====== Attribute Rolls ======

When an attribute is important for something that you are doing or that is happening to you, the Sage decides or the rules instruct you to make an attribute roll. The result of the roll determines if an effort to do something succeeds or fails.

//**ATTRIBUTE MODIFIER:**// The rules or the Sage will tell you which attribute (and thus which modifier) to use for a roll. The attribute modifier is added to your roll to determine the result.

//**TARGET NUMBER:**// The reason for making the attribute roll determines the target number. Normally, the target number is 10 if no one resists the effort that warranted making the roll. If you make a roll that is opposed by a creature or object, the target number is the score of the attribute you are rolling against.

If an activity is resisted by multiple targets, such as when you affect more than one enemy at a time, you make one attribute roll per target.

//**DETERMINE OUTCOME:**// You determine the outcome by following these steps: Roll a d20, add the modifier for the appropriate attribute, and then compare the result to the target number. You get a success if the result equals or exceeds the target number or a failure if it doesn’t.

===== Rolls to Attack, Rolls Against =====

Whenever the rules mention a “roll to attack,” that means an attribute roll you make to attack a target in combat. An attack always involves either making an unarmed attack or attacking with a weapon, and the target number is the target’s Defense score unless otherwise stated.

When the rules mention a “roll against” for attacks, spells, or some other effect, the attribute roll is made against a target’s Defense or specified attribute score.
===== Boons and Banes =====


An activity might be more difficult than normal because of an affliction you suffer, or it might be easier than usual because you’re getting aid from someone else. When making attribute rolls, the influence of other factors that might affect the outcome of an action is represented by additional modifiers called boons and banes.


A boon is an advantageous circumstance that improves your chance of success. For each boon that applies, you roll a boon die, which is a d6. You then add the highest number rolled on any one of the boons to your attribute roll.


A bane is a disadvantage that reduces your chance of success. For each bane that applies, you roll a bane die, which is a d6. You then subtract the highest number rolled on any one of the banes from your attribute roll.
Boons and banes cancel each other out on a one-for-one basis before any boon or bane dice are rolled. If you have 2 boons and 1 bane for the activity you attempt, you roll with 1 boon. If you have 1 boon and 3 banes, you roll with 2 banes.

You count boons and banes separately only if they come from different sources. If one of your abilities grants you 1 boon and a different one grants you 1 boon, you roll with 2 boons. But if you have 1 boon from a specific spell and the same spell is cast on you a second time before the first one ends, you still have only 1 boon. Similarly, you might become poisoned from an arrow that struck you and then become Strength impaired by a diabolical spell. You would therefore make Strength rolls with 2 banes, one from the poisoned affliction, and the other from the impaired affliction. See [[Afflictions]] for more information about how these states work.

===== Success and Failure =====


If you get a success with an attribute roll, the rules or the Sage will tell you what happens as a result. If you succeed on a roll to attack a foe, your attack deals damage. If you succeed on a roll to cast a spell on an enemy, you might deal damage, apply an affliction, or cause something else to happen.

If you fail a roll, there might also be a result. You might take damage, gain an affliction, or find that the activity you attempted is, for now at least, beyond your ability.


===== Critical Success =====

Some game effects take effect when you get a critical success. A critical success occurs when the result of your roll is 20 or higher and exceeds the target number by at least 5. Normally, a critical success produces no additional effect without a trait or talent, but the Sage can offer an improved outcome with such a result.
===== Critical Failure =====


Some game effects take effect when you get a critical failure. A critical failure occurs when the result of your roll is 0 or less. Many talents and spells cause targets to suffer additional effects when they get critical failures. The Sage might also impose negative consequences when you get a critical failure.