D&D 5E How do you handle a skill check if needed.

[ccs]

Sometimes I call for a check, sometimes the players call for a check. If the player calls for a check and it's not clear I ask for clarification.

Yeah, pretty much this.
It's some combo of 1&2.

Though when players search I require more description than just "I search, I rolled #". As sometimes it actually matters what/how they do it.

 

[Oofta]

In short, because there isn't an option that fits with how I run the game, but if you want specifics:

• Because "magic words" is a loaded term.
• Because I don't give a bonus if players use "magic words."
• Because I don't require "magic words" to make a skill check.
• Because there are no skill checks in 5e, only ability checks with or without proficiency applied.

Isn't that what I said? I don't require "magic words," but I encourage my players to state their actions in terms of the fiction because it is not only more interesting to listen to, but it also makes adjudicating actions easier if there is a question about whether a check is even required and, if so, which one might be called for.

Then what would be the appropriate question that doesn't require a paragraph and other biases? Why is "skill check" verboten? I didn't write the poll, I don't find "magic words" offensive but if you do what would be the proper phrase?

Whether or not you believe there is no cake ... err skill check.

 

[Charlaquin]

I voted “no skill checks are allowed at all” because the poll is so transparently biased, I’d rather be mockingly pedantic about the difference between a skill check and an ability check than participate in it.

 

[Hriston]

I voted “no skill checks are allowed at all” because the poll is transparently biased.

That’s totally the right answer. Good job finding it!

 

[jasper]

Yall can start another poll with out the "loaded" words. Skill check is an valid term. Looking at my pc sheet I have 'Acrobatics, animal handling, arcana, athletics, deception, history, insight, intimidation, investigation, medicine, nature, perception, performance, persuasion, religion, sleight of hand, stealth, Survival, and tool for thieves tools. Page 77 to page 78 breaks the skills down by what ability score modifies the check.

 

[5ekyu]

When a skill check is called for by the player or the GM rolls are made vs DCs with the usual trio of success, fail, some success with setback. If necessary, clarifications may be asked for or made.

In my games, players are always the active do the player is rolling vs a DC.

In my games, the d20 roll itself is worked into the narrative in ways to show situations and confidence (or lack) in outcomes.

I would have to say that its likely I use more "some success with setback" than "fails" for ability checks that dont reach the DC. Its likely close to even but may be more setbacks.

I do tend to use the DMG option for auto-success at DC 10 or lower if you are proficient and dont have disadvantage.

And finally, if a task takes more than an instant, I usually resolve it not as a single check but as a race-to-three (successes or failures) with consequences and options. This is either a house rules or a stretch but it works well in practice.

If it matters, my DC are set mostly using the DMG advice.

 

[5ekyu]

Then what would be the appropriate question that doesn't require a paragraph and other biases? Why is "skill check" verboten? I didn't write the poll, I don't find "magic words" offensive but if you do what would be the proper phrase?

Whether or not you believe there is no cake ... err skill check.

Perhaps "key words" is less offensive.

 

[coolAlias]

Then what would be the appropriate question that doesn't require a paragraph and other biases? Why is "skill check" verboten? I didn't write the poll, I don't find "magic words" offensive but if you do what would be the proper phrase?

Whether or not you believe there is no cake ... err skill check.

I don't find it particularly offensive, but where is the option "Players must state what they are trying to accomplish and how they are trying to accomplish it (either in character or in game terms, doesn't matter), after which they may suggest a specific skill (ability) check / proficiency might apply "?

Unless I'm misunderstanding the listed options, I don't see it up there.

 

[Beleriphon]

I went with option #2.

To clarify however a DM in 5E I operate on the basis that I'm asking for an ability check based on what the player describes their character doing. "Brom jumps over the pit" is going to be a Strength check, possibly with Athletics or Acrobatics proficiency applied.

"Ludwig chats up the barman hoping to get some info about the Baron" a Charisma check with Persuasion proficiency.

"Nodwock carries a barrel up the stairs" is trivial, unless its particularly large barrel, so no check is required.

"Frudu Buggims hides behind... uh nothing!" is impossible so no check is made, or required.

 

[Charlaquin]

Yall can start another poll with out the "loaded" words.

Nah, we’re cool. It seems to always be the crowd that allows players to declare their own skill checks who do this kind of validation seeking. The rest of us are secure enough in our own play styles already.