Working Together

Sometimes two or more characters team up to attempt a task. The character who’s leading the effort—or the one with the highest ability check modifier—uses their ability check modifier for the check. Each character involved in helping rolls a d20, and the leader uses the highest number among the results as their d20 roll for the check, reflecting the help provided by the other characters. In combat, this requires the Help action (see chapter 9).

A character can only provide help if the task is one that he or she has the capability to attempt alone. Moreover, a character can help only when two or more individuals working together would actually be productive. Some tasks, such as threading a needle, are no easier with help.