Countdowns represent a period of time or series of events preceding a future effect. A countdown begins at a starting value. When a countdown advances, it's reduced by 1. The countdown's effect is triggered when the countdown reaches 0.
Note: You can track countdowns by "spinning down" dice or ticking off boxes.
Standard countdowns advance every time a player makes an action roll. If an adversary or environment ability refers to a "Countdown [n]," then it means a standard countdown with a starting value of n.
Dynamic countdowns advance by up to 3 depending on the outcomes of action rolls. Consequence countdowns are dynamic countdowns to negative effects. Progress countdowns are dynamic countdowns to positive effects. Dynamic countdowns advance according to this chart: