Difference between revisions of "SRD5:Using Ability Scores"

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== Introduction ==
 
== Introduction ==
 
Six abilities provide a quick description of every creature’s physical and mental
 
Six abilities provide a quick description of every creature’s physical and mental
 
characteristics:
 
characteristics:
* Strength, measuring physical power     
+
* [[#Strength|Strength]], measuring physical power     
* Dexterity, measuring agility     
+
* [[#Dexterity|Dexterity]], measuring agility     
* Constitution, measuring endurance     
+
* [[#Constitution|Constitution]], measuring endurance     
* Intelligence, measuring reasoning and memory     
+
* [[#Intelligence|Intelligence]], measuring reasoning and memory     
* Wisdom, measuring perception and insight   
+
* [[#Wisdom|Wisdom]], measuring perception and insight   
* Charisma, measuring force of personality     
+
* [[#Charisma|Charisma]], measuring force of personality     
  
 
   
 
   
Is a character muscle-bound and insightful? Brilliant and charming? Nimble and hardy?
+
Is a character muscle-bound and insightful? Brilliant and charming? Nimble and hardy? Ability scores define these qualities — a creature’s assets as well as weaknesses.
Ability scores define these qualities — a creature’s assets as well as weaknesses.
 
  
  
The three main rolls of the game — the ability check, the saving throw, and the attack
+
The three main rolls of the game — the ability check, the saving throw, and the attack roll — rely on the six ability scores. The book’s introduction describes the basic rule behind these rolls: roll a d20, add an ability modifier derived from one of the six ability scores, and compare the total to a target number.
roll — rely on the six ability scores. The book’s introduction describes the basic rule
 
behind these rolls: roll a d20, add an ability modifier derived from one of the six
 
ability scores, and compare the total to a target number.
 
 
 
  
 
==Ability Scores and Modifiers==
 
==Ability Scores and Modifiers==
Each of a creature’s abilities has a score, a number that defines the magnitude of
+
Each of a creature’s abilities has a score, a number that defines the magnitude of that ability. An ability score is not just a measure of innate capabilities, but also encompasses a creature’s training and competence in activities related to that ability.
that ability. An ability score is not just a measure of innate capabilities, but also
 
encompasses a creature’s training and competence in activities related to that ability.
 
 
 
 
 
A score of 10 or 11 is the normal human average, but adventurers and many monsters are
 
a cut above average in most abilities. A score of 18 is the highest that a person usually
 
reaches. Adventurers can hav e scores as high as 20, and monsters and divine beings can
 
have scores as high as 30.
 
  
 +
A score of 10 or 11 is the normal human average, but adventurers and many monsters are a cut above average in most abilities. A score of 18 is the highest that a person usually reaches. Adventurers can have scores as high as 20, and monsters and divine beings can have scores as high as 30.
  
Each ability also has a modifier, derived from the score and ranging from −5 (for an
+
Each ability also has a modifier, derived from the score and ranging from −5 (for an ability score of 1) to +10 (for a score of 30). The Ability Scores and Modifiers table notes the ability modifiers for the range of possible ability scores, from 1 to 30.  
ability score of 1) to +10 (for a score of 30). The Ability Scores and Modifiers table
 
notes the ability modifiers for the range of possible ability scores, from 1 to 30.  
 
 
    
 
    
{|class="zebra d20" width="25%"
+
{|class="zebra d20" width="40%"
 
|+Ability Scores and Modifiers
 
|+Ability Scores and Modifiers
 
!Score  
 
!Score  
 +
!Modifier
 +
!Score
 
!Modifier
 
!Modifier
 
|-
 
|-
|align="center| 1−5
+
|align="center| 1  
|align="center| -4
+
|align="center| −5
|-
+
|align="center| 16 - 17
|align="center| 2–3
+
|align="center| +3  
|align="center| −4 
 
|-
 
|align="center| 4–5
 
|align="center| −3
 
|-
 
|align="center| 6–7
 
|align="center| −2
 
|-
 
|align="center| 8–9
 
|align="center| −1 
 
|-
 
|align="center| 10–11
 
|align="center| +0
 
|-
 
|align="center| 12–13
 
|align="center| +1
 
|-
 
|align="center| 14–15
 
|align="center| +2
 
|-
 
|align="center| 16–17
 
|align="center| +3  
 
 
|-
 
|-
|align="center| 18–19
+
|align="center| 2 - 3
|align="center| +4
+
|align="center| −4
 +
|align="center| 18 - 19
 +
|align="center| +4  
 
|-
 
|-
|align="center| 20–21
+
|align="center| 4 - 5
|align="center| +5
+
|align="center| −3
 +
|align="center| 20 - 21
 +
|align="center| +5  
 
|-
 
|-
|align="center| 22–23
+
|align="center| 6 - 7
|align="center| +6
+
|align="center| −2
 +
|align="center| 22 - 23
 +
|align="center| +6  
 
|-
 
|-
|align="center| 24–25
+
|align="center| 8 - 9
|align="center| +7
+
|align="center| −1
 +
|align="center| 24 - 25
 +
|align="center| +7  
 
|-
 
|-
|align="center| 26–27
+
|align="center| 10 - 11
|align="center| +8
+
|align="center| 0
 +
|align="center| 26 - 27
 +
|align="center| +8  
 
|-
 
|-
|align="center| 28–29
+
|align="center| 12 - 13
|align="center| +9
+
|align="center| +1
 +
|align="center| 28 - 29
 +
|align="center| +9  
 
|-
 
|-
 +
|align="center| 14 - 15
 +
|align="center| +2
 
|align="center| 30  
 
|align="center| 30  
|align="center| +10
+
|align="center| +10  
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
To determine an ability modifier without consulting the table, subtract 10 from the ability score and then divide the total by 2 (round down).
 
   
 
   
             
+
Because ability modifiers affect almost every attack roll, ability check, and saving throw, ability modifiers come up in play more often than their associated scores.
To determine an ability modifier without consulting the table, subtract 10 from
+
 
the ability score and then divide the total by 2 (round down).
 
 
Because ability modifiers affect almost every attack roll, ability check, and
 
saving throw, ability modifiers come up in play more often than their associated
 
scores.  
 
 
 
 
==Advantage and Disadvantage==
 
==Advantage and Disadvantage==
Sometimes a special ability or spell tells you that you have advantage or
+
Sometimes a special ability or spell tells you that you have advantage or disadvantage on an ability check, a [[SRD5:Using_Ability_Scores#Saving Throw|saving throw]], or an [[SRD5:Action#Attack|attack]] roll. When that happens, you roll a second d20 when you make the roll. Use the higher of the two rolls if you have advantage, and use the lower roll if you have disadvantage. For example, if you have disadvantage and roll a 17 and a 5, you use the 5. If you instead have advantage and roll those numbers, you use the 17.
disadvantage on an ability check, a saving throw, or an attack roll. When that
 
happens, you roll a second d20 when you make the roll. Use the higher of the two
 
rolls if you have advantage, and use the lower roll if you have disadvantage. For
 
example, if you have disadvantage and roll a 17 and a 5, you use the 5. If you
 
instead have advantage and roll those numbers, you use the 17.
 
 
   
 
   
If multiple situations affect a roll and each one grants advantage or
+
If multiple situations affect a roll and each one grants advantage or imposes disadvantage on it, you don’t roll more than one additional d20. If two favorable situations grant advantage, for example, you still roll only one additional d20.
imposes disadvantage on it, you don’t roll more than one additional d20. If two
 
favorable situations grant advantage, for example, you still roll only one
 
additional d20.
 
 
   
 
   
If circumstances cause a roll to have both advantage and disadvantage, you
+
If circumstances cause a roll to have both advantage and disadvantage, you are considered to have neither of them, and you roll one d20. This is true
are considered to have neither of them, and you roll one d20. This is true
+
even if multiple circumstances impose disadvantage and only one grants advantage or vice versa. In such a situation, you have neither advantage nor
even if multiple circumstances impose disadvantage and only one grants
 
advantage or vice versa. In such a situation, you have neither advantage nor
 
 
disadvantage.
 
disadvantage.
 
   
 
   
When you have advantage or disadvantage and something in the game, such as
+
When you have advantage or disadvantage and something in the game, such as the [[SRD5:Halfling|halfling]]’s [[SRD5:Halfling#Lucky|Lucky]] trait, lets you reroll the d20, you can reroll only one of the dice. You choose which one. For example, if a [[SRD5:Halfling|halfling]] has advantage or disadvantage on an ability check and rolls a 1 and a 13, the [[SRD5:Halfling|halfling]] could use the [[SRD5:Halfling#Lucky|Lucky]] trait to reroll the 1.
the halfling’s Lucky trait, lets you reroll the d20, you can reroll only one
 
of the dice. You choose which one. For example, if a halfling has advantage or
 
disadvantage on an ability check and rolls a 1 and a 13, the halfling could use
 
the Lucky trait to reroll the 1.
 
 
You usually gain advantage or disadvantage through the use of special
 
abilities, actions, or spells. Inspiration can also give a character advantage.
 
GM can also decide that circumstances influence a roll in one direction or the
 
other and grant advantage or impose disadvantage as a result.
 
 
   
 
   
 +
You usually gain advantage or disadvantage through the use of special abilities, actions, or spells. Inspiration can also give a character advantage. The GM can also decide that circumstances influence a roll in one direction or the other and grant advantage or impose disadvantage as a result.
 +
 
== Proficiency Bonus ==
 
== Proficiency Bonus ==
Characters have a proficiency bonus determined by level. Monsters also have
+
Characters have a proficiency bonus determined by level. Monsters also have this bonus, which is incorporated in their stat blocks. The bonus is used in the rules on [[#Ability Checks|ability checks]], [[SRD5:Saving Throw|saving throw]]s, and [[SRD5:Action#Attack|attack]] rolls.   
this bonus, which is incorporated in their stat blocks. The bonus is used in
 
the rules on ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls.   
 
 
    
 
    
Your proficiency bonus can’t be added to a single die roll or other number
+
Your proficiency bonus can’t be added to a single die roll or other number more than once. For example, if two different rules say you can add your
more than once. For example, if two different rules say you can add your
+
proficiency bonus to a [[#Wisdom|Wisdom]] [[SRD5:Saving_Throw|saving throw]], you nevertheless add the bonus only once when you make the save.
proficiency bonus to a Wisdom saving throw, you nevertheless add the bonus
 
only once when you make the save.
 
