[Polak76]

Now I may be opening a can of worms here but I'd just like some feedback of peoples thoughts to one of my pet irritaions.

During a quest or even in basic RP, when a GM or opposing character asks for a skill check I notice alot of people start buffing then roll the dice. I believe that that is simply unacceptable. I mean let me paint a picture:

"I walk up to a bard and try to sell a rapier. I ask for 2000gp he tries to persuade me to sell it for less. We agree on an opposing die-rolls for persuasion and before he rolls his dice he begins singing before he rolls. I mean come on!! If you didnt actually have the effects of a lingering song prior to us meeting then dont start going "I'm singing in the rain...alleluia... la la la..etc" then win a persuasion.

Please note that this is only an example and doesnt reflect any actual event that transpired.

Now I've seen people from lvl 1 to epic levels do this. I simply dont believe that in real life some sort of instinct or voice in your head would tell you what to expect, thus forcing you to pre-buff.
However, if a character had a real puzzle before them and they were having troubles working it out and thought that by using a spell like fox's cunning would aid them, that would be fine.

My gripe is only for spontaneous issues. Luckily I've noticed GM's forcing the rolls themselves whereever possible. I love the use of skill rolls in more than just quests so we dont have the luxury of forced rolls by GM's.

Anyway I was simply hoping for some constructive feedback about this. Please feel free to slap me around the head if I'm wrong.

Cheers,
Polak76