Violence is never the answer.

Except inDungeons & Dragons, where violence is frequently the answer.

But mugging a shopkeeper because the potions he sells are too expensive isnt the best solution in most campaigns.

A collage of influence actions in use.

For situations like that, you want to use the Influence action.

Want to craft some goods during your downtime?

Whether you are a DM or a player unsure about crafting, this is the guide for you.

Dungeons & Dragons gnomes working together to build a construct.

Bargaining with a Hag, by Linda Lithén

What Is The Influence Action?

These actions frequently rely on Charisma, but occasionally Wisdom is also used.

If you take an Influence action, youll likely need tomake an ability checkto see if youre successful.

A Sorcerer and a Bard negotiate a deal with a hag.

Bargaining with a Hag, by Linda Lithén

Or they may determine that the target is absolutely unwilling to help you, and may even be hostile.

You agree to help, but ask him to outfit your party for the task.

If your target is hesitant, thats when an ability check is necessary.

Adventurers enjoy a conversation in the comfort of an inn.

Long Rest, by Chris Seaman

However, this is affected by the creatures attitude.

Friendly creatures have a favorable view of you, and tend to want to help.

An NPC being friendly doesn’t necessarily mean they’re willing to help.

A merchant with a bad attitude.

Skullport Merchant, by Aaron Miller

Indifferent creatures dont much care about you or your party.

This isthe default attitude of most monsters, animals, and NPCsif your character doesnt have a widespread reputation.

You receive no bonuses for these checks.

A cloaked figure makes a deal.

Agent of the Iron Throne, by Josh Hass

Hostile creatures arenot inclined to help you.

Ability checks to Influence a creature that is hostile towards you ismade with disadvantage.

For one of these rolls, roll two d20s and use the lower result.

An orc brandishes an axe and severed head in order to intimidate his enemy.

Art via Wizards of the Coast

This could be a blatant lie, a subtle misdirection, or staying in character while wearing a disguise.

Bards, Rogues, Sorcerers,andWarlocksget Deception as a class skill proficiency, as do characters with theCharlatanbackground.

Intimidation

When you Intimidate a monster, youmake it fear for its safety.

A Dragonborn Bard sings and plays while travelling with companions.

Wandering Troubadour, by Rudy Siswanto

This can come through threats, displays of force or strength, or even from a particularly terrifying appearance.

Intimidation should bereserved for monsters or NPCs that you dont expect to interact with again.

In some situations, your DM may allow you to use an ability other than Charisma for Intimidation checks.

A Dragonborn adventurer attempts to persuade an Ettin to allow him passage.

Power of Persuasion, by Brian Valeza

A strong Barbariancrushing a captured goblins helmetcould be enough to make him talk.

Performance

Music soothes the savage beast.

Persuasion

Persuasion is the most direct form of Influence.

A Gnome ranger and her animal companion enter the dungeon.

Carefree Swinemaster, by Michal Ivan

Haggling with a merchant is a good exampleof a Persuasion check.

Characters with theArtisan,Merchant, orNoblebackground can also be proficient in Persuasion.

Here’s how to convert your characters to the 2024 Player’s Handbook in D&D!

Dungeons & Dragons image showing a party of adventurers about to consume a Heroes Feast.

Tabletop

Dungeon & Dragons