Skill challenges in Keep on the Shadowfell

[Asmor]

I know that I was pretty disappointed when I heard in one of the preview threads a while back that there were no skill challenges in KotS. However, I've found one, though it's not specifically labelled as such, and it's basically a hand-holding "club-the-players-over-the-head-with-the-idea" skill challenge, to get them up for it. It's midway through the adventure, so there might be more hidden in there which I haven't read yet.

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When the PCs find the skeletal Sir Keegan, they are prompted to parlay with him rather than attacking outright. If they can get 4 successes before they get 4 failures, he'll help them; otherwise, he attacks them.

It provides advice for the DM on running the encounter; in essence, it boils down to this: Figure out who has the highest diplomacy, make them the "lead," but ask leading questions about other characters with good skills.

One of the examples (actually, a poor example in my mind, but also the one I remember most clearly) is that the DM should have Sir Keegan ask the PC with the highest perception "You seem quite perceptive, tell me, what do you see before you?"

It also suggests asking the leader certain questions after someone else's answer is successful or a failure, i.e. "I didn't like that answer, what do you have to say?" or "A satisfying answer, what do you think?"

I am, of course, paraphrasing because my copy of the book's in the other room and I don't want to get it right now, but you get the idea!
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Did anyone notice any other skill challenges (not counting the one which was posted online)?

 

[Terwox]

There is one posted on the wizards site that changes the final encounter of the module.

 

[JohnBiles]

Trap disarming is effectively a skill challenge.

I'm going to change the riddle contest into a skill contest.

 

[Plane Sailing]

I've found another one on p61

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The living dead in the cemetery, with a Magic Circle which raised the dead. With a DC20 arcana or religion check they can determine the circle is the reason for the undead and how to disable it. It can be disabled if they make three DC15 arcana checks before getting three failures.

Unlike other skill challenges there are no options given for using other skills, and there are no particular penalties for failure (although if you succeed all the undead become plain old corpses)
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Cheers

 

[Asmor]

Nice find, thanks!

 

[Torchlyte]

Trap disarming is effectively a skill challenge.

This.

 

[Mindseye]

There is one posted on the wizards site that changes the final encounter of the module.

I actually thought the suggested skill challenge for the final room is very good.............I know they were tight for space but prbably should have left it in.

It seems like a much better example of what they're trying to do than the Sir Keegan challenge.

 

[Asmor]

It seems like a much better example of what they're trying to do than the Sir Keegan challenge.

I think it's a better example in application, but I think Sir Keegan is perfect as an introductory lesson in skill challenges, which it's clearly meant to be.

 

[phil500]

Trap disarming is effectively a skill challenge.

I'm going to change the riddle contest into a skill contest.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO................

Ok do what you want, but i love the fact that the riddle involves no dice and no skills. just player cleverness.

 

[phil500]

I've found another one on p61

[sblock]
The living dead in the cemetery, with a Magic Circle which raised the dead. With a DC20 arcana or religion check they can determine the circle is the reason for the undead and how to disable it. It can be disabled if they make three DC15 arcana checks before getting three failures.

Unlike other skill challenges there are no options given for using other skills, and there are no particular penalties for failure (although if you succeed all the undead become plain old corpses)
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Cheers

how do you prompt new players to realize they can use skills?