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Message: <blockquote data-quote="hawkeyefan" data-source="post: 9081463" data-attributes="member: 6785785">So, when I run D&D 5e, I most often don't have locations mapped out ahead of time. I realize this may be different than the way many people do it, but I point it out so that I can be clear that I'm talking about 5e and not some other game. If the DM has decided that long ago any secret passages have been blocked up or what have you, this is the DM placing his prep above player agency. If as you say, in the end it all boils down to the DM, then that doesn't sound like player agency is a concern. I'm not saying you're wrong. I'm saying you are making a distinction where I am not. At least not always. Actions and outcomes of those actions are both things that happen in play. And sometimes, the player gets to say both. Depends on how you interpret it. To me, it means I can do it because it says "You can secure an audience..." It doesn't say "You might be able to if circumstances allow..." or anything like that. Let's look at another similar example: the Fighter's Action Surge. It says: "Starting at 2nd level, you can push yourself beyond your normal limits for a moment. On your turn, you can take one additional action on top of your regular action and a bonus action."Do you interpret this ability the same? That it depends on circumstances? This is an example of the player getting to say what happens. I get another action now. The DM can't deny that. It was this bit below. But it was also just a statement about agency as it pertains to the overall discussion. Very often the rules have control over the outcome. Combat, spell use, a lot of ability checks and skill use... the DM doesn't have control over these things in play. Why would a fighter try and cast a fireball? I'm not talking about things that are not allowed per the rules, or that contradict what's already been established. I'm talking about things that the rules say I can do.</blockquote>

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