I'm relatively new to DnD (only played a couple of one shots and two rounds of a campaign). I am reading the PHB to familiarize myself with what's happening at the table.
Here's what I'm struggling with:
Proficiency Bonus, page 173-174. Top of page 174 describes only using the proficiency bonus once and only once. However, I'm confused at the rules that follow in the book.
Passive Checks, page 175. I do not understand that at all. If an ability score of Wisdom is 15 and the proficiency is Perception, how is the 14 Wisdom(Perception score) being calculated? The book says to do a plus 5 for advantage and -5 for disadvantage.
Lastly, Attack Rolls and Damage, Page 176. "You add your strength modifier to your attack roll and your damage roll when attacking with a melee weapon such as a mace, a battle axe, or a javelin."
Question 1) Does this mean that I add the proficiency bonus anywhere or is that just stagnant and a reference for something I haven't read about yet?
Question 2) Does this mean I should be adding my str/wis/int modifier to my attack roll (d20) and if it hits to my attack dice as well?
Question 3) How is that Passive check calculated and what is it used for?
I'm still reading the chapter and plan to dissect it in an effort to truly learn the rules (DM learning session at local comic book shop asked for volunteers and I raised my hand; we're short on DM/GMs). Appreciate the feedback!
1) You only add your proficiency bonus when you’re proficient at the task at hand. If the DM calls for a Dexterity check with Stealth, you add your dexterity modifier in any event and your proficiency bonus if you have proficiency in the Stealth skill. Other sources of proficiency are tool proficiencies, musical instrument proficiencies, weapon proficiencies, etc. If you might be proficient at a task from multiple sources, you still only add your proficiency bonus once.
2) Every roll is only ever one ability. With few exceptions (read about the Finesse and Thrown weapon properties in the Equipment chapter), melee attack rolls are Strength rolls and add your Strength modifier to damage and ranged attack rolls are Dexterity and add your Dexterity modifier to damage. The attack roll is 1d20 + ability modifier + proficiency bonus (if proficient in the weapon), damage roll is the weapon’s damage dice + ability modifier, unless a rule says otherwise. Spell attacks are different and use the caster’s spellcasting ability (this depends on their class) for attack rolls and do not add any ability modifier to damage unless the spell or another rule specifically says to.
3) Passive checks are 10 + the relevant modifier. Their use depends on the DM. I only ever use the specific number to set a DC for an NPC. For example, if I have an NPC trying to sneak by the PCs, I’ll have the NPC roll Dexterity + Stealth against the PCs’ passive Perception scores. Aside from that, I use them to judge what information to mention without a roll, but I never have a specific number in mind that has to be beaten when I do that; it’s very much a “by feel” sort of thing.
1) You add the proficiency bonus to any checks to skills you are proficient in, saves you are proficient in, or attack rolls with weapons you are proficient with. For instance if you have 12 dex (+1 ability modifier) at Level 1 and you are proficient in Stealth your total mod is 3 (1 for ability and 2 for proficiency) but if you didn't take stealth as a skill your mod is only 1 for your dex modifier.
2) You add your attack ability modifier and proficiency modifier to attacks with weapons you are proficient with but only your ability modifier if not proficient with the weapon. A wizard with 12 strength (+1 ability modifier) at level 1 would have +3 to hit and +1 to damage with a staff but only +1 to hit and +1 to damage with a longsword.
3) Passive check is 10 + ability mod + proficiency mod (if proficient in the skill). This can be adjusted on the fly +5 for advantage on the check or -5 for disadvantage. Passive checks are for the DM to use if you pass by something you might notice, but aren't actively using an action to look for it for instance. A cleric with 12 wis would have a passive perception of 13 at first level if they took perception as a skill to notice a stealth monster if they aren't spending a turn searching for the hidden monster. 10 + 1 (wis) + 2 (proficiency) this could be reduced 8 passive perception if they were in dim light.
Proficiency Bonus, page 173-174. Top of page 174 describes only using the proficiency bonus once and only once. However, I'm confused at the rules that follow in the book.
