Referee Actions

Complications and Consequences are how the referee interacts with the protagonists. Provided under each are examples but the referee should feel free to modify them or create their own if the fiction demands it.

Complications

• The referee can use a Complication after every protagonist Action
• Used to make the world react to the protagonists, drive action forward, and keep things interesting.
• These are the types of Complications:

Foreshadow

Hint at an oncoming Threat and mark an Danger Counter.

Spotlight

Draw attention to a character, ask them how they feel or introduce a flashback.

Threaten

Either force a protagonist to make a Reaction. This may target uninvolved protagonists or non-protagonist characters.

Test a protagonist to avoid a Consequence or bring a bystander into the conflict.

Pressure

Offer a difficult choice or otherwise put someone into a difficult position.

Unveil

Introduce a new Trait or a narrative twist.

Setback

Introduce a new, minor obstacle.

Drain

This Complication can only targe protagonists that are Transformed. Roll 1d10, the protagonist expends that much Energy without gaining a benefit for doing so.

Shift

Something changes about the scene or the opposition recovers or repositions.

Fallout

• The referee can use Fallout when a protagonist Misses, they fail a Test, or the fiction demands it.
• For example, a protagonist that jumps off a tall building will certainly face Fallout, regardless if they achieve whatever goal they’re aiming for.

Harm

Inflict a Temporary Negative Trait or 1d10 Stress on the affected protagonists.

Deplete

The affected protagonists lose something, such as Breaking an Asset or degrading a Connection with an ally.

Escalate

The situation becomes more dangerous - an argument turns into a brawl, a dangerous enemy appears, or the enemy unlocks a super move.

Impend

Progress a Defeat Counter.

Oppose

Introduce a new, significant obstacle.

Backlash

The protagonist’s actions backfire.

Corrupt

This Fallout may only target a Transformed protagonis. The protagonist gains 1 Corruption.