Elemental Challenges
Every Challenge targets one element. We’d best take a look at how these elements work!
Each element defines an approach to the problem at hand. Most of the time, you will be able to choose from at least one approach. Once chosen, this is the same element that you Challenge against.
Naturally, the best element will vary based on your strengths, your opponents, and the circumstances.
| Element | Challenge of the … | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Mind | Intellectual |
| Water | Folk | Social |
| Earth | World | Physical |
| Fire | Creative spirit | Creative |
For example, consider an attempt to infiltrate a noble estate during a gala. You might choose Water to blend in with the crowd and move discretely; Earth to sneak in through the garden unseen; or Fire to arrive as a performer in costume.
In turn, the Storyteller reacts to your choices. Certain approaches might be naturally easier (lower Difficulty) or come with complications.
- Chose Water? You might meet a villain who recognizes you on sight! How will you maintain decorum when they start to drop hints about your real identity?
- Chose Earth? You can avoid a lot of trouble if you are unseen, but the guards will treat an obvious intruder with prejudice if you are seen!
- Choose Fire? You had best put on a show worthy of the nobility, and what happens when the scheduled performer shows up on stage for a musical duel?
Depending on circumstance, an element is might be more difficult or useless. For example, no amount of interpersonal grace will solve falling at high speed towards rocky ground!
How to use these sections
In general, all you need to run these Challenges is an approach and the relevant stats on either side. As we look over activities in each element, the natural temptation will be to consider each as a skill. “I want to use investigation!” as we have been taught by years of other games.
While skills are fine and dandy, the purpose of these activities under each element is to provide optional structure. In other words, “Air: Investigation” is not meant to be a skill that you roll. It is meant to be a mini-game subsystem that enhances the direct elemental challenge with additional adventure and complications.
The storyteller should feel free to take or leave the subsystems for pacing and convenience. A minor investigation of a crime scene can be a simple Air Challenge; use the Investigation system to bring structure to a Kingdom-spanning chase after a mastermind criminal!