Proficiency bonus is only added to a roll once because you're either proficient or you're not. Some features let you be more proficient or less proficient by multiplying or dividing your proficiency bonus respectively but you still only apply it once.
If a feature says "add your proficiency bonus to damage rolls" and another feature said "add your proficiency bonus to damage rolls using longswords" and you used a longsword: you still only apply the proficiency bonus once, rather than twice.
Passive Checks, page 175. I do not understand that at all. If an ability score of Wisdom is 15 and the proficiency is Perception, how is the 14 Wisdom(Perception score) being calculated? The book says to do a plus 5 for advantage and -5 for disadvantage.
...
Question 3) How is that Passive check calculated and what is it used for?
A passive check is a tool for a DM to use to gauge how successful something will be without having anyone roll. Most commonly this is used for Passive Perception to determine whether the players would find/hear/see something hidden without having to actively look for it. It's very good for seeing if a sleeping character would be woken up by the stealthing party.
A passive check is calculated as 10 + the relevant Ability modifier + proficiency bonus if proficient + 5 if has advantage -5 if has disadvantage.
So, let's say a character with +3 wisdom mod without proficiency in perception, and without advantage or disadvantage to perception checks - this character would have a Passive Perception of 13. So, if any enemy was stealthing/hidden near them and rolled less than 13 on their stealth check, this character would hear/see this enemy.
If a character with +4 Wisdom had proficiency with perception checks, had +4 proficiency bonus and had advantage on perception checks: their passive perception would be 10 + 4 + 4 + 5 = 23. They're very perceptive!
Passive skill checks are a great way to see if your characters would notice things automatically without making them roll. It can speed games up. It's a DM tool to use.
Lastly, Attack Rolls and Damage, Page 176. "You add your strength modifier to your attack roll and your damage roll when attacking with a melee weapon such as a mace, a battle axe, or a javelin."
Question 1) Does this mean that I add the proficiency bonus anywhere or is that just stagnant and a reference for something I haven't read about yet?
Question 2) Does this mean I should be adding my str/wis/int modifier to my attack roll (d20) and if it hits to my attack dice as well?
Proficiency bonuses are only applied to attack rolls when making an attack you're proficient with. If your character is proficient with longswords and uses one they add their proficiency bonus to the attack roll. Spellcasters are automatically proficient with spell attacks they make. You do not add profiency to damage unless a feature says others.
Melee weapon attacks typically use Strength while ranged weapon attacks typically use Dexterity. Spell attacks, melee or ranged, use the spellcasting ability which is typically Int, Wis or Cha. For weapon attacks you add the relevant ability modifier to attack and damage rolls while spell attacks only add it to attack rolls. However, there's exceptions to all of these from different features, items, etc. For example Finesse weapons can be used with Strength or Dexterity at the character's choosing, Evoker Wizards add their Int mod to spell damage. Etc.
You should read more about attacks in Chapter 9 - Combat - Making an Attack.
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Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond. Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ thisFAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
On the passive checks, it seems you are thinking the ability score determines the check...it doesn’t. The ability score determines the modifier. The modifier is determined as (score - 10) / 2 and then round down (so a 15 Wis score is a +2 modifier...(15-10) / 2 = 2.5 rounded down to 2). If you’re proficient in perception at level one you also get your proficiency bonus of 2, and the formula for passive is 10 + Wis Mod + proficiency (if proficient) which in this case is 14.
The proficiency bonus represents things that you are trained in. Your race, class, and background are the main source of things that grant proficiencies. There are also several different types of proficiencies: saving throws, skills, tools, weapons, armor, and languages.
Being proficient in a saving throw, skill, weapon, or tool allows you to be able to add your proficiency bonus to rolls for that item, rather than just adding the relevant ability modifier.
Proficiency in a category of armor allows you to wear that armor without penalty (If you wear armor that you lack proficiency with, you have disadvantage on any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll that involves Strength or Dexterity, and you can't cast spells.)
Proficiency in a language means you can speak, read, write, and understand that language.
