Aid Another & Search

[SuperJebba]

Can you aid each other on search checks not involving traps? Moreover, is one designated person's search check the one that is aided or does everyone make their roll and then the group aids the highest roll?

We have never really used the aid rules in my group so I'm not real certain on the specifics of the rule. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Dandu]

I am under the impression that you designate one person to be aided and then aid on a skill unless that skill says you can't aid, or the situation precludes aiding.

 

[Dross]

Can you aid each other on search checks not involving traps? Moreover, is one designated person's search check the one that is aided or does everyone make their roll and then the group aids the highest roll?

We have never really used the aid rules in my group so I'm not real certain on the specifics of the rule. Thanks in advance for your help.

I agree with Dandu.

Selected one be the main person and the others to aid, then roll. Generally this would be the person with the highest modifier since you only have to beat DC10 to aid.

The other things to be careful on:

• To aid someone you must be able to perform the task yourself. So a fighter can help a rogue search in general (look for a letter in a room), but couldn't help to detect traps.
• Sometimes it does not make sense to be able to aid someone. You may not be physically close enough to help search. A drow may not be able to help a dwarf use diplomacy on a high elf, etc. Most of these are "common sense". Almost anyone can help to change a tyre but it takes a mechanic to add a turbocharger to the engine.

 

[Dandu]

• To aid someone you must be able to perform the task yourself. So a fighter can help a rogue search in general (look for a letter in a room), but couldn't help to detect traps.

Well, anyone can search for traps if the DC is below 20.

 

[Vegepygmy]

Can you aid each other on search checks not involving traps?

It's up to your DM (of course). I will usually allow one person to Aid Another in searching a 5x5-foot area. In some cases, I will allow more people to help.

Moreover, is one designated person's search check the one that is aided or does everyone make their roll and then the group aids the highest roll?

By the book, one person is the designated "actor" and the others all help that person using the Aid Another action. Your group may want to handle it differently.

 

[Gilladian]

I always make players declare who is the main actor and who is giving aid. Otherwise, they'll all roll, see who got the highest roll, and declare that they're all "aiding him". Not kosher!

 

[Trance-Zg]

I always make players declare who is the main actor and who is giving aid. Otherwise, they'll all roll, see who got the highest roll, and declare that they're all "aiding him". Not kosher!

We do it exactly like that. To give someone else the thrill of being the smartass for having a lucky day. There is little breaking of game mechanics and gives more invovment for all classes in dungeon crawling.

 

[Gilladian]

I have one player who "games the system" constantly to get the best possible advantage in every situation, logical or not. I have to be careful to enforce these little rules regularly and consistently so he doesn't whine as much when I nerf his plans in other ways; he can't say I'm being unfair.

Not that he really whines, but you get the idea.