Just Because You Rolled Insight Doesn’t Mean Yer Psychic
Mike’s Rant
Every party’s got one. Some bright-eyed lad or lass who rolls Insight like it’s a bloody divination spell, lookin’ at the barkeep and sayin’:
“I wanna know what he’s really thinkin’.”
Do ya now?
Well unless yer wizard cast Detect Thoughts, what yer Insight check is gonna tell ya is this: THE BARKKEEP’S TENSE — NOT HIS ENTIRE BLEEDIN’ LIFE STORY.
It ain’t a magic lie detector. It ain’t surface thoughts. It ain’t mind readin’. It’s guesswork with a lil’ seasoning.
Now settle in, cause I’m gonna teach ya how to actually use that roll without makin’ yer GM sprout grey hairs faster than a cursed mirror.
What Insight Actually Does
When ya roll Insight, you’re doin’ what anyone with a bit o’ social sense does: readin’ body language, voice tone, facial twitchin’, and how someone says what they say.
You ain’t peekin’ into their soul. Yer guessin’ based on clues. Like seein’ a merchant wringin’ their hands while sayin’ “trust me” — yer guessin’ they’re hidin’ somethin’.
That’s it. That’s all. A nudge. A feelin’. A vibe.
You want actual mind-readin’? Go talk to yer local Tiefling Who Was Never Really There. That lad might actually know yer thoughts. Scared me half to death, he did.
Use Insight Like a Real Person
Here’s a few ways to use yer Insight without actin’ like a psychic goat:
Ask how they’re sayin’ it. “Does he sound nervous?” not “Is he lying?”
Describe yer gut feelin’. “Do I get a weird vibe?” is way more helpful than “Tell me his secret.”
React — don’t declare. Yer character should respond to feelin’ off, not declare, “He’s obviously betrayin’ us.” That ain’t roleplay. That’s a prophecy.
Need a better grip on what not to do? Go read If No One Trusts Ya, That’s Not a Roleplay Choice — That’s a Problem. Might help ya stop usin’ Insight as a shortcut for real interaction.
Yer Character Ain’t a Bloodhound — They Just Noticed a Raised Eyebrow
Want better reads on NPCs? Pay attention. Ask smart questions. Read the room like yer readin’ the back of a potion bottle. And if yer roll’s low?
You get nothin’, lad. That’s how the game works.
👉 Want to play characters who can actually sense things without cheatin’? Try buildin’ someone like The Paladin Who Can’t Lie But Carries a Shield That Does. Now that’s a flavorful way to sniff out lies without turnin’ into a mind reader.
Bad Insight Habits to Unlearn
Let’s be honest — most folks aren’t tryin’ to be difficult. They just don’t know better. So here’s what to stop doin’:
Don’t fish for answers with every roll. If yer Insight check is just a prompt to get secrets outta the GM, yer missin’ the point.
Don’t use Insight to shut down drama. “I rolled high, so I know you’re lyin’.” That ain’t drama. That’s railroading in reverse.
Don’t expect clarity from vague answers. Sometimes, folks are just complicated. That’s the fun part.
Want a healthy way to play unsure characters who still dig deep? Try Ye Don’t Have to Cry to Be a Character. Real emotions don’t need Insight rolls to land.
Learn to Be Wrong — It’s Fun, I Promise
Yer Insight might tell ya the mayor’s actin’ shifty. But maybe he’s shy. Maybe he’s got gas. Maybe his wife is a vampire and he’s stressin’. You don’t know. You’re just guessin’.
And when ya guess wrong? That’s when the story gets good.
Don’t believe me? Look at the fool in A Dungeon Built to Punish the Greedy, Not the Weak. Thought he knew what every trap meant. Insight rolls fer days. Still ended up inside a mimic’s pantry.
Want Real Wisdom? Learn to Listen Before You Roll
Yer brain’s the best Insight tool ya got — not yer dice. So listen close, watch the table, and roll when it adds to the scene, not when ya just want fast answers.
👉 Reach out to the Tavern if yer Insight rolls are causin’ friction, or read the FAQ if yer GM’s tired o’ ya callin’ every suspicious merchant a murderer. Keep it fun, not flawless.
FAQ
Q: Can Insight tell me if someone’s lying?
A: Maybe. Maybe not. It tells ya if they seem off — but folks lie all the time without twitchin’ a brow. It’s about how they act, not what they say.
Q: My GM never tells me anything when I roll Insight. Am I doin’ it wrong?
A: Nah. But ya might be askin’ the wrong questions. Don’t fish. Be specific about what yer watchin’ for.
Q: What’s a better way to learn NPC secrets?
A: Roleplay. Ask questions. Observe. And above all — earn their trust, ya social rock.
