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Dice rolls (edit)

Revision as of 02:27, 18 October 2023

440 bytes added ,  18 October 2023
Streamlining
(→‎Modifiers: Removed redundant section about modifiers; kept only section about Advantage and Disadvantage)
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[[File:Deception.png|thumb|A Deception check]]
[[File:Deception.png|thumb|A Deception check]]
Attacking a creature, making a shove attempt, spotting a hidden secret, and picking a lock are all examples of die rolls, which are the main method used to determine character success or failure in BG3. The amount of damage a character deals in combat is also determined by rolling dice.
Attacking a creature, making a shove attempt, spotting a hidden secret, and picking a lock are all examples of die rolls, which are the main method used to determine character success or failure in BG3. Dice are also rolled to determine varying levels of success, such as the amount of damage a character deals in combat, or outcomes selected at random, like the effects of chaos magic.


In most circumstances, when a character makes a die roll, their [[Ability Score Modifier]] and [[Proficiency Bonus]] are added to the roll to determine the final result. The most common exception to this is the [[Damage Roll]], which doesn't add a character's proficiency bonus unless explicitly stated.
== Dice Roll Basics ==
In most circumstances, when a character makes a die roll to determine success, they use a twenty-sided die (or {{D20}}) and add a relevant [[Ability Score Modifier]] and [[Proficiency Bonus]] (if the character has the relevant proficiency) to the roll to determine the final result. Other modifiers may come from a character's situation, equipment, spells, potions or other effects.


The various types of dice used in rolls are referred to by the number of sides they have: {{DieIcon|d4|Force}} D4, {{DieIcon|d6|Radiant}} D6, {{DieIcon|d8|Cold}} D8, {{DieIcon|d10|Poison}} D10, {{DieIcon|d12|Psychic}} D12, and {{D20}}.  Abbreviations are used to refer to the total number of dice used in a roll, such as 1d6 for rolling one D6 die, 2d4 for rolling two D4 dice, 8d6 for rolling eight D6 dice, and so on.
For most such rolls, the result must meet or exceed a specific target to be considered a success. This target value is called the [[Difficulty Class]] of the roll. Rolling a 1 or 20 on a D20 is referred to as a "Natural 1" or "Natural 20". On some rolls, these can have special effects, including automatic failure or succeess, regardless of Modifiers and Difficulty Class.


Some rolls need to reach a certain value to be considered a success.  This is usually done with a {{D20}}, and the target value is called the [[Difficulty Class]] of the roll.  Rolling a 1 on a D20 is referred to as a Natural 1 and rolling a 20 is referred to as a Natural 20.  On some rolls, these can have special effects, such as automatically failing or succeeding the roll, ignoring Modifiers and Difficulty Class.
Other kinds of rolls, primarily [[Damage Roll]]s, may use other kinds of dice, may or may not add modifiers, and rarely use the Proficiency Bonus.  


= Karmic Dice =
=== Dice Notation ===
Types of dice are referred to by the number of sides they have: {{DieIcon|d4|Force}} D4, {{DieIcon|d6|Radiant}} D6, {{DieIcon|d8|Cold}} D8, {{DieIcon|d10|Poison}} D10, {{DieIcon|d12|Psychic}} D12, and {{D20}}. Abbreviations are used to refer to the total number of dice used in a roll, such as 1d6 for rolling one D6 die, 2d4 for rolling two D4 dice, 8d6 for rolling eight D6 dice and so on.
 
The results on multiple dice rolled in this way are added together to give a final total. This notation can also include modifiers, and the range of results is usually given in parentheses. For example, a single dart from a {{SAI|Magic Missile}} spell does 1d4+1 (2-5) Force damage, meaning it rolls 1d4 and adds 1 to the result, giving a possible total of between 2 and 5 points of damage.
 
== Karmic Dice ==
[[File:karmic dice setting.png|200px|thumb|The optional Karmic Dice setting, located in Gameplay Options]]
[[File:karmic dice setting.png|200px|thumb|The optional Karmic Dice setting, located in Gameplay Options]]
When the '''Karmic Dice''' option is enabled (the default), the game will avoid frustrating streaks of very low rolls in a row.
When the '''Karmic Dice''' option is enabled (the default), the game will avoid frustrating streaks of very low rolls in a row.
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Karmic Dice was previously referred to as 'Loaded Dice'.
Karmic Dice was previously referred to as 'Loaded Dice'.


