Combining Skill Attempts

Player's Handbook v.3.5 (PH)3.5
Category
Base
Subcategory
Using Skills

When more than one character tries the same skill at the same time and for the same purpose, their efforts may overlap.

Individual Events

Often, several characters attempt some action and each succeeds or fails independently. The result of one character’s Climb check does not influence the results of other characters Climb check.

Aid Another

You can help another character achieve success on his or her skill check by making the same kind of skill check in a cooperative effort. If you roll a 10 or higher on your check, the character you are helping gets a +2 bonus to his or her check, as per the rule for favorable conditions. (You can’t take 10 on a skill check to aid another.) In many cases, a character’s help won’t be beneficial, or only a limited number of characters can help at once.

In cases where the skill restricts who can achieve certain results you can’t aid another to grant a bonus to a task that your character couldn’t achieve alone.

See also: Aid Another in Combat

Skill Synergy

It’s possible for a character to have two skills that work well together. In general, having 5 or more ranks in one skill gives the character a +2 bonus on skill checks with each of its synergistic skills, as noted in the skill description. In some cases, this bonus applies only to specific uses of the skill in question, and not to all checks. Some skills provide benefits on other checks made by a character, such as those checks required to use certain class features.

Table: Skill Synergies
5 or more ranks in…Gives a +2 bonus on…
BluffDiplomacy checks
BluffDisguise checks to act in character
BluffIntimidate checks
BluffSleight Of Hand checks
Craftrelated Appraise checks
Decipher ScriptUse Magic Device checks involving scrolls
Escape ArtistUse Rope checks involving bindings
Handle AnimalRide checks
Handle Animalwild empathy checks
JumpTumble checks
Knowledge (arcana)Spellcraft checks
Knowledge (architecture and engineering)Search checks involving secret doors and similar compartments
Knowledge (dungeoneering)Survival checks when underground
Knowledge (geography)Survival checks to keep from getting lostor for avoiding hazards
Knowledge (history)bardic knowledge checks
Knowledge (local)Gather Information checks
Knowledge (nature)Survival checks in aboveground natural environments
Knowledge (nobility and royalty)Diplomacy checks
Knowledge (religion)checks to turn or rebuke undead
Knowledge (the planes)Survival checks when on other planes
SearchSurvival checks when following tracks
Sense MotiveDiplomacy checks
SpellcraftUse Magic Device involving scrolls
SurvivalKnowledge (nature) checks
TumbleBalance checks
TumbleJump checks
Use Magic DeviceSpellcraft checks to decipher scrolls
Use RopeClimb checks involving climbing ropes
Use RopeEscape Artist checks involving ropes