Study Action

The Study action lets a creature concentrate on a target, situation, or piece of information to learn something about it through observation and recall.

Using the action:

• Cost: 1 action
• Roll: An Intelligence check, modified by the relevant knowledge skill where applicable (Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, or Religion)
• DC: Set by the DM based on the obscurity of the information
• Result: On a success, the DM reveals information appropriate to the topic and the margin of success. On a failure, the DM may reveal nothing, partial truth, or misleading impressions.

Common uses:

• Identifying a creature: Recognize a monster's type, abilities, vulnerabilities, or weaknesses by recalling lore. Different skills apply for different creature types (Arcana for constructs and aberrations, Nature for beasts and plants, Religion for celestials, fiends, and undead).
• Examining an object or scene: Study what an object is, how it was made, what its purpose is, or what happened in a room. Investigation is the usual skill.
• Reading a person: Combined with Insight (a Wisdom check), Study can help piece together motives from observed behavior.
• Decoding writing or magic: Study an inscription, magical effect, or arcane sigil to learn what it does or says (Arcana or Investigation).

The Study/Search distinction: Search is a Wisdom (Perception) check to find something hidden. Study is an Intelligence check to understand something already perceived. You search for the trap; you study how it works once you've found it.

In combat: Study can be used to identify a monster's abilities mid-fight ("is it immune to fire?"), trading an action for tactical information. The DM should reveal usable, actionable details on success.