[RPG] What happens when a rogue tries to disarm a trap they couldn’t investigate

dnd-5etraps

Let's say a rogue tries to investigate a trap, then fails. What would happen to them if they then tried to disable that trap? He doesn't understand it completely since he failed his investigation check, right?

Here's how I understand the process for dealing with a trap: Perception check (To see the trap) + Investigation check (To understand how it works) + thief tools check (To disarm the trap). That is the pattern this question is built upon.

Best Answer

Strictly speaking, you typically use either Wisdom (Perception) or Intelligence (Investigation) to locate the trap, then a Dexterity check (with thieves' tools) to disable the trap.

Asking the player for a further Investigation check to understand a trap that they've already seen is a valid use of the skill, but it's not typical. Normally you simply use Perception to spot it, then Dexterity to disable it.

In the event that the DM asks the player for a Investigation check to understand the trap before attempting to disarm it (something which would be more likely to apply to especially complex traps), it's entirely up to the DM what happens.

From the Player's Handbook:

Finding a hidden object

When your character searches for a hidden object such as a secret door or trap, the DM typically asks you to make a Wisdom (Perception) check. Such a check can be used to find hidden details or other information and clues that you might otherwise overlook.

Perception:

Your Wisdom (Perception) check lets you spot, hear, or otherwise detect the presence of something.

However, Investigation can also cover the skill of finding a trap:

When you look around for clues and make deductions based on those clues, you make an Intelligence (Investigation) check. You might deduce the location of a hidden object...