 
      
 
      
Occasionally, your proficiency bonus might be multiplied or divided
+
Occasionally, your proficiency bonus might be multiplied or divided (doubled or halved, for example) before you apply it. For example, the [[SRD5:Rogue|rogue]]’s [[SRD5:Rogue#Expertise|Expertise]] feature doubles the proficiency bonus for certain [[#Ability Checks|ability checks]]. If a circumstance suggests that your proficiency bonus applies more than once to the same roll, you still add it only once and multiply or divide it only once.
([[SRD5:Double|doubled]] or [[SRD5:Half|halved]], for example) before
 
you apply it. For example, the rogue’s Expertise feature doubles the
 
proficiency bonus for certain ability checks. If a circumstance suggests
 
that your proficiency bonus applies more than once to the same roll, you
 
still add it only once and multiply or divide it only once.
 
 
      
 
      
By the same token, if a feature or effect allows you to multiply your
+
By the same token, if a feature or effect allows you to multiply your proficiency bonus when making an [[#Ability Checks|ability check]] that wouldn’t normally benefit from your proficiency bonus, you still don’t add the bonus to the check. For that check your proficiency bonus is 0, given the fact that multiplying 0 by any number is still 0. For instance, if you lack proficiency in the [[#History|History]] skill, you gain no benefit from a feature that lets you double your proficiency bonus when you make [[#Intelligence|Intelligence]] ([[#History|History]]) checks.     
proficiency bonus when making an ability check that wouldn’t normally
 
benefit from your proficiency bonus, you still don’t add the bonus to
 
the check. For that check your proficiency bonus is 0, given the fact
 
that multiplying 0 by any number is still 0. For instance, if you lack
 
proficiency in the History skill, you gain no benefit from a feature
 
that lets you double your proficiency bonus when you make Intelligence
 
(History) checks.   
 
 
 
In general, you don’t multiply your proficiency bonus for attack rolls
 
or saving throws. If a feature or effect allows you to do so, these same
 
rules apply.     
 
 
    
 
    
 +
In general, you don’t multiply your proficiency bonus for [[SRD5:Action#Attack|attack]] rolls or [[SRD5:Saving Throw|saving throw]]s. If a feature or effect allows you to do so, these same rules apply.
 +
 
== Ability Checks ==
 
== Ability Checks ==
An ability check tests a character’s or monster’s innate talent and
+
An ability check tests a character’s or monster’s innate talent and training in an effort to overcome a challenge. The GM calls for an ability check when a character or monster attempts an action (other than an attack) that has a chance of failure. When the outcome is uncertain, the dice determine the results.
training in an effort to overcome a challenge. The GM calls for an
 
ability check when a character or monster attempts an action (other
 
than an attack) that has a chance of failure. When the outcome is uncertain,
 
the dice determine the results.
 
 
 
For every ability check, the GM decides which of the six abilities is
 
relevant to the task at hand and the difficulty of the task, represented
 
by a Difficulty Class. The more difficult a task, the higher its DC. The
 
Typical Difficulty Classes table shows the most common DCs.   
 
 
   
 
   
 +
For every ability check, the GM decides which of the six abilities is relevant to the task at hand and the difficulty of the task, represented by a '''Difficulty Class''' (DC). The more difficult a task, the higher its DC. The Typical Difficulty Classes table shows the most common DCs.   
 
   
 
   
 
{|class="zebra d20"
 
{|class="zebra d20"
|+ Typical Difficulty Classes
+
!colspan="2"|Typical Difficulty Classes
! Task Difficulty || DC
+
|-
 +
! Task Difficulty
 +
! DC
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Very easy  
 
| Very easy  
Line 184: Line 117:
 
| Easy  
 
| Easy  
 
|align="center| 10
 
|align="center| 10
|-
+
|-|-
 
| Medium  
 
| Medium  
 
|align="center| 15
 
|align="center| 15
Line 196: Line 129:
 
| Nearly impossible  
 
| Nearly impossible  
 
|align="center| 30   
 
|align="center| 30   
 +
|-
 
|}  
 
|}  
 
      
 
      
To make an ability check, roll a d20 and add the relevant ability modifier.
+
To make an ability check, roll a d20 and add the relevant ability modifier. As with other d20 rolls, apply bonuses and penalties, and compare the total to the DC. If the total equals or exceeds the DC, the ability check is a success — the creature overcomes the challenge at hand. Otherwise, it’s a failure, which means the character or monster makes no progress toward the objective or makes progress combined with a setback determined by the GM.
As with other d20 rolls, apply bonuses and penalties, and compare the total
+
 
to the DC. If the total equals or exceeds the DC, the ability check is a success
 
— the creature overcomes the challenge at hand. Otherwise, it’s a failure, which
 
means the character or monster makes no progress toward the objective or makes
 
progress combined with a setback determined by the GM.
 
             
 
 
== Contests ==
 
== Contests ==
Sometimes one character’s or monster’s efforts are directly opposed to
+
Sometimes one character’s or monster’s efforts are directly opposed to another’s. This can occur when both of them are trying to do the same thing
another’s. This can occur when both of them are trying to do the same thing
+
and only one can succeed, such as attempting to snatch up a magic ring that has fallen on the floor. This situation also applies when one of them is
and only one can succeed, such as attempting to snatch up a magic ring that
+
trying to prevent the other one from accomplishing a goal. For example, when a monster tries to force open a door that an adventurer is holding
has fallen on the floor. This situation also applies when one of them is
+
closed. In situations like these, the outcome is determined by a special form of ability check, called a contest.
trying to prevent the other one from accomplishing a goal. For example,
 
when a monster tries to force open a door that an adventurer is holding
 
closed. In situations like these, the outcome is determined by a special
 
form of ability check, called a contest.
 
 
   
 
   
Both participants in a contest make ability checks appropriate to their
+
Both participants in a contest make ability checks appropriate to their efforts. They apply all appropriate bonuses and penalties, but instead of
efforts. They apply all appropriate bonuses and penalties, but instead of
+
comparing the total to a DC, they compare the totals of their two checks. The participant with the higher check total wins the contest. That character
comparing the total to a DC, they compare the totals of their two checks.
+
or monster either succeeds at the action or prevents the other one from succeeding.
The participant with the higher check total wins the contest. That character
 
or monster either succeeds at th e action or prevents the other one from
 
succeeding.
 
 
If the contest results in a tie, the situation remains the same as it was
 
before the contest. Thus, one contestant might win the contest by default. If
 
two characters tie in a contest to snatch a ring off the floor, neither
 
character grabs it. In a contest between a monster trying to open a door and
 
an adventurer trying to keep the door closed, a tie means that the door remains
 
shut.
 
 
   
 
   
 +
If the contest results in a tie, the situation remains the same as it was before the contest. Thus, one contestant might win the contest by default. If two characters tie in a contest to snatch a ring off the floor, neither character grabs it. In a contest between a monster trying to open a door and an adventurer trying to keep the door closed, a tie means that the door remains shut.
 +
 
== Skills ==
 
== Skills ==
 
{{ambiguous-sect|term=Skills}}
 
{{ambiguous-sect|term=Skills}}
Each ability covers a broad range of capabilities, including skil ls that a
+
Each ability covers a broad range of capabilities, including skills that a character or a monster can be proficient in. A skill represents a specific
haracter or a monster can be proficient in. A skill represents a specific
+
aspect of an ability score, and an individual’s proficiency in a skill demonstrates a focus on that aspect. (A character’s starting skill proficiencies are determined at character creation, and a monster’s skill proficiencies appear in the monster’s stat block.)   
aspect of an ability score, and an individual’s proficiency in a skill
 
demonstrates a focus on that aspect. (A character’s starting skill proficiencies
 
are determined at character creation, and a monster’s skill proficiencies
 
appear in the monster’s stat block.)   
 
 
    
 
    
For example, a Dexterity check might reflect a character’s attempt to pull
+
For example, a [[#Dexterity|Dexterity]] check might reflect a character’s attempt to pull off an acrobatic stunt, to palm an object, or to stay hidden. Each of these aspects of [[#Dexterity|Dexterity]] has an associated skill: [[#Acrobatics|Acrobatics]], [[#Sleight of Hand|Sleight of Hand]], and [[#Stealth|Stealth]], respectively. So a character who has proficiency in the [[#Stealth|Stealth]] skill is particularly good at [[#Dexterity|Dexterity]] checks related to sneaking and hiding.
off an acrobatic stunt, to palm an object, or to stay hidden. Each of these
 
aspects of Dexterity has an associated skill: Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand,
 
and Stealth, respectively. So a character who has proficiency in the Stealth
 
skill is particularly good at Dexterity checks related to sneaking and hiding.
 
 
   
 
   
The skills related to each ability score are shown in the following list.
+
The skills related to each ability score are shown in the following list. (No skills are related to [[#Constitution|Constitution]].) See an ability’s description in the later sections of this section for examples of how to use a skill associated with an ability.
(No skills are related to Constitution.) See an ability’s description in the
 
later sections of this section for examples of how to use a skill associated
 
with an ability.
 
 
   
 
   
=== [[#Strength|Strength]] ===
+
'''[[#Strength|Strength]]:'''
* Athletics  
+
* [[#Athletics|Athletics]]
  
=== [[#Dexterity|Dexterity]] ===
+
'''[[#Dexterity|Dexterity]]:'''
* Acrobatics
+
* [[#Acrobatics|Acrobatics]]
* Sleight of Hand
+
* [[#Sleight of Hand|Sleight of Hand]]
* Stealth
+
* [[#Stealth|Stealth]]
 
   
 
   
=== [[#Intelligence|Intelligence]] ===
+
'''[[#Intelligence|Intelligence]]:'''
* Arcana
+
* [[#Arcana|Arcana]]
* History
+
* [[#History|History]]
* Investigation
+
* [[#Investigation|Investigation]]
* Nature
+
* [[#Nature|Nature]]
* Religion  
+
* [[#Religion|Religion]]
 
   
 
   
=== [[#Wisdom|Wisdom]] ===
+
'''[[#Wisdom|Wisdom]]:'''
* Animal Handling
+
* [[#Animal Handling|Animal Handling]]
* Insight
+
* [[#Insight|Insight]]
* Medicine
+
* [[#Medicine|Medicine]]
* Perception
+
* [[#Perception|Perception]]
* Survival  
+
* [[#Survival|Survival]]
 
   
 
   
=== [[#Charisma|Charisma]] ===
+
'''[[#Charisma|Charisma]]:'''
* Deception
+
* [[#Deception|Deception]]
* Intimidation
+
* [[#Intimidation|Intimidation]]
* Performance
+
* [[#Performance|Performance]]
* Persuasion  
+
* [[#Persuasion|Persuasion]]
 
   
 
   
Sometimes, the GM might ask for an ability check using a specific skill.
+
Sometimes, the GM might ask for an ability check using a specific skill. For example, “Make a [[#Wisdom|Wisdom]] ([[#Perception|Perception]]) check.” At other times, a player might ask the GM if proficiency in a particular skill applies to a check. In either case, proficiency in a skill means an individual can add his or her proficiency bonus to ability checks that involve that skill. Without proficiency in the skill, the individual makes a normal ability check.
For example, “Make a Wisdom (Perception) check.” At other times, a player might
 
ask the GM if proficiency in a particular skill applies to a check. In either
 
case, proficiency in a skill means an individual can add his or her proficiency
 
bonus to ability checks that involve that skill. Without proficiency in the
 
skill, the individual makes a normal ability check.
 
