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Message: <blockquote data-quote="pemerton" data-source="post: 5472010" data-attributes="member: 42582">I haven't seen this discussed yet - from the latest <a href="http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/dusmg/2011February" target="_blank">"Save My Game"</a>:First, if you’re letting characters make multiple attempts to use the same skill in the same situation, stop. Various DM’s books make it clear that in many cases, a character gets one chance to succeed with a skill; if the first check fails, the task is beyond him for the time being. Second, if you’re letting everyone have a shot at the same task, someone is bound to succeed just by rolling high. Consider whether a task is a type that can be attempted just once, by one character, with a few other characters assisting. Moving a boulder is a good example of both of these principles. No one should get more than one chance; either you can move it, or you can’t. It is perfectly reasonable to insist that only the strongest character gets to make the check, with a few other characters using the aid another action to give a boost. How many characters can help depends on how many people can get their shoulders against the boulder. It’s also reasonable for you to rule that if the fighter with Strength 20 can’t move it, then the wizard with Strength 11 doesn’t get to try. When someone asks why not, explain that the fighter didn’t fail because he rolled poorly; rather, his poor roll indicated that the boulder is wedged in so tightly that it will take a Strength higher than 20 to move it. This makes the dice rolls an integral part of the unfolding story and not just a momentary sound effect while characters steamroll their way across the adventure.I'm not sure what the "various DM's books" are to which reference is being made - the 4e DMG, for example, in its discussion of searching rooms, seems to imply that rerolls are permitted, until the PC with the best Perception score gets a 20.Personally, though, I like the suggestion. It resolves an ambiguity in the 4e rules, but could equally be used in other versions of the game. Other opinions?</blockquote>

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