Hello! Thanks for reaching out to us.
I completely understand where you’re coming from! The Barter system in Solitaria is unique because it moves away from traditional currency, and combining the “Worth” math with the mechanics can feel a little abstract at first.
Don’t worry—it’s actually quite straightforward once you break it down into a single flow. Here is a complete guide on how to calculate Worth, perform the Fate Draw, and frame it in your Story.
Part 1: The Math (Calculating Your Leverage)
In Solitaria, you are trying to perform an action and to determine that the trade is successful (or if it failed). The difference in value between what you have and what you want changes your luck.
The Formula:
[Your Item’s Worth] minus [Their Item’s Worth] = Your Modifier
Think of it like this: Scenario A: The Generous Offer (Positive Modifier)
- If your item is worth MORE: You get a Positive (+) number. The trade is easier!
- You have: A Rare Crystal (Worth 4).
- You want: A Common Herb (Worth 2).
- The Math: 4 (Yours) - 2 (Theirs) = +2.
- The Application: Because you are offering something more valuable, you get a +2 bonus to your Fate Draw. This makes it much easier to get a Success or even a Critical Success!
Scenario B: The Risky Trade (Negative Modifier)
- If your item is worth LESS: You get a Negative (-) number. The trade is harder!
- You have: A Common Herb (Worth 2).
- You want: A Rare Crystal (Worth 4).
- The Math: 2 (Yours) - 4 (Theirs) = -2.
- The Application: You are trying to “trade up,” which is harder to do. You must apply a -2 penalty to your Fate Draw. This lowers your final card value, making a Failure or Plot Twist much more likely unless you draw a very high card.
Part 2: The Action (Performing the Fate Step)
Now that you have your Modifier, here is how to use it during the card game portion (The Fate Step):
- Set the Stage (Base Range): Shuffle and draw two cards.
- Example: You draw a 4 and a 10. Your “Success Zone” is between 4 and 10.
- The Effort (Fate Card): Draw a third card. This represents your attempt.
- Example: You draw a 5.
- Apply the Math: Take the Modifier you calculated in Part 1 and add/subtract it from your Fate Card.
- If you had a +2 Modifier: Your 5 becomes a 7. (Success!)
- If you had a -2 Modifier: Your 5 becomes a 3. (Failure!)
Part 3: The Story (Scenarios & Journaling)
In Solitaria, you shouldn’t just roll the numbers alone. Before you draw the cards, write a “Narrative Question” in your journal. This helps you interpret the result.
Here are three common scenarios to help you visualize this:
Scenario A: The “Generous Offer” (Trading Down)
Context: You have a Rare Crystal (4 Worth) and want a simple Herb (2 Worth).
- The Math: 4 (Yours) - 2 (Theirs) = +2 Modifier.
- The Question: “I’m offering a valuable crystal for simple herbs. Does the merchant realize what a great deal they’re getting?”
- The Outcome: Because you add +2 to your card draw, you are very likely to succeed.
- Journal Result: “They practically snatched the crystal from my hand! Deal made.”
Scenario B: The “Desperate Deal” (Trading Up)
Context: You only have a Common Shell (1 Worth), but you really need a Tool (3 Worth).
- The Math: 1 (Yours) - 3 (Theirs) = -2 Penalty.
- The Question: “Can I convince the islander that this shell has sentimental value worth trading for?”
- The Outcome: You must subtract -2 from your card draw. You will need to draw a very high card (like a King) to succeed.
- Journal Result: “They looked at the shell and laughed. No trade today.”
- Pro-Tip: If you have a Trait like Charismatic (Hearts), and you draw a Heart card, you can add your attribute bonus to help offset the penalty!
Scenario C: Trading for Information (Abstract Barter)
Context: You aren’t trading for an item, but for a secret rumor.
- The Math: You treat the rumor as an item. Let’s say a Deep Secret is Worth 3. You offer a Tasty Meal (1 Worth) as a bribe.
- 1 (Meal) - 3 (Secret) = -2 Penalty.
- The Question: “Will this meal loosen the guard’s tongue enough to spill the secret?”
- The Outcome: If you fail, maybe they just eat your food and say nothing!
Quick Summary
- Compare: Your Item Worth - Their Item Worth.
- Draw: Draw your Fate Card.
- Modify: Add/Subtract the difference to the card.
- Result: Check if the new number lands inside your Base Range.
(Note: If you are trading at a Shop, you usually just pay the fixed cost without needing to draw cards. This system is for bartering with people!)
I hope this helps you master the marketplace! Let me know if you need help with any specific trades.
Happy gaming!