A creature's ability scores serve as a reflection of their physical and mental aspects. A character's ability scores are determined during [[Character Creation]] but can shift along their journey. The six ability scores are as follows. ###### Strength A representation of physical might and athleticism. It is often used for physical exertions and to fight against material bonds. ###### Dexterity An embodiment of one's reflexes and agility. The ability to dodge and move freely without taking unwanted hits. ###### Constitution A measure of fortitude and stamina. How hard you can get hit and keep going. ###### Intelligence One's analysis and wit. Understanding of the world gained from your studies; book smarts. ###### Wisdom One's intuition and insight. Knowledge gained through life experiences, triumphs and mistakes; street smarts. ###### Charisma A reflection of a creature's confidence, eloquence, and force of will. The ability to influence others and steer social situations. <br> ### Score and Modifier Ability scores are represented by a number, with 10 being considered average and numbers over 16 being seen as notably impressive. While an ability's score is occasionally referenced, it is more common for effects to use ability modifiers; a secondary representations of each score. As your ability score for a given ability changes, so does your modifier as shown in the table below. | Score # | Modifier | Score # | Modifier | | ------- | -------- | ------- | -------- | | 1 | -5 | 12-13 | +1 | | 2-3 | -4 | 14-15 | +2 | | 4-5 | -3 | 16-17 | +3 | | 6-7 | -2 | 18-19 | +4 | | 8-9 | -1 | 20-21 | +5 | | 10-11 | +0 | 22-23 | +6 | *As reflected in this chart modifiers are found by subtracting ten then dividing by two and rounding down.* There are many ways to increase your character's ability scores commonly though [[feats]]. Either the [[Ability Score Improvement]] feat or half-feats (feats that provide an ability and increase a score by 1). Additionally there is a limit to how strong a character can be that increases with level. Starting at 1st level the maximum value a character's score can reach is 18. Any ability score above its limit is treated as its maximum allowed value. A score's maximum grows with your level but can also be increased with some abilities.[^barb] It increases to 20 at 4th level, 22 at 16th level, and again by 2 for every eight levels beyond 16th. For example, a character with 20 Strength at level one would be treated as having 18 Strength until level four. ^45c757 | Level | Max Ability Score | Max Ability Score Modifier | |:----- |:-----------------:|:--------------------------:| | 1st | 18 | +4 | | 4th | 20 | +5 | | 16th | 22 | +6 | | 24th | 24 | +7 | | 32nd | 26 | +8 | [^barb]: An example of an ability that can increase your maximum ability score value is the barbarian pinnacle feat [[Primal Champion]]. --- ## Using Ability Scores Your ability scores are often referenced for determining values for abilities and when making [[checks]]. In either situation it will call for a score or modifier and you simply use the relevant value. **Skills** embody smaller aspects of the ability scores and are often used to perform simpler free-form actions. Proficiency in these skills allows you to add your proficiency bonus to related [[skill checks]]. While each skill has a default ability they are tied to, it is possible to use any ability when making skill checks. (see [[variant skill checks]]) **Saving throws** are attempts to use raw aspects of an ability avoid or resist effects that otherwise bypass armor. Proficiency in an ability's save allows you to add your proficiency bonus that [[saving throw]]. ### Applications of the Abilities *A brief expansion on what each ability influences and the skills tied to each; for more detail see their individual pages.* ##### [[Strength]] - Your strength score is used to determine how much you can [[carry, push, drag, or lift]] as well as how far you can [[Combat#Movement Types|jump]]. - [[Athletics]]; pushing one's self physically, high intensity movement, and fending off the environment. ##### [[Dexterity]] - Your dexterity modifier is used as a bonus to [[initiative]] as well as when calculating your [[armor]] class. - [[Dexterity#Acrobatics|Acrobatics]]; staying on your feet and slipping out of and around dangerous situations. - [[Dexterity#Slight of Hand|Slight of Hand]]; concealing objects and fine motor function. - [[Dexterity#Stealth|Stealth]]; staying out of sight and unnoticed. ##### [[Constitution]] - Your constitution modifier added as a bonus to your [[hit points]]. - *Being a more passive ability there are not skills that use your Constitution.* ##### [[Intelligence]] - [[Intelligence#Arcana|Arcana]]; a measure of one's knowledge and mastery of the arcane. - [[Intelligence#Culture|Culture]]; knowledge of cultural customs, values, and beliefs. - [[Intelligence#History|History]]; knowledge of the past and the ability to recall experiences and information. - [[Intelligence#Investigation|Investigation]]; the ability to study your surroundings or an object to gather information. - [[Intelligence#Nature|Nature]]; raw knowledge of plants and the natural world. ##### [[Wisdom]] - [[Wisdom#Animal Handling|Animal Handling]]; communicating with, understanding, and working alongside animals. - [[Wisdom#Insight|Insight]]; using your intuition and gut reactions to read into the the nature of things and intentions of others. - [[Wisdom#Medicine|Medicine]]; the ability to understand creatures, as well as the wounds, diseases, and other maladies that ail them. - [[Wisdom#Perception|Perception]]; remaining aware of your surroundings and spotting points of interest. - [[Wisdom#Survival|Survival]]; the ability to survive via making best use of what is available. ##### [[Charisma]] - [[Charisma#Deception|Deception]]; your ability to pass falsehoods off as truths. - [[Charisma#Intimidation|Intimidation]]; the ability to frighten and cow others to your whim. - [[Charisma#Performance|Performance]]; your ability to entertain, enthrall, and put on a show for others. - [[Charisma#Persuasion|Persuasion]]; your aptitude for presenting ideas to others in a convincing manner. %%%--- **Using ability Scores** Calculations & Uses - str - carry capacity - dex - initiative - armor - con - hp Checks In general Skills - Passive Perception