DMG2: Updated Skill Challenge Rules - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

DMG2: Updated Skill Challenge Rules

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
Xeviat-DM
Jan 05, 2009 17:34:22 Okay, today's & article revealed that the DMG2 will have updated skill challenge rules. What does this mean? Is it errata? Are they completely different rules? Will the new rules be released in an errata file, since they're part of the DMG1. Are we going to be paying for errata here?

I desperately want new skill challenge rules. The current ones are ... questionable at best. The new errata rules are too easy, and by the book is too hard. Skill Challenges were one of the things I was immensely excited for, and I was very disappointed. My birthday is in September, so I hope this is a present for me from Wizards.
#2
sigil_beguiler
Jan 05, 2009 17:54:52 I am putting my bet on while it won't be errata. It will showcase various new methods and ways of doing Skill Challenges while still keeping the base concept.

So, instead of having the same type of Skill Challenge for a chase, diplomatic situation, investigation, etc. They will give alternative methods for each if you wish or just keep using the normal method.

I personally don't really care about new core rules for Skill Challenges since well I don't even follow the basic rules anymore. I just use the concept and devise different ways for different things. So seeing other examples would be nice for me too, since may be something I would use and haven't thought of.
#3
calronmoonflower
Jan 06, 2009 1:45:56 I noticed that the Draconomicon has graduated failures for skill challenges. This makes me think the concept of skill challenges is evolving and they might get an upgrade, even if the base rules are not changed.

In other words they might put more meat on those bones.
#4
The_Jester
Jan 06, 2009 9:45:59 We've already seen some of it in official adventures: skills that can remove failures, skills that unlock other skills, etc. A whole wealth of rules and options not found in the initial rules.
#5
Xeviat-DM
Jan 06, 2009 14:42:43 Draconomicon had new skill challenge stuff in it? I totally missed that; where was it?
#6
superdeadsmurf
Jan 06, 2009 17:49:46 There have been public outings of the fact that skill challenges didn't get put into the DMG the way they were intented, nor the fact that it was more meant to be a suggested structure and starting point for making skill-challenges. The errata has really helped a bunch.
I think the new DMG (and future ones after it too I expect) will have other possible structures you could use for a skill challenge and more examples of it in use.
Once you've seen the different types you as the DM will be able to decide which ends up doing what you are trying ot achieve most effectively, then use that.
The current style of challenge seems quite nice for somethings, like the chase scene, and for others it just makes no sense. So I am looking forward to new types of skill challenges.
#7
calronmoonflower
Jan 07, 2009 1:19:40
Draconomicon had new skill challenge stuff in it? I totally missed that; where was it?

It starts on page 47, under social encounters.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Xeviat-DM Jan 05, 2009 17:34:22	Okay, today's & article revealed that the DMG2 will have updated skill challenge rules. What does this mean? Is it errata? Are they completely different rules? Will the new rules be released in an errata file, since they're part of the DMG1. Are we going to be paying for errata here? I desperately want new skill challenge rules. The current ones are ... questionable at best. The new errata rules are too easy, and by the book is too hard. Skill Challenges were one of the things I was immensely excited for, and I was very disappointed. My birthday is in September, so I hope this is a present for me from Wizards.
#2 sigil_beguiler Jan 05, 2009 17:54:52	I am putting my bet on while it won't be errata. It will showcase various new methods and ways of doing Skill Challenges while still keeping the base concept. So, instead of having the same type of Skill Challenge for a chase, diplomatic situation, investigation, etc. They will give alternative methods for each if you wish or just keep using the normal method. I personally don't really care about new core rules for Skill Challenges since well I don't even follow the basic rules anymore. I just use the concept and devise different ways for different things. So seeing other examples would be nice for me too, since may be something I would use and haven't thought of.
#3 calronmoonflower Jan 06, 2009 1:45:56	I noticed that the Draconomicon has graduated failures for skill challenges. This makes me think the concept of skill challenges is evolving and they might get an upgrade, even if the base rules are not changed. In other words they might put more meat on those bones.
#4 The_Jester Jan 06, 2009 9:45:59	We've already seen some of it in official adventures: skills that can remove failures, skills that unlock other skills, etc. A whole wealth of rules and options not found in the initial rules.
#5 Xeviat-DM Jan 06, 2009 14:42:43	Draconomicon had new skill challenge stuff in it? I totally missed that; where was it?
#6 superdeadsmurf Jan 06, 2009 17:49:46	There have been public outings of the fact that skill challenges didn't get put into the DMG the way they were intented, nor the fact that it was more meant to be a suggested structure and starting point for making skill-challenges. The errata has really helped a bunch. I think the new DMG (and future ones after it too I expect) will have other possible structures you could use for a skill challenge and more examples of it in use. Once you've seen the different types you as the DM will be able to decide which ends up doing what you are trying ot achieve most effectively, then use that. The current style of challenge seems quite nice for somethings, like the chase scene, and for others it just makes no sense. So I am looking forward to new types of skill challenges.
#7 calronmoonflower Jan 07, 2009 1:19:40	Draconomicon had new skill challenge stuff in it? I totally missed that; where was it? It starts on page 47, under social encounters.