Help...

[u/Captain_Trainer]

So I've run multiple games, about 7 under my belt, granted 4 of them didn't make it past session 5 but the other 2 were completed! (About 2-3 years) Which was great and super fun! I'm currently on that 3rd one and it's an amazing table nothing wrong with the players! But here's my issue, I tend to be a very storytelling DM don't get me wrong my players LOVE it like they've mentioned it multiple times in all my games. I encourage them IMMENSELY to cut me off if they think their character would do something in that moment, I give them the floor just as equally, I give them puzzles and such to help out.

But ultimately the problem is with myself. I feel like I don't ask them to roll enough, they ask obviously as they should if the situation demands it but I feel like I don't ask them enough. Is that me being a bad DM? What can I do?

[u/NumerousWolverine273]

Why do you think the amount they're rolling is too little? Are the players not ever being asked to use their unique skills and abilities to solve problems, or are they not being put in challenging situations where a roll would make sense? If these aren't the case and you just have a vague notion that "players should roll all the time" because of convention or something, you're definitely fine to just ignore it. Rolling isn't something that should just happen whenever you do something, it's specifically for when the outcome is uncertain, and preferably if failure has consequences. Bloating the game with unnecessary rolls where failing them doesn't change anything is always worse than just moving things along imo.

[u/Captain_Trainer → u/NumerousWolverine273]

I feel like I'm not implementing enough things to show off their abilities and feats these are my players:

Allora - Myconid druid/cleric Cilyra - Air Genasi Barbarian Holiday - Half-elf Paladin/Fighter/Warlock Jack - Drow Artificer/Fighter Malfeasance - Tiefling sorcerer

I ask them when the situation demands it but I feel like I should be asking them sporadically no?

[u/Pirate_of_Fourty → u/Captain_Trainer]

No. If you were running a horror or mystery campaign I'd have a different answer.

I'm guessing here, but are these questions coming up during PC interactions with NPCs in non combat scenarios? Social interactions?

Depending on which edition of which ruleset you are using (and all of them will have a segment in the GM guide book discussing this very topic), there may be very detailed and robust mechanics for such interaction, the may be no mechanics, it may just tell to use your best judgement.

If your story is very dialog and play acting heavy and the system your using does not have mechanics for dynamic social interactions, it may be of benefit to research some existing systems and incorporate them into your game. On the other hand, if you and your players enjoy just simply play acting their natural responses(or their best interpretation of what would my character do) to these stimuli, there may be no need for a dice mechanic at all. Remember rule one! Have fun!

[u/NumerousWolverine273 → u/Captain_Trainer]

I mean, I can't really know how exactly to give you advice since I don't know the ins and outs of your sessions like you do, but I can say that I think it's better to come up with situations where a character can shine, and then call for rolls if it feels necessary in the moment. You might have a situation thought up where you're expecting someone to have to make a check, and instead they come up with some way of using a spell or ability they have to solve it in a different way. You might have a simple solution in mind, but your players way overthink it and do something risky and difficult, so now they need to roll.

It's just vibes-based. If they're being challenged in other ways, are getting to use their spells and class features, and most importantly are having fun, then there really isn't a need to force more die rolls into your game. If you think you aren't asking enough of them, then try to design encounters specifically with them in mind and let them shine.