or the merchant dies!"

• If players waver, Torvin pulls a knife on Corvin.
• If players press forward, Torvin realizes he's outmatched and fights.

Suggested Combat Flow:

• Torvin fights until his Resolve Clock hits 4/6 segments, then tries to retreat
• Kess fights until Torvin goes down, then surrenders
• Rol flees or surrenders after taking any significant damage (2+ segments)

Bandit Combat Actions:

• Strike (DC 14): Bandits roll 4d6 + MIG 1 (or AGI 1 for knives) + Brawling 1 (if applicable). Average roll: 15
  • Full Success: 2 segments on target's Resolve Clock
  • Partial Success: 1 segment
• Maneuver: Try to grab a PC, create obstacles, or reposition. DC 12-14 depending on action.

Player Combat Actions:

• Players use Strike, Maneuver, Set Up, or Defend as described in Core Rules.
• The Tank (Garrick) should Strike reliably. The Face (Sera) should use Persuasion or disengage. The Specialist (Rella) should observe and strike from advantageous positions.

Outcomes:

If players win (very likely): The bandits are defeated, captured, or fled. Corvin is rescued.

If players struggle: Corvin could break free and help, or a patrol from Oakridge Camp arrives to assist (introduce 2 friendly NPCs with basic stats).

If players lose (unlikely): The bandits take the PCs' valuables and flee, leaving the PCs and Corvin tied up. They escape after the bandits leave, but lose money/time. This is a setback, not a campaign-ender.

After Combat:

Corvin is grateful, shaken but unharmed. He thanks the PCs profusely and confirms he'll pay the full fee once back in Millhaven.

Loot (if players search the bandit camp):

• 30 silver coins (stolen from Corvin)
• Basic camping gear
• A crude map showing other bandit camps in the region (potential future adventure hook)
• Torvin's club (heavy, usable as weapon)

Choices:

• Do players take the bandits prisoner, leave them tied up, or let them flee?
• Do they escort Corvin directly back to Millhaven, or continue to Oakridge Camp first?

Scene 4: Resolution and Next Steps

Purpose: Wrap up the adventure and set up future sessions.

Back in Millhaven:

Corvin and Elara pay the promised fee (50 silver coins total, split among PCs). Corvin offers an additional 20 silver if players return the stolen money, bringing the total to 70 silver.

Elara mentions: "Corvin said the bandits were asking about 'the shipment from Greywater.' They seemed to know he'd be on that road. Someone might have tipped them off."

Possible Follow-Up Hooks:

1. Investigate who told the bandits about Corvin's route
2. Clear out other bandit camps using the map found in Scene 3
3. Escort Corvin's trade shipment to Greywater (the original job)
4. Explore why Corvin mentioned "strange sounds in the forest" to Elara

GM Guidance: Ask players which direction they want to explore. Use their answer to plan the next session.

GM Tips for Running This Adventure

Pacing: Each scene should take 20-40 minutes. If a scene drags, move to the next one. If players rush, let them—don't force every scene to last a certain length.

Difficulty: This adventure uses DC 12-14 for most Checks. Only use DC 16 for especially tough moments (like convincing the bandit leader to back down without a fight).

Player Freedom: If players come up with creative solutions you didn't expect, go with it. The goal is a good story, not following the script exactly.

Combat Balance: Three bandits vs three PCs is roughly balanced, but players should win. If combat seems too easy, have bandits act smarter. If too hard, have an injured bandit flee early or reduce their Resolve Clocks.

When Players Get Stuck: Drop hints. Have an NPC offer suggestions, or let players roll RSN Checks to remember obvious clues.

Roleplaying NPCs: Elara is worried and scattered. Torvin is a cowardly bully. Corvin is grateful and nervous. You don't need elaborate voices—just describe their tone and body language.

"What If Players Do X?":

What if players ignore the quest and do something else?

• Let them! Improvise a new adventure. Or have Elara increase the offered reward to make the quest more tempting.

What if players try to ambush the bandits with elaborate traps?

• Great! Let them describe their plan. Call for RSN Checks (DC 12-14) to set traps successfully. Grant Edge on the first round of combat if traps work.

What if players want to intimidate the bandits into surrendering without a fight?

• Excellent! Call for a DC 16 PRE Check (Intimidation or Persuasion). Success means Torvin backs down and releases Corvin for a smaller payment. The Tank (Garrick) is perfect for this approach.

What if players attack Corvin by mistake or betray him?

• Razorweave supports many play styles. If players genuinely want to play as criminals, let them. Elara becomes an enemy, town guards get involved, and the campaign shifts to an outlaw story. Ask players if this is really the direction they want—it's a major tone shift.

What if players want to recruit the bandits?

• Torvin is a coward but might agree if paid. Kess and Rol just want steady work. This could lead to interesting complications (Can they be trusted? What does Elara think?).

What if combat goes badly and a PC's Resolve Clock fills?

• They're knocked unconscious or forced to retreat. Another PC can stabilize them with a DC 12 RSN Check (First Aid or Medicine) after combat. They wake up groggy but alive after a few minutes.

What if players split the party?

• Let them! Handle each group's actions in turn. If one group triggers combat, resolve that fully before cutting back to the other group.

What's Next?

Congratulations—you've played Razorweave! Here's what to explore next:

Continue Playing

You don't need to read the entire rulebook before your next session. You've learned the essentials. Keep playing and reference rules as needed.

Explore the Full Rules

When you're ready for more depth:

• Chapter 6 (Character Creation): Learn to create your own characters from scratch
• Chapter 8 (Actions, Checks, and Outcomes): Detailed explanation of the Check system with many examples
• Chapter 10 (Combat Basics): Expanded combat rules, advanced actions, and tactical options
• Chapters 21-26 (GM Guidance): Tools for creating your own adventures, NPCs, and worlds

Build Your Own Characters

The pre-generated characters are great for learning, but creating your own is more rewarding. Use the 15-Minute Character Creation process in Chapter 6:

1. Pick a concept (one sentence)
2. Assign Attributes (2, 1, 1, 0)
3. Choose 3-4 Skills
4. Choose 2-3 Proficiencies
5. Pick starting gear
6. Define one connection to another character or the world

Create Your Own Adventures

The "Missing Merchant" structure works for many scenarios:

1. Setup: Someone needs help (or players pursue a goal)
2. Investigation: Gather information through social interaction
3. Exploration: Travel to a location, track clues, face environmental challenges
4. Confrontation: Resolve the situation through combat, negotiation, or clever thinking
5. Resolution: Wrap up, pay rewards, introduce next adventure hook

Change the details, and you have a new adventure: missing child instead of merchant, haunted ruin instead of bandit camp, rival merchant instead of bandits, etc.

Join the Community

Razorweave thrives on shared stories. Share your first session experiences, ask questions, and learn from other groups. The game grows through play.

Quick Reference Tables

Check Rolling

1. Roll 4d6, sum all four dice
2. Add Attribute (0-2)
3. Add +1 if relevant Skill applies
4. Compare total to DC

Difficulty Classes

Outcomes

Combat Damage (Resolve Clock segments)

Edge and Burden

Edge and Burden cap at +2/-2. They cancel each other out.

You're ready to play. Gather your dice, choose your characters, and start the adventure. Welcome to Razorweave.

2. Core Concepts at a Glance

Razorweave is built on a simple promise: the story matters more than the rules, but the rules make the story matter more. Dice create tension. Consequences create stakes. And the moments that stay with you emerge from a table that trusts each other to play honestly and push forward together.

This chapter introduces the core ideas that make the system work. Later chapters expand and refine them, but everything begins here. Return to these concepts whenever you need to recalibrate how the game should feel at the table.

Fiction First

The story is always the starting point. Describe the situation. Describe what your character does. Only when the outcome is uncertain and meaningful do the dice come out. You never start with a rule and force the fiction to fit it.

This means most moments in play don't require rolls at all. A competent lockpick opens a simple lock. A strong character kicks down a rotten door. The rules step in when success isn't guaranteed and failure would change the story.

Characters

Characters are the lens through which you experience the world. Four Attributes (Might, Agility, Presence, and Reason) define their core capabilities. Skills represent trained competencies. Proficiencies unlock specific actions or grant situational advantages.

But characters are more than numbers. They have histories that shaped them, goals that drive them, and connections to people and places that pull them into trouble. Character creation takes about fifteen minutes, but leaves room for depth to emerge through play.

Checks and Outcomes

When the outcome matters and isn't certain, you make a Check: roll 4d6, add your Attribute, add +1 if you have a relevant Skill, and compare to a target number. The result falls into one of four tiers (critical success, full success, partial success, or failure), each pushing the story in a different direction.

Partial success is where the system shines. You got what you wanted, but something else changed. The lock opens, but you hear footsteps. The negotiation works, but you owe a favor. Every roll moves the story forward, even when things go wrong.

Tags, Conditions, and Clocks

The game tracks state through simple, visible tools. Tags are short descriptors attached to scenes, locations, or situations (like Dimly Lit, Hostile Crowd, or Crumbling Floor) that the GM uses to set difficulty or grant Edge and Burden. Conditions are ongoing states on characters (Wounded, Exhausted, Rattled) that affect what they can do until addressed.

Clocks are segmented circles that track progress toward something: a guard patrol completing its route, a ritual nearing completion, a character's resolve wearing thin. When the clock fills, the thing happens. Clocks make time visible and give weight to every moment spent.

Table Collaboration

Everyone at the table contributes to the story. The GM presents the world honestly, describing situations, playing NPCs, and calling for Checks when outcomes are uncertain. Players act through their characters with clear intent, describing what they do and why. The rules help everyone answer the same question: what happens next?

This isn't a game where the GM has a secret story and the players try to find it. The best moments come from genuine uncertainty, honest reactions, and the willingness to let the dice change your plans.

You can begin play after reading Chapters 1 through 6. The rest of the book deepens and extends these core ideas as your table needs them.

3. How to Use This Rulebook

This chapter explains how to navigate the Core Rulebook, how to understand the structure of the system, and how to use the text at the table. You do not need to memorize everything before you begin play. The book is designed so that you can learn the basics, then return to specific chapters as questions arise.

Navigating the Book

The Core Rulebook is organized to support both reading and quick reference. The structure is:

• Chapters 1 through 5 introduce the game, the core concepts, how to use the book, the principles of play, and the different ways to play.
• Chapters 6 through 13 present the core rules that players will use most often at the table, including character creation, attributes, and core resolution.
• Chapters 14 through 17 provide the full Skills and Proficiencies references.
• Chapters 18 through 20 collect key mechanical references such as Tags, Conditions, and advancement.
• Chapters 21 through 26 give the Game Master tools for running scenes, campaigns, and alternative modes of play.
• Chapters 28 and 29 provide the glossary and index.

If you are new to tabletop roleplaying, it is helpful to read Chapters 1 through 5 in order. If you already have experience, you can skim the early chapters, then focus on Chapters 6 and 7, where the core resolution and character structure are introduced in detail.

Rules as Tools

The rules in this book are tools. They help the table answer the question of what happens next. You do not exist to serve the rules. The rules exist to support your story. When a rule clarifies a moment, use it. When a rule does not add anything useful, resolve the situation through conversation instead. The game is at its best when the rules and the fiction work together.

The system is built around a single resolution structure. Attributes (Chapter 7), Skills and Proficiencies (Chapters 14-17), Tags and Conditions (Chapters 18-19), and Clocks (Chapter 20) all connect to this structure. Once you understand how Checks work (Chapter 8), the rest of the mechanics will feel familiar and consistent.

What a Rule Explains

Every major rule in this book answers three questions. What does this rule cover. When does it apply. How does it influence the fiction. These three ideas appear in the way chapters are written and in the examples that follow them. If a rule feels confusing, return to these questions. They usually point to the intended use.

Fiction First Structure

The rules always follow the fiction. You begin by understanding the situation, the environment, and the characters. You describe what is happening in the story. Only when the outcome of an action is uncertain and meaningful do you reach for mechanics. You do not start with a rule and then try to force the fiction to match it.

Checks in Context

Checks are the system's way of resolving uncertainty. Chapter 8 explains the full procedure. This chapter focuses on how to think about Checks as you read. A Check is a signal that the scene has reached a point where chance and consequence matter. When a Check is called for, the chapter you are reading will explain exactly which part of the system is in focus.

Learning the Flow of the System

The system has a flow that you will learn over time. You do not need to master everything at once. Instead, you can approach the book in layers. First, read enough to understand the core loop. Then, as your group encounters new situations, you can read or reread the chapters that support those scenes.

Intent and Approach in the Text

As you read rule examples, notice how often the words intent and approach appear. They are used deliberately. Intent describes what the character wants to achieve. Approach describes how the character is trying to achieve it. Many examples in this book use that pairing to show why certain Attributes, Skills, or Proficiencies apply.

Recognizing Rule Triggers

Not every scene needs mechanical resolution. One of the skills you develop as you read and play is the ability to recognize which moments call for specific rules. When the story reaches a point where uncertainty and consequence align, a rule triggers. A chapter might say that a certain kind of situation often triggers a Check (see Chapter 8), or that a specific type of danger often advances a Clock (see Chapter 20).

Using Examples

Examples appear throughout this book to demonstrate the rules in action. They follow a consistent pattern. The scene is described. A player states intent and approach. The GM decides whether a Check is needed. Dice are rolled. The outcome changes the situation. The example then shows how that change affects the next moment of the story.

Using the Glossary

The glossary (Chapter 28) is the authoritative source for terms. When a word has a glossary definition, it will appear with a link the first time it is used in a chapter. If you are uncertain about the meaning of a term, check the glossary entry. It often clears up confusion that might arise from casual reading.

Reading as a Group

Many groups benefit from reading the early chapters together. A session zero that includes a shared read through of the welcome, core concepts, and principles of play chapters helps everyone align on tone and expectations. Chapter 5, Ways to Play the Game, is also useful to read as a group so that everyone understands which play style you are aiming for.

Chapter Summary

This chapter has given you a lens for reading the rest of the book. Treat the rules as tools that support your story. Let the fiction guide when mechanics come into play. Use examples and the glossary to deepen your understanding. Move at a pace that feels comfortable. The next chapter introduces the core principles of play that shape every session at your table.

4. Core Principles of Play

This chapter explains the principles that shape every session of the game. These principles guide how players describe actions, how the GM presents situations, and how the table works together to move the story forward. They are not rules in the mechanical sense. They are values and habits that help the system produce consistent and engaging play.

The game uses a fiction first approach. You begin with the situation, decide what the characters do, and let the rules support the story when uncertainty and consequence appear. The principles below help the table maintain that flow.

The Table as Creative Team

Every player at the table is part of the creative process. The GM presents the world. Players bring characters to life. The conversation between them becomes the engine of play. No one person controls the story. The table builds it together.

The GM describes locations, events, and pressures. Players respond by stating what their characters attempt. When the situation contains meaningful risk, the rules support the moment. In scenes that are calm or certain, the group continues the story through simple narration.

Trust supports everything. The GM trusts players to act with the fiction in mind. Players trust the GM to run the world honestly. The table trusts the system to provide structure when necessary. This trust allows everyone to play boldly.

Player Intent and Agency

A player states what their character wants to accomplish. This is intent. They then explain how their character attempts it. This is approach. The GM uses intent and approach to decide whether the action succeeds automatically or whether risk is present.

Intent focuses the scene. Approach shapes which Attributes, Skills, or Proficiencies may apply. The rules always interpret a character's attempt in the context of the fiction, not as a puzzle of modifiers.

Agency in this system comes from informed decision making. The GM describes situations in enough detail that players can understand what is at stake and choose their actions freely. When the stakes are clear, Checks feel meaningful and satisfying.

Players own their characters. They express their thoughts, motivations, and actions. The GM does not decide how a character feels or what a character chooses. The GM presents the world. Players choose how their characters engage with it.

The GM's Role

The GM is responsible for portraying the world clearly and fairly. This means describing situations honestly, sharing sensory details, and revealing information that the characters would reasonably perceive. The GM does not use surprises to punish the players. Instead, surprises serve the fiction and come from established threats or incomplete information.

The players roll dice. The GM interprets the results in the fiction. A number never appears without narrative meaning. The GM describes what the dice reveal. The story changes in ways that make sense in the scene.

Every action changes the situation. When the players act, the GM updates the fiction. Threats advance. Opportunities emerge. Characters alter their position, their resources, or their standing with others. The world is not static. It reacts.

Fiction First, Mechanics Second

Mechanics never replace the shared imagination of the table. Instead, they provide structure when the story reaches a point of risk or uncertainty. If no risk exists, the GM simply narrates the outcome of the player's action. This keeps the pace smooth and avoids unnecessary rules.

A Check only occurs when the outcome is meaningfully uncertain, the stakes matter to the story, and failure or partial success would move the scene forward in an interesting way.

A good scene moves toward something. Sometimes this is an objective. Sometimes it is a revelation. Sometimes it is a moment of tension or a decision. The GM frames scenes with purpose. Players act with intent. Checks provide turning points.

Outcomes Create Momentum

Failure is not an end point. It is a change in direction. When a Check fails, the story moves forward into a new state. This might introduce complications, new dangers, or shifts in position. Failure should never stop the story. It should bend it.

Partial success provides a result that sits between success and failure. The character achieves part of what they intended, but not all of it, or they succeed with a cost. This outcome creates tension, opportunity, and interesting decisions.

Chapter Summary

The principles in this chapter describe how the table works together. The GM presents the world honestly. Players express intent and approach. The fiction leads. Mechanics support. Failure creates momentum. Partial success adds tension. The world responds. Scenes have direction. Trust holds everything in place. The next chapter expands on these principles by showing how different modes of play shape the experience of the system.

5. Ways to Play the Game

This game supports multiple styles of play. Some groups meet weekly around a table. Others play online in short sessions. Some prefer a single player experience. Others use a shared world without a designated Game Master. The system is flexible and does not assume one standard format. The rules in later chapters work for all modes of play.

This chapter gives an overview of each play style. It also points to the sections of the book that support them. You do not need to choose one style forever. Many groups switch between modes depending on who is available or what kind of story they want to tell. For in-depth guidance on alternative play modes, see Chapter 26.

Play Mode Selection Guide

Which Mode Fits Your Group?

Choosing a play mode depends on your group's size, schedule, and creative preferences. Use these guidelines to find your starting point.

Choose Group + GM if: You want someone to prepare content and maintain world consistency. This mode works best when you have a regular group of three or more players and someone who enjoys the preparation and facilitation role.

Choose Duet if: Scheduling is hard or you want deep character focus. Duet play excels when coordinating multiple schedules proves difficult, or when you want to explore a single character's story with undivided attention.

Choose GMless if: Everyone wants equal creative control. This mode suits groups where no one wants to take on the full GM role, or where collaborative worldbuilding feels more rewarding than prepared content.

Choose Solo if: You want to explore at your own pace between sessions. Solo play lets you develop your character's personal arcs, explore downtime activities, or simply engage with the system when group sessions are not available.

Choose Async if: Real-time sessions do not fit your schedule. Asynchronous play works for groups spread across time zones or those with unpredictable availability who still want to maintain a shared narrative.

Transitioning Between Modes

Groups often shift modes as circumstances change. The system supports these transitions without additional rules or conversion steps.

Common Mode Transitions

• Start with one-shots to learn the system, then transition to campaign play once everyone feels comfortable with the mechanics
• Use solo play between sessions for character downtime, letting players explore personal goals or relationships on their own time
• Switch to duet when only two players can make it, keeping the story moving rather than canceling the session entirely
• Try GMless for a "what if" side story, exploring alternate timelines or secondary characters without burdening the primary GM

When transitioning, discuss with your group which elements carry over. Clocks, Tags, and character progress typically transfer directly. Scene framing and authority distribution adjust to match the new mode.

Group Play With a GM

A group gathers with one person acting as Game Master. The GM presents the world, plays its characters, and describes the consequences of player actions. The players control their own characters and make decisions that drive the story forward. This is the most common mode of play and the one most chapters assume by default.

Group play can take the form of one-shots (complete adventures in a single session) or campaigns (longer stories told over multiple sessions). One-shots help introduce new players to the system and work well for conventions or special events, focusing on clear stakes and strong pacing. Campaigns grow through character development, evolving threats, and unfolding consequences, with the GM building on player actions and using tools like Clocks and Tags to maintain continuity.

Session Zero Checklist When starting a new group, use your first session to establish these foundations:

• Discuss safety tools and boundaries
• Choose play mode and session format (one-shot or campaign)
• Establish setting and tone
• Create characters together
• Set session schedule expectations

Duet Play

Duet play involves one player and one GM. It feels more intimate and often focuses on personal stories or character-driven arcs. Scenes can shift quickly. The pacing is flexible.

The single-player format allows for deeper exploration of backstory, relationships, and internal conflict. The GM can tailor every scene to one character's journey without balancing spotlight time. Combat encounters scale down naturally, and social scenes gain intensity when the player faces challenges alone. Duet play also offers scheduling flexibility since coordinating two people is simpler than coordinating a full group.

GMless Cooperative Play

In GMless play, the group shares narrative responsibility. No single person controls the world. Instead, the table uses procedures that rotate authority and help distribute scene framing, consequences, and world building. The game still uses the core resolution system, but each player takes turns providing challenges or interpreting outcomes.

GMless Play Procedure When you play without a GM, use these steps to keep authority flowing smoothly:

1. Each scene, rotate who frames the situation. The framing player describes the location, the immediate tension, and any relevant Tags.
2. When a character faces opposition, another player voices the obstacle. This player describes what stands in the way and how it resists.
3. For uncertain outcomes, the player to your left sets the DC based on the fiction. They assess the difficulty using the standard DC ladder.
4. Use Clocks to track group goals and external pressure. A shared 6-segment Clock can represent your investigation progress while a 4-segment threat Clock builds tension.
5. When the fiction demands consequences, the group collaborates on what makes sense. Discuss briefly, then the framing player makes the final call.

Worked Example: Scene Framing and Authority Rotation Three players are investigating a missing caravan. It is Alex's turn to frame the scene. Alex describes the abandoned campsite: "You arrive at dusk. The camp is in disarray, supplies scattered, but no blood. A single wagon wheel leans against a tree, and you notice fresh tracks leading into the forest." When Jordan's character wants to follow the tracks, Sam voices the obstacle: "The forest is dense, and darkness is falling fast. Following the trail will be hard." Casey, sitting to Jordan's left, sets the DC at 12, judging the task moderately difficult given the conditions. Jordan rolls, succeeds, and the group agrees that the tracks lead to a hidden cave entrance. Alex, as scene framer, confirms this outcome and describes what they see. Next scene, Sam takes over as framer while the group continues the investigation.

Solo Play

Solo play is designed for a single player. You control one or more characters and use structured tools to emulate the world. These tools include prompts, oracles, and scene framing procedures. Solo play keeps the core mechanics intact.

You can adapt GMless procedures for solo play by combining them with the oracle table. When your character faces opposition, use the oracle to determine whether the obstacle proves as difficult as expected. Frame each scene as you would in GMless play, but instead of another player setting the DC, use your judgment based on the fiction and consult the oracle when outcomes are genuinely uncertain. The scene framing procedure and Clock mechanics transfer directly from GMless to solo mode without modification.

Oracle Table

When you need to answer yes/no questions about the world, roll 1d6:

Roll	Result
1	No, and something worsens. A complication or threat emerges.
2	No, but a detail helps. You learn something useful despite the setback.
3-4	Yes, but at a cost. It works, though something is lost or risked.
5	Yes. The answer is straightforward and positive.
6	Yes, and an opportunity appears. Things go better than expected.

