Chapter 06: Difficulty

7. Difficulty Checks

In Infinite Frontiers, Difficulty Checks are essential mechanics that determine the success or failure of a character's actions. They provide a structured framework for resolving tasks, whether they are routine activities or high-stakes confrontations. Understanding how to effectively navigate both Static and Opposed Difficulty Checks is crucial for players and Game Masters (GMs) alike, as it ensures fair and engaging gameplay.

7.1 Overview of Difficulty Checks

Difficulty Checks (DCs) assess how challenging a particular task is and determine the number of successes required for a character to accomplish it. There are two primary types of Difficulty Checks:

Static Difficulty Checks: These are unopposed checks where a character attempts a task against a predetermined difficulty level.
Opposed Difficulty Checks: These involve direct competition between two or more characters or forces, where each side's successes are compared to determine the outcome.

By utilizing these two types of checks, Infinite Frontiers accommodates a wide range of scenarios, from solitary endeavors to intense rivalries.

7.2 Static Difficulty Checks

Static Difficulty Checks are used when a character attempts an action that doesn't directly oppose another character's actions. Instead, the success of the task is determined by how well the character's abilities match the predetermined difficulty level.

7.2.1 Assigning Difficulty Levels

The GM assigns a difficulty level to tasks based on their complexity, danger, or required expertise. The primary difficulty levels are:

Difficulty	Successes Required	Description
Simple	1	Routine tasks; minimal effort required.
Moderate	2	Requires skill and attention.
Challenging	3	Difficult tasks; expertise is helpful.
Daunting	4	Very hard; high skill level needed.
Near-Impossible	5	Extraordinary tasks; rare success.

7.2.2 Resolution Process

To resolve a Static Difficulty Check, follow these steps:

Calculate Dice Pool: Assemble your dice pool based on your relevant Attribute, Talent, Specialization, Modifiers, and any additional dice from Luck or Doom.
Roll Dice: Roll all dice in your pool, up to a maximum of 10 dice. If your pool exceeds 10, convert excess dice into automatic successes (see Dice Pool Limit and Automatic Successes).
Determine Successes:
- Talent Level 0: Only a roll of 6 counts as a success.
- Talent Level 1 or Higher: Rolls of 5 and 6 count as successes.
Calculate Net Successes (if using the Setback System):
- Net Successes = Total Successes - Setbacks
- Setbacks: Each die that rolled a 1 counts as a setback.
Compare to Difficulty Level:
- Net Successes ≥ Successes Required: Action Succeeds.
- Net Successes < Successes Required: Action Fails.

7.2.3 Degrees of Success and Failure

The relationship between net successes and the required successes affects the outcome's quality:

Degrees of Success:

Exceeds Required Successes:

Slightly Exceeds: Minor additional benefits.

Significantly Exceeds: Major benefits or enhanced outcomes.

Meets Required Successes: The action is completed successfully with standard effectiveness.

Falls Short of Required Successes:

Slightly Falls Short: Partial success or minor complications.

Significantly Falls Short: Full failure with major consequences.

Critical Failure: Catastrophic failure, potentially leading to severe setbacks.

7.2.4 Examples

Example 1: Picking a Lock

Difficulty: Challenging (3 successes required).
Character's Dice Pool: 7 dice.
Roll Results: 6, 5, 3, 2, 5, 4, 1.
Successes: 3 (6, 5, 5).
Setbacks: 1.
Net Successes: 3 - 1 = 2.
Outcome: Failure. The character fails to pick the lock and triggers an alarm.

Example 2: Scaling a Cliff

Difficulty: Daunting (4 successes required).
Character's Dice Pool: 6 dice.
Roll Results: 5, 4, 2, 6, 3, 1.
Successes: 2 (5, 6).
Setbacks: 1.
Net Successes: 2 - 1 = 1.
Outcome: Failure. The character slips and takes damage.

7.3 Opposed Difficulty Checks

Opposed Difficulty Checks are used when two or more entities directly compete against each other to achieve a specific outcome. This type of check is common in situations like combat, competitive skill use, or rival negotiations.

7.3.1 Resolution Process

To resolve an Opposed Difficulty Check, follow these steps:

Step	Description
Step 1: Determine Participants	Identify all parties involved in the opposition (e.g., two characters, a character and an NPC, or a character and an environmental force).
Step 2: Calculate Dice Pools	Each participant calculates their own dice pool based on their relevant Attribute, Talent, Specialization, Modifiers, and any additional dice from Luck or Doom.
Step 3: Roll Dice	Each participant rolls their dice pool, adhering to the maximum of 10 dice. Excess dice convert to automatic successes.
Step 4: Determine Successes	Talent Level 0: Only a 6 counts as a success. Talent Level 1 or Higher: Rolls of 5 and 6 count as successes.
Step 5: Calculate Net Successes	Net Successes = Total Successes - Setbacks. Setbacks occur when a die rolls a 1.
Step 6: Compare Successes	Higher Net Successes: The participant with more net successes wins the contest. Tie: The contest results in a stalemate or minimal effect, subject to the GM's discretion.
Step 7: Determine Degrees of Victory	1 Success Difference: Minor victory; basic success. 2+ Successes Difference: Decisive victory; may grant additional advantages.

Rulebook