Lore Roll

Summary

A lore roll is a Dungeon World move that represents a character's attempt to recall or research knowledge about a subject. The roll uses 2d6 plus the character's Intelligence ability modifier, with results interpreted according to the standard Powered by the Apocalypse framework: 10+ indicates a complete success, 7-9 represents a partial success with complications or limited information, and 6- results in failure or trouble.

In Session 6 of the campaign, Safia uses this move to investigate Goober's capabilities, achieving a partial success that provides crucial information about the entity's internal structure.

Details

The lore roll functions as Safia's primary method of gathering information about unfamiliar subjects or entities. When Erin (who plays Safia) indicated the desire to learn more about Goober's capabilities, Shawn called for this roll rather than a different move, establishing lore as the appropriate mechanical framework for this type of investigation.

The roll itself follows standard Dungeon World procedure: the player rolls 2d6 and adds their Intelligence modifier. Safia's Intelligence modifier is +0, meaning the roll is unmodified. In this instance, Erin rolled an 8, which falls into the 7-9 partial success range. Shawn noted that Safia is "not intelligent," confirming the lack of a positive modifier to the roll.

On a partial success, the GM typically provides useful but incomplete information, or information that comes with a cost or complication. The roll's result determines how much the character learns and under what circumstances that knowledge becomes available.

History

Session 6

During Session 6, Erin initiated a lore roll to investigate Goober's capabilities. Shawn confirmed the move by stating, "No, roll to learn more about. About Goober's capabilities," and specified the mechanics: "Yeah, 2D6. This will probably be a lore. So 2D6 plus intelligence."

Erin rolled the dice and reported the result: "I rolled a whole heck of a lot of eight and. Oh no, now where did my thingy go? And I am not intelligent, so just an eight, please." The result of 8 constituted a partial success.

This lore roll revealed the existence of a configurations folder in Goober's Bluetooth directory, providing the party with actionable intelligence about the entity's internal structure. The information gained from this roll drove the party's subsequent decision to make camp and experiment with Goober's capabilities, establishing the lore roll as a pivotal moment in the session's narrative progression.