D&D 5E "Make a Strength (History) roll."

[Reynard]

One of the tools available to GMs and players in 5E is non-standard combinations of ability scores and proficiencies. It doesn't come up very often in my experience, but sometimes odd pairings make for interesting moments in play -- or, rather, interesting moments in play call for the odd pairings. I remember having PCs make Charisma (Athletics) checks to entertain a crowd in the arena, and have sometimes let them make things like Intelligence (Stealth) to try and surmise how an assassin or thief infiltrated a crime scene.

Relatedly, I sometimes let players make checks with proficiency based on their backgrounds or their class (and choosing an appropriate ability score). The 5E proficiency list is narrow and specific and sometimes it is easier to lean on "secondary skills" from the AD&D days.

What are your thoughts on non-standard proficiency and ability scores?

 

[Mallus]

I think that kind of flexibility shows how the game is best played.

 

[DEFCON 1]

It's the only way I play. At my table all the skills can grant proficiency bonus to any ability check depending on the circumstances.

 

[billd91]

I'm fine with using skill proficiencies with a variety of stats. But a player would have to have a really interesting argument to justify strength (history).

 

[iserith]

I usually call for just the ability check and the players in my games add whatever proficiency they think applies to their roll, based on the description they already offered. (They cannot, however, continue to add description to get a proficiency to apply simply because I asked for a roll.)

Now if only I could get the regular character sheet on Roll20 to query instead of default to the standard ability (Proficiency).

 

[GMforPowergamers]

I am more likely to sub a stat for a tool prof then I am for a skill prof... but some are really easy.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

Now if only I could get the regular character sheet on Roll20 to query instead of default to the standard ability (Proficiency).

ignore the skill section and set every skill prof as a tool... you can then make them all query.

My artificer has his arcana and investigation both set that way becuse those (and the tools) have come up a few times

 

[CleverNickName]

What are your thoughts on non-standard proficiency and ability scores?

For me and my table, it really depends on the narrative. If the player can describe what their character is doing, and how they are using their physical might to assist with the research or recollection of a historical event, I might ask for them to make a Strength (History) check. (I have no idea how that would be possible or what that would even look like, but I'm open to the possibility.)

Across all of the editions I've played, I think 5E does the best job with "skill checks" and proficiencies. I like its flexibility and structure best.

 

[Mort]

What are your thoughts on non-standard proficiency and ability scores?

Definitely for. Greatly adds to options and flexibility available to players and allows them to better play the character as they envision.

 

[payn]

I like that context based flexibility. I do keep an eye out for folks trying to game every situation into their PC's best stat though.