Do Only Rogues Get Expertise? A Deep Dive into 5e Skills
The short answer is a resounding no. While Rogues are renowned for their early access to Expertise in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, they are far from the only class or method to acquire this powerful ability. Expertise, which allows you to double your proficiency bonus on specific skills or tools, is a coveted feature that enhances a character’s capabilities significantly. This article will explore all the avenues for gaining Expertise in 5e, debunking the myth that it’s solely a Rogue’s domain.
Understanding Expertise in 5e
What Exactly is Expertise?
Expertise is a game mechanic in 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons that amplifies a character’s skill proficiency. When you have Expertise in a skill or tool, you double your proficiency bonus for any ability check you make using that skill or tool. For example, if you are proficient in Stealth and also have Expertise in it, your proficiency bonus (which is based on your character level) is doubled when making Stealth checks. This makes you incredibly adept at that particular skill, significantly increasing your chances of success.
Why is Expertise So Desirable?
Expertise is a highly desirable trait because it provides a substantial boost to your character’s effectiveness in certain areas. In a game often decided by dice rolls, maximizing your bonuses is crucial. Expertise can turn a good skill user into an exceptional one, allowing you to reliably succeed on checks that would be challenging for others. This can be particularly useful for skills like Stealth, Persuasion, or Medicine, where success can have a dramatic impact on the story. Rogues, known for their Cunning Action and stealthy playstyle, often utilize Expertise in Stealth to make the most out of these abilities.
Classes That Grant Expertise
While Rogues are the first to come to mind, several classes can grant Expertise through their class features. Here’s a breakdown:
- Rogue: At 1st level, Rogues gain Expertise in two skills they are proficient in, or one skill and proficiency with Thieves’ Tools. This early access makes them unparalleled in their chosen areas.
- Bard: At 3rd level, Bards gain the Expertise feature, allowing them to choose two skills in which they are proficient and double their proficiency bonus. Bards benefit greatly from this, amplifying their already impressive social and supportive abilities.
- Ranger: Using the optional features introduced in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, Rangers can choose the Deft Explorer feature at 1st level, which provides Expertise in one skill of their choice, among other benefits. This adds another layer of versatility to the Ranger class.
- Artificer: No, Artificers do not automatically gain Expertise. This class focuses more on gadgets and magical infusions than skill mastery in the traditional sense.
Feats That Grant Expertise
Beyond classes, certain feats provide a pathway to Expertise. These feats require an investment but can be a worthwhile trade-off for characters seeking specific skill enhancements.
- Skill Expert: This feat, introduced in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, allows you to gain proficiency in one skill, choose one skill in which you are already proficient, and gain Expertise in that skill. It also provides a +1 bonus to an ability score of your choice, making it a versatile option.
- Prodigy: This feat is exclusive to humans, half-elves, and half-orcs. It allows you to gain proficiency in one skill, one tool, and one language. You also get Expertise in one skill in which you are already proficient.
Other Ways to Gain Expertise
While class features and feats are the most common ways to gain Expertise, there are other, less frequent methods.
- Racial Features: Some races offer features that can indirectly grant Expertise. For instance, certain racial traits may provide proficiency in specific skills, opening the door to Expertise through feats or other means.
- Multiclassing: Multiclassing into a class that grants Expertise, such as Rogue or Bard, is another way to acquire this feature. However, this comes at the cost of delaying progression in your primary class.
- Magic Items: While rare, certain magic items might grant Expertise in specific skills or tools. These items are typically found as treasure throughout your adventures.
The Importance of Proficiency
It’s crucial to remember that Expertise always builds upon existing proficiency. You cannot gain Expertise in a skill or tool unless you are already proficient in it. Therefore, characters seeking Expertise should prioritize gaining proficiency in the desired skills through their class, background, or feats.