= Types of Rolls =
== Advantage / Disadvantage ==
There are four main kinds of rolls in the game, each with their own specific variations on the general rules above. Attack Rolls, Saving Throws and Ability Checks all use a {{D20}}; other types of dice are mostly used for Damage Rolls. [[Initiative]] is an exception.
''Main page: [[Advantage]]''


== Attack Roll ==
In various situations, a creature can have {{Advantage}} or {{Disadvantage}} on a D20 roll.
 
'''Advantage''' means that you make the roll twice and use the higher result. '''Disadvantage''' means you use the lower result.
 
Advantage and Disadvantage cannot stack. In other words, you never roll more than twice. Additionally, they cancel each other out, no matter how many sources of Advantage or Disadvantage you have. For instance, if you had three sources of Advantage and only one source of Disadvantage, they would still cancel each other out, causing you to roll normally.
 
== D20 Rolls ==
[[Attack Roll]]s, [[Saving Throw]]s and [[Ability Check]]s all use a {{D20}}, and result in either success or failure. All are modified by a relevant [[Ability Score Modifier]] and [[Proficiency Bonus]], and can be made with {{Advantage}} or {{Disadvantage}}.
 
=== Attack Roll ===
''Main page: [[Attack Roll]]''
''Main page: [[Attack Roll]]''


When a creature attacks another, the game rolls a D20. The die result is modified by the attacking creature's [[Ability Score Modifier]] and [[Proficiency Bonus]]. If the result matches or exceeds the [[Armour Class]] of the target, then the attack is successful. Otherwise, it's a failure; this could mean the attack was a miss, failed to hurt the target due to its armour, or the target was able to dodge or parry.
An Attack Roll is a {{D20}} roll made when one creature attacks another. The Difficulty Class for the roll is the [[Armour Class]] (AC) of the target; if it meets or exceeds the AC, then the attack is a hit. Otherwise, it's a miss. (Fictionally, this need not mean a literal miss; it just means the target will not take any damage from the attack.)


<div style="text-align: center;">'''Result = {{InfoBlob|{{D20}} + Ability Score Modifier + Proficiency Bonus}}'''</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">'''Result = {{InfoBlob|{{D20}} + Ability Score Modifier + Proficiency Bonus}}'''</div>


Attacks made with [[Weapons]] always use an Attack Roll to determine success. Some [[spells]] also use an Attack Roll, usually those that involve magical beams or projectiles that need to be aimed at a target (such as {{SAI|Fire Bolt}} or {{SAI|Eldritch Blast}}). Creatures or objects conjured by spells (such as {{SmallIcon|Flaming Sphere Icon.png}} [[Flaming Sphere]]) can often attack on their own turns, and make an Attack Roll to do so.
Attacks made with [[Weapons]] always use an Attack Roll to determine success. Some [[spells]] also use an Attack Roll, usually those that involve beams or projectiles that need to be aimed at a target (such as {{SAI|Fire Bolt}} or {{SAI|Eldritch Blast}}). Creatures or objects conjured by spells (such as {{SAI|Spiritual Weapon}} or {{SAI|Flaming Sphere}}) can often attack on their own turns, and make an Attack Roll to do so.


Spells which directly affect a target (such as {{SAI|Hold Person}}) or which cause an effect at a point in space (such as {{SAI|Silence}} or {{SAI|Fireball}}) don't require an Attack Roll, but usually allow affected creatures to make a Saving Throw instead (see below).
Spells which directly affect a target (such as {{SAI|Hold Person}}) or which cause an effect at a point in space (such as {{SAI|Silence}} or {{SAI|Fireball}}) don't require an Attack Roll, but usually allow affected creatures to make a Saving Throw instead (see below).
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A successful Attack Roll results in a separate Damage Roll to determine the amount of damage done to the target.
A successful Attack Roll results in a separate Damage Roll to determine the amount of damage done to the target.


