The “Hidden” universal non-binary resolution system of D&D.

D&D has had a sophisticated, elegant, quick task resolution system open to player skill, DM interpretation, and significance of characteristics for decades: The Reaction Table.

A simple roll of dice, a wide range of results. I'm going to go with a few examples here as I feel they illustrate the point rather well.

A Simple Unified Task Resolution Table (based on the Reaction Table)

2- Dismal Failure

3-5 Unfavorable

6-8 Uncertain

9-11 Favorable

12+ Extremely Favorable

Suggestions not hard rules, they could be written into a scenario but are more appropriate of the type of chart inspired ruling a DM could make in various situations based on a reaction table based methodology.

#1 So you want to climb that rough rocky 100’ tall cliff…. You have ropes +1, oh no the rocks are slippery with ice -2, you have good dexterity and strength and you aren’t encumbered +1.

Dismal Failure- drop to your doom.

Unfavorable- this is hard and dangerous you get 20’ up, further attempts will be at -1.

Uncertain… make a saving throw! Fail it and no progress, succeed and you make it halfway up.

Favorable- going well, you make it 50’ up, next roll is +1

Extremely Favorable- you make it up the cliff face, any of your companions following you get +2 to their rolls.

#2 You have offended Witch-Queen and she’s pointing her wand and you want to talk your way out of it:

High charisma: +2, Player says something  stupid or mumbles and stumbles -3 .

Dismal Failure- she’s unimpressed with your feeble whimpering and zaps you with her wand… save at -2

Unfavorable- maybe you should have ran for it instead, make a save vs wands,

Uncertain… keep talking, she hasn’t zapped you yet

Favorable- the Witch-Queen lifts an eyebrow and the tip of her wand lowers…

Extremely Favorable- She laughs and sets her wand aside, maybe you can be of some use to her…

#3 Picking a lock on a 50 year old door with a lock built by the Grumble Brothers.

You have lock picks, you are a trained thief +2, The lock is a bit dirty and stiff -1, The grumble brothers made very good locks  -2. Only an improvised pick -5.

Dismal Failure- your lock pick snaps and is wedged in the lock, looks like you are going to need an axe to get through this door.

Failure- nope, just can’t do it, you lack the skills and tools.

Uncertain- not done yet, just a little more and you might get it (roll again)

Favorable- oh a click, you’ve picked the lock

Extremely Favorable- oh that was easy, and you’ve learned more about Grumble Brothers locks: +1 to pick one next time you find one.