Does Jack of All Trades Apply to Saving Throws? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is a resounding no. The Bard’s Jack of All Trades feature, which allows you to add half your proficiency bonus (rounded down) to any ability check you make that doesn’t already include your proficiency bonus, does not apply to saving throws. This is a crucial distinction to understand when playing a Bard in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e).

Understanding the Core Mechanics

To fully grasp why Jack of All Trades doesn’t affect saving throws, let’s dissect the fundamental differences between ability checks, attack rolls, and saving throws:

• Ability Checks: These are rolls made to determine the success of an action a character attempts. They involve rolling a d20 and adding the relevant ability modifier (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma). Examples include climbing a wall (Strength check), picking a lock (Dexterity check), or persuading a guard (Charisma check). This is where Jack of All Trades comes into play.

• Attack Rolls: These are rolls made to determine whether an attack hits its target. They involve rolling a d20, adding your attack bonus (which includes proficiency if you are proficient with the weapon), and comparing the result to the target’s Armor Class (AC).

• Saving Throws: These are rolls made to resist the effects of a spell, trap, or other hazard. They involve rolling a d20, adding your relevant ability modifier, and your proficiency bonus if you are proficient in that saving throw. Examples include resisting a fireball (Dexterity saving throw) or avoiding being charmed (Wisdom saving throw).

The critical difference lies in the fact that saving throws often already involve proficiency bonuses. Jack of All Trades specifically targets ability checks where you don’t already add your proficiency bonus. Since saving throws often do include your proficiency bonus, Jack of All Trades is not applicable.

Why the Distinction Matters

This rule is important for several reasons:

• Balance: Bards are already versatile and powerful characters. Allowing Jack of All Trades to apply to saving throws would make them excessively resistant to a wide range of effects, potentially unbalancing the game.

• Design Intent: The design intent behind Jack of All Trades is to make Bards more competent in areas where they lack specific training. It’s a补尝 mechanism for not being able to be proficient in every skill. Saving throws are a different type of roll and have different proficiency rules associated with them.

• Clarity of Rules: The Player’s Handbook and other official D&D 5e materials are clear about which rolls are ability checks, attack rolls, and saving throws. The description of Jack of All Trades is also specific in its application, targeting only ability checks that don’t already include your proficiency bonus.

Jack of All Trades and Initiative

It’s worth reiterating that Jack of All Trades does apply to initiative. Initiative is rolled as a Dexterity check. You roll a d20 and add your Dexterity modifier. If you aren’t proficient in initiative, you can add Jack of All Trade’s bonus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about Jack of All Trades and its application in D&D 5e:

1. What exactly does the Bard’s Jack of All Trades feature apply to?

Jack of All Trades applies to ability checks you make that don’t already include your proficiency bonus. This can include skill checks, ability checks to overcome obstacles, and even initiative rolls.

2. Does Jack of All Trades apply to skill checks I’m not proficient in?

Yes! That’s precisely the intent. If you’re attempting a skill check (like Stealth or Athletics) and you’re not proficient in that skill, Jack of All Trades allows you to add half your proficiency bonus (rounded down) to the roll.

3. Does Jack of All Trades apply to passive perception?

Yes, under certain conditions. If your passive Perception score is calculated based on a Perception (Wisdom) check that you wouldn’t normally add your proficiency bonus to, then Jack of All Trades would affect it. Remember that Passive Perception = 10 + Wisdom modifier + proficiency bonus (if proficient). If you are not proficient, the Passive Perception will be your Wisdom modifier + 10 + Jack of All Trade’s bonus.

4. Does Jack of All Trades apply to initiative?

Yes! Initiative is a Dexterity check. Because of this, you can add Jack of All Trade’s bonus.

5. What is a saving throw, and how is it different from an ability check?

An ability check is a roll you make to actively attempt something, while a saving throw is a roll you make to resist something happening to you. In most cases, an ability check is initiated by the player, while a saving throw is triggered by something else, such as a spell or a hazard.

6. What’s the difference between Jack of All Trades and Reliable Talent (Rogue feature)?

Jack of All Trades adds half your proficiency bonus to ability checks you aren’t proficient in. Reliable Talent (Rogue) ensures that if you roll a 9 or lower on an ability check where you are adding your proficiency bonus, you can treat the roll as a 10.

7. Can a Jack of All Trades ever become a master of something?

Yes, it is possible, though it requires dedication. While the saying “Jack of all trades, master of none” often implies a lack of expertise, a skilled individual can certainly develop mastery in specific areas while retaining a broad range of competencies.

8. Why is being a Jack of All Trades sometimes considered negative?

The phrase “Jack of all trades, master of none” can be interpreted negatively because it suggests someone might be spread too thin, lacking deep expertise in any particular field. However, versatility is often valuable.

9. Is it bad to be a Jack of All Trades but master of none?

Not necessarily. Having a diverse skillset can be highly beneficial, especially in dynamic or unpredictable situations. The full saying is often “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one,” highlighting the value of adaptability.

10. What do you call a female Jack of All Trades?

The common term is “Jill of All Trades“.

11. Is it better to be a Jack of All Trades or specialize in one thing?

It depends on the situation. Specialization allows for deep expertise, while being a Jack of All Trades provides versatility and adaptability. Both approaches have their advantages.

12. Can you multiclass to get Jack of All Trades on multiple characters?

No. Jack of All Trades is a specific Bard class feature. It does not stack with other classes or other levels of Bard.

13. If I gain proficiency in a skill later, does Jack of All Trades stop applying to checks for that skill?

Yes. Once you have proficiency in a skill, you apply your proficiency bonus to checks using that skill, and Jack of All Trades no longer applies.

14. How does Jack of All Trades interact with Expertise (Rogue and Bard feature)?

Expertise doubles your proficiency bonus for certain skills. Jack of All Trades would only apply to ability checks where you’re not already using your doubled proficiency bonus from Expertise.

15. Can I use Jack of All Trades on an attack roll?

No. Jack of All Trades can only be applied on ability checks. Attack rolls and saving throws are not ability checks.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the nuances of Jack of All Trades is crucial for playing a Bard effectively. Remember that it enhances your versatility by providing a bonus to ability checks you aren’t already proficient in, allowing you to contribute meaningfully in a variety of situations. However, it doesn’t apply to saving throws. For more resources on game rules and educational uses of games, explore the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.