 
   
 
   
For example, if a character attempts to climb up a dangerous cliff, the GM
+
For example, if a character attempts to climb up a dangerous cliff, the GM might ask for a [[#Strength|Strength]] ([[#Athletics|Athletics]]) check. If the character is proficient in [[#Athletics|Athletics]], the character’s proficiency bonus is added to the [[#Strength|Strength]] check. If the character lacks that proficiency, he or she just makes a [[#Strength|Strength]] check.
might ask for a Strength (Athletics) check. If the char acter is proficient
 
in Athletics, the character’s proficiency bonus is added to the Strength check.
 
If the character lacks that proficiency, he or she just makes a Strength check.
 
 
   
 
   
 
=== Variant: Skills with Different Abilities ===
 
=== Variant: Skills with Different Abilities ===
Normally, your proficiency in a skill applies only to a specific kind of
+
Normally, your proficiency in a skill applies only to a specific kind of ability check. Proficiency in [[#Athletics|Athletics]], for example, usually applies to [[#Strength|Strength]] checks. In some situations, though, your proficiency might reasonably apply to a different kind of check. In such cases, the GM might ask for a check using an unusual combination of ability and skill, or you might ask your GM if you can apply a proficiency to a different check. For example, if you have to swim from an offshore island to the mainland, your GM might call for a [[#Constitution|Constitution]] check to see if you have the stamina to make it that far. In this case, your GM might allow you to apply your proficiency in [[#Athletics|Athletics]] and ask for a [[#Constitution|Constitution]] ([[#Athletics|Athletics]]) check. So if you’re proficient in Athletics, you apply your proficiency bonus to the [[#Constitution|Constitution]] check just as you would normally do for a [[#Strength|Strength]] ([[#Athletics|Athletics]]) check. Similarly, when your [[SRD5:Half-Orc|half-orc]] [[SRD5:Barbarian|barbarian]] uses a display of raw strength to intimidate an enemy, your GM might ask for a [[#Strength|Strength]] ([[#Intimidation|Intimidation]]) check, even though [[#Intimidation|Intimidation]] is normally associated with [[#Charisma|Charisma]].
ability check. Proficiency in Athletics, for example, usually applies to Strength
 
checks. In some situations, though, your proficiency might reasonably apply to a
 
different kind of check. In such cases, the GM might as k for a check using an
 
unusual combination of ability and skill, or you might ask your GM if you can
 
apply a proficiency to a different check. For example, if you have to swim from
 
an offshore island to the mainland, your GM might call for a Constitution check
 
to see if you have the stamina to make it that far. In this case, your GM might
 
allow you to apply your proficiency in Athletics and ask for a Constitution
 
(Athletics) check. So if you’re proficient in Athletics, you apply your
 
proficiency bonus to the Constitution check just as you would normally do for a
 
Strength (Athletics) check. Similarly, when your half-orc barbarian uses a
 
display of raw strength to intimidate an enemy, your GM might ask for a Strength
 
(Intimidation) check, even though Intimidat ion is normally associated with
 
Charisma.
 
  
 
== Passive Checks ==
 
== Passive Checks ==
A passive check is a special kind of ability check that doesn’t involve any
+
A passive check is a special kind of ability check that doesn’t involve any die rolls. Such a check can represent the average result for a task done repeatedly, such as searching for secret doors over and over again, or can be used when the GM wants to secretly determine whether the characters succeed at something without rolling dice, such as noticing a hidden monster.  
die rolls. Such a check can represent the average result for a task done repeatedly,
 
such as searching for secret doors ove r and over again, or can be used when the GM
 
wants to secretly determine whether the characters succeed at something without
 
rolling dice, such as noticing a hidden monster.  
 
 
   
 
   
Here’s how to determine a character’s total for a passive check:
+
Here’s how to determine a character’s total for a passive check:  
 
   
 
   
<blockquote>10 + all modifiers that normally apply to the check</blockquote>
+
<blockquote>10 + all modifiers that normally apply to the check</blockquote>  
 
 
=If the character has advantage on the check, add 5. For disadvantage, subtract 5.
 
The game refers to a passive check total as a [[SRD5:Score|score]].
 
 
   
 
   
For example, if a 1st-level character has a Wisdom of 15 and proficiency in
+
If the character has [[#Advantage and Disadvantage|advantage]] on the check, add 5. For [[#Advantage and Disadvantage|disadvantage]], subtract 5.
Perception, he or she has a passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 14.
+
The game refers to a passive check total as a score.  
 
   
 
   
The rules on hiding in the “Dexterity” section below rely on passive checks, as
+
For example, if a 1st-level character has a [[#Wisdom|Wisdom]] of 15 and proficiency in Perception, he or she has a passive [[#Wisdom|Wisdom]] (Perception) score of 14.  
do the exploration rules.  
 
 
   
 
   
 +
The rules on hiding in the [[#Dexterity|“Dexterity”]] section below rely on passive checks, as do the exploration rules.
 +
 
== Working Together ==
 
== Working Together ==
Sometimes two or more characters team up to attempt a task. The character who’s
+
Sometimes two or more characters team up to attempt a task. The character who’s leading the effort — or the one with the highest ability modifier — can make an ability check with [[#Advantage and Disadvantage|advantage]], reflecting the help provided by the other characters. In combat, this requires the [[SRD5:Actions#Help|Help]] action.
leading the effort — or the one with the highest ability modifier — can make an
 
ability check with advantage, reflecting the help provided by the other characters.
 
In combat, this requires the [[SRD5:Help|Help]] action.
 
 
   
 
   
A character can only provide help if the task is one that he or she could
+
A character can only provide help if the task is one that he or she could attempt alone. For example, trying to open a lock requires proficiency with thieves’ tools, so a character who lacks that proficiency can’t help another character in that task. Moreover, a character can help only when two or more individuals working together would actually be productive. Some tasks, such as threading a needle, are no easier with help.
attempt alone. For example, trying to open a lock requires proficiency with thieves’
 
tools, so a character who lacks that proficiency can’t help another character in
 
that task. Moreover, a character can help only when two or more individuals working
 
together would actually be productive. Some tasks, such as threading a needle, are no
 
easier with help.
 
 
   
 
   
 
=== Group Checks ===
 
=== Group Checks ===
When a number of individuals are trying to accomplish something as a group, the GM
+
When a number of individuals are trying to accomplish something as a group, the GM might ask for a group ability check. In such a situation, the characters who are skilled at a particular task help cover those who aren’t.
might ask for a group ability check. In such a situation, the characters who are
 
skilled at a particular task help cover those who aren’t.
 
 
   
 
   
To make a group ability check, everyone in the group makes the ability check. If
+
To make a group ability check, everyone in the group makes the ability check. If at least half the group succeeds, the whole group succeeds. Otherwise, the group fails.
at least half the group succeeds, the whole group succeeds. Otherwise, the group fails.
 
 
   
 
   
Group checks don’t come up very often, and they’re most useful when all the
+
Group checks don’t come up very often, and they’re most useful when all the characters succeed or fail as a group. For example, when adventurers are navigating a swamp, the GM might call for a group Wisdom (Survival) check to see if the characters can avoid the quicksand, sinkholes, and other natural hazards of the environment. If at least half the group succeeds, the successful characters are able to guide their companions out of danger. Otherwise, the group stumbles into one of these hazards.
characters succeed or fail as a group. For example, when adventurers are navigating
 
a swamp, the GM might call for a group Wisdom (Survival) check to see if the
 
characters can avoid the quicksand, sinkholes, and other natural hazards of the
 
environment. If at least half the group succeeds, the successful characters are able
 
to guide their companions out of danger. Otherwise, the group stumbles into one of
 
these hazards.
 
 
   
 
   
 
=== Using Each Ability ===
 
=== Using Each Ability ===
Every task that a character or monster might attempt in the game is covered by one
+
Every task that a character or monster might attempt in the game is covered by one of the six abilities. This section explains in more detail what those abilities mean and the ways they are used in the game.
of the six abilities. This section explains in more detail what those abilities mean
 
and the ways they are used in the game.
 
 
   
 
   
 
==Strength==
 
==Strength==
Strength measures bodily power, athletic training, and the extent to which you
+
Strength measures bodily power, athletic training, and the extent to which you can exert raw physical force.   
can exert raw physical force.   
 
 
   
 
   
 
=== Strength Checks ===
 
=== Strength Checks ===
A Strength check can model any attempt to lift, push, pull, or break something,
+
A Strength check can model any attempt to lift, push, pull, or break something, to force your body through a space, or to otherwise apply brute force to a situation. The Athletics skill reflects aptitude in certain kinds of Strength checks.
to force your body through a space, or to o therwise apply brute force to a
 
situation. The Athletics skill reflects aptitude in certain kinds of Strength
 
checks.
 
 
   
 
   
 
====Athletics====
 
====Athletics====
Your Strength (Athletics) check covers difficult
+
Your Strength (Athletics) check covers difficult situations you encounter while climbing, jumping, or swimming. Examples include the following activities:     
situations you encounter while climbing, jumping, or swimming. Examples include
 
the following activities:     
 
 
   
 
   
 
* You attempt to climb a sheer or slippery cliff, avoid hazards while scaling a wall, or cling to a surface while something is trying to knock you off.     
 
