Mastering a game of Worlds Awakening involves considering multiple factors to provide an appropriate challenge to players. It's crucial to remember that a successful game is one where players enjoy playing. This enjoyment results from the balance between frustration and reward, which, when well adjusted, create an engaging and satisfying game experience.
It's important to understand that a lack of challenge can give players a sense of omnipotence, undermining the atmosphere and stakes of the game. Conversely, overly difficult challenges can lead to excessive frustration, causing players to lose interest in the game.
Of course, it is sometimes wise to propose exceptionally easy or difficult challenges for narrative reasons, whether to influence the progress of your story or to reveal an unexpected outcome for the players.
Thus, this chapter provides essential tools for balancing encounters (or battles) and awarding rewards suitable for your players, whether after an encounter or upon completing a quest. You will also find guidelines for managing various physical deteriorations such as falls, fatigue, poisoning or other lasting effects.