Dice mechanics
Percentile (d100) checks in Cyberpunk RED
Roll under skill mechanics and difficulty bands.
Explanation
Percentile checks resolve by rolling d100 and succeeding at/under a target value. This mechanic is most directly associated with Call of Cthulhu-style play loops.
At the table (quick loop)
- Pick Stat + Skill that matches what you’re doing.
- Roll 1d10, add Stat + Skill, and compare to the DV.
- Resolve success/failure with concrete changes in the scene (access gained, alarm triggered, target down, etc.).
Example: REF 7 + Handgun 6 + 1d10 vs DV 15: you need 2+ on the d10 to hit.
Examples
Example: skill target
If a system uses percentile checks, roll d100 and succeed at/under the target value.
Example: fail forward
If the clue matters, don't block progress on failure. Trade success for time, noise, or a new complication.
Common mistakes (smallest fix)
- Mistake: Forgetting difficulty bands. Fix: Use Regular/Hard/Extreme (or your table’s bands) to express stakes quickly.
- Mistake: Failure stops the investigation. Fix: Fail forward: you still get something, but pay a cost.
Cyberpunk RED FAQ
What are Roles in Cyberpunk RED?
How does the d10 system work in Cyberpunk RED?
How does Improvement Points (IP) work?
How does cyberware affect Humanity?
What's the difference between Stats and Skills?