When making a roll, it will generally be 1d20 + a single ability modifier + your proficiency bonus if applicable
As an example, lets make an Elf Ranger, with the Folk Hero background. I end up with the following proficiencies (with the source in parenthesis), having to choose 3 skills for ranger and one artisan tool for Folk Hero.
Saving throws: (both from Ranger) Strength and Dexterity
Weapons: (both from Ranger): All simple weapons, like Dagger, and all martial weapons, like Greatsword
Armor: (all from Ranger): All light armor, like leather, all medium armor, like breastplate, and shield
Languages: (both from elf): Common and Elven
My ability scores are (with the modifier in parenthesis) Str 13 (+1), Dex 17 (+3), Constitution 14 (+2), Intelligence 9 (-1), Wisdom 12 (+1), and Charisma 10 (+0) My proficiency bonus is +2 because I am a first level character.
While adventuring, I want to hide. The DM will call for a Dexterity (Stealth) ability check. I would roll 1d20 + 5 +3 from my Dexterity modifier and +2 because I am proficient in the Stealth skill
Next I want to convince the merchant to give me a discount. The DM would call for Charisma (Persuasion). I roll 1d20 + 0 in this case I have no Charisma modifier and since I am not proficient in Persuasion I cannot add my +2 proficiency bonus
While exploring, I want to try to decipher some clues. The DM calls for an Intelligence (Investigation) roll. I roll 1d20 - 1 -1 from my Intelligence modifier and since I am not proficient in Investigation I cannot add my +2 proficiency bonus
I need to attack a goblin. I can choose either my longsword or a longbow. The rolls for each are: Longsword: 1d20 + 3 (melee weapons without finesse always use Strength for attack rolls: +1 Strength modifier, +2 proficiency bonus) Longbow: 1d20 + 5 (ranged weapons without thrown always use Dexterity: +3 Dexterity modifier, +2 proficiency bonus)
If I was instead using a rapier I would roll: Rapier: 1d20 + 5 (rapiers have the finesse property, so I can substitute Dexterity for Stength: +3 Dexterity modifier, +2 proficiency bonus)
Passive checks are mainly used for Perception checks by the DM to automatically determine if a character notices hidden objects or creatures. The passive score for a skill is 10 + relevant ability modifier + proficiency bonus if you are proficient in that skill
If the situation is such that you would have advantage or disadvantage on a regular roll with that skill, such as the hiding creature is lightly obscured, you instead add or subtract 5 to the passive score, since you are not rolling the dice for this check.
I'm relatively new to DnD (only played a couple of one shots and two rounds of a campaign). I am reading the PHB to familiarize myself with what's happening at the table.
Here's what I'm struggling with:
Proficiency Bonus, page 173-174. Top of page 174 describes only using the proficiency bonus once and only once. However, I'm confused at the rules that follow in the book.
Passive Checks, page 175. I do not understand that at all. If an ability score of Wisdom is 15 and the proficiency is Perception, how is the 14 Wisdom(Perception score) being calculated? The book says to do a plus 5 for advantage and -5 for disadvantage.
Lastly, Attack Rolls and Damage, Page 176. "You add your strength modifier to your attack roll and your damage roll when attacking with a melee weapon such as a mace, a battle axe, or a javelin."
Question 1) Does this mean that I add the proficiency bonus anywhere or is that just stagnant and a reference for something I haven't read about yet?
Question 2) Does this mean I should be adding my str/wis/int modifier to my attack roll (d20) and if it hits to my attack dice as well?
Question 3) How is that Passive check calculated and what is it used for?
I'm still reading the chapter and plan to dissect it in an effort to truly learn the rules (DM learning session at local comic book shop asked for volunteers and I raised my hand; we're short on DM/GMs). Appreciate the feedback!
J
1) You only add your proficiency bonus when you’re proficient at the task at hand. If the DM calls for a Dexterity check with Stealth, you add your dexterity modifier in any event and your proficiency bonus if you have proficiency in the Stealth skill. Other sources of proficiency are tool proficiencies, musical instrument proficiencies, weapon proficiencies, etc. If you might be proficient at a task from multiple sources, you still only add your proficiency bonus once.
