Demystifying the Proficiency Bonus: What is it and How Does it Work?
As a Dungeons and Dragons player, you may have heard the term “proficiency bonus” thrown around during character creation and gameplay, but what exactly does it mean? Let’s demystify this mechanic and explore its inner workings.
Introduction
The proficiency bonus is a term that is often used in relation to skill checks, attacks, and saving throws in Dungeons and Dragons. It is a modifier that is added to your roll when attempting to perform a task that your character is proficient in.
What is Proficiency?
Before we delve deeper into proficiency bonuses, it is important to understand what proficiency means. Proficiency is a character’s level of training or experience in a particular skill or tool. A character can be proficient in a variety of skills, from athletics to persuasion, depending on their class and background.
How Does Proficiency Work?
When a character attempts to perform a task that they are proficient in, they add their proficiency bonus to the roll. For example, a level 1 fighter with a proficiency bonus of +2 and proficiency in Athletics would roll a d20 and add 2 if they were attempting to climb a wall.
Conversely, if a character attempts a task that they are not proficient in, they do not add their proficiency bonus to the roll. So if the same fighter attempted to perform a medicine check, which they are not proficient in, they would not add their proficiency bonus to the roll.
How is the Proficiency Bonus Determined?
The proficiency bonus is determined by the character’s level. As the character levels up, their proficiency bonus also increases. At level 1, the proficiency bonus is +2. It then increases to +3 at level 5, +4 at level 9, +5 at level 13, and +6 at level 17.
Why is the Proficiency Bonus Important?
The proficiency bonus is important because it can make a significant difference when attempting to perform difficult tasks. For example, a character with a +6 proficiency bonus in Stealth will have a much better chance of successfully sneaking past a guard than a character with no proficiency bonus in Stealth.
Additionally, the proficiency bonus can affect a character’s ability to hit an enemy in combat. A character with a higher proficiency bonus will have a better chance of hitting an enemy with their weapons or spells.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, the proficiency bonus is an important mechanic in Dungeons and Dragons that can greatly affect a character’s ability to perform tasks and succeed in combat. By being proficient in a skill, a character can add their proficiency bonus to their roll, increasing their chances of success. It is determined by the character’s level and is a key aspect of character creation and gameplay.
