Fate dice are specialized six-sided dice primarily used in the Fate and Fudge role-playing game systems to quickly determine success and failure by modifying the outcome of actions. They are uniquely marked, differing significantly from standard numbered dice.
Understanding Fate Dice
Unlike traditional dice with pips or numbers, each Fate die (often called Fudge dice) features distinct symbols on its six sides:
- Two sides with a plus sign (+)
- Two sides with a minus sign (-)
- Two sides that are blank
These symbols dictate how a character's attempt to perform an action is affected, rather than producing a direct numerical total.
How Fate Dice Work
When players roll Fate dice, typically four at a time, the result is calculated by summing the positive and negative outcomes. Blank sides contribute nothing to the total.
- Rolling the Dice: A player rolls a determined number of Fate dice, usually four, depending on the game's rules for a specific action.
- Interpreting Results:
- Every plus (+) side rolled signifies a "step higher" in the outcome.
- Every minus (-) side rolled signifies a "step lower" in the outcome.
- Blank sides represent no change to the outcome.
- Calculating the Net Result: The final result is the net sum of the pluses and minuses. For example, if a player rolls two +, one -, and one blank, the net result is +1.
This net result is then applied to a character's skill or approach rating, shifting the narrative outcome of their action up or down. A positive net result improves the chance of success or the quality of the success, while a negative net result makes it harder or worsens the outcome.
Example Scenario:
Imagine a character with a "Good" skill trying to pick a lock.
- Character Skill: Good
- Dice Rolled: Four Fate dice
- Roll Result: One +, two -, one blank
- Net Result: +1 - 2 = -1
In this case, the character's effective skill for this attempt would be reduced by one step, potentially making their "Good" skill effectively "Fair" for that action, making the lock-picking attempt more difficult or resulting in a partial success with complications.
Purpose in Role-Playing Games
Fate dice are central to the narrative-focused gameplay of systems like Fate and Fudge. They are designed to:
- Simplify Resolution: Quickly determine the degree of success or failure without complex arithmetic.
- Promote Narrative: Encourage players and GMs to interpret results in a descriptive, story-driven way, rather than focusing solely on numerical thresholds.
- Emphasize Relative Outcomes: Focus on whether an action is "better" or "worse" than expected, rather than absolute success or failure.
Table: Fate Die Symbol Effects
| Symbol | Interpretation | Effect on Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| + | Plus | Raises result by one step |
| - | Minus | Lowers result by one step |
| (Blank) | Zero | No change to result |
These specialized dice facilitate a fluid and adaptable storytelling experience, making them a cornerstone of the Fate and Fudge RPGs. For more information on the game system itself, you can explore the official Fate Core System website.
