UMD Natural 1 + Gallant Inpiration

[S'Daria]

Is it still a Natural 1?

[Kalindlara]

Yes. However, note that if a UMD check beats the DC - even if the die roll is a natural 1 - the check still succeeds with no drawbacks. So if the 2d4 can bring it up to a success, then you have nothing to worry about.

[Devilkiller]

That's interesting, I guess it is worth an extra skill point to get UMD up to +19 after all.

If you have some idea that a UMD check is in your future then Bestow Insight is another nice spell to boost your bonus.

[Jay the Madman]

Natural 1s are not auto-failure with skill checks. At the same time, natural 20s aren't auto-success. So your +19 on UMD is enough for a lot of its uses.

[Archaeik]

Jay the Madman wrote:

Natural 1s are not auto-failure with skill checks. At the same time, natural 20s aren't auto-success. So your +19 on UMD is enough for a lot of its uses.

UMD wrote:

Try Again: Yes, but if you ever roll a natural 1 while attempting to activate an item and you fail, then you can't try to activate that item again for 24 hours.

The 1 itself is not an auto-failure. But if it's a failure and a 1, this clause is invoked.

If the bonus from Gallant Inspiration is not enough to convert the roll to a success, this still applies.
(also keep in mind competence bonuses don't stack)

[Jay the Madman]

Oops, forgot about that. Was thinking generally about skill checks.

[thaX]

So to clarify, rolling a 1 on a UMD check only suppresses the item if that particular roll fails, right? If it succeeds, then the item still works.

[thaX]

I ask because that is a bit different than "I have to roll to see if I roll a one" thing. With this clarification, I would not have to roll unless there is actually a chance of failure.

Is that the correct summation?

[Taenia]

Yes, the natural one must be a failure to engage its listed effect. Keep in mind that UMD as uses other than activating wands so have it above +19 can still be useful, like when you ally has to activate the breath of life scroll.

[thaX]

Yep, understood that. Going through Eyes of the Ten right now and having a UMD of +23 is a good thing.