Do You Add Your Proficiency Bonus to Armour?
In Dungeons & Dragons, proficiency bonus is an additional bonus that is applied to skills, saving throws, tool checks, spell attacks (and saving throw dcs), and weapon attacks. It scales with your total character level instead of your class level, and represents things your character is good at. But when it comes to armour, do you add your proficiency bonus to it? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and delve deeper into the intricacies of proficiency bonuses.
No, You Don’t Add Your Proficiency Bonus to Armour
According to the official D&D Beyond FAQs, no, you don’t add your proficiency bonus to armour. If you wear armour that you lack proficiency with, you have disadvantage on any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll that involves Strength or Dexterity, and you can’t cast spells. However, the proficiency bonus is not included in the calculation for AC (Armour Class) or damage reduction.
Here’s a table to illustrate this:
| Ability Check/Saving Throw/Attack Roll | Proficiency Bonus Included? |
|---|---|
| AC (Armour Class) | No |
| Damage Reduction | No |
| Skill Checks | Yes |
| Saving Throws | Yes |
| Attack Rolls | Yes |
How Does Proficiency Bonus Affect Your Character?
Your proficiency bonus is added to your ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls when you use skills or make attacks that you’re proficient in. For example, if you have a proficiency bonus of +2 and you’re proficient in Perception, your Wisdom (Perception) checks will be made with a +2 bonus.
Proficiency Bonus and Unarmoured Defence
Unarmoured defence is the calculation for your character’s Armour Class when they’re not wearing armour. If you’re proficient in athletics or acrobatics, your unarmoured defence may be higher due to your proficiency bonus. For example, if you have a proficiency bonus of +2 and you’re proficient in athletics, your unarmoured defence might be increased by +2.
Conclusion
In summary, you don’t add your proficiency bonus to your armour. Your proficiency bonus only applies to skills, saving throws, and attack rolls when you’re proficient in the relevant skill or attack. If you’re unsure about how proficiency bonuses affect your character, consult your D&D rulebook or online resources for more information.
Additional Tips
• Always check your character sheet and the relevant rules section for specific information on how proficiency bonuses apply to your character.
• Practice your skills and abilities regularly to improve your proficiency bonus and increase your chances of success in combat and skill challenges.
• Don’t hesitate to ask your Dungeon Master for clarification on any rule or mechanic that’s unclear.
By understanding how proficiency bonuses work, you can enhance your character’s abilities and make more informed decisions in combat and skill challenges. Remember, proficiency bonuses are a key part of what makes D&D so much fun – so don’t be afraid to experiment and see how they can improve your gameplay experience!