Dynamic Tasks
Dynamic tasks are team-based skill challenges that require cooperation and coordination to succeed. These challenges appear throughout the game, whether the team is climbing a cliff, defusing a bomb, or convincing a merchant to lower their prices. Unlike standard skill checks, dynamic tasks involve a primary leader and supporting teammates who contribute to the outcome.
How Dynamic Tasks Work
In a dynamic task, one character leads the effort, known as the primary, while the rest of the team can support.
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The primary character chooses the skill they will use for the task.
- Example: Athletics for climbing, Locks & Traps for defusing a bomb, or Persuasion for negotiations.
- The choice does not have to match what the GM suggests, as long as it is justified.
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Supporting teammates can contribute using different skills.
- Example: In a climb, one ally might use Survival to identify stable handholds, while another uses Athletics to manage the rear.
- Each supporting character rolls a skill check against DC 12:
- Success or Critical Success: Grants a bonus to the primary’s roll.
- Critical Failure: Inflicts a penalty instead.
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The primary character then rolls their skill check, applying all bonuses or penalties.
Rounds and Outcomes
Some tasks require multiple rounds (typically 1 to 3 rounds) to determine the final outcome.
- Single-round tasks: Quick actions like haggling with a shopkeeper.
- Multi-round tasks: Extended efforts like scaling a cliff or disabling a complex security system.
At the end of the task, the total number of Successes and Critical Successes determines the final result.
Why Use Dynamic Tasks?
Dynamic tasks keep the entire team engaged by making skill checks a collaborative effort. They ensure that supporting characters remain active even if they aren’t the primary decision-makers.
Unlike standard individual skill checks (e.g., rolling Perception separately), dynamic tasks focus on teamwork, rewarding players who strategize and combine their strengths.
For GMs, longer tasks increase the chance of success, so they should be used to create tense, meaningful moments where failure has real consequences.