Check Required
From D20advanced
| CHECK REQUIRED | -1 Modifier |
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An FX with this flaw requires a check of some sort (usually a skill check) with a Difficulty of (15 + FX rank) in order to work normally. If the check fails, the FX doesn’t work, although the action required to use it is expended (so attempting to activate an FX that takes one action takes one action whether the check is successful or not). The check occurs as part of the action to use the FX and provides no benefit other than helping to activate it. Normal modifiers apply to the check, however, and if you are unable to make the required check for any reason, then the FX doesn’t work.
This check must be in addition to any check(s) normally required for the FX. So, for example, the normal Perception check made in conjunction with a sensory FX does not count as an application of this flaw, and applying it means an additional check is required before the FX’s normally required check(s).
Check Examples
Skill checks an FX may require include:
- Acrobatics: Suitable for FX requiring a measure of coordination, athletics, or complex maneuvering.
- Art: Good for FX requiring a Will saving throw, including sensory and alteration FX like Morph, Illusion, and Mind Control.
- Infiltration: Best suited to sensory FX, particularly Concealment.
- Knowledge: A Knowledge skill check might represent having to know something about the subject of the FX (such as a sciences Knowledge) or having to know something about the FX itself (such as arcane lore or technology). Operating a complex device may also require a Knowledge check.
- Persuasion: Good for FX intended to deceive, particularly sensory FX like Concealment or Illusion.
- Science: Works well for biological FX like Healing or others requiring a Fortitude saving throw or involving the body and medicine.
 Note: The GM is encouraged to set the check difficulty high enough that a character still has an reasonable chance of failure (around 50%), especially characters with very high skill check modifiers. Generally speaking, the player shouldn't be getting more points back for taking the Check Required flaw and still automatically succeeding on the check than the player spends on improving the appropriate skill. Keep in mind the broad utility of skills, and that taking high ranks in skills is often to the benefit of characters even without this flaw.
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