Many D&D games lean heavily on familiar skill checks like Perception, Insight, and Stealth, often to the exclusion of other skills. Perception alone can account for over a quarter of all rolls in some campaigns, while niche skills like Performance, Animal Handling, and Medicine sit at the bottom of the usage charts. Over-relying on the same three or four checks can make challenges feel one-dimensional.
By encouraging a broader range of ability checks, Game Masters (GMs) allow more characters to shine and create more varied, immersive gameplay. This guide will explore the benefits of moving beyond the usual checks and show GMs how to creatively incorporate lesser-used ability checks into their encounters for a richer storytelling experience.
"Ability checks are not about pass or fail; they are about degrees of success and failure. Even a failed roll can move the story forward." — Jeremy Crawford, Lead Rules Designer for Dungeons & Dragons (Source: D&D Sage Advice, Wizards of the Coast)
Breaking Down Lesser-Used D&D Ability Checks and Their Uses
Not every obstacle should boil down to “spot the hidden enemy” or “sneak past the guard.” Below are some lesser-used D&D 5e skills and how they can add depth to the game:
Skill Check Name: History
What it is: The History skill allows characters to recall knowledge about historical events, ancient cultures, notable figures, and forgotten lore.
3 Interesting Ways to Use History Skill Checks:
Deciphering an old warn journal to uncover a forgotten treasure’s location or an interesting piece of lore.
Identifying the significance of an ancient prophecy tied to an ongoing event.
Recognizing the name of a fallen empire and its lost magic secrets.
Prompt Example: "Give me five different history check ideas for this encounter. Ask me 5 questions one at a time to flesh out the encounter, ideas and impact."
AI Suggestion: AI can generate historical context tied to the player's backstory or campaign. "Your history check reveals this crest was once worn by a fallen knight order, but their betrayal remains a mystery.”
GM Tip: Train the AI on the encounter and the story. From there you can use iterative refinement prompting to generate interesting details. From lost books, to works of art (see below), ancient carvings, and jewelry, which I create using AI.
Skill Check Name: Arcana
What it is: Arcana represents knowledge of spells, magical artifacts, otherworldly beings, and supernatural events.
3 Interesting Ways to Use Arcana Skill Checks:
Recognizing the remnants of a forgotten magic spell on a ruined temple.
Identifying an enchanted item’s potential powers before activating it.
Identifying an ancient magic circle that faintly glows when the character's name is spoken.
Prompt Example: "Generate for me an outline of an ancient spell book. The spell book should be focused on necromancy, have an introduction written by a lich and contain 5 new spells. I also want you to give me 3 ideas for negative effects for when a person tries to read the book, include DC checks. Ask me five questions, one at a time, to generate an outline for the book."
AI Suggestion: AI can generate magical anomalies that demand Arcana rolls. "You sense a lingering spell here—an Arcana check might reveal its purpose or last known caster.”
GM Tip: Take the time to provide examples for when a player makes an arcana check. I like to assign their character the item that they were successful with. Based on the level of success, I have layers of knowledge, or lore, or magical abilities associated to the success.
Skill Check Name: Performance
What it is: Performance covers a character’s ability to entertain through music, storytelling, acting, and other creative expressions.
3 Interesting Ways to Use Performance Skill Checks:
Convincing an audience of a fake identity through acting.
Using a dramatic speech to rally an army before battle.
Distracting guards with a theatrical scene to allow allies to sneak past.
Prompt Example: "Give me five scenarios where Performance can be a deciding factor. Ask me questions one at a time to tailor them to my game."
AI Suggestion: AI can create NPCs who respond favorably to performances. “The noble seems unimpressed with persuasion but leans in when the bard begins to recite a heroic tale.”
GM Tip: Have the performer write the song that they might perform using AI and perform it during the session.
Skill Check Name: Medicine
What it is: Medicine determines a character’s ability to diagnose illnesses, treat wounds, and understand biological conditions.
3 Interesting Ways to Use Medicine Skill Checks:
Identifying an unusual poison affecting an unconscious NPC.
Determining the cause of death from a mysterious corpse.
Stabilizing a wounded enemy to interrogate later.
Prompt Example: "Provide five ways Medicine checks could impact an investigation of a corpse. Ask five refining questions one at a time to until you understand what I am looking for. Tie the outcomes to the story."
AI Suggestion: AI can assist with forensic clues in mysteries. “A closer examination might reveal a poison or magical influence—Medicine could tell you more.”
GM Tip: One of my rules is that I only allow healing by those who can cast magical healing. Fighters cannot magically heal themselves after they have taken damage. With this one home brew, medicine now comes into play. As the players have more of a reason to use medicine and a chance to heal, and cure poison.
Blog: The Soul of a Character: How AI and Game Master Platform Transformed My Role-Playing Experience >>
Skill Check Name: Nature
What it is: Nature allows characters to recall knowledge of the environment, weather patterns, and the influence of magic on nature.
3 Interesting Ways to Use Nature Skill Checks:
Predicting a coming storm to prepare for travel.
