Where hazards attack the PCs directly and blocks prevent them from taking certain actions, distractions force the PCs to figure out their priorities. Of the obstacles, distractions are often the least mechanically defined. They also don’t necessarily make the scene mechanically harder. Rather, they present the PCs with difficult decisions. Here are the distraction’s parts:

• A distraction’s name is a brief, punchy representation of what it is. It can be an aspect, if you need or want it to be.
• A distraction’s choice is a simple question that codifies the decision it gives to the PCs.
• A distraction’s repercussion is what happens to the PCs if they don’t deal with the distraction. Some distractions might have multiple repercussions, including repercussions for successfully dealing with the distraction.
• A distraction’s opposition is its passive opposition against PCs rolling to deal with it. Not every distraction needs to provide opposition.

If you’re afraid the PCs will deal handily with a fight you’ve got in store, adding a distraction or two can force them to decide whether it’s more important to trounce the bad guys or deal with the distractions.

Dealing with a distraction should always have a clear benefit or, failing that, not dealing with a distraction should always have a clear consequence.

Examples of Obstacles

Hazards

• Great (+4) Machine-Gun Turret, Weapon:3
• Superb (+5) Distant Sniper, Weapon:4

Blocks

• Fair (+2) Chain Link Fence, Great (+4) difficulty to remove
• Good (+3) Vat of Acid, Weapon:4, Superb (+5) difficulty to remove

Distractions

• **Bus Full of Civilians—**Choice: Will the bus plunge off the bridge? Opposition: Good (+3) Repercussion (leave them): All of the civilians on the bus die. Repercussion (save them): The villain gets away!
• **The Glittering Gem—**Choice: Can you take the gem from the pedestal? Repercussion (leave the gem): You don’t get the (priceless) gem. Repercussion (take the gem): You activate the traps in the temple.