One of the key mechanics of the Doom6 system, which FÄNG uses, is the way difficulty levels are set by the Doomsayer using a system where probability curves play a major role in determining success, failure, and complications.
The Impact of Difficulty Ramping
Players roll a number of six-sided dice (d6) based on their character’s attributes. The Doomsayer sets a difficulty rating (DF) between 6 and 12. The result of the roll determines the outcome:
- Failure: If the roll is below the difficulty, the action fails.
- Jinx: If the roll ties the difficulty, the action succeeds but introduces a complication.
- Success: If the roll exceeds the difficulty, the action succeeds.
At first glance, it might seem like increasing difficulty by just one point is a small adjustment—but the probability curve tells a different story.
To help Doomsayers and Players quickly assess difficulty, here’s a breakdown of average rolls for different dice pools:
- 2d6 averages 7.00
- 3d6 averages 8.46
- 4d6 averages 9.34
- 5d6 averages 9.93
- 6d6 averages 10.34
These averages highlight how difficulty doesn’t scale in a straight line, reinforcing the importance of setting challenges carefully.
The Nonlinear Nature of Difficulty
Looking at the graph, you can see how rolling multiple d6s creates a bell curve effect. This means:
- A DF of 6 is relatively easy to beat, as most rolls will surpass it.
- A DF of 9 sits in the middle ground, where the odds of success or failure start to shift dramatically.
- A DF of 12 is extremely difficult, as even a high attribute score doesn’t guarantee success. These situations are so difficult, that a jinx is the best you can hope for. Use 12 very sparingly.
This creates a natural ramping of tension—where characters with strong attributes can handle moderate difficulties reliably, but as DF increases, success becomes far from guaranteed.
Setting the Right Challenge
For the Doomsayer, understanding these probability shifts is crucial. A difficulty of 9 might feel reasonable, but when multiple dice are in play, the chances of a failure or jinx can spike unexpectedly. This means that small changes in DF can have big consequences, and adjusting difficulty by just one point can make the difference between a challenge that feels fair and one that becomes nearly impossible.
By keeping the probability curve in mind, Doomsayers can create encounters that feel dynamic, engaging, and rewarding—where difficulty isn’t just a straight line but a carefully balanced climb.
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