Scene Framing Procedure

Use these steps to structure each solo scene:

1. Establish the Goal: What does your character want from this scene? Make it concrete and achievable within one or two actions.
2. Set the Location: Where does this take place? Include one or two sensory details that ground the scene in the fiction.
3. Introduce Tension: What stands in the way? Use a Clock if the obstacle will take time, or set a DC if it requires a single test.
4. Play Through the Action: Narrate your character's approach, make any needed rolls, and interpret the outcome using the oracle if uncertainty arises.
5. Resolve and Transition: When the goal is achieved or clearly blocked, end the scene. Note any new Tags, Clock progress, or consequences before moving to the next scene.

Adventure Prompts

When you need a starting point, roll 1d10 or choose:

1. A messenger arrives with urgent news about someone your character thought was dead.
2. A valuable object your character lost years ago surfaces in a dangerous location.
3. A faction your character once opposed offers an alliance against a greater threat.
4. Strange occurrences cluster around a landmark your character knows well.
5. A mentor or ally vanishes, leaving behind only cryptic clues.
6. Your character witnesses something that contradicts everything they believed about the world.
7. A debt comes due, but the creditor demands something other than coin.
8. Dreams or visions compel your character toward an unexplored region.
9. A rival from your character's past returns with a proposition that seems too good to refuse.
10. An innocent bystander becomes tangled in your character's conflict and needs protection.

Online and Asynchronous Play

Whether you play synchronously over video chat or asynchronously through text, online play introduces unique considerations. Asynchronous play occurs through messages, email, shared documents, or online platforms. Players take turns responding when they have time. Because asynchronous play lacks immediate conversation, clarity is essential. Players describe intent and approach carefully. The GM presents outcomes with enough detail to move the story forward between posts.

Online Play Best Practices

• Use shared dice rollers everyone can see. Transparency builds trust and keeps the mechanical side of play visible to all participants.
• Establish clear turn-taking signals. A raised hand emoji, a chat command like "/ready", or verbal cues like "I'm done" prevent crosstalk and ensure everyone gets their moment.
• Keep a shared document for Clocks and Tags visible to all. A simple spreadsheet or virtual whiteboard lets everyone track the current state of the fiction without relying on memory.
• Shorter sessions work better online than marathon sessions. Aim for two hours rather than four. Screen fatigue is real, and focused play maintains energy better than extended sessions with diminishing engagement.
• For async play, include all relevant context in each post. Summarize the current situation, state your intent clearly, and describe your approach in enough detail that others can respond without clarifying questions.

Chapter Summary

This chapter described the supported modes of play. The system works whether you have one player or six, whether you have a GM or distribute authority, and whether you play in person or through messages. Many tables blend modes: using solo play between sessions for character development, rotating GMless scenes inside a GM-led campaign, or starting with one-shots before committing to a longer story. For detailed guidance on alternative play modes, see Chapter 26. The next chapter introduces the character framework that supports all of these play styles.

6. Character Creation

Character Creation is the process of turning an idea into a fully playable character. You begin with a concept, shape it through narrative and mechanical choices, and finish with a complete sheet that reflects who your character is and how they participate in the world. You do not need to know every rule before you start. This chapter guides you step by step with all the information you need to complete each stage.

If this is your first tabletop RPG, consider reading Chapters 1-5 before creating your character. Those chapters explain how the game works and will help the choices below make more sense.

Coming from Other RPGs?

If you have played games with races, classes, spell lists, and ability scores, Razorweave works differently. There are no predetermined character classes or racial templates. Instead, you build your character from a concept outward, choosing capabilities that fit who they are rather than selecting from a menu of predetermined options.

Traditional System	Razorweave Equivalent
Race/Species	Part of your concept and background (no mechanical template)
Class	Emerges from your Attribute, Skill, and Proficiency choices
Ability Scores	Four Attributes: Might, Agility, Presence, Reason
Class Features/Spells	Skills and Proficiencies (no spell lists)
Feats	Proficiencies and narrative permissions

The result is more flexible but requires you to think about who your character is before making mechanical choices. The steps below guide you through that process.

Quick-Start: 10-Minute Character

Need a character fast? Use this streamlined path for one-shots or time-pressed sessions:

Essential Terms:

• Attributes = Your core capabilities (MIG, AGI, PRE, RSN). Higher = better at that type of action.
• Skills = Trained abilities. Add +1 when you use them (e.g., Stealth, Persuasion).
• Proficiencies = Specialized knowledge or tools. Enable approaches or provide Edge.
• Gear = What you carry. Provides fictional authority for actions.

Quick Creation Steps:

1. Concept in one sentence: "A [role/background] who [defining trait or goal]."
2. Attributes: Use the standard array: 2 in your primary, 1 in two others, 0 in one.
3. Skills: Pick 3 from the Suggested Skills list below.
4. Proficiencies: Pick 2 from the Suggested Proficiencies list below.
5. Gear: Choose clothing, a backpack, and 2-3 items that fit your concept.

You now have a playable character. Fill in name, background, and goals as you play. Return to the full chapter later to add depth.

If you encounter unfamiliar terms during character creation, consult the Glossary (Chapter 28) for definitions.

Learning by Example

Some players prefer to see a full character before reading detailed steps. If you want to follow a character build from start to finish, you can skip ahead to the Worked Examples section later in this chapter and return to each step as needed.

The Nine-Step Creation Checklist

Character Creation follows nine steps. Each step is self-contained with all the guidance you need to complete it. Work through them in order, checking off each as you finish.

Step 1: Choose a Concept

Goal: Define who your character is in one or two sentences.

What to do:

• Write a short phrase that captures your character's role, background, and defining trait
• Ensure the concept suggests what scenes you want to be in
• Verify the concept fits the campaign tone (discuss with your GM if unsure)

Guidance:

A concept is the short answer to the question: who is this person? It does not depend on mechanics or require a long backstory, though you can develop one if you enjoy that part of character creation. Strong concepts are specific enough to suggest habits and history, but open enough to leave room for discovery.

Questions to help define your concept:

• What did your character do before the story begins?
• What makes them different from others in a similar role?
• What drives them to take risks?

When you finish this step: You should be able to describe your character in a single sentence that excites you.

Concept Scaffolding: Genre-Neutral Archetypes

If you're not sure where to start, use these genre-neutral archetypes as scaffolding. Each category includes example concepts across different settings.

How to Use This Table:

1. Pick an archetype that matches the kind of scenes you want to experience
2. Look at the example concepts for inspiration across genres
3. Adapt the concept to fit your GM's campaign setting
4. Add one specific detail that makes it yours

Step 2: Define Core Identity Elements

Goal: Add personal details that make your character feel real.

What to do:

• Choose a name and pronouns
• Note their origin or home environment
• Describe their everyday role before the story begins
• List one or two notable habits or mannerisms
• Describe how others perceive them at first meeting
• Identify one or two key experiences that shaped them

Guidance:

Identity elements help you imagine how your character thinks, speaks, and reacts. You do not need to define everything at once. Focus on details that connect to your concept.

You can expand or revise identity elements later if the story reveals new truths about your character.

When you finish this step: You should be able to describe your character walking into a room and how people react to them.

Step 3: Assign Attributes

Goal: Distribute your character's four core capabilities.

What to do:

• Review the four Attributes and what each represents
• Assign the standard array: one at 2, two at 1, one at 0
• Verify your choices match your concept
• Note which Attribute is your weakness and consider story opportunities

Guidance:

Attributes describe your character's natural capabilities. They reflect how your character approaches challenges when there is no time to prepare.

Standard Starting Array:

• One Attribute at 2 (your primary strength)
• Two Attributes at 1 (competent areas)
• One Attribute at 0 (your weakness)

No Attribute may be negative during creation. This spread represents balanced capability with room to grow.

Attribute Priorities by Archetype

Use these common builds as starting points. Adjust based on your specific concept.

---

Physical Archetype (MIG Primary)

Attribute	Value
MIG	2
AGI	1
PRE	1
RSN	0

Best for: Warriors, laborers, athletes, enforcers, survivalists

Secondary options: AGI for mobile fighters, PRE for intimidating leaders

Example concepts: Retired mercenary seeking redemption, dock worker who breaks up fights, traveling blacksmith with a past

---

Agile Archetype (AGI Primary)

Attribute	Value
AGI	2
RSN	1
PRE	1
MIG	0

Best for: Scouts, thieves, acrobats, sharpshooters, pilots, surgeons

Secondary options: RSN for careful planners, PRE for flashy performers

Example concepts: Rooftop courier who sees everything, circus performer turned spy, ship's navigator with steady hands

---

Social Archetype (PRE Primary)

Attribute	Value
PRE	2
RSN	1
AGI	1
MIG	0

Best for: Diplomats, con artists, leaders, performers, investigators, negotiators

Secondary options: RSN for manipulative schemers, AGI for charming rogues

Example concepts: Ex-courier who knows everyone's secrets, traveling actor gathering intelligence, disgraced noble rebuilding reputation

---

Analytical Archetype (RSN Primary)

Attribute	Value
RSN	2
AGI	1
PRE	1
MIG	0

Best for: Scholars, engineers, doctors, detectives, strategists, researchers

Secondary options: AGI for careful craftspeople, PRE for lecturers and teachers

Example concepts: Telegraph engineer decoding strange patterns, field archaeologist piecing together lost history, medical examiner who speaks for the dead

When you finish this step: Your Attribute spread should reflect what your character is good at and what challenges them.

Skills vs Proficiencies at a Glance

Before selecting Skills and Proficiencies, review this comparison to understand how each works differently in play.

The Key Distinction: Skills describe doing while Proficiencies describe knowing. A character with the Stealth Skill has practiced moving quietly and adds +1 when making Stealth-related Checks. A character with Lockpicking Tools Proficiency understands how locks work and owns the right equipment. Both matter, but they answer different questions about your character.

Step 4: Choose Skills

Goal: Select 3-4 learned abilities your character can rely on under pressure.

What to do:

• Review the Suggested Skills table below
• Select 3-4 Skills that fit your concept and background
• Consider creating custom Skills with GM approval if needed
• Ensure Skills support the kinds of scenes you want to experience

Understanding Skills

Skills describe what your character is good at doing. When a Skill applies to a Check, you add +1 to your roll result. This +1 represents competent training—the difference between someone who has practiced an action under pressure and someone relying on raw talent alone.

Think of Skills as answering: What actions has my character practiced?

When you attempt something related to a Skill you possess, you bring experience and training to bear, adding +1 to your Check. When you attempt something without a relevant Skill, you can still try—you just rely on your Attribute alone without the +1 bonus.

Guidance:

Skills are action-based competencies. They describe what your character has done often enough to rely on in uncertain moments. When you make a Check, a Skill often shapes your approach.

Skills answer the question: what have you practiced enough to apply under stress?

Skill Scope Guidelines:

Custom Skills: You may create Skills that do not appear on the list. Work with your GM to ensure custom Skills are grounded in the setting, clear in purpose, and neither too broad nor too narrow.

Custom Skill Examples Across Genres:

When you finish this step: You should have 3-4 Skills that describe what your character does well.

Step 5: Choose Proficiencies

Goal: Select 2-3 areas of specialized knowledge or tool familiarity.

What to do:

• Review the Suggested Proficiencies table below
• Select 2-3 Proficiencies that grow from your concept and background
• Discuss scope with your GM to ensure clarity
• Consider how Proficiencies change what your character knows automatically

Guidance:

Proficiencies represent narrow domains of expertise. They describe tools, environments, or disciplines your character understands deeply. Proficiencies often do not require a roll. Instead, they change what is reasonable, what is obvious, or how serious a risk feels.

Proficiencies answer the question: what have you studied or handled enough to use responsibly?

Custom Proficiency Examples Across Genres:

How Proficiencies Work:

Proficiencies do not add numbers to Checks. Instead, they provide fictional authority:

When you finish this step: You should have 2-3 Proficiencies that represent your character's specialized expertise.

Step 6: Determine Starting Gear

Goal: Select equipment that fits your background and supports your character's capabilities.

What to do:

• Record the basic gear package (all characters receive this)
• Choose up to three concept-driven items
• Select one weapon or dangerous tool if appropriate to the campaign
• Consider one custom item with GM approval if desired

Guidance:

Gear provides fictional authority, not numerical bonuses. It represents what your character already knows how to use and what situations they are prepared for.

Basic Gear Package (all characters):

• Clothing suited to their environment
• A backpack or satchel
• Basic travel supplies
• A personal item that holds meaning

Concept-Driven Items (choose up to 3):

Gear as Fictional Authority:

When you finish this step: You should have a gear list that supports your character's role and feels personal.

Step 7: Establish Background and Relationships

Goal: Define where your character comes from and who matters to them.

What to do:

• Write 2-3 sentences about where you grew up and what shaped you
• Note what kind of work or role you had before the story begins
• Name at least one meaningful relationship (mentor, rival, family, friend, or enemy)
• Leave space for new relationships to emerge in play

Guidance:

Background provides context for your character's abilities and perspectives. Relationships give the GM material for scenes, challenges, and future story arcs.

Background Questions:

• Where did you grow up?
• What pressures shaped your early life?
• What was your everyday role before the story began?
• Why did you leave that life (or why are you still in it)?

Relationship Types:

You do not need to define every relationship up front. Name one or two that feel important now. Add others as they emerge in play.

When you finish this step: You should have a sense of your character's past and at least one named NPC who matters to them.

Step 8: Define Goals, Drives, and Personal Threads

Goal: Establish what motivates your character and what unresolved elements create story potential.

What to do:

• Define at least one short-term goal (achievable within a few sessions)
• Define at least one long-term goal (campaign-spanning aspiration)
• Identify a core drive (deeper motivation or fear)
• Note one or two personal threads (unresolved questions or tensions)

Guidance:

Goals and drives explain why your character keeps moving. Personal threads give the GM material to weave into future scenes.

Goal Strength Check:

When you finish this step: You should be able to explain what your character wants and why they are willing to take risks to get it.

Step 9: Final Review and Campaign Fit

Goal: Ensure your character works as a cohesive whole and fits the group.

What to do:

• Review all previous steps for internal consistency
• Verify concept, identity, mechanics, and story elements align
• Discuss with GM and other players how your character connects to the group
• Adjust details to create natural connections and complementary capabilities
• Confirm your character is ready for play

Guidance:

A complete character should feel like a coherent person. All the elements—concept, identity, Attributes, Skills, Proficiencies, gear, background, relationships, and goals—should support each other.

Internal Consistency Check:

Group Integration Questions:

• Why would your character travel or work with this group?
• What shared history or complementary goals connect you?
• What tensions exist that create interesting roleplay?
• What gaps in group capability does your character fill?

When you finish this step: Your character sheet is complete and you are ready to play.

Worked Examples

This section presents two complete character builds with annotated decision-making at each step. These examples show different archetypes and explain the reasoning behind each choice.

Worked Example 1: Kira Valdros — Combat-Focused Character (MIG/AGI)

Final Concept: Former military scout turned bounty hunter who uses precision and overwhelming force.

Step 1: Choosing the Concept

The player wants a combat-effective character who can hold their own in dangerous situations. They consider several options:

Decision: "Former military scout turned bounty hunter" provides clear combat capability (military training), useful non-combat skills (scouting, tracking), and built-in story hooks (why did they leave the military? what do they hunt?)

Final Concept: Former military scout turned bounty hunter who uses precision and overwhelming force.

Step 2: Defining Identity Elements

The player builds on the concept to create specific details:

Identity Summary:

• Name: Kira Valdros (she/her)
• Origin: Border fortress settlement
• Profession: Former military scout, current bounty hunter
• Habits: Checks exits, sleeps light, prefers high ground
• Appearance: Athletic build, practical clothing, several visible scars, always armed
• Formative experience: Left military after a mission resulted in civilian casualties

Step 3: Assigning Attributes

The player wants combat effectiveness. They review the archetypes:

Decision: MIG primary with AGI secondary. This creates a character who can hit hard and move well, fitting the "precision and overwhelming force" concept.

This spread means Kira excels at physical confrontation, handles agile maneuvers adequately, can manage social situations when needed, and struggles with puzzles or careful planning.

Step 4: Choosing Skills

The player needs Skills that support both combat and the bounty hunting profession:

Skills Selected: Brawling, Athletics, Tracking, Intimidation

Why These Skills?

Kira chose Brawling and Athletics because her backstory as a military scout means she spent years training for physical confrontation and demanding field operations. These are actions she performed repeatedly during her service. When she makes Checks involving these actions, she adds +1 to her result.

She took Tracking because finding people is what bounty hunters do—it is an action central to her current profession.

Intimidation rounds out her Skills because projecting danger and convincing targets to surrender is an action that serves both combat and investigation scenes.

Note that she did not take Stealth, even though scouts often move quietly. The player decided Kira's approach is more direct—she tracks targets down and confronts them rather than sneaking past obstacles. This is a character choice, not a mechanical requirement.

These Skills create a character who excels at physical confrontation and pursuit, with social intimidation as a backup approach.

Step 5: Choosing Proficiencies

The player needs Proficiencies that reflect military background and bounty hunting work:

Proficiencies Selected: Military Protocol, Weapons Maintenance, Criminal Underworld

Why These Proficiencies?

Kira took Military Protocol because it represents knowledge she absorbed during years of service—understanding ranks, procedures, and how military organizations operate. This is not an action she performs; it is context she carries that changes how she interacts with soldiers and guards.

Weapons Maintenance is a Proficiency rather than a Skill because it represents familiarity with tools—knowing how to clean, repair, and maintain her equipment. She does not roll to maintain her sword; she simply knows how because of this Proficiency.

Criminal Underworld represents knowledge of a social context. She understands how criminal networks operate, who to ask, and what language to use. This knowledge enables approaches (like finding black market informants) that would be impossible without it.

Compare these to her Skills: Tracking is an action she performs (following trails, reading signs). Criminal Underworld is knowledge that tells her where to start tracking in the first place.

These Proficiencies mean Kira automatically understands military ranks and procedures, keeps her equipment in working order without Checks, and knows how to navigate the criminal elements of society.

Step 6: Determining Starting Gear

The player selects gear that supports a combat-ready bounty hunter:

Basic Package:

• Practical travel clothing (sturdy, weather-resistant)
• Military-style pack (organized, durable)
• Basic travel supplies
• Personal item: Dog tags from her unit (reminder of who she was)

Concept-Driven Items (3):

Weapon:

• Sword (already counted above)

Gear List:

• Sturdy travel clothing
• Military pack
• Basic supplies
• Dog tags (personal item)
• Reliable sword
• Reinforced leather armor
• Restraints and rope

Step 7: Establishing Background and Relationships

Background: Kira grew up in a border settlement where military service was expected. She joined young, showed aptitude for scouting, and spent years on the frontier. A reconnaissance mission went wrong when she reported an enemy position that turned out to be a refugee camp. The garrison acted on her intelligence. She left the service after that, unable to reconcile her role in what happened.

Relationship:

The player leaves room for additional relationships to emerge—targets who become complicated, clients with hidden agendas, other bounty hunters.

Step 8: Defining Goals, Drives, and Personal Threads

Step 9: Final Review

Consistency Check:

• Concept (military scout turned bounty hunter) matches MIG/AGI build
• Skills (Brawling, Athletics, Tracking, Intimidation) support combat and pursuit
• Proficiencies (Military Protocol, Weapons Maintenance, Criminal Underworld) reflect background
• Gear (sword, armor, restraints) fits profession
• Goals connect to backstory tragedy

Complete Character Sheet:

Kira Valdros

• Concept: Former military scout turned bounty hunter who uses precision and overwhelming force
• Attributes: MIG 2, AGI 1, PRE 1, RSN 0
• Skills: Brawling, Athletics, Tracking, Intimidation
• Proficiencies: Military Protocol, Weapons Maintenance, Criminal Underworld
• Gear: Sturdy travel clothing, military pack, sword, reinforced leather armor, restraints and rope, dog tags
• Background: Border fortress settlement; left military after reconnaissance error led to civilian casualties
• Relationship: Sergeant Marro (former CO)
• Goals: Complete contracts cleanly (short-term); make amends for past mistakes (long-term)
• Drive: Prove her skills can protect instead of harm
• Thread: Where are the survivors of the refugee camp?

Worked Example 2: Delian Osk — Social/Investigative Character (PRE/RSN)

Final Concept: Disgraced insurance investigator who specializes in finding what people want hidden.

Step 1: Choosing the Concept

The player wants a character focused on investigation and social manipulation rather than combat. They consider several options:

Decision: "Disgraced insurance investigator" adds the "disgraced" element for story hooks—why were they disgraced? What did they do? This creates a character who knows how systems work but operates outside them now.

Final Concept: Disgraced insurance investigator who specializes in finding what people want hidden.

Step 2: Defining Identity Elements

The player develops specific details that support an investigative, socially adept character:

Identity Summary:

• Name: Delian Osk (they/them)
• Origin: Major commercial city
• Profession: Former senior fraud investigator, current freelance investigator
• Habits: Constant note-taking, probing questions, situational awareness
• Appearance: Unremarkable clothing, plain face, sharp eyes, always has a notebook
• Formative experience: Discovered fraud reaching highest levels; silenced and discredited

Step 3: Assigning Attributes

The player reviews archetypes for investigation/social focus:

Decision: PRE primary with RSN secondary. The player decides Delian succeeds more through reading people and social manipulation than pure analysis. They get information from people, not just documents.

This spread means Delian excels at social interaction and manipulation, handles analytical work adequately, can manage basic physical situations, and must avoid or talk their way out of fights.

Step 4: Choosing Skills

The player needs Skills that support investigation and social manipulation:

Skills Selected: Investigation, Persuasion, Deception, Observation

Why These Skills?

Delian chose Investigation because it is the core action of their profession—searching rooms, examining documents, following leads. This is something they do actively. When investigating, they add +1 to their Check result.

Persuasion and Deception are both actions Delian performs regularly: convincing witnesses to share information, talking their way past gatekeepers, adopting false identities to access restricted areas. These are practiced behaviors, not just knowledge, and each adds +1 when applicable.

Observation rounds out the set because noticing details—reading body language, spotting inconsistencies, catching lies—is an action that supports everything else they do.

Note that Delian did not take Research as a Skill, even though investigators often review documents. The player decided Delian gets information primarily through people rather than archives. Their RSN of 1 can handle basic document review without a dedicated Skill.

These Skills create a character who excels at finding and extracting information through social means.

Step 5: Choosing Proficiencies

The player needs Proficiencies that reflect the investigator background:

Proficiencies Selected: Legal Procedures, Commercial Operations, Urban Navigation

Why These Proficiencies?

Delian took Legal Procedures because it represents knowledge of how courts, contracts, and official processes work. They do not roll to understand a legal document—they simply know what it means because of years working adjacent to the legal system.

Commercial Operations is similarly knowledge-based: understanding how businesses structure finances, where fraud typically hides, what documents matter. This Proficiency does not make Delian better at Checks; it tells them where to look and what questions to ask.

Urban Navigation represents environmental familiarity—knowing how cities are laid out, which neighborhoods serve which purposes, how to find someone who does not want to be found. This Proficiency might grant Edge when tracking someone through the city, or it might simply let Delian attempt approaches (like using back alleys and service corridors) that others would not think of.

Compare to Skills: Investigation is the action of searching and examining. Legal Procedures is the knowledge that tells Delian what they are looking at and why it matters.

These Proficiencies mean Delian automatically understands court processes and legal documents, knows how businesses operate and where fraud hides, and can navigate urban environments efficiently.

