A Cut Scene is a short break between Encounters when characters may prepare for the next Encounter. Characters might take on extended tasks such AS resting, binding wounds, searching a Wizard’s library to find information vital to solving a mystery, going to a specialist to acquire a needed tool, or performing similar Long-form Actions.
In story terms, Cut Scenes typically represent a few hours of time for the characters, but if it fits the story, a Cut Scene could represent AS much AS a day or two. For longer periods of downtime, see the rules for Interludes. In game terms, the Cut Scene is an opportunity for each character to perform a single narrative Action that prepares them for the Encounters to come.
Playing a Cut Scene #
At the end of an Encounter, the players or the Adventure Guide may call for a Cut Scene. The Adventure Guide has the final say AS to whether a Cut Scene is appropriate within the context of the Adventure. The Adventure Guide describes where the Cut Scene takes place and how Long it lasts. This information will help players determine what Actions are appropriate in the Cut Scene.
Here are some examples of Cut Scenes:
- Resting around a campfire for a few hours during the exploration of an ancient ruin.
- Journeying back to town after an epic Encounter to restock before heading out to the next Encounter.
- Spending a day in town preparing for a meeting with the Duchess.
- Taking a few hours at the castle before leaving for the next Encounter.
- Performing last minute tasks in town during the few hours before you leave on a Long ocean voyage.
Cut Scene Actions #
During a cut scene, each character may perform a single narrative Action that they can reasonably complete in the time allowed. Note that Cut Scene Actions are not a simulation of everything the character can possibly do during the time allowed, but rather a way to give each player a chance to contribute to the story before the next Encounter. The Action the player declares is their primary activity, but assume the character fills the remaining time dealing with personal matters, maintaining their gear, and otherwise busying themselves with the business of their lives.
Select and resolve Actions using the standard rules for Action Checks AS described in Chapter 2: Actions and Action Checks. The player declares their character’s Action. The Adventure Guide helps to decide what sort of Action Check is required, the Difficulty Score, and the outcome of the Action. AS with standard Actions, a player may use their character’s Action to help another character. Also like standard Actions, the Adventure Guide might rule that no Action Check is required to succeed.
The characters may act in any order the players choose, and typically only the Player Characters take Actions. If NPCs not aligned with the party are taking their own Actions during a Cut Scene, the situation might better handled AS an Encounter.
The Cut Scene Action Examples tables list some sample Actions appropriate for a Cut Scene and possible outcomes on a successful Action Check. These are just examples. The character may perform any Action the player and Adventure Guide feel are appropriate.
Cut Scene Action Examples #
| Action | Outcome | Example |
| Gather Information | The character finds information that will help them during the next Encounter. | Ezarel searches the Great Library to determine if there is a secret passage into the Dark Lord’s fortress. |
| Healing | The character heals their Wound or the Wound of an ally. | Bloodwind binds the grievous injury she received fighting the troll in the last Encounter. |
| Plan Ahead | The character plans out a specific Action in advance to avoid rolling during the Encounter. The Action Check made during the Cut Scene eliminates the need to make the Action Check during the Encounter. | Drayac plots the party’s route through the Gray Shadow Wood to ensure they make it to the other side without incident. |
| Practice an Action | The character practices a specific Action needed to overcome a Challenge in the next Encounter. The character gains a Benefit the first time they perform that specific Action during the next Encounter. | Spyder practices the trick shot needed to disable the drawbridge mechanism and gain access to the fortress. |
| Prepare a Site | Make preparations in a specific location. Could be used to provide a Benefit to a specific type of Action, eliminate a Drawback, increase an opponent’s Difficulty Score, or otherwise Aid the characters. | Bloodwind barricades the door of the old tower to make it harder for the bandits to break into the building. |
| Purchase Gear | Find and purchase equipment needed for the next Encounter. | Laria seeks to replace the lockpicks she lost during their escape from the prison. |
| Ready Equipment | Prepare a piece of equipment so it performs better in the next Encounter. The character gains a Benefit to the first Action performed using that piece of equipment during the next Encounter. | Warheart dutifully sharpens his trusty blade. |
Guidance for Guides: Cut Scenes #
Cut Scenes are a great way to fast-forward activity that require an Action and are important to the story, but that you and the players wouldn’t enjoy playing AS full Encounters. Maybe your group would love playing an Encounter where they hunt the city market for a rare spell component, but if not, you can simplify the activity by playing the Action AS part of a Cut Scene. Cut Scenes are also a nice way to allow everyone to catch their breath in an Adventure filled with fast-paced, Action-packed Encounters.
Avoid the temptation to play out a Cut Scene Actions in detail. If you want to include extended dialogue between characters and NPC or perform multiple Action Checks, the Actions are better handled AS part of an Encounter. Cut Scene Actions should be summaries of an event, briefly described and quickly resolved.