Use an Opposed Test when two characters directly compete against one another and the outcome depends on their relative performance.
Each participant makes an appropriate test. They do not need to use the same Attributes or Skill, provided each combination reflects how that character is approaching the contest.
A failed test generates 0 Hits for the purpose of an Opposed Test. Negative Hits are ignored.
Resolve the contest as follows:
- If only one participant succeeds, that participant wins.
- If both participants succeed, compare their total Hits. The participant with more Hits wins.
- The difference between their Hits is the winner’s Net Hits.
- If both participants fail, neither side wins and the situation normally remains unchanged.
- If both participants generate the same number of Hits, the result is a tie. When one character is actively trying to overcome another’s resistance, a tie favors the resisting character.
Net Hits can be used when the strength of the victory matters. If the contest only requires a winner, no further interpretation is necessary.
Complications
Resolve Complications after determining the winner.
A Complication does not change who wins the Opposed Test or alter the number of Hits generated. Instead, it introduces an additional setback appropriate to the character and situation.
A character may therefore win an Opposed Test while still suffering a Complication.
Net Hits
Net Hits measure how much one result exceeds another.
To calculate Net Hits, subtract the lower Hit total from the higher Hit total:
Net Hits = Higher Hits − Lower Hits
Only positive Hits are used when calculating Net Hits. Failed tests and negative Hits count as 0 Hits.
Net Hits are used whenever the degree of advantage between two results matters, including Opposed Tests and combat.