Modifiers

The core mechanic of the game revolves around modifiers to build and adjust the results of a dice pool. This is done through the use of modifiers that adjust the number of dice in the pool, set specific results on some dice, or adjust the results of rolled dice. Modifiers are either Beneficial(+) or Hindering(-) depending on whether they help or hinder the side they are applied to.

Beneficial and Hindering Modifiers

Beneficial(+) modifiers are to the advantage of the side that they are applied to. Hindering(-) modifiers are to the detriment of the side they are applied to. Hindering(-) modifiers are always applied before Beneficial(+) modifiers of the same type. This results in a regular back-and-forth at each step of resolving a dice pool, like the ebb and flow of a tide.

Add Dice Modifiers (± #d6)

Add Dice modifiers build the base number of dice in a dice pool. The shorthand is read as “add # of dice to the dice pool” or “subtract # of dice from the dice pool”. For example, +2d6 means “add two dice to the dice pool”; -1d6 means “remove one die from the dice pool”.

Auto Result Modifiers (A# / #d)

Note: Other Auto Result modifiers exist but only appear for Challenges.

Auto Result modifiers (“Auto Results”) set the result of one die to a set value before rolling the dice pool. Dice changed in this way are not rolled. They are considered to have automatically rolled the given value, hence “Auto Results”. The shorthand is read as “an automatic # result applied to # dice”. For example, A5 / 1d means “change one die to a 5 before rolling and do not roll the die”; A1 / 2d means “change two dice to 1 before rolling and do not roll those two dice”.

Auto Result modifiers must be applied to dice not yet affected by an Auto Result modifier if possible. If it is not possible, then the Auto Result may be applied to a die with an Auto Result already applied.

Simple Modifiers (± # / #d)

Simple modifiers apply the first number to the result of one die. The shorthand is read “add # to # of dice” or “subtract # from # of dice”. For example, +1 / 2d means “add one to the result of two different dice that have been rolled”; - 2 / 1d means “subtract two from the result of one die that has been rolled”.

A Simple modifier that applies to multiple dice (e.g., +1 / 2d) must apply each to a separate die. Multiple Beneficial(+) Simple modifiers cannot stack on the same die, nor may multiple Hindering(-) Simple modifiers stack on the same die. However, a single Beneficial(+) Simple modifier can stack on a die that already has a Hindering(-) Simple modifier applied. Simple modifiers that cannot be applied to a die are lost.

Ranked Modifiers

Ranked Modifiers are used under a variety of circumstances. They are always Simple modifiers, but may be Beneficial(+) or Hindering(-) depending on context.