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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Janx" data-source="post: 5724667" data-attributes="member: 8835">Because in a true simulation, the GM cannot have DECIDED that the NPC took the optimal route.  He has to simulate the decision making process.  Which means the NPC's knowledge of the city is approximated by skill checks, which he then must roll.  For a non-simple, non-obvious route, unless the NPC prepared and planned this route, it would be utter BS that the NPC just happened to take the perfect route.If the NPC was supposed to respond poorly to Intimidation, then he must have the skills and feats to represent that and must actually succeed in their usage when confronted with Intimidation.That's the point of simulation, that the SYSTEM reflects the behavior.  Rather than GM fiat, which i would take to mean a narrativist style.This is why I'm still a bit puzzled by anybody thinking the PC can't ask for a shortcut.  If the player has a valid argument that a skill check is in order to validate whether the NPC or PC has the best route, then run the check, and come up with some explanation that supports the result.  Maybe it's a shortcut that you hadn't planned on, maybe its knowledge of traffic patterns and construction work going on in the city.   That's the GMs job, no different than explaining why I missed with my sword in the last attack.Side question, related to hussar's huffy DM syndrome:a child and parent were in line at Subway today.  The kid asked if they could have a cookie.  Over and over and over and over again.  It was annoying.Do you buy the kid a cookie?the kid is a Player, the parent is the GM.  Are we facing a hesitancy by the GM to allow for players to ask for things?Personally, I grew up that you don't ask for things, and you sure as hell don't keep pestering.  The result would be any possible Yes turning to an absolute No (and prolly a spanking when you got home).I've seen this pattern in others who are in authority.  It's an obstinancy that comes up when subordinates try to get their way.  Not invented Here syndrome is probably related (the rejection of any idea or solution that comes from external rather than found/developed within the group).</blockquote>

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