Investigation

Investigation is an Intelligence-based Skill.

The higher a creature's Intelligence Score, the more likely they will succeed Investigation Checks to uncover hidden clues or objects.

“

Analyse clues. Solve mysteries.

„

— In-game skill description

Proficiency

Characters who are proficient in Investigation can add their Proficiency Bonus when making  Ability Checks.

The following classes can choose to select Investigation as a proficient skill at Level 1:

•  Bard
•  Ranger
•  Rogue
•  Warlock
•  Wizard

Rangers who choose  Bounty Hunter as a Favoured Enemy gain proficiency in Investigation.

Uses

• Used in dialogue.

Ways to boost or penalize

Raising or lowering Intelligence will also boost/penalize the Intelligence modifier (and therefore Investigation) by 1 every even number, up or down.

Equipment and items

Name	Bonus or Penalty	Notes
Elixir of Halfling Luck	Advantage	All ability checks
Elixir of Human Versatility	Proficiency	All skills
Shapeshifter's Boon Ring	+1d4	All ability checks while shapeshifted/disguised
Spoiled Treacle Tart	Disadvantage	All Intelligence/Wisdom ability checks

Actions and spells

Name	Bonus or Penalty	Notes
Ascendant Bite	-1 (target) +1 (user)	All ability checks
Astral Knowledge: Intelligence	Proficiency
Bardic Inspiration  Combat Inspiration	+1d6 +1d8 +1d10	Next ability check
Bend Luck: Ability Check Bonus	+1d4	All ability checks
Bestow Curse: Intelligence Disadvantage	Disadvantage	All Intelligence ability checks
Bolstering Magic: Boon	+1d4	All ability checks
Contagion: Mindfire	Disadvantage	All Intelligence ability checks
Cosmic Omen: Ability Check	+1d6	All ability checks
Cutting Words	-1d6	All ability checks
Fox's Cunning	Advantage	All Intelligence ability checks
Guidance	+1d4	All ability checks
Hex (Intelligence)	Disadvantage	All Intelligence ability checks
Improved Bardic Inspiration	+1d12	Next ability check
Knowledge of the Ages: Intelligence	Proficiency
Psychic Rend	Disadvantage	All Intelligence/Wisdom ability checks
Vampire Bite	-1 (target) +1 (user)	All ability checks

Other sources

Name	Bonus or Penalty	Notes
Aura of Possibility	+10	All ability checks
Bliss Spores	+1d6	All ability checks
Blood-draw Sickness	-1	All ability checks
Dark One's Own Luck	+1d10	All ability checks once per short rest
Jack of All Trades	Proficiency bonus/2	All skills not proficient in

Voice lines

A character's response to successfully finding a hidden object, door, etc:

Generic

• • "Think I found something."
  • "Look at that."
  • "Glad that caught my eye."
  • "Hiding in plain sight."
  • "Better take a closer look."

 Astarion

• • "Well now, what have we here?"
  • "Well hello there."
  • "Hmm, what could you be?"
  • "What's that I spy?"
  • "Ah, interesting."

 Gale

• • "I spy with my little eye..."
  • "Something hidden - but not from me."
  • "Methinks I spotted something."
  • "What's that over there?"
  • "Intriguing."

 Karlach

• • "What's this?"
  • "Gotcha."
  • "He-llo."
  • "What's that now?"
  • "C'mere you."

 Lae'zel

• • "Interesting."
  • "What is that?"
  • "Curious."
  • "I found something."
  • "What's this?"

 Shadowheart

• • "Hmm. What do we have here?"
  • "I wonder how long this went overlooked?"
  • "Something's here. Almost missed it."
  • "What's this?"
  • "Hidden away - but not hidden well enough."

 Wyll

• • "Hey now - what's that?"
  • "Spotted something."
  • "What have we here?"
  • "Check it out."
  • "What's that there?"