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GOLDEN RULE Decide what youre trying to accomplish first, then consult the rules/skills to help you do it.
SILVER RULE Never let the rules get in the way of what makes narrative sense.
BRONZE RULE You can treat anything in the game world (e.g. organisation, devices, animals, monsters, place etc.) as if its a character
Fate points can be spent to: INVOKE an ASPECT; POWER some STUNTs (others are free); BUY-OFF a COMPEL; or DECLARE a story detail.
FATE POINTS
Fate Points can be earned by: ACCEPTING a COMPEL which is having an ASPECT INVOKED against you; or CONCEDING in a conflict.
REFRESH FATE POINTS dont usually carry over between sessions but the REFRESH is the minimum number a character starts a new session with.
ASPECT An aspect is an important defining characteristic of a character, organisation, devices, animals, monsters, place, etc.
Anyone can offer a player a FATE POINT in return for having an ASPECT cause their character a problem: EXPLAIN why the aspect is
COMPEL relevant; NEGOTIATE the nature of the problem; then either, ACCEPT THE FATE POINT and play through the problem, or, PAY A FATE
POINT to avoid the compel and its problem.
After a skill roll, EXPLAIN why the aspect is relevant, SPEND a FATE POINT (unless granted a FREE INVOKE) and CHOOSE EITHER: +2 to
INVOKE current skill roll; re-roll current skill roll; or force someone to OVERCOME vs. a passive +2 obstacle representing the aspect.
An aspect can only be invoked once on any roll but different ASPECTS can be invoked on the same roll.
DECLARE a detail SPEND a Fate Point, justify the narrative detail by relating it to an ASPECT, negotiate with the GM, who has a veto!
No Fate Point Cost and they can be stacked with other FREE INVOKES or INVOKES.
FREE INVOKE
FREE INVOKES can be passed to another character to exploit so the team can stack up a series of INVOKES that set up the killing blow!
BOOST Transient aspect that goes away once INVOKED, and usually by the end of a scene. A BOOST can be passed to someone else for set-ups.
A STUNT is a special trait a character has that changes the way a skill works for him. Stunts indicate some special, privileged way a
STUNTS
character uses a skill that is unique to whoever has that stunt.
SKILLS Skills are rated from Terrible (-2) to Legendary (+8). PC skills are limited to Superb (+5) and a starting level of Great (+4)
The difference between your roll and your opponents roll of 4xFate Dice + Skill (+bonuses for ASPECTS/BOOSTS/STUNTS/SITIUATION
SHIFTS
etc.) are called SHIFTS. More SHIFTS = Greater level of success (or failure if you are on the receiving end!)
Getting things An especially complicated or dynamic obstacle requiring a series of PASSIVE OVERCOME actions to resolve.
done: The CHALLENGE may require different skills to be used in sequence or the same skill to be used more than once. BOOSTS or free
CHALLENGES INVOKES from one skill roll may be carried forward if they applicable to the subsequent skill roll.
Two or more characters with mutually exclusive goals, compete against one another, while NOT trying to harm one another. E.g. A
race. The CONTEST could be between the same skills or different skills, depending on the situation. It is made up of a series of
EXCHANGES during which each participant makes a skill roll to determine how well they do. Whoever gets the most SHIFTS in an
Getting things
exchange gains 1 VICTORY (Success by 3+ SHIFTS gains 2 victories) and the first character to 3 victories wins.
done: CONTESTS
Ties: no one gains a victory but an unexpected twist means a disadvantageous ASPECT is created that could affect them all.
Characters can try to CREATE an ADVANTAGE BEFORE they make a CONTEST roll, but Failure means their CONTEST roll is forfeit!
A character can decide to ATTACK during a CONTEST in which case the CONTEST usually ends and a CONFLICT begins.
Characters with the intent and the ability to harm one another are in a CONFLICT.
Getting things
Physical Conflict leads to stress in the form of bruises, cuts etc.; Mental Conflict to stress in the form of loss of confidence, self-esteem.
done: CONFLICTS
Any HITS taken cause the recipient to be TAKEN OUT unless they are absorbed by STRESS or CONSEQUENCES instead.
Setting up the Opponent: Character A, B, C etc. create advantages which they stack up to help Character Z succeed with ease!
TEAMWORK
Combining Skills: The Character with the highest skill takes the action but every other Character with a relevant skill adds +1 to the roll.

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A character can always choose to move one zone in addition to taking an action. Moving more zones, or one zone with an aspect that
MOVEMENT
makes it difficult going, requires an ATHLETICS (or perhaps some other) OVERCOME action. Failure grants opposition a BOOST.
A ZONE is an abstract representation of physical space. The best definition of a Zone is that its close enough that you can interact
ZONES
directly with someone (in other words, walk up to and punch them in the face). A ZONE could be a room or a clearing.
SKILL ACTIONS
OVERCOME
CREATE ADVANTAGE (opposition might be active)
ATTACK (DEFEND)
Roll 4 x Fate Dice
Against Passive or Active
To create (or discover) a new
To benefit from an existing or To cause stress or consequence
+ any bonuses
opposition
aspect
known aspect
and defend against it
No harm to Defender who also
Fail, or Succeed in a way that
Fail by 3+ SHIFTS
Fail, or Succeed at a SERIOUS
Fail and give a free
gains a BOOST
ALSO benefits the opposition,
COST (e.g. a BOOST plus free
INVOKE on the existing ASPECT
and MIGHT disadvantage the
invoke to the opposition)
to the opposition
Fail by 1-2 SHIFTS
No harm to Defender
character
Tie
Succeed by 1-2
SHIFTS
Succeed by 3+
SHIFTS
TURN ORDER
Nature of Attack
Mental/Social/
Emotional Skill
Attacks

