Er, not quite, Furyou.

31 is the base maximum you can pass with just core stat and simple proficiency - that's 11 + 20

However, there are plenty of class features that specialists have access to that allows for further boosts; rogue's expertise is the most well known, but there are several other sources of expertise or expertise equivalent features scattered through other classes as well. BG3 doesn't have expertise yet, but core 5e does - a character with expertise will have a +17 modifier at level 17, letting them DCs of up to 37 in their expertise skills, no magical equipment required.

Bards, when we get them, can also let players add up to a d12 onto that as well - giving potential for a regular character with a bard die to pass DCs of up to 43, and expertise characters with a bard die to pass DCs of up to 49.

Add in guidance, and that Bard-inspired Expertise Rogue stands a slim-but-still-technically-possible chance of successfully slight-of-hand stealing that dracolich's favourite gem on a DC 53! That same rogue with a bard die and guidance cannot fail to successfully slight of hand any DC lower than 29, or DC 27 with no buffs or help at all (Reliable Talent = die roll of 10 minimum, +17, +1 on guidance die, +1 on Bard die).

Attainable at level 17.
Drop to level 15 and we reduce all of those potential final values by 2 (so, 35, 41, 47, 51) (proficiency +5, but bard die still d12)
Drop to level 13, and we reduce them by 2 more (33, 39, 45, 49) (Proficiency +5, bard die d10)
Drop to level 10, and we reduce them by 2 more (31, 37, 43, 47) (Proficiency +4, bard die d10)
Drop to level 9, and we reduce them by 2 more (29, 37, 41, 45) (Proficiency +4, bard die d8)
Drop to level 5 and we reduce them by 2 more (27, 35, 39, 43) (Proficiency +3, bard die d8)

Even at level 1, if we assume a +3 core stat, that Rogue is still looking at a +7 modifier on their slight of hand, plus a potential d4 guidance and a potential d6 bard die - given them a level one potential of cracking a DC 37 check.

All with no magic items required.


Remember, 5e's DC scaling goes:
DC5: Very Easy
DC10: Easy
DC15: Moderate
DC20: Hard
DC25: Very Hard
DC30: Nearly Impossible

Regardless of all this, however, in the current game, even if you're pushing those lofty heights of near demi-divine capabilities and heroic aptitude or legendary and stories calibre... it's STILL going to LOOK like: Target: (11), You rolled: (12), Success... which just fails to feel the same for many people.

Last edited by Niara; 08/02/21 10:20 AM.