An introduction to the Free-Style Conventions

Dice Rolls in Free-Style Role-Play Art by Todd Pickens

Concepts A. Traits B. Task Resolution C. Skills D. Wounds E. Combat F. Quick & Dirty G. Magic H. Ignobles I. Advancement J. Missions K. Encounters L. Digressions

B. Task Resolution Pretty much all the dice rolls in free-style play are two D8. And most all rolls of these dice are based on one table. (It’s in the middle of all the character’s sheets.) This Task Resolution Table works as simply as a player describing what he attempts to do (i.e. "pick-pocket a person in crowd") and the referee assigning a Degree ("that sounds Difficult"). A player rolls two dice and consults the Task Resolution Table to determine whether he is Successful or Fails, but that's not the whole of it. The table also lists a Mixed result which is something that is successful, but with possibly undesired consequences, and a Mishap result where the player fails and also flubs to a greater danger or discredit. In our example, the pickpocket might roll a mixed result that means he gains a purse that is empty or perhaps takes a purse off someone other than the intended victim. A mishap might mean he is caught red-handed or catches his garb in the victim’s knife. These results generate the true stuff of free-style play. Not all results are purely yes or no. Most of them are shades of gray. The players dice on a single table and generate action and results that become part of the story. As players adventure they gain skills or proficiency at abilities that allow them to attempt actions at an easier Degree or with a bonus added to dice roll. Our thief may state that he has pick-pocket (+2) and would roll two D8 adding two. All skills and abilities in Better Games are examples. The players are encouraged to develop their own lists of skills, powers and abilities as guided by the referee. Use the Vox Populii to ask a question or offer a comment. More Games

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