Challenges too low feel too trivial (-3 or greater feel like time wasters), and +3 or higher dramatically increases the risk. The +10/-10 crit mechanic, which we all like, does feel like a contributing factor...it dramatically shifts the difficulty in both directions. I'm planning a ...
How this scenario plays out in a typical adventure: the party send a PC with Diplomacy skill to ask the Baron if there's anything they can do to help him. Due to RPG logic, there is usually a quest that needs doing, and it will involve battles and magical loot. In which case, the...