Research and knowledge

[Steve Jackson]

Thought I had posted it. Here it is, edited in the last 5 minutes because interrogation is a perfect example of a non-literal contest.

Contests (Opposed Rolls)
Sometimes two players, or a player character and an NPC, are in a “contest.” This might be a literal contest, like arm-wrestling, or a metaphorical one, such as a non-violent interrogation.
Each figure rolls dice – normally 3 dice against the relevant stat, but see below. The winner is the one who makes their roll by the greatest amount. In case of a tie, the GM provides a bit of narration: “The two of you strain, but neither one budges a bit.” Then roll again.
Appropriate talents, as judged by the GM, could let you roll on fewer dice, but obviously you cannot roll fewer than 1 die.
The two sides also don’t have to roll against the same stat. To hold onto a greased pig, you might roll your ST versus the pig’s DX.
The GM can use this mechanic in other ways:
• Multi-player contests (who gets a thrown dagger closest to the mark?)
• Multi-round contests, where you have to be ahead by two or more victories to settle the matter (a race through an obstacle course; a poker game).
• “Player vs. world” contests (can your speech sway the crowd?) Roll your IQ, modified by appropriate talents, against the crowd’s average IQ of 10.