#DM rolling PC checks

1 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

carmine stream
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So I had an issue last session, with a number of traps...one of the players is always asking to roll perception specifically for traps...

So I suggested that I would roll behind the screen whenever he was near a trap, just to streamline it, because it was becoming a tad tedious, I had all his stats so I knew what I was adding etc...I was also using a digital roller so he didn't know when I was actually rolling...

I thought it was a good way to build tension and keep the sess flowing but this player wasn't happy with it...so In the end I have on to player and we rolled like 21 checks for traps...and there were zero traps in the dungeon section they were passing through...

Was my suggestion so far out there?

I have never played, only DM'd and our group all started together 18 months ago, so still kind of newbs

heavy mesa
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Well, in general, most players should roll their own dice to feel ownership and have the fun of knowing whether they rolled well or badly. Truly, though, there’s nothing WRONG with you rolling. However, as a long-time DM, I would just say to the player something like “your character recognizes that the dungeon here is bare and doesn’t conceal anything. I will cue you in as GM to player when that seems to be changing” and then when you get close to a place where traps are more likely, describe “these dungeon walls are rougher, there are cracks and holes in the walls, and the floor is large cobbles. You feel that the chance for things to be hidden has increased dramatically.”

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One thing you and he can do is have HIM preroll a dozen trap checks, and as they are used up, he can mark them off. This will create a different situation, tho, where he may try to hoard a good roll for a particularly threatening ssituation. You can play this off as part of the action, if you want.

carmine stream
coral plover
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That's what passive perception and passive investigation are for, by the way.

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I also wouldn't pre-roll a bunch of trap checks. The player will probably just fight back at that when one is used up and its a sucky roll.

heady crescent
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I think you'll find a number of players who will push back strongly against a DM rolling on their behalf.

Generally I'll take a step back and say 'hey, I know your character's being cautious of traps in the dungeon, if they come across one I'll get you to make a roll.'

That will work unless you're worried that if they roll poorly they'll try to change their behaviour and weasel their way out of failure. If that's the case you have a table trust issue, which imo is worse than the rolling too much issue you presented.