Questions tagged [skills]
For questions about skills, abilities of characters that describe their capabilities in a range of areas.
9
votes
1answer
969 views
Can a tabaxi rogue with the Criminal background start with 8 skill proficiencies?
Assuming:
If a character would gain the same proficiency from two different sources, he or she can choose a different proficiency of the same kind (skill or tool) instead. (PBR, p. 36; PHB, p. 126)
...
1
vote
1answer
107 views
Do you need to make a Medicine check to use the second benefit of the Healer feat?
The Healer feat (PHB, p. 167) says:
When you use a healer’s kit to stabilize a dying creature, that creature also regains 1 hit point.
As an action, you can spend one use of a healer’s kit to ...
4
votes
1answer
75 views
What character skill would be able to be used for medical/healing purposes?
For a character in the Dresden Files who is a doctor/medic, which of the Skills is supposed to actually be used/rolled on to try put that medical ability into use?
For instance, I'd say "scholarship" ...
-1
votes
3answers
351 views
Does the word 'expertise' have a Formal Ontology in 5th Edition?
I'm going to use one example just to demonstrate the relevancy of this question, but I want to make clear that this one example does not constitute the complete domain of my question; nor do the other ...
6
votes
2answers
864 views
Does the Aboleth have expertise in History and Perception?
The Aboleth statblock states:
Int: 18 (+4)
Wis: 15 (+2)
Skills History +12, Perception +10
Senses passive Perception 20
CR: 10
A CR of 10 translates to a proficiency bonus of 4....
1
vote
1answer
252 views
What happens when you roll a nat 20 on an Animal Handling check? [closed]
My Dragonborn Barbarian has animal handling as part of his skillset, which he used to tame a wolf collected from a goblin camp. Now this wolf has proven to be the unsung MVP of our recent encounters ...
2
votes
1answer
110 views
What outcomes could arise from using group passive Intimidation checks to determine the attitude of NPCs/weak monsters?
When a group of characters are walking around, I imagine they could be very intimidating. Wearing armour, carrying weapons, possibly covered in blood etc.
What outcomes could arise if a DM chose to ...
4
votes
1answer
204 views
When an Adult Gold Dragon changes into an Archmage, what are its saving throw and skill bonuses?
An Adult Gold Dragon has Change Shape as one of its actions (emphasis mine):
Change Shape. The dragon magically polymorphs into a humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating no higher than its ...
0
votes
1answer
107 views
What are the key differences between the Charm Person spell and the Diplomacy skill when trying to make someone friendly?
What are the key differences between trying to change someone to friendly via the skill Diplomacy vs trying to do it with the spell Charm Person?
I'm trying to figure out if it makes much sense for ...
17
votes
1answer
1k views
Does the Rogue's Reliable Talent feature work for thieves' tools, since the rogue is proficient in them?
Does the Rogue's Reliable Talent work for thieves' tools, since the rogue is proficient in them?
On PHB, pg. 96, it says when Reliable Talent is applicable:
Whenever you make an ability check that ...
2
votes
0answers
36 views
Can you spend access after character creation to improve your character?
I have been looking at the Paranoia: High Programmers book, and I am a bit confused about something. At the start of the game, you can use up access to improve your skills.
After creating your ...
0
votes
2answers
137 views
Do werebeasts get Keen Hearing and Smell in human form?
Do werebeasts get Keen Hearing and Smell in human form?
My PC is a werewolf. I was wondering if I'd have Keen Hearing and Smell in my humanoid form, or if that's just a hybrid/wolf form ability.
11
votes
5answers
409 views
When a druid wild shapes to a beast that has double proficiency with a skill, should the druid's proficiency bonus be doubled with that skill?
When a druid uses its Wild Shape feature:
Your game statistics are replaced by the statistics of the beast, but
you retain your alignment, personality, and Intelligence, Wisdom, and
Charisma ...
7
votes
2answers
375 views
Which skill should be used for secret doors or traps: Perception or Investigation? [duplicate]
Which skill should be used for finding secret doors or traps: Perception or Investigation?
If I only look at the SRD, it seams pretty cut and dry; all the examples for Wisdom (Perception) are ...
4
votes
2answers
151 views
Can a swarm be intimidated?
Last night the party ran into a swarm (this one was rats) which proved rather difficult, but interesting, for them to overcome. The bard, looking for an effective way to light them on fire cast ...
7
votes
1answer
192 views
How do I rule on a character who cooks food? [closed]
I have a player who's character wants to preserve and enhance the dwarven culture by learning new cooking techniques and ingredients. As such she has taken Profession (Cooking) as a skill (she's a 1st-...
