PUM Quick Rules: The Oracles
Whenever you or your characters have a question that you can't or prefer not to answer yourself, you can ask the built-in Oracles of PUM to resolve the uncertainty and provide creative inspiration.
How to Use the Oracles
- Ask a Clear Question: Frame your question clearly in your mind (or type it into the oracle input box to record it in your log).
- Choose the Fitting Oracle: Select the oracle button that best matches the nature of your question.
- Roll and Interpret: Read the generated result and fit it into the context of your scene and fiction.
1. Yes or No Oracles
PUM provides three distinct styles of Yes/No oracles depending on the type of question you are asking:
Yes or No (Deterministic)
Best for factual, objective questions about the physical world (e.g., "Is the window unlocked?"). * Possible results range from: Strong no, No, Weak no, Weak yes, Yes, to Strong yes.
Yes or No (Subjective)
Best for questions involving action, effort, or potential outcomes (e.g., "Can Silas pick this lock?"). * Possible results include: No, definitely not, No, not yet..., No, but..., It depends (on skill), Yes, but..., Yes, sometimes, and Yes, absolutely.
Yes or No (Conversation)
Best for social interactions, talking to NPCs, or investigating motives (e.g., "Does the merchant believe my lie?"). * Possible results include: No, absolutely not, No, it's strange, No, it's dangerous, It's complicated, Yes, be careful, Yes, pretty sure, and Yes, of course.
2. Quantifier Oracles
When you need to measure or evaluate a specific quantity, quality, or difficulty, use the Quantifiers: * How many/much: Answers questions about quantity (e.g., "How many guards are on duty?"). * How good/well: Evaluates quality or performance (e.g., "How well did Silas hide?"). * How hard/tough: Measures difficulty or resistance (e.g., "How tough is the lock?").
3. Descriptive Oracles
When you need to add specific details or answer open-ended questions, use the Descriptive Oracles: * Someone (who): Generates a character archetype or role. * Reason (why): Explains motivations or causes. * Object (what for): Identifies items, tools, or purposes. * Place (where): Suggests locations or directions. * Explain (how): Describes methods or means. * Activity (doing what): Suggests actions or behaviors.
4. Abstract Oracles
When you need sensory details, complications, or thematic inspiration, use the Abstract Oracles: * Discovery (find): What do the characters stumble upon? * Notice (perceive): What do the characters see, hear, or sense? * Hazard (type): What kind of danger or obstacle is present? * Problem (risk): What is the immediate threat or complication? * Intent (motivation): What is an NPC's or faction's goal? * Mood (feel): What is the emotional atmosphere or NPC's mood?
Enriching Answers (Focus & Description)
You can enable Enrich answers in the settings. This automatically rolls a random Focus and Description alongside any oracle question, providing extra sensory words (e.g., "Focus: Magic", "Description: Cold, Whispering") to help you interpret the results in creative ways.