By name: rule-action-checks-and-expertise description: Non-combat resolution rules: difficulty ladder, opposed rolls, and expertise progression constraints.
Action Checks and Expertise Rules (Thematic)
Scope
Use this skill for hacking, piloting, social tests, investigation, improvised actions, and all non-standard adjudications.
Resolution model
- GM chooses most relevant stat or expertise based on declared approach.
- Player rolls
d20 + relevant stat + expertise (if applicable). - Success if total meets or exceeds difficulty.
Difficulty ladder
- Trivial: 6
- Easy: 10
- Moderate: 14
- Difficult: 18
- Very Difficult: 22
- Extremely Difficult: 26
Opposed checks
- Both sides roll
d20 + relevant modifiers. - Initiator must exceed (not merely tie) defender total.
Expertise progression constraints
- Skills have numbered expertise bubbles.
- You can only fill bubbles with number
<= character level. - Training increases check reliability and should be treated as a major advancement resource.
Adjudication best practices
- Reward specific, context-rich player approach by choosing the most appropriate skill.
- Keep consistency in repeated task types so players can plan builds.
- Use opposed checks for active resistance, static DCs for environmental/systemic challenges.
Search cues / aliases
skill check, dc, difficulty, opposed roll, expertise bubbles, hacking check, persuasion check, investigation roll.