ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses different ways of determining the outcomes of Actions. Modifiers need to be carefully considered by the designer. Their inclusion increases the complexity of the resolution, particularly if they come from multiple sources. Critical Hits add variance to a resolution system, in essence lengthening the “tail” of the result distribution. They also add excitement by creating jackpot effects, similar to a slot machine. Several games convert special symbols or excess successes into a type of currency that can be spent on various beneficial effects. Designs have taken the Combat Results Table (CRT) in a wide variety of directions. CRTs are typically indexed by calculating the ratio of the attacker's strength to the defender's. Some games use charts with various conditions as columns to resolve Actions and random events. Adding intransitive elements to conflict resolution leads to interesting and novel decisions for the players.