Step 6: Determining Starting Gear

The player selects gear that supports an investigator who works through social means:

Basic Package:

• Professional but unremarkable clothing (blends into business settings)
• Leather satchel (holds documents and notebooks)
• Basic travel supplies
• Personal item: A letter of commendation from their former employer (reminder of what they lost)

Concept-Driven Items (3):

Weapon:

• Small concealed knife (for emergencies only; Delian avoids violence)

Gear List:

• Professional clothing
• Leather satchel
• Basic supplies
• Letter of commendation (personal item)
• Notebooks and writing supplies
• Forged credentials
• Contact list and reference documents
• Small concealed knife

Step 7: Establishing Background and Relationships

Background: Delian spent fifteen years as a fraud investigator for one of the largest insurance firms in the city. They were good—too good. When they uncovered a fraud scheme that implicated several council members and a noble family, they reported it through proper channels. The investigation was buried. Delian was accused of fabricating evidence, fired publicly, and blacklisted from legitimate work. Now they take private cases, operating in the space between legal and illegal, trying to do the work that matters while surviving on the margins.

Relationship:

Two relationships provide both threat (Veth) and potential support (Marek).

Step 8: Defining Goals, Drives, and Personal Threads

Step 9: Final Review

Consistency Check:

• Concept (disgraced investigator) matches PRE/RSN build
• Skills (Investigation, Persuasion, Deception, Observation) support social investigation
• Proficiencies (Legal Procedures, Commercial Operations, Urban Navigation) reflect background
• Gear (notebooks, credentials, contacts) fits profession
• Goals connect to backstory injustice

Complete Character Sheet:

Delian Osk

• Concept: Disgraced insurance investigator who specializes in finding what people want hidden
• Attributes: PRE 2, RSN 1, AGI 1, MIG 0
• Skills: Investigation, Persuasion, Deception, Observation
• Proficiencies: Legal Procedures, Commercial Operations, Urban Navigation
• Gear: Professional clothing, leather satchel, notebooks and writing supplies, forged credentials, contact list, small concealed knife, letter of commendation
• Background: Former senior fraud investigator; discredited after uncovering high-level corruption
• Relationships: Councilor Veth (enemy who silenced them); Marek the editor (guilty former ally)
• Goals: Build reputation as private investigator (short-term); expose those who destroyed their career (long-term)
• Drive: The truth matters more than comfort or safety
• Thread: Where is the original evidence they gathered?

Cross-Genre Character Examples

This section presents three character builds across different genres (sci-fi, modern, horror) to demonstrate Razorweave's genre-agnostic design. Each includes key decision points and final results.

Cross-Genre Example 1: Dr. Amara Chen — Sci-Fi Medical Specialist

Setting: Deep space colony ship, 200 years into a 500-year journey

Final Concept: Ship's medical officer who suspects the crew's health anomalies aren't natural.

Key Decisions:

Complete Character Sheet:

Dr. Amara Chen (she/her)

• Concept: Ship's medical officer who suspects the crew's health anomalies aren't natural
• Attributes: RSN 2, AGI 1, PRE 1, MIG 0
• Skills: First Aid, Observation, Analysis, Persuasion
• Proficiencies: Medical Instruments, Biological Sciences, Ship Systems
• Gear: Medical scanner, portable diagnostic kit, encrypted data tablet, personal EVA suit, lab coat with hidden pockets, family photo from Earth
• Background: Born on the colony ship; third-generation medical officer following family tradition. Recent pattern of unexplained symptoms across multiple crew members doesn't match any known pathology.
• Relationship: Commander Okafor (ship's second-in-command who trusts Dr. Chen but is under pressure to maintain morale)
• Goals: Identify the cause of crew health anomalies (short-term); ensure the colony mission succeeds (long-term)
• Drive: Protect the people who have no one else to turn to
• Thread: One crew member's symptoms vanished overnight with no medical explanation—where did the condition go?

Genre Notes: This character works in sci-fi because the setting provides the isolation, the mystery, and the technical framework. The same archetype (medical specialist investigating anomalies) could work in modern hospital drama, frontier medicine, or post-apocalyptic survival—the core competencies remain the same.

Cross-Genre Example 2: Marcus Webb — Modern Urban Investigation

Setting: Contemporary metropolitan city, present day

Final Concept: Homicide detective investigating a series of murders that connect to his own past.

Key Decisions:

Complete Character Sheet:

Marcus Webb (he/him)

• Concept: Homicide detective investigating murders that connect to his own past
• Attributes: PRE 2, RSN 1, AGI 1, MIG 0
• Skills: Investigation, Persuasion, Observation, Intimidation
• Proficiencies: Legal Procedures, Criminal Psychology, Urban Navigation
• Gear: Detective badge and credentials, 9mm service weapon, case files, smartphone, recording device, worn notebook, partner's funeral card (carried for 3 years)
• Background: Twenty years on the force, the last eight in homicide. Lost his partner to an unsolved murder three years ago. Recent cases show patterns that match his partner's death.
• Relationship: Captain Rodriguez (precinct commander who wants the case solved but worries Marcus is too close to it)
• Goals: Solve the current murder series (short-term); find out who killed his partner (long-term)
• Drive: The victims deserve justice, no matter the cost
• Thread: The killer leaves origami cranes at each scene—Marcus's partner collected paper cranes

Genre Notes: This character demonstrates how modern settings use contemporary tools (smartphones, forensics) and social structures (police hierarchy, legal procedures) while maintaining the same core mechanics. Skills and Proficiencies reflect modern professional expertise rather than fantasy guild knowledge.

Cross-Genre Example 3: Sarah Voss — Horror Survival

Setting: Isolated research station in the Arctic, winter darkness

Final Concept: Communications technician trapped at a station where the crew is changing.

Key Decisions:

Complete Character Sheet:

Sarah Voss (she/her)

• Concept: Communications technician trapped at a research station where the crew is changing
• Attributes: RSN 2, AGI 1, MIG 1, PRE 0
• Skills: Technical Work, Observation, Stealth, Endurance
• Proficiencies: Radio Equipment, Arctic Survival, Research Station Systems
• Gear: Repair toolkit, emergency radio, cold-weather gear, flare gun, headlamp, personal music player (doesn't work anymore—batteries dead, but she carries it)
• Background: Signed on for a six-month rotation maintaining the station's communication array. Three months in, the relief team hasn't arrived. The other crew members are acting strange—small things at first, now more obvious. She's stopped sleeping in her assigned quarters.
• Relationship: Dr. Petersen (lead researcher who was kind at first, but something in his eyes changed two weeks ago)
• Goals: Restore long-range communications and call for rescue (short-term); survive until extraction (long-term)
• Drive: Get home to her daughter
• Thread: The station's backup generator shouldn't need repairs this often—someone or something is sabotaging it

Genre Notes: Horror relies on vulnerability, isolation, and growing dread. Sarah has the skills to survive and potentially escape (technical expertise, endurance, ability to hide), but she's not equipped for direct confrontation. Her low PRE reflects the horror genre's common theme of being unable to convince others of the danger until it's too late.

Reference Character Summaries

This section presents three additional character summaries for reference. These show final results without step-by-step annotation.

Rella — The Technical Specialist

Concept: Former telegraph engineer who searches for meaning in strange message patterns.

Identity Elements:

• Name: Rella (she/her)
• Origin: Canyon relay settlement
• Profession: Telegraph maintenance and cipher analysis
• Habits: Thinks before speaking, keeps detailed notes, prefers quiet spaces
• Appearance: Practical layered clothing, steady hands, worn tool belt

Attributes:

Skills: Observation, Stealth, Technical Work, Machinery Handling

Proficiencies: Telegraph Instruments, Precision Tools

Gear:

• Travel satchel
• Compact communication toolkit
• Notebook filled with cipher fragments
• Insulated lantern

Background: Grew up near a canyon relay hub, spent years maintaining communication lines and logging message patterns.

Relationship: Isten, a former coworker and mentor. Their friendship ended over a dispute about unsafe repair methods.

Goals:

• Short-term: Decode an anomalous pattern she intercepted
• Long-term: Understand where the strange messages originate

Drive: Avoid causing harm through her work.

Varn — The Social Operator

Concept: Charming ex-courier who knows everyone's secrets but trusts no one.

Identity Elements:

• Name: Varn (he/him)
• Origin: Port city trading hub
• Profession: Message courier, information broker
• Habits: Always watching exits, collects favors, speaks in half-truths
• Appearance: Well-dressed but practical, easy smile, constantly moving

Attributes:

Skills: Persuasion, Deception, Empathy, Navigation

Proficiencies: Criminal Underworld, Urban Navigation, Court Etiquette

Gear:

• Fine traveling clothes
• Hidden coin purse
• Forged identity papers
• Small journal of contacts

Background: Started as a legitimate courier, gradually shifted to carrying sensitive information for those who paid well. Knows the port's social networks intimately.

Relationship: Mira, a dock authority official who owes Varn a significant favor—and hates that fact.

Goals:

• Short-term: Clear a debt to a dangerous crime boss
• Long-term: Establish a legitimate business and leave the shadows behind

Drive: Never be powerless or trapped again.

Kessa — The Combat Veteran

Concept: Retired mercenary seeking redemption through protecting the vulnerable.

Identity Elements:

• Name: Kessa (she/they)
• Origin: Border fortress town
• Profession: Former mercenary captain
• Habits: Wakes early, checks perimeter, speaks bluntly
• Appearance: Scarred, muscular, practical armor, short-cropped hair

Attributes:

Skills: Brawling, Intimidation, Athletics, Endurance

Proficiencies: Military Protocol, Weapons Maintenance, Battlefield Medicine

Gear:

• Worn but reliable sword
• Reinforced traveling armor
• Field medical kit
• Mercenary company badge (retired)

Background: Led a small mercenary company for a decade. Left after a contract went wrong and civilians suffered. Now travels seeking ways to atone.

Relationship: Sergeant Doss, a former subordinate who still sends letters. The only person from that life Kessa still trusts.

Goals:

• Short-term: Find work protecting a caravan or settlement
• Long-term: Build something worth protecting instead of destroying

Drive: Prove that strength can serve instead of harm.

Chapter Summary

Character Creation turns an idea into a playable character who fits naturally into the world and the campaign. The nine-step checklist guides you from initial concept through identity elements, Attributes, Skills, Proficiencies, gear, background, relationships, goals, and final review. Each step is self-contained with the guidance you need to complete it.

The Skills vs Proficiencies comparison table clarifies the distinction between action-based competencies and knowledge-based expertise—a common point of confusion for new players. Skills describe what you do and add +1 to applicable Checks; Proficiencies describe what you know and enable approaches or provide Edge.

The Attribute Priorities sidebar helps you select mechanical foundations that match common character archetypes. The worked examples demonstrate decision-making throughout the process, showing not just what to choose but why each choice serves the character concept—particularly for Skills and Proficiencies, where the annotations explain the reasoning behind each selection.

By completing all nine steps, you build a character who feels grounded, mechanically capable, and ready for play. Your character sheet represents a person with history, motivation, and room to grow as the campaign unfolds.

First Session Tips

• Don't worry about knowing all the rules - the GM will guide you
• Ask questions whenever you're unsure
• Describe what your character does, not what game mechanic you want to use
• It's okay to fail - failure creates interesting stories

Remember: everyone at the table wants you to succeed and have fun. Your first session is about learning the rhythm of play, not mastering every rule.

7. Characters and Attributes

This chapter deepens the character framework introduced in Character Creation. It explains how Attributes define what your character is naturally good at, how those ratings interact with intent and approach, and how to think about Attribute growth over time. Skills and Proficiencies add texture and specialization. Attributes provide the core pillars those details rest on.

Attributes Overview

Every character has four Attributes:

• Might (MIG) – Physical power, endurance, and resilience.
• Agility (AGI) – Speed, precision, balance, and reflexes.
• Presence (PRE) – Charisma, willpower, and social influence.
• Reason (RSN) – Logic, perception, memory, and analytical thinking.

Attribute ratings are small numbers that reflect how strongly each pillar shows up in play. During Character Creation, you assign a starting spread (usually 2, 1, 1, 0) across MIG, AGI, PRE, and RSN. Those ratings are then added to relevant checks throughout the campaign.

Attributes are always interpreted through the fiction. A high MIG character does not simply “have +2.” They push through heavy doors, endure long marches, and soak physical hardship more easily. A high RSN character spots patterns, recalls obscure details, and notices when something does not fit.

Attribute Ratings and What They Mean

Attribute ratings are intentionally compact. Most characters begin with values between 0 and 2. This keeps the focus on intent, approach, Skills, Proficiencies, Tags, Conditions, and the 4d6 dice results instead of on large numerical bonuses.

As a general guideline:

• 0 – Unremarkable. You can attempt normal tasks with no special edge or penalty.
• 1 – Competent. You are noticeably capable in this area compared to an average person.
• 2 – Exceptional. You stand out in most situations that rely on this Attribute.

When you make a Check, you roll 4d6, sum the dice, and add your Attribute rating (and any other bonuses or penalties). You compare that total against a Difficulty Class (DC) from the standard ladder (typically DC 12–22). The difference between your total and the DC is the margin, which determines the outcome tier. A higher Attribute nudges those margins upward without guaranteeing any particular result.

Choosing Your Starting Spread

During Character Creation, you assign a small array of values across your four Attributes. The default array is:

• One Attribute at 2
• Two Attributes at 1
• One Attribute at 0

This spread creates characters who are competent across several areas with a clear primary strength and one relative weakness. You can think of this as your character’s natural “starting shape” before Skills, Proficiencies, Tags, and gear are layered on.

A useful way to choose your spread is to ask three questions:

• Which Attribute describes how you most often solve problems when under pressure?
• Which Attribute fits your concept but should remain a supporting strength rather than your main focus?
• Which Attribute would be interesting to struggle with?

Answering these questions usually reveals where to place your 2, your two 1s, and your 0. You are not optimizing a build—you are deciding what kind of situations will feel natural, challenging, or risky for this character.

Attributes and Archetypes

Different spreads suggest different kinds of characters. The table below offers a few example archetypes. You do not need to use these labels at the table—they are here to help you think about possibilities.

Example Attribute Spreads and Archetypes

Use these examples as prompts, not prescriptions. You can apply any spread to any concept. A physically powerful scholar or a socially adept scout can be just as compelling as the “expected” combinations.

Attributes, Intent, and Approach

Attributes are chosen based on how your character attempts something, not on what they would like to roll. The GM listens to your intent (what you are trying to achieve) and your approach (how you attempt it), then chooses the Attribute that best matches that description.

The same fictional goal can be resolved with different Attributes depending on approach:

• Prying open a stuck hatch with brute force might call for MIG.
• Picking the lock or working delicate mechanisms might call for AGI.
• Coaxing someone on the other side to open it might call for PRE.
• Analyzing the structure to find a weak point might call for RSN.

This flexibility keeps Attributes tied to the story. You do not choose an Attribute from a menu. You describe what your character does. The Attribute follows naturally from that description.

Working with Low Attributes

A rating of 0 is not a punishment. It means your character does not naturally lean on that Attribute when things get tense. The game expects you to have at least one area where you are merely ordinary.

Low Attributes shape the story in interesting ways:

• A low MIG character might avoid direct contests of strength and instead look for tools, allies, or alternate routes.
• A low AGI character might favor careful planning over risky stunts.
• A low PRE character might rely on written communication, intermediaries, or quiet influence.
• A low RSN character might lean on intuition, experience, or other party members for analysis.

Play your weaknesses honestly and creatively. They provide hooks for growth, tension, and teamwork. When a situation hinges on your low Attribute, it does not mean you should stay silent. It means the stakes are higher, and failure may reveal something important about who you are.

Examples by Attribute

Might (MIG)

Might represents physical strength, raw effort, and bodily resilience. It appears whenever you forcefully move, lift, or endure something.

Agility (AGI)

Agility covers balance, precision, and quick reactions. It appears when you dodge, climb, sneak, or operate fine mechanisms under pressure.

Presence (PRE)

Presence governs social force, confidence, and emotional weight. It appears when you persuade, command, intimidate, or rally others.

Reason (RSN)

Reason covers analysis, pattern recognition, and careful observation. It appears when you investigate, deduce, plan, or notice hidden details.

Multi-Attribute Actions and Teamwork

Many scenes involve multiple characters and overlapping actions. Instead of treating every moment as a separate Check, think about how Attributes combine across the group.

• One character might use MIG to hold a door while another uses RSN to bypass its lock.
• A PRE-focused character might draw attention so an AGI-focused ally can move unseen.
• Two characters with different strengths might both roll, with the table focusing on the more interesting result.

The GM decides whether each character rolls separately, one character rolls with assistance, or a single roll represents the group’s combined effort. Whichever option you choose, keep intent and approach in view. Assistance should make sense in the fiction, not just on the character sheet.

Attribute Growth Preview

Attributes do not change every session. They grow slowly across a campaign as characters reach important milestones, resolve personal threads, and survive significant consequences. Advancement rules appear in the Advancement and Long Term Growth chapter later in this book.

When Attributes do increase, the change should feel meaningful in the fiction. A rise in MIG might come after a season of hard labor or survival in harsh conditions. A rise in RSN might follow extended study, investigative breakthroughs, or hard lessons learned from mistakes. Treat Attribute growth as an opportunity to reflect on how the character has changed, not just as a numerical upgrade.

Chapter Summary

Attributes form the foundation of what your character is naturally good at. The four pillars (Might, Agility, Presence, and Reason) shape how your character approaches challenges and what kinds of scenes feel natural or risky. The standard starting spread of 2, 1, 1, 0 creates characters with clear strengths and interesting weaknesses.

Attributes connect to the fiction through intent and approach. You do not choose which Attribute to roll. You describe what your character does, and the GM determines which Attribute applies. This keeps the rules tied to the story rather than to mechanical optimization.

The next chapter covers Actions, Checks, and Outcomes, explaining how Attributes combine with Skills and other modifiers to resolve uncertain moments in play.

8. Actions, Checks, and Outcomes

This chapter describes the core resolution engine of the game. Whenever a character takes an action and the outcome is uncertain, consequential, and within their reach to influence, the table may call for a Check. Checks turn intent and approach into dice, and dice back into story beats. Understanding how to call for, perform, and interpret Checks is essential for both players and the GM.

Fiction-First and Tactical Play: Razorweave embraces both narrative flexibility and mechanical clarity. The game is fiction-first in when and why we roll—you describe what your character does in the world, not which mechanical option you are selecting. But once a Check is called for, the system provides precise tactical guidance: explicit DCs, probability tables, and concrete modifiers. This is not a contradiction. Fiction establishes what is at stake and what makes sense; mechanics resolve how uncertain situations play out. You anchor decisions in the story, then use math to adjudicate risk fairly and transparently. The fiction tells you whether to call for a Check and what Edge or Burden might apply; the mechanics tell you what happens when you roll. Both layers matter.

Check Procedure Summary

Follow these seven steps to resolve any Check:

1. Player declares intent and approach - State what you want to achieve (intent) and how you are trying to achieve it (approach)
2. GM determines if a Check is needed - A Check is only appropriate when three conditions are all true: uncertainty (outcome is not predetermined), consequence (failure matters), and agency (character can influence the result)
3. GM sets DC using the DC ladder - Choose the appropriate difficulty: 12 (Easy), 14 (Routine), 16 (Tough), 18 (Hard), 20 (Heroic), or 22 (Legendary)
4. GM determines Edge or Burden from circumstances - Assess Tags, Conditions, tools, assistance, and positioning. Net the modifiers (+1 Edge and -1 Burden cancel out). Cap at +/-2
5. Player rolls 4d6, adds Attribute, adds +1 if relevant Skill applies - With Edge, roll extra dice and keep the best 4. With Burden, roll extra dice and keep the worst 4
6. Calculate margin (result - DC) and determine outcome tier - Margin +5 or more = Critical Success, 0 to +4 = Full Success, -1 to -2 = Partial Success, -3 to -6 = Failure, -7 or worse = Critical Failure
7. GM narrates the outcome - Describe what happens in the fiction based on the outcome tier

When to Roll (and When Not To)

You roll when the GM calls for a Check. The GM should only do this when three conditions are all true:

• Uncertainty: The outcome is not predetermined. A trained character performing a routine task in ideal conditions does not roll.
• Consequence: Failure or partial success would introduce tension, cost, or change. If failure just means "try again until it works," do not roll.
• Agency: The character can meaningfully influence the result. Do not roll for things entirely outside the characters' control.

If all three are present, a Check is appropriate. If one or more are missing, the GM either says "yes" and narrates success, or "no" and explains why it is impossible or out of scope. Checks are tools for focusing on interesting uncertainty, not a gate in front of every action.

The Core Check Procedure

Every Check follows the same basic loop:

1. The player declares intent and approach.
2. The GM decides whether a Check is needed.
3. If needed, the GM selects an Attribute and relevant Skill, sets a DC, and notes any Tags, Conditions, or Proficiencies that might grant Edge or Burden.
4. The player rolls 4d6, applies modifiers, and compares the total to the DC.
5. The table interprets the outcome tier (critical success, full success, partial success, failure, critical failure) and updates the fiction accordingly.

Declaring Intent and Approach

When you declare an action, you state two things:

• Intent: What you want to achieve in the fiction.
• Approach: How you are trying to achieve it.

Intent focuses the scene. Approach determines which Attribute, Skills, Proficiencies, Tags, and Conditions are relevant. The more concrete and grounded your description, the easier it is for the GM to set an appropriate DC and for the group to picture the moment.

Setting DCs

The GM sets a Difficulty Class (DC) to represent how hard the task is under current circumstances. The system uses a standard ladder:

Standard DC Ladder

Start by imagining what success would look like in the scene and how far it is from effortless. Use lower DCs when characters have strong fictional positioning, good information, and safe conditions. Use higher DCs when time is short, the environment is hostile, or the task is at the edge of what is possible in the setting.

Note DCs should reflect fictional positioning, not abstract difficulty. The same task might be DC 14 in good conditions and DC 18 in poor conditions. Let the story guide the number.

Calibrating DCs: Worked Examples

The DC ladder is a tool, not a formula. To calibrate your intuition, consider how the same core task changes across the ladder based on circumstances.

Worked Example - Climbing (Same Wall, Different Circumstances)

The task: climb a 15-foot exterior wall.

• DC 12 (Easy): Rough stone with deep crevices, dry weather, no time pressure, rope and pitons available. Anyone with basic fitness can do this.
• DC 14 (Routine): Brick wall with regular mortar gaps, good lighting, calm conditions. A competent climber succeeds reliably.
• DC 16 (Tough): Smooth plaster over brick, poor handholds, rain-slicked surface, working in dim light. Requires skill and focus.
• DC 18 (Hard): Polished granite, minimal grip points, during a storm, pursuers closing in. Only trained climbers attempt this.
• DC 20 (Heroic): Glass and steel facade, nearly smooth, no tools, high wind. Exceptional physical capability required.
• DC 22 (Legendary): Wet ice cliff face, blizzard conditions, no equipment, while wounded. The edge of mortal possibility.

Key Principle: The wall does not change. The fiction surrounding the attempt changes the DC.

Worked Example - Persuasion (Same Request, Different Opposition)

The task: convince someone to share restricted information.

• DC 12 (Easy): Friendly contact, you have leverage or shared interests, low-stakes information, private conversation.
• DC 14 (Routine): Neutral party, mutually beneficial exchange, standard social norms apply, no particular risk to them.
• DC 16 (Tough): Suspicious individual, minor risk to them if discovered, limited trust, some countervailing interests.
• DC 18 (Hard): Hostile or ideologically opposed, significant risk if exposed, active reasons to refuse, skeptical of your motives.
• DC 20 (Heroic): Enemy combatant, high personal cost, loyalty to opposing faction, you have little credibility.
• DC 22 (Legendary): Fanatic devotion to opposing cause, sharing information means certain death, deep-seated hatred of you or your group.

Key Principle: Start with the relationship and stakes, not the words used. The social situation sets the DC.

Worked Example - Technical Work (Same Lock, Different Context)

The task: bypass a standard commercial security lock.

