Circumstantial Difficulty
Difficulty isn’t just a static number—it can change based on the circumstances surrounding the task. The environment, time pressure, or emotional state of the character can all influence how hard something is to accomplish.
Environmental Factors
The difficulty of a task can increase or decrease based on the circumstances in which it’s performed.
Climbing a Tree: Climbing a tree (normally a Beginner Task) becomes a Competent Task (3) if the tree is slick with rain, adding the danger of slipping and falling.
Crossing a River: Crossing a calm, shallow river might be a Beginner Task (1), but if the current is strong and the water is deep, it could become an Expert Task (4).
Hiking a Trail: Hiking a well-marked trail is a Novice Task (2), but if the trail is overgrown and filled with obstacles, it could rise to a Competent Task (3).
Starting a Fire: Starting a fire with dry wood is a Beginner Task (1), but if the wood is damp and the wind is strong, it might become a Novice Task (2).
Swimming in a Lake: Swimming in a clear, calm lake might be a Novice Task (2), but if the water is cold and choppy, it could become a Competent Task (3).
Stress and Pressure
Tasks might become more difficult if performed under duress or in high-stakes situations, where failure could have severe consequences.
Defusing a Bomb: Defusing a bomb in a controlled environment might be an Expert Task (4), but doing so under enemy fire could elevate it to an Authority Task (5).
Performing Surgery: Performing surgery in a calm, sterile environment is a Competent Task (3), but doing the same under enemy fire with limited resources could elevate it to an Expert Task (4) or even an Authority Task (5).
Piloting an Aircraft: Piloting an aircraft in clear skies is a Competent Task (3), but doing so in a severe storm with failing instruments could rise to an Expert Task (4).
Public Speaking: Delivering a speech to a small, friendly crowd is a Novice Task (2), but addressing a hostile audience under media scrutiny could become a Competent Task (3).
Solving a Puzzle: Solving a puzzle in a relaxed setting is a Novice Task (2), but doing so while a clock ticks down toward a dangerous consequence could make it a Competent Task (3) or higher.
This rating system helps gamemasters gauge the difficulty of various tasks, ensuring that challenges are appropriately matched to the characters' abilities and the narrative context. Adjusting difficulty based on circumstances keeps the game dynamic and engaging, offering a balanced mix of straightforward tasks and thrilling, high-stakes challenges.
The Lightspress Handbook isn’t just another rulebook. This is a reimagining of what roleplaying can be, challenging the norms and redefining how we think about storytelling in games. Forget the flashy mechanics designed to impress; this book strips things down to what truly matters: playing your characters and crafting their stories. Whether you’re exploring the intricate landscapes of traditional fantasy, venturing into the unknown in space opera, uncovering secrets in a gritty crime drama, or getting lost in the cozy charm of cottagecore fantasy, The Lightspress Handbook offers a universal, adaptable approach that fits almost any genre. It’s especially designed for those who are eager to dive into genres left in the shadows, like dark academia and magical realism.
