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Message: <blockquote data-quote="mlund" data-source="post: 4627408" data-attributes="member: 50304">Skill challenges don't really require more prep than any other form of non-combat, non-trap interaction for the PCs. You need to be able to make the environment around them react to their choices - and they can make a ton of different choices.Yes, if you want the Skill Challenge to be on rails you're going to need an exhaustive list of what works, how well, and at what DCs - as well as what won't work and what the consequences are. Then you have to herd your players into a specific sandbox and keep them there until the challenge is complete.I prefer having a half-dozen sample skill checks, a note of the one or two things that categorically fail, and otherwise have a good awareness of the environment the PCs are in. If they'd rather try to intimidate the maid servants of the princess (which I previously didn't introduce, but "Every princess has servants, DM!" is a compelling argument indeed) instead of using Insight, they'll still find out that she's pining away for a dashing young gambler she can never marry - and thus advance the challenge.Skill Challenges need either a lot of scripting or good skill with improvisation. I try to use a moderate amount of both so I don't bury myself in prep or run afoul of a creative block trying too much improv.- Marty Lund</blockquote>