The world is full of chandeliers and tree branches to be swung from, doors to be kicked in, and eldritch statues full of ruinous power to meddle with. There are numerous objects bristling with possibility for the intrepid and the bold. Adventurers can perform many actions with an object—they might pick up a vase to secure treasure, throw a glass sculpture to create a diversion, or try and hack their way through hastily set up barricades.
When interacting with an object, a creature might use a trait, feature, or special action, or it might simply make an attack. In general, given enough time and the right equipment, any adventurer can usually accomplish what they want with an object. An object is a single inanimate item like a rug, vase, axe, painting, boulder, door, section of wall, or a bureau full of clothes (which themselves are many objects).
Most physical interactions with the environment simply require a player to announce their intentions to the Narrator. A statement like, “I open the wardrobe,” is normally all that is necessary to set an action into motion.
Some interactions, however, may require a d20 Test. A wardrobe that won’t open might require a Dexterity (thieves’ tools) check to pick a lock or a Strength check to pull it open despite rusted hinges. The DM sets the DC for the check based on the difficulty of the task. A Strength check can also be used to break an object, and the DM sets the DC for the check.
Creatures can also damage objects with both physical attacks and spells. Objects are immune to psychic and poison damage, but otherwise they can be affected by damage just like creatures. The DM determines an object’s AC and hit points, and if it has any damage resistances, immunities, or vulnerabilities. Objects always fail Strength and Dexterity saving throws, but are immune to effects that require other saves. When an object drops to 0 hit points, it breaks.
A character can also attempt a Strength check to break an object. The DM sets the DC for any such check.
For more specific details on the statistics for objects, see here.