• DC 12 (Easy): You have the key or bypass code; you just need to operate it correctly under minor stress.
• DC 14 (Routine): Lockpicking with proper tools, adequate time and light, no pressure, familiar mechanism type.
• DC 16 (Tough): Improvised tools, poor lighting, limited time, unfamiliar but standard mechanism.
• DC 18 (Hard): High-quality lock, active security patrols, poor tools, darkness, time-critical.
• DC 20 (Heroic): Masterwork lock, active alarms, working under fire, damaged tools, seconds to spare.
• DC 22 (Legendary): Cutting-edge security system, multi-layer redundancy, hostile environment, zero margin for error.

Key Principle: The baseline lock is DC 14. Every complicating factor pushes up the ladder; every advantage pulls down.

Using the Examples: When setting a DC, mentally place your situation on one of these continuums. Ask "Is this closer to calm and prepared, or desperate and improvised?" The answer will point you to the right step on the ladder.

Solo Play - DC Determination Oracle

When playing solo without a GM, use this oracle procedure to determine DCs fairly:

1. Start at DC 14 (Routine) as your baseline assumption for any task.
2. Ask yes/no questions about the fictional situation, rolling 1d6 for each:
   • 1-2: No / unfavorable
   • 3-4: Yes, but... / mixed
   • 5-6: Yes / favorable
3. Adjust DC by +2 or -2 based on answers:
   • "Are conditions ideal?" → Yes = -2, No = +2
   • "Is opposition strong?" → Yes = +2, No = -2
   • "Do I have preparation or advantages?" → Yes = -2, No = +2
4. Cap at DC 12-22. Never go below Easy or above Legendary.

Example: You want to pick a lock. Roll three oracle questions:

• "Are conditions ideal?" → Roll 2 (No) → DC becomes 16
• "Is the lock sophisticated?" → Roll 5 (Yes) → DC stays 16 (already accounted for)
• "Do I have the right tools?" → Roll 4 (Yes, but...) → No change Final DC: 16 (Tough—unfavorable conditions, standard lock, decent tools)

Edge, Burden, Tags, and Conditions

Rather than constantly adjusting the DC, the game often represents favorable or unfavorable circumstances through Edge and Burden.

Edge and Burden Quick Reference

Modifier	Dice Change	Common Sources
+1 Edge	Roll 5d6, keep best 4	Good positioning, helpful Tag, ally assistance, right tools
+2 Edge	Roll 6d6, keep best 4	Exceptional setup, multiple advantages combined, perfect conditions
-1 Burden	Roll 5d6, keep worst 4	Unfavorable Tag, minor Condition, poor visibility, improvised tools
-2 Burden	Roll 6d6, keep worst 4	Severe Condition, multiple disadvantages, hostile environment

Stacking: Multiple sources combine into a single level, capped at +/-2. If you have both Edge and Burden, reduce them against each other (e.g., +2 Edge and -1 Burden = +1 Edge).

Edge and Burden usually come from Tags, Conditions, environment, tools, Proficiencies, or prior setup actions. They represent the table's shared sense that the character is favored or hindered in this moment. Multiple sources combine into a single level of Edge or Burden and are capped at +/-2—several small edges do not create infinite Edge, and multiple problems do not push you below -2. If a character would have both Edge and Burden, reduce them against each other (for example, +2 and -1 becomes +1) until only one side remains, then apply the final level.

Tags and Conditions provide a shared vocabulary for these modifiers: Dim Light, Slick, or Exposed might impose Burden; Solid Cover or Marked might grant Edge in specific contexts or to specific parties. For complete rules on Tags and Conditions, see Chapter 9 (or Chapter 18 for the extended reference).

The Rule of Three: DC vs Edge/Burden

When should you adjust the DC versus applying Edge or Burden? Use this simple principle:

Scene factors adjust DC. Actor factors grant Edge or Burden.

• Scene factors are environmental or situational—they affect anyone attempting the task in this moment. Adjust the DC.
• Actor factors are specific to this character—their preparation, tools, conditions, or positioning. Apply Edge or Burden.

Scene Factors → Adjust DC:

• The lock is masterwork quality → raise DC
• The wall is slick with rain → raise DC
• The guard is already suspicious → raise DC
• The terrain is familiar and well-lit → lower DC

Actor Factors → Apply Edge/Burden:

• Character has lockpicks and Lockpicking Proficiency → Edge
• Character is Shaken from a recent fight → Burden
• Ally just created a distraction → Edge
• Character is climbing with an injured arm → Burden

When in doubt, ask: "Would this affect anyone attempting this task, or just this character?" If anyone, adjust DC. If just this character, apply Edge or Burden.

Rolling 4d6 and Calculating Margin

When a Check is called for, follow this procedure:

1. Roll 4d6, adjusting the number of dice kept if Edge or Burden applies.
2. Add the relevant Attribute rating.
3. Add +1 if you have a relevant Skill. Having a relevant Skill adds +1 to your Check result. This bonus is binary—you either have the Skill (+1) or you do not (+0). There are no Skill levels or ranks.
4. Add any other bonuses from temporary effects.
5. Compare the total to the DC to find the margin (Result - DC).

The margin determines the outcome tier. Use the following ranges to identify which tier applies:

Outcome Tier Margin Ranges

Note Rolling all 1s on your dice (before keeping) also triggers a Critical Failure, regardless of margin. This represents catastrophic bad luck.

4d6 Probability Reference

Understanding the math behind 4d6 helps you gauge your chances and make informed tactical decisions. The following table shows the probability distribution for raw 4d6 rolls (before adding Attribute or Skill modifiers).

4d6 Roll Distribution

Key Insight: The average 4d6 roll is 14. With a typical Attribute of +2, you will average 16—enough for a Routine (DC 14) task with margin to spare.

Success Probability by DC

This table shows your percentage chance of achieving at least a Full Success (margin 0 or higher) based on your total modifier and the DC. Use this during character building or tactical planning.

What the Numbers Mean

The 4d6 system creates a predictable, skill-respecting curve:

• Average roll is 14. Slightly more than half your rolls (56%) land at 14 or higher. This makes Routine (DC 14) tasks achievable more often than not without bonuses.
• Each +2 Attribute shifts success by approximately 20%. Going from +0 to +2 improves your odds—a +2 character has 76% success on DC 14, compared to 56% for +0.
• Edge adds roughly 10-12% success chance. Rolling 5d6 and keeping the best 4 shifts your average from 14 to approximately 15.5, giving you about one point of effective bonus.
• The system favors competent characters. DC 14 is "Routine" for a reason—a character with +2 in their relevant Attribute succeeds three-quarters of the time. The challenge comes from Tough (DC 16) and Hard (DC 18) tasks, where every point of modifier matters.

Practical Application: If you have +2 in an Attribute and attempt a DC 16 task, you have a 56% chance of Full Success. Adding Edge improves that to 68%. This is why fictional positioning and setup actions matter—they can shift borderline tasks into reliable territory.

Complete Check Example

The following example demonstrates every step of Check resolution with all numbers shown. Use this as a reference for how the full mechanical sequence works.

Complete Check Example - Warehouse Infiltration

Scene Setup: Vance needs to bypass a security panel to enter a restricted warehouse. The environment has the following Tags:

• Dim Light (the loading dock has minimal lighting)
• Patrolled (guards make regular rounds)

Vance has:

• AGI +2 (his Agility Attribute rating)
• Technical Work Skill (relevant to bypassing security systems)
• Electronic Systems Proficiency (he knows this type of panel)

His ally Sera spent the previous scene observing the guard rotation and panel model, providing useful intelligence.

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Step 1: Player declares intent and approach Intent: "I want to bypass the security panel without triggering any alarms." Approach: "I use the information Sera gathered about the panel model to find its known vulnerabilities, working quickly between guard patrols."

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Step 2: GM determines if a Check is needed

• Uncertainty: Yes—the panel is sophisticated and Vance is working under pressure.
• Consequence: Yes—failure could trigger alarms or alert guards.
• Agency: Yes—Vance's skills and preparation can influence the outcome.

All three conditions are met. The GM calls for a Check.

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Step 3: GM sets DC using the DC ladder The GM considers the circumstances:

• The security panel is high-quality commercial grade
• Time pressure from guard patrols
• Unfavorable lighting conditions

The GM sets DC 18 (Hard—sophisticated system with significant obstacles).

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Step 4: GM determines Edge or Burden from circumstances The GM tallies modifiers:

• +1 Edge from Sera's reconnaissance (valuable intel about the panel)
• +1 Edge from Electronic Systems Proficiency (Vance knows this type of system)
• -1 Burden from Dim Light (poor visibility for precision work)

Net calculation: +1 +1 -1 = +1 Edge total

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Step 5: Player rolls 4d6, adds Attribute, adds +1 if relevant Skill applies With +1 Edge, Vance rolls 5d6 and keeps the best 4.

Dice rolled: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Dice kept (best 4): 3, 4, 5, 6 Dice total: 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 = 18

Now add modifiers:

• Attribute (AGI): +2
• Skill (Technical Work): +1

Final result: 18 + 2 + 1 = 21

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Step 6: Calculate margin (result - DC) and determine outcome tier Margin: 21 - 18 = +3

Consulting the outcome tier table:

• +5 or more = Critical Success
• 0 to +4 = Full Success (this one)
• -1 to -2 = Partial Success
• -3 to -6 = Failure
• -7 or worse = Critical Failure

Outcome Tier: Full Success

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Step 7: GM narrates the outcome "The panel's indicator light blinks from red to green. Vance's fingers move with practiced efficiency—Sera's intel was spot-on about the firmware vulnerability. The door slides open silently. You're in, with no alarms triggered and the guards none the wiser."

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Alternate Outcome - What if Vance rolled worse?

Suppose Vance had rolled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 on his 5d6 and kept 2, 3, 4, 5 = 14.

Final result: 14 + 2 (AGI) + 1 (Skill) = 17 Margin: 17 - 18 = -1 Outcome Tier: Partial Success

GM Narration: "The panel accepts your bypass, but it takes longer than expected—you hear footsteps approaching. The door opens, but now you must decide: slip inside and hope the guard passes, or abort and find cover? Either way, the 'Guard Alert' Clock ticks forward by 1 segment."

Interpreting Outcomes

Every outcome tier should change the situation. The GM and players work together to describe what the dice mean in the fiction.

• Critical Success (margin +5 or more) – You achieve more than you aimed for. Extra benefits, stronger position, or accelerated progress. In combat, this often means additional Clock ticks or bonus effects.
• Full Success (margin 0 to +4) – You get what you wanted with no significant cost. The scene moves forward cleanly. Your intent is fulfilled as stated.
• Partial Success (margin -1 to -2) – You succeed, but with a cost, complication, or reduced effect. Momentum continues, tension rises. Common costs include: resource expenditure, unwanted attention, reduced scope of success, or new obligations.
• Failure (margin -3 to -6) – You do not achieve your goal, and the situation complicates. Threats advance, resources strain, or positions worsen. The GM should advance threat Clocks or introduce new complications.
• Critical Failure (margin -7 or worse, or all 1s) – Things go significantly wrong. Use sparingly for dramatic beats: broken tools, dangerous exposure, or major escalations. This is not punishment—it is an opportunity for dramatic tension.

Outcome Tiers Quick Reference

Margin	Outcome Tier	Typical Result	Example
+5 or more	Critical Success	Exceed your goal with bonus benefits	Pick the lock silently AND notice the trap behind it
0 to +4	Full Success	Achieve your intent cleanly	Pick the lock without issue
-1 to -2	Partial Success	Succeed with cost or complication	Pick the lock but make noise or damage your picks
-3 to -6	Failure	Do not succeed; situation worsens	Lock resists; guards become suspicious
-7 or worse (or all 1s)	Critical Failure	Significant setback or escalation	Lock jams; alarm triggers; tool breaks

Quick Reference: Margin and Outcomes

Use this table during play to quickly determine outcomes from any Check.

Margin	Outcome	What Happens
+5 or more	Critical Success	Exceptional result, bonus effect
0 to +4	Full Success	You get what you wanted
-1 to -2	Partial Success	Success with cost or complication
-3 to -6	Failure	You do not achieve your goal
-7 or worse / all 1s	Critical Failure	Failure with additional consequence

Worked Examples

The following examples demonstrate complete Check resolution from intent through outcome. Study these to understand how the mechanical sequence flows in actual play.

Strike Outcomes

When you make a Strike action in combat, the outcome tier determines both the damage dealt and any additional effects. Strikes interact directly with target Resolve Clocks.

Strike Outcome Table

Note Threat Clocks represent dangers to the attacking character or their allies: "Reinforcements Arrive," "Escaping Target," "Collateral Damage," etc. The GM establishes relevant threat Clocks at the start of combat or introduces them as the situation develops.

Strike Mechanics Summary

• Clear Strike (Full Success): Your attack connects solidly. Tick the target's Resolve Clock by 2 segments. This is the baseline effective hit.
• Glancing Strike (Partial Success): You land a blow, but not cleanly. Tick the target's Resolve Clock by 1 segment. The target gains an opportunity: either a threat Clock advances, or the target improves their tactical position.
• Miss (Failure): Your attack fails to connect meaningfully. The target suffers no Resolve damage. Instead, the situation worsens for you: threat Clocks advance, the target repositions, or the environment becomes more dangerous.

Group Checks and Assistance

Many actions involve more than one character. Rather than rolling for everyone separately every time, the GM can use:

• Assistance: One character leads the action, another assists. If the assistance is credible in the fiction, the leader gains Edge or a small bonus.
• Representative Checks: One Check stands in for a coordinated group effort. The outcome tier describes how the whole group fares.
• Split Risks: Two or more characters each roll, and the GM focuses on the most interesting combination of results rather than tracking every detail.

Pick the method that best fits the moment. Use single rolls when you want quick resolution. Use individual rolls when it is important that different characters face different consequences.

Checks and Clocks

Some obstacles are too big for a single Check. Instead, the GM creates a Clock with several segments. Successful Checks tick the Clock forward; failures or partial successes may tick related threat Clocks. For complete rules on creating and managing Clocks, see Chapter 9.

Use Clocks when:

• Characters are working toward a long-term goal, such as investigating a mystery or repairing a ship.
• A danger is mounting over time, such as a collapsing tunnel, spreading fire, or advancing enemy force.
• Two or more forces are racing toward different outcomes (opposing Clocks).

Keeping Momentum

Checks should move the story forward, not stall it. When in doubt:

• Use Partial successes to trade progress for cost rather than stopping action.
• Let Failures create new problems, reveal information, or shift the situation rather than blocking all paths.
• Allow retries only when the circumstances or approach meaningfully change.

The goal is not to punish characters for rolling poorly. The goal is to discover what happens next when risk meets intent. If the table keeps that in view, Checks will feel like natural beats in the story rather than interruptions.

Chapter Summary

Checks are the core resolution tool: declare intent and approach, assess whether a roll is needed, set DC and modifiers, roll 4d6, and interpret the outcome. Having a relevant Skill adds +1 to your Check result—this is a flat bonus with no levels or ranks. Edge and Burden adjust dice rather than targets. Outcome tiers—from Critical Success to Critical Failure—shape consequences with explicit margin ranges (+5 or more, 0 to +4, -1 to -2, -3 to -6, -7 or worse). Strike outcomes have specific mechanical effects: Clear Strikes tick Resolve Clocks by 2, Glancing Strikes by 1 with counterplay, and Misses advance threat Clocks or grant enemy positioning. The 4d6 system produces an average roll of 14, with each +1 modifier shifting success probability by 15-20%—use the probability tables to plan tactics and assess risk. Use the Check Procedure Summary and quick-reference tables during play to keep the action flowing.

9. Tags, Conditions, and Clocks

Tags, Conditions, and Clocks are the tools the game uses to make the world feel solid and responsive. They connect description to mechanics so that rain, fear, injuries, crowds, and looming deadlines all matter at the table. This chapter explains what each of these tools is for, how to use them, and how they interact with Checks.

When to Use What

Before diving into the details, use this quick-reference table to understand what each system does and when to reach for it:

When to Use What - Quick Reference

System	What It Tracks	Who Controls It	Duration	Example
Tags	Scene elements and circumstances	GM sets, players can change	Until fiction changes	Dim Light, Elevated
Conditions	Character states from events	Applied by outcomes	Until cleared by action/time	Exhausted, Frightened
Clocks	Progress toward goals or threats	Ticked by successes/failures	Until filled	"Escape the Building" 6-segment

When NOT to Use These Systems

Before reaching for Tags, Conditions, or Clocks, consider whether the situation actually needs them. These tools should clarify play, not clutter it.

When NOT to Use - Quick Reference

Skip Tags when: The environment is unremarkable or will not affect any actions. A generic tavern during casual conversation does not need Tags unless something specific about the space matters to what characters are attempting. If no one is going to roll against the environment, you do not need to tag it.

Skip Conditions when: The effect is momentary or purely fictional. If a character stumbles but immediately recovers, that is narrative color, not a Condition. Reserve Conditions for states that persist long enough to affect future Checks.

Skip Clocks when: Progress is binary (succeed or fail) with no gradual buildup. A single locked door does not need a Clock—one successful Check opens it. Use Clocks when multiple efforts contribute toward (or against) an outcome over time.

The Three Systems in Action

To see how Tags, Conditions, and Clocks work together without overlapping, consider this scenario:

Tags vs. Conditions

Tags describe the environment or situation. They belong to places, scenes, objects, or circumstances: Dim Light, Slick, Crowded, Fragile Cover. Tags affect what you can do in a space and how you do it.

Conditions describe your character's state. They follow you from one location to the next until cleared: Exhausted, Bleeding, Frightened, Restrained. Conditions affect your actions wherever you go.

Tags and Conditions are the shared vocabulary the table uses to talk about advantages, risks, and lingering consequences. They are not extra subsystems to memorize. They are the names you give to things you are already describing.

What Tags Do

A Tag is a short descriptor applied to a scene, location, object, or situation. It becomes a flag: "remember this when resolving actions here." Tags typically:

• Grant Edge or Burden on certain Checks.
• Raise or lower DCs for specific actions.
• Change position or effect (how risky an action feels or how big its impact is).

You do not tag every detail. A room is just a room until its darkness, instability, crowd, or sacred significance matters to what characters are attempting. Tag the things that will shape decisions.

GM Quick Start: Using Tags

When you are new to Tags or starting a scene quickly, use this approach to establish meaningful environmental details without overloading the table.

GM Quick Start: Using Tags

When starting a scene, establish 2-3 Tags that matter:

1. One environmental Tag (lighting, terrain, weather) - This grounds the physical space. Examples: Dim Light, Slick, Cramped, Elevated.

2. One situational Tag (time pressure, social tension, hidden danger) - This establishes the stakes or atmosphere. Examples: Tense, Surveillance, Hazardous, Chaotic.

3. Let players discover or create additional Tags through play - When a character searches for cover, describes using the environment, or asks "is there anything I can use?", that is your opportunity to add Tags organically.

Why this works: Two or three Tags give the scene texture without overwhelming anyone. Players know what matters. You have clear mechanical touchstones. Additional Tags emerge naturally from player curiosity and action.

How Tags Affect Checks

Tags translate fictional circumstances into mechanical modifiers. When a Tag is relevant to a Check, it typically grants Edge or imposes Burden based on whether the circumstance helps or hinders the action.

The Basic Rule: If a Tag makes an action easier, it grants Edge. If a Tag makes an action harder, it imposes Burden. Some Tags do both depending on what you are attempting.

Common Tag Effects

Tag	Grants Edge On	Imposes Burden On
Dim Light	Stealth, hiding, ambush	Sight-based Checks, ranged attacks at distance, reading or fine work
Slick	Sliding into cover, pushing opponents	Movement, balance, standing quickly, pursuit
Elevated	Ranged attacks from above, surveying area	Being targeted from below (opponents get Edge), climbing down under pressure
Cramped	Fighting with short weapons, grappling	Wide swings, large weapons, group coordination
Chaotic	Misdirection, blending in, escaping notice	Coordination, communication, finding specific people
Formal	Proper etiquette, official requests	Informal approaches, casual conversation, blending in without credentials

When multiple Tags apply, combine their effects. If one Tag grants Edge and another imposes Burden on the same Check, they cancel out. If two Tags both grant Edge, you gain +2 Edge (capped at the normal maximum). The GM adjudicates edge cases based on the fiction.

Note Not every Tag affects every Check. A Dim Light Tag has no bearing on a Persuasion attempt unless visibility is specifically relevant to the conversation. Apply Tags when they logically matter.

Common Tags Quick Reference

Common Tags Quick Reference

Use this table during play to quickly identify how Tags affect actions.

Environmental Tags

Tag	Typical Effect	Common Sources
Dim Light	Burden on vision-based actions; Edge on Stealth	Dusk, candlelight, fog, shuttered windows
Darkness	Severe Burden or impossible for sight-based tasks	Night without light sources, underground
Slick	Burden on movement and balance Checks	Rain, ice, oil spills, wet stone
Cramped	Burden on wide swings and large movements	Narrow passages, crowded rooms, tunnels
Elevated	Edge on ranged attacks from above; risk of falling	Rooftops, balconies, cliff edges
Solid Cover	Edge on defense; blocks line of sight	Stone walls, heavy furniture, vehicles
Fragile Cover	Limited protection; can be destroyed	Wooden crates, thin walls, market stalls
Unstable	Risk of collapse; Burden on careful actions	Old bridges, crumbling floors, scaffolding

Situational Tags

Tag	Typical Effect	Common Sources
Outnumbered	Burden on defense; enemies may gang up	Multiple foes vs. fewer defenders
Flanked	Burden on defense against flanking attacks	Enemies on opposite sides
Surprised	Cannot act in first round; Burden on initial reactions	Ambush, failed awareness Check
Exposed	Burden on defense; easy target	No cover, caught in open ground
Hazardous	Risk of harm from environment; may tick threat Clocks	Fire, toxic fumes, electrical danger
Surveillance	Actions may be observed and reported	Guards, cameras, informants nearby

Atmospheric Tags

Tag	Typical Effect	Common Sources
Tense	Social missteps escalate quickly; Burden on calming actions	Standoffs, negotiations, high stakes
Chaotic	Burden on coordination; opportunities for misdirection	Riots, battles, emergencies
Formal	Burden on informal approaches; Edge for proper etiquette	Courts, ceremonies, official meetings
Suspicious	Burden on trust-building; increased scrutiny	After crimes, with strangers, in enemy territory

Most-Used Tags Cheat Sheet

When you need an instant lookup during play, use this condensed table of the most common Tags:

Most-Used Tags Cheat Sheet

Tag	Mechanical Effect	Example Use
Dim Light	Burden on sight-based Checks, Edge on Stealth	Night scenes, shadowy interiors
Elevated	Edge on ranged attacks from above	Rooftops, balconies, high ground
Cover	Burden to attacks against you	Behind walls, furniture, vehicles
Cramped	Burden on large movements and wide swings	Tunnels, ducts, narrow alleys
Slippery	Burden on movement Checks	Rain-slick streets, ice, oil spills

You can invent new Tags that fit your setting. The important part is agreeing at the table what a Tag does in practice: which actions it helps, which it hinders, and how it shapes consequences.

What Conditions Do

Conditions represent persistent states that modify what a character can safely attempt. They are the mechanical mark left by consequences. When something important happens to you—injury, fear, strain, affliction—it often becomes a Condition.

Conditions typically:

• Impose Burden on certain actions.
• Limit available options (cannot run, cannot act this turn, cannot speak clearly).
• Threaten further harm if ignored (ongoing damage, ticking Clocks).