11
votes
1answer
252 views
Does the Rock Gnome trait Artificer's Lore apply when you aren't proficient in History?
Rock Gnomes have the following racial trait (PHB, p. 37):
Artificer’s Lore
Whenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to magic items, alchemical objects, or technological ...
0
votes
1answer
118 views
If a projectile attack at a monk misses, can the monk use Deflect Missiles to catch the projectiles and throw them back? [duplicate]
Say there are projectiles aimed at a monk that don’t quite beat the AC, leading to a missed attack, but the roll was close to hitting (only falling short by 3-5).
Can monk use Deflect Missiles to ...
3
votes
1answer
219 views
If a dagger thrown at a monk splits into multiple daggers mid-air, each with their own attack and damage rolls, can Deflect Missiles deflect them all?
Situation:
A dagger is thrown at a monk. On that attack, the dagger multiplies into 2 or 3 daggers in mid-air, each dagger with its own rolls for attack and damage. The daggers move one after another ...
8
votes
6answers
411 views
How can I adjudicate one character attemping to jump off a party member's shield at the enemy?
Last session, two of the members from my table attempted to make a combo together! I love when people contribute to the story, especially if it's going to be something epic like this situation, but I ...
5
votes
1answer
124 views
How much do locked gauntlets impede a character?
All the following questions are about constrained hand[s] only (so no scenarios in which a free offhand would do the trick) and, in the event that it would change the outcome, with or without a weapon ...
4
votes
1answer
194 views
What passive scores exist?
Passive Wisdom (perception) is common and we use it often. But I read on this forum that there are other passive stats. My Question is now what other passive stats exist and when should you use them?
0
votes
1answer
2k views
How do I calculate my passive Wisdom (Perception) check? [duplicate]
My 1st level Wizard has a Wisdom of 13 (modifier +1) and proficiency in Wisdom saving throws, but not proficiency in Perception. Does that mean my passive Wisdom (Perception) score equals 10+1 or 10+1+...
3
votes
1answer
252 views
What is the highest total result one can get for a skill check?
I was bored, so I decided to try to calculate what could be the highest total result one could obtain for a skill check.
Answers can include officially published material, including magic items - but ...
7
votes
2answers
410 views
What are the balance implications of using passive Arcana to identify spells for counterspell?
Xanathar's Guide to Everything (p. 85) gives an optional rule if a character wants to identify a spell:
Sometimes a character wants to identify a spell that someone else is casting or that was ...
11
votes
1answer
823 views
“and that skill is always a class skill for you” - does “always” have any meaning in Pathfinder?
Many traits and (some feats, if my memory is right) have this rule written in them. For example:
Trap Finder
Benefit(s): You gain a +1 trait bonus on Disable Device checks, and that skill is ...
2
votes
1answer
91 views
Use Magic Device and the Shield of the Mage [closed]
I am here for some clarification on what things I could do with Use Magic Device (through Emulate Class Feature) to get the spell I want to appear on the Shield of the Mage. I am fully aware that this ...
2
votes
2answers
78 views
Skills and ranks
I am sorry if this has been asked before, but I can not figure it out. I am playing D&D 3.5, and am attempting to make my character sheet.
I am a rogue halfling, so I have 40 skill points to ...
12
votes
1answer
2k views
If a character with the Alert feat rolls a crit fail on their Perception check, are they surprised?
A Druid in my campaign has the Alert feat, which stops her from being surprised.
If she rolls a critical failure on her Perception check, would:
She get surprised because she crit-failed?
The ...
10
votes
3answers
524 views
How does the math work for Perception checks?
Please forgive me, it's been over 40+ years since I've played D&D and just now trying to reboot the changes. Can someone briefly explain Perception check math?
Assume I'm a 5 year old or an idiot,...
4
votes
1answer
144 views
Would a trans revenant be able to go through with a medical transition?
As the title suggests, I'm wondering if a revenant who is transgender would be able to go through with a medical transition if they had the opportunity and wanted to?
I would have thought so, but I ...
21
votes
6answers
2k views
Are all passive ability checks floors for active ability checks?
It's relatively well established that passive Perception acts as a floor (effectively a minimum) to an active Perception check.
Does the same ruling apply to other skill/ability checks1 (i.e. not ...
1
vote
1answer
128 views
By working together can a party of X size perform 2X skill checks on the same task? [duplicate]
For example, my entire party is versed in Arcana and they attempted to recall lore on a spell.
Party member A made the skill check while being helped by B and failed with advantage.
B tried while ...
