Expanded Rules: Complex Challenges

In the Expanded Rules feature, we will explore adaptations of existing rules: tweaks or additions to add flavor to your Taluma (or any other) campaign. In this feature we recommend a way to run and track long, multi-phase exploration, investigation, and research or Complex Challenges.

Complex challenges are resolved by requiring multiple Skill checks to succeed towards a larger goal. The DM assigns the task a number, we will call them Complexity Points or CPs, and the characters have to accumulate enough successes over multiple Skill checks to equal the total CPs. These act similar to Hit Points and the DM will subtract each success from the total CP until the CP reaches 0. At that point the characters have defeated the challenge and completed the task: revealing the solution, discovering the secret, etc.

Depending on the challenge, different Skills may be applied towards the end goal--not just one--over a series of encounters. Finding someone in hiding could use Insight, Intimidation, Investigation, Perception, and Persuasion to look for clues, question people, and convince someone to give up details.

Complexity Points

The DM can determine the total CPs required to complete the challenge by choosing how complex it is based on the number of attempts they feel the characters need to succeed at: Simple (1-3), Moderate (3-5), or Elaborate (5 or more). Then compare the complexity to the Tier (character level range) the party is in. The table below provides example total CPs for each complexity for each tier.

Setbacks

During an extended challenge, characters can encounter setbacks. A critical failure (natural 1), poor decision making, even outright opposition to their challenge can set the party back in their attempts. This will add CPs back to the current total similar to the way healing adds Hit Points back to a character. For example: a spellcaster could cast a spell that will help cover up details, distract the characters; evidence can be destroyed, witnesses paid off or killed, or the target being moved.

Tracking

The progress of the Challenge can be tracked using the sheet on the pdf of the Complex Challenges rules here.