The high variance in the d20 Skill Checks does create some odd situations.
The difference between the most trained naturally gifted person (+5) and the worst untrained and talentless (-1) one is not significant. It's only a 30% difference.
The -1 can easily succeed where +5 fails. Say it's picking a lock. It doesn't make any sense Grumby the clumsy half orc picks the lock Nibbles the Nimble halfling lock expert failed to open.
You don't get more skill points either. Everyone gets proficiency bonus at the same rate, slowly. The difference between Grumby and Nibbles doesn't grow much at all.
That's why take10 or thresholds would make much more sense in many cases. Or the variance should be much smaller like a d12.
Last edited by 1varangian; 21/10/20 01:01 PM.
