Aid
Invoke this move when one PC triggers a move and another PC (or follower) assists, or if two or more characters make the same move at once.
As with any move: to do it, they have to do it. If a player says something vague like “yeah, I’ll Aid!” or “can I help?” then say “sure, how do you help?” If they can’t come up with something plausible, then Aid doesn’t trigger.
Choose “they can accomplish more than they could alone” if the main move would be impossible without help, or if you think the Aid makes the main move take less time or have greater effect. Choose “they gain advantage on their roll” if the first PC could do it alone but the Aid makes it easier. Clarify the player’s intent and approach if you’re unsure which option applies.
Involve both characters in any negative results of the move. Even on a 10+ with no obvious consequence, consider making a soft move at the Aiding character to show how their Aid put them at risk.
Optional technique: when Aid grants advantage, have the helping player roll the extra d6. It makes them feel more involved!
Example
The PCs are investigating the clearing where Pryder and Rheinal were attacked. Vahid pokes around, looking for clues. “Sounds like you’re Seeking Insight,” I say.
Rhianna says she’ll have her crew look around, too. “Especially Lowri, he’s the best tracker. Should I Seek Insight, too?”
“No, let’s say that he’s Aiding Vahid,” I say. “Are y’all splitting up the clearing, to work more quickly? Or, like working together, kicking ideas around, giving him advantage?”
“How much time could we save?” Rhianna asks. I tell her that it’d save maybe 30 minutes. “Hmm. No, let’s be thorough. I’ll have Lowri back Vahid up and advise.”
“Okay! Vahid, roll to Seek Insight with advantage.”
Example
Caradoc is pinned by a nailadd—a giant spider—and it’s about to bite him with those venomous jaws. He twists and shoves it, trying to get free, and we’ve all agreed that this is Defying Danger with STR.
“Can I help?” asks Blodwen. “Sure, what do you do to help?”
“I’ll move in and start yelling at it, poking it with my staff. I don’t want to hurt it, though!” (Blodwen’s got a soft spot for critters.)
“Riiight, no hurting the giant spider. Roll with advantage, Caradoc.” He gets an 8, and I pick a cost that involves Blodwen. “Caradoc, you hear yelling and feel the thing shift, and manage to roll free. But as you do, you see it knock Blodwen’s staff from her grip. It’s about to pounce on her. What do you do?”
Example
Rhianna yells “bring it down!” and she, Garet, and Eira (her crew members) start peppering the drake with arrows. That’s Let Fly with her crew providing Aid. Rhianna absolutely could make the move on her own, so gets to roll with advantage.
Alas, she still gets a 6. “Roll damage anyhow,” I say, “but even if you bring it down, it rushes in and bashes you with its bony crest for d8+2 forceful damage, tossing you aside, and then it claws either Eira or Garet for another d8+2, messy and 1 piercing. Who does it get?”
“I have to pick?”
“Yup.”
Example
Blodwen has called up a wind spirit and is asking it to scout the crumbling ruins. “You’re going to have to roll +CHA for Persuade,” I say.
“Can I help? asks Vahid. I ask him how he does it. “Maybe I know something about these spirits, like what motivates them?” But that’s not Aiding, that’s Knowing Things. Maybe he does Know Things and uses what I tell him to Aid, but he’s not Aiding now!
Example
The chamber collapsed, pinning Blodwen under a pile of debris and timber. Caradoc staggers over and pries up one the timbers. “You’re still stuck under a bunch of rubble, though, Blodwen. If you want to dig free, that’d be Defying Danger with STR. The danger is that you can’t get free before Caradoc’s strength gives out.”
Caradoc asks if he’s Aiding. “You are!” I say. “You’re giving her the chance to try to get free. But she’s not going to get advantage, if that’s what you mean.”