What skill do you use to research at a library?

[dead]

Just wondering which skill to have my players use when they research a topic at the city library.

I understand d20 Modern has the Research skill and the Eberron Campaign Setting has the Research Feat (which allows you to use your Knowledge skills to research information).

Having a feat to do this seems extreme to me.

So I was wondering what players are meant to use in core D&D.

Thank you

 

[Thanee]

None.

I would grant a circumstance (research) bonus (depending on how much knowledge they can find there and how much time they put into researching) to a Knowledge skill as appropriate for what they are looking for and then let them roll the skill to see (allowing even those untrained in that particular Knowledge skill to use it as trained for that purpose).

Bye
Thanee

 

[roguerouge]

It's badly done in fantasy DnD because I think the assumption was that there were not enough libraries or interest in libraries to make it a skill.

What they do is have libraries add a set bonus to particular knowledge checks when you use them. DM fiat determines the time spent.

I had a DM use the craft skill to model a researcher crafting a conclusion through research, using knowledge skill points instead of craft skill points. It worked well.

 

[Ahnehnois]

Stronghold Builder's Guide has rules for building a library with books that grant a +1, +2, +4, or +6 bonus to certain knowledge skills. I've used these. I've also given players a reroll on their knowledge skill ("The library knows things that I don't"), 1 with books, 1 without.

I like the research skill from Modern/CoC, but I tend to agree that D&D assumes that such resources are not available. The skill would port fine into an urban or stronghold-based campaign if you felt you needed it long-term. If it's not going to be a constant thing I'd stick with bonuses to existing knowledge skills.

 

[billd91]

None.

I would grant a circumstance (research) bonus (depending on how much knowledge they can find there and how much time they put into researching) to a Knowledge skill as appropriate for what they are looking for and then let them roll the skill to see (allowing even those untrained in that particular Knowledge skill to use it as trained for that purpose).

That's generally what I do. I even allow them to take 20 on Knowledge checks if they're searching a library for the answers. Of course, then I define it not as an instant check, but an hours long research session...

 

[Shin Okada]

Circumstance bonus to Knowledge checks will be the default rule.

As a DM, I will allow something like Profession (Librarian) skill. Say, given enough time, can use this skill instead of any Knowledge skill, assuming the library is big enough.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Appropriate Knowledge skill. Possibly Decipher Script for the trite "ancient tome of great knowledge written by a long-gone race" as a reward for people who actually take ranks in that awful skill.

 

[NewJeffCT]

I would give a bonus to a Knowledge check based on the length of research done at the library and/or if the librarian/sage in charge helps them out. Maybe +2/hour without help and +4/hour with help, to a max of +6/+12.

 

[irdeggman]

DMG pg 33 "Variant: Skills with different abilities"

"A skill check always includes skill ranks plus an ability modifier, but you can use a different ability modifier from normal if the character is in a situation where the normal key ability does not apply"

I would use Gather Information using Intelligence instead of Charisma.

 

[dead]

I would grant a circumstance (research) bonus (depending on how much knowledge they can find there and how much time they put into researching) to a Knowledge skill as appropriate for what they are looking for and then let them roll the skill to see (allowing even those untrained in that particular Knowledge skill to use it as trained for that purpose).

This sounds like a good idea.

So it will pretty much be like an Intelligence check to the untrained but those who do have skill in the field will have better chance as they will know which texts to seek out.