Bardic Knowledge vs Knowledge Skills

[incog64]

In regards to the standard knowledge skills, what is the overlap? Skill points are precious I want to avoid overlap.

Also does Bardic Knowledge work with Knowledge devotion?

Thoughts?

[Biggus]

Bardic Knowledge doesn't work with Knowledge Devotion, because it specifies Knowledge skills, and Bardic Knowledge is a class feature, not a skill:


you can make a Knowledge check based on its type, as described on page 78 of the Player's Handbook, provided that you have at least one rank in the appropriate Knowledge skill

As for overlap with Knowledge skills, given that Bardic Knowledge covers "local notable people, legendary items, or noteworthy places" I'd say the main ones are History, Local, and Nobility and Royalty. Perhaps to a lesser extent Arcana (magic items) and Geography (places).

[incog64]

Bardic Knowledge doesn't work with Knowledge Devotion, because it specifies Knowledge skills, and Bardic Knowledge is a class feature, not a skill:



As for overlap with Knowledge skills, given that Bardic Knowledge covers "local notable people, legendary items, or noteworthy places" I'd say the main ones are History, Local, and Nobility and Royalty. Perhaps to a lesser extent Arcana (magic items) and Geography (places).

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback.

[Tzardok]

Knowledge Devotion pretty explicitely doesn't work with Bardic Knowledge. It always refers to Knowledge skills, and to use its effect you need to roll the type of Knowledge skill that is associated with whatever you're fighting. No creature types are associated with Bardic Knowledge.

Bardic Knowledge covers... pretty much anything that you could overhear someone say somewhere in a tavern, with a slight focus on stories and legends. It is broad, much broader than Knowledge skills, but its not good with specialised knowledge. A Bardic Knowledge DC is based on how far spread the knowledge of something is, while the DCs of Knowledge skills are based on how difficult it is to learn something.

[Biggus]

to use its effect you need to roll the type of Knowledge skill that is associated with whatever you're fighting. No creature types are associated with Bardic Knowledge.


Good point, that's more conclusive than the reason I gave.