D&D 5E Items that adjust Proficiency Bonus?

[Oofta]

Cloak and boots of elvenkind are really effective for sneaky types, probably too much so. Especially depending on how it's interpreted.
Fun with in the right campaign.

 

[Ath-kethin]

It's also worth keeping in mind that, until very high levels, having advantage on rolls is a bigger boost than doubling proficiency bonus. Of course, the proficiency bonus applies to far more stuff.

So adding a +1 to proficiency bonus would be strong, but probably won't spend your game. Obviously, bigger bonuses will have a greater impact.

 

[Quartz]

But adjusting the proficiency bonus, after the initial "wow!" moment, rapidly disappears into the background math of the game.

That's a very good point.

 

[Quartz]

IMHO they should only appear as temporary single use items saved by the players when they may really need a boost. Even then such items should be, advisedly, infrequent.

What about the reverse? Items that reduce the proficiency bonus in return for another benefit.

 

[The Crimson Binome]

I'm imagining a "longsword of competence" which grants proficiency in longsword, sets your proficiency bonus to +4, and sets your max HP total to 100.

 

[Winterthorn]

What about the reverse? Items that reduce the proficiency bonus in return for another benefit.

A swap? I think that is much more reasonable. I would do my best to make it balanced, and if done right it creates an interesting decision point for a PC. A magic item that imposes a -1 to proficiency bonus compensated with a special damage effect that is helpful in combat, could be a fun choice for example. It all depends upon what would be a reasonable trade-off. Even then, would you want such an item to affect the PB in all cases it is used (combat, saves, skills, etc.)?

I took the time to read about bounded accuracy recently, and I really understand the caution for tinkering with the proficiency bonus. That said, even if one does want to play with it - and I am very tempted to because it is IMO mechanically boring - I would ensure a +1 "here" is balanced by a -1 "there" so to speak.