So, I’ve read the dev blog about extended tasks and now finally understand that “extended task” is STA’s wording for “make a problem be an NPC one can fight with wits instead of weapons”, which is nothing less than a great concept, by the way.
But still the question remains: Where’s the Drama? If I understand extended tasks as something akin to combat, the task being the enemy and problem-solving skills the weapons: Where’s the danger?
In combat, opponents react and their reaction create drama and/or is dangerous to the PCs. They shoot back, threaten or negotiate – basically: they fight back, one way or another.
What do extended tasks do other than stay mysterious if players can’t roll high enough? Yes, of course, I can combine extended tasks with timed and/or gated challenges, but I miss the drama and/or danger original to extended tasks. Clearly, I miss something.
Can you help me see it?