Page 1243 - Master of Unlocking

When dealing with the common houserule of “Natural 20 on a skill check = spectacular success (or fringe benefit out of a truly hopeless situation)”, the difference between novice DMs and experienced DMs can be seen in how they handle a Nat 20 that could horribly derail or devastate things. Ideally, you let the player get “the cool thing they want” without completely capitulating to the full consequences of their impossible actions.

Any stories about inconvenient Nat 20s that resulted in something clever?

Smolder (RT): Well, if we’re done with the Vicious Mockery… Are we going to save him, or are we just taking the medallion and leaving?
Yona (FS): Um… Yak’s code of justice says save him and make him indebted to us.
Gallus (RD): I’ll get on with the lockpicking.
Yona (FS): Oh, um, I was about to say… I roll Athletics to smash the lock!
DM: While it’s still on him?!
Yona (FS): <roll> <gasp!> Natural 20?
Silverstream (PP): Oooh! Save some of that luck for me later!
DM: Are you serious?
Sandbar (AJ): Well, rest in peace, I guess.
DM: Ummm… Okay. Here’s what happens.
SFX: (CLICK!)
Chancellor Neighsay: Oh… Erm, thank you.
SFX: (PUSH!)
DM: And the Headmare’s expensive chair shatters into dozens of pieces.
Gallus (RD): How’s it feel being the agent of destruction for a change?
Yona (FS): That was… fun.
Ocellus (TS): We’ve created a monster.