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Does Reliable Talent Work on Attack Rolls?

No, Reliable Talent does not work on attack rolls. The Rogue’s Reliable Talent feature specifically states that it applies to ability checks, not attack rolls or saving throws. This is a crucial distinction within the rules of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th Edition.

Understanding Reliable Talent

Reliable Talent, a 11th-level Rogue feature, is designed to enhance the Rogue’s consistency in skills they are proficient in. It provides a significant boost to roleplaying and out-of-combat scenarios, ensuring the Rogue isn’t hampered by unlucky dice rolls when attempting to use their expertise.

The Core Mechanics

The core of Reliable Talent hinges on a single sentence within its description: “Whenever you make an ability check that lets you add your proficiency bonus, you can treat a d20 roll of 9 or lower as a 10.” Let’s break this down:

Ability Check: An ability check is a d20 roll + an ability modifier (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma), potentially with the addition of your proficiency bonus. Examples include Strength (Athletics) checks to climb, Dexterity (Stealth) checks to sneak, or Intelligence (Investigation) checks to find clues.
Proficiency Bonus: You must be proficient in the skill being used to benefit from Reliable Talent. For example, if you’re not proficient in Athletics, Reliable Talent wouldn’t apply to a Strength (Athletics) check.
Treat a 9 or Lower as a 10: This is the heart of the feature. If you roll a 9 or lower on the d20 for an eligible ability check, you automatically treat the result as a 10 before adding any modifiers. This virtually eliminates the possibility of truly terrible rolls on checks where you are proficient.

Why It Doesn’t Apply to Attack Rolls

Attack rolls are distinctly different from ability checks. An attack roll is a d20 roll + your attack bonus (typically your ability modifier plus your proficiency bonus if you are proficient with the weapon) made to determine if you hit a target.

The key difference is that attack rolls are governed by different rules and are not categorized as ability checks. Therefore, Reliable Talent, by its very wording, does not apply to attack rolls. Trying to apply Reliable Talent to an attack roll would be a misinterpretation of the rules.

Consequences of Misinterpretation

Incorrectly applying Reliable Talent to attack rolls would drastically alter the Rogue’s combat effectiveness. It would significantly increase their accuracy, making them much more powerful than intended. This could unbalance encounters and diminish the roles of other party members. Understanding and adhering to the rules is crucial for a balanced and enjoyable gameplay experience.

Common Misconceptions

One of the most common mistakes players make is assuming that any d20 roll where proficiency is added benefits from Reliable Talent. This is simply not true. It specifically applies only to ability checks. For example, a Death Saving Throw is a d20 roll where no modifiers are added. Therefore, reliable talent is not applicable.

FAQs about Reliable Talent

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the specifics of Reliable Talent:

Does Reliable Talent apply to saving throws? No. Reliable Talent only applies to ability checks, not saving throws. Saving throws are d20 rolls + an ability modifier and are separate from ability checks.
Does Reliable Talent work with advantage or disadvantage? Yes. Reliable Talent is applied after the dice are rolled but before modifiers are added. If you have advantage, roll twice and choose the higher result. If that higher result is 9 or lower, treat it as a 10. The same logic applies when you have disadvantage, but use the lower result instead.
If I’m making a check without proficiency, can I still use Reliable Talent? No. You must be proficient in the skill being used for Reliable Talent to apply. The feature specifically states that it only applies to “ability check that lets you add your proficiency bonus.”
Does Reliable Talent affect the passive score of skills like Perception? No, Reliable Talent doesn’t directly affect passive scores. Passive scores are calculated differently (typically 10 + the relevant ability modifier + proficiency bonus, if proficient). However, if you’re asked to make an active Wisdom (Perception) check, Reliable Talent would apply if you rolled 9 or lower.
What if I roll a natural 20 on an ability check with Reliable Talent? A natural 20 is still a natural 20. Reliable Talent only comes into play if you roll 9 or lower. A natural 20 on an ability check is an automatic success for checks where that is possible, regardless of Reliable Talent.
Can Reliable Talent be used on initiative rolls? No. Initiative rolls are not ability checks. They are d20 rolls + your Dexterity modifier.
If I have Reliable Talent and another feature that modifies dice rolls, which one applies first? Typically, you apply the effects in the order that is most beneficial to you, as long as it aligns with the rules. With Reliable Talent, you would roll the dice first, then check if you have any dice manipulation abilities that allow you to reroll. You apply Reliable Talent only after you have determined the final d20 roll result.
If I have expertise in a skill, does Reliable Talent stack with it? Expertise doubles your proficiency bonus. Reliable Talent doesn’t stack with it in the sense of providing additional dice manipulation. It simply ensures that if you roll poorly (9 or lower) on a check where you add your (doubled) proficiency bonus, you still treat the roll as a 10.
Can Reliable Talent be used with tools if I am proficient? Yes. If you are proficient in the tool and are making an ability check that includes your proficiency bonus, Reliable Talent will apply.
Does Reliable Talent work when I’m making an ability check as part of a saving throw? No, there is no ability check that is part of saving throws. Ability checks and saving throws are separate mechanics. You are most likely thinking about situations where you must make a skill check to resist an effect. In these cases, if the GM requests you to make a specific skill check (e.g., Athletics or Acrobatics), Reliable Talent would apply if you are proficient in the skill and roll 9 or lower. However, a saving throw is not the same as a skill check.
What is the point of Reliable Talent if it doesn’t apply to combat? Reliable Talent significantly enhances the Rogue’s capabilities outside of combat. It makes them exceptionally consistent in skills where they are proficient, allowing them to excel in social interactions, exploration, and problem-solving. It is a key feature for emphasizing the Rogue’s role as a skilled specialist.
Does Reliable Talent apply to grapple checks? Yes. Grappling is a Strength (Athletics) check. If you are proficient in Athletics, Reliable Talent would apply.
Can a multiclass Rogue benefit from Reliable Talent? Yes. Reliable Talent is a Rogue class feature, so any character with at least 11 levels in the Rogue class will gain this benefit.
If I am incapacitated can I still benefit from Reliable Talent? Incapacitation prevents you from taking actions or reactions. As such, you would be incapable of benefiting from Reliable Talent.
Can the DM change the rules and allow Reliable Talent to apply to attack rolls? Dungeon Masters have the authority to modify rules to suit their campaign. However, changing the rules to allow Reliable Talent to apply to attack rolls would significantly increase the Rogue’s power level and could unbalance the game. It’s generally recommended to stick to the established rules for balanced gameplay.

By understanding the specifics of Reliable Talent and its intended application, players can effectively utilize this powerful Rogue feature while maintaining a fair and balanced gaming experience for everyone at the table. Always remember to consult the Player’s Handbook or Dungeon Master’s Guide for definitive rules clarifications.

Does reliable talent work on attack rolls?