D&D 5E Ability check & Proficiency skills

[Amatiel]

And this is why although in general I think 5e is a vast improvement over previous editions in most ways, there are a couple of aspects (skills & ability checks, in particular) that are a freaking fail. You know a RULE is broken when 8 different people reply with 8 diffferent answers.. /doh

 

[Magil]

If you're asking for the RAW, it's very clear: it's not an Athletics check if it doesn't have the (Athletics) part next to it in the description. It's just a Strength ability check without any proficiencies.

If the DM wants to decide Athletics training can apply, that's their prerogative, but they are not prompted to do so by the RAW.

 

[Sword of Spirit]

My query was does the victim just made a d20 + ability modifier roll as his action, OR is he allowed to use Athletics as his ability check like escaping a grapple ?

Based on the similarity of the situation to other situations, I'm assuming it was an oversight and Athletics is intended to be allowed. That's not what it says, but it is more consistent with other rules, where it is pretty much always either a Strength save or a Strength (Athletics) check.

 

[jodyjohnson]

... there are a couple of aspects (skills & ability checks, in particular) that are a freaking fail. You know a RULE is broken when 8 different people reply with 8 diffferent answers.. /doh

That's not a failure, it's a feature. The 'rulings not rules' nature of 5e is what allows interesting variance to match individual tables gaming style.

 

[Staffan]

RAW is pretty clear that these abilities require a Strength check to escape. No skill proficiencies apply, though abilities like Jack of All Trades and Remarkable Athlete do (because it's a Strength check that doesn't otherwise apply proficiency modifier).

You might argue that they ought to use a Strength (Athletics) check instead, because they're similar to being grappled and that's what you use for that sort of thing. But the rules clearly state otherwise.

 

[Sword of Spirit]

You might argue that they ought to use a Strength (Athletics) check instead, because they're similar to being grappled and that's what you use for that sort of thing. But the rules clearly state otherwise.

I wouldn't say the rules state otherwise--I would say they fail to state that Athletics applies. It's a question of intent (and unless someone asks the designers for their intent, we are all probably guessing here). Either it's intended to (for some unknown and isolated reason) exclude Athletics, or it is intended to function like most other Strength to break free scenarios and include Athletics, but forgot the mention it.