Introduction: Using Skill Tests

When To Use a Skill Test

You may want to consider using skill tests when:

During a Conflict, a character's skill at a non-opposed task could affect the conflict's outcome, and where the random chance of success or failure will add to the scene's drama and fun. Examples: Shepherding a panicking crowd out of the room to stop them getting hurt in the battle; Breaking down a wall to escape poison gas fumes; Translating a demon-banishing spell from an obscure ancient dialect into something you can use;
Outside of a Conflict, when a character's skill ar a non-opposed task will affect a conflict to come, and where the random chance of success or failure will add to the scene's drama or fun. Examples: Running cross city to reach the gate before the barbarian invaders smash it down; Improving the morale of your troops before you take them into the field of war; Predicting the weather, so you can use that knowledge in the sea-battle to come;
Outside of a Conflict, when a character's skill ar a non-opposed task will affect the path of the story, and where the random chance of success or failure will add to the story's drama or fun. Examples: Fighting fire to stop the city's library burning down; Giving a speech to a crowd to convince them to rebel; Writing beautiful calligraphy, to present as a gift to the Emperor;

This page created by Asklepios.