=== Critical Miss / Critical Hit ===
==== Critical Miss / Critical Hit ====
[[File:critical hit.png|right|thumb|Example of a Critical Hit with a 1d6 Shortsword]]
[[File:critical hit.png|right|thumb|Example of a Critical Hit with a 1d6 Shortsword]]
As a special case, a roll of 1 means that the attack fails regardless of bonuses or the target's Armour Class. This is called a '''Critical Miss'''.   
On Attack Rolls, a Natural 1 means the attack fails regardless of bonuses or the target's Armour Class. This is called a '''Critical Miss'''.   


Likewise, a roll of 20 means the attack succeeds regardless of the target's Armour Class. This is called a '''Critical Hit.''' A critical hit also affects the result of the Damage Roll: it doubles the normal number of damage dice rolled (including additional dice such as those from Smites or Combat Manoeuvers). Flat damage bonuses from modifiers or other sources (such as {{SAI|Great Weapon Master: All In}}) are not affected by a critical hit.
Likewise, a Natural 20 means the attack succeeds regardless of the target's Armour Class. This is called a '''Critical Hit.''' A Critical Hit also affects the result of the Damage Roll: it doubles the normal number of damage dice rolled (including additional dice such as those from Smites or Combat Manoeuvers). Flat damage bonuses from modifiers or other sources (such as {{SAI|Great Weapon Master: All In}}) are not affected by a critical hit.


=== Attack Roll Modifiers ===
Some class features and other effects can improve Critical Hits, either by making them more likely ({{SAI|Improved Critical Hit}}) or by increasing the extra damage ({{SAI|Brutal Critical}}).
 
==== Attack Roll Modifiers ====
The [[Ability Score|Ability Score Modifier]] used for an Attack Roll depends on the type of attack being made. Melee and ranged weapon attacks use [[Strength]] or [[Dexterity]], depending on the weapon. Spells use a specific [[Spells#Spellcasting_Ability_and_Proficiency|Spellcasting Ability Modifier]] usually determined by the caster's class; see the main [[Attack Roll]] page for details.
The [[Ability Score|Ability Score Modifier]] used for an Attack Roll depends on the type of attack being made. Melee and ranged weapon attacks use [[Strength]] or [[Dexterity]], depending on the weapon. Spells use a specific [[Spells#Spellcasting_Ability_and_Proficiency|Spellcasting Ability Modifier]] usually determined by the caster's class; see the main [[Attack Roll]] page for details.


A creature's Proficiency Bonus is added to the roll if it is [[Proficiency|proficient]] in the specific kind of attack it's making. For weapon attacks, this means having proficiency in the weapon used. For spells, it's based on whether the creature has any innate spell casting capability granted by its class, subclass, or Feats.
For weapon attacks, a creature's Proficiency Bonus is added to the roll if it is [[Proficiency|proficient]] with the type of weapon used. For spells, it's based on whether the creature has any innate spell casting capability granted by its class, subclass, or Feats.


Attack Rolls can also have {{Advantage}} / {{Disadvantage}}.
=== Saving Throw ===
''Main page: [[Saving Throw]]''


== Damage Roll ==
A {{SavingThrow}} (or "save" for short) is a {{D20}} roll made to avoid or reduce the harm from a source of danger. This could mean dodging a dart or burst of flame from a sprung trap, resisting the effects of poisons or mind-altering magic, or trying to take cover to reduce damage from an explosion.
''Main page: [[Damage Roll]]''


A '''Damage Roll''' is made when an attack is successful, a spell hits a target, a trap is activated, and so on. The result determines the damage dealt to an affected creature or object, measured in [[Hit Points]]. This roll can involve any size and number of dice, determined by the source of the damage. The dice expression is written "''n''d''x'' + ''m''", where ''n'' is the number of dice, ''x'' is the size of the dice rolled, and ''m'' is the total of any modifiers that apply (see below). The results of multiple dice are added together. Damage rolls also have a [[Damage Types|Damage Type]].
<div style="text-align: center;">'''Result = {{InfoBlob|{{D20}} + Ability Score Modifier + Proficiency Bonus (if Proficient)}}'''</div>


For example, a [[Dagger]] uses a single D4 for Damage Rolls, and deals Piercing Damage. Assuming no modifiers apply, the game expresses this as "1d4 (1-4) damage - {{DamageType|Piercing}}", with "(1-4)" being the range of possible damage values. Most weapons use a single die, though a [[Greatsword]] deals 2d6 slashing damage. Being caught in a {{SAI|Fireball}} will cause 8d6 points of fire damage, though a successful Saving Throw (see below) can reduce it to half.
The Difficulty Class (DC) is determined by the source of danger. Traps, dialogue events and other sources of danger controlled by the game have a Difficulty Class defined by the game, depending on how serious the danger is. '''[[Spells]]''' and '''[[Weapon Actions]]''' use specific formulas to determine the DC:


