Poise Mechanics for the d20 System
What is Poise?
Poise represents a character's ability to maintain composure, grace, and control under pressure. Unlike other ability checks that measure raw capability, poise checks determine whether a character can execute actions smoothly without betraying nervousness, losing balance, or succumbing to stress. Poise is not a separate ability score but rather a specialized check that draws upon existing abilities—most commonly Wisdom (for mental composure) or Dexterity (for physical grace).
Key Applications:
Maintaining composure during social pressure
Keeping balance in precarious situations
Resisting visible signs of fear or stress
Performing delicate actions under observation
Controlling involuntary reactions
Making a Poise Check
When the GM calls for a poise check, follow these steps:
Roll 1d20 - Roll a twenty-sided die
Add Modifiers - Apply relevant ability modifier (typically Wisdom or Dexterity) plus any circumstance bonuses or penalties
Compare to DC - If your total equals or exceeds the Difficulty Class, you succeed
Formula: 1d20 + Ability Modifier + Circumstance Modifiers ≥ DC
Which Ability to Use:
Wisdom (Poise) - Mental composure, emotional control, resisting intimidation
Dexterity (Poise) - Physical grace, maintaining balance, smooth movements
Charisma (Poise) - Social grace, maintaining façade, performing under scrutiny
The GM determines which ability is most appropriate for the situation.
Difficulty Classes for Poise
| DC | Difficulty | Example Situations |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Trivial | Walking across a wide, stable beam; maintaining composure during casual conversation |
| 10 | Easy | Keeping your voice steady when lying about something minor; balancing on uneven ground |
| 15 | Moderate | Maintaining composure while being questioned by authorities; walking across a narrow ledge |
| 20 | Challenging | Keeping a straight face while bluffing in a high-stakes negotiation; balancing on a tightrope |
| 25 | Hard | Resisting visible fear when confronted by a dragon; maintaining balance while fighting on a narrow beam |
| 30 | Very Hard | Controlling your expression while being tortured for information; performing acrobatics on a swaying rope |
| 35 | Heroic | Maintaining perfect composure while watching loved ones threatened; balancing on a razor's edge during an earthquake |
| 40+ | Legendary | Showing no reaction whatsoever to catastrophic revelations; performing impossible feats of balance under extreme conditions |
Ability Modifiers
Apply the relevant ability modifier to all poise checks:
Wisdom modifier for mental/emotional poise
Dexterity modifier for physical poise
Charisma modifier for social poise
Circumstance Modifiers
Bonuses (+2 to +5):
Character has training in Performance, Bluff, or Balance (+2)
Character is in familiar, comfortable surroundings (+2)
Character has prepared for this specific situation (+2 to +4)
Magical aid (spells like calm emotions, cat's grace) (+2 to +4)
Penalties (-2 to -10):
Armor Check Penalty applies to physical poise checks (typically -1 to -8)
Character is fatigued or exhausted (-2 to -6)
Distracting environment (combat, loud noises, crowds) (-2 to -4)
Character has personal stake in outcome (-2 to -5)
Injured or in pain (-1 per 25% HP lost)
Intoxicated or impaired (-2 to -10)
Synergy Bonuses
Characters with 5+ ranks in related skills gain +2 synergy bonuses:
Balance → Physical poise checks
Bluff → Social poise checks involving deception
Concentration → Poise checks to maintain focus
Diplomacy → Social poise checks in formal settings
Social Consequences
Poise checks in social situations determine whether characters maintain their composure and control the impression they make on others.
Success Effects
Minor Success (beat DC by 0-4):
You maintain composure adequately
No one suspects your true feelings or intentions
You avoid social embarrassment
Moderate Success (beat DC by 5-9):
You appear confident and in control
Gain +2 circumstance bonus on related Diplomacy or Bluff checks
Others are impressed by your composure
Major Success (beat DC by 10+):
You appear unshakeable
Gain +4 circumstance bonus on related social checks
May intimidate or inspire others with your control
Failure Effects
Minor Failure (miss DC by 1-4):
You show subtle signs of discomfort (fidgeting, hesitation)
Observant characters (Sense Motive DC 15) notice something is off
Take -2 penalty on related social checks for 1 minute
Moderate Failure (miss DC by 5-9):
Your discomfort is obvious to everyone present
Take -4 penalty on social checks for the scene
May provoke suspicion or lose credibility
Major Failure (miss DC by 10+):
You visibly lose composure (stammering, sweating, obvious nervousness)
Automatically fail related Bluff checks
May suffer social consequences (loss of reputation, failed negotiation)
Specific Applications
Bluffing Under Pressure: When telling a significant lie, make a poise check in addition to your Bluff check. Failure reveals your nervousness even if the lie itself is believable.
Maintaining Secrets: When someone probes a sensitive topic, make a poise check to avoid involuntary reactions that might give away information.
High Society Events: Navigating formal social situations may require poise checks to avoid embarrassing faux pas or maintain appropriate decorum.
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