View source for Dice & Dice Pools

==The Core==
:In the '''Genesys RPG''', characters regularly find themselves utilizing their skills and a healthy serving of luck to perform tasks and actions. Determining success or failure – or any unforeseen circumstances – requires the character to perform a skill check. There are two basic elements to skill checks.

:# Create a dice pool and roll.
:# After all factors are considered, if at least one Success symbol remains, the task is successful.

:When a character attempts an action, the first thing they do is gather the appropriate dice to form a dice pool. Several factors determine how many dice to roll, including the character’s natural abilities, training, equipment, and the inherent difficulty of the task. The GM might also add dice based on the environment or the situation. For instance, attempting to break in to the roof access of a building on a clear day versus trying to jimmy the lock in a downpour, without tools, while being shot at are quite different. Once all the necessary dice are collected, the player rolls the entire pool.

:The second step is understanding the results. After rolling, you examine the symbols that appear on the dice. Some symbols work in pairs, with one type canceling out its opposite. Other symbols apply no matter what and add extra effects to the task's outcome. By first comparing Success and Failure symbols, you determine whether the action succeeded. Then, you compare Advantage and Threat symbols to see if there are any positive side effects or complications. Finally, you resolve any remaining symbols to finalize the outcome.

:This core mechanic, the skill check, is the backbone of the game. Every other rule or effect interacts with either the process of building the dice pool or interpreting the results once the dice are rolled.

==The Dice==

:The symbols on the ''Genesys'' dice provide a foundation for the action in the game. Understanding how the symbols interact with each other will allow the game to run more smoothly. When the GM calls for your character to make a skill check, the dice allow you and the GM to resolve the role quickly, determining success or failure and narrative implications. There are six types of dice used to make this happen, and each die face is either blank or has one or two symbols representing positive or negative outcomes.

:A dice pool will generally contain between five and eight dice, though smaller – and larger – pools aren’t unheard of; difficult circumstances might call for more dice while more mundane ones require fewer.

:The dice can be divided into two categories: Beneficial dice and disruptive dice. Beneficial dice include symbols used to accomplish tasks, while disruptive dice feature symbols that cancel those from their counterparts and hinder success. 

:'''Ability''', '''Proficiency''', and '''Boost''' dice are beneficial dice, while '''Difficulty''', '''Challenge''', and '''Setback''' dice are negative and disruptive.

===Positive or Beneficial Dice===
:The three types of beneficial dice feature symbols that increase the odds of success in finishing a task or gaining positive side effects.

====Ability Dice====
:Green eight-sided dice represent your character’s Ability; these dice form the core of most dice pools. They embody your character’s basic aptitude when making a skill check and are represented by [[Image:A.png]] in text.

====Proficiency Dice====
:The yellow twelve-sided dice represent your character’s proficiency, a combination of innate ability and training. They have a greater likelihood of success and are the only dice that include the '''Triumph''' symbol. Proficiency dice are upgraded versions of Ability dice and are represented by [[Image:P.png]] in text.

====Boost Dice====
:Situational advantages are represented by light blue six-sided dice. Boost Dice represent luck, chance, advantageous actions your character takes, and circumstances surrounding the characters, such as having the right equipment or perfect lighting. Boost dice are shown as [[Image:B.png]] in text.

===Negative or Disruptive Dice===
:The three types of disruptive dice include symbols that thwart success or provide unexpected – and unwanted – complications.

====Difficulty Dice====
:Purple eight-sided dice represent the inherent complexity or difficulty of a task. The more Difficulty dice in a dice pool, the less likely the roll is to be successful. They possess detrimental symbols that cancel out the positive symbols in a dice pool and are represented by [[Image:D.png]] in text.

====Challenge Dice====
:Challenge dice are dark red twelve-sided dice. They represent intense adversity and contention. They are likely to show up in place of Difficulty dice during more daunting challenges and circumstances, such as those posed by highly-skilled or powerful opponents. They include negative results, like Difficulty dice, but are the only dice to feature the potent '''Despair''' symbol. Challenge dice are upgraded versions of Difficulty dice and are represented by [[Image:C.png]] in text.

====Setback Dice====
:Represented by black six-sided dice, Setback dice are the thematic opposite of Boost dice. They represent bad fortune and difficult circumstances, such as poor lighting, insufficient resources, or difficult terrain. They’re added to a roll to represent situations or environmental difficulties that don’t increase the basic difficulty of the task. They’re represented by [[Image:K.png]] in text.

===Percentile Dice===
:In addition to the Narrative Dice, the game also uses a pair of percentile dice, either as percents or a simple roll of one to ten and are most often used for critical injury results.

