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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Helpful NPC Thom" data-source="post: 8442797" data-attributes="member: 7031378">This is definitely an issue in some games, though I'd wager than allowing the -1 Bob to succeed where +15 Sally fails is a systemic flaw and needs be mediated by GM skill. Nothing is perfect, unfortunately, especially when human error is introduced. When skill checks arise from necessity, I think it's fair for the GM to ask:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">What skill do you want to use?</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">How are you using that skill?</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">What is your desired outcome?</li> </ul>Then the GM sets the Difficulty Class (and consequences) based on task, intent, and what Blades in the Dark calls effect. Bigger, bolder outcomes get higher Difficulty Classes (and bigger, bolder consequences). In addition, I think that modifying the DC based on the appropriateness of the skill used prevents too much BSing in this method.The aforementioned Moria riddle example. Some GMs are loathe to require a skill check and would prefer player ingenuity to handle the riddle, but let's disregard that briefly. I can't remember the exact details of the example, but say the default skill check is a DC 15 History check to recall the answer to the riddle (plus, you have to know a few words of Elvish). The basic consequence of failure? The Watcher in the Water will appear as you spend hours pondering the riddle.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Player 1: I am a dwarf, and we have a long oral history, and I am knowledgeable of such. I wish to roll History to recall the details of this riddle.</li> </ul>All fine and good.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Player 2: I am an elf, and my people were once friends with the dwarves. I wish to roll Insight to unravel the nature of the riddle from the dwarf's perspective.</li> </ul>That one's a little less direct, but it kind of makes sense. The GM might allow it to proceed, but in that case, he might make it a DC 20 check instead.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Player 3: I wish to use Deception to solve this riddle. I'll utter off a bunch of gibberish in dwarvish to trick the door into allowing me to pass.</li> </ul>That's probably not going to fly--it doesn't pass the smell test--and I think the table would generally agree, with or without the GM's say-so. But if I were feeling generous, I might allow a DC 20 Deception (Intelligence) check to befuddle the spells upon the door, and should the test fail, the character's is marked as Dwarf-cursed: all dwarves take a dislike to him instantly, and his tongue is bound by spells so he can neither speak nor write dwarvish until the spell is lifted...and that's in addition to the Watcher's untimely appearance.Your handling of the situation might vary.</blockquote>

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