Identifying a rare herb that could be used as a potion ingredient.
Noticing unnatural changes in the ecosystem hinting at corruption.
Prompt Example: "Give me five Nature-based challenges. Ask questions one at a time to align them with my world’s environment."
AI Suggestion: AI can dynamically describe landscapes to encourage Nature checks. “The trees here look twisted and unnatural—Nature could help you determine why.”
GM Tip: I like to use nature checks in most environments, from the mountains to the desert, to the open ocean. I use them to determine how much the players will be impacted, and when a player is very successful, I will often reward an inspiration point to the player
"When a player rolls a skill check, they’re not just rolling dice; they’re shaping the story. The best Dungeon Masters use those rolls to add depth and unexpected twists to the game." — Chris Perkins, Principal Story Designer for Dungeons & Dragons (Source: Dragon Talk Podcast, Wizards of the Coast)
Skill Check Name: Religion
What it is: Religion governs a character’s knowledge of deities, sacred texts, and divine magic.
3 Interesting Ways to Use Religion Skill Checks:
Identifying the lost name of an ancient forgotten god.
Recognizing the meaning behind a cryptic prophecy.
Deciphering an ancient spell book.
Prompt Example: "Generate for me an outline of an ancient spell book. The spell book should be focused on necromancy, have an introduction written by a lich and contain 5 new spells. I also want you to give me 3 ideas for negative effects for when a person tries to read the book, include DC checks. Ask me five questions, one at a time, to generate an outline for the book."
AI Suggestion: AI can generate mythological connections. "This shrine bears the mark of an old god—Religion could help recall their tenets.”
GM Tip: Use organizations to build your religions, even ones from the past, as this forces you to understand why they existed and how they may impact the world.
Skill Check Name: Animal Handling
What it is: Animal Handling allows characters to influence animal behavior, tame creatures, and communicate nonverbally with them.
3 Interesting Ways to Use Animal Handling Skill Checks:
Calming a terrified horse during a chaotic battle.
Training a bird to deliver secret messages.
Using a wolf’s natural instincts to detect hidden dangers.
Prompt Example: "Suggest for me in a step-by-step process that the players would need to go through to learn to ride a small dragon. Compare it to the process of learning to ride an unbroken horse. Make sure the process includes DC checks along the way including animal handling and acrobatics."
AI Suggestion: AI can create unexpected interactions. “The beast doesn’t attack immediately—it looks hesitant. Maybe an Animal Handling check could help.”
Skill Check Name: Survival
What it is: Survival allows characters to navigate the wilderness, find food, and endure harsh conditions.
3 Interesting Ways to Use Survival Skill Checks:
Finding a safe passage through an avalanche-prone mountain.
Identifying signs of a predator stalking the party.
Tracking a lost child through the dense forest.
Prompt Example: "Create five high-stakes Survival challenges. Ask questions to adjust difficulty and themes."
AI Suggestion: AI can randomize environmental challenges that require Survival checks. “The ground is unstable here—Survival could help you find a safer path.”
Encouraging Players to Use Lesser-Used Checks
Using lesser-used skill checks like History, Arcana, Performance, and Medicine can enhance roleplaying depth and gameplay variety. However, many players default to more common checks like Perception or Insight because they expect them to be the most relevant. It is your job as a GM to offer up opportunities and rewards players for thinking outside of the box.
"Encourage players to describe how they use their skills, not just what skill they are rolling. The best moments come when the roleplaying drives the dice roll, not the other way around." — Matt Mercer, Dungeon Master of Critical Role (Source: Critical Role Q&A, YouTube)
Dungeons & Dragons thrives on three main types of encounters, often called the three pillars of gameplay:
Combat Encounters: Direct confrontations that test players’ tactical combat abilities.
Social Encounters: Interactions that challenge diplomacy, deception, insight, and role-playing.
Exploration Encounters: Scenarios involving discovery, navigation, and puzzle-solving.
1. Combat Encounters
Encounter Type Description: Combat encounters are direct confrontations that test players’ tactical abilities, teamwork, and resource management. While combat usually focuses on attack rolls and saving throws, introducing skill checks beyond Athletics and Stealth can create more dynamic battles.
3 Interesting Ways to Use Lesser-Used Skill Checks in Combat
History – Know Your Enemy: Recognizing the fighting style or tactics of a famous warlord and using that knowledge to predict an enemy’s next move. I might give the player advantage on his next attack role or a +2 bonus to AC.
Arcana – Identify Their Weakness: Identifying magical weak points in an enemy’s enchanted armor to bypass its defenses or identify the type of spell an enemy is casting. Depending on the situation, I might have the player attack with a negative, but if they hit knock the enemy prone.
Intimidation – Intimidate in Battle: Using an intimidating war cry or rallying speech to inspire allies, granting them temporary bonuses. On a success, I might give a bonus to those allies within 30' a +1 to hit for their next turn. Or give an enemy disadvantage to their next attack role.
Prompt Example:
“Give me five different ways to use non-traditional skill checks in combat with a lich in this encounter. Ask me five questions, one at a time, to refine them for my campaign.”
