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Message: <blockquote data-quote="iserith" data-source="post: 6855053" data-attributes="member: 97077">It's helpful to think about the fictional action that is taking place rather than the ability check itself. The ability check just resolves the outcome of a fictional action, when said outcome is uncertain. But what are the characters actually doing to get this information? Some might be recalling lore from their studies or experiences. Others might be deducing the monster's strengths and weaknesses by observing how it behaves. (Both of these fictional acts may call for an Intelligence check.) Do these things take an appreciable amount of time when seconds can mean the difference between life and death? As DM, you'll have to decide. And the answer might not always be "Make a skill check as a free action..." or whatever. Sometimes, it might take more time or there might not be a roll at all (because the character succeeds or fails outright). In some cases, failure might cost something like a moment of hesitation that grants advantage to the monster's next attack. Be as consistent as possible when working with substantially similar fictional situations, but I suggest not trying to make a rule to fit all situations equally. Players also have no special right to making an ability check or even to ask for one.Consider also setting the DC fairly high and making the stakes: (Success) The PCs recall or deduce something really useful e.g. stats/mechanics, special abilities, strengths, weaknesses, resistances, etc and some interesting lore. (Failure) The PCs recall or deduce some interesting lore e.g. cool stuff from the monster entry but not the stat block. "You don't know anything..." is boring.Finally, I recommend DMs telegraph the special abilities, strengths, and weaknesses of the monsters when describing them. Have the fire-immune creature walk through the campfire like it's not a big deal. Show the assassin killing a victim with a single thrust of a blade. Describe how the troll shies away from the pool of acid. Not only does this make you mindful to make your descriptions cooler, it gives the players valuable information from which to make decisions. If they're paying attention and making good choices, they can get an edge without needing to ask to make checks.</blockquote>

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