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<blockquote data-quote="jgsugden" data-source="post: 8141030" data-attributes="member: 2629">It can result in some silly situations, as a relatively moderate challenge can be as difficult as a nearly impossible one, but it can be done.I find that by paying attention to the guidance in the DMG and PHB about DCs, the system works really well as I run it.&nbsp; For me, I never ask for a Perception check or Persuasion check.&nbsp; I ask the player what they're doing and then ask them what ability score they want to use.&nbsp; Then I tell them whether they're going to add their proficiency modifier based upon their skills, their background, their tool proficiencies, or their PC's other experiences.&nbsp; Instead of saying, &quot;You see a door.&nbsp; Roll a perception check.&quot; ... The exchange usually goes something like:DM: &quot;There is a large stone door at the end of the hall.&nbsp; It is lit by a clearly magical torch on the wall, and is covered in dirt and dust, indicating it has not been opened in some time.&quot;Player: &quot;I take a look at it from 20 feet away.&quot;DM: (Inner dialogue - Man, you're handsome.&nbsp; Spotting something uses wisdom.&nbsp; So it'll be a wisdom roll.&nbsp; They do not have a high enough wisdom to see it was a proficient passive check.&nbsp; Checking the skill lists for the PCs, they are not proficient in perception, but they are a dwarf and this is a dwarven trap.&nbsp;&nbsp; I'll allow him to be proficient, but I'm going to say it is at disadvantage.) &quot;Roll a proficient wisdom check with disadvantage.&nbsp; The door looks dwarven make, but you're pretty far away.&quot;&nbsp; Player: &quot;Man, you're handsome.&nbsp; I rolled a ... 13 with disadvantage and proficiency.&quot;DM: &quot;Yeah, I was just thinking about how handsome I am.&nbsp; You don't spot anything that stands out with a 13.&quot;Player: &quot;I toss the halfling at the door.&quot;Player 2: &quot;What the f....&quot;</blockquote>

[QUOTE="jgsugden, post: 8141030, member: 2629"] It can result in some silly situations, as a relatively moderate challenge can be as difficult as a nearly impossible one, but it can be done. I find that by paying attention to the guidance in the DMG and PHB about DCs, the system works really well as I run it. For me, I never ask for a Perception check or Persuasion check. I ask the player what they're doing and then ask them what ability score they want to use. Then I tell them whether they're going to add their proficiency modifier based upon their skills, their background, their tool proficiencies, or their PC's other experiences. Instead of saying, "You see a door. Roll a perception check." ... The exchange usually goes something like: DM: "There is a large stone door at the end of the hall. It is lit by a clearly magical torch on the wall, and is covered in dirt and dust, indicating it has not been opened in some time." Player: "I take a look at it from 20 feet away." DM: (Inner dialogue - Man, you're handsome. Spotting something uses wisdom. So it'll be a wisdom roll. They do not have a high enough wisdom to see it was a proficient passive check. Checking the skill lists for the PCs, they are not proficient in perception, but they are a dwarf and this is a dwarven trap. I'll allow him to be proficient, but I'm going to say it is at disadvantage.) "Roll a proficient wisdom check with disadvantage. The door looks dwarven make, but you're pretty far away." Player: "Man, you're handsome. I rolled a ... 13 with disadvantage and proficiency." DM: "Yeah, I was just thinking about how handsome I am. You don't spot anything that stands out with a 13." Player: "I toss the halfling at the door." Player 2: "What the f...." [/QUOTE]

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