Simple question about the Use Magic Device skill

[power2084]

Hello !

My character is a lvl 4 rogue, I have only one rank in Use Magic Device and my charisma bonus is +1. So my total modifier for that skill is +2.

Our cleric has died and he was the only one in the party that could use a Rod of Resurrection that he owns.

My question is, since we are now out of combat, can I try using the Rod (considered as a wand, as far as I know) with my Use Magic Device skill and "Take 20" to give a result of 22 and therefore succeed at using the Rod on him ?

Is that how it works ? Other characters have other wands too that I could use if need be.

Thanks for your replies !
(the Use Magic Device skill is on p.85 of the PHB)

 

[frankthedm]

My question is, since we are now out of combat, can I try using the Rod (considered as a wand, as far as I know) with my Use Magic Device skill and "Take 20" to give a result of 22 and therefore succeed at using the Rod on him ?

Is that how it works ?

No, there is another factor. Taking 20 can never be done for a skill that has a penalty for failure. UMD has a penalty for failure. Being out of combat does not help this at all.

Yes, but if you ever roll a natural 1 while attempting to activate an item and you fail, then you can’t try to activate that item again for 24 hours.

Thus taking 20 is never an option on a UMD check.

When you have plenty of time (generally 2 minutes for a skill that can normally be checked in 1 round, one full-round action, or one standard action), you are faced with no threats or distractions, and the skill being attempted carries no penalties for failure, you can take 20. In other words, eventually you will get a 20 on 1d20 if you roll enough times. Instead of rolling 1d20 for the skill check, just calculate your result as if you had rolled a 20.

 

[Nifft]

No, because there is a penalty for extreme failure.

Try Again

Yes, but if you ever roll a natural 1 while attempting to activate an item and you fail, then you can’t try to activate that item again for 24 hours.

Cheers, -- N

 

[power2084]

No, because there is a penalty for extreme failure.



Cheers, -- N

Ok !

Another question here: I DO know the command word for the Rod, so I don't have to "Activate Blindly" the item. Does that mean that I can't suffer a mishap ?

If that's the case, can I simply try using the item again and again (not with Take 10 or Take 20) until I get a result of 20+ (unless of course I roll a natural 1) ?

 

[Nifft]

Another question here: I DO know the command word for the Rod, so I don't have to "Activate Blindly" the item. Does that mean that I can't suffer a mishap?

Dunno. What are the Rod's actual requirements for activation?

I don't see it in the SRD list of rods.

Cheers, -- N

 

[power2084]

Dunno. What are the Rod's actual requirements for activation?

I don't see it in the SRD list of rods.

Cheers, -- N

Oh, that's an old item from a little-known 2nd edition book. You need to be cleric to use it.

 

[Nifft]

Oh, that's an old item from a little-known 2nd edition book. You need to be cleric to use it.

So it sounds like you just need to emulate a class feature (DC 20).

There's a reasonable chance you'll get an 18+ before you get a 1.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Christian]

And if he doesn't, he just needs to wait 24 hours and try again. As Durkon stated in explanation of why he didn't keep Resurrection prepared, "He won't be any deader tomorrow."

 

[boolean]

There is a time limit, but if the item uses the resurrection spell then it's unlikely to be a problem (130 years at the minimum caster level).

If the item uses the raise dead spell then you've got nine days (assuming minimum CL). Still plenty of chances to try to roll 18+.

 

[nittanytbone]

You should also be able to increase your check pretty easily. A guidance spell, Eagle's Splendor spell, or skill shards should all help. A +2 bonus means you succeed on DC20 from 16+, which basically halves your chance of a "1."