D&D 5E Tracking without "tracking" feature, tripping without "trip"

[Warmaster Horus]

I'm no ranger but am not half bad at tracking when I'm out hunting. It's a Wisdom check modified by prof bonus if you have Survival. That's it.

 

[Evenglare]

Don't know if this has been mentioned but both tracking and tripping are in the DMG, also disarming. If you need to know how to track look in there.

 

[Ratskinner]

God I hope not. I dislike that sort of hard-coded role-playing rule.

I had some issues with that while running DW. Nonetheless, I think the premise of making a failed roll meaningful is a worthwhile suggestion to prevent the group pile-on. It takes the place of a "no-rerolls" rule. Another habit I've gotten into lately (as GM) is demanding to know who's contributing right from the start. That's made easier in systems with a sensible "aid another" mechanic.

 

[pukunui]

Talk about a thread necro. This one was originally from over a year ago, when rangers had a tracking class feature. In the final rules, anyone can track with a Wisdom (Survival) check; rangers can just do it better when they're in their favored terrain(s).

 

[Derren]

My concern is that DMs, particularly novice DMs, will not allow those activities if the character lacks those specific class features. I call it the Tarkin Effect, where the more the rules define, the more they squeeze out creative interaction with the game.

The problem is not rules defining those things, 3E had a lot of rules yet allowed anyone to do what you want or learn to do it.