Core Mechanics

Check Dice Amount

• To make a check, roll a number of d12s equal to the relevant stat.
• If the stat is 0, roll 1d12, but your Success Number (SN) is raised to 8 instead of 6.

Counting Successes

• Each die showing 6 or more = 1 success.
• Each 12 = 2 successes.

Advantage & Disadvantage

• Advantage: Lowers your Success Number (SN) by 1 (minimum 1).
• Disadvantage: Raises your SN by 1 (maximum 11).
• Multiple sources of advantage or disadvantage stack.

Contested Rolls

When one character acts against another (e.g., attacking, casting, grappling), both sides roll to determine the outcome.

• Initiator: The one taking the action (e.g., attacker, trap, spellcaster)
• Responder: The one being affected by the action (e.g., defender, target)

Steps

• Initiator declares their action and target.
• Both sides declare any advantages or disadvantages affecting their roll or the opponent’s roll.
• Both sides roll their relevant number of d12s based on the appropriate stat.
• Each counts their total successes.
• Highest number of successes wins.
• Ties go to the Initiator.

Some actions don’t have a direct opponent (e.g., lockpicking, climbing, sneaking). In these cases:

• The GM sets a target number of successes based on the difficulty of the task.
• Roll your dice and compare total successes to the target number.
• If you tie the target, the GM may treat it as a partial success or a full success with a drawback.

AP are used to increase stats, unlock abilities, and upgrade spells. See Advancement for award cadence.

Armor Types

There are four types of Armor, each using a specific stat when defending against attacks — unless modified by an ability, spell, or enhancement.

Defense Stat by Armor Type

• Light Armor uses Adaptability
• Medium Armor uses Stability
• Heavy Armor uses Vigor
• Unarmored uses Adaptability or Vigor, whichever is higher

Armor Traits

Each armor type has a unique trait that sets it apart. These traits provide mechanical benefits or trade-offs that help define your character’s combat style.

Browse Armor & Traits in Items

Spell Attack or Contest Check

• Spell Attack: You roll to hit, and the target rolls to defend using their armor’s defense stat.
• Contest Check: Both you and the target(s) roll, and the higher number of successes wins. The target(s) use the stat indicated in the spell’s description.

What Stat You Roll With

• Use the stat of the Sign (Sun or Moon) that gives you access to the spell’s Element.
• If both Signs give access to the same Element, you roll a number of d12s equal to the Sun Sign plus your Moon Sign stat (maximum 12d12).
• For hybrid elements (Steam, Lightning, Dust, etc.) that combine your two elements:
• Roll using: Sun Sign Stat + half of Moon Sign Stat (rounded up, maximum 10)