• a shortsword or (b) any simple weapon


• a dungeoneer's pack or (b) an explorer's pack

Bonus Proficiencies

1st-level Expert feature

The expert gains proficiency in one saving throw of your choice: Dexterity, Intelligence, or Charisma.

In addition, the expert gains proficiency in three skills of your choice, and it gains proficiency with light armor. If it is a humanoid or has a simple or martial weapon in its stat block, it also gains proficiency with all simple weapons and with one tools of your choice.

Helpful

1st-level Expert feature

The expert is adept at giving well-timed assistance; the expert can take the Help action as a bonus action.

Cunning Action

2nd-level Expert feature

The sidekick’s agility or quick thinking allows it to act speedily. On its turn in combat, it can take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action as a bonus action.

Expertise

3rd-level Expert feature

Choose two of the expert’s skill proficiencies. The expert’s proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check it makes that uses any of the chosen proficiencies.

At 15th level, choose two more of the expert’s skill proficiencies to gain this benefit.

Ability Score Improvement

4th-level Expert feature

At 4th level and again at 8th, 10th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, the expert increases one ability score of your choice by 2, or the expert increases two ability scores of your choice by 1. The expert can’t increase an ability score above 20 using this feature.