LogFAQs > #906265018

1) Depends on how you're running things. If you're running with Natural 1 rules then they fall and go splat, everyone laughs. If they just missed the DC perhaps you give them a Dexterity Saving Throw to grab another part of the statue as they slip.

2) It's been covered. Most melee weapons and weapons with the 'thrown' tag use Strength, while melee weapons tagged with 'finesse' is up to the player, ranged weapons tend to use Dexterity.

3) Generally speaking, Athletics is used for things that involve running, jumping, climbing or swimming. Think of it as the go to check for things that look like they belong in an action movie. But, you can house rule things to allow Rogues or other characters to substitute Acrobatics for a check. It's the difference between imagining Schwarzenegger doing something and Jackie Chan doing it. Both can scale a wall, for instance, but they'll take different approaches.

4) Critical fails are up to you. Personally, if it were me, I'd go light on the penalty at first, but ramp things up if multiple 1's show up in an encounter. E.g. after multiple 1's a barbarian might get his axe stuck in some stonework while swinging at enemies and have to make a Strength check as an Action to retrieve it. This gives the Barbarian a chance to use some of their starting Throwing Axes if they have them, or just do something else. If you've done multiple sessions with a group you should get a feel for how serious the penalties can get while still allowing people to have fun.
---

"I'd rather betray the world than let the world betray me." -Cao Cao