[RPG] Can a 6th level rogue select Investigation for their Expertise feature even if their Intelligence modifier is +0

ability-scoresdnd-5eproficiencyrogueskills

So I started playing d&d a while ago, but when I was building my first character ever I didn’t completely know what I was doing so I assigned my rolls to abilities I didn’t totally need to have high stats to and vice versa. Anyway, I’m playing a rogue and I’m at a point where I can pick two things I can double my proficiency with (6th level Expertise feature). I need better Investigation to check for traps etc., but my Intelligence is 11(+0).

My question is can I pick Investigation as one of the things I can double my proficiency with? In other words if my proficiency bonus is +3 (so +6 at this level cause I get to double it)when I roll for Investigation can I add that proficiency bonus to my Investigation roll even though I have +0 intelligence?

Best Answer

You must be proficient in Investigation to select it for the Rogue's Expertise feature.

The Rogue's Expertise feature states:

At 1st level, choose two of your skill proficiencies, or one of your skill proficiencies and your proficiency with thieves’ tools. Your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that uses either of the chosen proficiencies.

At 6th level, you can choose two more of your proficiencies (in skills or with thieves’ tools) to gain this benefit.

As long as you are already proficient in investigation, you can select it for this feature and double your proficiency bonus for investigation checks. You intelligence modifier does not matter for eligibility. If you are not proficient in Investigation, then it is not an eligible choice for this feature.

I understand where you're coming from, this can lead to some counter intuitive results. Suppose a 20th level Rogue happens to find himself to be the victim of a feeblemind spell, having his intelligence reduced to 1. With an intelligence modifier of -5, one would expect him to be quite poor at something like investigation. Not so! Our Rogue selected investigation for his Expertise skill at 6th level, bringing his bonus to Intelligence (Investigation) checks to a respectable +7, despite being as stupid as the game's rules will allow.