=== Damage Roll Modifiers ===
* '''[[Spells|Spell]]''' saves have a DC determined by the creature's '''[[Spells|Spellcasting Ability Modifier]]''':
Attacks made with weapons always add the attacking creature's [[Ability Score Modifier]], generally [[Strength]] or [[Dexterity]] (whichever was used for the Attack Roll). Spell attacks generally do not add such a modifier, except when explicitly granted by a magical item or class feature, such as the [[Warlock]]'s {{SAI|Agonising Blast}} invocation. Some magical affects, like the spell {{SAI|Shillelagh}}, allow spellcasters to use their [[Spells#Spellcasting_Ability_and_Proficiency|Spellcasting Ability Modifier]] for weapon Attack and Damage Rolls.


== Saving Throw ==
<div style="text-align: center;">'''Difficulty Class = {{InfoBlob|8 + [[Proficiency|Proficiency Bonus]] + [[#Spellcasting Ability and Proficiency|Spellcasting Ability Modifier]]}}'''</div>
''Main page: [[Saving Throw]]''
* [[Weapon Actions|'''Weapon Action''']] saves  have a DC determined by the creature's Dexterity or Strength - whichever is higher - and a Weapon Ability's inherent DC Bonus, using the following formula:


Various types of danger can be avoided, or their harm reduced, by making a {{SavingThrow}}, or "save" for short. This could mean dodging a dart or burst of flame from a sprung trap, resisting the effects of poisons or mind-altering magic, or trying to take cover to reduce damage from an explosion.
<div style="text-align: center;">'''Difficulty Class = {{InfoBlob|10 + [[Strength|Strength]] or [[Dexterity|Dexterity]] + [[Weapon Actions#Melee Weapons|Inherent Weapon Action Bonus DC]]}}'''</div>
 
The creature rolls a D20, and adds its [[Ability Score Modifier]] and [[Proficiency Bonus]] (if Proficient in that type of saving throw). The result must equal or exceed the Difficulty Class of the Saving Throw.
 
<div style="text-align: center;">'''Result = {{InfoBlob|{{D20}} + Ability Score Modifier + Proficiency Bonus (if Proficient)}}'''</div>


=== Saving Throw Modifiers ===
==== Saving Throw Modifiers ====
The [[Ability Score|Ability Score Modifier]] used for a save is determined by the source of danger. For example, evading a spike trap may require Dexterity, whereas trying to resist the effects of a poisonous gas would require Constitution. They are usually referred to by the Ability used, for example "Strength Saving Throw" or "Strength Save". Dexterity, Constitution and Wisdom Saving Throws are much more common than Strength, Intelligence or Charisma Saves.
The [[Ability Score|Ability Score Modifier]] used for a save is determined by the source of danger. For example, evading a spike trap may require Dexterity, whereas trying to resist the effects of a poisonous gas would require Constitution. They are usually referred to by the Ability used, for example "Strength Saving Throw" or "Strength Save". Dexterity, Constitution and Wisdom Saving Throws are much more common than Strength, Intelligence or Charisma Saves.


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Some magical effects and items may also grant bonuses to Saving Throws.
Some magical effects and items may also grant bonuses to Saving Throws.


=== Difficulty Class ===
==== Effect of Success ====
The '''Difficulty Class''' (DC) is a number that must be matched or exceeded to achieve success when rolling for [[Checks|Ability Checks]] or [[Saving Throws]]. (Attack Rolls use the target's Armour Class instead.) The Difficulty Class (DC) is determined by the source of danger:
 
* In scenarios such as traps or conversation events, the game chooses an appropriate Difficulty Class, depending on how serious the danger is.
* '''[[Spells]]''' that impose Saving Throws have a DC determined by the creature's '''[[Spells|Spellcasting Ability Modifier]]''', using the following formula:
 
