Saving throw

A saving throw ( . English : saving throw ) is a for pen - & - paper programs and tabletop avert games typical game mechanism that allows it imminent damage with a successful roll of a game character. The threat is usually directed against the physical or mental health of the character, and the rescue takes place either through an appropriate ability of the character or through magic, divine intervention or other supernatural effects.

The possibility of a saving throw for a figure represents its potential ability to avoid the corresponding danger or at least to mitigate the effects. Typical regulatory attributes such as courage , cleverness , dexterity , strength as well as talents or skills can play a role. The possession of certain objects, the presence of supernatural protective powers or just being lucky (in the sense of a lucky chance or fateful favor) can be represented by the possibility of a saving throw. Some rule systems provide that the more experience a character has, the greater the number or chances of success of saving throws. Last but not least, game masters can allow saving throws for a variety of reasons, for example as a reward for a particularly creative idea or a particularly beautifully played scene.

The conceptual transition from rescue throws to other regulatory forms of "averting danger by successfully rolling the dice" is fluid. For example, saving throws are essential elements of the rules in Dungeons and Dragons and Warhammer , while they do not appear in the game The Dark Eye, at least by name.