Handbooker Helper: Ability Checks, Proficiencies & Saving Throws

Roleplayer Rachel Seeley joins us on the latest episode of Handbooker Helper to explain the basics of Ability Checks, Proficiency Bonuses, and Saving Throws in 5th Edition D&D.

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[antimonymedusa]

Well this was a much better explanation than the 15-minute monologue I put my new players through tonight.

[AFLoneWolf]

So a check is for something YOU DO, and a saving throw is for something done TO YOU. I keep getting those confused.

[rundinj]

And to confuse the issue Bards have an ability called Jack of all Trades where they add half prof bonus to any skill check they arnt proficient in, including things like controlling a vehicle you've never seen before and initiative. Short version is, he read a book about that once. Building a boat? Jack of all trades. Open Heart Surgery? Jack of all Trades. All those years of Bard College really pay off.

[laura-qqys]

As someone who started their first campaign ever three days ago after many years of wanting to play, this series is extremely helpful and also has great timing!

[selfanothermostlikely]

this is genuinely the most helpful video. I can never find straightforward videos on DND, looks like im gonna be revisiting this series!

[obsidiansiriusblackheart]

I love that the DM illustration looks like Matt Mercer haha

[TheRealDerohneNick]

I can really see this format becoming a great quick intro to D&D 5e!

[Jalin]

These short vids are SO damn useful for tightening up my DM game!

[RasmusBkgaard]

Lovely explanation, Rachel :D

Audio crew: Are you sure you want stereo recording of these types of video?
Please put on some headphones, and listen from 1:54 - 1:58. She tilts an inch or two to the right, and the sound goes from 50-50 to 20-80.
There is only one mouth, and it's facing the camera all the time -> Mono, please.
If it's already mono, just split to stereo and panned a bit manually, it's too much panning.

Y'all have a great day.

[Wootai]

"Proficiency Bonus" is only determined by your character's Level.

"Skills" you are proficient in, are determined by your class and background

[cothillion]

it's so awesome that other people besides the cast of critical role do these videos. and they're also super helpful :)

[niknak]

I always thought DC meant like Dice Check not Difficulty Class

[TheKrostiman]

I enjoy the spoils of victory over that log every morning.

[stegfam]

I only watch for Sam's jingle.




Not really, but it is great!

[leigh]

Another great video! Loving these Handbooker Helper clips <3

[Jaythack]

this literally was the best video
i have been learning how to play and have just becoming more confused till this video 10/10

[seanmcgcostumes]

This video was posted exactly one year ago today and I'm watching it for the first time. What perfect timing!

[kripposoft]

Not surprised that none of the CR players appeared in this since they still don't really seem to know how these things work XD

[CommanderS]

The only thing I could see being confusing for really new people is the explanation on proficiency. Normally you add the proficiency to the skill from the start and then that's just the skill modifier. The way she describes it could be taken as you add your proficiency every time you do a check. I could see a player accidentally double adding the proficiency bonus to a skill because they don't realize the difference.

[deceasedbugs]

This is very well explained in a short amount of time, thank you!