Ok so, yes these skills will be used as one of the vehicles for delivering plot info.This was said in another thread recently:
It seemed to me that the general bent of the thread's participants either actively agreed with this or didn't disagree with it enough to voice opposition.
I thought this was interesting.
Therefore, a poll.
Is this commonplace among 5e GMs on these boards?
Maybe you're one of those GMs and you'd like to post your thoughts on (a) why the output of Int/Wis Abillit/Skill action resolution is handled this way, (b) how it affects/propels play, and (c) how it intersects with the type of PC build decision-point thinking cited above?
But that is not. all.
First, essential plot info that "the GM needs to give anyway" wont be locked behind these. I may give it freely thru these but there will be other ways. So in this way, they see utility as a faster and easier access or just as flavor for thst degree of info.
Second, in addition to that, they provide opportunity for quicker access to non- necessary but helpful info that may well open up new approaches or make existing ones easier. This is not stuff that is necessary but may be very useful in lowering difficulty or countering and bypassing some challenges. Not unlike stealth or survival or insight, they can provide alternatives.
So, in my games, its not true that they are played out to be a waste.