AI Suggestion:
AI can generate combat twists that encourage alternative skill use. “The enemy commander taunts you with knowledge of a legendary battle. A History check could reveal a counter-strategy used in that very battle.”
2. Social Encounters
Encounter Type Description: Social encounters involve dialogue, persuasion, deception, and role-playing. While Persuasion, Deception, and Insight dominate, lesser-used skills can add more layers to conversations.
3 Interesting Ways to Use Lesser-Used Skill Checks in Social Encounters
✅ Religion – Reading Sacred Subtext: Recognizing that an NPC’s words or gestures reference a religious story, myth, or divine law. A successful Religion check might let a character respond with a related passage or blessing, impressing a priestly figure and gaining their trust.
✅ Medicine – Diagnosing the Unseen: Noticing that an NPC is suffering from an ailment, whether physical or psychological, and subtly using that knowledge to gain favor. This could lead to a side quest where curing the ailment earns the PCs a powerful ally or prevents the party from being blamed for the NPC’s declining health.
✅ Animal Handling – Sensing Subtle Cues: Detecting that an NPC’s mount, pet, or trained animal is reacting nervously to deception. A successful Animal Handling check could reveal that the noble’s prized falcon is agitated because its owner is lying, giving the players an edge in social interactions.
Prompt Example:
“Generate five unique social encounters where uncommon skill checks influence the outcome. Ask me clarifying questions to tailor them to my setting.”
AI Suggestion:
AI can create NPCs who favor specific skills instead of defaulting to Charisma-based checks. “The High Priest frowns at flattery but perks up when you recite an obscure religious verse. A Religion check could improve their opinion of you.”
3. Exploration Encounters
3 Interesting Ways to Use Lesser-Used Skill Checks in Exploration
✅ Nature – Reading Elemental Imbalance: Recognizing when a river is flowing unnaturally, the air pressure suddenly shifts, or the flora has grown in unexpected ways. A successful Nature check might let a character predict an upcoming environmental hazard, such as a rockslide, flash flood, or emergence of a creature before it occurs.
✅ Survival – Interpreting Ancient Trail Markings: Detecting non-traditional navigation techniques, such as hidden markers left by an extinct civilization. A successful Survival check could help the party avoid an ambush or find an alternate path through dangerous terrain.
✅ Arcana – Sensing Planar Influence: Identifying that an area is slightly out of sync with its usual magical resonance. A successful Arcana check might reveal that the location is a key to a hidden portal to another realm.
Prompt Example:
“Suggest five exploration challenges that require skills other than Perception and Investigation while the players travel through the dark forest. Ask me questions, one at a time, to fine-tune them. I want to focus on non-combat related checks.”
AI Suggestion:
AI can generate environmental storytelling cues that nudge players toward different skills. “The markings on these trees don’t seem natural—Nature or Arcana could reveal whether they were caused by a beast or a magical force.”
Preparing for Your Next Session
Reviewing Your Encounters with AI
You've done your session prep—outlined potential encounters, prepared your NPCs, and mapped out the major beats of the adventure. But before you finalize everything, go back one more time and review each encounter with the lens of adding in unique skill checks. This extra pass can help you spot missed opportunities for lesser-used skill checks, introduce new layers of interactivity, and ensure that each scene feels fresh and engaging.
Ask the AI these questions about your encounters to explore different and unique ways to incorporate lesser-used skill checks:
✅ Are there any non-traditional skill checks that could be relevant to this encounter?
✅ How could History or Religion checks provide deeper context to this scene?
✅ Could this encounter benefit from an NPC or environmental interaction requiring an uncommon skill?
✅ Are there ways to provide multiple solutions to this challenge using different skills?
✅ What consequences or rewards could I add for creative skill use?
✅How can I support the successful check? Should I create lore, knowledge, or an asset for the players to find?
✅ How can I make this encounter feel more unique by incorporating different ability checks?
By asking these questions, GMs can broaden the possibilities within their encounters and give players more opportunities to shine with their unique skill sets.
Conclusion
Integrating lesser-used skill checks into your combat, social, and exploration encounters can transform your game from predictable dice rolls into dynamic, story-rich experiences. While skills like Perception, Stealth and Insight often take center stage, creative applications of Religion, Medicine, Nature, and Performance can open new problem-solving pathways and deepen character engagement.
AI tools can act as a GM’s assistant, suggesting underutilized skills, generating hidden knowledge, and offering alternative encounter solutions. By leveraging AI prompts before your session, you can refine your encounters to encourage diverse skill usage, ensuring every player has a moment to shine.
Before your next session, take a moment to review each encounter with AI, ask key questions, and consider how lesser-used skills might reveal new insights, influence outcomes, or shift player expectations. The more variety you introduce, the richer and more immersive your game will become.
So next time you prep your encounters, challenge yourself: "How can I make this moment more than just another Perception check?"
Your players will thank you. Happy gaming! 🎲
This is great, really love the idea of incorporating more use of the not so heavily used skills! Makes the "Skilled" and "Skill Expert" feats much more tasty.