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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Eric Finley" data-source="post: 4824954" data-attributes="member: 83401">Note that the phrasing is such that if you're using it on a bloodied target in combat, you're doing so with intent to obtain the "surrender" outcome.  Because nothing except the surrender outcome requires the bloodied status.  You can make it divulge secrets or nark on its fellow hobgoblins without having it be bloodied.Besides which, look at the parallel to the phrasing under things like Insight, Streetwise, or Monster Knowledge checks.Insight: "You counter a Bluff check, gain a clue about a social situation, sense an outside influence on someone, or recognize an effect as illusory."  DM: the thief rolls Bluff to try and convince you that there are thirty more thieves on the way.  Player: I roll Insight; I think he's a lying sack of rot grubs.  Success.  DM: You sense an outside influence on him; he's doing this because he's working for your arch-enemy.  However, you're still convinced about the thirty thieves, because I picked a different success outcome.Monster Knowledge: "You identify a creature as well as its type, typical temperament, and keywords. Higher results give you information about the creature’s powers, resistances, and vulnerabilities." DM: there's a strange purplish serpent slithering through the swamp.  Player: Nature roll time, what the heck?  Success.  DM: See that bird over there?  That's a red-crested finch.  It nests in these parts during the summer, and eats millipedes by preference.  What?  It doesn't say you identify that creature!Streetwise: "You collect a useful bit of information, gather rumors, find out about available jobs, or locate the best deal."  Player: Okay, Streetwise time, I'm really curious about this meeting we're hearing about.  Success.  DM: You hear that Leroy's is hiring for new bouncers this week.  Oh, what, you were trying for a rumour?................Clearly the 'or' in these success descriptions is meant to be adjusted to the player's stated action, not to the DM's whim.  Now, I concur, the DM's overall powers perfectly include changing the DC as he sees fit, or changing his interpretation of "surrender"... but his powers do not extend to making the kind of slap-happy calls that are listed in my examples above.  So don't go looking to that "or" as a list of options for the DM in every case, regardless of player intent.Serioously, guys.  Try Intimidate as written, before you slam it.  You might find yourselves surprised... I've used it, and GMed it, and it works.  Nothing breaks if you just run with it as written, as long as both you and your players are sane about it.</blockquote>

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