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Automatic Failure
Automatic Failure is a mechanical term and type of Failure. It occurs when an attempted task has such a high likelihood of Failure that the attempt will always end poorly regardless of random chance.
When achieving Automatic Failure the pending Roll is deemed a Failure without generating a Dice Pool. The consequences of Failure would then apply, as Appropriate.
Please Note: The effects of some Abilities or Items can cause Automatic Failure.
Ash's Aside
I almost always recommend allowing people to attempt a roll, rather than ruling something impossible, however, sometimes a Cast Member will, for lack of a better term, be a fuckwit. Sometimes, a person really locks in on something that will damage the story or just doesn't make sense. If this happens, have a discussion about what the player is hoping to achieve and try to compromise, after all, most people aren't typically trying to ruin anything, they just have a different point of view than you. If needs be, and a compromise can't be reached, call it impossible and move on.
Wuntch's Whatever
Rarely if ever should Automatic Failure be chosen as the outcome of a Roll when playing as the GM. Trying to overcome unlikely or even impossible odds is usually alot more fun than being told outright no, you cant do that because i said so, setting high DCs instead and allowing your Cast to try and overcome the task set before them is something i strongly recommend you do instead of resorting to the hard NO that using Automatic Failure is. Also keep in mind, rolling for an impossible task can always lead to humorous or dramatic outcomes and propel you story in interesting directions!
Changelog
Version 0.5c - Jun 2026
- Page created.