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lowkey13
Guest
*Deleted by user*
I only roll when something is in doubt. Locating the hidden nook containing a pouch of coins is an Intelligence/Investigation check, for example, but gathering up the coins strewn about the floor isn't. For social interactions, I don't require a roll until they attempt to gain something from the npc, then I use the social encounter charts from the DMG.
One thing that's become a point of annoyance for me is the lack of Lore/Knowledge proficiency available. I dislike forcing ability checks where there is no possible skill/proficiency (for say, heraldry) or just choosing who knows what (for legends and whatnot). I'm toying with bringing back some of the Lores from the playtest, but using them just as extra Tool/Language type proficiency.
One thing that's become a point of annoyance for me is the lack of Lore/Knowledge proficiency available. I dislike forcing ability checks where there is no possible skill/proficiency (for say, heraldry) or just choosing who knows what (for legends and whatnot). I'm toying with bringing back some of the Lores from the playtest, but using them just as extra Tool/Language type proficiency.
Barantor
Explorer
I make the players roll when it is something that hinges the story or seems to make sense. If a player asks about some obscure lore that they might not know as a player but there character might? Roll that religion, arcana or history check (depends on the lore).
For things like a half orc character trying to intimidate a guard then I have the player state what they are doing and then have them roll for it with advantage/disadvantage etc as I see fit.
Although I understand the roleplaying that was done in 1e and the tables, they leave a lot of the decisions up to the dm, which folks found was unfair to the person DMing in some instances.
I think your method is about how most folks do it, nothing wrong with it either.
For things like a half orc character trying to intimidate a guard then I have the player state what they are doing and then have them roll for it with advantage/disadvantage etc as I see fit.
Although I understand the roleplaying that was done in 1e and the tables, they leave a lot of the decisions up to the dm, which folks found was unfair to the person DMing in some instances.
I think your method is about how most folks do it, nothing wrong with it either.
Voort
Explorer
Wouldn't most of that be under Intelligence (History) checks?
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Sunseeker
Guest
I mix it up, but I like using skill/ability checks, I was a fairly big fan of the concept in 4E, though not the execution.
Generally it follows as such:
*challenge appears* I tell the players the necessary skills that I think are applicable.*
I ask the players to tell me what skill they're using and how they're using it.
I have different DCs for different skills in the same check and adjust +/-2 depending on how they use their skill.
After they tell me what they're doing, I have them roll, and generally narrate the result, though sometimes when I'm not in the mood I tell them to tell me how their success looks.
With most skill checks, it's best out of X, with the number of successes needed increasing with the overall challenge.
*it is a standing rule in my games that a player may attempt to make an argument to me that some other skill could work.
Generally it follows as such:
*challenge appears* I tell the players the necessary skills that I think are applicable.*
I ask the players to tell me what skill they're using and how they're using it.
I have different DCs for different skills in the same check and adjust +/-2 depending on how they use their skill.
After they tell me what they're doing, I have them roll, and generally narrate the result, though sometimes when I'm not in the mood I tell them to tell me how their success looks.
With most skill checks, it's best out of X, with the number of successes needed increasing with the overall challenge.
*it is a standing rule in my games that a player may attempt to make an argument to me that some other skill could work.
Psikerlord#
Explorer
We do it similarly. Most NPC interacting is roleplayed. Might need a check, might not, and a bonus or penalty might apply depending on everything. "Mechanical" stuff more often requires a roll if it's something dangerous/important. Again bonus/penalty might apply depending on the circumstances and who is trying what. We don't restrict ourselves to only adv or disad - we also allow a 1-3 point bonus/penalty for a bit more fine tuning.
The judgment used when calling for rolls is going to vary from table to table, and maybe even game to game by the same DM. But I think your examples are a fairly common way of approaching that kind of adjudication.
Somewhat.
While several of the Lores became Skills (Magical Lore, Nature Lore, Religious Lore), and a few can be worked around with by other skills (Planar Lore could be either Arcana or Religion, for example) or by tweaking rules for tools (Artisans tools would also work for Trade Lore, for example), there are a few skills that lack any real conversion. Cultural Lore, Military Lore, and Political Lore have more to them than just History, and those aspects are currently not represented. This means that a DM must either use an Intelligence check with no skill or just decide who knows what, and neither of those appeal to me. I know that these skills would be below the value of "real" skills, but I would figure them to be about on par with tools and languages.
When I DM, ask for I ability check rolls:
- When something has a chance of failure
- when someone does something that might adjust the tone of the scene greatly
- When an alternate path or solution to a problem is available that the player doesn't notice but the character might
- When a player asks for information that their player might know or sense
- When a (possibly) important detail is perceivable to a character.
- When the game flat out calls for it
Psikerlord#
Explorer
We also use PC "backgrounds" as a potential proficiency bonus on ability checks in some instances.
Eg: solider background gets his prof bonus on any military lore etc. Part of the benefit of choosing a background, and makes sense. Merchant background gives prof bonus to int check to determine value of some fine clothes, etc.
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