Dramatic Skill Resolution
Dramatic Skill Resolution (DSR) breaks a task into four steps, each of which can be a different test with its own Difficulty Number and must be performed in the order listed (A, B, C, D). This is used to handle such things as complex tasks (example: defusing bombs), chase sequences, and races.
In each case, the four steps and the means to complete them are given. In many cases, the players can suggest a different plan, but can't change the fact that a DSR takes four steps.
Lead Character
Completing a DSR may only be rolled for by one character each round, called the lead character. The lead character may be changed each round. Other characters may assist using the Combined Action rules (given below) each round. In most cases, the lead character may use Multi-Action to attempt multiple steps in a round if desired.
Completing Steps
A step can only be completed if it comes up on the Drama Card for the round, or if it is the next available step and a Dilemma appears on the card (see below). If the next step is not eligible to be completed, the lead character may attempt it anyway and count it as an Approved Action if successful (i.e., the lead character can draw a Destiny Card).
Dilemmas
A Dilemma occurs when the Drama Card lists something other than one or more step letters. When a Dilemma appears, the next needed step (and only that one step) can be completed this round. In addition, there are consequences for not completing the step in that round. The exact consequence depends on the Dilemma involved:
Complication: The situation deteriorates and becomes harder, increasing all future Difficulty Numbers by 1.
Possible Setback: A significant problem has arisen. As a result, the last completed step is undone and must be done again.
Critical Problem: The situation gets significantly worse, and all progress on the DSR is lost. If there is time, it can be tried again.
Last Ditch Effort
In certain cases, such as when time runs out, you may want to ignore the letters on the Drama Card and attempt to complete the DSR in one action. This is allowed, but doing so imposes an additional -2 on the attempt and failure results in applying the consequences of a Critical Problem.
Other Characters
As stated above, other characters may use Combined Action to help the lead character. But there may be other tasks that require attention (such as fending off hostiles). For this reason, the conflict line of the Drama Card is usually still taken into consideration. As usual, characters may attempt their actions in any order, with the obvious exception that people who are attempting extra effort to help the lead character must do so before the lead character acts.
Combined Action
Characters may use their turn to help other characters in their actions. This is called Combined Action.
When using Combined Action to help another, the character may choose to use normal effort without rolling for it. This results in adding one to the number of characters involved in the action.
Extra Effort
Alternatively, a character may attempt Extra Effort. This requires a test on a skill and Difficulty Number of the Gamemaster's choosing with the following results:
| Success Level | Result |
|---|
| Mishap | The "help" is counterproductive and counts as one fewer character. If the final total is 0 or less characters, the test is at -2. |
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| Failure | The character is unproductive and does not count as an extra character. |
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| Standard | The character is normally effective and counts as 1 extra character. |
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| Good | The character is extra helpful and counts as 2 extra characters. |
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| Outstanding | The character is remarkably effective and counts as 3 extra characters. |
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| Spectacular | The character is supremely effective and counts as 4 extra characters. |
|---|
Count the total number of effective characters participating (including the one doing the action). The action gets a bonus equal to the value for that number of characters on the Value Chart.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:28, Tue 05 Oct 2021.
