Progress Clocks#

A Progress Clock is a circle (or gauge) divided into segments, used to trace almost anything. This can be counting the passage of time, managing resources or tracking variables essential to the narrative. Segments are gradually ticked by the GM to embody progression towards a particular outcome.

They make plot components more tangible, similar to “progress bars” found in video games.

The larger the clock, the more segments it holds:

Progress Clocks reflect what’s happening in a game, allowing players to monitor the state of play. They are not required for every situation, but the GM should use them when tracking development is essential. For example:

• Obstacle Clocks : used to track ongoing effort against a challenge. Characters tick segments when succeeding Action Rolls aiming at overcoming it, until the clock is filled and the obstacle is subdued.

This can be clearing a passage, breaking a door or climbing a wall. Limited or perfect successes tick one segment off a clock, critical successes tick two.

• Threat Clocks : used to monitor impending trouble or danger. They represent growing suspicion, proximity of pursuers or alert level of guards. Segments are ticked as characters lose control of a situation.

This can arise from consequences caused by limited successes or total failures, with critical failures ticking two segments at once.

• Event Clocks : used to track progression of time. They represent countdowns to events, outcomes or phases, with each segment marking a specific time interval.

This can measure how long until reinforcements arrive, the duration of a spell or simply time left until sunset.

• Project Clocks : used to monitor the advancement of long-term undertakings. Segments represent stages, with each tick marking a significant milestone towards completing the endeavor.

This can be learning a skill, reading a book or crafting an item. Limited or perfect successes tick one segment off a clock, critical successes tick two.

• etc…