Bard Ability: Jack of All Trades

[MadGrady]

The Bardic Ability: Jack of All Trades allows the bard to add half (rounded down) of his proficiency bonus to any ability check where it doesn't already apply.

My question is this - does this apply to saves as well?

[Forrestfire]

No. Saving Throws are defined on page 179 of the Player's Handbook as rolling a d20 and adding the appropriate ability modifier and proficiency. This is similar to, but not the same as an Ability Check, defined on page 171. Even though they're basically the same process, they're different things, just like how Weapon and Spell attacks are treated differently under the rules.

[Ashrym]

No. Attack rolls, saving throws, and ability checks are all separate mechanics.

Initiative, dispelling, and gathering information are all examples of useful ability checks for which there is no applicable skill proficiency, however.

[MadGrady]

That's what I thought, but just making sure I wasn't inadvertently shorting myself.

Thanks all!