The Importance of a Proficiency Table in 5E and How to Build One

The Importance of a Proficiency Table in 5E and How to Build One

If you play or plan to play Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th edition (5E), you must know the importance of a proficiency table. In 5E, proficiency is a crucial aspect of character building, which determines how skilled your character is at performing various tasks. A proficiency table is a chart that lists all the proficiencies your character can have and the corresponding bonuses they provide.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of a proficiency table in 5E and guide you on how to build one for your character.

Why Is a Proficiency Table Important?

A proficiency table is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you keep track of the proficiencies your character has. In 5E, there are various kinds of proficiencies, such as weapon proficiencies, skill proficiencies, and tool proficiencies. Each type of proficiency provides a bonus to your character’s ability to perform related tasks. By having a proficiency table, you can quickly reference which proficiencies your character has and how much bonus they provide.

Secondly, a proficiency table can help you plan your character’s build. In D&D, character building is a vital aspect of the game, and choosing the right proficiencies can make a significant difference in how enjoyable your play experience is. By having a proficiency table, you can plan out which proficiencies your character needs to achieve their goals.

Finally, a proficiency table can help you avoid inconsistencies. Inconsistencies can arise when there are numerous proficiencies involved, and it’s tough to remember which proficiency your character has and which ones they don’t. By having a proficiency table, you’ll avoid such situations and ensure that your character has the appropriate bonuses for the tasks they perform.

How to Build a Proficiency Table

Building a proficiency table is easy and can be done within a few minutes. All you need is a blank piece of paper or an Excel sheet. Here’s how to build a proficiency table:

Step 1: List Down Your Character’s Proficiencies

The first step is to list down all the proficiencies your character has. You can obtain this information from your character sheet. Ensure that you include every proficiency type your character has, such as weapon, skill, and tool proficiencies.

Step 2: List Down the Bonuses Provided by Each Proficiency

After listing down your character’s proficiencies, the next step is to list down the bonuses provided by each proficiency. For instance, a proficient character in a specific weapon gains a bonus to hit equal to their proficiency bonus.

Step 3: Organize Your Table

The final step is to organize your proficiency table, ensuring you can easily reference it during gameplay. You can organize it any way you prefer, such as alphabetically, by proficiency type, or by level.

Examples of Proficiency Tables

Here are some examples of proficiency tables you can use as a reference when building your own:

Example 1: Alphabetical Proficiency Table

Proficiency | Bonus
—|—
Acrobatics | +2
Animal Handling | +0
Arcana | +1
Athletics | +2
Deception | +3
History | +1
Insight | +2
Intimidation | +3
Investigation | +1
Medicine | +0
Nature | +1
Perception | +2
Performance | +3
Persuasion | +3
Religion | +1
Sleight of Hand | +2
Stealth | +2
Survival | +0

Example 2: Proficiency Table by Proficiency Type

Proficiency Type | Proficiency | Bonus
—|—|—
Weapon | Shortsword | +4
Skill | Perception | +3
Tool | Thieves’ Tools | +3
Weapon | Longbow | +4
Skill | Stealth | +3
Tool | Navigator’s Tools | +3
Weapon | Dagger | +4
Skill | Acrobatics | +3
Tool | Herbalism Kit | +3
Weapon | Warhammer | +4
Skill | Athletics | +3
Tool | Alchemist’s Supplies | +3

Conclusion

A proficiency table is essential for character building in D&D 5E. It helps you keep track of your character’s proficiencies, plan your character’s build, and avoid inconsistencies. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly build a proficiency table that will improve your gameplay experience.