Eye of Sauron

[daedel]

I've always ruled that when rolling a skill (weapon or common) and obtaining an Eye of Sauron in the feat die, it's considered like a 0 but not necessarily a fumble (except for attacking, because that could trigger a called shot from an enemy). Other dj's I've met think that this result, if the roll is a failure, should trigger some added (and bad!) effect, or be considered automatic failure the same way Gandalf's Rune is considered automatic success. How do you handle this in your campaigns? Any input would be much appreciated.

[Yusei]

It's not an automatic failure, it's a 0, but if the roll fails, then it's a fumble.

[daedel]

Can you please tell me where in the corebook says that's a fumble? I cannot locate it...

[zedturtle]

Can you please tell me where in the corebook says that's a fumble? I cannot locate it...

It's not, unless it's a Called Shot.

I do not run with the Sauron ever being an automatic failure. I do use Saurons to give me hints about complications or unforeseen consequences.

[Yusei]

Can you please tell me where in the corebook says that's a fumble? I cannot locate it...

I'm not sure it is stated explicitly, but the rules say:

Both special icons are used in the game to trigger
additional effects; for example, when using weapons,
or the characters’ unique abilities. In general terms,
obtaining a Gandalf rune in any one roll is always good,
while the Eye icon can potentially be very bad.

Examples in the published adventures also suggest this. For example when climbing Dwimmerhorn (TfW), failing with an Eye means you fall to your death. Then when the characters escape and try to flee, failing with an Eye means they've left a trail. In a later adventure, the characters are pursuing an enemy, and they get hit by arrows if they roll eyes. It may not be an absolute rule, but it seems an Eye is supposed to have consequences.

[daedel]

Thank you all, now it's perfectly clear.