Ohh the Nentir Vale - Moon Hills example that Mearls had showed a screenshot of before. Nice.
Also I would avoid any encounters which do not "progress the story".
The big flaw in "navigation DC" is - so let's assume the characters roll bad on this one. They don't reach their destination. Nothing happens. Passivity.
Nothing happens? One would assume the PCs continue their efforts to find their destination of choice. At the very least, they have to get back to civilization, so to speak. That's hardly passive, it's just a question of desire and aptitude. The PCs should not be required to reach their destination.
Then it's basically "I try the same again". I still think this not a good choice.
There are (or should be) consequences for trying again. Time and resources are limited. If the tax to find or reach the destination is negligible, there shouldn't be any checks involved. Just let the party fast forward to their destination and ignore these types of mechanics.
Which is fine if your group isn't into exploration or travel.
This document are for those who are.
There are (or should be) consequences for trying again. Time and resources are limited. If the tax to find or reach the destination is negligible, there shouldn't be any checks involved. Just let the party fast forward to their destination and ignore these types of mechanics.