D&D (2024) They need to bring back Gather Information in One DnD.

[GMMichael]

Sooo... are we just ignoring that there are no skill checks in ODD? (Or did they put out a playtest packet called "Even More Like 3e?" )

@Tales and Chronicles nailed it, by the way.

 

[Krachek]

using an ability check Int, Cha or Wis depending on the information need and the context is quite enough. most of the time adding proficiency if trained in Investigation will be fine.

 

[FallenRX]

The Study Action in the current Rules Glossary had this covered.

No it doesnt, that is basically a knowledge check as a action really, this is more about asking around/canvassing about local information, stuff you didnt know, rumor mills, and such.

 

[Parmandur]

No it doesnt, that is basically a knowledge check as a action really, this is more about asking around/canvassing about local information, stuff you didnt know, rumor mills, and such.

Yes, and that sort of canvassing is covered by the check.

 

[Vaalingrade]

I'm pretty sure the Barbarian class has this in the form of consecutive attack rolls.

But seriously Investigation and Persuasion handle the impersonal and personal mode pretty well.

 

[Horwath]

As with 90% of "skill" checks, I have to default to 3.5e for guidance.
Gather information is under Diplomacy skill, which is Persuasion in 5E.

 

[tetrasodium]

Sooo... are we just ignoring that there are no skill checks in ODD? (Or did they put out a playtest packet called "Even More Like 3e?" )

@Tales and Chronicles nailed it, by the way.

Spoiler: ahem

It's not exactly a clean break with skill checks of past editions or that 5e's efforts at removing it brings is all that much more than an excuse to dress the system's resulting cracks in an oberoni flavored barb. the having the one new thing it allows being listed as an almost forgotten "variant" with little support for the gm certainly doesn't help either.

The variant's wording itself almost comes off more like it's trying to warn players that the gm might throw out a working skill system to replace it with some homebrewed creation of their own design. Sticking that in the middle of mostly describing 3.x style skill checks just manages to make the gm look sketchy if they try to use the forgotten sidebar.

 

[Ashrym]

This isn't a real issue. It's not that the rules don't cover gathering information and rumors. It's that people want to apply a proficiency bonus to the check. The mechanics don't fail to exist just because they don't have a specific skill proficiency associated.

"Researching​

The time between adventures is a great chance to perform research, gaining insight into mysteries that have unfurled over the course of the campaign. Research can include poring over dusty tomes and crumbling scrolls in a library or buying drinks for the locals to pry rumors and gossip from their lips."

We also have page 179 of the PHB...

"Other Charisma Checks. The DM might call for a Charisma check when you try to accomplish tasks like one of the following:

• Find the best person to talk to for news, rumors, and gossip.
• Blend into a crowd to get a sense of key topics of conversation."

Actions that don't have associated proficiency skills use ability checks. Gathering information is included in this mechanic. It's that simple. If the player declares an action in such a way that the DM indicates they can apply a skill proficiency (such as investigation) then the player adds the proficiency bonus for that skill if available. The DM determines if a skill proficiency is appropriate and players aren't entitled to that proficiency bonus. That's how player actions are handled.

This might lead to subsequent checks. A player might blend in (one CHA check) to be inconspicuous in the the questioning. After that the player might role to find a person to whom to talk (second CHA check). After that the player is roleplaying gathering the information. This might include persuasion, intimidation, or insight. That conversation might trigger history or other lore checks. A person might influence the attitude of the person from whom the information is forthcoming with a perform check by relating a story or telling a joke or evoking emotions through song.

Players have agency to attempt any action including gathering information. Just describe the action for the DM. The DM then does what DM's do.

 

[FallenRX]

Yes, and that sort of canvassing is covered by the check.

It isnt, nowhere really in the descriptions fo the study check lmao, stuff like this makes me scared if people actually are reading the rules they are talking about or imagine stuff in their head.

 

[GMMichael]

View attachment 291092

Thanks, but those aren't skill checks. They're permission to add one's proficiency bonus to an ability check. Sort of like when one uses the (unlisted) Attack skill to add proficiency to a strength or dexterity check.

This was prompted by me viewing this clip here.
Where players were struggling to figure out how to learn about the world and infomation in a setting, or to gather information on how to investigate a scenario.

I'd bet there's a magic item shop in that game. Why not an "information shop" too? Anyway, the term she was looking for is "innkeeper" or perhaps "bard."

It isnt, nowhere really in the descriptions fo the study check lmao, stuff like this makes me scared if people actually are reading the rules they are talking about or imagine stuff in their head.

I'm pretty sure imagining stuff in one's head is the point of the game.