Physical Skill
Attacks

Shek Pvar Skills

(Spell casting)
Strain of Spell
Casting

Succeed at a MINOR COST (e.g.

a BOOST to the opposition)

Succeed and gain a BOOST plus

free INVOKE
Succeed and gain a free INVOKE
on the ASPECT

No harm to Defender but

Attacker gains a BOOST
Succeed and gain a free INVOKE
on the ASPECT
Defender suffers HITS equal to
Succeed and achieve goal
SHIFTS
Defender suffers HITS equal to
Succeed and achieve goal plus
Succeed and gain 2 free
Succeed and gain 2 free
SHIFTS (Attacker may trade
gain a BOOST in doing so
INVOKES on the new ASPECT
INVOKES on the ASPECT
some HITS for BOOSTS)
ATTACKS are launched in order from highest NOTICE (or EMPATHY for mental/social/emotional), with ATHLETICS, then PHYSIQUE (and
RAPPORT, then WILL, for mental/social/emotional) being used to break ties.
Attack Skill (Stunt)
Defence Skill (Stunt)
Effect on
Contacts(Destroy Reputation)
Will or Contacts
Deceit(Mind Games)
Will or Intimidation
Mental Stress Track
Intimidation
Will or Intimidation or Scholar(Shield of Reason)
Athletics(Body Check)
Athletics
Melee
Athletics or Melee or Intimidation(Armour of Fear)/Physique(Take the Blow)
Missile
Athletics or Stealth(Slippery Target)
Physical Stress Track
Notice(Reactive Shot)
Athletics
Ride(Charge!)
Ride
Stealth(Hidden Blade)
Notice
The skill (which could be the opponents Shek Pvar skill) depends on
Create/Make or Destroy/
Depends on ShekPvar
whether the intention of the attacker is to do Physical or Mental harm and
Disperse or Learn/Perceive
intent
how the target is trying to avoid it. Use the list above as a guide.
Caster always takes 1 point of
Fail or Tie: Succeed but take 1 MENTAL STRESS
Succeed: Succeed + 1
Succeed with Style:
Mental Stress, and
HIT per point of failure
free INVOKE
Succeed + 2 free
INVOKES

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PRIVY PURSE SELL/RECIEVE: If Value/Cost >
BUY - Fail: Get item
BUY - Tie: Get item but
BUY - Succeed: Get
BUY - Succeed with
Purse, then Purse becomes
but reduce Purse by
reduce Purse by Cost
item with no change in Style: Get item plus
Value/Cost; else no change.
Cost+1
Purse
Aspect & free invoke
FULL DEFENCE Give up the option to use an any other action in this exchange BUT GAIN +2 to the DEFEND action against any attacks.
ATTACK, Larger targets are easier to hit: +1 MELEE/FIGHT/MISSILE attack rolls per step that the Target is Larger than Man-sized(+3).
DEFENCE & Smaller targets are harder to hit: -1 MELEE/FIGHT/MISSILE attack rolls per step that the Defender is Smaller than Man-sized(+3).
DAMAGE BONUS Stronger attackers do more damage: Successful Melee/Fight attacks do +1 HIT if +1/+2 Strength; +2 HITS if +3/+4; +3 HITS if Strength +5.
If the value of the attacking weapons IMPACT exceeds the ARMOUR of the target, then + 1 HIT caused by a successful ATTACK. If
WEAPONS &
ARMOUR exceeds IMPACT, then -1 HIT. A player can choose to ABSORB 1 HIT by taking damage to Armour/Shield, which reduces its
ARMOUR
value for the rest of the SESSION or until successfully repaired using CRAFTS to OVERCOME +4 passive resistance.
Multiple NPCs can be treated as a single MOB with their individual Skills and Stress Boxes added together onto a single character sheet.
MOBS &
AREA EFFECTS: e.g. real or arcane explosions, gas clouds, Provoking a mob, influencing a crowd with Rapport.
MULTIPLE
Either: create an advantage in the scene, rather than on a specific target,
TARGETS
Or: divide the total SHIFTS between targets in the area, each of which defends against their portion of the success.
STRESS is short lived. It is removed once theres a chance to draw breath/regain composure, usually by the start of the next scene.
1 HIT can be absorbed by crossing off a STRESS 1 box
2 HITs can be absorbed by crossing off a STRESS 2 box, etc.
STRESS Characters with ENDURANCE or WILL skills gain additional STRESS boxes that can absorb 3 or 4 HITs.
If the amount of stress inflicted exceeds the value of a stress box it must be taken as a Consequence or the character is Taken Out.
CONSEQUENCES can also absorb HITS, but are longer lasting NEGATIVE ASPECTS that DO NOT usually recover between scenes.
CONSEQUENCES 1, 2 or 3 HITs can be absorbed by taking a Mild, Serious or Grievous CONSEQUENCE, respectively.
They can be INVOKED (for free by the character causing them)/COMPELLED until the character has spent enough time RECOVERING.
A CONFLICT can be interrupted at any time by CONCEDING. The characters part in the current scene is over leaving the victors with
CONCEDING what they wanted. The character gains a FATE POINT + 1 FP per consequence taken and negotiates with the GM how they escaped with
their life/discretely withdrew. The GM has the final say so this isnt always a get out of jail free card, and will cost them something.
TAKEN OUT

