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<blockquote data-quote="Skywalker" data-source="post: 4968656" data-attributes="member: 1538">I would advocate that except under exceptional circumstances (with a design to match) Skill Challenges shouldn't be fully transparent i.e. all the rules revealed. Though they can work mechanically, they focus players on aligning their PCs trained skills with the lowest DCs and effectively remove any need for creativity. On saying that, there should be some level of transparency IMO. I recommend following the DMG guidelines and letting the players know:1. A Skill Challenge has commenced.2. Its Complexity.3. If not obvious from play, give examples of likely skill use i.e. primary skills. I tend to smooth the introduction of a Skill Challenge by adopting the consistent practice of placing red and green poker chips (equal to failures and success) in front of the DM screen when one starts. That avoid me having to verbally confirm 1 or 2 and has got to the point where it does not interrupt play at all.Edit: Yes, Initiative has been removed from Skill Challenges, though it might still be used if appropriate i.e. an in combat SKill Challenge or one where time is very tight.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Skywalker, post: 4968656, member: 1538"] I would advocate that except under exceptional circumstances (with a design to match) Skill Challenges shouldn't be fully transparent i.e. all the rules revealed. Though they can work mechanically, they focus players on aligning their PCs trained skills with the lowest DCs and effectively remove any need for creativity. On saying that, there should be some level of transparency IMO. I recommend following the DMG guidelines and letting the players know: 1. A Skill Challenge has commenced. 2. Its Complexity. 3. If not obvious from play, give examples of likely skill use i.e. primary skills. I tend to smooth the introduction of a Skill Challenge by adopting the consistent practice of placing red and green poker chips (equal to failures and success) in front of the DM screen when one starts. That avoid me having to verbally confirm 1 or 2 and has got to the point where it does not interrupt play at all. Edit: Yes, Initiative has been removed from Skill Challenges, though it might still be used if appropriate i.e. an in combat SKill Challenge or one where time is very tight. [/QUOTE]

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