A skill challenge is a narrative way to handle a non-combat encounter and allows the players to use their characters’ skills to overcome obstacles. It can be used as a way to describe traveling, handling large social encounters, or events like a chase scene.
The SG will set a difficulty level, and players must roll skill checks to overcome the event. The SG will choose a certain number of skill rolls needed to overcome the challenge. The resulting numbers of successes and failures define the outcome of the challenge. More successes mean the players have an easier time with the encounter, while more failures result in a harder encounter.
When making a skill challenge check, no player can go twice in a row, no player can roll the same skill twice, and no player can use the skills already used until at least 3 separate skills have been used. A player must explain how that skill is used to overcome the challenge. A standard number of rolls is 3 or 5; though any odd number of rolls works, so there is always a tiebreaker.
- All successes mean the challenge is overwhelmingly positive.
- Mixed majority success means the challenge is successful, BUT may have complications.
- Mixed majority fails means the challenge is not successful, BUT it may be turned into a success with something more.
- All fails means the challenge is unsuccessful with no chance for a recovery.
Example:
Skill Challenge: Convince Delia to Reveal Arnexi’s Location
# of Rolls: 7
7 Successes – Delia tells all, how Arnexi plans to blow up a Uthgard building, where the hideout is, and even what Arnexi and his crew likes to drink (brandy).
4-6 Successes – Delia tells them the location of the hideout, though she may be a little distrusting.
2-3 Successes – Delia will give them the general direction, and they may need to do more research to find out where he is hiding.
1 Success or less – Delia refuses to tell them anything, and they may have to return another night to try again.
Heroes can use obvious skills like Fast Talk, Persuade, or Knowledge to convince Delia, but they should also be allowed to use other skills if they have a good reason. An example would be using the Listen skill: they pay attention to Delia, how she reacts, and the stories she tells. Or use Spot to find something on Delia’s person that they may use as a conversation starter and get her to trust them, etc.