Ability check: 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, not the Proficiency Bonus.

More commonly, 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.  (This can also be called rolling a Perception Check, or simply rolling Perception.) Perception is related to Wisdom, so the creature first of all uses its Wisdom Modifier.  If the creature doesn't gain any bonus from Wisdom, it could still gain a bonus from being Proficient in Perception.  If the creature both has high Wisdom and is also proficient in Perception, it will gain both bonuses.

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