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<blockquote data-quote="GMMichael" data-source="post: 7378090" data-attributes="member: 6685730">So, each character has six ability scores, and one ability bonus is used on every check.And each character has some skill proficiencies, which add the proficiency bonus to a check.The Player's Handbook goes on to list each skill under one of the six abilities, and says that you should add your proficiency bonus - when using the skill - when making a check with that ability.And then on page 175 it says that you might want to consider not doing it that way.This makes the ability sound like the optional portion, not the skill.&nbsp; Yet, every check requires an ability, but not a skill proficiency.&nbsp; It's a little misleading.DMs can easily put the OP's advice into action without thinking (too much) about it by just asking for an ability check after a player declares an (questionable) action, and allowing the player to apply an appropriate skill proficiency.&nbsp; Some examples from above:- Passing off as an historian at the queen’s banquet, as you use sophistry to hide your ignorance.DM asks for Intelligence upon hearing &quot;sophistry.&quot;- If you try to hide your spellcasting . . . as you try to appear inconspicuous, or as you try to keep your focus and somatic components out of sight.DM asks for (prime spell ability) at &quot;hide spellcasting,&quot; or Dexterity at &quot;keep out of sight.&quot;- Convincing a barbarian tribe to join you by lifting a heavy boulder in a dramatic manner.Strength.&nbsp; Duh?- A delicate surgical operation that requires a steady hand.Performing surgery could be Dexterity or Intelligence.&nbsp; But why not both?- For your next infiltration mission, you observe the schedule of the patrols and relieving. By timing your movement and relying on your memory, you can avoid patrols.&quot;I plot a gap between guard postings.&quot;&nbsp; Intelligence.&nbsp; &quot;I anticipate where the guards will leave a gap in security.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wisdom.&nbsp; &quot;I dive behind cover when that guard looks in my direction.&quot;&nbsp; Dexterity.In each case, the player probably has a skill in mind that he'd like to use.&nbsp; If it fits, let him use it.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="GMMichael, post: 7378090, member: 6685730"] So, each character has six ability scores, and one ability bonus is used on every check. And each character has [I]some[/I] skill proficiencies, which add the proficiency bonus to a check. The Player's Handbook goes on to list each skill under one of the six abilities, and says that you should add your proficiency bonus - when using the skill - when making a check with that ability. And then on page 175 it says that you might want to consider not doing it that way. This makes the ability sound like the optional portion, not the skill. Yet, every check requires an ability, but not a skill proficiency. It's a little misleading. DMs can easily put the OP's advice into action without thinking (too much) about it by just asking for an ability check after a player declares an (questionable) action, and allowing the player to apply an appropriate skill proficiency. Some examples from above: - Passing off as an historian at the queen’s banquet, as you use sophistry to hide your ignorance. DM asks for Intelligence upon hearing "sophistry." - If you try to hide your spellcasting . . . as you try to appear inconspicuous, or as you try to keep your focus and somatic components out of sight. DM asks for (prime spell ability) at "hide spellcasting," or Dexterity at "keep out of sight." - Convincing a barbarian tribe to join you by lifting a heavy boulder in a dramatic manner. Strength. Duh? - A delicate surgical operation that requires a steady hand. Performing surgery could be Dexterity or Intelligence. But why not both? - For your next infiltration mission, you observe the schedule of the patrols and relieving. By timing your movement and relying on your memory, you can avoid patrols. "I plot a gap between guard postings." Intelligence. "I anticipate where the guards will leave a gap in security." Wisdom. "I dive behind cover when that guard looks in my direction." Dexterity. In each case, the player probably has a skill in mind that he'd like to use. If it fits, let him use it. [/QUOTE]

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