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Threat

Table of Contents

What is Threat #

In Star Trek Adventures, Threat is a resource for the Gamemaster, representing mounting tension, risks, or opportunities for adversaries. It allows the Gamemaster to introduce challenges, escalate danger, or empower Non-Player Characters (NPCs).

How Threat is Gained #

The Gamemaster begins each session with 2 points of Threat per Player in the group. Additional Threat is added in the following ways:

  • Complications: When a character suffers a Complication during a Task, they or the Gamemaster may choose to add 2 points of Threat instead of applying the Complication immediately.
  • Threatening Circumstances: The Gamemaster may add 1–2 points of Threat to the pool if the environment or narrative circumstances warrant it, such as during a high-stakes scene.
  • Non-Player Character Momentum: NPCs cannot save unspent Momentum. Instead, any unused NPC Momentum is added directly to the Threat pool.

How Threat is Spent #

The Gamemaster can spend Threat to influence gameplay, create obstacles, or empower NPCs. Common uses include:

  • Non-Player Character Momentum: NPCs may use Threat in the same ways that Player Characters use group Momentum.
  • Actions Equivalent to Generating Threat: For any action that adds Threat (e.g., buying extra dice), an NPC must spend an equivalent number of Threat points instead.
  • Avoiding Complications: If an NPC suffers a Complication, the Gamemaster may spend 2 Threat to negate it.
  • Introducing Complications: The Gamemaster can spend 2 Threat to introduce a new Complication in the scene, altering the circumstances or increasing Difficulty.
  • Reinforcements: Bring additional NPCs into the scene by spending Threat:
    • 1 Threat per Minor NPC.
    • 2 Threat per Notable NPC.
  • Environmental Effects: Trigger environmental hazards or escalate the stakes by spending Threat.

Example #

During a tense confrontation, the Gamemaster spends 3 Threat to add reinforcements—two Minor Klingon Warriors—to the scene. Later, a Player Character rolls a Complication while trying to disable a warp core. The Gamemaster adds 2 Threat instead of applying an immediate negative effect.

Threat is a dynamic tool, keeping the story unpredictable and engaging by balancing player actions with meaningful consequences.