* Yes I know this is UA and I know it has been abandoned, but I would still like to get people's take on the intended mechanics of this feat.
Specifically the third bullet point:
When you take the Help action to aid another creature’s ability check, you can make a DC 15 Intelligence (History) check. On a success, that creature’s check gains a bonus equal to your proficiency bonus, as you share pertinent advice and historical examples. To receive this bonus, the creature must be able to understand what you’re saying.
Does this mean if you help someone on an ability check, they get advantage (general rule) PLUS your proficiency bonus (specific rule)? Or does the benefit of your proficiency bonus replace advantage on their ability check? It does not say it replaces the general rule, but it does appear to rewrite it. Personally, I think someone is better off with advantage, at least until later in the game when proficiency bonus is higher. That's also why I feel like it was intended to supplement granting advantage.
I would rule it is supplemental. Its wording "When you take..., you can..." implies that this optional. That, and the chance for failure, makes me think the RAI is that it is a supplement to the existing action. Otherwise the feat is worthless, as it actually would hurt your ability to help, as you 1) aren't likely to beat advantage (avg improvement of 5) until high levels (as you said), and 2) the chance for failure means your "help" would do nothing 50-75% of the time. The way its written makes more sense if you consider it as a bonus to an existing action (advantage + 25-50% chance of bonus).
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* Yes I know this is UA and I know it has been abandoned, but I would still like to get people's take on the intended mechanics of this feat.
Specifically the third bullet point:
Does this mean if you help someone on an ability check, they get advantage (general rule) PLUS your proficiency bonus (specific rule)? Or does the benefit of your proficiency bonus replace advantage on their ability check? It does not say it replaces the general rule, but it does appear to rewrite it. Personally, I think someone is better off with advantage, at least until later in the game when proficiency bonus is higher. That's also why I feel like it was intended to supplement granting advantage.
What do you think?
"Not all those who wander are lost"
I would rule it is supplemental. Its wording "When you take..., you can..." implies that this optional. That, and the chance for failure, makes me think the RAI is that it is a supplement to the existing action. Otherwise the feat is worthless, as it actually would hurt your ability to help, as you 1) aren't likely to beat advantage (avg improvement of 5) until high levels (as you said), and 2) the chance for failure means your "help" would do nothing 50-75% of the time. The way its written makes more sense if you consider it as a bonus to an existing action (advantage + 25-50% chance of bonus).