What is 5e observant?

In D&D 5e, the Observant feat and ability are designed to make a character more skilled in perception and awareness, allowing them to pick up on details that others might miss. Here are some key points of the Observant feat and ability:

• The Observant feat gives a character a +5 bonus to their passive Perception and passive Investigation scores, as well as the ability to read lips if they know the language being spoken.
• The Observant ability, on the other hand, is a class feature that some classes (like the Rogue or Ranger) can gain. It typically grants a +1 bonus to Wisdom (Perception) and Wisdom (Investigation) checks, and may also give additional benefits like being able to notice hidden doors or traps.
• With these bonuses to Perception and Investigation, characters with Observant are more likely to spot clues, hidden objects, and enemies lurking in the shadows. They may also be able to detect subtle changes in their environment, such as changes in air pressure or the faint smell of smoke.
• In addition to these mechanical advantages, the Observant feat and ability can add a lot of flavor to a character. A highly observant character might be hyper-vigilant, constantly scanning their surroundings and analyzing everything they see. Alternatively, they might be more methodical in their approach, taking the time to carefully search a room for clues before making a move.
• Players who enjoy playing detective-style characters will likely find the Observant feat and ability to be very helpful, as they can help them uncover secrets, solve puzzles, and piece together complex mysteries. If you're a DM running a game with a lot of hidden lore and clues, you may want to encourage your players to take the Observant feat or consider giving it to them as a reward for their investigative efforts.