Editing Legend of Zelda RPG/1e (section)

===What Do The Numbers Mean?===
Since player characters are typically expected to be a cut above the average for their kind, we can use the typical starting stats to determine qualitative descriptions of what the numbers represent. The most balanced a starting character can spread their Virtues and Attributes (before bonus Virtue points from being human) is 3-2-2, and the most specialized is 4-2-1. Thus, we can refer to them as follows:

1 = Below average<br>
2 = Average<br>
3 = Above average<br>
4 = Phenomenal<br>
5+ = Legendary<br>

Because Virtues are the sole determiner of kept dice count for unskilled checks, these descriptors can also be applied to the magnitude of difficulty for an unopposed check, as determined by the number of successes needed. A check requiring 3 successes is impossible for anyone who doesn't have "above average" talent in that area, so the magnitude of difficulty can be described as "above average". It is simply beyond the capabilities of a typical individual, regardless of how determined or lucky they might be. On the other hand, anyone, even someone of notably below-average capability, can accomplish a task requiring only one success.

As noted in the [[Legend_of_Zelda_RPG#The_Basic_System_So_Far|Basic System]] section, difficulty of a check within a broad level of magnitude can still be modified based on the target number needed to qualify for a success. For example, one stone block may require two successes of 2 or greater on a Physical Power check to move, while a somewhat larger block may require two successes of 3 or greater. Both are within the realm of what's possible for someone of average Power, and impossible for one who's below average in that area, but the second block is notably more difficult to move than the first one. However, a block that requires three successes of 2 or greater is actually harder to move than either of the first two, even though its success threshold is lower, because it's simply impossible for one of merely "average" strength to move it.

Note that this rule for measuring magnitude of difficulty only applies to checks that don't involve a skill -- since skill ranks increase your kept dice pool, the number of successes required for unopposed skill checks will be higher than those for skill-less checks.

However, bear in mind that this is only a rule of thumb; for instance, your odds of making a check requiring two successes of 5 or greater are significantly lower than your odds of making a check requiring three successes of 2 or greater, despite the fact that the latter is supposed to be of a greater magnitude. Those looking to design puzzles, items, or other game elements incorporating unopposed checks would do well to look over the check difficulties page of the dice probability spreadsheet in the [[Legend_of_Zelda_RPG#External_Links|External Links]] section to make sure that the difficulty set for a check is appropriate to the skill level intended to attempt it, since probabilities for roll & keep systems can be somewhat unintuitive. More concrete guidelines for setting check difficulties will be made eventually.