Dice mechanics
Dice pool basics in Hunter: The Reckoning 5th Edition
Rolling multiple dice and counting successes.
Explanation
Hunter H5 uses d10 dice pools: roll Attribute + Skill, count successes on 6+, with criticals on paired 10s. Desperation dice add power when the cell is stretched thin, and risk overreach or despair.
At the table (quick loop)
- Build your pool (Attribute + Skill); add Desperation dice when you push beyond your limits.
- Roll d10s and count successes (6+).
- Interpret Desperation outcomes (overreach, despair) as escalating stakes for the hunt.
Example: A success driven by Desperation dice gets you there, but the danger to the cell escalates.
Examples
Example: build the pool
Pick the two traits that match your approach (often Attribute + Skill), roll that many d10s, then count successes.
Example: raise/lower difficulty
Instead of stacking small modifiers, change the difficulty (required successes) so the decision is readable.
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Rolling without a clear pool. Fix: Say the approach, then pick the two traits that define the pool.
- Mistake: Counting successes inconsistently. Fix: Keep one quick reference open (cheat sheet) during play.