First and foremost, in Hazebound, proficiencies can encompass anything you wish, subject to approval by your Dungeon Master. Being proficient at something means that your life experience makes you better at it. Mechanically, it involves adding your level in addition to the appropriate attribute and rolling a d10 for the result.
For example, you can be proficient at "Breaking and entering," and the interpretation of when to apply the bonus can vary based on the situation. It may be relevant proficiency for a Strength skill check when attempting to break open a door, while also being applicable to an Agility Lockpick skill check when trying to break into the sheriff's office.
Proficiency can also simply be "Pie Eating Contest," a result of your character being the reigning champion in their village. While perhaps not the most practical skill, it adds flavor to the character, and who knows, maybe the campaign will see the team gambling at a food eating contest.
Remember, ultimately your Dungeon Master has the final say on proficiency and when they apply.
There are four possible ways for your character to earn proficiencies:
Character Creation:
Proficiencies can be gained during character creation, either as part of your background or as a perk from a skill set. These proficiencies often come from the pre-determined proficiency list.
Training/Learning:
During your adventures, you can learn or train proficiencies. This process requires three things: 6000 coins, a week's worth of time, and a means of learning. This could involve being mentored by a master or studying through books.
Reward:
Proficiencies can also be obtained as in-game rewards based on your actions. This might involve receiving a magical item that grants proficiency or other supernatural means of gaining it.
Logical, Bargaining, and Pleading:
In rare cases, a proficiency might be earned through character development in storytelling. This option is entirely up to your dungeon master and may occur through logical reasoning, bargaining, or compelling storytelling.
Below is a list of pre-determined proficiencies that serve as a base to cover the most common ones you will use during your adventures. Attributes mentioned are suggestion feel free to use which ever fits the most the situation.
This covers proficiencies related to what your character knows, coming into action if they try to recall information about a subject during their adventures. Usually attributed to Intelligence, in rare cases to Wits if the result is from life experience rather than academic knowledge.
The common types of knowledge are:
Knowledge related to the flora, fauna, and environments in which they can be found.
Knowledge of different creatures that roam the realms, from undead to constructs.
Knowledge related to magic, rituals, spells, and objects or phenomena resulting from it.
Knowledge related to historical events, figures, and symbolism stemming from them.
Knowledge related to different religions, their customs, and symbolism.
Knowledge disease, medical conditions and anatomy.
Stealth is the art of moving around while remaining unseen, usually attributed to Agility.
When proficient with weapons, a family of weapons is specified for it. For example, you might be proficient with Swords, which includes Greatswords, Shortswords, Longswords, and more. See the Weapon page for more details on how weapons work.
This is your ability to negotiate when trading for goods or information. Usually intelligence for logic based argument or wits when trying to endear through charms.
Your ability to find food or items in any environment. Usually Wit related checks.
Your ability to make deductions based on clues or your surroundings in an attempt to uncover information is known as Investigation.
The ability to track prey through the woods or follow someone in a busy town is typically referred to as Tracking. It is usually associated with Intelligence if done through analyzing clues or Wits if the result of perception.
Your ability to move your body, whether it's climbing a wall, jumping over a fence, or maintaining general endurance, is commonly referred to as Athletics. It is typically associated with Strength if relying on power or Agility if relying on flexibility and precision.
Your ability to prepare food and beverages can vary depending on whether you're following recipes, relying on experience, or showcasing masterful handling of kitchen tools. If it's based on knowledge of recipes, it's commonly associated with Intelligence. If it's based on experience and intuition, it leans more toward Wits. And if it involves skillful handling of utensils and precision, it aligns with Agility.
This proficiency involves your ability to interact with and manage animals, whether it's calming a frightened horse, training a dog, or befriending a wild creature. Intelligence might be applied if you're employing knowledge of animal behavior, while Wits could come into play if you're relying on intuition or reading the animal's cues.
Proficiency in cartography pertains to your skill in creating maps, understanding geographical features, and navigating terrain. If it's based on knowledge of mapmaking techniques and geographic principles, it's typically associated with Intelligence. However, if it involves navigating through unfamiliar territory and creating maps on the fly, it might lean more toward Wits.
