I've been thinking about this topic since one of my players asked me what they would have to roll in order to convince the bbeg to jump off a cliff, which I jokingly answered 100 at the time. He soonafter told me that it might be possible to reach that level of persuasion, under some very unique circumstances. So we put our combined Iq or 150 together and decided to theorize what the highest persuasion roll might be.
The current theory is using a Level 20 character with Lore Bard(Level14), Fighter(Level2), Redemption Paladin(Level4). (All 2024 versions)
For starters, I'll just assume the character eventually consumed multiple tomes and got to a Charisma of 30 somehow, and has expertise in persuasion. We can improve this expertise by attuning 3 Ioun stones of mastery to increase the proficiency bonus from 6->9, which will gives us a +28 to persuasion rolls.
Next up a Lore Bard will gain the ability to use an inspiration die for themselves at Level14, which becomes a +1d10 meaning +10 at max.
A Fighter gains Tactical Mind at Level 2, allowing us to add a d10 to any ability check which gives us a +10 at max.
A Redemption Paladin can use their channel dignity to add a +5 to persuasion rolls.
We also use one of the feats gained during the 15 levels of Bard to gain a guidance spell to add a d4, +4 in max, and an Epic Boon of Fate (By leveling Paladin last), which can add a 2d4, +8 at max.
Now lastly, we can equip an Uncommon Glammerweave to add a d4 to our persuasion checks meaning a +4, and use the Infernal Machine of Lum the Mad and get the random beneficial effect no.11 to gain a +1 bonus to Charisma checks. (We can attune the machine and change it to the Ioun stone during a short rest).
This gives a total of 20(Persuasion Base Roll)+10(Cha Modifier)+18(Expertise)+10(Bardic Inspiration)+10(Fighter Tactical Mind)+5(Redemption Paladin)+4(Guidance)+8(Boon of Fate)+4(Uncommon Glammerweave)+1(Infernal Machine)=90, which sadly isn't enough for a DC of 100.
But, if we are willing to mix and match the rules and make some exceptions, we could pass the limit. On the 2014 version of 5e, a PC would gain an Epic Boon upon reaching Level20 if the DM allows it. And one of the Boons available only in the 2014 version is the Boon of Luck, which adds a d10 to any ability check.
So if we make an exception by allowing 2014 rules, we can add a +10 to the results and ultimately, get a 100 on the persuasion roll. (And convince the bbeg to throw themselves off the cliff)
Of course, this calculation does have some oversights that are worthwhile debating, but since it's only a fun theorizing I've just allowed them.
If you have any thoughts to improve the roll please comment below!
For starters, I'll just assume the character eventually consumed multiple tomes and got to a Charisma of 30 somehow, and has expertise in persuasion. We can improve this expertise by attuning 3 Ioun stones of mastery to increase the proficiency bonus from 6->9, which will gives us a +28 to persuasion rolls.
There is an unfortunate snag here as the rules on attunement say you cannot attune to more than one of the same item at a time.
The Fey Wanderer Ranger lets you add your wisdom modifier to charisma checks, so if you could get both wisdom and charisma to 30 that would be a total of +20 just from your stats, and you could still get a Bardic Inspiration from a party member.
The Fey Wanderer Ranger lets you add your wisdom modifier to charisma checks, so if you could get both wisdom and charisma to 30 that would be a total of +20 just from your stats, and you could still get a Bardic Inspiration from a party member.
In that case we could increase the bardic inspiration to a d12, which brings us to-
Battle master fighter has a maneuver that adds your superiority dice to persuasion. So level 3 fighter could add a d8. If you're already adjusting to have a different bard's bardic inspiration you could easily shift the levels too. Just a note that the tactical mind ability only works on a failed checked.
Also if this ridiculous check somehow still fails even after all this the soul knife rogue can add their psionic dice to a failed check. If you nix the lore bard for rogue because you're using a different bard's inspiration and switch up the levels to incorporate these two things you can push it higher.
An Artificer can add a flash of genius, a peace cleric can give emboldening bond, a divination wizard can guarantee a roll of 20. There is probably more you can get from other allies.
