This makes the outcome similar to disadvantage while highlighting that both characters are participating. Let both players roll a persuasion check with their own character, then take the lowest of the two. Finally, vonBoomslang gives an excellent idea in his answer.As SeriousBri points out, this is covered by the Other Intelligence Checks rules.

If Bard wants to help, let him communicate non-verbally.This reflects Bard feeding him with the plan and strategy. If you want to make the help from Bard more significant, let Wizard roll with Bard's proficiency bonus (they should be the same).There are a few things you can do to add more than just advantage : Which I would argue Bard can't do in your situation, but it seems to me like it's the ruling would be fair in this case. By RAW, Helping requires that the helper can also do the thing. However, as someone pointed out in the comments. While a weaker character is the main focus of the action. When the best character (played by the most experienced player for this kind of challenge, it was thematically related to the player's work) is out of the picture and can only help. In my group, I've seen my players bond over that kind of indirect challenge. And you give the spotlight to Wizard who probably doesn't shine in speaking challenges usually. The players realise they can't always be carried by Bard. Second, it is more interesting because you put the spotlight on the logistic with talking with the lizardfolk. He can't choose the words Wizard uses, only highlight the over all plan.įor this reason, letting Wizard roll is closer to the rules. Bard literally can't communicate with words. In you case, Wizard is doing the talking, doing the negotiating (with arguments and wording chosen by Bard). Let Wizard do the roll, but give him advantage for being helped.įirst, when you ask a player a roll, it's because his character is acting using his character's stat. Addressing your particular situation, your ruling would be appropriate, but you can do something both more interesting and closer to the spirit of the rules :

Charisma Check by Alex Silver