Condition Quick Reference

Use this table to quickly determine how common Conditions affect play:

Condition Quick Reference

Condition	Mechanical Effect	Clearing Method	Example Source
Exhausted	Burden on all physically demanding Checks (climbing, fighting, running)	Rest for at least one scene; receive meaningful aid or restorative treatment	Prolonged exertion, sleep deprivation, sustained hardship
Bleeding	Tick a personal 4-segment "Bleed Out" Clock each scene if untreated; when filled, you fall unconscious	Stabilization Check (DC 14), medical treatment, or appropriate Proficiency	Serious wounds, failed combat Checks, environmental hazards
Frightened	Burden on all Checks while the source of fear is visible or immediately threatening	Rally (successful PRE Check), escape the source, or defeat/neutralize the threat	Supernatural terror, overwhelming force, failed morale Check
Disarmed	Cannot use your primary weapon; Burden on attacks until you recover it or draw another	Retrieve the weapon (action), draw a backup weapon, or disarm your opponent	Enemy maneuver, failed grapple, successful disarm action against you
Prone	Burden on melee attacks and defense; Edge for enemies attacking you in melee; cannot move normally	Stand up (costs movement or minor action); an ally can help you up	Knocked down, tripped, diving for cover, failed balance Check

Additional Conditions appear in the Extended Tags and Conditions Reference chapter. When you create custom Conditions, ensure each one has a clear mechanical effect and an achievable clearing method.

Common Conditions Cheat Sheet

For fast reference during play, use this condensed table of the most frequent Conditions:

Common Conditions Cheat Sheet

Condition	Effect	Cleared By
Exhausted	Burden on physical actions	Rest
Frightened	Burden on actions toward source	Remove threat or calm
Bleeding	Tick personal harm Clock each scene	Medical aid
Stunned	Lose next action	Automatic next turn

Examples of Common Conditions

A full alphabetical list appears in the Glossary. Here are a few you will see often:

• Exhausted - Burden on demanding physical actions until you rest or receive meaningful aid.
• Bleeding - Time pressure from an untreated wound. If not stabilized, it may tick a personal Clock or escalate to worse states.
• Restrained - You are held or pinned. You cannot move freely and must break free or be helped.
• Dazed - Disoriented; Burden on perception and reaction until you recover.
• Frightened - Burden on actions while a specific threat is visible; clears when you rally, escape, or defeat the source.

Using Tags and Conditions with Checks

Tags and Conditions do not require new rules. They plug directly into the Check system:

• Tags often grant Edge or Burden on Checks that interact with them.
• Conditions usually impose Burden or limit which approaches are reasonable.
• Some Tags shift DCs or change position and effect instead of modifying dice directly.

When you are about to roll, quickly review which Tags and Conditions are relevant. Ask: "Does this make the action easier, harder, or riskier?" Then adjust Edge/Burden, DC, or consequences accordingly.

Introducing and Clearing Conditions

Conditions should follow naturally from events. A failed Check in a hazardous area might cause Bleeding or Poisoned. Exposure to overwhelming sights might cause Frightened. Pushing beyond safe limits might cause Exhausted.

When you introduce a Condition, state:

• What it represents in the fiction.
• How it affects actions (which Checks it modifies and how).
• How it can be cleared (time, rest, treatment, facing a fear, or completing a Clock).

Minor Conditions should clear quickly once addressed. Major Conditions may persist across several scenes or form the basis for character-driven goals.

What Clocks Are

Clocks are segmented trackers that answer "how close are we?" for goals and threats. A Clock is a circle or track divided into segments. Common sizes are 4, 6, or 8 segments, but you can use any size that fits the situation. As actions succeed, time passes, or events occur, segments fill. When the Clock completes, something happens.

What a Clock Looks Like

       ___________
      /     |     \
     /   2  |  3   \
    |_______|_______|
    |\\\\\\\|       |
    | \\\1\\|   4   |
     \_\\\\\_______/
      \_____\_____/
         6     5

A 6-segment Clock with 2 segments filled. Three more successful actions will complete it.

In practice, you can draw a Clock as a simple circle divided into pie slices. Fill segments by shading them in or marking them with an X. Many groups use index cards, dry-erase boards, or digital tools to track Clocks visibly at the table.

Use Clocks to represent:

• Long-term goals - Research projects, faction plans, character endeavors.
• Mounting threats - Approaching storms, advancing enemies, spreading plagues.
• Ticking dangers - Rituals completing, bombs counting down, collapsing structures.
• Faction projects - Off-screen activities of NPCs and organizations.

Clock Pacing Guide

Choosing the right Clock size and tick rate keeps scenes feeling appropriately tense. Use this guide to match Clock design to your scene type.

Clock Pacing Guide

Scene Type	Recommended Clock Size	Tick Rate	Notes
Tense negotiation	4-segment	Tick on key moments	Each major concession, revelation, or misstep advances the Clock. Short Clocks keep social pressure high.
Investigation	6-segment	Tick on discoveries	Each clue found, witness interviewed, or lead followed advances the Clock. Moderate length allows for setbacks and red herrings.
Dungeon or heist	6-8 segment	Tick on major progress	Clearing rooms, bypassing obstacles, or reaching checkpoints advance the Clock. Longer Clocks sustain multi-scene tension.
Campaign threat	8-segment	Tick between sessions	Faction schemes, approaching disasters, or long-term countdowns advance during downtime. Slow burn maintains background pressure across multiple sessions.

Adjusting on the fly: If a Clock feels too fast, consider requiring multiple successes per tick. If it drags, tick an extra segment on Critical Successes or have time-based events push it forward.

Clock Advancement Guide

Understanding when and how Clocks advance is crucial for pacing and tension. Use these guidelines:

Clock Advancement by Check Outcome

This table provides default tick rates. Specific actions, abilities, or circumstances may override these defaults at GM discretion.

Check Outcome	Progress Clock	Threat/Opposing Clock	Notes
Critical Success	Tick 2-3 segments	No advance	Exceptional progress; choose 3 segments for breakthrough moments
Full Success	Tick 1-2 segments	No advance	Standard progress; use 2 segments for well-executed plans
Partial Success	Tick 1 segment	May tick 1 segment	Progress with complication; the complication often manifests as threat Clock advancement
Failure	No progress	Tick 1-2 segments	Setback; threat advances while goal stalls
Critical Failure	No progress	Tick 2-3 segments	Serious setback; may also introduce new Conditions or Tags

Clock Advancement Cheat Sheet

For quick reference during play, use this at-a-glance summary:

Clock Advancement Cheat Sheet

Outcome	Progress Clock	Threat Clock
Critical Success	Tick 2-3 segments	No advance
Full Success	Tick 1-2 segments	No advance
Partial Success	Tick 1 segment + complication	May tick 1 segment
Failure	No progress	Tick 1-2 segments (or tick threat Clock)

Multi-Clock Guidance

When multiple Clocks are active, use this decision process:

1. Identify the primary Clock. Ask: "Which Clock does this action most directly affect?" Advance that Clock based on the outcome.

2. Consider secondary effects. If the action is loud, risky, or draws attention, ask: "Does this also affect a threat Clock?" If yes, tick it.

3. Handle ambiguous actions. When an action could affect multiple Clocks:

   • If the player's intent was clear, honor that intent
   • If uncertain, advance the Clock most connected to their stated approach
   • For truly split actions, consider ticking both at reduced rates

Decision Flowchart: Which Clock Advances?

Action Taken
    |
    v
Does the action directly target a specific Clock?
    |
    +-- YES -> Advance that Clock based on outcome
    |         |
    |         v
    |    Was the action loud, risky, or attention-drawing?
    |         |
    |         +-- YES -> Also tick the most relevant threat Clock
    |         +-- NO  -> Done
    |
    +-- NO -> Which Clock is most affected by this approach?
             |
             v
        Advance that Clock; consider threat Clocks if failure occurred

Advancing Clocks

Clocks advance in several ways:

• Success-based - Successful Checks tick a project Clock forward.
• Time-based - Segments fill as scenes pass or as in-world time moves.
• Event-based - Specific narrative events advance background or faction Clocks.

Partial successes often advance a Clock and introduce a complication. Exceptional successes may jump a Clock by more than one segment. Failures might leave a Clock unchanged while pushing forward a related threat Clock.

Opposing Clocks: A Worked Example

Combining Tags, Conditions, and Clocks

These tools are most powerful when used together:

• Tags set the stage: terrain, lighting, crowds, magical effects.
• Conditions show how previous events cling to characters and shape their options.
• Clocks track momentum toward outcomes that matter over time.

A single scene might involve a Hazardous Tag, characters who are Exhausted, and a "Structural Collapse" Clock. Every roll becomes a meaningful choice about risk, effort, and timing.

Chapter Summary

Tags describe environments and situations; Conditions describe character states; Clocks track progress toward outcomes. The "When to Use What" table at the start of this chapter helps you quickly identify which system applies to a given situation. Equally important, the "When NOT to Use" guidance helps you avoid overcomplicating simple scenes. Use the Common Tags tables and the Most-Used Tags Cheat Sheet for quick reference during play. The Condition Quick Reference and Common Conditions Cheat Sheet provide mechanical effects and clearing methods for the most frequent Conditions. Apply the Clock Advancement by Check Outcome table and the Clock Advancement Cheat Sheet to maintain consistent pacing—these defaults give you a mechanical baseline before applying GM judgment. The Clock Pacing Guide helps you size Clocks appropriately for different scene types. When multiple Clocks compete, let the fiction guide which advances. These tools work together to make the world feel responsive and stakes feel real.

10. Combat Basics

Combat is one kind of scene the system supports. It uses the same resolution tools you have already learned—Attributes, Skills, Checks, Tags, Conditions, and Clocks—focused on immediate danger and tactical choices. This chapter introduces how combat scenes are framed, how turns work, and how to use the core combat actions to shape the fiction.

Combat Round at a Glance

Use this reference during play to keep combat moving smoothly. The tables below summarize everything you need to run a fight. Read them once, then return here when questions arise at the table.

Turn Structure

Each turn follows the same six-step sequence:

1. Establish Initiative – Use Conversational (GM rotates spotlight), Popcorn (active player picks next), or Rolled (AGI, highest first)
2. Declare Action – Choose Strike, Maneuver, Set Up, or Defend/Withdraw
3. GM Sets DC – Typically DC 12-16, adjusting for Tags and positioning
4. Roll Check – 4d6 + Attribute (+ Skill if applicable), apply Edge/Burden
5. Apply Outcome – Tick Clocks, add/remove Tags, apply Conditions
6. Update Fiction – Narrate results and move to next character

Common Combat Actions at a Glance

Most turns involve one of these four actions. Choose based on your position and what your allies need:

Resolve Clock Ticks (When Striking or Applying Pressure)

When you land a Strike, the outcome tier determines how many segments you tick on your target's Resolve Clock:

When a Clock fills: The target is taken out—establish what this means before combat begins (unconscious, fleeing, surrendered, captured, or killed).

Quick Condition Reference

Combat often applies Conditions that affect what characters can do. Here are the most common ones, grouped by severity:

Light Conditions (clear quickly):

• Stunned: Lose next action
• Dazed: Burden on Checks for 1-2 rounds
• Prone: Burden on AGI; attackers gain Edge if adjacent
• Exposed: Enemies gain Edge against you

Moderate Conditions (require action to clear):

• Bleeding: Clock ticks 1/round until treated (MIG DC 12)
• Burning: Clock ticks 1/round until extinguished (AGI DC 12)
• Exhausted: Burden on MIG/AGI until you rest
• Suppressed: Burden on movement/attacks while pinned

Severe Conditions (require significant intervention):

• Broken Limb: Cannot use limb; needs medical care
• Grievous Wound: Burden on all physical Checks; Clock ticks 1/scene

Abstract Positioning: Zone-Based Combat

The system does not track exact distances or grid squares. Instead, use these four positioning zones to handle tactical movement and range questions at the table.

Positioning Zones

Using Zones in Play

GM establishes zones at combat start:

"The warehouse has three zones: you are Close to the guards at the door, Far from the sniper on the catwalk, and the exit is Out of Range for this round—you'd need to disengage first."

Players declare zone changes:

"I want to Close to Engaged with the guard" → The GM may require a Check if enemies block the path or terrain is hazardous.

Zones affect action choices:

• Engaged: Melee Strikes, grappling, close control—highest risk/reward
• Close: Tactical maneuvering, short-range attacks, supporting allies—flexible positioning
• Far: Ranged attacks, spellcasting, staying safe—control from distance
• Out of Range: Fleeing, calling for help, affecting scene externally—scene-level effects

Zone Transitions and Movement

Free Movement (no Check required):

• Move within your current zone (repositioning while Engaged, shifting behind cover while Close)
• Move from Close to Engaged if path is clear and unopposed
• Move from Engaged to Close if you Withdraw successfully

Contested Movement (Check required):

• Move from Engaged to Close while under pressure (opposed Check or Withdraw action)
• Move through hazardous terrain (Slick, Burning, Rubble) to change zones
• Move while under the effects of Conditions that restrict movement (Restrained, Suppressed)

Multi-Action Movement:

• Moving from Far to Engaged typically requires two actions or a full turn
• Moving to Out of Range from Engaged usually requires Withdraw + additional movement

Zone Modifiers and Tags

Environmental Tags affect zones differently:

Example: Zone-Based Combat Narration

Setup: Party fights cultists in a temple. GM establishes zones:

• Engaged: Kira is in melee with two cultists at the altar
• Close: Varn and the cult leader are across the room, 20 feet apart
• Far: Rella is on a balcony overlooking the scene
• Out of Range: The temple entrance where reinforcements may arrive

Turn 1 – Kira (Engaged): "I Strike at the closest cultist" → Standard melee attack

Turn 2 – Varn (Close): "I want to reach the cult leader and interrupt his ritual" → Maneuver Check to close from Close to Engaged

Turn 3 – Rella (Far): "I fire my crossbow at the cult leader" → Ranged Strike with clear line of sight

Turn 4 – Cult Leader (Close → Engaged): "The leader draws a dagger and Strikes at Varn" → Now Engaged after Varn closed distance

Result: Everyone understands relative positions without tracking exact feet or grid squares. Tactical choices (close for melee, stay at range, retreat) are clear and mechanically meaningful.

When to Use Zones vs. Freeform Description

Use zones when:

• Combat involves ranged and melee combatants at different distances
• Players ask "Can I reach them?" or "Am I in range?"
• Tactical positioning matters (snipers, artillery, fleeing)

Use freeform description when:

• Everyone is in close-quarters melee (entire fight is Engaged/Close)
• Positioning is clear from narrative context
• The fight is small-scale and conversational

GM Tip: Sketch quick zone circles on paper or use theater-of-the-mind descriptions. "You're all Close to each other around the fountain. The archers are Far on the wall. The gate is Out of Range for now." This gives enough tactical structure without requiring measurement tools.

Combat Example: Rella vs. the Dock Thug

Let's walk through a complete combat encounter showing tick progression.

Setup: Rella confronts a thug who caught her sneaking through the warehouse. Both have 6-segment Resolve Clocks.

Turn Order: Conversational—GM and player alternate naturally.

Round 1

Rella's Turn: "I feint left and strike at his weapon hand."

• Check: AGI + Strike, DC 14
• Roll: 4d6+1 = 16 (Full Success)
• Result: 2 ticks on Thug's Resolve Clock (now 2/6)
• Narration: "Your blade catches his knuckles. He curses and shifts his grip."

Thug's Turn: The thug swings his club at Rella's head.

• Check: Thug MIG vs Rella's defense, DC 14
• Roll: 13 (Failure)
• Result: 0 ticks on Rella's Resolve Clock
• Narration: "You duck under the wild swing. He's off-balance."

Round 2

Rella's Turn: "I use his stumble to Set Up—kicking crates into his path."

• Check: AGI + Maneuver, DC 12
• Roll: 18 (Full Success)
• Result: Rella creates Obstructed Tag on the environment
• Narration: "Crates scatter across his footing. He's boxed in."

Thug's Turn: Tries to shove through the crates to reach Rella.

• Check: MIG vs DC 14, +2 Burden from Obstructed
• Roll: 14 (Partial Success at effective DC 16)
• Result: 1 tick on Rella's Resolve Clock (now 1/6), but clears the obstacle
• Narration: "He barrels through, clipping your shoulder. The crates are scattered."

Round 3

Rella's Turn: "While he's recovering, I go for a disabling strike."

• Check: AGI + Strike, DC 14
• Roll: 21 (Critical Success)
• Result: 3 ticks on Thug's Resolve Clock (now 5/6)
• Narration: "Your blade finds the gap in his guard. He staggers, badly wounded."

Thug's Turn: Desperate swing with everything he has.

• Check: MIG + Strike, DC 14
• Roll: 15 (Partial Success)
• Result: 1 tick on Rella's Resolve Clock (now 2/6)
• Narration: "His club grazes your ribs. Painful, but you're still standing."

Round 4

Rella's Turn: "I press the advantage—one more strike to finish this."

• Check: AGI + Strike, DC 14
• Roll: 17 (Full Success)
• Result: 2 ticks on Thug's Resolve Clock (now 7/6—Taken Out!)
• Stakes Question: What does "taken out" mean here?
• Answer: The thug drops his club and surrenders, clutching his wounds.

Combat Summary:

• Duration: 4 rounds
• Rella's Resolve: 2/6 ticks (still fighting fit)
• Thug's Resolve: Taken out (surrendered)
• Key Moments: Set Up action created advantage; Critical Success dealt heavy damage

This example shows: tick progression, Partial Success complications, Set Up creating Tags, and the "taken out" stakes question in action.

Multi-Round Combat with Positioning and Conditions

This extended example demonstrates positioning zones, condition application, and how combat evolves across multiple rounds with tactical decisions.

Setup: The party (Kira, Varn, Rella) ambushes an assassin (a VPC, or "Very important Player Character"—a significant named NPC; see Chapter 24) and two guards in a warehouse. Stakes: Moderate (unconscious/captured).

Initial Positioning:

[FAR: Catwalks - Rella (crossbow)]
         |
[CLOSE: Open Floor - Varn, Kira]
         |
[ENGAGED: Loading Dock - Assassin, 2 Guards]
         |
[OUT OF RANGE: Street Exit]

Resolve Clocks:

• Assassin: 8-segment Clock (0/8)
• Guards: Shared 6-segment Clock (0/6)
• Party: 6-segment Clocks each (0/6)

Round 1: Opening Moves and Positioning

Rella's Turn (Far → stays Far)

• Intent: Fire crossbow at Assassin from elevated position
• Action: Strike (AGI + Ranged)
• Position Bonus: Elevated Tag grants Edge
• Check: Roll 5d6 keep best 4 = 18, AGI +2 = 20 vs DC 14
• Outcome: Critical Success (+6 margin)
• Effect: 3 ticks on Assassin's Clock (3/8)
• Fiction: "Your bolt catches the assassin in the shoulder. He staggers, blood spreading across his cloak."
• Position: Stays at Far, still has Elevated advantage

Kira's Turn (Close → Engaged)

• Intent: Close distance and engage Guards to prevent them from reaching Varn
• Action: Maneuver to move Close → Engaged with Guards
• Check: AGI-based movement vs DC 12 (clear path)
• Outcome: Full Success
• Effect: Reaches Engaged with Guards; no Clock ticks but positions for next round
• Fiction: "You vault crates and slide into melee range, blade drawn."
• Position: Now Engaged with both Guards

Guard 1 (Engaged with Kira)

• Intent: Strike at Kira to drive her back
• Action: Strike (MIG + Club)
• Check: Roll vs DC 14
• Outcome: Partial Success
• Effect: 1 tick on Kira's Clock (1/6), but Guard becomes Exposed (overextended)
• Fiction: "His club clips your shoulder—painful but manageable. He overextends."
• Condition Applied: Guard 1 gains Exposed (Light)

Varn (Close → Engaged)

• Intent: Move to engage Assassin directly
• Action: Maneuver to reach Assassin at loading dock
• Check: AGI vs DC 14 (Guards are distracted by Kira, path open)
• Outcome: Full Success
• Effect: Reaches Engaged with Assassin
• Fiction: "You sprint past the guards—Kira has them pinned—and reach the assassin."
• Position: Now Engaged with Assassin

Assassin (Engaged with Varn)

• Intent: Strike Varn with poisoned blade before he can set up
• Action: Strike (AGI + Poisoned Dagger)
• Check: Roll vs DC 14, but has 3/8 Clock (wounded, desperate)
• Outcome: Full Success
• Effect: 2 ticks on Varn's Clock (2/6), applies Poisoned (Moderate)
• Fiction: "The blade flashes—shallow cut, but you feel the poison burn."
• Condition Applied: Varn gains Poisoned (Burden on MIG Checks, Clock ticks 1/scene)

Guard 2 (Engaged with Kira)

• Intent: Support Guard 1, flank Kira
• Action: Strike
• Check: Roll vs DC 14
• Outcome: Failure
• Fiction: "You sidestep—his swing hits empty air."

Round 1 Summary:

[FAR: Rella (0/6) - elevated, clear shot]
         |
[ENGAGED: Varn (2/6, *Poisoned*) vs Assassin (3/8)]
[ENGAGED: Kira (1/6) vs Guard 1 (*Exposed*), Guard 2]

• Positioning established: Rella controls high ground, Kira pins guards, Varn engaged with primary target
• Conditions in play: Assassin wounded, Guard 1 exposed, Varn poisoned

Round 2: Conditions Escalate, Tactical Pressure

Varn's Turn

• Condition Tick: Poisoned does not tick yet (only at scene end or every 10 minutes)
• Intent: Set Up—feint to create opening for Rella's next shot
• Action: Set Up (PRE-based, calling out Assassin's position)
• Check: PRE vs DC 12
• Outcome: Full Success
• Effect: Grants Edge to next ally targeting Assassin
• Fiction: "Now, Rella! He's exposed!" You point to the gap in his guard.

Rella's Turn (Far, with Edge from Varn)

• Intent: Strike Assassin with Edge
• Action: Strike with crossbow, Edge from Varn's Set Up, Edge from Elevated
• Stacked Edge: Multiple sources combine to +2 Edge total (6d6 keep best 4, capped)
• Check: Roll 6d6 keep best 4 = 19, AGI +2 = 21 vs DC 14
• Outcome: Critical Success (+7 margin)
• Effect: 3 ticks on Assassin's Clock (6/8)—nearly out
• Fiction: "Your bolt punches through his ribs. He drops to one knee, gasping."
• Condition Applied: Assassin gains Bleeding (Moderate)—will tick 1/round

Kira's Turn

• Intent: Finish Guard 1 (currently Exposed)
• Action: Strike with Edge (enemy is Exposed)
• Check: Roll 5d6 keep best 4 = 16, AGI +1 = 17 vs DC 14
• Outcome: Full Success
• Effect: 2 ticks on Guards' shared Clock (2/6)
• Fiction: "You exploit his poor footing—blade slashes across his thigh. He falls."
• Condition Applied: Guard 1 gains Prone (Light)

Guard 1 (Prone, must use action to stand or fight with Burden)

• Intent: Stand up
• Action: Uses movement to stand (no Check)
• Effect: Clears Prone, but loses offensive action this turn
• Fiction: "He scrambles to his feet, wary now."

Assassin's Turn (6/8 Clock, Bleeding)

• Condition Tick: Bleeding ticks 1 segment at start of turn (7/8)—one more hit will take him out
• Intent: Desperate Strike at Varn to finish him before being taken out
• Action: Strike with Burden (Bleeding affects physical actions)
• Check: Roll 5d6 keep worst 4 vs DC 14
• Outcome: Partial Success
• Effect: 1 tick on Varn's Clock (3/6), but Assassin becomes Exhausted (overextension)
• Fiction: "He lunges wildly—blade cuts your arm, but he's flagging."
• Condition Applied: Assassin gains Exhausted (Moderate, Burden on MIG/AGI)

Guard 2

• Intent: Strike Kira
• Check: Roll vs DC 14
• Outcome: Partial Success
• Effect: 1 tick on Kira's Clock (2/6), but gains Exposed
• Fiction: "His strike glances off your armor, but he overcommits."

