I'm a new GM and am running a game with new players. I'm helping them make first-level characters. One player's bard has a −1 wisdom modifier and proficiency in perception (a wisdom-based skill). At first level, her proficiency bonus is +2. Does she have a +1 perception bonus or should I ignore the negative and give her +2 because she is proficient in that skill?
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1\$\begingroup\$ Related: How do I calculate my skill modifier? \$\endgroup\$– MikeQCommented Mar 4, 2020 at 6:23
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1 Answer
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Her overall modifier for the Perception skill would be +1.
The way that it works is that you add up:
- A d20
- Ability score modifier (In your case where you are using perception it is a Wisdom ability check, so you add that -1 Wisdom modifier)
- And any other bonuses and penalties (In your case it is Proficiency in the Perception skill where your proficiency is +2).
So in your case it is = d20 - 1 + 2 = d20 + 1
answered Jan 14, 2018 at 18:42
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3\$\begingroup\$ I think this answer could be improved by pointing out that while in this case the total overall modifier is not negative, if it were negative (as described in the original question title), then it would be a penalty as opposed to a bonus and would indeed be subtracted from the character's d20 rolls for the skill in question. \$\endgroup\$ Commented Jan 15, 2018 at 0:26
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\$\begingroup\$ @Dyndrilliac does this mean that if you have a Wisdom modifier of -3 with +2 proficiency, you would add a -1 on Perception checks? \$\endgroup\$ Commented Apr 23, 2018 at 21:43
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1\$\begingroup\$ @bubbajake00 Yes. Total modifier = Ability modifier + Proficiency bonus (if applicable). (-3) + (+2) = (-1) \$\endgroup\$ Commented Apr 29, 2018 at 9:01