Editing Swords and Darkness (section)

===Upshifts and Rules Arbitration===
Mythic GM Emulator also works well helping to adjudicate rules. One of the fun features about PDQ is the use of upshifts based on good description. A player can rate his or her attempt being made to describe particular maneuvers in combat (either for attack or defense). Is it “Likely” that the attempt produces an upshift? What one really needs is an agreement that the attempt was good enough to earn an upshift to the roll.

Sounds like cheating? Not at all! First, players really wouldn't want to over-elaborate on dull things or pointless action. A player will ask these questions when the characters really need it—the drama will be high and the characters placed in some sort of desperate situation. That's when they need it, and the narrative will reflect this sort of elevated dramatic circumstance. Plus, one may likely find that one describes NPC action with as much descriptive detail because of the narrative demands (even without realizing it). That means NPCs get this benefit too. It's safe to be generous about rating one's own attempts.

For that matter, a player might consult with Mythic about whether or not a particular Quality is relevant. Always give a generous assessment of likelihood about whether a Quality is relevant and then, if the situation comes up again, the players can assume a consistent result. The same effect can be applied to NPC Qualities. If the PCs' Qualities are broadly applied to different situations, the same goes for the baddies. Then, game balance is a no-brainer. It doesn't matter if a GM (or GM Emulator) allows extraordinary benefit of broad Quality Penumbra, because both sides will benefit. It's also fun to stack qualities. A game for all those min/maxers, without perverting the system. Of course, one has to write a convincing description.

Also, Fortune Points falls into the above category. They're not exactly easy to earn. If unsure, ask Mythic. The players can always reserve the right to award one another's characters a point for interesting and exceptional roleplaying...but perhaps only one every few scenes or so.