Yep, bg3 implememted the optional rule of nat 20 always being a success and nat 1 always being a failure
Except for the one check in Act 3. That still fails even with a nat 20.
It actually succeed, and it has an effect later.
Later?! What is it?
Spoiler
So I succeeded the DC99 check with a crit success (it was my only success in these checks). Later, at the end, in the very final fight, the netherbrain started with about 60 less hp and a debuff that said that it was very surprised I could succeed this check (not the exact words but you get the idea).
Iirc it started with 246hp instead of 300. I don’t remember if the debuff did something else.
Ah, cool. Thanks 👍
Reduced health for the affected entity.
I savescummed a lot through my first playthrough. This time I didn’t. Failed the first 2 rolls but hit the nat 20 on this one. That was cool.
I saved there and was tempted to go back and scum it after beating the game and now I’m glad I didn’t sit there trying to get it
The 99 check?
I was kinda sad that failed.
I was tempted to scum that check (rollback after beating game) just to see what happened but I guess it would have been a waste of time
Shhhh
And the one in Act 1 where you fail what you’re trying to regardless of the check, making it pointless.
Is it really an optional rule? I play dnd and we’ve always treated it like that. Maybe our group just subscribes to the rule. But that’s really handy on those 25+ locked doors!
It’ probably one of the most used optional rules, but it is one. It is a lot of fun to have that nat 20 turn a hairy situation around :)
5% of the time it works… every time
I like how this simple mechanic keeps various challenges relevant at all levels.
It also feels amazing when you face an incredibly important check that’s beyond the reach of your bonuses, and the d20 favours you.
I learned this the first time I had a 30 as a requirement. I think it was with Astarion who had a ton of bonuses but one was Guidance so there was still a chance I’d come up short. Glad the game took pity on me.
You can always use Knock if you’re failing one too many times! Burns a spell slot but sometimes it’s worth it for that sweet sweet loot! Edit* then sometimes it’s not and you feel terrible for burning that slot haha.
