Passive Checks
Posted On: Mar 28, 2015 12:00:04 GMT 7
Post by Admin on Mar 28, 2015 12:00:04 GMT 7
PHB175 Passive Checks: A passive check is a special kind of ability check that doesn’t involve any die rolls. Such a check can represent the average result for a task done repeatedly, such as searching for secret doors over and over again, or can be used when the DM wants to secretly determine whether the characters succeed at something without rolling dice, such as noticing a hidden monster.
Due to several (repetitive-and-nothing-new) arguments regarding Passive Checks, I am opting to also implement this approach.
Flow of Usual Actions
1. DM describes a situation (and usually ends with 'what do you do?')
2. PC describes their intention and action.
3. DM might requires the PC to make a check.
4. PC rolls if asked. Roll. No Passive.
5. DM describes the outcome.
Flow of Passive Actions
1. DM describes a situation, and suddenly request PC to make an ability check, without PC's declaration of action.
2. PC may roll, or may use Passive.
3. DM describes the outcome.
This is getting a bit meta-gamey, but I think this approach is more clearer and fairer. In fact, when a DM already decides on auto-fail and auto-success (which is encouraged at PHB and DMG), no roll can change that; however, specific Actions usually get rewarded.
tldr: Please read the above passages. It is not that long, if you are really interested in this game and campaign.
)> But only on night.. 