==The Symbols==
===Positive Symbols===
==== Success ====
: Success symbols play a key role in determining if a skill check succeeds or fails; simply put, the more Success symbols you roll, the better your chances of success.
: For each Success symbol [[Image:S.png]] you roll, a Failure symbol [[Image:F.png]] cancels it out. After Failures are used to cancel Successes, if at least one Success symbol [[Image:S.png]] is left over, the skill check is successful. It’s also important to remember that the number of [[Image:S.png]] remaining can affect how well you perform the task, the magnitude of success. The more Success symbols [[Image:S.png]] you have after cancellation, the bigger the impact of your success, whether it’s dealing more damage, persuading more people, or healing more wounds.
: Success symbols are found on [[Image:A.png]], [[Image:P.png]], and [[Image:B.png]] dice.

==== Advantage ====
: The Advantage symbol [[Image:V.png]] represents an opportunity for a positive outcome or side effect, regardless of whether your character succeeds or fails at the task. Examples of these positive effects include staying unnoticed while hacking, finding unexpected cover during a firefight, or recovering from stress during a tense moment.
: It’s possible for a task to fail but still generate Advantage symbols [[Image:V.png]], meaning something good can come from a failed attempt. Similarly, Advantage [[Image:V.png]] can appear during a successful roll, leading to even better outcomes. Keep in mind, though, that Advantage [[Image:V.png]] doesn’t directly affect whether you succeed or fail, it just influences what extra benefits you get from the roll.
: Advantage symbols [[Image:V.png]] are canceled out by Threat symbols [[Image:H.png]], with each Threat [[Image:V.png]] removing one Advantage [[Image:V.png]]. If any Advantage [[Image:V.png]] remains after cancellation, you can use it to trigger special effects like landing a Critical Hit, activating a weapon’s special feature, recovering strain, or performing additional maneuvers.
: Advantage symbols can be found on [[Image:A.png]], [[Image:P.png]], and [[Image:B.png]] dice.

==== Triumph ====
: The Triumph [[Image:TR.png]] symbol represents a major success or a highly beneficial result. When you roll a Triumph [[Image:TR.png]], two things happen:
:* Each Triumph symbol [[Image:TR.png]] also counts as a Success [[Image:S.png]]. This means it helps determine if your task succeeds, just like any regular Success symbol [[Image:S.png]]. However, like other Success symbols [[Image:S.png]], the Success of a Triumph X can be canceled out by a Failure symbol [[Image:F.png]] rolled during the same skill check.
:* You can use a Triumph [[Image:TR.png]] to trigger powerful effects. Think of it as a "super Advantage," allowing you to pull off something impressive that regular Advantage symbols [[Image:V.png]] couldn’t achieve. For example, you could use a Triumph [[Image:TR.png]] to trigger a Critical Injury during combat or activate a weapon’s special feature - things that would normally require multiple Advantage symbols [[Image:V.png]]. Triumphs can also lead to other extraordinary effects, which may depend on the GM, your environment, or specific character abilities.
: You benefit from both effects of a Triumph symbol [[Image:TR.png]]: it counts as a Success [[Image:S.png]], and it lets you trigger a special effect. While the Success part of the Triumph can be canceled by a Failure, the special effect cannot. If you roll multiple Triumphs, each one adds a Success [[Image:S.png]] and can be used for a separate powerful effect or increase the magnitude of a positive outcome.
: The Triumph symbol only appears on the [[Image:P.png]] die.

===Negative Symbols===
==== Failure ====
: Failure symbols [[Image:F.png]] are key to figuring out if a skill check fails. The more Failure symbols [[Image:F.png]] you roll, the more likely your attempt is to fail.
: Each Failure symbol [[Image:F.png]] cancels out one Success symbol [[Image:S.png]]. After Failures cancel Successes, if no Success symbols [[Image:S.png]] are left in the dice pool, the task fails. However, unlike Success, rolling multiple Failure symbols [[Image:F.png]] doesn’t make the failure worse. You either succeed or fail; there's no extra penalty for more Failure symbols [[Image:F.png]] beyond canceling out Success.
: Failure symbols can appear on [[Image: D.png]], [[Image:C.png]], and [[Image:K.png]] dice.

