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Oh, and I also make languages count: intelligent monster that can understand what PCs are saying to each other will use that information to their own advantage, whether in combat or during social interaction.

I just do the following to make Int less of a dump stat. Intelligence affects skill proficiencies and languages: Intelligence Effect 21 gain proficiency with a new tool 19 gain a language 17 gain proficiency in a new skill 15 gain proficiency with a new tool 13 gain a language 9 - 12 no change...

As you're already said, the Arcane Trickster attacks at disadvantage because he has the blinded condition. However, by RAW, this is cancelled out because the Orc can't see him either (Unseen Attackers and Targets, PHB p 194). Once there's one instance of advantage and disadvantage for a...

Check this thread out for a map from the cartographer himself (this was for third edition Return to the Tomb of Horrors I think), but it looks pretty much unchanged from the original. By old school standards, it's not an extensive dungeon, and it's only on one level - but still a killer. You...

Then I use one of the rolls that I asked the players to roll at the beginning of the session. So they don't know that there is a creature whose Perception is contesting their Stealth, and they don't know what their Stealth roll is either. I'll keep a note of it and tell them their result later...

But what is the point? From what you're saying, you make a check for each turn (which I assume to be the 10 minute turn of AD&D) but most of them are irrelevant. The only one that matters is the check rolled on the turn when there is a creature to keep hidden from. That's one check - the same...

In my experience long combats are boring when (a) both sides use the same tactics round after round, and (b) the PCs aren't seriously threatened. Change one of those factors and it gets interesting again. One more thing: I think opportunity attacks must take some responsibility for making...

Did you give players any information about their hp status, for example by using descriptions consistently (eg scratched, battered, wounded, losing consciousness, unconscious, dead). And did you give them any information about monsters? I'm hoping to learn from your experience.

Yes, I see this as a potential weakness. For me the biggest drawback is that the declaration order, at least amongst the PCs is very static. One solution, is to make a declaration roll, analogous to an initiative roll: roll a die and add your Intelligence modifier. Small numbers declare first...

I rule that when PCs are expecting trouble (which is most of the time, hence the default situation, when adventuring) they can use passive Perception to detect threats. If they're distracted (eg navigating, mapping, tracking, foraging, deep in conversation, or hustling a captive) then their...

I like this classification. It provides a useful framework for adjudicating all those fiddly Stealth, Hiding and Perception rules. Given that you start by saying (my emphasis), ...I would change Hiding to Hidden. The PHB uses the two terms differently, and a careful reading of the rules...

I've just had a look at the conjure spells in the PHB. They generally have this wording: I don't see why you can't summon them, and on that same round command them, so that they act as you desire, but on their own turn in the initiative order.

A few things I do to avoid metagaming. 1. I get each player to roll 3d20 at the beginning of each session. I record the results and then use them in place of asking the player to make a roll if I need to (more on that later). The players don't know which order I'll use their rolls in, and they...

PHB says your Stealth check is contested by the Perception checks of other creatures until you are discovered or stop hiding. That's one roll, not several. If you have an encounter and you come out of hiding, for example to attack or interact with another creature, then you'll need to make a new...

What you're proposing here could be a great mechanic. Part of me wants to get on and thrash it out right now, but I don't have time. Will you be developing this further? I hope so! Comparing to the elements of my proposal: Success/ failure - standard skill check process using one of three...

I agree that you can get used to it pretty quickly (especially if you don't have to make the assessment roll). Having done it a few times myself, I find the trickiest part is remembering the thresholds for the different confidence levels. This could be simplified to: <10 not at all confident...

You're right. Your presentation is much more elegant. Squishing your idea and mine together, my assumed DC was 0. If a DM wants there to be a small but real chance of characters mistaking the truth for lies, I'd up that to 5. To summarise: When it is in the interests of both parties for a...

Yes, I think your point about belief is right. I've written another reply about that. Building on your example of the puzzle, here's the same thing for an attempt to disarm a trap: disarm the trap and believe you've disarmed it disarm the trap but not realise that you have fail to disarm the...

You are right that the assessment can end up undoing the original check. And as you go on to point out, this seems to be an issue with skills that determine what a character perceives and believes about the world around them: skills that in themselves have no discernible impact in the world. The...

I hope this addresses your point, Lanefan: