Let's talk about Riddle.

[PaulButler]

One of the things that I find endlessly compelling about TOR is that no skill is the equivalent of a "dump stat". Every one of the Common Skills is meaningful in some way, and when talking to other people about the game, I found myself relaying stories about how my players will say things like "Man, I really need to spend those advancement points on another level of Courtesy."

But now, having been running the game for over two years, I realize that the one that is often neglected in my game is Riddle. As a Loremaster, I realize that I will often not call for Riddle rolls if only because by doing so, it implies that there is something to be "figured out" or that the surface of the conversation is not necessarily what it seems to be, and I don't want to necessarily reveal that. (Maybe that's just my old habits... too many years of running intrigue-based games)

So, I've got some ideas, but I'm curious about the thoughts of others.
What do you use the Riddle skill for? Is it rolled often? Any particularly clever applications of it?
Let's talk about Riddle.

[Rue]

I haven't run a game (yet), but in the ones I've played in, Riddle is asked for by the players more often than the LM. I don't have any stats to back that up, but it seems like we've used it frequently if the PCs are wondering what's going on under the surface/feel suspicious/want to get info without causing problems.

[jamesrbrown]

I suggest the use of Riddle everytime the player-heroes propose an important question in an encounter or when they are trying to figure out a puzzling set of clues.

[Majestic]

I've used it as prompted numerous times in the various published books (Darkening, Tales, etc.). It's often one of the 'go-to' skills that is used during an Encounter, when there's some subtle stuff going on that's just beneath the surface. I treat it as a way of reading what's being said with non-verbal cues, body language, and the like.

That's of course in addition to its use when there's an official riddle game (like occurs during the Dragontide celebration in Lake-town) or a situation like the contest between Bilbo and Gollum.

[Fenton Hardy]

I've used it as prompted numerous times in the various published books (Darkening, Tales, etc.). It's often one of the 'go-to' skills that is used during an Encounter, when there's some subtle stuff going on that's just beneath the surface. I treat it as a way of reading what's being said with non-verbal cues, body language, and the like.

Similarly, my players use it when they are telling half truths to see if they can withold information from an NPC without raising suspicion. A couple of my players have relatively high Riddle scores and get a lot of mileage from it.

[zedturtle]

I either use when heroes are trying to be circumspect for whatever reason, or whenever nonlinear thinking is needed. This second bit I think is non obvious, but crucial to making it balanced with the other social skills.

[Valarian]

Riddle is also the language of politics. Guarded comments, or a lot of talk without saying much of any weight or meaning. The skill would be used when you're negotiating with a merchant, possibly with Courtesy to start with - make a good impression and explain that you're not that interested in the goods offered but you'll buy them anyway, as a goodwill gesture you understand.

[Rich H]

Some selected uses from the revised rules:

Speak with a live Dragon.

Find solution to an enigma.

One character is discussing a learnt topic while another challenges him with witty remarks in front of an audience (Lore vs. Riddle).

For example, finding the exit of a maze is better presented as a prolonged action with a TN of 14 requiring six successful Riddle rolls to figure out.

Researching obscure lore.

When in doubt about the opposing party’s intentions, the spokesman of a company may turn to his ability to craft questions and answers in a way to extract a lot of information in exchange for very little. A riddling spokesman must be wary, though, as a poor performance is sure to provoke mistrust in the opposing party, and compromise the outcome of the encounter.

The skill can be used again by players acting in a social environment, either to formally play the ancient riddle-game, practised and respected even by the unlikeliest of wicked creatures, or to gather information and news. In the latter case, a successful Riddle roll may allow a player-hero to put together all sort of titbits that incautious speakers might accidentally give away in their conversation, or simply to gather interesting facts while
appearing uninterested or unconcerned.

To extract information without revealing too much.

To gather information.

guessing the secret password that unlocks a magic door from the cryptic inscription carved upon it.

... Stacks of stuff really.

[Feanor]

Awesome post Rich. appreciate it.

[Glorelendil]

Riddle is my favorite skill. At least, in all my games I keep thinking, "Ooh...I'd love to use Riddle right now!" But I always have a crappy score.

My next character is going to invest in Riddle.