Skill Checks and Saves

When you want to affect the world (convince an NPC, spot a trap, pick a lock, etc.), the GM may call for a skill check. Roll and add your skill (the max bonus a skill can ever have is +12). If the total meets or exceeds the Difficulty Challenge (DC), you succeed; otherwise, you fail. A roll of 1 always fails regardless of any other bonuses, while a roll of 20 always succeeds. The DC varies based on the task:

  • Easy: Spotting a large Ogre crouched behind a small bush might be a DC 8 Perception check.
  • Medium: A hidden doorway behind a bookcase might be a DC 12 Examination check.
  • Challenging: Calming an injured Owlbear stuck in a trap may be a DC 15 Naturecraft check.
  • Very Difficult: Intuiting the true intentions of a trained Spy may be a DC 18 Insight check.
  • Extremely Difficult: Disarming an ancient legendary trap may be a DC 20+ Finesse check.

Saves

When the world affects you, roll a save instead of a skill check. Roll and add the relevant stat. A roll of 1 always fails, 20 always saves. You can choose to fail any save instead of rolling.

  • STR Save. When your overall fitness and physicality is tested. STR helps resist forced movement, restraint, poison, and extreme temperatures.
  • DEX Save. When your agility or speed is tested. DEX helps you dive for cover in an explosion or stay on your feet while running across icy terrain.
  • INT Save. When your intelligence is tested. INT helps you see though tricks and illusions. • WIL Save. When your courage or personality is tested. WIL helps you resist charm or fear effects.

Heroes and Saves

  • Unless otherwise noted, the DC for effects a hero causes is 10+KEY.
  • When making saves, each hero has 1 advantaged save (+), 1 disadvantaged save (–), and 2 neutral saves.