Not every challenge involves fighting. Exploration, social encounters, and skill challenges use the same d6 dice pool system as combat.
Core Rule If there is no meaningful consequence for failure, no roll is needed ā the character simply succeeds.
Exploration Tests
When encountering obstacles outside combat, the GM calls for an Exploration Test.
Steps
- ā¢ GM describes challenge + determines Stat
- ā¢ Build dice pool (Stat + Talent/Quality Ranks)
- ā¢ Roll against Difficulty Rating
- ā¢ Success = overcome; Failure = complication
Difficulty Easy (1), Moderate (2), Hard (3), Very Hard (4), Legendary (5)
Examples
Leap across a gap Agility, Diff 2
Break through stone Brawn, Diff 3
Endure extreme weather Endurance, Diff 2
Solve ancient puzzle Technique, Diff 3
Calm frightened Arcana Beast Spirit, Diff 2
Social Encounters
For persuasion, negotiation, or connection
- ā¢ Beast Binders roll Spirit + Talent
- ā¢ Arcana Beast use Spirit + Quality Ranks
- ā¢ NPCs have Resistance Rating as Difficulty
Resistance Friendly (1), Neutral (2), Wary (3), Hostile (4)
Boost conditions Offering something NPC wants, relevant knowledge, previous success, Classification match.
Setback conditions Previous bad interaction, cultural faux pas, unreasonable request, Flaw applies.
Skill Challenges
Complex tasks require a series of Tests
- ā¢ GM sets successes needed (3-5)
- ā¢ Each participant Tests with different Stats
- ā¢ Same Stat can't be used twice in a row
- ā¢ Success = +1 toward total; Failure = +1 failure
- ā¢ If failures ā„ success target before completion ā challenge fails
Example ā Navigate Dangerous Forest (3 successes)
Agility Cross rickety bridge
Technique Read trail markings
Endurance Endure harsh conditions
Spirit Befriend guide Arcana Beast
Rest & Recovery
Short Rest (15-30 min)
- ā¢ Arcana Beast recover 1 + Endurance HP
- ā¢ Special Attack Uses restored
- ā¢ Conditions end
- ā¢ Beast Binders do NOT recover Stamina
Long Rest (full night)
- ā¢ All HP recovered
- ā¢ All Stamina recovered
- ā¢ All Special Uses restored
- ā¢ Highest Stage Arcana Beast must Devolve
Unsafe Rest
- ā¢ Half HP/Stamina (rounded up)
- ā¢ May require Endurance/Brawn Test
Downtime Activities
Between adventures
Train Practice skill/technique; progress toward next Rank (Stat Test, Diff 2)
Reconnect Spend quality time with your partner; may clear tension or grant Boost on the next social roll together
Explore Scout area; GM reveals info or hooks
Craft/Repair Create or fix items (Technique + Talent)
Socialize Gather rumours, build relationships (Spirit + Talent)
Discovery & Field Guide
Wild Arcana Beast are characters, not prizes. Discovery rewards curiosity, care, and understanding.
Field Guide Steps
Observe Learn visible trait, habit, or warning sign
Understand Discover Want, Fear, habitat need, or problem
Connect Help, communicate, or earn respect
Befriend Record as Friend, Guide, Rival, or Sanctuary Ally
Ally Roles
Friend Information, companionship, small favours
Guide Boost in its habitat
Rival Returns to challenge, drives growth
Sanctuary Ally Downtime benefit at safe haven
Reward Completed entry = 1 Discovery Mark. 3 Marks unlock contacts, sanctuary improvements, training, or clues.