D&D 5E An Odd Mechanic: DM & Player BOTH Roll

[Hrothgar Rannúlfr]

A while back, I read an article about skill checks (stealth, investigation, ect...) where the player shouldn't be certain of the result, but I cannot remember where I saw the article.

Basically, it suggested that both the DM and the player would roll for the character, but only the DM knew which of the two rolls were used. I think, perhaps, the DM was supposed to use a control die to determine which to use.

Have you used such a mechanic? If so, what do you think of it?

If not, would you as a player be OK with using it if the DM wanted to?

(Also, if you know where to find the original article, I'd appreciate a link.)


Thank you.

 

[Hawk Diesel]

I don’t like the sound of that. From my perspective, if you're gonna make a secret roll, make the roll. If you want the player to roll, let the player roll. But if you let the player roll and they know they rolled high, it can create a lot of frustration for the player if the DM randomly decides to use their own secret roll that was lower. I see this as a poor mechanic that skews too far in favor of DM fiat, which should be used only when necessary to keep the game flowing, fun, and interesting.

 

[Prakriti]

Why have the players roll at all? You get the same effect by having the DM do all the rolling behind the screen.

And no, I would never do it.

 

[Nagol]

One way I could see it working (albeit with a fair bit extra complexity for limited value) is if both rolls are in the open and neither the DM nor the player know which roll is the controlling one until a third die is rolled at the crucial moment.

 

[Hawk Diesel]

One way I could see it working (albeit with a fair bit extra complexity for limited value) is if both rolls are in the open and neither the DM nor the player know which roll is the controlling one until a third die is rolled at the crucial moment.

...

What?

 

[Nagol]

...

What?

Easier to give an example than to try to describe it. Note that I'm not advocating the system; this is the only way I think the original post could add any value.

Player: "I sneak through the library"
DM: "OK, roll; <rolls a d20> you might get a 12"
Player: "16! plus my base +10 so either a 22 or a 26!"
DM: "Alright, here's what is happening..." <the DM describes the scene knowing there is a minimum success of 22> You hear voices talking about planning something."
Player: "I try to get closer"
DM: "OK, <picks up a d6> 1-3 we use your roll, 4-6 we use mine. 5: your sneak roll is a total of 22."

 

[Hawk Diesel]

Ok, that makes sense. Not something I would ever use or endorse, but makes sense.

 

[ccs]

Seems like excess dice rolling for no real benefit.

I wouldn't use it as either DM or player.

 

[Harzel]

Easier to give an example than to try to describe it. Note that I'm not advocating the system; this is the only way I think the original post could add any value.

Player: "I sneak through the library"
DM: "OK, roll; <rolls a d20> you might get a 12"
Player: "16! plus my base +10 so either a 22 or a 26!"
DM: "Alright, here's what is happening..." <the DM describes the scene knowing there is a minimum success of 22> You hear voices talking about planning something."
Player: "I try to get closer"
DM: "OK, <picks up a d6> 1-3 we use your roll, 4-6 we use mine. 5: your sneak roll is a total of 22."

Dang. Maybe I am just slow. Could you elaborate on what benefit this is providing, please?

 

[iserith]

A while back, I read an article about skill checks (stealth, investigation, ect...) where the player shouldn't be certain of the result, but I cannot remember where I saw the article.

Basically, it suggested that both the DM and the player would roll for the character, but only the DM knew which of the two rolls were used. I think, perhaps, the DM was supposed to use a control die to determine which to use.

Have you used such a mechanic? If so, what do you think of it?

No. I don't like it because if I'm having a player roll an ability check, it's to resolve uncertainty, not to create it.

If not, would you as a player be OK with using it if the DM wanted to?

I don't care for secret rolls in any form as a player or DM, but I'll live with it as long as the rest of the game is otherwise fun.