Round 2 Summary:

[FAR: Rella (0/6)]
         |
[ENGAGED: Varn (3/6, *Poisoned*) vs Assassin (7/8, *Bleeding*, *Exhausted*)]
[ENGAGED: Kira (2/6) vs Guard 1 (2/6 shared), Guard 2 (*Exposed*)]

• Assassin nearly defeated: 7/8 Clock, bleeding and exhausted
• Guards holding but vulnerable: Guard 2 exposed
• Varn taking damage but still functional

Round 3: Resolution and Takedown

Rella's Turn

• Intent: Finish the Assassin with one final shot
• Action: Strike
• Check: Roll 4d6 = 16, AGI +2 = 18 vs DC 12 (Assassin barely standing)
• Outcome: Full Success
• Effect: 2 ticks on Assassin's Clock (9/8—Taken Out)
• Stakes Resolution: Assassin is unconscious, captured
• Fiction: "Your bolt takes him in the chest. He collapses, unconscious but breathing."
• Position: Assassin removed from combat

Kira's Turn

• Intent: Strike Guard 2 (currently Exposed)
• Action: Strike with Edge
• Check: Roll 5d6 keep best 4 = 15, AGI +1 = 16 vs DC 14
• Outcome: Full Success
• Effect: 2 ticks on Guards' Clock (4/6)
• Fiction: "You press the advantage—quick strikes drive him back."

Varn's Turn

• Intent: Intimidate remaining Guards into surrender
• Action: Set Up (PRE-based intimidation)
• Check: PRE vs DC 12 (their leader is down, they are losing)
• Outcome: Critical Success
• Effect: Guards surrender immediately (GM narrates Clock filling narratively)
• Fiction: "Drop your weapons! Your boss is done!" They see the assassin bleeding out and throw down their clubs.

Combat Ends: Assassin captured (unconscious, 8/8 Clock filled), Guards surrendered (narratively taken out).

Post-Combat:

• Varn: Still has Poisoned condition—needs treatment (RSN Check DC 14 or antidote)
• Kira: 2/6 on Clock, minor injuries but functional
• Rella: Unscathed, controlled the fight from range
• Assassin: Unconscious, can be interrogated after stabilization

Key Tactical Lessons from This Fight

1. Positioning Mattered: Rella's Elevated position at Far range provided consistent Edge, while Kira's willingness to engage Close/Engaged protected the party's flanks.

2. Conditions Compounded: The Assassin's Bleeding + Exhausted stack made him critically vulnerable by Round 3. Even though Burden doesn't stack mechanically, multiple conditions create narrative pressure and automatic Clock ticks.

3. Set Up Actions Won the Fight: Varn's Set Up granted Rella the Edge for a Critical Success that nearly finished the Assassin. Set Up is not wasted action—it's force multiplication.

4. Shared Clocks for Minions: Tracking two guards with one shared Clock simplified bookkeeping. When their leader fell and their Clock was 4/6, intimidation made narrative sense.

5. Zones Create Clear Tactical Choices: Everyone knew who could reach whom, when ranged attacks were effective, and how to coordinate without measuring distances.

If you are familiar with Hit Points from other games, think of Resolve Clocks as tracking momentum and composure rather than physical damage. A filled Clock does not mean death; it means the character can no longer continue fighting on their terms. They might flee, surrender, collapse from exhaustion, or be rendered helpless—the specific outcome depends on the stakes established at the start of the fight. This distinction matters: combat in this system ends when someone is out, not necessarily when they are dead.

The Key Question: What Does Taken Out Mean?

This single question unlocks the entire combat system.

When a Resolve Clock fills, the character is taken out—but what that means depends entirely on the fiction and the stakes the table established before the fight began. "Taken out" is not a fixed mechanical state; it is a narrative outcome shaped by context.

Taken out might mean:

• Killed – in a lethal fight where death is on the table
• Knocked unconscious – battered beyond the ability to continue
• Disarmed and helpless – weapon lost, backed into a corner
• Convinced to surrender – broken in spirit, not body
• Fled the scene – self-preservation kicks in
• Captured – subdued and restrained
• Exhausted – too spent to fight but otherwise unharmed

The same 6-segment Clock can represent wildly different outcomes depending on what the table agrees to at the start of the scene. A bar brawl might mean "first one knocked down loses." A duel to the death means exactly that. A hostage negotiation where you are "fighting" with words might mean "convinced to release the hostage."

Before any fight begins, ask: "What happens when someone's Clock fills?" The answer shapes every action that follows.

Taken Out: Mechanical Framework

While the narrative outcome of being taken out varies with fiction and stakes, the mechanical framework provides structure and clarity.

Severity Levels for Taken Out Outcomes:

Using Severity Levels:

• Establish Severity at Scene Start: When stakes are set, the GM should indicate the severity level. "This is a standard fight—taken out means you are down until after a rest." This informs player decisions.

• Escalate Severity with Context: A bar brawl is Minor. A duel with a rival is Moderate. A fight to defend your home from assassins is Major. Fighting the campaign's main villain when death has been explicitly on the table is Permanent.

• Player Agency for PC Taken Out: When a PC's Clock fills at Moderate or higher severity, the player should have input into the specific outcome. The GM frames the severity, the player describes how their character goes out.

• NPCs and Minions: Most NPCs default to Minor or Moderate. VPCs and major antagonists can reach Major or Permanent based on narrative weight.

PCs vs. NPCs When Taken Out:

The system treats PCs and NPCs differently to respect player investment and narrative stakes:

Player Characters (PCs):

• Minor/Moderate Default: Unless stakes are explicitly set to Major or Permanent, PCs taken out default to Moderate severity. They are out of the fight but will recover.

• Death Requires Consent or Explicit Stakes: PCs do not die unless the player consents or the stakes were established as Permanent before the fight began. This prevents cheap deaths while maintaining tension.

• Narrative Control: When a PC is taken out, the player describes their last moment before going down (within the severity framework). This preserves agency even in defeat.

• Consequences Still Matter: Even at Moderate severity, a PC taken out suffers lasting Conditions, loses positioning, may be captured, and faces narrative consequences. Avoiding being taken out remains critically important.

NPCs and VPCs:

• Follow Established Stakes: NPCs taken out follow the severity established at scene start. Minions in a skirmish might scatter (Minor). A VPC antagonist in a climactic duel might die (Permanent).

• GM Discretion: The GM determines specific outcomes for NPCs based on fiction and pacing. A recurring villain might be captured (Moderate) to return later, while nameless assassins might be killed (Permanent) to emphasize danger.

• Narrative Weight Informs Severity: VPCs and named antagonists typically warrant Moderate or Major outcomes. Unnamed minions often default to Minor (fled, surrendered) or Moderate (unconscious, defeated).

Examples in Play:

Minor Severity – Tavern Brawl

The party brawls with rowdy sailors. Stakes: "First side out of the fight buys the next round."

When the sailor's Clock fills: He is shoved off the table, laughs, and raises his hands in surrender. He will be drinking with the party later, no hard feelings. He can return to the scene socially but not combatively.

Moderate Severity – Border Skirmish

The party defends a caravan from bandits. Stakes: "Taken out means captured or knocked out; you will need rescue or recovery."

When a PC's Clock fills: The PC is struck hard and goes down, unconscious. They wake hours later with the Concussed Condition (Burden on RSN Checks). The caravan survived, but the PC missed the aftermath and must recover before the next encounter.

Major Severity – Assassination Attempt

Assassins ambush the party in their sleep. Stakes: "This is lethal—taken out means you are critically wounded or worse."

When a PC's Clock fills: The PC takes a blade meant for the heart. The player describes collapsing, blood spreading across the floor. They survive but are out for the next session, recovering from the Grievous Wound and Blood Loss Conditions. Narrative focus shifts to the party's desperate efforts to get them to a healer.

Permanent Severity – Final Confrontation

The party faces the campaign's main villain. Stakes established in Session Zero: "Death is on the table in climactic fights." The villain has murdered beloved NPCs. The party wants to end this.

When the villain's Clock fills: The villain is killed. Their reign of terror ends permanently. The table knew this was possible and embraced it.

If a PC's Clock fills: The player consents to their character dying heroically, holding off the villain long enough for allies to strike the final blow. Their sacrifice becomes a defining campaign moment.

GM Guidance on Severity:

• Default to Moderate for Most Play: Moderate severity provides meaningful consequences (out until a rest, one Condition) without sidelining players for extended real time.

• Reserve Major for High Stakes: Use Major severity sparingly—for encounters where the fiction demands serious consequences and players understand the risks going in.

• Permanent Requires Explicit Consent: Never surprise players with Permanent severity. Death or permanent consequences should be discussed and agreed upon beforehand, either in Session Zero or when stakes are set for a specific encounter.

• Communicate Clearly: When establishing stakes, name the severity level. "This is a Moderate fight—if you are taken out, you will be out until after a rest with a Condition." Transparency prevents table conflicts.

Combat as a Scene

Combat starts when violence breaks out and the moment-to-moment sequence of actions matters. The GM does not call for "initiative" the first time someone raises a voice. They wait until it is important to know who acts in what order and how threats respond.

The table can always ask, "Is this a structured combat now, or are we still in free conversation?" Use structured turns when:

• Multiple combatants are acting and order matters.
• Position, timing, and action economy are tactically significant.
• Players benefit from clarity about who goes when.

Stay in loose, conversational play when a moment can be resolved with a few Checks and clear narration. Not every scuffle needs the full structure of a fight. Many tense scenes will move fluidly between free narration, a short exchange of blows, and back again without ever feeling like a separate "combat mode."

When to Shift to Structured Combat

The transition from conversational play to structured combat should feel natural and necessary. Use these explicit triggers to guide the shift:

Shift to Structured Combat When:

1. Initiative Ambiguity Occurs – Two or more characters want to act simultaneously and it matters who goes first.

   • Example: A tense standoff erupts—everyone draws weapons at once. Who fires first? Switch to structured turns.

2. Tactical Complexity Emerges – Position, cover, and timing become strategically significant enough that free narration feels confusing.

   • Example: A bar brawl spreads across multiple rooms with environmental hazards. Track turns to maintain clarity.

3. Multiple Opponents Act Against the Group – Three or more enemies coordinate attacks and tracking actions in conversation becomes unwieldy.

   • Example: Four guards rush the party from different angles. Structured turns prevent losing track of who has acted.

4. Stakes Escalate to Life-Threatening – The moment violence becomes potentially lethal and Resolve Clocks start mattering.

   • Example: A heated argument turns violent when someone draws a blade with lethal intent. Shift to structured combat.

5. Players Request It – Anyone at the table says "Wait, who goes when?" or "Can we do initiative?"

   • Example: A player feels uncertain about turn order during a chaotic scene. Honor that request and structure it.

Stay in Conversational Play When:

• Only one or two combatants are involved and actions naturally alternate.
• The conflict is brief and will resolve in one or two Checks.
• Tension comes from negotiation or positioning rather than mechanical tactics.
• The scene feels more like a cinematic moment than a tactical encounter.

Edge Cases and GM Guidance:

• Mid-Scene Transitions: You can shift into structured combat partway through a scene. If a tense negotiation becomes a fight, simply say "We're in structured turns now" and establish initiative.

• Shifting Back: If structured combat winds down to a single opponent fleeing or negotiating surrender, you can shift back to conversational play. Ask the table: "Do we still need turns, or can we handle this narratively?"

• Surprise and Ambushes: If one side has complete surprise, handle the first action narratively, then shift to structured combat once the ambushed side can respond. This keeps surprise impactful without robbing players of agency.

• When in Doubt, Ask: If you are uncertain whether to shift to structured combat, ask the table: "Does this feel like we need turns, or are we good in conversation?" Consensus beats rigid rules.

Resolve Instead of Hit Points

The system does not track hit points. Instead, it uses Clocks and Conditions to represent how close someone is to being taken out of a fight.

• Resolve Clocks track how much pressure or harm a character, VPC (Vital Player Character—a significant NPC), or enemy can absorb before they are out of the scene.
• Conditions such as Bleeding, Exhausted, or Stunned mark lasting effects of blows, hazards, or fear.

When you land solid Strikes or create meaningful pressure with Maneuvers and Set Ups, the GM ticks your opponent's Resolve Clock. When the Clock fills, they are out—fleeing, unconscious, captured, or worse, depending on the fiction and the stakes the table agreed to.

Why Resolve Clocks?

If you are coming from games with hit points, Resolve Clocks may feel unfamiliar. Here is why this system uses them:

Traditional HP: A number that decreases. You ask "how many hit points left?" Combat becomes arithmetic—subtract damage, track totals, compare numbers.

Resolve Clocks: Fictional pressure that increases. You ask "how close is this character to being taken out?" Combat becomes story—when do they falter, become desperate, finally break?

HP System	Resolve Clock System
"The orc has 15 HP left"	"The orc's Clock is half full—he's getting desperate"
"I deal 8 damage"	"Full Success on Strike—tick 2 segments"
"He's at 0 HP, he dies"	"Clock fills—he flees, surrenders, or falls"
Outcome is always depletion to zero	Outcome fits the stakes: defeat, capture, retreat
Progress is hidden in numbers	Progress is visible: everyone sees the Clock filling

This keeps attention on narrative stakes rather than arithmetic, and lets different fights end in different ways.

Why Clocks and Not Hit Points?

Clocks keep combat aligned with the goals of this system:

• Fiction first – A character is taken out when the story supports it, not at an arbitrary number. A VPC might quit the field when they are cornered, not only at "0 HP."
• Visible progress – A Resolve Clock filling is easy to read at the table. Everyone can feel that a fight is turning without tracking hidden totals.
• Flexible stakes – Clocks can represent being driven off, captured, convinced, or killed, depending on the stakes you set. Not every fight needs to end in death.
• Pacing control – The GM can size clocks to match the scene: 2–3 segments for quick, cinematic threats, more for major foes or climactic battles.

Hit points tend to push every fight toward the same outcome—gradual depletion to zero. Resolve Clocks and Conditions instead invite you to think in terms of moments: when does this opponent falter, when do they become desperate, when do they finally break. That emphasis keeps combat tied to character, genre, and story rather than pure attrition.

Resolve Clock Sizing Guidelines

The size of a Resolve Clock determines how long an opponent can stay in the fight. Use these guidelines when setting up combat encounters:

For groups of minor enemies, consider using a single shared Resolve Clock rather than tracking individuals. A gang of four thugs might share a 6-segment Clock; when it fills, the survivors flee or surrender.

Resolve Clock Sizing Guide

Use this table to quickly determine appropriate Resolve Clock sizes based on enemy tier. Player characters typically use 6-segment Resolve Clocks.

Note Boss-tier enemies often combine their 8-segment Clock with special abilities, environmental control, or supporting minions. The Clock alone does not make a boss dangerous—their fictional positioning and narrative weight do. When a boss Clock fills, the defeat should feel earned and significant.

Reading Enemy Threat Levels

Before engaging, take a moment to assess what you are facing. Not all enemies are equal, and choosing the wrong target can turn a winnable fight into a disaster.

How to Assess Threats:

• Clock size indicates staying power: A 4-segment Clock means a fragile opponent who can be taken out quickly. A 6-segment Clock is a standard combatant who will require sustained effort. An 8-segment Clock signals a dangerous foe who will demand coordination and multiple rounds to defeat.

• Special abilities matter more than Clock size: An enemy with a 4-segment Clock but the ability to Stun on hit or call reinforcements may be more dangerous than a straightforward 8-segment brute. Ask the GM what you can observe about enemy capabilities before committing.

• Position and Tags multiply threat: An enemy with Elevated position and Solid Cover is significantly more dangerous than the same enemy standing in the open. A Prone enemy behind Fragile Cover is vulnerable. Read the battlefield before you read the enemy.

• Numbers matter: Three minions with 4-segment Clocks who act before you may be more dangerous than one elite with an 8-segment Clock who acts after. If the minions can pile Conditions on you or fill your Resolve Clock before you respond, they are the priority—even if they seem "weaker" individually.

Use this assessment to prioritize targets. Taking out one enemy removes their actions from play entirely. Sometimes the tactically correct choice is to ignore the biggest threat and eliminate the minions first.

Resolve Clock Tick Rates

When your actions affect an opponent's Resolve Clock, use this table to determine how many segments to tick:

Note These tick values are the baseline. The GM may adjust based on fictional positioning: exploiting a vulnerability might add +1 tick, while attacking through Solid Cover might reduce effect. The fiction always matters.

Player characters can be tracked in the same way. The GM will make it clear when you are close to being taken out so you can decide whether to keep pressing or break contact and regroup.

Before a fight begins, the table should briefly agree on what "taken out" means in this scene. Are you trying to kill, rout, capture, or simply delay? The same Resolve Clock can represent different outcomes depending on those stakes. This keeps combat aligned with the tone of your campaign and avoids surprises about consequences.

Turns and Order

Combat uses structured turns, but order does not have to be rigid. The GM chooses an ordering approach that fits the scene.

Turn Order Options

Mode	Description
Conversational (default)	The GM asks "Who acts next?" and rotates the spotlight naturally—best for small skirmishes and narrative-focused scenes.
Popcorn	After resolving your turn, you choose who goes next (ally or enemy)—creates dynamic, unpredictable flow.
Initiative Roll	Each participant rolls AGI; act in order from highest to lowest—suits tactical set-pieces where precise timing matters.

Initiative Options Quick Reference

Mode	How It Works	Best For
Conversational	GM asks "Who acts next?" and rotates spotlight naturally	Small skirmishes, narrative focus, simple fights
Popcorn	After resolving your turn, you choose who goes next (ally or enemy)	Dynamic fights, unpredictable flow, keeping everyone engaged
Rolled	Each participant rolls AGI or relevant Check; act in order from highest to lowest	Tactical set-pieces, when precise timing matters, competitive scenarios

GM Tip: Match Initiative to Scene Tone

• Tense standoffs → Conversational (builds suspense, allows negotiation)
• Chaotic melees → Popcorn (captures confusion, surprises everyone)
• Tactical ambushes → Rolled (rewards preparation, clear sequence)

Whatever method you choose, keep it consistent within a given combat and make sure everyone understands who is up next.

Combat Round Procedure

When running structured combat, follow these seven steps for each character's turn. This procedure ensures clarity and keeps the action moving:

1. Establish Turn Order – Determine who acts next using your chosen initiative mode (conversational, popcorn, or rolled). Make it clear whose turn it is.

2. Declare Intent and Approach – The active character states what they want to accomplish (intent) and how they plan to do it (approach). Choose a core combat action: Strike, Maneuver, Set Up, or Defend/Withdraw.

3. GM Sets DC and Modifiers – The GM assesses the situation, considers relevant Tags, positioning, and opposition, then sets the DC (typically DC 12–20) and notes any Edge or Burden that applies.

4. Resolve the Check – Roll 4d6, add the relevant Attribute modifier, and apply Edge or Burden. Compare the result to the DC to determine the outcome tier.

5. Apply Outcomes – Based on the outcome tier, apply the appropriate effects:

   • Tick Resolve Clocks (see Tick Rates table)
   • Apply or remove Tags
   • Impose or clear Conditions
   • Grant or consume Edge for future actions

6. Update the Fiction – The GM narrates the result, describing how the scene changes. Describe the physical and emotional impact: does the opponent stagger, grow desperate, or stand firm?

7. Move to Next Character – Pass the spotlight to the next character in the turn order. In popcorn initiative, the current player chooses who goes next.

Combat Turn Checklist

Use this quick-reference during your turn to keep combat moving smoothly:

Your Turn at a Glance

Step	What You Do
1. Choose Action	Pick one: Strike, Maneuver, Set Up, or Defend/Withdraw
2. Declare Intent	State what you want to accomplish and how you approach it
3. GM Sets DC	GM considers Tags, position, and opposition to set DC and note Edge/Burden
4. Roll	Roll 4d6 + Attribute + Skill (+1 if applicable Skill applies)
5. Apply Outcome	Compare to DC, then apply effects to target's Resolve Clock or scene Tags

Outcome Effects Summary:

• Critical (+5+): 3 Clock segments, possible bonus effect
• Full (0 to +4): 2 Clock segments
• Partial (-1 to -2): 1 Clock segment, plus a cost or complication
• Failure (-3-): No progress; GM may tick a Clock against you

This checklist covers the essentials. When in doubt, describe what your character does in the fiction first, then work out the mechanics with your GM.

Your Turn: Structure and Options

On your turn, you usually:

• Describe what you do in the fiction.
• Move within the space as needed (closing, retreating, repositioning).
• Take one main action, such as Strike, Maneuver, Set Up, or Defend/Withdraw.

If you want to do something small alongside your main action—call out a warning, kick over a chair, draw a weapon—talk with the GM. If it feels reasonable and cinematic without overshadowing other characters, it often fits into the same turn.

Your turn is a spotlight, not a restriction. The structure exists to make sure everyone gets time to act and react. Think about what your character cares about in the scene—who they are protecting, what they are afraid of losing—and let that guide how you use your turn.

Core Combat Actions

Combat does not introduce a separate rule set. It highlights a small group of common actions:

• Strike – Directly attack a target.
• Maneuver – Change position, create openings, or control space.
• Set Up – Create Edge or helpful Tags for yourself or allies.
• Defend / Withdraw – Protect yourself or break contact to recover.

Action Types Quick Reference

Use this table for at-a-glance guidance on combat actions:

Note The Attribute and DC shown are typical starting points. The GM adjusts based on your specific approach, the opposition, and environmental Tags. A clever approach that uses the environment might lower the DC; attacking a well-defended position might raise it.

Tactical Decision Matrix

Use this quick reference when choosing your action. Match your current situation to the recommended response:

Note This matrix provides tactical starting points, not absolute rules. The fiction always matters—if the narrative suggests a different approach, follow it. But when you are uncertain what to do, this table points toward effective choices.

Action Economy Tips

Understanding action economy—how to maximize the impact of each turn—separates adequate fighters from exceptional ones.

Key Principles:

• Set Up + ally Strike often deals more total damage than two separate Strikes. If your Strike has a 50% chance to hit and your ally's does too, two separate Strikes average one hit. But if you Set Up (granting Edge) and your ally Strikes with Edge, their success rate jumps significantly—often yielding better expected results than both of you swinging independently.

• Maneuver to gain Tags that persist across multiple turns. A single Maneuver that grants you Elevated or puts an enemy in Exposed continues paying dividends every subsequent round. Compare this to a Strike that might miss entirely.

• Defend/Withdraw is not retreating—it is repositioning for advantage. A strategic withdrawal to cover, to an ally's side, or to break a dangerous engagement is not cowardice. It is recognizing that survival lets you act again next round; being taken out does not.

• Focus fire: Eliminating one enemy removes their actions from play. Three enemies each with 2 segments filled are still three enemies who will act next round. One enemy taken out and two untouched means only two enemies act. Always consider whether finishing a wounded enemy beats spreading damage.

• Conditions compound across turns. An enemy with Prone and Dazed is dramatically easier to hit than one with neither. Stacking Conditions through Maneuvers before committing to Strikes can turn a difficult fight into a manageable one.

Strike

Strike represents any direct attempt to harm or overpower an opponent: swinging a weapon, firing a shot, hurling debris, or unleashing focused abilities. You describe your attack, the GM sets the DC based on your opponent's awareness, cover, and Tags, and you roll a Check.

On a Full Success, you significantly advance their Resolve or impose serious pressure. On a Partial Success, you still make progress but at a cost—perhaps you become Exposed, suffer a counterblow, or worsen the environment. On a Failure, your attack misses or glances off, and the GM may give your opponent a positional or narrative advantage.

