Numenera
DiscoveryCore Mechanic
Roll a d20 against a target number equal to three times the GM's task difficulty. Training, helpful assets and Effort reduce that difficulty before the roll. Effort spends points from Might, Speed or Intellect Pools, with Edge reducing the cost. Reducing difficulty to zero makes the task automatic. Players roll attacks and defenses against creature difficulty.
Best For
Groups who want discovery-focused science fantasy and changing tools for solving unusual problems. It suits campaigns about exploring ancient ruins and deciding how to use their technology.
Highlights
Single-use cyphers give every character temporary powers that can change their approach to an obstacle. Discoveries earn experience points, giving characters a reason to explore beyond combat. Combining a character type with a descriptor and focus supports distinct mechanical specialties.
Considerations
Effort draws from the same stat Pools that absorb damage, so increasing the chance of success can reduce a character's resilience. GM intrusions let the GM add complications to successful actions, so players need to be comfortable with negotiated setbacks. The Ninth World's unexplained technology leaves many answers for the GM to invent.
Third-Party Publishing
Original Numenera adventures, creatures, equipment, foci and descriptors shared as public web content.
The policy forbids direct charges and retail distribution. Downloadable products are excluded, apart from printable aids of up to two pages. Required notices, publisher notification and content restrictions apply. Advertising and Patreon support are allowed when the content stays public. Cypher licenses and the Creator program do not authorize the Numenera setting.