Chase Scenes in Stilton Head

How to Catch a Thief...

A chase is tracked in Momentum, as opposed to Distance. These rules replace normal initiative, rewarding momentum, choices, and bad luck.

Chase, Overview

• The chase runs in five segments, indicating five distinct neighborhoods
• No maps, or use only a "landing page" type of map for reference. Keep it agile and theater of the mind.
• Distance is abstracted into Momentum, not feet.
• Failure does not stop the chase it adds a complication.

Chase, Tracking Momentum

• The Party begins at Momentum 0
• Track Momentum openly; the players should feel the tension
• When they get to +3 Momentum, The Party escapes on their own terms
• If they get to -3 Momentum, the pursuers force a confrontation
• If the 5 rounds passes without ±3, the chase ends in absolute chaos, such as a burning market or collapsing pier.

Chase, Round Structure

1. Choose a lead each round
   • Have the players roll for Initiative each round. Whoever gets the highest roll is the lead for that turn.
   • Other players either assist the lead or take risks
2. Declare an Approach
   • The Lead chooses one of four approaches:
   • Sprint: using raw speed to gain momentum
   • Shove: using strength and intimidation to get through crowds and obstacles
   • Slip Away: using street smarts and stealth to misdirect and enscape
   • Trick the Pursuers: using spells, tools, or other clever bullshit
3. Make the Lead Check
   • Have the Lead make their check based on the Approach (see below)
4. Apply the Outcome
   • On a success, gain momentum
   • On a failure, lose momentum

Chase, Approaches

Sprint

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Check: Athletics or Acrobatics

DC: 13 (wet ground)
DC: 15 (rooftops)
DC: 17 (crowds)

Momentum

Success: +1
Failure: -1
Great Success: +2

Shove

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Check: Athletics or Intimidation

DC: 15-17

Momentum

Success: +1, delayed pursuer
Failure: -1, delayed party

Slip Away

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Check: Stealth or Deception

DC: 15-17

Momentum

Success: +1, Advantage next round
Failure: -1, Advantage for pursuers

Trick Pursuers

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Check: Players choice; must justify

DC: 15-18 for mundane tricks, or Spell Save DC

Momentum

Success: +1, negate a complication
Failure: -1, attempt draws attention

Assist and Risk Actions

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Each non lead player may choose one of the following per turn:

Assist: Give advantage to the lead

Risk: Make a check. On a success, gain +1. On a failure, suffer a complication

Protect: Protect cargo from being damaged or stolen this round

Complications

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Roll	Complication	Explanation
1	Separated	One player must take a different route
2	Crowd Panic	Disadvantage next round
3	Injury	Random PC takes 1d8 points of bludgeoning damage
4	Cornered	Path forward blocked, -1 momentum
5	Marked	A pursuer locks onto a random PC
6	Clumsy	PC drops something random, -1 momentum

Chase, Resolution

Party Victory (+3 Momentum)

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Party chooses:

Where the chase ends

Who sees them escape

What story spreads

Pursuer Victory (-3 Momentum)

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Party Chooses:

Confrontation or capture

Who takes cargo

Whether or not negotiations are offered

Mixed Ending (±3 Momentum)

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End in Chaos:

A public square, collapsing pier, or a burning market

Truth becomes rumor, not fact

Lies are told and accepted as truth

Scaling the Encounter

Low Level (Level 1-4)

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Fewer pursuers

Lower DCs

Complications deal social damage

Mid Level (5-10)

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Imperial mages, Guild duelists

Spells interrupt movement

High Level (11+)

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Flying pursuit

Divination interference

City-wide consequences within hours