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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lanefan" data-source="post: 7632320" data-attributes="member: 29398">It didn't.  The invokation and use of a mechanic (the Resist Passion roll) kept it at 'test', which was then failed, thus giving the GM the right to narrate the results of said failure.  All is good.But the second statement without any mechanics involved isn't a test, it's a manipulation.It's magic, which allows a certain amount of bypassing the normal rules.  Same idea, in a way, as how a charm spell allows a DM to make a PC do/feel things he might otherwise not.However, let's say it wasn't an illusion but just a simple pit.  The player has stated the PC is specifically looking at the ceiling, so the GM just deciding that the PC doesn't see the pit coming* might be fair game; though I think most would give some sort of perception roll in any case and have that one roll kind of serve two purposes: a) did the PC notice anyhting odd about the ceiling and b) did the PC happen to notice the pit ahead.* - one has to ask why the rest of the party aren't warning this poor sot to watch where he's putting his feet. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />Actually, that it says nothing about the mechanics and system conventions being used says to me quite specifically that there are none being used at all (otherwise they'd have been mentioned, hm?) and thus it's an example of a player dictating an NPC's reaction.But that's just the point: you didn't just describe an action.  You described an action (winking at the maiden) and its result (melting her heart) all in one.  The action is fine, but describing the result without reference to either it being an attempt only or to any system mechanics or conventions is where the problems arise: it reads as if game mechancs ARE being bypassed by player fiat - which is why I turned the example around to make it GM fiat so you and others could see the problem for what it was.Actually, no it isn't.'I wink at the maiden' is a true description of what a PC does.  'Melting her heart' is merely a description of, one must assume, the PC's goal in doing it; but without the co-operation of the maiden there's no implied guarantee that this goal will be achieved...except by use of either game mechanics (which aren't mentioned) or GM fiat (which, as mechancs aren't mentioned, becomes the default).  It's merely an attempt, and thus should be phrased as such.</blockquote>

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