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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Hriston" data-source="post: 9749049" data-attributes="member: 6787503">5E muddies the conversation a bit because the thread has so far cast resolution in terms of rolls, i.e. "Roll for Effect"/"Roll for Intent", whereas in 5E, outside of the combat system, which is a conflict resolution system, the DM is part of the resolution system which, now that I think of it, is firmly task resolution. Here's why: the DM's ability to decide unilaterally that a PC's task fails to achieve its intent without going to mechanical resolution divorces task and intent at the outset. So in the example, the DM decides throwing a stone at a tree cannot distract the guard and so doesn't call for a roll. The stone hits the tree (task succeeds), but the intent is not realized (failure). This ensures a roll is only made when, in the DM's opinion, it is possible (but not certain) for a task to achieve the desired intent. This is not the only way an RPG can resolve action declarations. "Say yes or roll the dice" is another.No, hitting the tree is not a goal. It's a means to an end (distracting the guard). I'm saying task resolution only resolves whether you hit the tree or not. To take 5E as an example, the DM only calls for a roll if, in their opinion, hitting the tree will distract the guard. Mechanical resolution then tells you whether you hit the tree or not.Yes, in the example, the GM had decided there was no way hitting the tree would distract the guard. I agree that if the GM was playing by the rules of 5E they would not call for a roll at that point, but I don't think [USER=6684958]@bloodtide[/USER] follows that rule (if they play 5E). They can correct me if I'm wrong about that. One reason they might have for calling for a roll is to impose consequences on a failure, which was implied when they said a search party might be sent out if the PC was really unlucky.My preference is for conflict resolution, but I'm alright with 5E run by a principled DM who only calls for rolls when the outcome is uncertain. I could give you examples where I've tolerated rolling well but not (or only partially) achieving my intent. This was, again, in a 5E game where the DCs were mostly hidden and success was left up to the DM to decide.</blockquote>

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