Assess: Better Openings

SSanityWithIn

When you naturally roll the max on the primary die, you "carry" the +1 into the reroll of the primary die of the explosion. This guarantees at least +1 damage and also increases your chances for an additional explosion, thus avoiding a feelbad moment of having "wasted" an opening on a good attack roll.

Example: Alice the hunter successfully assesses a goblin and creates an Opening, then Bob attacks the goblin with a longsword and rolls a 8, this is a crit so the primary die explodes into a 7, now we can apply the +1 to get to a 8, so we keep going 3, ending the explosion for a total of 18 damage.

The idea is from Erywin. I really like it and use it at my table.

Augments

Assess

A great way to include creativity and role-playing in combat. Choose one of the following and then make a DC 10 skill check to:

  • Ask a Question. About a weakness, ability, or immediate plans of enemies, the environment, story, etc. The GM will answer honestly.
  • Create an Opening. Change the next Primary Die rolled against a target this round 1 face higher. This means the attack cannot miss and is more likely to crit.
  • Anticipate Danger. Change all Primary Dice rolled against you 1 face lower this round. This means you cannot be crit, and attacks miss you on 1 or 2.

Notes on Assessing Monsters Are Smart! You cannot assess using the same skill more than once in a single encounter, as your foes adapt to your tactics. You’ll need to stay creative!