Tasks

Tasks are challenges that require a coordinated sequence of actions to complete.

Tasks can be performed by one or more players and spread across one or more rounds. Tasks should be used when overcoming a challenge cannot be accomplished by a single character performing a single action.

LARGE VEHICLE MANEUVERS: During a sea battle, an attack on another vessel might require the coordination of turning the ship, adjusting the sails, and loading and firing a cannon.

RITUAL CASTING: Ritual casting a spell can require the combined efforts of a group and may include constraints such as a specific location or environment, and special materials.

CHASE ENCOUNTERS: A group of characters in pursuit of a fleeing target.

COMPUTER HACKING: Penetrating a computer system might require overcoming a series of firewalls while combating intrusion detection programs.

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE: Conducting a musical performance requires each character to play a different instrument.

CRAFTING: Creating new assets or resources.

Defining Tasks

Defining a task is the responsibility of the host with input from the group. Tasks fall into two categories.

FIXED: A fixed task is limited to a fixed number of rounds. The success or failure of the task is achieved by accumulating successes or failures that exceed a fixed threshold (set by the host) before the number of rounds is completed. Fixed tasks can add tension to a scene by limiting the amount of time the players have to complete the task. Examples of fixed tasks include finding and cracking a safe before a security shift change is completed, or planting explosives on a bridge before an enemy convoy arrives.

FLUID: A fluid task is divided across an uncertain number of rounds. The success or failure of the task is determined by accumulating successes and failures until the width between them exceeds a specified range. Fluid tasks add excitement to an encounter by making the duration of the task dynamic and unpredictable. Examples of fluid tasks include chases, dogfights, or hacking through multiple layers of a computer network.

Performing Tasks

The task begins like a normal encounter. Each player participating in the task states how their character is contributing to the task and performs a normal action roll. Individual consequences for each action are determined normally.

The host records the outcome of each player's action and adds it to the cumulative totals for the task. At the start of each round, the director narrates changes within the scene based on the overall task totals accumulated during the previous round. This helps advance the scene frame by frame as the task proceeds.

The task continues until complete. If the players decide to abandon the task, or all player characters are incapacitated, the task automatically fails. If the task outcome is successful, the players get to narrate how the task is concluded. If the task outcome is a failure, the host is responsible for narrating the conclusion.