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.
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.
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.
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.
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.