D&D 5e Skill Tests
1. What are Skill Tests?
Skill tests are a special type of saving throw. The idea is that different character abilities can work together to overcome specific obstacles.
2. How are these different from Skill Checks? How do I calculate them?
Normal skill checks use a d20+ability bonus+ skill proficiency bonus (if applicable). Skill tests use d20+saving throw proficiency bonus(es)+ability bonus. This means that a character must be proficient in at least one of the two ability saving throws before a skill test can be attempted, and that if a character is proficient in BOTH ability saving throws, they can add the proficiency from both.
How about an example:
Andor the lvl 1 Wizard is battling against Lusrix the Mind-Bender. Lusrix has successful trapped Andor within an illusory labyrinth, his comrades looking on in terror as the wizard stands transfixed. How will our hero overcome this obstacle?
Andor, being a wizard, is proficient in Intelligence and Wisdom saving throws. Andor can, if he chooses, attempt a Test of Will to force himself out of this false reality. Andor picks Wisdom as the basis for the saving throw, giving himself +2 to the roll (saving throw proficiency). Andor adds his Intelligence bonus (+2) PLUS his existing Intelligence saving throw proficiency (+2). This gives Andor a +6 to his Test of Will. If he succeeds, the fact he knows that the labyrinth isn’t real will connect with his subconscious understanding of reality, and the spell will dissipate. If he fails, his mind will not accept the conflict, and he will remain at the mercy of his enemy...
3. When should I use Skill Tests?
You should employ skill tests if they work with the narrative. Choose a skill test only if a) the player can convince you their abilities work thematically with the situation or b) YOU think the situation fits with the category of the skill test.
4. What types of Skill Tests exist?
Please bear in mind that how I organize these skill-tests does not mean they must be handled in that order. For example, Tests of Prowess can use Dexterity OR Strength as the base saving throw proficiency:
Strength & Dexterity = Prowess (Your muscles and tendons have been honed to the point you can overcome mortal limitations of speed and power.)
Strength & Constitution = Immunity (Your organ systems are powerful enough to flush out the harmful substance before it can effect you.)
Strength & Intelligence = Discipline (Your mind and body are so in sync that you are able to push through involuntary responses of pain.)
Strength & Wisdom = Posture (You are able to position yourself in such a way that you succeed in holding your ground.)
Strength & Charisma = Exhibition (Your physical presence causes others to defer to your suggestions.)
Dexterity & Constitution = Reflex (Your automatic nervous system has been trained to quickly react against danger.)
Dexterity & Intelligence = Cleverness (You make a correct decision with limited time and limited knowledge.)
Dexterity & Wisdom = Instinct (You have a gut feeling that danger is close and position yourself out of harm’s way before it’s too late.)
Dexterity & Charisma = Fluency (You have a good grasp of the language and culture of the locals to quickly adapt your mannerisms.)
Constitution & Intelligence = Sanity (Your brain is capable of containing the extraordinary knowledge presented without breaking)
Constitution & Wisdom = Hope (You endure the physical or psychological hardship presented to you because you recognize that it will end.)
Constitution & Charisma = Grit (Your strength of personality prevents you from giving up when you fail.)
Intelligence & Wisdom = Will (Your know enough about yourself and reality to overcome the challenge presented to you.)
Intelligence & Charisma = Argument (Your knowledge of the facts and how you present them are enough to cause your opponent to concede.)
Wisdom & Charisma = Conviction (You believe in your ideals strongly enough that others cannot make you change them.)
Please comment and criticize! I’d like to improve this system for future use!
