Rules reference
Skills in Draw Steel
Skills overview and how checks typically work. Draw Steel is a heroic tactical RPG by MCDM Productions that uses a 2d10 Power Roll system with tier-based results. Characters are defined by their ancestry, culture, career, class, and kit. The game emphasizes cinematic combat, meaningful character choices, and a world where heroes stand against overwhelming darkness.
Key points
Skills describe trained competence. Use this page to quickly understand what the skill list covers and how to pick priorities.
Copyable facts
- 2d10 Power Roll with 3 tiers: Tier 1 (≤11), Tier 2 (12–16), Tier 3 (17+)
- 9 classes: Censor, Conduit, Elementalist, Fury, Null, Shadow, Tactician, Talent, Troubadour
- 12 ancestries: Devil, Dragon Knight, Dwarf, Elf, Hakaan, Human, and more
- 5 characteristics: Might, Agility, Reason, Intuition, Presence
- Edge & bane system: Each edge adds +2, each bane subtracts -2
- Kit system: Equipment loadouts that define your combat style
What’s in this system
Skills
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AlchemyArchitectureBlacksmithingBragClimbCookCraftCriminal UnderworldCultureDanceDeceiveDisrupt MagicDressDriveEnduranceEngineeringFletchingFlirtGather RumorsHandle AnimalsHealHideHistoryIntimidateJumpLeadLeather WorkingLieLiftMagic LoreMechanicsMedicineMusicNatureNavigatePerformPersuadePick LockPick PocketRead PersonReligionRideRumorsRunSearchSneakSwimTacticsTerrain LoreTrackAlertnessMonstersPsionicsTimescape
Examples
Example: When to roll
Roll when the outcome is uncertain and matters. If it’s routine and no one at the table cares about failure, just succeed and move on.
Example: Make stakes explicit
Before rolling, say what success gives you and what failure costs (time, exposure, resources, harm).
Common mistakes (smallest fix)
- Mistake: Rolling without stakes. Fix: Say what success changes and what failure costs before rolling.
- Mistake: Treating failure as ‘nothing happens’. Fix: Fail forward: you still learn something, but pay a cost (time, exposure, resources, harm).
Draw Steel FAQ
How do Power Rolls work in Draw Steel?
What are edges and banes in Draw Steel?
What are the classes in Draw Steel?
How does culture work in Draw Steel?