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<blockquote data-quote="iserith" data-source="post: 8905061" data-attributes="member: 97077">The good news is that a preference doesn't require an explanation, though it can be fun to see if one can figure out where it comes from.As presented in the rules, the ability is broad and the skill is specific. So anyone can attempt to swim in treacherous currents, say, and that might result in a Strength check to resolve uncertainty as to the outcome. Someone with the Athletics skill is just a bit better at that task, on average, but not always. Same deal with noticing a hidden monster before it ambushes you. The character with proficiency in Perception will just tend to be more successful. I think that's pretty reasonable.Now what I often see is players go for specialization - the high Wisdom character usually takes Perception if they can. I am not sure that's really the best strategy. (But of course that depends on how the DM presents the game.) For my part, I much prefer to take skills in areas where my character doesn't have strong ability scores unless I'm going for some kind of meme. This means I have a better chance of succeeding in multiple areas rather than a great chance at succeeding in a couple of areas and low chances everywhere else. So my cleric doesn't take Perception because I know I'll top out at PP 15 once my Wisdom is 20 and that's not half bad. I'll be surprised sometimes, but not a lot, unless as noted above the DM has every monster attempt to surprise. That allows me to put that skill in Athletics, for example so as to better resist grapples or escape from them or climb a slippery cliff or whatever.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="iserith, post: 8905061, member: 97077"] The good news is that a preference doesn't require an explanation, though it can be fun to see if one can figure out where it comes from. As presented in the rules, the ability is broad and the skill is specific. So anyone can attempt to swim in treacherous currents, say, and that might result in a Strength check to resolve uncertainty as to the outcome. Someone with the Athletics skill is just a bit better at that task, on average, but not always. Same deal with noticing a hidden monster before it ambushes you. The character with proficiency in Perception will just tend to be more successful. I think that's pretty reasonable. Now what I often see is players go for specialization - the high Wisdom character usually takes Perception if they can. I am not sure that's really the best strategy. (But of course that depends on how the DM presents the game.) For my part, I much prefer to take skills in areas where my character [I]doesn't [/I]have strong ability scores unless I'm going for some kind of meme. This means I have a better chance of succeeding in multiple areas rather than a great chance at succeeding in a couple of areas and low chances everywhere else. So my cleric doesn't take Perception because I know I'll top out at PP 15 once my Wisdom is 20 and that's not half bad. I'll be surprised sometimes, but not a lot, unless as noted above the DM has every monster attempt to surprise. That allows me to put that skill in Athletics, for example so as to better resist grapples or escape from them or climb a slippery cliff or whatever. [/QUOTE]

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