A set of d6s used to track things like time, resources, or effort. When triggered, roll the pool and drop 1d for each 1-3 result. At 0d, the pool depletes and the fiction changes.
The size of a pool is 4d/short, 6d/mid, or 8d/long. At 0d, an event occurs, a situation ends, or a resource is depleted. Make sure to reflect the fiction - if a pool and the fiction don’t match up, adjust or scrap the pool.
If no dice are dropped from a task pool on a messy or perfect action roll, instead take a secondary effect. If the roll was only 1d, you can instead push yourself to drop the last die. In similar cases, the GM can spend suspense to drop the last die.
Drop 1d from the pool before rolling it when a talent tells you to do so or you take the greater effect critical bonus. This stacks.
Pools can be flexibly applied in many situations, usually by the GM. Some typical pools are listed below.
Note: Pools are always notated with the size of the pool in front of it, usually written in italics.
Events unfolding in the background. Roll during key moments, when time passes, or a after few PCs take action.
Threats becoming more likely. Roll during impact moves, major events or to increase threat level.
Effort to overcome tasks. Roll when progress is made in the task, usually an action roll.
Quantity of something precious. Roll when the resource sees significant usage.