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1E at Heart 3rd Edition Mind Set
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<blockquote data-quote="Pentius" data-source="post: 5685160" data-attributes="member: 6676736"><p>I'd recommend a slightly different approach. Let them have maybe 2 tries, then no more tries, <strong>unless the player describes how their next attempt is different.</strong> Then they get another shot. For the lock picking example, the first two tries can be done with the Thief saying, "I pick the lock." and rolling. He's a Thief, he has lockpicks, it isn't a mystery what's going on. If the to attempts fail, he has to describe doing something more to get another roll. Maybe he pushes the doorknob up and to the side, to try and jigger it. Maybe he has a second set of picks(not just a second identical pair, but something conceivably different). Each inventive approach yields another roll.</p><p></p><p>Also, this sounds obvious, but if you don't want pointless skill checks, don't include them. If the chest isn't trapped, and they aren't on a time limit for getting it open, just make it unlocked, or even narrate, "The Thief picks the lock easily" without rolling for it. Basically, any time where they could roll to infinity without negative consequences, don't bother. Either don't bother including it, or don't bother rolling it.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Y-you guys don't do this anymore? Man, I've been in a lot of groups, from 1e to 3e, and now into 4e, and this almost always gets done. Marching orders and keeping watch at night especially. Sometimes we've even kept watch while in an inn.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Pentius, post: 5685160, member: 6676736"] I'd recommend a slightly different approach. Let them have maybe 2 tries, then no more tries, [b]unless the player describes how their next attempt is different.[/b] Then they get another shot. For the lock picking example, the first two tries can be done with the Thief saying, "I pick the lock." and rolling. He's a Thief, he has lockpicks, it isn't a mystery what's going on. If the to attempts fail, he has to describe doing something more to get another roll. Maybe he pushes the doorknob up and to the side, to try and jigger it. Maybe he has a second set of picks(not just a second identical pair, but something conceivably different). Each inventive approach yields another roll. Also, this sounds obvious, but if you don't want pointless skill checks, don't include them. If the chest isn't trapped, and they aren't on a time limit for getting it open, just make it unlocked, or even narrate, "The Thief picks the lock easily" without rolling for it. Basically, any time where they could roll to infinity without negative consequences, don't bother. Either don't bother including it, or don't bother rolling it. Y-you guys don't do this anymore? Man, I've been in a lot of groups, from 1e to 3e, and now into 4e, and this almost always gets done. Marching orders and keeping watch at night especially. Sometimes we've even kept watch while in an inn. [/QUOTE]
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