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I've been thinking about this topic since one of my players asked me what they would have to roll in order to convince the bbeg to jump off a cliff, which I jokingly answered 100 at the time. He soonafter told me that it might be possible to reach that level of persuasion, under some very unique circumstances. So we put our combined Iq or 150 together and decided to theorize what the highest persuasion roll might be.
The current theory is using a Level 20 character with Lore Bard(Level14), Fighter(Level2), Redemption Paladin(Level4). (All 2024 versions)
For starters, I'll just assume the character eventually consumed multiple tomes and got to a Charisma of 30 somehow, and has expertise in persuasion. We can improve this expertise by attuning 3 Ioun stones of mastery to increase the proficiency bonus from 6->9, which will gives us a +28 to persuasion rolls.
Next up a Lore Bard will gain the ability to use an inspiration die for themselves at Level14, which becomes a +1d10 meaning +10 at max.
A Fighter gains Tactical Mind at Level 2, allowing us to add a d10 to any ability check which gives us a +10 at max.
A Redemption Paladin can use their channel dignity to add a +5 to persuasion rolls.
We also use one of the feats gained during the 15 levels of Bard to gain a guidance spell to add a d4, +4 in max, and an Epic Boon of Fate (By leveling Paladin last), which can add a 2d4, +8 at max.
Now lastly, we can equip an Uncommon Glammerweave to add a d4 to our persuasion checks meaning a +4, and use the Infernal Machine of Lum the Mad and get the random beneficial effect no.11 to gain a +1 bonus to Charisma checks. (We can attune the machine and change it to the Ioun stone during a short rest).
This gives a total of 20(Persuasion Base Roll)+10(Cha Modifier)+18(Expertise)+10(Bardic Inspiration)+10(Fighter Tactical Mind)+5(Redemption Paladin)+4(Guidance)+8(Boon of Fate)+4(Uncommon Glammerweave)+1(Infernal Machine)=90, which sadly isn't enough for a DC of 100.
But, if we are willing to mix and match the rules and make some exceptions, we could pass the limit. On the 2014 version of 5e, a PC would gain an Epic Boon upon reaching Level20 if the DM allows it. And one of the Boons available only in the 2014 version is the Boon of Luck, which adds a d10 to any ability check.
So if we make an exception by allowing 2014 rules, we can add a +10 to the results and ultimately, get a 100 on the persuasion roll. (And convince the bbeg to throw themselves off the cliff)
Of course, this calculation does have some oversights that are worthwhile debating, but since it's only a fun theorizing I've just allowed them.
If you have any thoughts to improve the roll please comment below!
There is an unfortunate snag here as the rules on attunement say you cannot attune to more than one of the same item at a time.
pronouns: he/she/they
Yeah that's highly unfortunate, I think I might need to find other magic items that improve persuasion checks.
The Fey Wanderer Ranger lets you add your wisdom modifier to charisma checks, so if you could get both wisdom and charisma to 30 that would be a total of +20 just from your stats, and you could still get a Bardic Inspiration from a party member.
In that case we could increase the bardic inspiration to a d12, which brings us to-
20(roll)+10(cha)+10(wis)+14(expert)+12(bard)+10(fighter)+5(paladin)+4(guidance)+8(boon)+4(glammer)+1(infernal machine)=98
The Ioun stones not being stackable was a huge loss it seems...
Battle master fighter has a maneuver that adds your superiority dice to persuasion. So level 3 fighter could add a d8. If you're already adjusting to have a different bard's bardic inspiration you could easily shift the levels too. Just a note that the tactical mind ability only works on a failed checked.
Also if this ridiculous check somehow still fails even after all this the soul knife rogue can add their psionic dice to a failed check. If you nix the lore bard for rogue because you're using a different bard's inspiration and switch up the levels to incorporate these two things you can push it higher.
An Artificer can add a flash of genius, a peace cleric can give emboldening bond, a divination wizard can guarantee a roll of 20. There is probably more you can get from other allies.