What counts as an ability check 5e?

An ability check in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition (5e) refers to a d20 roll that is used to determine the success or failure of a character’s or monster’s attempt to perform a specific task or action, such as swimming, running, intimidating, or tying a knot, and it is not an attack roll or a saving throw. The outcome of an ability check is determined by adding the relevant ability modifier to the d20 roll and comparing the total to a Difficulty Class (DC) set by the Dungeon Master (DM).

Understanding Ability Checks

An ability check is used to determine the outcome of something a player tries to do, and it is distinct from a saving throw, which is a chance given by the DM to avoid some negative outcome. Ability checks can be used to resolve a wide range of situations, from athletics and acrobatics to persuasion and deception.

Examples of Ability Checks

Examples of ability checks include Strength (Athletics) checks to climb a sheer or slippery cliff, Intelligence (Investigation) checks to examine a crime scene, and Charisma (Persuasion) checks to convince an NPC to do something.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some frequently asked questions about ability checks in 5e:

1. Do spells count as ability checks? No, spells are a separate type of action that can be cast by characters with the ability to do so, although some spells may require ability checks to determine their effectiveness.
2. Do saves count as ability checks? No, saves are a type of roll used to resist or mitigate the effects of spells, attacks, or other harmful effects, and are distinct from ability checks.
3. Is a melee attack an ability check? No, a melee attack is a type of attack roll that is used to determine whether a character hits a target, and is distinct from an ability check.
4. Does an attack roll count as a check? No, an attack roll is a type of roll used to determine whether a character hits a target, and is distinct from an ability check.
5. What is an example of an ability check in D&D? Examples of ability checks include swimming or running for endurance, intimidating someone, and tying a knot correctly.
6. What is the difference between attack check and ability check? An attack roll is used to determine whether a character hits a target, while an ability check is used to determine the success or failure of a character’s attempt to perform a specific task or action.
7. Is concentration an ability check 5e? No, concentration is not an ability check, but rather a Constitution saving throw.
8. Does an ability count as an attack? No, an ability is a characteristic of a character or monster that can be used to perform a specific task or action, and is distinct from an attack.
9. Is an athletics check a strength check? Yes, an athletics check is a type of Strength check that is used to determine a character’s ability to perform athletic tasks such as climbing, jumping, or swimming.
10. Is an ability check the same as a skill check 5E? No, while ability checks and skill checks are related, they are not the same thing – skill checks are a type of ability check that uses a character’s proficiency bonus.
11. Is a saving throw an ability check hex? No, a saving throw is not an ability check, and is distinct from ability checks.
12. What is the difference between a saving throw and check? A saving throw is used to resist or mitigate the effects of spells, attacks, or other harmful effects, while an ability check is used to determine the success or failure of a character’s attempt to perform a specific task or action.
13. Does cutting words work on saving throws? No, cutting words does not affect saving throws.
14. Do racial abilities count as spells? Only if the racial ability says “you can cast X spell at Y level once per long rest” – otherwise, it does not count as a spell.
15. Does Jack of all trades apply to saving throws? No, Jack of all trades only applies to ability checks, and not to saving throws or attack rolls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ability checks are a crucial part of the 5e gameplay mechanic, and are used to determine the success or failure of a character’s attempt to perform a specific task or action. By understanding what counts as an ability check, players and DMs can create more engaging and challenging gameplay experiences. Whether it’s swimming through treacherous waters, intimidating an enemy, or tying a knot to escape a trap, ability checks add a layer of excitement and uncertainty to the game.