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I'm just trying to get a rough categorisation of skill checks based on level of skill for them. This is just a rough guide to help me assign DC's to checks on the fly. I have a similar one for stats e.g. 10-11 is average human strength, 11-12 is above average, 13-14 is athelete . . . 19+ is superhuman. No mechanical changes just roleplaying/descriptive purposes. I'm just looking for feedback on whether people think these categories would work or if I should make changes.
These values assume that you will be taking 10 e.g if you have basic training you will typically succeed at your tasks by taking 10.
DC 1-10: Untrained
This reflects what anyone can manage if they attempt this skill. The result wont be anything particularly noteworthy or impressive if your making something. Examples of this include knowing the name of the town your living in, recognizing its raining, hacking off branches to make a rough walking staff, knowing if a local lord prohibits hunting on their land.
DC 11-15: Basic Training
This reflects someone who's completed a basic level of training in a skill. The result still wont be anything particularly noteworthy or impressive but simple objects are fit for their purpose. Examples of this include knowing the name of the nearby towns, recognizing signs that their will be rain today, carving a wooden goblet, knowing the typical laws of your kingdom which will apply to you even if they aren't something you'll usually need to worry about.
DC 16-20: Expert
This level is the common tasks an expert if their field will undertake on a daily basis. The result will typically be something worth buying if crafted. Examples of this include knowing the name of the major towns in your kingdom and at least the capital of surrounding ones, recognizing unnatural weather patterns, crafting a fine sword, knowing the laws of your kingdom well enough to identify loopholes.
DC 21+: Specialist
This level is the kind of skill or knowledge that people will seek the possessor out to acquire. Examples include knowing the names and achievements of a ruler several centuries ago, identifying exotic plants and animals, crafting masterwork and ojects of art.
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That seems pretty good for assigning DC's on the fly.
"10 + player level" is a pretty basic starting point for me if it's something I haven't assigned ahead of time. If the party has an abundance of classes with 6+Int skills per level, or anyone with specialties in solving skills (like Inspiration)... then I err on the high side, and willy-nilly go with "15 + player level".
But, I really, REALLY try to adjust my skill check DC's to reflect the skill at hand... like Know:Local involves paying attention to the world around you in a very basic way, but Craft:Arms and Armor involves a lifetime of long, dedicated hours mastering a trade... so their DC's will vary, despite the level of the party. Given that you actually have to try to start this game illiterate, then knowing laws well enough to have an idea of loopholes should be a given... definitely not equal to crafting a fine sword.
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Instead of establishing a DC range, I'd set a single value indicating relative skill level, probably in multiples of 5.
Like this:
DC 5: Pathetic (taking 10, you'd have to have some serious penalties to screw this up)
DC 10: Untrained (challenging if you're under stress, but when you can take your time and concentrate, it's not a big deal)
DC 15: Novice (reliably done by a person taking 10 if they have 1 rank, class skill, and at least +1 ability bonus; the skill level of many apprentices in a trade)
DC 20: Professional (throw in a couple levels of Expert and the Skill Focus feat)
DC 25: Expert
DC 30+: Master (the best of the best in their trade)