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Abilities
The Ability Scores dictate the core capabilities of a character - their strengths (literally or figuratively) and weaknesses. When you select a Priority for your abilities on the Priority Chart, there are two numbers in play. The first number dictates the number of points you may assign to an Ability Score. The second number dictates the maximum value of any particular score. If you selected Priority Chart B for Abilities then you would have 16 points to assign and the highest you can raise an ability to is 20.
For a breakdown of common uses of each Ability Score, please see the descriptions below.
Example
| Name | Total | Spent |
|---|---|---|
| Str | 20 | 10 |
| Dex | 12 | 2 |
| Con | 10 | 0 |
| Int | 8 | -2 |
| Wis | 10 | 0 |
| Cha | 10 | 0 |
Ability Priority
| Priority | Ability Points |
|---|---|
| A | 18 (22) |
| B | 16 (20) |
| C | 14 (18) |
| D | 10 (18) |
| E | 8 (16) |
The Ability Scores
Each ability partially describes your character and affects some of their actions.
Strength
Strength measures muscle and physical power. This ability is important for those who engage in hand-to-hand (or “melee”) combat. Strength also sets the maximum amount of weight your character can carry. A character with a Strength score of 0 is too weak to move in any way and is unconscious. Some creatures (such as incorporeal creatures) do not possess a Strength score and have no modifier at all to Strength-based skills or checks.
You apply your character’s Strength modifier to:
- Melee attack rolls.
- Damage rolls when using a melee weapon or a thrown weapon, including a sling. (Exceptions: Off-hand attacks receive only half the character’s Strength bonus, while two-handed attacks receive 1–1/2 times the Strength bonus. A Strength penalty, but not a bonus, applies to attacks made with a bow that is not a composite bow.)
- Athletics checks.
- Strength checks (for breaking down doors and the like).
Temporary Bonuses: Temporary increases to your Strength score give you a bonus on Strength-based skill checks, melee attack rolls, and weapon damage rolls (if they rely on Strength). The bonus also applies to your Combat Maneuver Bonus and to your Combat Maneuver Defense.
Permanent Bonuses: Ability bonuses with a duration greater than 1 day actually increase the relevant ability score after 24 hours. Modify all skills and statistics as appropriate.
Ability Damage: Damage to your Strength score causes you to take penalties on Strength-based skill checks, melee attack rolls, and weapon damage rolls (if they rely on Strength). The Ability Damage penalty also applies to your Combat Maneuver Bonus and your Combat Maneuver Defense.
In addition, a character's Strength score determines their Carrying Capacity, as listed below: