Charlaquin
Goblin Queen (She/Her/Hers)
The DC doesn’t have to be in the book for that to happen though. I agree with you that the PCs should be able to assess their own abilities with enough accuracy that they should know a DC, or at least if a check is Easy/Medium/Hard/etc. before they have to commit to the action, unless they’re attempting something totally unfamiliar. That’s why I just tell them.Now this clearly SHOULD be true but at table it really isn’t, players often insert a question on what would happen if the PC did this i.e. “what is the DC if I try this.”
Now I am of the thought the jump rules and others are in the Players Handbook so they are PC knowledge therefore that’s ok - a player would know they can make it or know if it’s impossible so should be told in advance.
Remember Gimli asked to Aragon to throw him because he knew he could not make the jump.
That’s why I want PC to know in this case and many others the DC ahead of time so they can plan accordingly and then he DM can add or subtract from that.
“I try to jump across the chasm.”
“Ok. It’s farther than your normal jump distance, but the far side is a little below this side, so it might be possible. Make a DC 15 Athletics check.”
“Hmm... On second thought, I’ll try to climb down.”
I’m fine with the player taking back the action in that way once they know the DC, as long as they haven’t rolled yet. I see it as the character considering their options.
Mine is that they’re on your sheet so you can more accurately assess your character’s aptitude at a given task, not as buttons to push. And while rolling dice can be fun, the fun comes from the thrill of uncertainty and the rush of the random outcome. The reason rolling dice is fun doesn’t exist when the outcome is already determined. It’s fun when the result of your dice roll determines the fate of your character in dire situations, but it isn’t fun to have to make a Dexterity check to tie your shoes properly.My general idea is skills are on your sheet for a reason and rolling dice is fun so let them fly.