A Skillful Fail

I learned the hard way that just because your character has a high skill, doesn't mean you should use it.

It was my first night playing my new character, a Knight. My group and our freshly-rolled characters started a quest that led us to a mysterious Wizard's home on the outskirts of a small town. We needed to talk to the Wizard, but a young man was in our way and not giving us any information.

I had invested quite a few points into the Intimidation skill for my character, which I intended to use during fights. My friends were getting nowhere with this guy, so I mentioned my talent for intimidation.

“Would you like to join in the persuasion attempt?” the  DM asked.

“Oh, sure,” I said.

Using intimidation I gave him my worst! "Uh... We need to see the Wizard now. Please."

And of course I rolled high, not a natural 20 but in the 15-16 range.

Unfortunately, the Wizard was eavesdropping nearby. Appearing out of nowhere, he screamed at us for threatening his nephew. And by us I mean me.

I tried a quick diplomacy check, but I rolled low. Even more enraged, the Wizard cast a powerful polymorph spell and I spent the rest of the night as a toad. Not even a talking one, as the Druid in our group was the only one I could talk to.

My group managed to complete the quest without me, barely. I was returned to normal, but had to leave the room while the Wizard praised my companions. I received no share of the loot or experience.