Most actions assume a character's Scale is 3, but characters with a higher or lower number change the number of dice rolled. This is referred to as Bonus Dice, even when the number is actually negative, as in a penalty. The Game Master can modify the necessary Scale up or down for very difficult or very easy tasks, or it may be changed if the roll is opposed by another character, in which case that character's Attribute Scale is used. In most cases, the difference between the task's Scale and the character's Scale is the number of Bonus Dice added to the Skill roll. In an opposed situation, like combat, no penalties are given.
Example 1: Victor, with an Agility Scale of 4, is excellent with Swordsmanship. His Skill is 4, but he normally rolls 5 dice, selects the best, adds 4, and then adds his Agility Aptitude when fighting a normal opponent, who has a Scale 3 Agility. When fighting Kurr'd-ah, however, he only rolls 4 dice, as the Kurr'd-ah usually have a Scale of 4, putting them on even footing. If the Kurr'd-ah had a Scale of 5, Victor would still be rolling 4 dice, but the Kurr'd-ah would gain one extra.
Example 2: Victor is not very strong, unfortunately. His Scale 2 limits him when he is doing some actions, such as trying to hang on to a rope that is dragging him across the ground. Normally, Athletics is a Reflexes based Skill, but the Game Master calls for a roll based on Strength. Victor's Athletics Skill is 2, but he only rolls 1 die, since his Strength is lower than needed.