Passive skill use and rewarding skill training

[OnlineDM]

After some interesting discussions in threads here on EN World, I decided to put my thoughts about using skills passively in D&D 4th Edition into a blog post.

The summary version:

• I'll use lots of different skills passively, not just Perception and Insight
• I use this to give out minor information about a situation, noticing small details, etc.
• If a PC is trained in the relevant skill, they get the bonus info. Doesn't matter what the passive skill value actually is.
• This saves me the trouble of having to figure out an appropriate DC where the trained PCs will get the info.
• This rewards the PCs who've chosen training in that skill and speeds up play.
• I do still use passive Perception values for things like a monster making a Stealth check to hide.

Thoughts?

 

[El Mahdi]

Outstanding ideas.

The only part I don't like is "asking" the players to find out who's trained in what. Asking questions like that gives away that somethings happening. I'd prefer to have that info written down behind the screen and give the gleaned information to the individuals on a note, rather than anounce it out loud to the group.

But everything else is outstanding. This seems like a really good way to incorporate mechanics into better roleplaying, using both to reinforce the other.

 

[OnlineDM]

Excellent point. In a home game, I would indeed try to keep this information handy. I already know that Sir Stabsalot is trained in Dungeoneering, so I'll give him that bonus info, etc.

I've mainly used it so far in organized play (D&D Encounters, Living Forgotten Realms) where I don't know every PC's skill training, so I do have to ask. But yes, ideally I'll know what information I'm parceling out to which PCs based on their choices of trained skills.