Basic Rules
Full versionThe basic rules form the pillar of the game, guiding the interactions and actions of your characters, both outside and in the heart of combat. It is essential to note that characters can also undertake Roleplay actions during combat, such as attempting to convince an opponent to surrender.
In Worlds Awakening, dice are the key instrument for determining the results of actions. The types of dice used include:
- The 4-sided die (d4);
- The 6-sided die (d6);
- The 8-sided die (d8);
- The 10-sided die (d10);
- The 12-sided die (d12);
- And the 20-sided die (d20).
Each type of die offers a specific range of probabilities, thus impacting the difficulty and chances of success of the various actions undertaken by players. The 20-sided die (d20) is frequently used to resolve whether an action succeeds or fails, while the other dice often determine the amounts of damage dealt or received.
Character Actions
During your adventures, your characters can perform a multitude of actions to interact with the world around them.
Simple Actions
Here is a non-exhaustive list of standard actions, classified by your characters' key stats:
| Stat | Possible Actions |
|---|---|
| Strength (STR) | Push, lift, break, force open, smash |
| Dexterity (DEX) | Dodge, climb, jump, throw, disarm, hide |
| Constitution (CON) | Endure, resist, recover, run, swim |
| Intelligence (INT) | Analyze, memorize, decipher, investigate, identify |
| Wisdom (WIS) | Perceive, spot, track, meditate, solve |
| Charisma (CHA) | Persuade, intimidate, seduce, negotiate, distract |
Complex Action
Certain situations require more complex actions that need multiple turns to be accomplished successfully. These actions can represent significant challenges for your characters and add depth to your scenarios.
Here are some examples of complex actions:
- Disarming a bomb: Succeeding at this action may require multiple turns to analyze the device, identify the wires to cut, and take precautions to minimize risks.
- Performing a magical ritual: Casting a powerful ritual may involve multiple steps, such as gathering the necessary ingredients, reciting incantations, and maintaining focus for a certain time.
- Building a complex device: Assembling a sophisticated machine or complex mechanism may require multiple actions to gather the parts, adjust them, and test them.
To manage these complex actions smoothly, the Game Master may choose to have dice rolls at each turn to evaluate the characters' progress. The success of these rolls can determine the speed at which the action is accomplished and any obstacles or delays that arise along the way.
Action Resolution
When a character attempts an action, the player rolls a 20-sided die (D20).
The die result is then combined with the appropriate stat modifier of the character to obtain the final result. This mechanic is called a test roll or simply a test.
D20 + Strength (STR) for a physical action, D20 + Intelligence (INT) for an intellectual action.
This result is compared to a success threshold determined by the GM, who has the freedom to announce it in advance or not. Unlike tests performed during combat phases, the level is never added to the obtained result. We will return to this concept in the section dedicated to combat.
Success and Failure
To determine the success or failure of an action, the final result is compared to a predefined threshold. If the result equals or exceeds the success threshold, the action is a success. If the result is below the threshold, the action fails.
Thresholds can vary depending on the action's difficulty and circumstances. Some actions may also have critical success or critical failure thresholds, leading to exceptional results.
The table below provides success thresholds to equal or exceed on a D20 roll for different action difficulties. You can adjust these thresholds based on the atmosphere and level of challenge you want for your adventures.
| Difficulty | Success Threshold |
|---|---|
| Very Easy | Between 1 and 4 |
| Easy | Between 5 and 9 |
| Moderate | Between 10 and 14 |
| Hard | Between 15 and 19 |
| Very Hard | 20 or more |
Critical Success
When a player rolls a d20 for an action and gets a natural result of 20, they achieve a critical success. This means that not only do they succeed at the action with success, but they also obtain a significant advantage or an exceptional result.
The consequences of a critical success can vary depending on the situation, but here are some examples:
- Spectacular Success: The character accomplishes the action exceptionally, impressing witnesses and gaining a +2 bonus on their next similar action.
- Unexpected Discovery: While searching for clues in a room, the character discovers a hidden element that could be crucial to the plot.
- Time Saved: The character completes a task faster than expected, leaving them time to rest or undertake another action.
Critical Failure
When a player rolls a d20 for an action and gets a natural result of 1, they suffer a critical failure. This means that not only do they fail the action, but they may also encounter additional obstacles or negative consequences.
The consequences of a critical failure can vary depending on the situation, but here are some examples:
- Catastrophic Failure: The character fails the action spectacularly, provoking mocking laughter from witnesses and suffers a -2 penalty on their next similar action.
- Surprise Complication: While trying to disarm a trap, the character may accidentally trigger it, creating an even more dangerous situation.
- Time Lost: The character wastes time by failing, delaying their efforts and allowing other plot elements to develop.
Charisma and Critical Results
The CHA (Charisma) stat has a direct impact on the chances of landing critical hits in combat or triggering critical actions outside of combat.
Critical results can cause advantageous effects in the case of a critical success, and conversely create disastrous situations in the case of a critical failure.
The role of charisma in critical hits can be explained by the fact that charismatic individuals have an innate talent for influencing the course of events. Their self-confidence can generate moments of great success (critical success) or conversely, create disastrous situations (critical failure).
Negative CHA and Critical Failure
A negative CHA modifier increases the critical failure threshold on a d20 roll. Here is the corresponding table:
| CHA Value | Critical Failure on d20 |
|---|---|
| -4 | 3 or less |
| -3 or -2 | 2 or less |
| -1 or +0 | 1 |
Positive CHA and Critical Success
With a positive CHA modifier, the critical success threshold on a d20 roll is reduced. Here is the corresponding table:
| CHA Value | Critical Success on d20 |
|---|---|
| +0 or +1 | 20 |
| +2 or +3 | 19 or more |
| +4 or +5 | 18 or more |
| +6 | 17 or more |
However, in combat, the total attack test result must imperatively be greater than or equal to the enemy's defense to benefit from the bonus damage.
If thanks to your CHA bonus you land a critical hit but the total value of your test is lower than the enemy's defense, although your action will be considered successful, you will only deal normal damage.