Dice rolls: Difference between revisions

Ability Checks can be based purely on an [[Ability Score]], in which case they can only benefit from the Ability Score Modifier, but not any Proficiency Bonus.  More commonly however, the check will be related to a specific [[Skill]], which not only determines the Ability Score used for the Modifier, but also lets the creature use its Proficiency Bonus if it happens to be Proficient in that particular Skill.  In this case the check may be called a Skill Check rather than an Ability Check.

For example, when a trap is near a creature, the game rolls a Perception Skill Check (or Perception Check for short) to determine whether the creature notices the existence of the trap.  (This is not to be confused with making a Saving Throw after the trap is activated.)  Perception is based on Wisdom, so a creature with a high Wisdom score will gain a bonus.  If the creature doesn't gain any bonus from Wisdom, it could still gain a bonus from being Proficient in the Perception Skill.  If the creature both has high Wisdom and is also proficient in Perception, it will gain both bonuses.

Once a trap is seen, the creature may want to disarm it.  This will require a Sleight of Hand Check, which is based on Dexterity.  So, a creature that both has high Dexterity, and Proficiency in Sleight of Hand, can benefit from both types of bonuses when attempting to disarm the trap.

 

Following is a table categorizing the various Skills based on the Ability Score which they use for the Ability Score Modifier.

|+ List of Skills, sorted by the Ability Score they're based on