Expertise in Thieves’ Tools
Rogues have a unique option: they can choose to gain Expertise in Thieves’ Tools at 1st level. This highlights their expertise in bypassing locks and traps. Proficiency in Thieves’ Tools is typically gained through classes like Rogue or Artificer, backgrounds like Criminal or Urchin, or the Prodigy feat. The Games Learning Society emphasizes the importance of understanding game mechanics like this in fostering strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
FAQs About Expertise in 5e
1. Can you have Expertise in more than one skill?
Yes, many characters can have Expertise in multiple skills. Rogues and Bards naturally gain Expertise in two skills at specific levels, and feats like Skill Expert allow you to gain additional Expertise.
2. Does Expertise stack?
No, Expertise does not stack. If you somehow gain Expertise in the same skill from multiple sources, you still only double your proficiency bonus once.
3. Can I gain Expertise in a skill I’m not proficient in?
No. Expertise always requires existing proficiency. You must first be proficient in a skill before you can gain Expertise in it.
4. Is there a limit to how many skills you can have Expertise in?
While there isn’t a hard limit, the number of skills you can have Expertise in is limited by the available class features, feats, and other methods of gaining Expertise.
5. Can you use Expertise with tools, like a Smith’s Tools?
Yes, Expertise can be applied to tools as well as skills, provided you are proficient with the tool. For example, a Rogue could choose to gain Expertise in Thieves’ Tools.
6. How does Expertise affect passive skills like Passive Perception?
Expertise does not directly affect Passive Perception. Passive Perception is calculated as 10 + Wisdom modifier + proficiency bonus (if proficient). Since Expertise doubles your proficiency bonus only for checks, not passive scores, it won’t affect your Passive Perception.
7. Which is the best class for maximizing Expertise?
Rogues and Bards are the prime candidates for maximizing Expertise due to their class features that grant it multiple times.
8. Can I use Expertise to pick a lock without Thieves’ Tools?
No. While you can attempt to pick a lock without Thieves’ Tools, you cannot apply Expertise unless you are using the tools and are proficient with them.
9. Does multiclassing affect Expertise?
Yes, if you multiclass into a class that grants Expertise, you will gain the Expertise feature of that class. For example, multiclassing into Rogue from another class will grant you Expertise in two skills at level 1 Rogue.
10. How do I choose the best skills for Expertise?
Consider your character’s role in the party, their background, and the skills they use most often. Skills like Stealth, Persuasion, and Perception are often strong choices, but it depends on your character concept.
11. Are there any disadvantages to taking Expertise?
The main disadvantage is the investment required. Feats could be used for other abilities, and multiclassing delays progression in your primary class.
12. What is the earliest level I can get Expertise?
Rogues can get Expertise at level 1, making them the earliest class to access this feature. Rangers with the optional Deft Explorer feature from Tasha’s can also gain expertise at level 1.
13. Can a DM grant Expertise as a reward?
Yes, a DM can introduce house rules or magic items that grant Expertise as a reward for completing quests or overcoming challenges.
14. How does Expertise interact with advantage and disadvantage?
Expertise functions independently of advantage and disadvantage. Advantage gives you two dice to choose the highest from, while disadvantage forces you to choose the lowest. Expertise simply adds a doubled proficiency bonus to the result.
15. Does Expertise work in social situations?
Absolutely. Expertise in skills like Persuasion, Deception, or Intimidation can be incredibly powerful in social encounters, allowing you to sway NPCs, negotiate deals, and navigate complex social dynamics.
Conclusion
Expertise is a powerful and versatile feature in D&D 5e, and while Rogues are famous for their access to it, they are not the only class that can benefit. Through classes like Bard and Ranger, feats like Skill Expert and Prodigy, and even creative multiclassing, many characters can become masters of their chosen skills. Understanding the different paths to Expertise allows players to craft more specialized and effective characters, enriching their gameplay experience. Remember to explore all your options and tailor your choices to your character’s story and role within the party. Embrace the power of Expertise, and watch your characters excel in ways you never thought possible!