Appendix A: Core Reference Tables

Fate's Edge GM Guide — Appendix A

Outcome Matrix
Case	Name	Guidance
S ≥ DV, SB = 0	Clean Success	Deliver the intent crisply.
S ≥ DV, SB > 0	Success with SB	Grant intent; spend or bank SB for complications.
0 < S < DV	Partial	Progress; award 1 Boon.
S = 0	Miss	No progress; award 2 Boons; spend or bank SB.

Story Beat (SB) Spend Menu

1 SB: Minor pressure — noise, trace, +1 segment on a relevant timer.
2 SB: Moderate setback — alarm raised, lose cover or advantage, lesser foe appears.
3 SB: Serious trouble — reinforcements arrive, key gear breaks temporarily, tick a campaign front.
4+ SB: Major turn — trap springs, authority arrives, scene shifts dramatically.

Position Descriptions

Dominant: Act on your terms. Consequences are manageable.
Controlled: Normal risk and reward. Failure has a real cost.
Desperate: Odds stacked against you. Failure could be catastrophic.

Difficulty Ladder
DV	Name	When to Use
2	Routine	Clear intent, modest stakes, controlled environment.
3	Pressured	Time pressure, mild opposition, partial information.
4	Hard	Hostile conditions, active opposition, precise timing.
5+	Extreme	Multiple constraints, high stakes, dramatic failure.

Boon Economy Quick Guide

Holding cap: 5 Boons maximum.
Carryover: At the end of each scene, reduce held Boons to a maximum of 2.
Conversion: 2 Boons → 1 XP, once per session during downtime (max 2 XP per session via conversion).
Spending: Re-roll a die, activate an asset, improve Position, or power certain Rites.

Mechanical Constraints

Assist Max: +3 dice total per roll (Exceptional Coordination allows +4 from one follower).
Boon Max: 5 total; 2→1 XP conversion once per session (max 2 XP via conversion).
Follower Independent Action: Once per scene (party-wide).

Harm Levels and Effects
Level	SB Generation	Penalty	Recovery
Harm 1	1 SB (next 2 rolls)	−1 die on related actions	Rest or basic care
Harm 2	1 SB (next roll)	−1 die on most actions until treated	Medical treatment
Harm 3	2 SB (next roll)	Incapacitated or dying	Major intervention

Range Bands

Close: Arm's length, grappling distance.
Near: Same room or immediate area.
Far: Visible but not immediately reachable.
Absent: Off-screen; requires a scene change.

Movement Actions

Move: Shift one range band (Close ↔ Near or Near ↔ Far).
Dash: Shift two bands as your full action.
Disengage: Test to leave an enemy's Close range without provoking an opportunity attack.
Charge / Skirmish: Full-turn actions that move two bands and attack, costing 1 Fatigue.

Supply Timer States

Full (0 segments): Well-provisioned, no penalty.
Low (1 segment): Minor friction — resource checks at −1 die.
Dangerous (2 segments): Each PC gains Fatigue 1.
Empty (3 segments): Severe penalties — starvation or thirst risk.

Travel Timer Sizes

4 segments: Short, straightforward leg.
6 segments: Standard leg.
8 segments: Extended or complex journey.
10 segments: Epic or highly dangerous passage.

XP Costs
Improvement	Cost	Downtime
Attribute increase	new rating × 3 XP	new rating days
Skill increase	new level × 2 XP	new level days
On-Screen Follower	Cap² XP	1–3 days
Minor Asset	4 XP	1 day
Standard Asset	8 XP	1 week
Major Asset	12 XP	1 month

Upkeep (Condensed)

Frequency: Once per downtime period.

Efficient (higher XP, less time): Upkeep XP = max(1, Acquisition XP ÷ 3).
Intensive (1 XP, dedicated action): One full downtime action.
Failure to pay: Follower's Loyalty worsens one step: Faithful → Strained → Broken; Asset becomes Neglected (or Compromised if already Neglected).