5
votes
2answers
541 views
What is the minimum amount of skill points per HD?
I've been playing D&D 5e for about 1,5 year now (as DM and PC), and sometimes play D&D 3.5e as a half-orc ranger (level 3 currently). I don't own any 3.5 books, and only use the online SRD.
...
2
votes
2answers
128 views
Viability of False Priest Sorcerer for solo / one on one play — skill points
I'm looking forward to be a player in one on one adventure. Character concept I've been toying with is False Priest (Sorcerer archetype) Kitsune. Deceitful nature of the race and class seems to work ...
2
votes
0answers
99 views
Taking out levelling and classes - Replacements [closed]
So, my RPG isn't going to use levels or classes to determine advancement. I'm trying to keep it open as possible, and also I realize that if a character levels up, and then they fight slightly tougher ...
7
votes
1answer
90 views
On a Tumble Check to avoid Attacks of Opportunity, do you move at half speed for your whole movement?
Tumble DC 15
Tumble at one-half speed as part of normal movement, provoking no attacks of opportunity while doing so. Failure means you provoke attacks of opportunity normally. Check separately for ...
4
votes
2answers
575 views
How many proficiencies and languages does a noble half-elf Knowledge Domain cleric start with?
I'm starting a new character sheet for a noble half-elf cleric (Knowledge Domain), and I'm just wondering about proficiencies and languages.
How many things would I be proficient in, and how many ...
17
votes
5answers
2k views
Players preemptively rolling, even though their rolls are useless or are checking the wrong skills
Part of this answer made me think about my own situation:
It's entirely possible that the ranger is the only one that has a chance at succeeding at the check and thus it would be inappropriate to ...
9
votes
1answer
186 views
Is there a complete list of unusual skills?
The SRD lists the core skills, as well as the skills added by Expanded Psionics Handbook (Autohypnosis, Knowledge (psionics), Psicraft, Use Psionic Device). There is also, in the SRD but hidden, the ...
3
votes
2answers
181 views
How should I adjudicate a player character's Wisdom (Perception) check against monsters lying in ambush?
Example: A fighter is concerned by the potential of ambush and scans the suspected area. For certain, there are goblins hiding in the thicket he suspects.
Should the DM have the fighter roll a ...
2
votes
2answers
147 views
What are the class skills for animals?
I'm working on an anthropomorphic giant octopus character (yes that's a real race, you can find it in Savage Species and it's awesome). From the two racial hit dice I get skill points equal to (2+Int)...
42
votes
5answers
6k views
Skills the player has, but the character doesn’t vs. skills the character has, but the player doesn’t
This question results from a small debate I had last weekend with our gamemaster during a session on Call of Cthulhu.
A player wanted to check if an NPC is alive or not. The players had put zero ...
4
votes
1answer
106 views
When a creature's proficiency bonus is doubled for a skill, is it marked as such in its statblock?
I'm very new to the books of D&D 5e.
I see in the introduction of the MM that they specify the proficiency bonus for CR, and that at times it will be doubled to account for the creature's "...
4
votes
1answer
313 views
How to handle weapons having been hidden with sleight of hand?
In the 5e Player's Handbook, rules are given on hidden weapons with sleight of hand. However, it doesn't say if there is any benefit to the hidden weapons or what it should be like.
Can a hidden ...
8
votes
1answer
119 views
Is there a penalty to ride checks on invisible mounts?
Assuming I'm correct to say that if I'm invisible and my mount is also invisible (separate spells in this case) then I can't see my mount, do I get a penalty to ride checks for that mount?
4
votes
1answer
2k views
Does the Resilient feat give you proficiency in the skills associated with the chosen ability?
If you take the Resilient feat, do you become proficient in the associated skills?
For example, if you were not proficient in Dex saving throws and choose Dex when you take the Resilient feat, are ...
0
votes
1answer
232 views
Can I use Acrobatics to jump over an enemy that missed me?
Whether or not a character hits is determined by a roll of a die. Say that they roll low so they failed to hit me, and I want to flip over top of the enemy to get behind them.
Is this legal, and what ...
4
votes
1answer
84 views
The Ankheg's skills aren't matching up, what am I missing?
I'm having some fun playing around with the GM stuff for Pathfinder for the first time, mostly I've only run other systems and been a player for Pathfinder, so I was wanting to take a crack at running ...
57
votes
6answers
8k views
I deciphered the meaning of a cryptic language out-of-game: should my character know what the meaning is?
I have just started my first D&D 5e campaign, and have encountered a seemingly mind-controlled bandit who keeps writing the same thing over and over on the wall. Our DM wrote out what it looks ...
