Delving

While in an especially hostile environment but not currently engaged in Combat — like a Dungeon Crawl — the PCs are considered Delving.

Marching Order

When the PCs start Delving, they should determine a marching order. Whoever is in front is the Scout. This determines who encounters dangers like traps and monsters first.

Explorable Area

While Delving, the GM divides the explorable area into Zones. In a dungeon, each room or hallway is usually its own zone. Particularly large rooms may contain multiple zones.

*The GM often uses a dungeon map as a reference for the area.

Encounters

Whenever the PCs enter a new Zone or take a Break, the GM rolls for the Danger Clock.

Move

While delving, PCs are assumed to be spending most of their time standing still and listening, testing surfaces, and drawing maps.

This means they automatically detect traps, map their environment, Search for hidden features, and avoid being Surprised, provided they are not in Darkness.

Search

While delving, A PC may inquire about features of the current zone. The GM should describe any hidden features in the current zone, but not any secret features. A PC must interact with the hidden features more directly to learn their secrets.

Especially difficult searches may require a Break to complete.

Example Features

Hidden Features: A loose brick, a cracked tile, or a bust with a seam around its neck.

Secret Features: The brick activates a trap, the tile covers a rusted hatch, the bust's head can be rotated to magically open a locked door.

Flee

The Party can Flee an area only if all players agree. If they flee, they successfully retreat from the area, carrying any fallen PCs with them.

Each PC loses one piece of Equipment chosen at random. It is left where they currently stand.

There may be an additional narrative loss if applicable.

Example narrative loss: If the party was trying to stop a ritual, the ritual succeeds.