Bard's "Inspire Competence" out of combat

[MadLordOfMilk]

Inspire Competence, a Bard level 2 encounter utility, phb2 p70, reads:
"...Until the end of the encounter, each target gains a +2 power bonus to his or her next check using that skill."

If used outside of combat, how long would this effect last? Additionally, how long does it last in a skill challenge, the entirety of it?

 

[Danceofmasks]

Well, that's Wizard's fault for using english words!

PHB p.278

Until the End of the Encounter: The effect ends when you take a rest (short or extended) or after 5 minutes.

And yes, that means powers with this duration do not end when the encounter ends (when you get your milestone).

 

[chitzk0i]

The effect lasts until the target makes a skill check with the chosen skill or 5 minutes passes, whichever comes first.

 

[Oompa]

And don't forget you have to chose the skill they get a bonus on..

 

[DracoSuave]

Not a big deal tho--outside of combat, you usually have some form of idea as to which skill you might want to try. It's not like you need to guess, for instance, that in a skill challenge around negotiation that using this with your Diplomat, to enhance his Diplomacy after he asks you to inspire his competance. Five minutes is plenty of warning time.

 

[Wolfwood2]

Not a big deal tho--outside of combat, you usually have some form of idea as to which skill you might want to try. It's not like you need to guess, for instance, that in a skill challenge around negotiation that using this with your Diplomat, to enhance his Diplomacy after he asks you to inspire his competance. Five minutes is plenty of warning time.

The interesting thing there is that the specialized Diplomat is probably going to make his check anyway. It's the middling character, who might be trained in Diplomacy but not have Charisma as a primary or secondary attribute (or vice versa) who could really use the boost. Characters who are pretty hopeless at Diplomacy will likely find a way to apply some other skill.

 

[MadLordOfMilk]

Well, that's Wizard's fault for using english words!

PHB p.278

Until the End of the Encounter: The effect ends when you take a rest (short or extended) or after 5 minutes.

And yes, that means powers with this duration do not end when the encounter ends (when you get your milestone).

Thanks! I was looking in the wrong spot (specifically, the How to Read a Power section). Unfortunately even with a PDF copy, you can't exactly do a search for "until the end of the encounter" as that'll get about a bazillion hits on powers. Completely missed "Durations" in the Table of Contents :X