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Message: <blockquote data-quote="tetrasodium" data-source="post: 9368876" data-attributes="member: 93670">Yes it does say that, but it says it as part of a larger section describing a process.  That process is one where:<ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Player declares they attempt a thing to overcome a challenge</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">No matter if the GM considers it an impossible thing the next step is for the GM to call for an ability check. This is done because the results are uncertain and it allows the dice to decide</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">When calling for that ability check the GM decides A:which of the 6 ability scores apply & B: The DC of that task with an implied pick from the list below.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">The player then rolls a d20 & adds the ability mod</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Possible results are success or some setback.</li> </ol>This is pants on head style logic flow for a process if it is accepted to ever have step1 simply declared " impossible" because declaring that prior to starting step2 would skip steps two through five.  Worse is the fact that after going all the way to step 5 the logic flow of the process still does not account for step1 being an impossible action & only outlines success or setback as the options.  Yes most normal humans could figure it out, but (deliberate or not) the logic fail does serve a purpose with mechanical function  That function is to provide ammunition for protest & a rules lawyering vehicle for a player to claim they are being "<a href="https://www.enworld.org/threads/escaping-from-rope-bonds-what-is-your-ruling.704634/post-9368813" target="_blank">railroaded</a>" or "<a href="https://www.enworld.org/threads/escaping-from-rope-bonds-what-is-your-ruling.704634/post-9368813" target="_blank">punished</a>" if the GM decides that step1 was an impossible task.I don't see that as a meaningful distinction when the RAW wording encourages a player to "feel" that way and provides them with ammunition to push back after attempting an impossible task or suffering a step5 setback that feels like they are being "<a href="https://www.enworld.org/threads/escaping-from-rope-bonds-what-is-your-ruling.704634/post-9368813" target="_blank">punished</a>".Coleville has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q8bVPpc84A" target="_blank">a great video</a>☆ about catastropic failure that is super relevant because the party winds up in prison as a result of a chain forged from "pfft whatever... hold my beer" over & over again.  At some point daring the GM to react logically goes too far & the GM needs to call the bluff by having the world act logically.☆ maybe <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZdS8lP-Sdo" target="_blank">two</a> I think but not sure if that's the one.</blockquote>

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