how to roll a wisdom check in roll20

3 min read 24-01-2025

Roll20, a popular virtual tabletop platform, simplifies many aspects of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs), including dice rolling. This guide will walk you through how to roll a Wisdom check in Roll20, covering different methods and troubleshooting common issues. Whether you're a seasoned DM or a new player, this guide will help you master Wisdom checks in your virtual games.

Understanding Wisdom Checks

Before diving into the mechanics of Roll20, let's briefly review what a Wisdom check is. In most TTRPG systems (like Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition – D&D 5e), a Wisdom check measures a character's perception, intuition, insight, and willpower. The Dungeon Master (DM) calls for a Wisdom check when a character needs to use their wisdom to overcome a challenge or determine something. This could involve things like:

Spotting a hidden trap: Requires keen observation and intuition.
Resisting a charm spell: Tests the character's willpower and mental fortitude.
Understanding a cryptic clue: Relies on insight and deduction.

Rolling a Wisdom Check in Roll20: Methods & Techniques

Roll20 offers several ways to roll a Wisdom check. Here are the most common methods:

Method 1: Using the Dice Roller Button

This is the simplest method:

Locate the Dice Roller: This is usually a small dice icon located in your chat window. It might vary slightly depending on your Roll20 setup.
Enter the Command: Type /roll 1d20 + [Wisdom Modifier] in the chat box. Replace [Wisdom Modifier] with your character's Wisdom modifier. For example, if your Wisdom modifier is +3, you would type /roll 1d20 + 3.
Press Enter: Hit enter to roll the dice. Roll20 will display the result in the chat window.

Method 2: Using the Character Sheet

Many Roll20 users prefer to use their character sheets for dice rolls:

Open Your Character Sheet: Locate your character sheet on the Roll20 game page.
Find the Ability Checks Section: Your character sheet will have a section for ability checks (usually under "Abilities" or "Skills").
Roll the Wisdom Check: Click on the appropriate button for a Wisdom check (often labeled "Wisdom" or "Wis"). This usually automatically incorporates your character's Wisdom modifier.

Method 3: Using Macros (For Advanced Users)

Macros allow for customized and automated dice rolls. This is ideal for frequent checks or complex calculations:

Create a Macro: In your Roll20 game settings, you can create a macro that automatically rolls a Wisdom check with your modifier.
Execute the Macro: Click the macro button to roll your check. The result will appear in chat. Consult the Roll20 documentation for detailed instructions on macro creation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Incorrect Modifier: Double-check your character's Wisdom modifier before rolling. An incorrect modifier will lead to an inaccurate result.
Dice Roller Malfunction: If the dice roller doesn't work, refresh the page or try using a different method (like the character sheet).
Macro Errors: If using macros, ensure the syntax is correct. A slight error can prevent the macro from functioning correctly. Consult the Roll20 help section for assistance.

Beyond the Basic Roll: Adding Advantage/Disadvantage

Sometimes, the DM will grant advantage or disadvantage on a Wisdom check. To incorporate this:

Advantage: Roll twice and take the higher result. You can accomplish this by typing /roll 2d20 + [Wisdom Modifier] and selecting the highest roll.
Disadvantage: Roll twice and take the lower result. Similar to above, type /roll 2d20 + [Wisdom Modifier] and select the lowest roll.

Conclusion

Rolling a Wisdom check in Roll20 is straightforward once you understand the different methods. By using the dice roller, character sheet, or macros, you can seamlessly integrate dice rolls into your virtual tabletop game. Remember to always double-check your character's modifiers to ensure accurate results. Happy gaming!