Do only Rogues get Expertise?
The question "Do only Rogues get Expertise?" is a common one among Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) players. The answer, however, is more nuanced than a simple "yes" or "no". In this article, we’ll delve into the mechanics of Expertise in D&D 5th edition, exploring which classes can gain Expertise and how to do so.
Short Answer: No, Rogues are not the Only Ones
While Rogues do have a special feature that allows them to gain expertise in two skills of their choice, they are not the only class that can gain Expertise. There are several other classes that can gain Expertise through various means, including features, backgrounds, and feats.
Long Answer: Expertise in D&D 5th Edition
In D&D 5th edition, Expertise is a feature that allows a character to become particularly skilled in a specific area. When a character gains Expertise, they receive a bonus to their proficiency checks in that skill. There are several ways for characters to gain Expertise:
- Rogue: Rogues gain Expertise at 1st level, allowing them to choose two skills in which to become proficient.
- Bard: Bards gain Expertise at 3rd level, allowing them to choose two skills in which to become proficient.
- Artificer: Artificers gain Expertise at 1st level, allowing them to choose two skills in which to become proficient.
- Ranger: Rangers gain Expertise at 3rd level, allowing them to choose one skill in which to become proficient.
- Feats: Certain feats, such as the Expertise feat, grant characters Expertise in specific skills.
- Backgrounds: Some backgrounds, such as the Urchin background, grant characters Expertise in specific skills.
- Leveling Up: Characters gain Expertise in certain skills as they level up. For example, at level 4, characters gain Expertise in two additional skills.
How Expertise Works
When a character gains Expertise in a skill, they receive a bonus to their proficiency checks in that skill. The bonus is equal to their proficiency bonus, which is determined by their class and level. For example, a 5th-level Rogue with a +3 proficiency bonus would gain a +3 bonus to their proficiency checks in skills in which they have expertise.
Examples of Expertise
Here are some examples of Expertise:
- Rogue Expertise: A 5th-level Rogue has Expertise in Stealth and Thieves’ Tools. When making a Stealth check, she receives a +3 bonus. When making a Thieves’ Tools check, she also receives a +3 bonus.
- Bard Expertise: A 5th-level Bard has Expertise in Performance and History. When making a Performance check, she receives a +2 bonus. When making a History check, she also receives a +2 bonus.
- Artificer Expertise: A 5th-level Artificer has Expertise in Arcana and Survival. When making an Arcana check, she receives a +2 bonus. When making a Survival check, she also receives a +2 bonus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Rogues do gain Expertise at 1st level, they are not the only class that can gain Expertise. There are several other classes, feats, backgrounds, and level-ups that can grant Expertise in specific skills. By understanding how Expertise works and how to gain it, characters can specialize in specific areas and improve their chances of success.