Obstacles

Each obstacle within an objective is run like a miniature skill challenge. They typically only require 1 or 2 successes to complete, but some challenging obstacles might require more. In some cases, it may even be possible to bypass an obstacle entirely through the creative use of a skill, spell, or item. Don't be afraid to use your imagination and your resources!

Some obstacles can be overcome collectively, but others must be overcome individually. For individual obstacles, each party member needs to earn the required number of successes independently, while for group obstacles, all of the party members that are working toward that obstacle may pool together their successes. For example, each party member trying to scale a wall typically must succeed on their own, but a party member who has already succeeded might be able to try to smooth the path. Additionally, the party can all work together to search a guildhall for clues, and once one party member has picked a lock, everyone can freely enter.

In general, each obstacle is treated as a unique occurrence-- meaning, each specific character can only overcome an individual obstacle once during a single objective; likewise, the party can only overcome a group obstacle once within the context of a single objective.

Obstacles in Play

On your turn, describe what you do to get past the obstacle. You will then attempt any required checks (or simply perform the action, if your choice does not require any checks). The result of your check determines how many successes you gain towards overcoming that obstacle-- or whether you instead raise Awareness!

Critical Success You gain 2 successes
Success You gain 1 success
Failure You raise Awareness
Critical Failure You raise Awareness and possibly trigger a complication

Sometimes, someone might become stuck on an individual obstacle. However, there are opportunities for you and your allies to spend your turn trying to help others overcome a tricky obstacle. It's all about team effort!