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Challenges

Table of Contents

Challenges Overview #

Challenges are sequences of events or situations requiring multiple Tasks to resolve. They provide a flexible framework for presenting diverse problems and emphasize teamwork and strategy.

Types of Challenges #

Basic Challenge #

A straightforward Challenge consisting of Key Tasks, which must be completed to succeed. The Tasks may be independent or interrelated, depending on the narrative.

  • Key Tasks: The primary Tasks required to overcome the Challenge.
  • Optional Tasks: Characters may perform additional Tasks to:
    • Remove Complications.
    • Generate Momentum.
    • Reduce the Difficulty of a Key Task (by 1, or more with GM approval).

Structuring Basic Challenges #

Challenges can be structured in several ways, depending on the scenario:

Linear Challenges #

  • Key Tasks must be completed in a specific order.
  • Simple to implement but less flexible.

Gated Challenges #

  • Some Key Tasks are locked and require others to be completed first.
  • Allows for more narrative flexibility.
  • Example: Reaching main engineering before shutting down the warp core.

Group Challenges #

  • Collective effort involving multiple characters.
  • Restrictions:
    • A character cannot assist multiple Tasks during the Challenge.
    • Tasks attempted after assisting or attempting others have an increased Difficulty (+1 per additional Task).

Timed Challenges #

Timed Challenges add urgency to the scenario by introducing a time limit.

  • Intervals: GM defines a set number of intervals to complete the Challenge.
    • Suggested intervals: 2–3 times the number of Key Tasks.
    • Each interval represents a specific time period (e.g., 10 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day).
  • Momentum Spend: Reduce the time taken for a Task from 2 intervals to 1 by spending 1 Momentum.
  • Complications: Add extra intervals to the Task.

Failure to complete the Challenge within the intervals should result in severe consequences.

Opposition in Challenges #

Challenges may involve opposition, adding tension and complexity.

Type Description
Disruption Opposition disrupts or interferes, increasing Task Difficulty by 1–2 or expanding the Complication range.
Direct Opposition Turns Tasks into Opposed Tasks, potentially adding hazards or consequences on failure.
Contest Both sides aim to achieve the same objective. They alternate Tasks, with the winner completing the Challenge first.
Conflict Each side pursues mutually exclusive goals, often in combat or social situations. Progress follows Rounds and Turns.

Momentum Spends for Challenges #

Name Cost Description
Generate Momentum Varies Perform Tasks to gain additional Momentum for the group.
Reduce Difficulty 1+ Spend Momentum to lower the Difficulty of a Key Task.
Speed Task 1 Reduce the time taken for a Task in a Timed Challenge by one interval.

Example: Reaching Engineering to Prevent Warp Core Breach #

The crew must reach engineering and shut down the warp core. The GM sets the Challenge as follows:

  • Key Tasks:

    1. Navigate hazardous corridors.
    2. Disable force fields blocking access.
    3. Shut down the warp core.

  • Structure:

    • Gated Challenge: Task 1 unlocks Task 2, which then unlocks Task 3.

  • Timed Challenge:

    • Intervals: 6 intervals, each representing 10 minutes.
    • Momentum Spend: Reduce a Task from 2 intervals to 1 with 1 Momentum.

  • Opposition:

    • Klingon saboteurs introduce Direct Opposition, turning Tasks into Opposed Tasks.

Notes on Challenges #

  1. Creativity: Encourage players to approach the Challenge creatively.
  2. Difficulty Adjustment: Use Traits, tools, or narrative circumstances to modify Difficulty dynamically.
  3. Consequences of Failure: Failing a Challenge should have meaningful consequences, such as additional Complications or partial success with drawbacks.

Key Terms #

Key Task #

A critical Task that must be completed to overcome the Challenge.

Momentum Spend #

Momentum used during the Challenge to gain specific benefits, such as reducing time or Difficulty.

Opposition #

Adversaries or obstacles that add tension to the Challenge, increasing Difficulty or introducing Opposed Tasks.