[UA] Dicey Incompetence

[Kevin Elmore]

> I just didn't want a bunch of characters running around
> in UA who were
> really good at multiple things.  Besides, being able to
> perform a task with
> 55% accuracy under tremendous pressure is actually pretty
> good, IMHO.

And that's the important distinction right there.

Too many times I have been in a game where the GM (and
sadly I've been guilty of this in periods of mental
constipation) makes the player roll for a skill for no
reason at all.

"Okay, so you're driving to the bar to meet Dirk.  Roll the
dice to make sure you don't crash on the way."  

"Roll your Athletics to hop up on the bar."

"Roll your Computer Operation to log in." 

If you look at it that way, then most people would have an
85% chance of wrecking any car they drive.  And if you
visit Los Angeles, you might believe those statistics.  But
the purpose is that the skills are for stressful times.  A
GM shouldn't make a player roll for simple things.  

I just want to point that out, because I've seen too many
GMs try to apply dice rolling to everything.  When you only
have a 20% in notice because you needed to pump your points
into medical skills, then you would seem pretty oblivious
if the GM makes you roll to notice that the floor is
missing.

Another gripe of mine is when the GM makes you roll over
and over again when you'll eventually get it.  

"Okay, you made enough noise for everyone to hear you. 
Roll to bash in the door."

"I failed."

"Roll again."

"I failed."

"Roll again."

etc.

That's one good thing that D&D 3E did by implementing the
"Take 20" rule.  Pretty much, if a normal person can
accomplish the task given enough time, then why bother
rolling?

Kevin

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