Hi, I'm not sure I'm understanding the Zombie stat block correctly. It has under saving throws "Wisdom +0". If I am understanding this correctly, if a monster has a saving throw listed in that section it is because it has proficiency in that ability. Does this mean that it has a proficiency that off-sets its ability modifier of - 2? If this is the case, it does lead to the question as to why a braindead zombie has a proficiency in wisdom rather than for example constitution.
First, you are correct, the Saving Throw: Wis +0 is an offset to what would normally be a -2 to Wisdom saves.
As to the other part, I am guessing it's due to lore reasons. There's probably a bit to do with making them a bit more resilient to Cleric/Paladins so that Turn Undead and such spells/abilities aren't immediately a one shot. One could also argue, though it's more for amusement, that without a functioning brain the creature is less likely to be affected by spells such as Charm Person or Suggestion.
Proficiency in something does not always mean that you are "good" at that thing. It just means that you either have a lot of experience with that thing (like skill proficiency), or that something is inherently different about you that alters the way that thing affects you.
A zombie being proficient in Wis saves actually makes a ton of sense if you think about it. It's not that they are actually wise, but rather they have such a diminished capacity for wisdom that spells, abilities, effects, etc. which play off of a target's wisdom are less likely to work.
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You don't know what fear is until you've witnessed a drunk bird divebombing you while carrying a screaming Kobold throwing fire anywhere and everywhere.
Hi, I'm not sure I'm understanding the Zombie stat block correctly. It has under saving throws "Wisdom +0". If I am understanding this correctly, if a monster has a saving throw listed in that section it is because it has proficiency in that ability. Does this mean that it has a proficiency that off-sets its ability modifier of - 2? If this is the case, it does lead to the question as to why a braindead zombie has a proficiency in wisdom rather than for example constitution.
First, you are correct, the Saving Throw: Wis +0 is an offset to what would normally be a -2 to Wisdom saves.
As to the other part, I am guessing it's due to lore reasons. There's probably a bit to do with making them a bit more resilient to Cleric/Paladins so that Turn Undead and such spells/abilities aren't immediately a one shot. One could also argue, though it's more for amusement, that without a functioning brain the creature is less likely to be affected by spells such as Charm Person or Suggestion.
Proficiency in something does not always mean that you are "good" at that thing. It just means that you either have a lot of experience with that thing (like skill proficiency), or that something is inherently different about you that alters the way that thing affects you.
A zombie being proficient in Wis saves actually makes a ton of sense if you think about it. It's not that they are actually wise, but rather they have such a diminished capacity for wisdom that spells, abilities, effects, etc. which play off of a target's wisdom are less likely to work.
You don't know what fear is until you've witnessed a drunk bird divebombing you while carrying a screaming Kobold throwing fire anywhere and everywhere.
That makes sense.
For example, I suck at math, and hate it. But, I know what not to do, so I’m better at it than someone who has never done math before.
Extended Signature! Yay! https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/off-topic/adohands-kitchen/3153-extended-signature-thread?page=2#c21
Haven’t used this account in forever. Still a big fan of crawling claws.
I guess the wisdom save makes sense that a Zombie is extremely resistant to coercion, persuasion etc, rather than actually "wise".