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Message: <blockquote data-quote="MrMyth" data-source="post: 5187223" data-attributes="member: 61155">Monster SkillsFor skills checks of monsters that aren't listed, you need to look at the bottom of their stat block where it lists their ability scores and their modifiers. Those modifiers (which includes the bonus for 1/2 level) are what you use for unlisted skill checks. So insight for the human mage would be a wisdom check. Only the skills a monster is particularly good at are listed in its skill section. Skill DCSIf you are in a situation where opposed skill checks are not relevant, and PCs are attempting a creative solution and you are looking for level-appropriate DCs, page 42 of the DMG has a table that can be very useful for this. There is some errata for it with lower DCs that some use - whether you do or not, it can give a good starting point for figuring out how challenging to make a skill check that your PCs suddenly spring on you. Skill ChallengesIf you are feeling particularly ambitious, this would be a good opportunity to use a Skill Challenge (detailed on pages 72-76 of the DMG). Essentially, it gives a framework to figure out how many skill checks the PCs might need to succeed at a task. In this case, a simple skill challenge (requiring 4 successes before 3 failures) would probably be appropriate. Let the PCs use Diplomacy, Bluff, Insight, and any other reasonable skills (such as Arcana to 'talk shop' or the like) as is appropriate for their words and actions. Let each success get them a little closer to winning the mage over, and if they get 4 successes, he gives in. 3 failures, and he is convinced he can't trust them and tries to get away or outright attacks.  Note that Skill Challenges are a bit more of an advanced system, but can be a useful device if you can master them.  GrabbingGrabbing is an attack any player can attempt. It is a strength-based attack against the targets Reflex. It doesn't prevent the enemy from fighting back, but does keep them from getting away unless they escape the grab. The PHB, on page 288 and 290, has all the details. Encounter ManagementFor how to handle the encounter overall... that is actually a tough question. It depends on how intense things have really gotten - is the mage actually fighting them while they try and calm him down? Or just trying to get away? I don't think it would be unreasonable to let them make Diplomacy checks and the like as minor actions - that prevents them from feeling like the more peaceful approach will deprive them of their other options.  But in the end, this area will end up needing to be a judgement call - the best approach can simply be to try one choice out, and see how well it works, and either stick with it or try something new next time.</blockquote>

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