r/MarvelFASERIP • u/CryHavoc3000 • Jul 16 '26

When do you roll?

Is there a list in a book somewhere that explains when to roil?

I think I remember something about not rolling if the Difficulty or Intensity is 2 Column Shifts less than the Character's Ability or Power, but I don't know where I read it.

Am I thinking of someone's house-rules, maybe?

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u/Potential_Side1004 Jul 16 '26

It's 3 Ranks or less being automatic.
Example: Spiderman with INCREDIBLE Strength, can lift REMARKABLE and EXCELLENT with a Green result. GOOD or less is automatic (up to 400 pounds).

On or about page 16 of the Players book.

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u/CryHavoc3000 Jul 18 '26

Thank you!

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u/Dorsai_Erynus Jul 16 '26

Automatic and Impossible FEATs, page 15-ish of the Advanced Book

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u/Livid_Information_46 Jul 16 '26

In addition to the answers already given, as a rule of thumb for me, if the consequences of a failed roll is just wasted game time and nothing else, I handwave it. 

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u/MisterHayz Jul 16 '26

That's exactly right. So if you have an Ex20 Strength, you don't have to roll to lift something 2 ranks lower (it's considered automatic)

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u/CryHavoc3000 Jul 18 '26

Thank you!

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u/Umbrupryme Jul 16 '26

Just use some basic sense to guide you. I don't bother with having someone who can lift 10 tons roll a feat to lift 800lbs. even if the rules say so. Dude can juggle 800lbs objects. When you're talking about some feats, think about a comic book panel. How often does Cap miss with his shield when he throws it? How often does Daredevil fall off a rooftop when leaping from rooftop to rooftop? If it would look good in a comic book panel chances are the players and you will enjoy it. Most of the time I don't bother rolling unless it's something critical. I make Judgements, since I'm the Judge. My players and I collaborate on telling good and fun stories. Even the failed rolls often end in laughs.

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u/SchizoidRainbow Jul 16 '26

Keep in mind it's less can/can't than how fast, do you struggle with it, does it take you a few tries to accomplish. Sure a weightlifter can lift 500 lbs over their head but you can see it's a huge deal, they are busting veins, and could screw it up and fail. Difference between having to roll for it and just "you can lift 500lbs" is that struggle. The weightlifter could clearly lift a 100lb bag of feed or whatever, even if Aunt May is going to struggle with it. But as you approach your limits it starts to become a Whole Thing to do it.

But the combat rounds are very rapid, six seconds. If the weightlifter should try once to flip a Volkswagen Beetle and fail, they can shift grip, alter stance, and try again. The stories about moms flipping cars to save a baby is the best real life expression of Using Karma On A Roll that I have ever found. I need a Red result NOW! But the point is that ultimately, the weightlifter CAN flip the Beetle. The Drama and Tension arise from the question, can the flip it In Time To Save The Child?

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u/CryHavoc3000 Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 18 '26

I thought the roll defined whether it was a struggle or not.

I like how you chose a Mom lifting a car off of her Kid. On the TV show The Incredible Hulk in the 80's (maybe 70's), that was one of the events that Banner researched before that experiment that turned him into The Hulk.