Navigation proficiency involves your ability to find your way through various environments, whether it's using landmarks, celestial bodies, or instruments. Intelligence might come into play if you're using navigational charts or calculating positions, while Wits could be applied if you're relying on instinct and observation to find your way.
Proficiency in deception revolves around your skill in misleading others, whether through lies, disguises, or manipulation. It often relies on your ability to read people, improvise convincing stories, and maintain a convincing facade. Deception proficiency could be attributed to either Intelligence, if it involves planning elaborate schemes and keeping track of details, or Wits, if it's more about quick thinking and adapting to changing circumstances.
Sleight of hand proficiency involves your skill in performing tricks or manipulating objects discreetly, such as pickpocketing, palming small items, or performing magic tricks. It often relies on precision and dexterity. Sleight of hand is typically associated with Agility, reflecting your ability to perform delicate maneuvers with finesse.
Cheating proficiency involves your ability to bend or break rules discreetly, whether in games of chance, negotiations, or other situations where deception is involved. It might involve sleight of hand, misdirection, or exploiting loopholes. Cheating proficiency is often attributed to Wits, reflecting your ability to outsmart opponents and exploit weaknesses in their strategies.
Lockpicking proficiency represents your skill in manipulating locks and mechanisms to open them without the appropriate key. It involves a keen understanding of how locks function and the ability to manipulate their components with precision. Proficiency in lockpicking can be attributed to Agility, reflecting your nimbleness and dexterity in handling lockpicking tools, or Intelligence, representing your knowledge of lock mechanisms and the principles behind them.
Intimidation proficiency involves your ability to inspire fear or coerce others through threats, displays of strength, or imposing demeanor. It often relies on your ability to exude confidence and project an aura of authority. Intimidation proficiency might be attributed to Strength, reflecting your physical presence and power, or Wits, if it's more about psychological manipulation and reading people's vulnerabilities.
Etiquette proficiency pertains to your understanding of social norms, manners, and protocols in various situations, such as formal gatherings, diplomatic negotiations, or high society events. It often involves knowing how to behave appropriately, show respect, and navigate social hierarchies. Etiquette proficiency is typically associated with Intelligence, reflecting your knowledge of social conventions and customs, or Wits as a representation of your ability to adapt to social cues.
Proficiency in diplomacy involves the ability to navigate political and social interactions, build alliances, and resolve conflicts peacefully. It requires tact, discretion, and cultural sensitivity. This proficiency can be a reflection of your cultural knowledge through Intelligence or your ability to charm and persuade through Wits.
Proficiency in persuasion allows you to sway opinions, change attitudes, and inspire action through verbal communication. It involves effective argumentation, emotional appeal, and charisma. This proficiency can be applied through logical arguments fueled by Intelligence or through your charms with Wits.
Proficiency in forgery enables you to replicate documents, signatures, and seals with precision. It involves skillful manipulation of writing instruments, knowledge of different writing styles, and an understanding of authentication methods. This proficiency can be applied with a masterful and steady hand, relying on Agility for precise execution, or with careful attention to detail and analytical thinking, using Intelligence when attempting to replicate intricate designs or mimic handwriting styles.
Proficiency in performance encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions, including singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, storytelling, and other forms of entertainment. It involves the ability to captivate an audience, evoke emotions, and convey messages through creative expression. Performance proficiency enables you to showcase your talents through Agility, especially if it involves intricate and practiced movements such as dance. Alternatively, you can rely on Wits if you use your charisma to deliver a captivating oration or engage in improvisational acting. Intelligence comes into play when your performance is the result of practiced skill, such as playing a learned instrument with precision and expertise.
Proficiency in perception reflects your keen awareness of your surroundings, attention to detail, and ability to notice subtle cues or changes in your environment. It involves using your senses effectively to gather information and make informed judgments. Perception proficiency allows you to detect hidden threats, spot concealed objects, or discern important details that others might overlook. It relies heavily on your Wits, as it involves your intuition, observational skills, and quick thinking to interpret sensory information and react accordingly.