
![]() |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |

Please see:
https://imgur.com/HnbBKs2.png
for a visual representation.
Essentially, the problem is this:
The CRB (pg 445) states:
"The rules for critical failure — sometimes called a fumble — are the same as those for a critical success, but in the other direction: if you fail a check by 10 or more, that’s a critical failure."
But that raises the question: since failing STARTS at the DC minus 1 (DC-1). Does that then mean critical failures start at DC-11, which is failure minus 10, ... or DC-10?
First glimpse, it's easy to say DC-10, but you've got to remember that the success STARTS at DC+0. My visual aid demonstrates this much better.
If it's DC-10, then you have TWICE as much of a chance of critical failure (9%) than you do of critical success (4.5%).
Regular failure happens on nine numbers, with critical failure happening on the 10th.
Regular success happens on ten numbers, and critical success happening on the 11th.
If it's DC-11, then it's all equal.
Regular failure on 10 numbers, critical failure on the 11th.
Regular success on 10 numbers, critical success on the 11th.
In an edition where simplicity is the goal, part of me wants to err on the side of simplicity and say critical failure is just DC-10... but I know the rules lawyers love these games, too. The math nerd in me hates this, as well - especially when +1 or -1 matters in everything else we do.