An ability check tests a character’s or monster’s innate talent and training in an effort to overcome a challenge. The GM calls for an ability check when a character or monster attempts an action (other than an attack) that has a chance of failure. When the outcome is uncertain, the dice determine the results.
For every ability check, the GM decides which of the eight abilities is relevant to the task at hand and the difficulty of the task, represented by a Difficulty Level. The more difficult a task, the higher its DL. To make an ability check, roll a d20 and add the relevant ability modifier. As with other d20 rolls, apply bonuses and penalties, and compare the total to the DL.
If the total equals or exceeds the DL, the ability check is a success—the creature overcomes the challenge at hand. Otherwise, it’s a failure, which means the character or monster makes no progress toward the objective or makes progress combined with a setback determined by the GM.
Difficulty Level
| Difficulty Level | DL | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Routine | 0 | Anyone can do this basically every time |
| Simple | 3 | Most people can do this most of the time |
| Standard | 6 | Typical task requiring focus, but most people can usually do this |
| Demanding | 9 | Requires full attention; most people have 50/50 chance to succeed |
| Difficult | 12 | Trained people have a 50/50 chance to succeed |
| Challenging | 15 | Even trained people often fail |
| Intimidating | 18 | Normal people almost never succeed |
| Formidable | 21 | Impossible without skills or great effort |
| Heroic | 24 | A task worthy of tales told for years afterward |
| Immortal | 27 | A task worthy of legends that last for lifetimes |
| Impossible | 30 | A task that normal humans couldn’t consider (but doesn’t break laws of physics) |