Strike is the most straightforward way to change the board, but not always the best first move. Against tough opponents in strong positions, consider using Set Up or Maneuver to tilt the field before you commit to repeated Strikes.

Maneuver

Maneuver covers tactical actions that change the situation rather than simply dealing harm: shoving an enemy off high ground, tripping them, pulling an ally out of danger, seizing cover, or knocking aside a weapon.

Use Maneuver when position, Tags, or Conditions matter more than raw damage. A successful Maneuver can create Prone, strip Solid Cover, or apply a useful Tag such as Exposed that allies can exploit on later turns.

Maneuvers are where you see genre shine. In cozy scenes, a Maneuver might be flipping a table to block a doorway or herding people toward safety. In horror, it might be slamming a vault door shut or cutting a rope bridge. In sci-fi, venting a compartment or cycling gravity can change everything without a single Strike.

Set Up

Set Up sacrifices immediate impact to create better opportunities: laying down suppressing fire, feinting to draw attention, calling out weak points, or coordinating a flanking position. On a Full Success, you grant Edge or establish a helpful Tag for yourself or allies; on a Partial, you still create the opening but at some cost.

Good use of Set Up can turn a desperate fight into a manageable one. It shines when your own Strike chances are low or when an ally can capitalize more effectively on the Edge you create.

As a rule of thumb, if the group is facing a higher-tier threat (a dangerous VPC or major enemy), expect the first rounds to involve more Set Ups and Maneuvers than Strikes. Once the table has created better positions, cover, and Edge, Strikes become dramatically more effective.

Defend / Withdraw

Defend/Withdraw represents actively protecting yourself or pulling back from danger: diving behind cover, blocking an attack, or breaking contact to regroup. On a Full Success, you avoid incoming harm or reach a safer position. On a Partial, you mitigate the danger but pay a cost—perhaps taking a lesser Condition or yielding ground.

This action is how you buy time when Conditions stack up or your Resolve is nearly full. Using Defend/Withdraw at the right moment is often the difference between a character being taken out or surviving to fight another day.

Defend/Withdraw is also how you signal a change in priorities. When multiple characters start using it, the fiction is telling you the fight is shifting from "win here" to "escape, regroup, or change the stakes." Pay attention to those moments; they often mark turning points in a campaign.

Positioning and Environment

Tags play a major role in combat. Dim Light, Cramped, Elevated, Fragile Cover, Slick, and similar Tags can make certain actions easier or harder, or change what is possible at all. Manage position and Tags as carefully as you manage Checks.

Reading the Battlefield

Tags are not just descriptive flavor—they are tactical tools. Understanding how to read and exploit environmental Tags separates competent fighters from exceptional ones. Before you act, scan the scene for Tags that might help or hinder you.

Common Combat Tags and Their Effects

Reading Tags in Practice

When combat begins, ask yourself:

1. What Tags favor me? Can I reach high ground, use cover, or exploit dim light for stealth?
2. What Tags threaten me? Am I exposed? Is the terrain hazardous? Will my approach trigger Burden?
3. What Tags can I change? Can I create cover, destroy enemy advantages, or add new Tags through Maneuvers?

Changing the Battlefield

You are not limited to the Tags present at the start of a fight. Maneuvers can create new Tags or remove existing ones:

• Create Cover: Flip a table, collapse a shelf, or erect a barrier.
• Remove Cover: Destroy Fragile Cover with a Strike, set it ablaze, or pull it down.
• Create Hazards: Spill oil and ignite it (Hazardous), cut a steam pipe (Scalding), or shatter a window (Glass Shards).
• Control Light: Extinguish torches (Dim Light), smash lanterns, or activate emergency lighting.
• Alter Terrain: Create Slick surfaces with water or oil, clear debris to remove Cramped, or collapse supports to block paths.

The battlefield is not static. Fighters who actively shape the environment gain significant advantages over those who simply react to it.

Conditions in Combat

Many combat consequences are expressed as Conditions: being Stunned by a concussive blast, Bleeding after a severe hit, or Suppressed by incoming fire. These Conditions modify subsequent Checks and shape choices.

Whenever a Condition is applied in combat, the GM should state how long it lasts and how it can be cleared. For example, Stunned might end after you lose your next action, while Exhausted may persist until you rest between scenes.

Multiple Conditions can stack in dangerous ways. A character who is both Bleeding and Exhausted is under pressure each round and rolling with Burden on many actions. Scenes like this are signals to change tactics—seek cover, call for help, or end the fight on your own terms.

Combat Conditions: Severity and Mechanical Effects

This section standardizes common combat Conditions with specific mechanical effects and severity levels. Use these as written or adapt them to fit your genre and tone.

Condition Severity Levels:

• Light: Temporary hindrance; clears after one action or one round.
• Moderate: Significant impairment; clears after the scene ends or with intervention.
• Severe: Dangerous state requiring immediate attention; persists until rest or treatment.

Physical Conditions

Mental and Social Conditions

Tactical Conditions

Environmental Conditions

Using Conditions Effectively:

Stacking Conditions:

• Multiple Conditions stack. A character with Bleeding (Moderate) and Exhausted (Moderate) suffers Burden on physical Checks from Exhausted, ticks their Resolve Clock at the start of each round from Bleeding, and cannot Sprint. This compounds into a dangerous situation requiring tactical withdrawal or aid.

• Maximum Burden from Conditions: Burden does not stack mechanically—you roll 5d6 and keep the worst 4, regardless of how many Burden sources you have. However, multiple Conditions increase the difficulty of clearing them and create narrative escalation.

Conditions as Tactical Tools:

• Maneuvers Apply Conditions: Use Maneuver actions to apply Conditions to enemies. A successful Maneuver might apply Exposed, Prone, or Dazed to set up devastating follow-up Strikes.

• Conditions Multiply Danger: An enemy with Prone and Exposed is dramatically easier to finish. Coordinate your Conditions to compound effects.

• Clear Conditions Strategically: Not every Condition requires immediate attention. Dazed (Light) clears automatically; focus on clearing Bleeding or Burning (Moderate) before they tick your Clock dangerously high.

GM Guidance on Applying Conditions:

• Conditions Replace Generic Burden: Instead of saying "you have Burden on your next Check," apply a specific Condition with defined duration and mechanical effects. This improves clarity and consistency.

• Match Condition to Fiction: If the fiction describes a concussive blast, apply Stunned. If the fiction describes heavy fire pinning someone down, apply Suppressed. Let the narrative guide which Condition fits.

• Communicate Duration and Clearing Method: When you apply a Condition, immediately state how long it lasts and how to clear it. "You are Bleeding (Moderate)—your Clock will tick 1 segment at the start of each round until someone treats you with a MIG Check DC 12, or you get medical aid."

• Avoid Condition Spam: Do not overload characters with multiple Light Conditions simultaneously unless the fiction strongly supports it. Two or three Conditions should feel dangerous; five or six should feel overwhelming and rare.

Condition Examples in Play:

Applying Stunned

The sorcerer gestures, and a concussive blast of force slams into Kira.

GM: "Make a MIG Check against DC 16 to resist being stunned."

Kira's Player: Rolls 11. Failure.

GM: "The blast knocks the wind out of you. You are Stunned (Light)—you lose your next action. After that, it clears automatically."

Mechanical Effect: Kira cannot act next turn. The round after, she acts normally.

Applying and Clearing Bleeding

The assassin's blade opens a deep gash across Varn's side.

GM: "That is a Full Success on his Strike—2 ticks to your Clock. The blade cuts deep. You are Bleeding (Moderate). At the start of each round, your Clock will tick 1 segment automatically until someone treats you."

Varn's Player (next round): "I press my hand to the wound and try to stop the bleeding."

GM: "That is a MIG Check, DC 12."

Varn's Player: Rolls 14. Success.

GM: "You manage to staunch the bleeding with pressure and a torn piece of cloth. Bleeding clears."

Stacking Conditions

Rella is fighting a fire mage. She has been hit with a fireball (Burning, Moderate) and failed a defense check that left her sprawled on the ground (Prone, Light).

Mechanical State:

• Burning: Burden on all physical actions; Resolve Clock ticks 1 segment per round.
• Prone: Burden on AGI Checks; adjacent attackers have Edge.

Rella's Player (on her turn): "I use my action to roll and smother the flames, then I will stand."

GM: "Extinguishing the fire is an AGI Check, DC 12, but you have Burden from Burning. You can stand after if you succeed."

Rella's Player: Rolls 13 with Burden (5d6 keep worst 4). Success.

GM: "You roll frantically, smothering the flames against the dirt. Burning clears. You push yourself to your feet—Prone clears. You are battered but standing."

Custom Conditions:

The table above covers common combat Conditions, but the system supports custom Conditions tailored to your genre, setting, or specific encounters. When creating a custom Condition, follow this template:

Custom Condition Template:

• Name: Clear, evocative name (e.g., Cursed, System Failure, Infected)
• Severity: Light, Moderate, or Severe
• Mechanical Effect: Specific Edge/Burden and any automatic effects (Clock ticks, action restrictions)
• Duration: How long it lasts (rounds, scenes, until treated)
• How to Clear: Specific action or Check to remove it
• When to Apply: Fiction trigger (curse, malfunction, disease)

Example Custom Conditions:

Cybernetic Malfunction (Sci-Fi)

Severity: Moderate Mechanical Effect: Burden on Checks using the affected cybernetic system; system may fail entirely on critical failure. Duration: Until repaired. How to Clear: RSN Check (DC 16) with appropriate tools, or professional repair. When to Apply: EMP damage, critical system failure, hacking.

Cursed (Fantasy)

Severity: Severe Mechanical Effect: Burden on all Checks; minor misfortunes occur narratively (dropped items, stumbles, bad luck). Duration: Until curse is lifted. How to Clear: Ritual, magical intervention, or completing a specific task. When to Apply: Magical curse, angered deity, dark artifact.

Shell-Shocked (War/Noir)

Severity: Moderate Mechanical Effect: Burden on PRE and RSN Checks in stressful situations; flashbacks may trigger at GM discretion. Duration: Until therapy or significant rest (multiple sessions). How to Clear: Prolonged rest, psychological treatment, narrative resolution. When to Apply: Prolonged combat, witnessing atrocities, surviving near-death trauma.

Weapons and Armor: Tags and Effects

This system does not track weapon damage dice or armor class values. Instead, weapons and armor provide mechanical benefits through Tags, Conditions, and fictional positioning. This section provides a framework for creating weapon and armor effects that fit any genre.

Weapons: Tags and Mechanical Effects

Weapons are defined by their Tags and the fictional effects they enable. A weapon's effectiveness comes from how it interacts with the fiction and what tactical advantages it creates.

Weapon Tag Framework:

Using Weapon Tags:

• Tags Modify Checks: When you use a weapon, its Tags modify your Checks. A Precise rapier grants Edge when you target weak points. A Heavy hammer applies Stunned on Critical Success.

• Fictional Positioning Matters: A weapon's Tag only applies when the fiction supports it. You cannot use Reach in cramped quarters where there is no room to extend a spear. You cannot use Ranged effectively in total darkness without a means to see your target.

• Multiple Tags: Signature or magical weapons might have two Tags. A legendary sword might be both Precise and Versatile. This represents exceptional quality or unique properties.

Example Weapons by Genre:

Fantasy:

• Longsword (Versatile): Can be used with MIG (powerful swings) or AGI (quick thrusts). Standard adventurer weapon.
• War Hammer (Heavy): On Critical Success, target is Stunned in addition to Clock ticks. Devastating but slow.
• Rapier (Precise, Quick): Grants Edge when targeting gaps; Edge on Maneuvers. Favored by duelists.
• Longbow (Ranged, Penetrating): Strikes at distance; ignores light armor. Requires clear line of sight.
• Spear (Reach, Versatile): Keeps enemies at bay; can use MIG or AGI. Defensive and adaptable.

Noir/Modern:

• Revolver (Ranged, Quick): Strikes at distance; Edge on disengaging. Classic detective sidearm.
• Shotgun (Area, Brutal): Affects multiple targets in close range; Partial Success still ticks Clock. Room-clearer.
• Sniper Rifle (Ranged, Precise): Long-distance precision; Edge when targeting specific points. Requires setup.
• Brass Knuckles (Heavy, Quick): Stuns on Critical Success; Edge on Maneuvers. Brutal close combat.
• Combat Knife (Quick, Precise): Edge on Maneuvers and targeting weak points. Silent and lethal.

Sci-Fi:

• Plasma Rifle (Ranged, Penetrating): Strikes at distance; ignores light armor. Standard military weapon.
• Monomolecular Blade (Precise, Penetrating): Edge when targeting gaps; ignores armor. Expensive and deadly.
• Arc Weapon (Area, Heavy): Affects multiple targets; stuns on Critical Success. Anti-crowd tool.
• Energy Shield (Defensive): Edge on Defend actions. Protects bearer and adjacent allies.
• Heavy Bolter (Ranged, Brutal, Heavy): Devastating but unwieldy. Partial Success still ticks; Critical stuns.

Creating Custom Weapons:

When players or GMs want to create new weapons, use this process:

1. Define the Fiction: What is the weapon? What does it look like? How is it used?
2. Choose 1-2 Tags: Select Tags that reflect the weapon's fictional strengths. Most weapons have one Tag; signature or exceptional weapons might have two.
3. Set the Mechanical Effect: Based on the Tags, determine how the weapon modifies Checks, applies Conditions, or interacts with armor.
4. Test in Play: Use the weapon in a session. If it feels too strong or too weak, adjust the Tags or mechanical effects.

Armor: Tags and Mechanical Effects

Armor provides protection through Tags that modify incoming attacks. Like weapons, armor is defined by its fictional presence and tactical effects rather than numerical values.

Armor Tag Framework:

Using Armor Tags:

• Armor Reduces Clock Ticks: Medium and Heavy Armor reduce the number of segments ticked on your Resolve Clock when you are hit. A Full Success normally ticks 2 segments; Medium Armor reduces it to 1. Heavy Armor would reduce a Full Success from 2 ticks to 0 (but minimum 1 means it still ticks 1 segment).

• Armor Has Trade-Offs: Heavier armor provides better protection but imposes Burden on mobility and stealth. Light Armor keeps you mobile but does not reduce damage. Choose armor that fits your tactics.

• Fictional Positioning Matters: Armor only works when the fiction supports it. A Penetrating weapon bypasses light armor. Armor does not protect against conditions like Burning or Poisoned unless it specifically includes protection (e.g., a sealed suit prevents gas).

• Armor Can Be Bypassed: Even Heavy Armor has gaps. A Precise weapon targeting joints or vision slits can bypass armor's protection (treat as if unarmored for that attack).

Example Armor by Genre:

Fantasy:

• Leather Armor (Light Armor): Grants Edge on AGI Checks to dodge; Burden when exploited while Exposed. Favored by scouts and rogues.
• Chainmail (Medium Armor): Reduces Clock ticks by 1; Burden on Stealth. Standard soldier's armor.
• Plate Armor (Heavy Armor, Reinforced): Reduces Clock ticks by 2; Burden on AGI; immune to Penetrating and called shots. Knight's armor.
• Tower Shield (Shielded, Defensive): Edge on Defend; can protect adjacent ally. Requires both hands (or MIG 3+).

Noir/Modern:

• Leather Jacket (Light Armor): Edge on AGI Checks; minimal protection. Style and mobility.
• Tactical Vest (Medium Armor): Reduces Clock ticks by 1; Burden on Stealth. Police or security standard.
• Riot Gear (Heavy Armor, Shielded): Reduces Clock ticks by 2; Burden on AGI; includes shield. Crowd control equipment.
• Concealed Vest (Light Armor, Ablative): First hit ignored; downgrades afterward. Undercover protection.

Sci-Fi:

• Enviro-Suit (Light Armor): Edge on AGI Checks; protects against environmental hazards. Exploration gear.
• Combat Armor (Medium Armor, Reinforced): Reduces Clock ticks by 1; immune to Penetrating. Standard military issue.
• Power Armor (Heavy Armor, Shielded, Reinforced): Reduces Clock ticks by 2; immune to Penetrating; Edge on Defend. Elite equipment; requires training.
• Energy Shield (Shielded, Ablative): Edge on Defend; first hit ignored per scene. Advanced technology.

Creating Custom Armor:

When creating new armor, use this process:

1. Define the Fiction: What is the armor? What does it look like? What is it made of?
2. Choose 1-2 Tags: Select Tags that reflect the armor's protective capability and trade-offs. Most armor has one Tag; exceptional armor might have two.
3. Set the Mechanical Effect: Determine how the armor reduces Clock ticks, grants Edge/Burden, or provides specific protections.
4. Test in Play: Use the armor in a session. Adjust Tags or effects if needed.

Weapons and Armor in Play: Tactical Considerations

Matching Weapons to Tactics:

• Aggressive Fighters: Use Heavy or Brutal weapons to maximize Clock ticks. Pair with Light or Medium Armor for mobility.
• Defensive Fighters: Use Defensive weapons (shields, staves) with Medium or Heavy Armor. Outlast opponents.
• Mobile Skirmishers: Use Quick or Ranged weapons with Light Armor. Hit and run; avoid being pinned.
• Precision Strikers: Use Precise weapons to exploit weaknesses. Light Armor to stay agile and target gaps.

Countering Armor:

• Against Light Armor: Any weapon works; Light Armor does not reduce Clock ticks. Exploit their Exposed status when possible.
• Against Medium Armor: Use Penetrating or Heavy weapons. Penetrating bypasses the armor reduction; Heavy applies Conditions even when ticks are reduced.
• Against Heavy Armor: Use Penetrating weapons and target weak points (Precise weapons). Apply Conditions (Stunned, Prone) to bypass armor's Clock reduction. Maneuver to create Exposed and exploit gaps.

Countering Weapons:

• Against Reach Weapons: Close distance with Maneuver actions. Once inside their reach, they lose advantage.
• Against Ranged Weapons: Use cover and Maneuver to close distance. Ranged weapons have Burden when shooting into melee.
• Against Heavy Weapons: Use mobility and Quick weapons to outmaneuver. Heavy weapons are devastating but slower.
• Against Defensive Weapons: Use Penetrating weapons to bypass shields, or use Maneuvers to create openings and apply Exposed.

GM Guidance on Equipment Balance:

• Default to One Tag: Most weapons and armor should have one Tag. This keeps mechanics simple and avoids power creep.

• Two Tags for Signature Gear: Exceptional, magical, or high-tech equipment can have two Tags. Reserve this for campaign rewards or significant narrative items.

• Fictional Justification: Tags should reflect the fiction. A rusty sword is not Precise. Improvised armor (a pot lid shield) might be Shielded but not Reinforced.

• Availability and Cost: Balance equipment through fiction and availability, not mechanical restrictions. Heavy Armor is expensive, difficult to obtain, and socially conspicuous. This limits its use more than mechanical penalties.

• Genre Expectations: In a gritty noir game, armor might be rare and provide less protection. In a high-fantasy epic, legendary armor with multiple Tags fits the genre. Match equipment power to campaign tone.

Quick Reference: Weapon and Armor Tags

Weapons:

• Precise: Edge when targeting weak points
• Heavy: Critical Success applies Stunned or Prone
• Reach: Strike from adjacent zone; control space
• Quick: Edge on Maneuvers; disengage without Check
• Ranged: Strike at distance
• Area: Affect multiple targets on success
• Penetrating: Ignore light armor; reduce medium armor effectiveness
• Brutal: Partial Success still ticks 1 segment
• Defensive: Edge on Defend actions
• Versatile: Use MIG or AGI

Armor:

• Light Armor: Edge on AGI Checks; Burden when Exposed
• Medium Armor: Reduce Clock ticks by 1; Burden on Stealth
• Heavy Armor: Reduce Clock ticks by 2; Burden on AGI; no Sprint
• Shielded: Edge on Defend; protect adjacent ally
• Reinforced: Immune to Penetrating; cannot bypass with called shots
• Ablative: First hit ignored; downgrades afterward

Worked Combat Examples

These examples show complete combat sequences with Resolve Clock progression, demonstrating how the system flows in practice.

Example 1: The Tense Duel

Setup: Kira, a skilled duelist (AGI 2, Brawling Skill), faces Varro, a rival enforcer. Both have 4-segment Resolve Clocks. The scene is a rain-slicked courtyard (Slick Tag). Stakes: first to be taken out loses the dispute.

Round 1 – Varro Strikes First

• Varro lunges with his blade. AGI Check vs. DC 14.
• Result: Full Success (rolled 17).
• Effect: Kira's Clock ticks 2 segments (now 2/4). She staggers back.
• Fiction: The blade catches her arm—a shallow cut but a solid hit.

Round 2 – Kira Sets Up

• Kira circles, watching his footwork, looking for a pattern. Set Up action.
• Result: Full Success (rolled 16 vs. DC 14).
• Effect: Kira gains Edge on her next Strike. No Clock advance.
• Fiction: She notices he overextends on his lunges—she can exploit that.

Round 3 – Kira Strikes

• Using her Edge, Kira feints low and strikes high. AGI Check with +1 Edge.
• Result: Critical Success (rolled 21 with 5d6 keep 4).
• Effect: Varro's Clock ticks 3 segments (now 3/4). He reels.
• Fiction: Her blade opens a gash on his shoulder. Blood mixes with rain.

Round 4 – Varro Maneuvers Desperately

• Desperate, Varro kicks at the slick ground, spraying water toward her eyes.
• Result: Partial Success (rolled 13 vs. DC 14, margin -1).
• Effect: Kira gains Dazed (Burden next round), but Varro is now Exposed.
• Fiction: Water stings her eyes, but his wild kick leaves him off-balance.

Round 5 – Kira Finishes It

• Despite being Dazed (Burden), Kira presses. He's Exposed (Edge cancels Burden).
• Result: Full Success (rolled 15).
• Effect: Varro's Clock fills (4/4). He's taken out.
• Fiction: She drives him back against the fountain. His blade clatters away. He yields.

Outcome: Kira wins with 2/4 on her Clock. Varro is defeated but alive—he'll remember this.

Example 2: The Group Fight

Setup: Three PCs (Kira, Varn, Rella) face four bandits in a warehouse. Tags: Cramped, Fragile Cover, Dim Light. Bandits share a 6-segment group Resolve Clock. Each PC has a 4-segment Clock. Stakes: subdue or drive off the bandits.

Round 1 – Bandits Attack

• Two bandits rush Kira. GM rolls a group Strike vs. DC 14.
• Result: Partial Success.
• Effect: Kira's Clock ticks 1 segment (1/4). She takes a glancing blow.
• Two bandits circle toward Varn and Rella but don't reach them yet.

Round 2 – Kira Maneuvers

• Kira shoves crates to create better cover for allies. MIG Check vs. DC 14.
• Result: Full Success.
• Effect: Allies now have Solid Cover against ranged attacks. No Clock advance.
• Fiction: Heavy crates screech across the floor, forming a barricade.

Round 3 – Varn Sets Up

• Varn calls out bandit positions and weak points. PRE-based Set Up vs. DC 14.
• Result: Full Success.
• Effect: Kira and Rella both gain Edge on their next actions.
• Fiction: "The big one favors his left leg—go for it!"

Round 4 – Rella Strikes (with Edge)

• Rella throws her lantern at the bandits' feet. AGI Check with +1 Edge vs. DC 16.
• Result: Full Success (rolled 18 with 5d6).
• Effect: Bandit Clock ticks 2 segments (2/6). The area gains Hazardous Tag.
• Fiction: Oil splashes and ignites. Two bandits scramble back, singed.

Round 5 – Bandits Retaliate

• Remaining bandits attack Rella (nearest threat). Group Strike vs. DC 14.
• Result: Failure (rolled 11).
• Effect: No Clock advance on Rella. She ducks behind cover.
• Fiction: Clubs swing wide as Rella drops flat.

