Ladders and Scale

Success Ladder

Fate Accelerated Edition uses a ladder of adjectives and numbers to rate a character’s approaches, the result of a roll, difficulty ratings for simple checks, etc.

Creature Size

In addition to using the ladder to adjudicate dice rolls and difficulties, a ladder is used to describe the costs and benefits of playing and fighting a character who is bigger or smaller than the average human.

A creature's size is an aspect that can be invoked or compelled like any other aspect. However, the value of the bonus conferred in this way is dependent upon the size difference between the two combatants.

For example, when a human (medium [0]) finds itself in a conflict with an ogre (large [+1]) making forceful attacks, the human will want to defend. Since having a smaller size will make this action easier, they may spend a fate point to gain a bonus. The value of that bonus is the difference between the size categories of the combatants. In this case, the human will receive a +1 bonus to defend against the ogre's attack.

Humans, elves, and dwarves are considered to be of medium (0) size, and require no adjustments when in a conflict with other, similarly sized monsters and NPCs. However, when one character is in a conflict with a creature who is in a different size class, certain actions become easier for the larger character and some become more difficult.

Mounts

When a character rides a mount their size is treated as their mount's. It is assumed that, even when your mount is an intelligent one, that the PC is calling the shots. Therefore, on your turn in a conflict, you may decide whether it is your character or your mount who is acting.