Son of the Serpent
Pupil
I agree. I feel the same way. I just dont think the dm would make these decisions if someone wasnt practically dominating his decisions to a degree. It feels like its not this dms game because hes trusting thos dude too much. Dont really know how to get that through to him without causing a rupture in the group though. Socially defusing a bomb that someone pratically seems to WANT to go off isnt something I'd call my forte. Just had another session for the record. Seems like thats where the player causing the issues is thinking of taking it.If I see a rhinocerous, I know what it is. I know basic things like short-sighted, tends to charge, thick skin that acts like armor. I know they're dangerous. I know to be more careful around them than a deer (although a deer can be dangerous under certain circumstances). It's automatic and virtually instantaneous.
Whether or not I know hippos are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa depends on how much I've learned about hippos and would require a check. But if I know, again, I know pretty much instantaneously. Whether or not I know a specific spider is poisonous may require looking up the knowledge in a book.
So I disagree with your DM, and your fellow player. Depending on the rarity of the creature (and whether you've established you have a particular specialty in spiders) some checks will be automatic, require a check or not be possible in an instant. However, it's the DM's game.
Ive never quite been in this situation before.