Skill Challenges
In some situations, combat isn’t the best way to resolve a problem. Instead, you and your party will have to rely on skills to overcome obstacles. This is called a Skill Challenge—a structured, high-stakes moment where teamwork and creativity are key.
How It Works
The Goal – The DM will describe a challenge your group faces. This could be anything from escaping a collapsing temple, navigating treacherous waters, negotiating with a stubborn noble, or surviving a brutal sandstorm. The goal is clear: succeed in a set number of skill checks before failing too many.
The Rules
Each player takes turns describing how they contribute to overcoming the challenge.
You choose a skill that makes sense for your approach (Persuasion for negotiating, Athletics for climbing, Stealth for sneaking, etc.).
You roll a skill check against a set difficulty (the DM will tell you the DC).
You cannot use the same skill twice in a row, and if someone else used a skill, you may need a creative reason to justify using it again.
Success or Failure?
Check the difficulty chart below to see how many successes you need before too many failures end the challenge.
If you succeed, you overcome the obstacle and achieve your goal.
If you fail, something bad happens.
Sometimes, you may achieve a partial success, meaning you succeed at a cost.
Skill Challenge Example: The Drowned Coach (Standard Difficulty)
You’re on the road when disaster strikes—a horse-drawn coach veers off a bridge, crashing into the rushing river below! The heavy coach is tipping sideways, quickly being dragged downstream toward a deadly waterfall. The driver is trapped inside, the horse is tangled in its reins, and a small chest of valuables bobs in the water near the back. You have only moments to act before the river claims them all.
How It Plays Out
Rogue: “I leap from the bank onto the half-submerged coach, using Acrobatics to keep my footing.” (Rolls 18) → Success! The rogue lands on the coach, gripping tightly as the water crashes against it.
Fighter: “I wade into the river and grab the horse’s reins, using Athletics to pull it free before it drowns.” (Rolls 9) → Failure! The current is stronger than expected, dragging both the fighter and the horse deeper.
Wizard: “I use Mage Hand to try and pick the lock on the coach door—maybe I can pop it open before the trapped passenger runs out of air!” (Rolls 16) → Success! The lock clicks open, but the door is jammed from the pressure of the water.
Cleric: “I grab the Fighter before they get pulled under, using Medicine to keep them from inhaling water.” (Rolls 10) → Failure! The cleric loses their footing and is now stuck in the riverbed’s thick mud!
Rogue (again): “I brace against the coach and wedge my dagger into the door, using Sleight of Hand to pry it open.” (Rolls 14) → Success! The door flies open, and the passenger gulps in fresh air as water rushes out.
Tips for Players
✔ Think fast! The danger escalates quickly, so act decisively.
✔ Use different skills creatively! A Strength check could hold the coach steady, while Perception might spot a weak point in the tangled reins.
✔ Watch for teammates in trouble! Sometimes, saving a drowning ally is more important than cracking the lock.
✔ Prioritize wisely. You can’t save everything—what’s your party’s focus?