Deck Builder Resolution System

Largely inspired by Levi Kornelsen's resolution system Schema along with deck resolution mechanics by Dave Michalak

Original version (with actual deck building) here: original_deck_builder_resolution_system

Overview

When a conflict begins, the player whose character is involved builds a deck comprised of one card per asset level that they bring to bear, called “benefits,” to which the opposition player (GM or whomever) adds “dangers” the number of which are based on how dangerous the situation is rated. Once built, the player then draws a number of cards each round of resolution, and resolve all of the drawn cards. The player and the opposition player should narrate the their interpretation of the results of the draw. The player may then proceed to another round, or declare the resolution to be complete.

Card Types

Below are the various cards that are in each of the starting decks.

Benefits

Benefit Card Types

Caution

This card can be used to cancel any other danger that occurs during the draw, or to slow the pace of the resolution by one.

Continuity

The effects of your actions last longer, or create ongoing trouble for your opposition.

Cooperation

Your actions create a benefit or bonus, or grant some other assistance to your allies. (May need to eliminate)

Impression

Your actions create a stir, aggravating or impressing some subject of your choice.

Impetus

Things are going your way for some reason. If the contest goes another round, the player can hold this card and use it to negate two negative cards in the next draw.

Observation

You are especially observant in your action, learning something of importance that can be learned during the conflict.

Scope

Your action will affect more subjects, a wider area, or is otherwise undertaken more grandly, if you succeed.

Speed

Your actions take place in a much shorter span than others would expect. Counters a delay drawn in the same round.

Subtlety

Your actions appear other than they are, whether by being hidden or disguised in some way.

Advance

The character takes a stride towards their goal. If the conflict ends with the player holding more advance cards than the opposition, they obtain their primary goal for the contest.

Toughness

This card can be used to resist any injury from the same draw. If the player has two toughness cards from a previous draw, these can be used to cancel an injury from a later draw.

Obtaining Benefit Cards for the Resolution Deck

For each level in the character's ability that applies to the resolution, they can pick one card of any sort, except for toughness.

For each level in the character's defensive ability, they can take one toughness card.

For any gear that applies, put the relevant cards for that gear in the deck.

Dangers

Danger Card Types

Chaos

Draw additional cards until a danger card is drawn. If the player draws any positive cards, determine randomly which one of them applies and the others have no effect.

Delay

More time is used up than might be expected. Use Peril instead if a delay would cause a new danger to appear.

Displacement

Something (you, your target, or your aim) winds up somewhere other than planned

Exhaustion

Cancels the effect of the next positive card drawn. Can be cleared out by resting between conflicts, but otherwise are retained if drawn, and added to every following deck.

Expense

An item or resource you have is broken or lost or used up entirely.

Helplessness

You are out of the action, and need assistance to get free (or survive).

Injury

This card or another is reshuffled back into the deck when this is drawn to represent the danger posed by the new condition. This card is then noted in the injuries section, and then added to every deck where the injury in question would matter, until the injury is healed. An injury card being drawn again after a first one often represents the injury getting worse. A good technique is to alter the addition of injury cards and others to represent other affects of the injury.

Interruption

Something happens to cause the conflict to cease immediately, and it cannot resume until the interruption is dealt with.

Peril

A new threat appears!

Runaway

The player may not quit after a round during which this is drawn, another round must occur.

Strangeness

Something odd or unpredictable happens, which is a detriment. Added as a danger for many conflicts, but almost always when magic is involved.

Other Deck Building Options

Preparation and Aid

Gain cards to be added to the resolution deck associated with the resolution for which preparations are being made. Occasionally a contest may be required to gain the cards.

Pushing

A character may attempt to do better by pushing hard to get it done. Add one augment card of the player's choice, and two Exhaustion cards to the deck.

Recklessness

A character may approach the contest recklessly. They may add up to three augments, and for each they add, the opposition may add two dangers. A character being reckless may not add any caution cards to the deck using skills.