Round 6 – Kira Strikes (with Edge from Round 3)

• Kira charges the big bandit, targeting his weak leg. AGI Check with +1 Edge vs. DC 14.
• Result: Critical Success (rolled 20).
• Effect: Bandit Clock ticks 3 segments (5/6). The big one goes down.
• Fiction: Her blade sweeps his leg. He crashes into crates and doesn't get up.

Round 7 – Varn Negotiates

• With their leader down, Varn calls for surrender. PRE Check vs. DC 12 (lowered—they're losing).
• Result: Full Success.
• Effect: Bandit Clock fills (6/6). They surrender.
• Fiction: "It's over! Drop your weapons or burn with the warehouse!"

Outcome: Bandits subdued. Kira has 1/4 on her Clock. No one else was seriously hurt. The Hazardous fire must be dealt with, but the fight is won.

Example 3: Cross-Genre Combat Encounter

The following example demonstrates the same combat structure across three different genre settings, showing how Tags, actions, and Clocks adapt to any fiction while the mechanics remain consistent.

The Scenario: A group of three characters must stop a dangerous opponent before they can complete a critical objective. The fight takes place in a confined space with environmental hazards.

Fantasy Version: The Ritual Chamber

Scene Setup:

• Location: A stone ritual chamber beneath an ancient temple
• Tags: Dim Light (torches flicker), Arcane Circles (magical hazard zones), Crumbling Pillars (destructible cover)
• Combatants: Three adventurers vs. a cult sorcerer (Elite, 8-segment Resolve Clock)
• Stakes: Stop the ritual before it completes; the sorcerer has a "Ritual Completion" Clock (4-segment) that advances each round

Initiative: Rolled AGI. Order: Sera (fighter), Sorcerer, Tomm (rogue), Wren (cleric).

Round 1

Sera (Fighter) – Strike

• Intent: Close distance and disrupt the sorcerer with a sword blow.
• Approach: Charges across the chamber, avoiding the Arcane Circles.
• Check: MIG-based Strike vs. DC 16 (sorcerer is alert, magical wards shimmer).
• Roll: 4d6 = 4, 4, 5, 6 = 19. MIG +2 = 21. Margin +5.
• Outcome: Critical Success. Sorcerer's Clock ticks 3 segments (3/8).
• Fiction: Sera's blade cuts through a ward, staggering the sorcerer mid-incantation. Sparks of disrupted magic scatter across the floor.

Sorcerer – Maneuver + Ritual

• The sorcerer gestures, and the Arcane Circles flare with energy.
• Check: RSN-based Maneuver vs. DC 14.
• Roll: Success. Sera gains the Burning Condition (Burden on physical actions until cleared).
• The "Ritual Completion" Clock ticks 1 segment (1/4).
• Fiction: Violet flames lick at Sera's legs. The chanting continues.

Tomm (Rogue) – Set Up

• Intent: Identify weak points in the sorcerer's defenses.
• Approach: Circles behind a Crumbling Pillar, watching the pattern of wards.
• Check: RSN-based Set Up vs. DC 14.
• Roll: 4d6 = 3, 4, 5, 6 = 18. RSN +1 = 19. Margin +5.
• Outcome: Critical Success. Tomm gains Edge on his next action AND identifies a gap in the wards (creates Exposed Flank Tag on sorcerer).
• Fiction: "There! When he gestures left, his right side drops the ward for a heartbeat!"

Wren (Cleric) – Maneuver

• Intent: Suppress the ritual's power by disrupting the magical circles.
• Approach: Channels divine energy into the nearest circle.
• Check: PRE-based Maneuver vs. DC 16.
• Roll: 4d6 = 2, 3, 5, 6 = 16. PRE +2 = 18. Margin +2.
• Outcome: Full Success. One Arcane Circle is neutralized; area becomes safe to cross.
• Fiction: Holy light floods the circle, and the violet flames gutter and die. The sorcerer hisses in frustration.

Round 2

Sera (Fighter) – Defend

• Intent: Buy time while Burning by getting to cover.
• Approach: Rolls behind a pillar and smothers the flames.
• Check: AGI-based Defend vs. DC 14 (with Burden from Burning).
• Roll: 5d6 keep worst 4 = 2, 3, 3, 4 = 12. AGI +1 = 13. Margin -1.
• Outcome: Partial Success. Burning clears, but Sera is now Prone behind the pillar.
• Fiction: She rolls frantically, extinguishing the flames, but ends up flat on her back.

Sorcerer – Strike

• Targets Wren, who disrupted the circles.
• Check: RSN-based Strike vs. DC 14.
• Roll: Success. Wren's Clock ticks 2 segments (2/6).
• The "Ritual Completion" Clock ticks 1 segment (2/4).
• Fiction: A bolt of shadow slams into Wren's shoulder. She stumbles but keeps her feet.

Tomm (Rogue) – Strike (with Edge and Exposed Flank)

• Intent: Exploit the opening he identified.
• Approach: Darts from cover, striking during the ward gap.
• Check: AGI-based Strike vs. DC 14 with +1 Edge (from Set Up) and attacking Exposed Flank.
• Roll: 5d6 keep best 4 = 4, 5, 5, 6 = 20. AGI +2 = 22. Margin +8.
• Outcome: Critical Success. Sorcerer's Clock ticks 3 segments (6/8).
• Fiction: Tomm's dagger finds flesh. The sorcerer screams, concentration shattered. The ritual falters.

Wren (Cleric) – Set Up

• Intent: Bolster allies for the final push.
• Approach: Invokes a blessing of protection.
• Check: PRE-based Set Up vs. DC 12.
• Roll: 4d6 = 3, 4, 5, 5 = 17. PRE +2 = 19. Margin +7.
• Outcome: Critical Success. All allies gain Edge on their next action.
• Fiction: Golden light settles over the group. "Finish this!"

Round 3

Sera (Fighter) – Strike (with Edge)

• Intent: End the fight before the ritual can resume.
• Approach: Rises from Prone and delivers a decisive blow.
• Note: Rising from Prone costs her Edge advantage but does not prevent the Strike.
• Check: MIG-based Strike vs. DC 14 (Edge consumed by rising).
• Roll: 4d6 = 4, 5, 5, 6 = 20. MIG +2 = 22. Margin +8.
• Outcome: Critical Success. Sorcerer's Clock fills (8/8). Taken out.
• Fiction: Sera's blade crashes through the last ward and into the sorcerer's staff, shattering it. He collapses, the ritual energy dissipating into harmless motes of light.

Resolution: The sorcerer is defeated with his Ritual Clock at 2/4—the party stopped him with rounds to spare. Wren has 2/6 on her Clock, Sera cleared her Condition but took a risk. The chamber is safe, but the cult will not forget this defeat.

Noir Version: The Waterfront Warehouse

Scene Setup:

• Location: A rain-soaked warehouse on the city docks at midnight
• Tags: Dim Light (single hanging bulb), Stacked Crates (cover and obstacles), Slick Floor (rain leaking through roof)
• Combatants: Three investigators vs. a corrupt union boss (Standard, 6-segment Resolve Clock) with two enforcers (Minions, shared 4-segment Clock)
• Stakes: Apprehend the boss before he destroys evidence; he has an "Evidence Destroyed" Clock (4-segment)

Initiative: Popcorn order. The boss acts first (ambush).

Round 1

Boss – Maneuver

• Kicks over a kerosene lamp toward the evidence crates.
• Check: AGI vs. DC 14.
• Roll: Partial Success.
• Effect: Spreading Fire Tag applied to the evidence area. "Evidence Destroyed" Clock ticks 1 segment (1/4). But the boss is now Exposed in the light.
• Fiction: The lamp shatters. Flames lick at the crate marked "Ledgers." The boss stands silhouetted against the fire.
• Boss passes to Enforcer 1.

Enforcer 1 – Strike

• Swings a crowbar at Detective Malone.
• Check: MIG vs. DC 14.
• Roll: Full Success.
• Effect: Malone's Clock ticks 2 segments (2/6).
• Fiction: The crowbar catches Malone across the ribs. He grunts and staggers.
• Enforcer passes to Malone.

Malone (Investigator) – Strike

• Intent: Drop the enforcer fast and get to the evidence.
• Check: MIG-based Strike vs. DC 14.
• Roll: 4d6 = 3, 4, 5, 6 = 18. MIG +1 = 19. Margin +5.
• Outcome: Critical Success. Enforcer Clock ticks 3 segments (3/4).
• Fiction: Malone's fist connects with the enforcer's jaw. The man drops, crowbar clattering.
• Malone passes to Chen.

Chen (Photographer) – Set Up

• Intent: Blind the boss with her camera flash.
• Check: PRE-based Set Up vs. DC 14.
• Roll: 4d6 = 2, 4, 5, 5 = 16. PRE +2 = 18. Margin +4.
• Outcome: Full Success. Boss gains Dazed Condition (Burden next round).
• Fiction: The flash pops. The boss throws an arm over his eyes, cursing.
• Chen passes to Vasquez.

Vasquez (Former Cop) – Maneuver

• Intent: Tackle the burning crate away from the other evidence.
• Check: MIG-based Maneuver vs. DC 16 (fire hazard).
• Roll: 4d6 = 4, 4, 5, 6 = 19. MIG +2 = 21. Margin +5.
• Outcome: Critical Success. Spreading Fire contained. "Evidence Destroyed" Clock does not advance.
• Fiction: Vasquez shoulder-checks the burning crate into the rain puddles. Steam hisses. The remaining ledgers are safe—for now.
• Vasquez passes to Enforcer 2.

Enforcer 2 – Strike

• Rushes Chen with a knife.
• Check: AGI vs. DC 14.
• Roll: Failure.
• Effect: None. Chen sidesteps.
• Fiction: The blade slashes through empty air as Chen pivots behind a crate.
• Enforcer passes to Boss.

Round 2

Boss (Dazed) – Withdraw

• Intent: Escape through the back while the investigators are occupied.
• Check: AGI-based Withdraw vs. DC 14 (with Burden from Dazed).
• Roll: 5d6 keep worst 4 = 2, 2, 3, 4 = 11. AGI +1 = 12. Margin -2.
• Outcome: Partial Success. He reaches the door but drops his pistol. Dazed clears.
• Fiction: The boss stumbles toward the exit, eyes still streaming. His gun skids across the wet floor.
• Boss passes to Malone.

Malone – Strike

• Intent: Stop the boss before he escapes.
• Check: AGI-based Strike (tackling) vs. DC 14.
• Roll: 4d6 = 3, 5, 5, 6 = 19. AGI +1 = 20. Margin +6.
• Outcome: Critical Success. Boss's Clock ticks 3 segments (3/6).
• Fiction: Malone crashes into the boss from behind. They both hit the wet concrete hard.
• Malone passes to Chen.

Chen – Strike

• Intent: Finish off the remaining enforcer.
• Check: AGI-based Strike vs. DC 14.
• Roll: 4d6 = 2, 3, 4, 6 = 15. AGI +1 = 16. Margin +2.
• Outcome: Full Success. Enforcer Clock fills (4/4). Both enforcers are out.
• Fiction: Chen swings her heavy camera bag into the knife-wielder's temple. He crumples.
• Chen passes to Vasquez.

Vasquez – Strike

• Intent: Pin the boss and end this.
• Check: MIG-based Strike vs. DC 12 (boss is prone, no weapon).
• Roll: 4d6 = 4, 5, 5, 6 = 20. MIG +2 = 22. Margin +10.
• Outcome: Critical Success. Boss's Clock fills (6/6). Taken out.
• Fiction: Vasquez plants a knee in the boss's back and wrenches his arms behind him. "You have the right to remain silent."

Resolution: Boss apprehended. Evidence preserved. Malone has 2/6 on his Clock—bruised ribs but nothing serious. The story will run in tomorrow's paper.

Sci-Fi Version: The Station Corridor

Scene Setup:

• Location: A damaged corridor on an orbital station, emergency lighting only
• Tags: Zero-G Pockets (gravity fluctuates), Sparking Conduits (electrical hazard), Vacuum Breach Nearby (time pressure)
• Combatants: Three crew members vs. a rogue security drone (Elite, 8-segment Resolve Clock)
• Stakes: Disable the drone before it reaches the reactor; "Reactor Breach" Clock (6-segment) advances each round the drone is not stopped

Initiative: Rolled AGI. Order: Yuki (engineer), Drone, Marcus (medic), Zara (pilot).

Round 1

Yuki (Engineer) – Set Up

• Intent: Identify the drone's weak points using her technical knowledge.
• Approach: Scans with her diagnostic tool while taking cover.
• Check: RSN-based Set Up vs. DC 14.
• Roll: 4d6 = 4, 5, 5, 6 = 20. RSN +2 = 22. Margin +8.
• Outcome: Critical Success. Creates Exposed Sensor Array Tag on drone. All allies gain Edge against it.
• Fiction: "Its main sensor cluster is damaged—hit the left side and it can't track you!"

Drone – Strike

• Fires suppression rounds at the nearest target (Yuki).
• Check: AGI vs. DC 14.
• Roll: Full Success.
• Effect: Yuki's Clock ticks 2 segments (2/6). She gains Suppressed (Burden on movement).
• "Reactor Breach" Clock ticks 1 segment (1/6).
• Fiction: Rounds spark off the bulkhead. Yuki ducks, but fragments catch her arm.

Marcus (Medic) – Maneuver

• Intent: Use the Zero-G Pockets to flank the drone.
• Approach: Pushes off the wall, floating through a gravity null zone.
• Check: AGI-based Maneuver vs. DC 16 (zero-G is tricky).
• Roll: 4d6 = 3, 4, 5, 6 = 18. AGI +1 = 19. Margin +3.
• Outcome: Full Success. Marcus gains Flanking Position Tag; removes drone's cover advantage.
• Fiction: Marcus floats silently through the null zone, coming up behind the drone's damaged side.

Zara (Pilot) – Strike (with Edge from Exposed Sensor Array)

• Intent: Disable the drone's movement systems.
• Approach: Fires her sidearm at the drone's leg actuators.
• Check: AGI-based Strike vs. DC 14 with +1 Edge.
• Roll: 5d6 keep best 4 = 4, 5, 5, 6 = 20. AGI +2 = 22. Margin +8.
• Outcome: Critical Success. Drone's Clock ticks 3 segments (3/8). It gains Damaged Locomotion (Burden on movement).
• Fiction: Sparks fly as the drone's left leg buckles. It staggers, recalibrating.

Round 2

Yuki (Engineer) – Maneuver

• Intent: Trigger the Sparking Conduits to create an EMP pulse.
• Approach: Reroutes power through the damaged systems.
• Check: RSN-based Maneuver vs. DC 18 (dangerous and complex).
• Roll: 4d6 = 3, 4, 5, 5 = 17. RSN +2 = 19. Margin +1.
• Outcome: Full Success. The corridor pulses with electromagnetic energy. Drone gains Systems Disrupted (loses next action).
• Fiction: "Everybody brace!" The lights surge, flicker, die. The drone's optics go dark momentarily.

Drone – Disrupted

• No action this round due to Systems Disrupted.
• "Reactor Breach" Clock ticks 1 segment (2/6).
• Fiction: The drone twitches, rebooting. Emergency systems kick in, but it is vulnerable.

Marcus (Medic) – Strike (with Flanking Position)

• Intent: Jam his medical laser into the exposed sensor array.
• Check: AGI-based Strike vs. DC 14 with +1 Edge (flanking).
• Roll: 5d6 keep best 4 = 4, 5, 6, 6 = 21. AGI +1 = 22. Margin +8.
• Outcome: Critical Success. Drone's Clock ticks 3 segments (6/8).
• Fiction: Marcus drives the laser into the sensor cluster. Optical fluid sprays across his visor.

Zara (Pilot) – Strike

• Intent: Finish it while it is blind.
• Check: AGI-based Strike vs. DC 12 (drone is Systems Disrupted and sensor-blind).
• Roll: 4d6 = 3, 4, 5, 6 = 18. AGI +2 = 20. Margin +8.
• Outcome: Critical Success. Drone's Clock fills (8/8). Taken out.
• Fiction: Zara's shots punch through the drone's central processor. It collapses, servos whining down to silence.

Resolution: Drone disabled with the Reactor Breach Clock at only 2/6—plenty of time to seal the corridor and restore systems. Yuki has 2/6 on her Clock and is still Suppressed, but the immediate threat is over. The crew can now investigate why the drone went rogue.

Cross-Genre Summary

Notice how each version used the same mechanical structure:

• Scene setup with environmental Tags that created tactical opportunities
• Initiative establishing turn order
• Three to four rounds with varied action types (Strike, Maneuver, Set Up, Defend/Withdraw)
• Clock advancement tracking both enemy Resolve and external pressure (ritual, evidence, reactor)
• Combat resolution when the primary threat's Clock filled

The Tags changed (Arcane Circles vs. Zero-G Pockets vs. Slick Floor), the fiction changed (swords vs. fists vs. lasers), but the procedure remained consistent. This is the core strength of the system: learn it once, play it anywhere.

Putting It Together

A typical combat turn might look like this:

1. The GM describes the scene, including relevant Tags and visible threats.
2. You state intent and approach, choosing a core combat action.
3. The GM sets DC, notes any Edge/Burden, and clarifies stakes.
4. You roll 4d6, apply modifiers, and compare to DC.
5. The group interprets the outcome tier, ticking Clocks and applying Tags or Conditions as needed.

Across several rounds, you will see patterns emerge: early positioning and Set Ups, decisive Strikes when Edge and Tags line up, Conditions and Clocks signaling rising danger, and Defend/Withdraw actions when the tide turns. Treat each fight as a story with a beginning, middle, and end rather than as a series of disconnected attacks.

The rest of this book expands on combat by showing how Tags, Conditions, Skills, Proficiencies, NPCs, VPCs, and GM tools combine to create varied, genre-flexible fights. The goal is always the same: keep the fiction moving, keep consequences meaningful, and let the battlefield tell part of the story.

Chapter Summary

Combat uses the same Check system as other scenes, focused through Resolve Clocks, core combat actions (Strike, Maneuver, Set Up, Defend/Withdraw), and environmental Tags. Use the Combat at a Glance box for a quick system overview. Reference the Resolve Clock Tick Rates table for concrete tick values (Critical = 3, Full = 2, Partial = 1, Failure = 0).

Key Concepts:

• What Does Taken Out Mean? This question shapes every combat. Use the Taken Out Severity Levels table (Minor, Moderate, Major, Permanent) to establish stakes before fights begin. PCs and NPCs are treated differently—PCs have narrative control and death requires consent or explicit stakes.

• When to Shift to Structured Combat: Use the five explicit triggers (Initiative Ambiguity, Tactical Complexity, Multiple Opponents, Life-Threatening Stakes, Player Request) to guide the transition from conversational play to structured turns. See When to Shift to Structured Combat for detailed guidance and edge cases.

• Zone-Based Positioning: Use the four positioning zones (Engaged, Close, Far, Out of Range) to handle tactical movement without measuring exact distances. Each zone has clear tactical implications and movement rules. See Abstract Positioning: Zone-Based Combat for complete guidelines and examples.

• Combat Conditions: Standardized conditions with severity levels (Light, Moderate, Severe) provide specific mechanical effects. Reference the Combat Conditions tables for Physical, Mental/Social, Tactical, and Environmental conditions. Each condition specifies mechanical effect, duration, and how to clear it. Conditions stack but Burden does not multiply mechanically.

• Weapons and Armor: Equipment is defined by Tags rather than numerical stats. Weapons provide tactical advantages (Precise, Heavy, Reach, Quick, Ranged, Area, Penetrating, Brutal, Defensive, Versatile). Armor reduces Clock ticks and provides defensive benefits (Light, Medium, Heavy, Shielded, Reinforced, Ablative). Use the Weapon and Armor Tag Framework tables to create custom equipment for any genre.

Quick Reference Tools:

• Combat Round at a Glance (NEW) – Complete turn structure, common actions table, Clock tick rates, and quick condition reference for at-the-table use
• Abstract Positioning: Zone-Based Combat (NEW) – Four-zone positioning system with tactical implications, movement rules, and practical examples
• Multi-Round Combat Example (NEW) – Three-round fight demonstrating positioning zones, condition application, and tactical coordination with visual battlefield diagrams
• Combat at a Glance – System overview and tick rates
• Resolve Clock Sizing Guidelines – Enemy threat levels and Clock sizes
• Combat Turn Checklist – Step-by-step turn procedure
• Action Types Quick Reference – Core actions and typical DCs
• Tactical Decision Matrix – Situation-based action recommendations
• Action Economy Tips – Maximize turn impact through coordination
• Reading the Battlefield – Environmental Tags and tactical exploitation
• Reading Enemy Threat Levels – Assess opponents before engaging
• Taken Out Severity Levels – Stakes framework with PC/NPC distinctions
• Combat Conditions Tables – Standardized conditions with mechanical effects
• Weapon and Armor Tags – Equipment framework for any genre

Procedure:

1. Establish what "taken out" means and the severity level before combat begins.
2. Decide when to shift to structured combat using explicit triggers.
3. Choose turn order mode (Conversational, Popcorn, Initiative Roll) to match scene tone.
4. Follow the seven-step Combat Round Procedure for each turn.
5. Apply Conditions with specific mechanical effects and durations.
6. Use weapon and armor Tags to create tactical advantages and challenges.
7. Reference worked examples to see complete combat sequences in action.

The worked examples demonstrate how Clocks, Tags, Conditions, weapons, armor, and actions combine into dynamic fights with meaningful stakes across multiple genres. The system remains consistent whether you are playing fantasy, noir, or sci-fi—learn it once, use it everywhere.

11. Exploration and Social Play

Exploration and social play cover everything that happens outside of direct combat. Investigating crime scenes, navigating dangerous terrain, decoding signals, negotiating alliances, and reading a crowded room all use the same core mechanics—Checks, Tags, Conditions, and Clocks—focused on discovery, choice, and momentum rather than immediate harm.

Exploration Overview

In exploration scenes, the GM presents situations, spaces, and mysteries. Players describe what their characters do: search, travel, tinker, observe, or test. When uncertainty, consequence, and agency are present, a Check resolves whether the attempt reveals information, overcomes an obstacle, or creates a new problem.

Exploration is not “filler between fights.” It is where many campaigns decide their tone: cozy neighborhood investigations, tense horror crawls, sprawling journeys, or intricate political maneuvering. Treat exploration choices as meaningful as any combat decision.

Investigation and Discovery

When investigating, start with a clear question: “What am I trying to learn?” Then describe how you pursue it. Examples:

• “I examine the desk for hidden compartments and false bottoms.”
• “I compare the shipping logs with telegraph records for discrepancies.”
• “I walk the perimeter, looking for unusual footprints or tool marks.”

The GM chooses an Attribute and any relevant Skills, sets a DC based on how well‑hidden or complex the information is, and calls for a Check if needed. On a Full Success, you get a clear answer or strong lead. On a Partial Success, you learn something useful but pay a cost—time passes, someone notices, or the clue is incomplete. On a Failure, you miss the key detail or trigger a complication.

Investigation often uses paired Clocks:

• Progress Clocks for goals such as "Identify the culprit," "Decode the pattern," or "Map the tunnels." Successful Checks tick these forward.
• Pressure Clocks for dangers such as "Guards return," "Evidence destroyed," or "Storm closes in." Partial successes and Failures may tick these.

Travel and Environmental Challenges

Journeys, hazardous terrain, and environmental puzzles are handled with the same principles:

• Define the route, obstacles, and stakes.
• Assign Tags to the environment (Slick, Cramped, Hazardous, Obscured).
• Use Checks and Clocks to track progress and risk.