* You attempt to climb a sheer or slippery cliff, avoid hazards while scaling a wall, or cling to a surface while something is trying to knock you off.     
* You try to jump an unusually long distance or pull off a stunt midjump.     
+
* You try to jump an unusually long distance or pull off a stunt mid-jump.     
* You struggle to swim or stay afloat in treacherous currents, storm-tossed waves,
+
* You struggle to swim or stay afloat in treacherous currents, storm-tossed waves, or areas of thick seaweed. Or another creature tries to push or pull you underwater or otherwise interfere with your swimming.
or areas of thick seaweed. Or another creature tries to push or pull you
+
 
underwater or otherwise interfere with your swimming.
 
 
 
====Other Strength Checks====
 
====Other Strength Checks====
The GM might also call for a Strength check
+
The GM might also call for a Strength check when you try to accomplish tasks like the following:     
when you try to accomplish tasks like the following:     
 
 
   
 
   
 
* Force open a stuck, locked, or barred door
 
* Force open a stuck, locked, or barred door
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* Tip over a statue
 
* Tip over a statue
 
* Keep a boulder from rolling
 
* Keep a boulder from rolling
+
 
 
=== Attack Rolls and Damage ===
 
=== Attack Rolls and Damage ===
You add your Strength modifier to your attack roll and your damage roll when
+
You add your Strength modifier to your attack roll and your damage roll when attacking with a melee weapon such as a mace, a battleaxe, or a javelin. You use melee weapons to make melee attacks in hand-to-hand combat, and some of them can be thrown to make a ranged attack.     
attacking with a melee weapon such as a mace, a battleaxe, or a javelin. You use
 
melee weapons to make melee attacks in hand-to-hand combat, and some of
 
them can be thrown to make a ranged attack.     
 
 
   
 
   
 
=== Lifting and Carrying ===
 
=== Lifting and Carrying ===
Your Strength score determines the amount of weight you can bear. The
+
Your [[#Strength|Strength]] score determines the amount of weight you can bear. The following terms define what you can lift or carry.  
following terms define what you can lift or carry.  
 
 
   
 
   
'''''Carrying Capacity'''''. Your carrying capacity is your Strength
+
'''''Carrying Capacity'''''. Your carrying capacity is your [[#Strength|Strength]] score multiplied by 15. This is the weight (in pounds) that you can carry, which is high enough that most characters don’t usually have to worry about it.  
score multiplied by 15. This is the weight (in pounds) that you can carry,
 
which is high enough that most characters don’t usually have to worry
 
about it.
 
 
 
'''''Push''''', Drag, or Lift. You can push, drag, or lift a weight
 
in pounds up to twice your carrying capac ity (or 30 times your
 
Strength score). While pushing or dragging weight in excess of your
 
carrying capacity, your speed drops to 5 feet.   
 
 
   
 
   
'''''Size and Strength'''''. Larger creatures can bear more weight,
+
'''''Push, Drag, or Lift'''''. You can push, drag, or lift a weight in pounds up to twice your carrying capacity (or 30 times your [[SRD5:Using_Ability_Scores#Strength|Strength]] score). While pushing or dragging weight in excess of your carrying capacity, your speed drops to 5 feet.  
whereas Tiny creatures can carry less. For each size category above
 
Medium, double the creature’s carrying capacity and the amount it
 
can push, drag, or lift. For a Tiny creature, halve these weights.
 
 
   
 
   
 +
'''''Size and Strength'''''. Larger creatures can bear more weight, whereas [[SRD5:Movement#Creature_Size|Tiny]] creatures can carry less. For each size category above [[SRD5:Movement#Creature_Size|Medium]], double the creature’s carrying capacity and the amount it can push, drag, or lift. For a [[SRD5:Movement#Creature_Size|Tiny]] creature, halve these weights.
 +
 
=== Variant: Encumbrance ===
 
=== Variant: Encumbrance ===
The rules for lifting and carrying are intentionally simple. Here
+
The rules for lifting and carrying are intentionally simple. Here is a variant if you are looking for more detailed rules for determining how a character is hindered by the weight of equipment. When you use this variant, ignore the [[#Strength|Strength]] column of the [[SRD5:Armor#Armor Table|Armor table]].   
is a variant if you are looking for more detailed rules for
 
determining how a character is hindered by the weight of equipment.
 
When you use this variant, ignore the Strength column of the Armor
 
table.   
 
 
   
 
   
If you carry weight in excess of 5 times your Strength score, you
+
If you carry weight in excess of 5 times your [[#Strength|Strength]] score, you are '''{{anchor|encumbered}}''', which means your speed drops by 10 feet.
are [[SRD5:Encumbered|encumbered]], which means your speed drops by
 
10 feet.
 
 
If you carry weight in excess of 10 times your Strength score, up
 
to your maximum carrying capacity, you are instead [[SRD5:Heavily
 
Encumbered|heavily encumbered]], which means your speed drops by
 
20 feet and you have [[SRD5:Disadvantage|disadvantage]] on ability
 
checks, attack rolls, and saving throws that use Strength, Dexterity,
 
or Constitution.  
 
 
   
 
   
 +
If you carry weight in excess of 10 times your [[#Strength|Strength]] score, up to your maximum carrying capacity, you are instead '''{{anchor|heavily encumbered}}''', which means your speed drops by 20 feet and you have [[SRD5:Disadvantage|disadvantage]] on [[#Ability Checks|ability checks]], [[SRD5:Action#Attack|attack]] rolls, and [[SRD5:Saving Throw|saving throw]]s that use [[#Strength|Strength]], [[#Dexterity|Dexterity]], or [[#Constitution|Constitution]].
 +
 
==Dexterity==
 
==Dexterity==
 
Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, and balance.     
 
Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, and balance.     
 
   
 
   
 
=== Dexterity Checks ===
 
=== Dexterity Checks ===
A Dexterity check can model any attempt to move nimbly,
+
A Dexterity check can model any attempt to move nimbly, quickly, or quietly, or to keep from falling on tricky footing. The Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth skills reflect aptitude in certain kinds of Dexterity checks.     
quickly, or quietly, or to keep f rom falling on tricky footing.
 
The Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth skills reflect
 
aptitude in certain kinds of Dexterity checks.     
 
 
   
 
   
 
====Acrobatics====
 
====Acrobatics====
Your Dexterity (Acrobatics) check covers
+
Your Dexterity (Acrobatics) check covers your attempt to stay on your feet in a tricky situation, such as when you’re trying to run across a sheet of ice, balance on a tightrope, or stay upright on a rocking ship’s deck. The GM might also call for a Dexterity (Acrobatics) check to see if you can perform acrobatic stunts, including dives, rolls, somersaults, and flips.
your attempt to stay on your feet in a tricky situation, such as
 
when you’re trying to run across a sheet of ice, balance on a
 
tightrope, or stay upright on a rocking ship’s deck. The GM
 
might also call for a Dexterity (Acrobatics) check to see if
 
you can perform acrobatic stunts, including dives, rolls,
 
somersaults, and flips.
 
 
   
 
   
 
====Sleight of Hand====
 
====Sleight of Hand====
Whenever you attempt an act of
+
Whenever you attempt an act of legerdemain or manual trickery, such as planting something on someone else or concealing an object on your person, make a Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check. The GM might also call for a Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check to determine whether you can lift a coin purse off another person or slip something out of another person’s pocket.     
legerdemain or manual trickery, such as planting something
 
on someone else or concealing an object on your person,
 
make a Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check. The GM might also
 
call for a Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check to determine
 
whether you can lift a coin purse off another person or slip
 
something out of another person’s pocket.     
 
 
   
 
   
 
====Stealth====
 
====Stealth====
Make a Dexterity (Stealth) check when
+
Make a Dexterity (Stealth) check when you attempt to conceal yourself from enemies, slink past guards, slip away without being noticed, or sneak up on someone without being seen or heard.
you attempt to conceal yourself from enemies, slink past
 
guards, slip away without being noticed, or sneak up on
 
someone without being seen or heard.
 
 
   
 
   
 
====Other Dexterity Checks====
 
====Other Dexterity Checks====
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=== Attack Rolls and Damage ===
 
=== Attack Rolls and Damage ===
You add your Dexterity modifier to your attack roll and your
+
You add your Dexterity modifier to your attack roll and your damage roll when attacking with a ranged weapon, such as a sling or a longbow. You can also add your Dexterity modifier to your attack roll and your damage roll when attacking with a melee weapon that has the finesse property, such as a dagger or a rapier.     
damage roll when attacking with a ranged weapon, such as a
 
sling or a longbow. You can also add your Dexterity modifier
 
to your attack roll and your damage roll when attacking with a
 
melee weapon that has the finesse property, such as a dagger
 
or a rapier.     
 
 
   
 
   
 
=== Armor Class ===
 
=== Armor Class ===
Depending on the armor you wear, you might add some or all
+
Depending on the armor you wear, you might add some or all of your Dexterity modifier to your [[SRD5:Armor Class|Armor Class]].
of your Dexterity modifier to your Armor Class.
 
 
   
 
   
 
=== Initiative ===
 
=== Initiative ===
At the beginning of every combat, you roll initiative by
+
At the beginning of every combat, you roll [[SRD5:Initiative|initiative]] by making a Dexterity check. Initiative determines the order of creatures’ turns in combat.
making a Dexterity check. Initiative determines the order of
 
creatures’ turns in combat.
 
 
   
 
   
 
=== Hiding ===
 
=== Hiding ===
The GM decides when circumstances are appropriate for
+
The GM decides when circumstances are appropriate for hiding. When you try to hide, make a Dexterity (Stealth) check. Until you are discovered or you stop hiding, that check’s total is contested by the Wisdom (Perception) check of any creature that actively searches for signs of your presence.
hiding. When you try to hide, make a Dexterity (Stealth)
 
check. Until you are discovered or you stop hiding, that
 
check’s total is contested by the Wisdom (Perception) check
 
of any creature that actively searches for signs of your
 
presence.
 
 
   
 
   
You can’t hide from a creature that can see you clearly,
+
You can’t hide from a creature that can see you clearly, and you give away your position if you make noise, such as shouting a warning or knocking over a vase.
and you give away your position if you make noise, such as
 
shouting a warning or knocking over a vase.
 
 
   
 
   
An invisible creature can always try to hide. Signs of
+
An invisible creature can always try to hide. Signs of its passage might still be noticed, and it does have to stay quiet.     
its passage might still be noticed, and it does have to stay
 
quiet.     
 