2) Every roll is only ever one ability. With few exceptions (read about the Finesse and Thrown weapon properties in the Equipment chapter), melee attack rolls are Strength rolls and add your Strength modifier to damage and ranged attack rolls are Dexterity and add your Dexterity modifier to damage. The attack roll is 1d20 + ability modifier + proficiency bonus (if proficient in the weapon), damage roll is the weapon’s damage dice + ability modifier, unless a rule says otherwise. Spell attacks are different and use the caster’s spellcasting ability (this depends on their class) for attack rolls and do not add any ability modifier to damage unless the spell or another rule specifically says to.
3) Passive checks are 10 + the relevant modifier. Their use depends on the DM. I only ever use the specific number to set a DC for an NPC. For example, if I have an NPC trying to sneak by the PCs, I’ll have the NPC roll Dexterity + Stealth against the PCs’ passive Perception scores. Aside from that, I use them to judge what information to mention without a roll, but I never have a specific number in mind that has to be beaten when I do that; it’s very much a “by feel” sort of thing.
1) You add the proficiency bonus to any checks to skills you are proficient in, saves you are proficient in, or attack rolls with weapons you are proficient with.
For instance if you have 12 dex (+1 ability modifier) at Level 1 and you are proficient in Stealth your total mod is 3 (1 for ability and 2 for proficiency) but if you didn't take stealth as a skill your mod is only 1 for your dex modifier.
2) You add your attack ability modifier and proficiency modifier to attacks with weapons you are proficient with but only your ability modifier if not proficient with the weapon.
A wizard with 12 strength (+1 ability modifier) at level 1 would have +3 to hit and +1 to damage with a staff but only +1 to hit and +1 to damage with a longsword.
3) Passive check is 10 + ability mod + proficiency mod (if proficient in the skill). This can be adjusted on the fly +5 for advantage on the check or -5 for disadvantage. Passive checks are for the DM to use if you pass by something you might notice, but aren't actively using an action to look for it for instance.
A cleric with 12 wis would have a passive perception of 13 at first level if they took perception as a skill to notice a stealth monster if they aren't spending a turn searching for the hidden monster. 10 + 1 (wis) + 2 (proficiency) this could be reduced 8 passive perception if they were in dim light.
Proficiency bonus is only added to a roll once because you're either proficient or you're not. Some features let you be more proficient or less proficient by multiplying or dividing your proficiency bonus respectively but you still only apply it once.
If a feature says "add your proficiency bonus to damage rolls" and another feature said "add your proficiency bonus to damage rolls using longswords" and you used a longsword: you still only apply the proficiency bonus once, rather than twice.
A passive check is a tool for a DM to use to gauge how successful something will be without having anyone roll. Most commonly this is used for Passive Perception to determine whether the players would find/hear/see something hidden without having to actively look for it. It's very good for seeing if a sleeping character would be woken up by the stealthing party.
A passive check is calculated as 10 + the relevant Ability modifier + proficiency bonus if proficient + 5 if has advantage -5 if has disadvantage.
So, let's say a character with +3 wisdom mod without proficiency in perception, and without advantage or disadvantage to perception checks - this character would have a Passive Perception of 13. So, if any enemy was stealthing/hidden near them and rolled less than 13 on their stealth check, this character would hear/see this enemy.
If a character with +4 Wisdom had proficiency with perception checks, had +4 proficiency bonus and had advantage on perception checks: their passive perception would be 10 + 4 + 4 + 5 = 23. They're very perceptive!
Passive skill checks are a great way to see if your characters would notice things automatically without making them roll. It can speed games up. It's a DM tool to use.
Proficiency bonuses are only applied to attack rolls when making an attack you're proficient with. If your character is proficient with longswords and uses one they add their proficiency bonus to the attack roll. Spellcasters are automatically proficient with spell attacks they make. You do not add profiency to damage unless a feature says others.