==== Threat ====
: Threat symbols [[Image:H.png]] represent negative consequences or side effects, whether the check succeeds or fails. Some examples of these side effects include taking too long to pick a lock, dropping your weapon while running for cover, or suffering additional strain during a stressful situation.
: It’s possible to succeed at a task but still roll several Threat symbols [[Image:H.png]], leading to complications. Likewise, Threat can appear during a failed check, making a bad situation even worse. Keep in mind that Threat doesn’t directly impact whether you succeed or fail, but it can create difficulties or unexpected outcomes.
: The GM usually handles how Threat is resolved, but when NPCs roll Threat symbols [[Image:H.png]], you and your fellow players can suggest creative ways to use it. These side effects could include being knocked down, losing cover, taking longer to finish the task, suffering strain, or giving an enemy an opportunity to act.
: Each Threat symbol [[Image:H.png]] cancels one Advantage symbol [[Image:V.png]]. The details of how Threat is used can vary, but common effects include physical setbacks or wasted time.
: Threat symbols appear on [[Image: D.png]], [[Image:C.png]], and [[Image:K.png]] dice.

==== Despair ====
: The Despair symbol [[Image:DE.png]] represents a major negative outcome or serious complication. When you roll a Despair [[Image:DE.png]], two things happen:
:* Each Despair [[Image:DE.png]] also counts as a Failure [[Image:F.png]]. This means it affects whether the check succeeds or fails, just like a regular Failure symbol [[Image:F.png]]. However, the failure aspect of a Despair [[Image:DE.png]] can still be canceled out by a Success symbol [[Image:S.png]] rolled in the same check.
:* Despair [[Image:DE.png]] can trigger very powerful negative effects, similar to a "super Threat." These effects are often more severe than what a normal Threat symbol [[Image:V.png]] could cause. Common examples include your weapon running out of ammo or slipping and falling while trying to climb. Despair [[Image:DE.png]] can also lead to other serious consequences, depending on the GM, the environment, or an adversary’s abilities.
: Both effects of a Despair symbol [[Image:DE.png]] apply; you don’t choose between them. The Failure [[Image:F.png]] portion can be canceled by a Success [[Image:S.png]], but the special negative effect will still occur. If you roll more than one Despair [[Image:DE.png]], each one adds a Failure and triggers either a separate special effect or increases the magnitude of the negative outcome.
: The Despair symbol only appears on the [[Image:C.png]] die.

=== Characteristics ===
: In ''Genesys'', a '''Characteristic''' represents a fundamental attribute of a character, describing their natural abilities and inherent traits. These characteristics form the foundation for most skill checks and help determine how effective a character is at various tasks. There are six primary characteristics in ''Genesys'': '''Brawn''', '''Agility''', '''Intellect''', '''Cunning''', '''Willpower''', and '''Presence'''.

: Each characteristic has a numerical rating, typically ranging from 1 to 5 for most characters. The higher the rating, the more capable the character is in that area. Characteristics are used to build dice pools for skill checks, with higher ratings resulting in more or better dice, increasing the chances of success when attempting tasks related to that characteristic. For example, '''Brawn''' is important for physical strength-based tasks, while '''Intellect''' is key for tasks that require intelligence and problem-solving.

: In short, characteristics are essential to determining how skilled and capable a character is in various areas of the game.

==== Brawn ====
: A character's Brawn measures their physical strength, endurance, and overall toughness. It shows how well they can use their raw power when needed. Characters with a high Brawn are physically strong, resilient, and less likely to get sick. They have good stamina and can handle tough situations. Brawn is used for physical activities like Athletics and Melee combat, and it also helps determine wound threshold, which is how many wounds a character can take before they’re knocked out.

==== Agility ====
: Agility represents your character's coordination, balance, and control over their movements. Characters with high Agility are nimble, have quick reflexes, and are good with tasks that require precision. This characteristic is important for skills like Coordination and Stealth and is especially useful in ranged combat.

==== Intellect ====
: Intellect reflects your character's intelligence, education, and ability to think critically. Characters with high Intellect are good at analyzing information, remembering details, and making well-reasoned decisions. They can plan ahead and understand the consequences of their actions. Intellect is important for mental skills like Knowledge, Medicine, Mechanics, and Computers (depending on your setting).

==== Cunning ====
: Cunning measures your character's cleverness, creativity, and ability to think on their feet. Characters with high Cunning are quick to pick up on important details in social situations and their surroundings, and they excel at coming up with short-term strategies. Cunning is key for mental skills like Deception, Perception, and Survival.

==== Willpower ====
: Willpower represents your character’s discipline, mental strength, and self-control. Characters with high Willpower can handle stress and fatigue, stay calm in chaotic situations, and influence those with weaker resolve. Willpower is important for skills like Coercion and Vigilance and also helps determine your character’s starting strain threshold.

==== Presence ====
: Presence reflects a character’s charisma, confidence, and ability to command attention. Characters with high Presence are natural leaders, stand out in social settings, and can strike up conversations with ease. This characteristic is essential for interpersonal skills like Charm and Leadership.



[[Category:Genesys Basics]][[Category:Game Mechanics]]