this post was submitted on 15 Sep 2025
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This is why my group takes the median result on a group check. That 20 should be able to make up for the 1, and the final result is a 17 (rounding down).
See, I don't think that 20 does make up for that 1, any more than your 20 on an attack roll lets me roll damage on my 1.
The party isn't some cohesive, singular unit that catches or avoids attention based on some average of the total behaviour. It's instead a cloud of actors that are only as strong as its weakest member.
Like, if they were 4 kids sneaking cookies from the cookie jar, and the youngest knocked the jar off the counter, it really doesn't matter how quiet the other 3 were, the shattering of the jar is going to get them all caught.
This is also sorta how RAW works (in DnD 5e), to quote the PHB:
Taking the median roughly has the same effect, it only has a chance to differ if the number of successes and the number of failures are tied.
The 2024 rules specifically clarify that stealth is not typically a suitable skill to be rolled in such a way.
D&D 5e was already trash. 2024 is stupid. If you choose to use their system, for whatever reason, ignore anything they say that makes for a bad experience. I can't see a good argument why this shouldn't work this way.
So what, exactly, is the justification for how a rogue "covers for" a plate wearing paladin with no dex bonus? Keep in mind that that "half must succeed" rule means the rogue is very slightly more likely to succeed with a noisy partner than alone, assuming that success and failure are possible outcomes for both participants. Even if it's impossible for the other to succeed the rogue is at worst unimpeded.
That would depend on the DC. The rogue very well could have a 100% chance to succeed alone.
The rogue would be guiding them, keeping watch for enemies, watching out for hazards, etc. Maybe they'd help the Paladin pad their armor to make it more quite, or give them something to cover it up with so it isn't shiny. Sneaking encompasses the whole range of stealthy actions, including preparation and movement, most of which can be assisted.
That or just count the passes vs the fails. I think of it like the 1 was just about to step on something noisy, or round a corner without taking a peek just as a guard walks by, but the 20 grabs them by the collar and pulls the back in the nick of time
Think about the following situation: You approach the guard tower stealthily. They are on watch so the DC is 15. Your party of 5 rolls a 13, two 14s, a 19 and a 24. Does the group make the check? What about a 2, a 3, two 15s and a 16? Which party is stealthier?
Oh, sure, if there's something extra that makes sense to give them for a really good set of rolls then the former party is much more deserving of it. If it's just a pass/fail "they saw you or they didn't" deal then it doesn't matter
Sorry but (1+17+18±20)/4=14