 
   
 
   
In combat, most creatures stay alert for signs of danger
+
In combat, most creatures stay alert for signs of danger all around, so if you come out of hiding and approach a creature, it usually sees you. However, under certain circumstances, the GM might allow you to stay hidden as you approach a creature that is distracted, allowing you to gain advantage on an attack roll before you are seen.   
all around, so if you come out of hiding and approach a
 
creature, it usually sees you. However, under certain
 
circumstances, the GM might allow you to stay hidden as you
 
approach a creature that is distracted, allowing you to
 
gain advantage on an attack roll before you are seen.   
 
 
   
 
   
 
====Passive Perception====
 
====Passive Perception====
When you hide, there’s a chance
+
When you hide, there’s a chance someone will notice you even if they aren’t searching. To determine whether such a creature notices you, the GM compares your Dexterity (Stealth) check with that creature’s passive Wisdom (Perception) score, which equals 10 + the creature’s Wisdom modifier, as well as any other bonuses or penalties. If the creature has advantage, add 5. For disadvantage, subtract 5. For example, if a 1st-level character (with a proficiency bonus of +2) has a Wisdom of 15 (a +2 modifier) and proficiency in Perception, he or she has a passive Wisdom (Perception) of 14.   
someone will notice you even if they aren’t searching. To
 
determine whether such a creature notices you, the GM compares
 
your Dexterity (Stealth) check with that creature’s passive
 
Wisdom (Perception) score, which equals 10 + the creature’s
 
Wisdom modifier, as well as any other bonuse s or penalties. If
 
the creature has advantage, add 5. For disadvantage, subtract 5.
 
For example, if a 1st-level character (with a proficiency
 
bonus of +2) has a Wisdom of 15 (a +2 modifier) and proficiency
 
in Perception, he or she has a passive Wisdom (Perception) of 14.   
 
 
    
 
    
 
====What Can You See?====
 
====What Can You See?====
One of the main factors in determining
+
One of the main factors in determining whether you can find a hidden creature or object is how well you can see in an area, which might be [[SRD5:Lightly Obscured|lightly]] or [[SRD5:Heavily Obscured|heavily obscured]], as explained in [[SRD5:The_Environment|The Environment]].”
whether you can find a hidden creature or object is how well
 
you can see in an area, which might be
 
[[SRD5:Lightly Obscured|lightly]] or
 
[[SRD5:Heavily Obscured|heavily obscured]], as explained in
 
"[[SRD5:The_Environment|The Environment]].”
 
             
 
  
 
==Constitution==
 
==Constitution==
Line 545: Line 316:
 
    
 
    
 
=== Constitution Checks ===
 
=== Constitution Checks ===
Constitution checks are uncommon, and no skills apply
+
Constitution checks are uncommon, and no skills apply to Constitution checks, because the endurance this ability represents is largely passive rather than involving a specific effort on the part of a character or monster. A Constitution check can model your attempt to push beyond normal limits, however.
to Constitution checks, because the endurance this ability
 
represents is largely passive rather than involving a
 
specific effort on the part of a character or monster. A
 
Constitution check can model your attempt to push beyond
 
normal limits, however.
 
 
   
 
   
The GM might call for a Constitution check when you try
+
The GM might call for a Constitution check when you try to accomplish tasks like the following:
to accomplish tasks like the following:
 
 
   
 
   
 
* Hold your breath
 
* Hold your breath
Line 562: Line 327:
  
 
=== Hit Points ===
 
=== Hit Points ===
Your Constitution modifier contributes to your hit points.
+
Your Constitution modifier contributes to your [[SRD5:Hit Point|hit point]]s. Typically, you add your Constitution modifier to each [[SRD5:Hit Die|Hit Die]] you roll for your hit points.
Typically, you add your Constitution modifier to each Hit
 
Die you roll for your hit points.
 
 
If your Constitution modifier changes, your hit point
 
maximum changes as well, as though you had the new modifier
 
from 1st level. For example, if you raise your Constitution
 
score when you reach 4th level and your Constitution modifier
 
increases from +1 to +2, you adjust your hit point maximum as
 
though the modifier had always been +2. So you add 3 hit
 
points for your first three levels, and then roll your hit
 
points for 4th level using your new modifier. Or if you’re
 
7th level and some effect lowers your Constitution score so
 
as to reduce your Constitution modifier by 1, your hit point
 
maximum is reduced by 7. 
 
 
   
 
   
 +
If your Constitution modifier changes, your hit point maximum changes as well, as though you had the new modifier from 1st level. For example, if you raise your Constitution score when you reach 4th level and your Constitution modifier increases from +1 to +2, you adjust your hit point maximum as though the modifier had always been +2. So you add 3 hit points for your first three levels, and then roll your hit points for 4th level using your new modifier. Or if you’re 7th level and some effect lowers your Constitution score so as to reduce your Constitution modifier by 1, your hit point maximum is reduced by 7.
 +
 
==Intelligence==
 
==Intelligence==
Intelligence measures mental acuity, accuracy of recall,
+
Intelligence measures mental acuity, accuracy of recall, and the ability to reason.     
and the ability to reason.     
 
 
   
 
   
 
=== Intelligence Checks ===
 
=== Intelligence Checks ===
An Intelligence check comes into play when you need to
+
An Intelligence check comes into play when you need to draw on logic, education, memory, or deductive reasoning. The Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, and Religion skills reflect aptitude in certain kinds of Intelligence checks.
draw on logic, education, memory, or deductive reasoning.
 
The Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, and Religion
 
skills reflect aptitude in certain kinds of Intelligence
 
checks.
 
 
   
 
   
 
====Arcana====
 
====Arcana====
Your Intelligence (Arcana) check
+
Your Intelligence (Arcana) check measures your ability to recall lore about spells, magic items, eldritch symbols, magical traditions, the planes of existence, and the inhabitants of those planes.
measures your ability to recall lore about spells, magic
 
items, eldritch symbols, magical traditions, the planes
 
of existence, and the inhabitants of those planes.  
 
 
   
 
   
 
====History====
 
====History====
Your Intelligence (History) check
+
Your Intelligence (History) check measures your ability to recall lore about historical events, legendary people, ancient kingdoms, past disputes, recent wars, and lost civilizations.
measures your ability to recall lore about histor ical
+
 
events, legendary people, ancient kingdoms, past disputes,
 
recent wars, and lost civilizations.
 
 
 
====Investigation====
 
====Investigation====
When you look around for clues
+
When you look around for clues and make deductions based on those clues, you make an Intelligence (Investigation) check. You might deduce the location of a hidden object, discern from the appearance of a wound what kind of weapon dealt it, or determine the weakest point in a tunnel that could cause it to collapse. Poring through ancient scrolls in search of a hidden fragment of knowledge might also call for an Intelligence (Investigation) check.
and make deductions based on those clues, you make an
 
Intelligence (Investigation) check. You might deduce the
 
location of a hidden object, discern from the appearance
 
of a wound what kind of weapon dealt it, or determine the
 
weakest point in a tunnel that could cause it to collapse.
 
Poring through ancient scrolls in search of a hidden
 
fragment of knowledge might also call for an Intelligence
 
(Investigation) check.
 
 
   
 
   
 
====Nature====
 
====Nature====
Your Intelligence (Nature) check
+
Your Intelligence (Nature) check measures your ability to recall lore about terrain, plants and animals, the weather, and natural cycles.
measures your ability to recall lore about terrain,
 
plants and animals, the weather, and natural cycles.
 
 
   
 
   
 
====Religion====
 
====Religion====
Your Intelligence (Religion)
+
Your Intelligence (Religion) check measures your ability to recall lore about deities, rites and prayers, religious hierarchies, holy symbols, and the practices of secret cults.
check measures your ability to recall lore about deities,
 
rites and prayers, religious hierarchies, holy symbols,
 
and the practices of secret cults.
 
 
   
 
   
 
====Other Intelligence Checks====
 
====Other Intelligence Checks====
The GM might call
+
The GM might call for an Intelligence check when you try to accomplish tasks like the following:
for an Intelligence check when you try to accomplish tasks
 
like the following:
 
 
   
 
   
 
* Communicate with a creature without using words
 
* Communicate with a creature without using words
Line 636: Line 363:
 
   
 
   
 
=== Spellcasting Ability ===
 
=== Spellcasting Ability ===
Wizards use Intelligence as their spellcasting ability,
+
Wizards use Intelligence as their spellcasting ability, which helps determine the saving throw DCs of spells they cast.
which helps determine the saving throw DCs of spells they cast.
+
 
 
 
==Wisdom==
 
==Wisdom==
Wisdom reflects how attuned you are to the world around
+
Wisdom reflects how attuned you are to the world around you and represents perceptiveness and intuition.   
you and represents perceptiveness and intuition.   
+
 
 
 
=== Wisdom Checks ===
 
=== Wisdom Checks ===
A Wisdom check might reflect an effort to read body
+
A Wisdom check might reflect an effort to read body language, understand someone’s feelings, notice things about the environment, or care for an injured person. The Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, and Survival skills reflect aptitude in certain kinds of Wisdom checks.
language, understand someone’s feelings, notice things
+
 
about the environment, or care for an injured person.
 
The Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception,
 
and Survival skills reflect aptitude in certain kinds
 
of Wisdom checks.
 
   
 
 
====Animal Handling====
 
====Animal Handling====
When there is any question
+
When there is any question whether you can calm down a domesticated animal, keep a mount from getting spooked, or intuit an animal’s intentions, the GM might call for a Wisdom (Animal Handling) check. You also make a Wisdom (Animal Handling) check to control your mount when you attempt a risky maneuver.
whether you can calm down a domesticated animal, keep a
 
mount from getting spooked, or intuit an animal’s
 
intentions, the GM might call for a Wisdom (Animal
 
Handling) check. You also make a Wisdom (Animal
 
Handling) check to control your mount when you attempt
 
a risky maneuver.
 
 
   
 
   
 
====Insight====
 
====Insight====
Your Wisdom (Insight) check
+
Your Wisdom (Insight) check decides whether you can determine the true intentions of a creature, such as when searching out a lie or predicting someone’s next move. Doing so involves gleaning clues from body language, speech habits, and changes in mannerisms.
decides whether you can determine the true intentions
 
of a creature, such as when searching out a lie or
 
predicting someone’s next move. Doing so involves
 
gleaning clues from body language, speech habits, and
 
changes in mannerisms.
 
