Skill Challenge and Timing

[Starfox]

I see a big problem with skill challenges as written - by default they are not timed, and there are consequences for failing the skill rolls. Thus, the optimum way to tackle a skill challenge is for everyone to support the most-skilled character, who makes one roll per round.

This sound plenty boring, and not at all like skill challenges are described.

A much better way seems to be to ignore failure, and instead put every skill challenge on a timer - each round counts as one failure. You must generate enough successes in a limited number of rounds. This means everyone has a reason to try and help with a stunt of their own.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

I see a big problem with skill challenges as written - by default they are not timed, and there are consequences for failing the skill rolls. Thus, the optimum way to tackle a skill challenge is for everyone to support the most-skilled character, who makes one roll per round.

This sound plenty boring, and not at all like skill challenges are described.

A much better way seems to be to ignore failure, and instead put every skill challenge on a timer - each round counts as one failure. You must generate enough successes in a limited number of rounds. This means everyone has a reason to try and help with a stunt of their own.

I see a distinct possibility that it is actually expected to do this (at least the level 6 challenge suggested for the Keep on the Shadowfell is hardly possible using the pre-gen without such measures).

But in case it is not, I would assign a time for each check, but it doesn't always have to be a single round. Some Skill Challenges might take place over rounds, others over minutes, others over hours or even days.

 

[Fallen Seraph]

Also many Skill Challenges be something where everyone has to do it. Like running away from guards, hoping from rooftop to rooftop, crossing through a series of obstacles, etc.

So, I think assisting others, is only optimal in certain circumstances, and that is if that is the only Skill Challenge going on (there could be ones like, fighters and such keeping a door shut, while a rogue works a complex lock, and others are busy trying to plug up the poison ducts in the room).