TL;DR: Replace dead‑end failures with consequences that advance the situation. When a check fails, escalate position or cost instead of halting play.

Method (reproducible):

Sample: 6 short sessions of level 1–3 parties running “Library Heist in Three Clocks” with and without fail‑forward.

Metric: Scenes completed per hour; percent of time in decision‑rich states.

Result (observed): Fail‑forward groups completed 4–5 scenes in 3 hours vs 2–3 without; decision‑rich time increased by ~30%.

Limitations: Small sample; GM familiarity mattered.

Technique:

Convert “door stays shut” to “door opens but Patrol clock advances 2.”

Convert “you don’t find it” to “you find it and leave signs behind.”

Convert “you’re lost” to “you arrive late; Wards clock +1 and a rival is already inside.”

Table Advice: State clocks, show consequences, and ask players how they adapt. Keep momentum visible.

Use: Add visible pressure without bookkeeping. Cut through stall, signal stakes, and resolve off‑screen actions.

Clocks

4‑Step Patrol Clock 1 Notice → 2 Approach → 3 Challenge → 4 Arrest.

6‑Step Arcane Wards 1 Sparks → 2 Hum → 3 Shelf shift → 4 Force glyphs → 5 Animated hazards → 6 Alarm.

4‑Step Lockdown 1 Shutters drop → 2 Exits barred → 3 Ward field → 4 Authorities arrive.

How‑To (3 steps):

Put the clock on the table.

Advance on noisy actions, botched rolls, or time passing.

Trigger the listed consequence at each step; don’t skip forward unless fiction demands it.

d12 Heist Complications

1 Guard shift early. 2 Rival shows up late. 3 Missing key appears on wrong cart. 4 Crowd blocks route. 5 Rain makes steps slick. 6 Rumor spreads about “book thieves.” 7 Ward flare shocks a shelf. 8 Clerk asks for a signature. 9 Lantern oil runs low. 10 Cat knocks ledger to floor. 11 Street protest outside. 12 Messenger needs the vault for five minutes.