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D20 Test

Umbrella term for ability checks, attack rolls, and saves: roll 1d20 + modifier, meet-or-beat the DC/AC.

A D20 Test is the umbrella term for any roll that uses a d20 against a target number to determine success. There are three kinds:

  • Ability check — vs. a Difficulty Class (DC) set by the DM
  • Attack roll — vs. the target's Armor Class (AC)
  • Saving throw — vs. a DC set by the effect causing the save

Resolution:

  1. Roll 1d20
  2. Add the relevant modifier (ability modifier, plus proficiency bonus if proficient, plus situational bonuses or penalties)
  3. Apply Advantage or Disadvantage if applicable: roll two d20s and take the higher (advantage) or lower (disadvantage); they cancel one another
  4. Compare the total to the target: meet or beat the DC/AC to succeed

Critical results: A natural 20 on an attack roll is a critical hit (auto-success, extra damage). A natural 1 on an attack roll auto-misses. Ability checks and saving throws do not automatically succeed or fail on a 20 or 1 — they follow the same meet-or-beat rule (variant rules differ).

Why the term matters: Several features (Lucky feat, Bardic Inspiration, the Bend Luck metamagic) apply to "a d20 Test" as a category. They work on attacks, saves, and ability checks alike.