Originally Posted by
Imaro
So let me get this straight...
each check reflects an event in the fiction... right? Because earlier other posters were claiming that the rolls for skill challenges weren't tied to specific events on a micro level.
Who said that? The only poster who contrasted macro/micro levels was @
Manbearcat , and I know he agrees with me on this point.
That may be a reference to what I wrote above. If so, I'll clarify.
- Each check does reflect a singular
event in the fiction.
- However, each
event has multiple vectors involved, up to and including the fact that the event is subordinate to the stakes, the question being answered in the Skill Challenge.
In the social encounter paradigm with the Duke:
Event - The Duke challenges you with a historical dissertation on an event that took place just like this in the past...and the Baron/Duke/King went with the path that the PCs are currently proposing...to the ultimate demise of his legacy.
There
should be a lot going on here outside of the event of knowing that history and parrying that blow. The grueling pressure of being in leadership over a large group of people, their lives contingent upon your decision-making. The Duchess/Baroness/Queen inherently doesn't trust and she must be won over so she stops huffing at your responses and giving you a raised eyebrow at her husband's rejoinders. The Court Mage thinks your incompetent or is far too enamored of his own resources/ability to handle the problem. There are rumors of an assassin implanted in the D/B/K's court by a rival. The players are exhausted from a long day's ride. The guards are aligned in a pike hedge between the players and the D/B/K, polearm tips within breath's reach. The players may have notoriously failed or succeeded at something either for the D/B/K or by proxy brought strife or peace to his land. The Paladin of the group may have just displayed the voice of his God (which is the D/B/K's as well) and stunningly succeeded at conveying their aligned interests (successful Diplomacy with a Divine Keyword buff). Etc etc.
So one event, just like "can I jump this pit" above...but a lot of vectors to account for (inherent trust of lackthereof, reputation - poor or good, station issues, territory staking out or protection, fear and indecision, dangerous court politics, a lurking enemy and a paranoid leader, etc etc) along with the fact that ultimately a decision must be made...and that decision will bear major consequences for the person making it and the people who are staked to it.