Scene Challenge Moves
A scene challenge is an optional structured approach for resolving an extended non-combat scene against a threat or other characters, particularly when a time limit or looming danger adds extra urgency.
Examples of a scene challenge include disarming a timed explosive, hacking a system while evading digital countermeasures, participating in a formal debate before a council, or competing in a hoverbike race.
Begin the Scene
When you face an extended or complex challenge outside of a fight, name your objective and set its rank as formidable.
Then, envision the situation and choose the number of segments for the scene’s tension clock.
- You are severely disadvantaged: Four segments
- You are on equal footing: Six segments
- You have strong advantage: Eight segments
When the clock is full, you must Finish the Scene.
Face Danger (Scene Challenge)
When you attempt something risky or react to an imminent threat within a scene challenge, envision your action and roll. If you act...
- With speed, mobility, or agility: Roll +edge
- With resolve, command, or sociability: Roll +heart
- With strength, endurance, or aggression: Roll +iron
- With deception, stealth, or trickery: Roll +shadow
- With expertise, focus, or observation: Roll +wits
On a strong hit, you are successful and mark progress. On a strong hit with a match, mark progress twice.
On a weak hit, you are successful and mark progress, but also encounter a complication or setback. Envision what occurs and fill a clock segment.
On a miss, you fail, or a momentary success is undermined by a dramatic turn of events. Fill a clock segment and Pay the Price. On a miss with a match, fill two segments and Pay the Price.
Finish the Scene
When the scene challenge tension clock or progress track is filled, or when events lead to the scene’s conclusion, roll the challenge dice and compare to your progress.
On a strong hit, you achieve your objective unconditionally.
On a weak hit, you succeed, but not without cost. You must Pay the Price. Make this a minor cost relative to the scope of the scene.
On a miss, you fail or are undermined by a dire and costly turn of events. Pay the Price.
Secure an Advantage (Scene Challenge)
When you assess a situation, make preparations, or attempt to gain leverage within a scene challenge, envision your action and roll. If you act...
- With speed, mobility, or agility: Roll +edge
- With resolve, command, or sociability: Roll +heart
- With strength, endurance, aggression: Roll +iron
- With deception, stealth, or trickery: Roll +shadow
- With expertise, focus, or observation: Roll +wits
On a strong hit, take both. On a strong hit with a match, take both and mark mark progress. On a weak hit, choose one.
- Take +2 momentum
- Add +1 on your next move (not a progress move)
On a miss, you fail or your assumptions betray you. Fill a clock segment and Pay the Price. On a miss with a match, fill two segments and Pay the Price.