 
   
 
   
 
====Medicine====
 
====Medicine====
A Wisdom (Medicine) check
+
A Wisdom (Medicine) check lets you try to stabilize a dying companion or diagnose an illness.
lets you try to stabilize a dying companion or diagnose
+
 
an illness.
 
 
 
====Perception====
 
====Perception====
Your Wisdom (Perception) check
+
Your Wisdom (Perception) check lets you spot, hear, or otherwise detect the presence of something. It measures your general awareness of your surroundings and the keenness of your senses. For example, you might try to hear a conversation through a closed door, eavesdrop under an open window, or hear monsters moving stealthily in the forest. Or you might try to spot things that are obscured or easy to miss, whether they are orcs lying in ambush on a road, thugs hiding in the shadows of an alley, or candlelight under a closed secret door.
lets you spot, hear, or other wise detect the presence
+
 
of something. It meas ures your general awareness of
 
your surroundings and the keenness of your senses. For
 
example, you might try to hear a conversation through a
 
closed door, eavesdrop under an open window, or hear
 
monsters moving stealthily in the forest. Or you might
 
try to spot things that are obscured or easy to miss,
 
whether they are orcs lying in ambush on a road, thugs
 
hiding in the shadows of an alley, or candlelight under
 
a closed secret door.
 
 
 
====Survival====
 
====Survival====
The GM might ask you to make a
+
The GM might ask you to make a Wisdom (Survival) check to follow tracks, hunt wild game, guide your group through frozen wastelands, identify signs
Wisdom (Survival) check to follow tracks, hunt wild game,
+
that owlbears live nearby, predict the weather, or avoid quicksand and other natural hazards.
guide your group through frozen wastelands, identify signs
 
that owlbears live nearby, predict the weather, or avoid
 
quicksand and other natural hazards.
 
 
   
 
   
 
====Other Wisdom Checks====
 
====Other Wisdom Checks====
The GM might call for a
+
The GM might call for a Wisdom check when you try to accomplish tasks like the following:
Wisdom check when you try to accomplish tasks like the
 
following:
 
 
* Get a gut feeling about what course of action to follow
 
* Get a gut feeling about what course of action to follow
* Discern whether a seemingly dead or living creature is
+
* Discern whether a seemingly dead or living creature is undead
undead
+
 
 
 
=== Spellcasting Ability ===
 
=== Spellcasting Ability ===
Clerics, druids, and rangers use Wisdom as their
+
Clerics, druids, and rangers use Wisdom as their spellcasting ability, which helps determine the saving throw DCs of spells they cast.   
spellcasting ability, which helps determine the saving
 
throw DCs of spells they cast.   
 
 
    
 
    
 
==Charisma==
 
==Charisma==
Charisma measures your ability to interact effectively
+
Charisma measures your ability to interact effectively with others. It includes such factors as confidence and eloquence, and it can represent a charming or commanding personality.
with others. It includes such factors as confidence and
+
 
eloquence, and it can represent a charming or commanding
 
personality.  
 
 
 
 
=== Charisma Checks ===
 
=== Charisma Checks ===
A Charisma check might arise when you try to influence
+
A Charisma check might arise when you try to influence or entertain others, when you try to make an impression or tell a convincing lie, or when you are navigating a tricky social situation. The Deception, Intimidation, Performance, and Persuasion skills reflect aptitude in certain kinds of Charisma checks.
or entertain others, when you try to make an impression
+
 
or tell a convincing lie, or when you are navigating a
 
tricky social situation. The Deception, Intimidation,
 
Performance, and Persuasion skills reflect aptitude in
 
certain kinds of Charisma checks.
 
 
 
====Deception====
 
====Deception====
Your Charisma (Deception) check
+
Your Charisma (Deception) check determines whether you can convincingly hide the truth, either verbally or through your actions. This deception can encompass everything from misleading others through ambiguity to telling outright lies. Typical situations include trying to fast-talk a guard, con a merchant, earn money through gambling, pass yourself off in a disguise, dull someone’s suspicions with false assurances, or maintain a straight face while telling a blatant lie.
determines whether you can convincingly hide the truth,
+
 
either verbally or through your actions. This deception
 
can encompass everything from misleading others through
 
ambiguity to telling outright lies. Typical situations
 
include trying to fast-talk a guard, con a merchant,
 
earn money through gambling, pass yourself off in a
 
disguise, dull someone’s suspicions with false
 
assurances, or maintain a straight face while telling
 
a blatant lie.
 
             
 
 
====Intimidation====
 
====Intimidation====
When you attempt to influence
+
When you attempt to influence someone through overt threats, hostile actions, and physical violence, the GM might ask you to make a Charisma (Intimidation) check. Examples include trying to pry information out of a prisoner, convincing street thugs to back down from a confrontation, or using the edge of a broken bottle to convince a sneering vizier to reconsider a decision.
someone through overt threats, hostile actions, and
+
 
physical violence, the GM might ask you to make a Charisma
 
(Intimidation) check. Examples include trying to pry
 
information out of a pr isoner, convincing street thugs
 
to back down from a confrontation, or using the edge
 
of a broken bottle to convince a sneering vizier to
 
reconsider a decision.
 
 
 
====Performance====
 
====Performance====
Your Charisma (Performance)
+
Your Charisma (Performance) check determines how well you can delight an audience with music, dance, acting, storytelling, or some other form of entertainment.
check determines how well you can delight an audience
 
with music, dance, acting, storytelling, or some other
 
form of entertainment.
 
 
   
 
   
 
====Persuasion====
 
====Persuasion====
When you attempt to influence
+
When you attempt to influence someone or a group of people with tact, social graces, or good nature, the GM might ask you to make a Charisma (Persuasion) check. Typically, you use persuasion when acting in good faith, to foster friendships, make cordial requests, or exhibit proper etiquette. Examples of persuading others include convincing a chamberlain to let your party see the king, negotiating peace between warring tribes, or
someone or a group of people with tact, social graces,
 
or good nature, the GM migh t ask you to make a
 
Charisma (Persuasion) check. Typically, you use
 
persuasion when acting in good faith, to foster
 
friendships, make cordial requests, or exhibit proper
 
etiquette. Examples of persuading others include
 
convincing a chamberlain to let your party see the
 
king, negotiating peace between warring tribes, or
 
 
inspiring a crowd of townsfolk.
 
inspiring a crowd of townsfolk.
+
 
 
====Other Charisma Checks====
 
====Other Charisma Checks====
The GM might call for
+
The GM might call for a Charisma check when you try to accomplish tasks like the following:
a Charisma check when you try to accomplish tasks like
+
* Find the best person to talk to for news, rumors, and gossip
the following:
+
* Blend into a crowd to get the sense of key topics of conversation
* Find the best person to talk to for news, rumors, and
+
 
gossip
 
* Blend into a crowd to get the sense of key topics of
 
conversation  
 
 
 
 
=== Spellcasting Ability ===
 
=== Spellcasting Ability ===
Bards, paladins, sorcerers, and warlocks use Charisma
+
Bards, paladins, sorcerers, and warlocks use Charisma as their spellcasting ability, which helps determine the saving throw DCs of spells they cast.
as their spellcasting ability, which helps determine the
 
saving throw DCs of spells they cast.
 
 
                
 
                
 
== Saving Throws ==
 
== Saving Throws ==

Latest revision as of 13:56, 18 October 2019

This material from the 5th edition SRD is published under the OGL

Introduction[edit]

Six abilities provide a quick description of every creature’s physical and mental characteristics:


Is a character muscle-bound and insightful? Brilliant and charming? Nimble and hardy? Ability scores define these qualities — a creature’s assets as well as weaknesses.


The three main rolls of the game — the ability check, the saving throw, and the attack roll — rely on the six ability scores. The book’s introduction describes the basic rule behind these rolls: roll a d20, add an ability modifier derived from one of the six ability scores, and compare the total to a target number.

Ability Scores and Modifiers[edit]

Each of a creature’s abilities has a score, a number that defines the magnitude of that ability. An ability score is not just a measure of innate capabilities, but also encompasses a creature’s training and competence in activities related to that ability.

A score of 10 or 11 is the normal human average, but adventurers and many monsters are a cut above average in most abilities. A score of 18 is the highest that a person usually reaches. Adventurers can have scores as high as 20, and monsters and divine beings can have scores as high as 30.

Each ability also has a modifier, derived from the score and ranging from −5 (for an ability score of 1) to +10 (for a score of 30). The Ability Scores and Modifiers table notes the ability modifiers for the range of possible ability scores, from 1 to 30.

Ability Scores and Modifiers
Score Modifier Score Modifier
1 −5 16 - 17 +3
2 - 3 −4 18 - 19 +4
4 - 5 −3 20 - 21 +5
6 - 7 −2 22 - 23 +6
8 - 9 −1 24 - 25 +7
10 - 11 0 26 - 27 +8
12 - 13 +1 28 - 29 +9
14 - 15 +2 30 +10

To determine an ability modifier without consulting the table, subtract 10 from the ability score and then divide the total by 2 (round down).

Because ability modifiers affect almost every attack roll, ability check, and saving throw, ability modifiers come up in play more often than their associated scores.

Advantage and Disadvantage[edit]

Sometimes a special ability or spell tells you that you have advantage or disadvantage on an ability check, a saving throw, or an attack roll. When that happens, you roll a second d20 when you make the roll. Use the higher of the two rolls if you have advantage, and use the lower roll if you have disadvantage. For example, if you have disadvantage and roll a 17 and a 5, you use the 5. If you instead have advantage and roll those numbers, you use the 17.

If multiple situations affect a roll and each one grants advantage or imposes disadvantage on it, you don’t roll more than one additional d20. If two favorable situations grant advantage, for example, you still roll only one additional d20.

If circumstances cause a roll to have both advantage and disadvantage, you are considered to have neither of them, and you roll one d20. This is true even if multiple circumstances impose disadvantage and only one grants advantage or vice versa. In such a situation, you have neither advantage nor disadvantage.

When you have advantage or disadvantage and something in the game, such as the halfling’s Lucky trait, lets you reroll the d20, you can reroll only one of the dice. You choose which one. For example, if a halfling has advantage or disadvantage on an ability check and rolls a 1 and a 13, the halfling could use the Lucky trait to reroll the 1.

You usually gain advantage or disadvantage through the use of special abilities, actions, or spells. Inspiration can also give a character advantage. The GM can also decide that circumstances influence a roll in one direction or the other and grant advantage or impose disadvantage as a result.