If some STRESS cannot be absorbed by a STRESS box or CONSEQUENCE slot then another HIT means the character is Taken Out and the
victorious opponent narrates what happens! This will be worse than CONCEDING!

CONSEQUENCES remain in place until:

A sufficiently calm environment that allows treatment in the form of a relevant OVERCOME ACTION is successful (against the +2,
+4 or +6 passive resistance of the CONSEQUENCE; +2 if the character is treating themselves rather than by another).
A Mild CONSEQUENCE presents +2 passive resistance and remains in place for a whole scene after successful treatment;
RECOVERING
A Serious CONSEQUENCE presents +4 passive resistance and remains in place for a whole session after successful treatment;
A Grievous CONSEQUENCE presents +6 passive resistance and remains in place for a whole scenario after successful treatment.
A character COULD take a CRIPPLING CONSEQUENCE which can absorb 4 HITs but this requires the player to replace an existing ASPECT
with the CRIPPLING CONSEQUENCE which remains in place until a MAJOR MILESTONE allows it to be removed.

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At the end of a session, or when one piece of a story has been resolved. At minor milestone, choose from:
AT THE END OF A Switch the rank values of any two skills, or replace one Average skill with one that isnt on the sheet; OR
SESSION Change any single stunt for another stunt; OR
(A MINOR Purchase a new stunt, provided theres the REFRESH to do so. (Remember, REFRESH cant be less than 1) ; OR
MILESTONE) Rename one ASPECT that isnt the HIGH CONCEPT or TROUBLE.
PLUS Note that any treated Serious Consequence will have recovered at the end of the NEXT session.
AT THE END OF A At the end of a scenario, or the conclusion of a big plot event (or, at the end of every three or so sessions):
SCENARIO Gain one additional skill point, which can be spent to buy a new skill or increase an existing skill by one level; BUT the Pyramid must
(A SIGNIFICANT
be maintained so no character can have more skills at any rank than at the rank below it.
MILESTONE) PLUS Note that any treated Grievous Consequence will have recovered at the end of the NEXT scenario.
At the end of a story arc (or around three scenarios), when a main NPC villain dies, or with any other large-scale change.
AT THE END OF A
Gain the benefits of a MINOR and SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE; AND
STORY ARC
Gain an additional point of REFRESH, which can be used to buy a NEW STUNT or left as a higher REFRESH; AND
(A MAJOR
May rename the characters HIGH CONCEPT or TROUBLE.
MILESTONE)
PLUS Note that any treated Crippling Consequence will have recovered when the GM determined conditions are met.
Treat an environmental condition, a natural disaster, a cunning mechanical or magical trap etc. as a character. (The Bronze Rule of Fate).
If the Hazard is intended:
ENVIRONMENTAL to distract - then let it create (dis)advantages;
HAZARDS to do harm - give it a skill level with which to attack (or defend);
act independently - give it the perception and mobility of a character;
be resilient give it Stress Boxes &/or Consequences which must be eroded before its safe.
Challenges or Contests take advantage of deadline pressure by limiting the number of rolls that a player can make.
DEADLINE
Failure can erode more time and reduce the number of rolls available when using the Success at a Cost option.
PRESSURE
Likewise, Success with Style can reduce the amount of time it takes to do something when the PCs are under time pressure.
TIME Instant - A few moments - Half a minute - A minute - A few minutes - 15 minutes - Half an hour - An hour - A few hours - An afternoon - A
INCREMENTS day - A few days - A week - A few weeks - A month - A few months - A season - Half a year - A year - A few years - A decade - A lifetime
Exchange: The amount of time it takes all participants in a conflict to take a turn, which includes taking an action and responding to any
action taken against them. A few minutes.
Scene: The amount of time it takes to resolve a conflict, deal with a single situation, or accomplish a goal. Scenes vary in length, from a
few minutes to an hour.
GAME TIME Session: The sum total of all the scenes run in a single sitting: from an hour to a week. Constitutes a MINOR MILESTONE.
Scenario: One or more sessions of play, but usually no more than four. Most of the time, the sessions that make up a scenario will
definitively resolve some kind of problem or dilemma presented by the GM, or wrap up a storyline. From a few days to a few weeks or a
season. Constitutes a SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE.
Story Arc: A number of scenarios culminating in an event that brings change to the game world. Constitutes a MAJOR MILESTONE.