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Ability score modifier: Difference between revisions

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(added some info about how modifiers are calculated & how to interpret this in gameplay terms)
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{{NoExcerpt|''For a comprehensive summary of the mechanics behind all rolls and modifiers, see [[Die Rolls]].''}}
An '''ability score modifier''' is a modifier added to [[Dice rolls|dice rolls]], derived from its respective [[Ability score|ability score]].
An '''Ability Score Modifier''' is a [[Die Rolls|Die Roll]] modifier based on an [[Ability Score]] of a creature.  It can affect every type of roll.  Depending on the Ability Score in question, it can be shortened to Strength Modifier, Dexterity Modifier, Constitution Modifier, and so on.


== When it's applied ==
For example, Strength modifiers are derived from the creature's Strength score.
 
=== Attack Roll ===


== Mechanical applications ==
=== Attack rolls ===
During [[Attack Roll]]s with [[Weapons]], the attacking creature's Strength or Dexterity will be used to determine the Modifier.  See the linked Attack Roll and Weapon pages for details.
During [[Attack Roll]]s with [[Weapons]], the attacking creature's Strength or Dexterity will be used to determine the Modifier.  See the linked Attack Roll and Weapon pages for details.


For a spell that uses an Attack Roll, the Ability Score to be used depends on the [[Class]] of the creature casting the spell.  For example, a Wizard uses Intelligence, a Cleric uses Wisdom, and a Sorcerer uses Charisma.  See the Attack Roll page for details.
For a spell that uses an Attack Roll, the Ability Score to be used depends on the [[Class]] of the creature casting the spell.  For example, a Wizard uses Intelligence, a Cleric uses Wisdom, and a Sorcerer uses Charisma.  See the Attack Roll page for details.


=== Damage Roll ===
== Damage Roll ===
 
For [[Damage Roll]]s made with [[Weapons]], the exact same rules apply as for the Attack Roll.
For [[Damage Roll]]s made with [[Weapons]], the exact same rules apply as for the Attack Roll.


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=== Saving Throw ===
=== Saving Throw ===
Each [[Saving Throw]] is tied to a certain [[Ability Score]], which determines its type, such as Strength Saving Throw, Dexterity Saving Throw, and so on, which determines the Ability Score Modifier that will be used.
Each [[Saving Throw]] is tied to a certain [[Ability Score]], which determines its type, such as Strength Saving Throw, Dexterity Saving Throw, and so on, which determines the Ability Score Modifier that will be used.



Revision as of 19:38, 27 October 2023

An ability score modifier is a modifier added to dice rolls, derived from its respective ability score.

For example, Strength modifiers are derived from the creature's Strength score.

Mechanical applications

Attack rolls

During Attack Rolls with Weapons, the attacking creature's Strength or Dexterity will be used to determine the Modifier. See the linked Attack Roll and Weapon pages for details.

For a spell that uses an Attack Roll, the Ability Score to be used depends on the Class of the creature casting the spell. For example, a Wizard uses Intelligence, a Cleric uses Wisdom, and a Sorcerer uses Charisma. See the Attack Roll page for details.

Damage Roll =

For Damage Rolls made with Weapons, the exact same rules apply as for the Attack Roll.

For spells, the Ability Score Modifier is normally not used, though there are exceptions. For example, the class feature Agonising Blast allows a Warlock to add their Charisma Modifier to the damage of Eldritch Blast; and the spell Shillelagh imbues a weapon with magic, such that it benefits from the wielder's Wisdom Modifier.

Saving Throw

Each Saving Throw is tied to a certain Ability Score, which determines its type, such as Strength Saving Throw, Dexterity Saving Throw, and so on, which determines the Ability Score Modifier that will be used.

Ability Check

The Ability Check is similar to the Saving Throw in that it's categorized based on the Ability Score used. (The clue is in the name.)

A special type of Ability Check is the Skill Check, where a specific skill like Athletics, Perception, Sleight of Hand, etc. is used, but each Skill maps to a corresponding Ability Score, so the Ability Score Modifier still applies. For example, Athletics is based on Strength, whereas Sleight of Hand is based on Dexterity.

Value

Following is the table for the Ability Score Modifier value based on how high the corresponding Ability Score of a creature is:

Ability score modifier chart
Ability score Modifier value Ability score Modifier value
1 -5 16-17 +3
2-3 -4 18-19 +4
4-5 -3 20-21 +5
6-7 -2 22-23 +6
8-9 -1 24-25 +7
10-11 +0 26-27 +8
12-13 +1 28-29 +9
14-15 +2 30 +10
Each ability score modifier is calculated according to the following formula Modifier = (Score − 10) ÷ 2 (round down) or more simply put, for every +1 increase to the modifier, the next highest score that is an even number must be reached. Odd-numbered scores provide no modifier increase beyond the even number below e.g. having a score of 13 in Intelligence provides no higher Intelligence modifier than having a score of 12. However, mechanics that are calculated directly based on an ability score (such as carrying capacity) do benefit by odd-numbered scores.