Proficiency Bonus[edit]

Characters have a proficiency bonus determined by level. Monsters also have this bonus, which is incorporated in their stat blocks. The bonus is used in the rules on ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls.

Your proficiency bonus can’t be added to a single die roll or other number more than once. For example, if two different rules say you can add your proficiency bonus to a Wisdom saving throw, you nevertheless add the bonus only once when you make the save.

Occasionally, your proficiency bonus might be multiplied or divided (doubled or halved, for example) before you apply it. For example, the rogue’s Expertise feature doubles the proficiency bonus for certain ability checks. If a circumstance suggests that your proficiency bonus applies more than once to the same roll, you still add it only once and multiply or divide it only once.

By the same token, if a feature or effect allows you to multiply your proficiency bonus when making an ability check that wouldn’t normally benefit from your proficiency bonus, you still don’t add the bonus to the check. For that check your proficiency bonus is 0, given the fact that multiplying 0 by any number is still 0. For instance, if you lack proficiency in the History skill, you gain no benefit from a feature that lets you double your proficiency bonus when you make Intelligence (History) checks.

In general, you don’t multiply your proficiency bonus for attack rolls or saving throws. If a feature or effect allows you to do so, these same rules apply.

Ability Checks[edit]

An ability check tests a character’s or monster’s innate talent and training in an effort to overcome a challenge. The GM calls for an ability check when a character or monster attempts an action (other than an attack) that has a chance of failure. When the outcome is uncertain, the dice determine the results.

For every ability check, the GM decides which of the six abilities is relevant to the task at hand and the difficulty of the task, represented by a Difficulty Class (DC). The more difficult a task, the higher its DC. The Typical Difficulty Classes table shows the most common DCs.

Typical Difficulty Classes
Task Difficulty DC
Very easy 5
Easy 10
Medium 15
Hard 20
Very hard 25
Nearly impossible 30

To make an ability check, roll a d20 and add the relevant ability modifier. As with other d20 rolls, apply bonuses and penalties, and compare the total to the DC. If the total equals or exceeds the DC, the ability check is a success — the creature overcomes the challenge at hand. Otherwise, it’s a failure, which means the character or monster makes no progress toward the objective or makes progress combined with a setback determined by the GM.

Contests[edit]

Sometimes one character’s or monster’s efforts are directly opposed to another’s. This can occur when both of them are trying to do the same thing and only one can succeed, such as attempting to snatch up a magic ring that has fallen on the floor. This situation also applies when one of them is trying to prevent the other one from accomplishing a goal. For example, when a monster tries to force open a door that an adventurer is holding closed. In situations like these, the outcome is determined by a special form of ability check, called a contest.

Both participants in a contest make ability checks appropriate to their efforts. They apply all appropriate bonuses and penalties, but instead of comparing the total to a DC, they compare the totals of their two checks. The participant with the higher check total wins the contest. That character or monster either succeeds at the action or prevents the other one from succeeding.

If the contest results in a tie, the situation remains the same as it was before the contest. Thus, one contestant might win the contest by default. If two characters tie in a contest to snatch a ring off the floor, neither character grabs it. In a contest between a monster trying to open a door and an adventurer trying to keep the door closed, a tie means that the door remains shut.

Skills[edit]

Disambiguation.png Also see Skills (disambiguation)

Each ability covers a broad range of capabilities, including skills that a character or a monster can be proficient in. A skill represents a specific aspect of an ability score, and an individual’s proficiency in a skill demonstrates a focus on that aspect. (A character’s starting skill proficiencies are determined at character creation, and a monster’s skill proficiencies appear in the monster’s stat block.)

For example, a Dexterity check might reflect a character’s attempt to pull off an acrobatic stunt, to palm an object, or to stay hidden. Each of these aspects of Dexterity has an associated skill: Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth, respectively. So a character who has proficiency in the Stealth skill is particularly good at Dexterity checks related to sneaking and hiding.

The skills related to each ability score are shown in the following list. (No skills are related to Constitution.) See an ability’s description in the later sections of this section for examples of how to use a skill associated with an ability.

Strength:

Dexterity:

Intelligence:

Wisdom:

Charisma:

Sometimes, the GM might ask for an ability check using a specific skill. For example, “Make a Wisdom (Perception) check.” At other times, a player might ask the GM if proficiency in a particular skill applies to a check. In either case, proficiency in a skill means an individual can add his or her proficiency bonus to ability checks that involve that skill. Without proficiency in the skill, the individual makes a normal ability check.

For example, if a character attempts to climb up a dangerous cliff, the GM might ask for a Strength (Athletics) check. If the character is proficient in Athletics, the character’s proficiency bonus is added to the Strength check. If the character lacks that proficiency, he or she just makes a Strength check.

Variant: Skills with Different Abilities[edit]

Normally, your proficiency in a skill applies only to a specific kind of ability check. Proficiency in Athletics, for example, usually applies to Strength checks. In some situations, though, your proficiency might reasonably apply to a different kind of check. In such cases, the GM might ask for a check using an unusual combination of ability and skill, or you might ask your GM if you can apply a proficiency to a different check. For example, if you have to swim from an offshore island to the mainland, your GM might call for a Constitution check to see if you have the stamina to make it that far. In this case, your GM might allow you to apply your proficiency in Athletics and ask for a Constitution (Athletics) check. So if you’re proficient in Athletics, you apply your proficiency bonus to the Constitution check just as you would normally do for a Strength (Athletics) check. Similarly, when your half-orc barbarian uses a display of raw strength to intimidate an enemy, your GM might ask for a Strength (Intimidation) check, even though Intimidation is normally associated with Charisma.

Passive Checks[edit]

A passive check is a special kind of ability check that doesn’t involve any die rolls. Such a check can represent the average result for a task done repeatedly, such as searching for secret doors over and over again, or can be used when the GM wants to secretly determine whether the characters succeed at something without rolling dice, such as noticing a hidden monster.

Here’s how to determine a character’s total for a passive check:

10 + all modifiers that normally apply to the check

If the character has advantage on the check, add 5. For disadvantage, subtract 5. The game refers to a passive check total as a score.

For example, if a 1st-level character has a Wisdom of 15 and proficiency in Perception, he or she has a passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 14.

The rules on hiding in the “Dexterity” section below rely on passive checks, as do the exploration rules.

Working Together[edit]

Sometimes two or more characters team up to attempt a task. The character who’s leading the effort — or the one with the highest ability modifier — can make an ability check with advantage, reflecting the help provided by the other characters. In combat, this requires the Help action.

A character can only provide help if the task is one that he or she could attempt alone. For example, trying to open a lock requires proficiency with thieves’ tools, so a character who lacks that proficiency can’t help another character in that task. Moreover, a character can help only when two or more individuals working together would actually be productive. Some tasks, such as threading a needle, are no easier with help.

Group Checks[edit]

When a number of individuals are trying to accomplish something as a group, the GM might ask for a group ability check. In such a situation, the characters who are skilled at a particular task help cover those who aren’t.

To make a group ability check, everyone in the group makes the ability check. If at least half the group succeeds, the whole group succeeds. Otherwise, the group fails.

Group checks don’t come up very often, and they’re most useful when all the characters succeed or fail as a group. For example, when adventurers are navigating a swamp, the GM might call for a group Wisdom (Survival) check to see if the characters can avoid the quicksand, sinkholes, and other natural hazards of the environment. If at least half the group succeeds, the successful characters are able to guide their companions out of danger. Otherwise, the group stumbles into one of these hazards.

Using Each Ability[edit]

Every task that a character or monster might attempt in the game is covered by one of the six abilities. This section explains in more detail what those abilities mean and the ways they are used in the game.

Strength[edit]

Strength measures bodily power, athletic training, and the extent to which you can exert raw physical force.

Strength Checks[edit]

A Strength check can model any attempt to lift, push, pull, or break something, to force your body through a space, or to otherwise apply brute force to a situation. The Athletics skill reflects aptitude in certain kinds of Strength checks.

Athletics[edit]

Your Strength (Athletics) check covers difficult situations you encounter while climbing, jumping, or swimming. Examples include the following activities:

  • You attempt to climb a sheer or slippery cliff, avoid hazards while scaling a wall, or cling to a surface while something is trying to knock you off.
  • You try to jump an unusually long distance or pull off a stunt mid-jump.
  • You struggle to swim or stay afloat in treacherous currents, storm-tossed waves, or areas of thick seaweed. Or another creature tries to push or pull you underwater or otherwise interfere with your swimming.

Other Strength Checks[edit]

The GM might also call for a Strength check when you try to accomplish tasks like the following:

  • Force open a stuck, locked, or barred door
  • Break free of bonds
  • Push through a tunnel that is too small
  • Hang on to a wagon while being dragged behind it
  • Tip over a statue
  • Keep a boulder from rolling

Attack Rolls and Damage[edit]

You add your Strength modifier to your attack roll and your damage roll when attacking with a melee weapon such as a mace, a battleaxe, or a javelin. You use melee weapons to make melee attacks in hand-to-hand combat, and some of them can be thrown to make a ranged attack.

Lifting and Carrying[edit]

Your Strength score determines the amount of weight you can bear. The following terms define what you can lift or carry.

Carrying Capacity. Your carrying capacity is your Strength score multiplied by 15. This is the weight (in pounds) that you can carry, which is high enough that most characters don’t usually have to worry about it.

Push, Drag, or Lift. You can push, drag, or lift a weight in pounds up to twice your carrying capacity (or 30 times your Strength score). While pushing or dragging weight in excess of your carrying capacity, your speed drops to 5 feet.

Size and Strength. Larger creatures can bear more weight, whereas Tiny creatures can carry less. For each size category above Medium, double the creature’s carrying capacity and the amount it can push, drag, or lift. For a Tiny creature, halve these weights.

Variant: Encumbrance[edit]

The rules for lifting and carrying are intentionally simple. Here is a variant if you are looking for more detailed rules for determining how a character is hindered by the weight of equipment. When you use this variant, ignore the Strength column of the Armor table.

If you carry weight in excess of 5 times your Strength score, you are encumbered, which means your speed drops by 10 feet.

If you carry weight in excess of 10 times your Strength score, up to your maximum carrying capacity, you are instead heavily encumbered, which means your speed drops by 20 feet and you have disadvantage on ability checks, attack rolls, and saving throws that use Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution.

Dexterity[edit]

Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, and balance.

Dexterity Checks[edit]

A Dexterity check can model any attempt to move nimbly, quickly, or quietly, or to keep from falling on tricky footing. The Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth skills reflect aptitude in certain kinds of Dexterity checks.

Acrobatics[edit]

Your Dexterity (Acrobatics) check covers your attempt to stay on your feet in a tricky situation, such as when you’re trying to run across a sheet of ice, balance on a tightrope, or stay upright on a rocking ship’s deck. The GM might also call for a Dexterity (Acrobatics) check to see if you can perform acrobatic stunts, including dives, rolls, somersaults, and flips.

Sleight of Hand[edit]

Whenever you attempt an act of legerdemain or manual trickery, such as planting something on someone else or concealing an object on your person, make a Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check. The GM might also call for a Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check to determine whether you can lift a coin purse off another person or slip something out of another person’s pocket.

Stealth[edit]

Make a Dexterity (Stealth) check when you attempt to conceal yourself from enemies, slink past guards, slip away without being noticed, or sneak up on someone without being seen or heard.

Other Dexterity Checks[edit]

The GM might call for a Dexterity check when you try to accomplish tasks like the following:

  • Control a heavily laden cart on a steep descent
  • Steer a chariot around a tight turn
  • Pick a lock
  • Disable a trap
  • Securely tie up a prisoner
  • Wriggle free of bonds
  • Play a stringed instrument
  • Craft a small or detailed object

Attack Rolls and Damage[edit]

You add your Dexterity modifier to your attack roll and your damage roll when attacking with a ranged weapon, such as a sling or a longbow. You can also add your Dexterity modifier to your attack roll and your damage roll when attacking with a melee weapon that has the finesse property, such as a dagger or a rapier.

Armor Class[edit]

Depending on the armor you wear, you might add some or all of your Dexterity modifier to your Armor Class.

Initiative[edit]

At the beginning of every combat, you roll initiative by making a Dexterity check. Initiative determines the order of creatures’ turns in combat.

Hiding[edit]

The GM decides when circumstances are appropriate for hiding. When you try to hide, make a Dexterity (Stealth) check. Until you are discovered or you stop hiding, that check’s total is contested by the Wisdom (Perception) check of any creature that actively searches for signs of your presence.

You can’t hide from a creature that can see you clearly, and you give away your position if you make noise, such as shouting a warning or knocking over a vase.

An invisible creature can always try to hide. Signs of its passage might still be noticed, and it does have to stay quiet.

In combat, most creatures stay alert for signs of danger all around, so if you come out of hiding and approach a creature, it usually sees you. However, under certain circumstances, the GM might allow you to stay hidden as you approach a creature that is distracted, allowing you to gain advantage on an attack roll before you are seen.

Passive Perception[edit]

When you hide, there’s a chance someone will notice you even if they aren’t searching. To determine whether such a creature notices you, the GM compares your Dexterity (Stealth) check with that creature’s passive Wisdom (Perception) score, which equals 10 + the creature’s Wisdom modifier, as well as any other bonuses or penalties. If the creature has advantage, add 5. For disadvantage, subtract 5. For example, if a 1st-level character (with a proficiency bonus of +2) has a Wisdom of 15 (a +2 modifier) and proficiency in Perception, he or she has a passive Wisdom (Perception) of 14.

What Can You See?[edit]

One of the main factors in determining whether you can find a hidden creature or object is how well you can see in an area, which might be lightly or heavily obscured, as explained in “The Environment.”

Constitution[edit]

Constitution measures health, stamina, and vital force.

Constitution Checks[edit]

Constitution checks are uncommon, and no skills apply to Constitution checks, because the endurance this ability represents is largely passive rather than involving a specific effort on the part of a character or monster. A Constitution check can model your attempt to push beyond normal limits, however.

The GM might call for a Constitution check when you try to accomplish tasks like the following:

  • Hold your breath
  • March or labor for hours without rest
  • Go without sleep
  • Survive without food or water
  • Quaff an entire stein of ale in one go

Hit Points[edit]

Your Constitution modifier contributes to your hit points. Typically, you add your Constitution modifier to each Hit Die you roll for your hit points.

If your Constitution modifier changes, your hit point maximum changes as well, as though you had the new modifier from 1st level. For example, if you raise your Constitution score when you reach 4th level and your Constitution modifier increases from +1 to +2, you adjust your hit point maximum as though the modifier had always been +2. So you add 3 hit points for your first three levels, and then roll your hit points for 4th level using your new modifier. Or if you’re 7th level and some effect lowers your Constitution score so as to reduce your Constitution modifier by 1, your hit point maximum is reduced by 7.

Intelligence[edit]

Intelligence measures mental acuity, accuracy of recall, and the ability to reason.

Intelligence Checks[edit]

An Intelligence check comes into play when you need to draw on logic, education, memory, or deductive reasoning. The Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, and Religion skills reflect aptitude in certain kinds of Intelligence checks.

Arcana[edit]

Your Intelligence (Arcana) check measures your ability to recall lore about spells, magic items, eldritch symbols, magical traditions, the planes of existence, and the inhabitants of those planes.

History[edit]

Your Intelligence (History) check measures your ability to recall lore about historical events, legendary people, ancient kingdoms, past disputes, recent wars, and lost civilizations.

Investigation[edit]

When you look around for clues and make deductions based on those clues, you make an Intelligence (Investigation) check. You might deduce the location of a hidden object, discern from the appearance of a wound what kind of weapon dealt it, or determine the weakest point in a tunnel that could cause it to collapse. Poring through ancient scrolls in search of a hidden fragment of knowledge might also call for an Intelligence (Investigation) check.

Nature[edit]

Your Intelligence (Nature) check measures your ability to recall lore about terrain, plants and animals, the weather, and natural cycles.

Religion[edit]

Your Intelligence (Religion) check measures your ability to recall lore about deities, rites and prayers, religious hierarchies, holy symbols, and the practices of secret cults.

Other Intelligence Checks[edit]

The GM might call for an Intelligence check when you try to accomplish tasks like the following:

  • Communicate with a creature without using words
  • Estimate the value of a precious item
  • Pull together a disguise to pass as a city guard
  • Forge a document
  • Recall lore about a craft or trade
  • Win a game of skill

Spellcasting Ability[edit]

Wizards use Intelligence as their spellcasting ability, which helps determine the saving throw DCs of spells they cast.

Wisdom[edit]

Wisdom reflects how attuned you are to the world around you and represents perceptiveness and intuition.

Wisdom Checks[edit]

A Wisdom check might reflect an effort to read body language, understand someone’s feelings, notice things about the environment, or care for an injured person. The Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, and Survival skills reflect aptitude in certain kinds of Wisdom checks.

Animal Handling[edit]

When there is any question whether you can calm down a domesticated animal, keep a mount from getting spooked, or intuit an animal’s intentions, the GM might call for a Wisdom (Animal Handling) check. You also make a Wisdom (Animal Handling) check to control your mount when you attempt a risky maneuver.

Insight[edit]

Your Wisdom (Insight) check decides whether you can determine the true intentions of a creature, such as when searching out a lie or predicting someone’s next move. Doing so involves gleaning clues from body language, speech habits, and changes in mannerisms.

Medicine[edit]

A Wisdom (Medicine) check lets you try to stabilize a dying companion or diagnose an illness.

Perception[edit]

Your Wisdom (Perception) check lets you spot, hear, or otherwise detect the presence of something. It measures your general awareness of your surroundings and the keenness of your senses. For example, you might try to hear a conversation through a closed door, eavesdrop under an open window, or hear monsters moving stealthily in the forest. Or you might try to spot things that are obscured or easy to miss, whether they are orcs lying in ambush on a road, thugs hiding in the shadows of an alley, or candlelight under a closed secret door.

Survival[edit]

The GM might ask you to make a Wisdom (Survival) check to follow tracks, hunt wild game, guide your group through frozen wastelands, identify signs that owlbears live nearby, predict the weather, or avoid quicksand and other natural hazards.

Other Wisdom Checks[edit]

The GM might call for a Wisdom check when you try to accomplish tasks like the following:

  • Get a gut feeling about what course of action to follow
  • Discern whether a seemingly dead or living creature is undead

Spellcasting Ability[edit]

Clerics, druids, and rangers use Wisdom as their spellcasting ability, which helps determine the saving throw DCs of spells they cast.

Charisma[edit]

Charisma measures your ability to interact effectively with others. It includes such factors as confidence and eloquence, and it can represent a charming or commanding personality.

Charisma Checks[edit]

A Charisma check might arise when you try to influence or entertain others, when you try to make an impression or tell a convincing lie, or when you are navigating a tricky social situation. The Deception, Intimidation, Performance, and Persuasion skills reflect aptitude in certain kinds of Charisma checks.

Deception[edit]

Your Charisma (Deception) check determines whether you can convincingly hide the truth, either verbally or through your actions. This deception can encompass everything from misleading others through ambiguity to telling outright lies. Typical situations include trying to fast-talk a guard, con a merchant, earn money through gambling, pass yourself off in a disguise, dull someone’s suspicions with false assurances, or maintain a straight face while telling a blatant lie.

Intimidation[edit]

When you attempt to influence someone through overt threats, hostile actions, and physical violence, the GM might ask you to make a Charisma (Intimidation) check. Examples include trying to pry information out of a prisoner, convincing street thugs to back down from a confrontation, or using the edge of a broken bottle to convince a sneering vizier to reconsider a decision.

Performance[edit]

Your Charisma (Performance) check determines how well you can delight an audience with music, dance, acting, storytelling, or some other form of entertainment.

Persuasion[edit]

When you attempt to influence someone or a group of people with tact, social graces, or good nature, the GM might ask you to make a Charisma (Persuasion) check. Typically, you use persuasion when acting in good faith, to foster friendships, make cordial requests, or exhibit proper etiquette. Examples of persuading others include convincing a chamberlain to let your party see the king, negotiating peace between warring tribes, or inspiring a crowd of townsfolk.

Other Charisma Checks[edit]

The GM might call for a Charisma check when you try to accomplish tasks like the following:

  • Find the best person to talk to for news, rumors, and gossip
  • Blend into a crowd to get the sense of key topics of conversation

Spellcasting Ability[edit]

Bards, paladins, sorcerers, and warlocks use Charisma as their spellcasting ability, which helps determine the saving throw DCs of spells they cast.

Saving Throws[edit]

See article SRD5:Saving Throw.

Sources[edit]


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