Melee weapon attacks typically use Strength while ranged weapon attacks typically use Dexterity. Spell attacks, melee or ranged, use the spellcasting ability which is typically Int, Wis or Cha. For weapon attacks you add the relevant ability modifier to attack and damage rolls while spell attacks only add it to attack rolls. However, there's exceptions to all of these from different features, items, etc. For example Finesse weapons can be used with Strength or Dexterity at the character's choosing, Evoker Wizards add their Int mod to spell damage. Etc.
You should read more about attacks in Chapter 9 - Combat - Making an Attack.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ this FAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
On the passive checks, it seems you are thinking the ability score determines the check...it doesn’t. The ability score determines the modifier. The modifier is determined as (score - 10) / 2 and then round down (so a 15 Wis score is a +2 modifier...(15-10) / 2 = 2.5 rounded down to 2). If you’re proficient in perception at level one you also get your proficiency bonus of 2, and the formula for passive is 10 + Wis Mod + proficiency (if proficient) which in this case is 14.
The proficiency bonus represents things that you are trained in. Your race, class, and background are the main source of things that grant proficiencies.
There are also several different types of proficiencies: saving throws, skills, tools, weapons, armor, and languages.
(If you wear armor that you lack proficiency with, you have disadvantage on any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll that involves Strength or Dexterity, and you can't cast spells.)
When making a roll, it will generally be 1d20 + a single ability modifier + your proficiency bonus if applicable
As an example, lets make an Elf Ranger, with the Folk Hero background. I end up with the following proficiencies (with the source in parenthesis), having to choose 3 skills for ranger and one artisan tool for Folk Hero.
My ability scores are (with the modifier in parenthesis) Str 13 (+1), Dex 17 (+3), Constitution 14 (+2), Intelligence 9 (-1), Wisdom 12 (+1), and Charisma 10 (+0)
My proficiency bonus is +2 because I am a first level character.
While adventuring, I want to hide. The DM will call for a Dexterity (Stealth) ability check. I would roll 1d20 + 5
+3 from my Dexterity modifier and +2 because I am proficient in the Stealth skill
Next I want to convince the merchant to give me a discount. The DM would call for Charisma (Persuasion). I roll 1d20 + 0 in this case
I have no Charisma modifier and since I am not proficient in Persuasion I cannot add my +2 proficiency bonus
While exploring, I want to try to decipher some clues. The DM calls for an Intelligence (Investigation) roll. I roll 1d20 - 1
-1 from my Intelligence modifier and since I am not proficient in Investigation I cannot add my +2 proficiency bonus
I need to attack a goblin. I can choose either my longsword or a longbow. The rolls for each are:
Longsword: 1d20 + 3 (melee weapons without finesse always use Strength for attack rolls: +1 Strength modifier, +2 proficiency bonus)
Longbow: 1d20 + 5 (ranged weapons without thrown always use Dexterity: +3 Dexterity modifier, +2 proficiency bonus)
If I was instead using a rapier I would roll:
Rapier: 1d20 + 5 (rapiers have the finesse property, so I can substitute Dexterity for Stength: +3 Dexterity modifier, +2 proficiency bonus)
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Passive checks are mainly used for Perception checks by the DM to automatically determine if a character notices hidden objects or creatures. The passive score for a skill is
10 + relevant ability modifier + proficiency bonus if you are proficient in that skill
If the situation is such that you would have advantage or disadvantage on a regular roll with that skill, such as the hiding creature is lightly obscured, you instead add or subtract 5 to the passive score, since you are not rolling the dice for this check.
Site Info: Wizard's ToS | Fan Content Policy | Forum Rules | Physical Books | Content Not Working | Contact Support
How To: Homebrew Rules | Create Homebrew | Snippet Codes | Tool Tips (Custom) | Rollables (Generator)
My Homebrew: Races | Subclasses | Backgrounds | Feats | Spells | Magic Items
Other: Beyond20 | Page References | Other Guides | Entitlements | Dice Randomization | Images Fix | FAQ