Combat
Margin and Steps
How well you succeeded. For every full 3 points of positive Margin (Final Sum − TN), you gain +1 Step. Steps scale the effect of your success.
| Margin | Steps | Description | Combat Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | +0 | Bare success. You just made it. The bullet grazes; the lock clicks on your last pick. | Base damage only. |
| 3–5 | +1 | Solid success. Clear competence. The shot lands true. | +1 damage. |
| 6–8 | +2 | Strong success. The shot hits a vital area; you pick the lock and notice it was trapped. | +2 damage. |
| 9–11 | +3 | Exceptional success. The shot drops the target instantly. | +3 damage. |
| 12+ | +4 | Legendary success. The stuff of stories. This is how reputations are made. | +4 damage. |
Steps are why high rolls feel good. The difference between a 3-Margin hit and a 12-Margin hit isn’t just “you succeeded twice as much” — it’s the difference between wounding and dropping.