Player Quick Reference
Everything you need at the table
D6 Storyteller v1
How a Roll Works
1Describe what your character does and how they do it.
2The Storyteller sets Position (how dangerous) and Effect (how much you can accomplish).
3Pick the Approach that matches your action.
4Gather your dice pool (approach rating, plus any bonuses).
5Roll. Read the single highest die.
Reading the Dice
6 Full Success. You do it. No complications. Multiple 6s can mean even greater effect.
4-5 Partial Success. You succeed, but there is a cost, complication, or reduced effect.
1-3 Failure. The action fails and a consequence follows. The story moves forward.
The Four Approaches
Force Direct physical action, strength, endurance, intimidation through physicality
Finesse Precision, speed, stealth, dexterity, subtle physical action
Mind Analysis, planning, knowledge, memory, perception, problem-solving
Presence Social influence, persuasion, deception, leadership, performance

Your approach rating (1d6 to 4d6) is how many dice you roll. Higher rating = more dice = better odds.

Position (Set by the Storyteller)

Position tells you what happens if you fail. It does not change your chance of success.

Controlled You have the upper hand. Failure means a minor setback.
Risky Standard stakes. Failure means real consequences.
Desperate You are cornered. Failure is severe.
Effect (Set by the Storyteller)

Effect tells you how much you accomplish on a success.

  • Great: More than expected. Faster, bigger, lasting impact.
  • Standard: You accomplish what you set out to do.
  • Limited: Progress is real but partial. More work is needed.
Assists

Another player character can help if they have a plausible reason. They add their relevant approach dice to your pool. On a Partial or Failure, both characters share the consequence.

Conditions

Conditions are consequences that affect your character.

Shaken Rattled, distracted, or winded. Minor mechanical effect.
Hurt Injured, compromised, or in pain. Meaningful mechanical effect.
Out Unconscious, captured, or unable to act. Removed from the scene.

Recovery: Conditions improve through fiction (rest, medical attention, time). The Storyteller decides when recovery happens based on what makes narrative sense.

Your Character Sheet
  • Descriptors: Short phrases describing who your character is.
  • Drive: What pushes your character forward.
  • Flaw: A weakness or complication that creates drama.
  • Bonds: Connections to other characters and NPCs.
d6storyteller.alexmerced.com Hand to new players before Session 1