I’ve been diving into RPGs for years and it seems like every percentile system I come across has pretty low success rates for skill checks. Usually, you’re looking at around a 35-45% chance, and if you specialize hard, maybe it gets bumped to 65%. Why is this such a common thing in these games?
5 Answers
In my experience with Mythras, most characters start with skills in the 60-80% range, so they have a much better shot at succeeding compared to other systems. The rules allow for skill modifications based on difficulty too, kind of like how a d20 system works, where you get bonuses against easier checks. It makes the chances seem a lot better!
This issue actually comes down to game design too. Lower success chances let characters grow; if you’re nailing checks left and right, there’s less room for improvement. Many systems adjust their difficulty or use modifiers to help with this, so it’s a balancing act!
Exactly! Leaving room for character development makes sense. But it can feel rough when you see that 30% on your character sheet and know you’ll struggle.
Delta Green counters this issue elegantly. If your skill level is solid, you just succeed in normal situations, no need to roll. It keeps the game flowing and takes the pressure off constant dice rolling, which can be a blessing during tense moments!
That’s smart! Keeping the game moving without unnecessary dice throws sounds perfect for maintaining pace. I’ll have to try it out!
In Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4e, they do this awkward thing where an average difficulty test starts at +20. This means even a basic skill can hit a 50% chance to succeed. It’s a unique way of handling that low base success issue!
That’s interesting! Adjusting percentages like that works to make lower-skill characters feel competent. I like that approach.
Not every game has low chances! In systems like Call of Cthulhu, you can start with skills around 60% or higher. It really depends on how the game is run, and sometimes GMs narrate failures away to keep the flow going, especially in convention scenarios. It’s not always as bleak as it sounds!
Yeah, I’ve seen that too in some games. A few skills might be high, but generally, it’s a struggle just to succeed on basic checks.
I get that! But having too high percentages can make rolls feel pointless, right? That’s why balancing is key, I guess.