<div style="text-align: center;">'''Difficulty Class = {{InfoBlob|8 + [[Proficiency|Proficiency Bonus]] + [[#Spellcasting Ability and Proficiency|Spellcasting Ability Modifier]]}}'''</div>
* For the Difficulty Class of a [[Weapon Actions|'''Weapon Action''']] that imposes a Saving Throw, the DC is determined by the creature's Dexterity or Strength - whichever is higher - and a Weapon Ability's inherent DC Bonus, using the following formula:
 
<div style="text-align: center;">'''Difficulty Class = {{InfoBlob|10 + [[Strength|Strength]] or [[Dexterity|Dexterity]] + [[Weapon Actions#Melee Weapons|Inherent Weapon Action Bonus DC]]}}'''</div>
 
=== Effect of Success ===
A successful Save can mean completely avoiding negative effects, reducing the damage received (usually by half), or both. For example, successfully saving against a spike trap could mean that a creature takes no damage at all, because it successfully evaded the spikes. On the other hand, if it's caught in the area of effect of a {{SAI|Fireball}}, then a successful save will merely halve the damage. Saving against {{SAI|Thunderwave}} both halves the damage taken, and prevents a creature from being pushed by the spell.
A successful Save can mean completely avoiding negative effects, reducing the damage received (usually by half), or both. For example, successfully saving against a spike trap could mean that a creature takes no damage at all, because it successfully evaded the spikes. On the other hand, if it's caught in the area of effect of a {{SAI|Fireball}}, then a successful save will merely halve the damage. Saving against {{SAI|Thunderwave}} both halves the damage taken, and prevents a creature from being pushed by the spell.


Some effects don't allow for a Saving Throw at all, for example the spell {{SAI|Sleep}}.
Some effects don't allow for a Saving Throw at all, for example the spell {{SAI|Sleep}}.


== Ability Check ==
=== Ability Check ===
''Main page: [[Ability Check]]''
''Main page: [[Ability Check]]''


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Some Ability Checks are based only on the base Ability Score. A common example is exerting willpower to use the Tadpole's influence on other characters during dialogue. Checks like this have no applicable proficiency, and never add a proficiency bonus.
Some Ability Checks are based only on the base Ability Score. A common example is exerting willpower to use the Tadpole's influence on other characters during dialogue. Checks like this have no applicable proficiency, and never add a proficiency bonus.


=== Skill Check ===
==== Skill Check ====
Most Ability Checks are tasks related to a specific [[Skill]], also known as '''Skill Checks'''. Each Skill is associated with a specific Ability Score, and lets the creature add its Proficiency Bonus to the check if they are Proficient in that Skill. Some class features may grant [[Expertise]], which doubles the Proficiency Bonus for one or more specific Skills.
Most Ability Checks are tasks related to a specific [[Skill]], also known as '''Skill Checks'''. Each Skill is associated with a specific Ability Score, and lets the creature add its Proficiency Bonus to the check if they are Proficient in that Skill. Some class features may grant [[Expertise]], which doubles the Proficiency Bonus for one or more specific Skills.


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Skill Checks are also common during dialogue, where some responses require a Skill Check to determine the outcome. Examples include using Charisma-based Skills like [[Persuasion]], [[Deception]] or [[Intimidation]] to influence others, or Intelligence-based Skills like [[Investigation]], [[History]] or [[Religion]] to determine or remember facts.
Skill Checks are also common during dialogue, where some responses require a Skill Check to determine the outcome. Examples include using Charisma-based Skills like [[Persuasion]], [[Deception]] or [[Intimidation]] to influence others, or Intelligence-based Skills like [[Investigation]], [[History]] or [[Religion]] to determine or remember facts.


=== Contest ===
==== Contest ====
A '''Contest''' is a special type of Ability Check in which two creatures both roll an Ability Check or Skill Check to oppose each other, and one wins over the other. The creatures don't necessarily roll the same type of check.
A '''Contest''' is a special type of Ability Check in which two creatures both roll an Ability Check or Skill Check to oppose each other, and one wins over the other. The creatures don't necessarily roll the same type of check.


An example of this is the {{SAI|Shove}} action. The creature attempting the Shove rolls Athletics, and the defending creature rolls either Athletics or Acrobatics (the game chooses the Skill with the highest bonus) to contest the Shove. If the attacker's roll is higher than the defender's, the Shove succeeds; otherwise it fails.
An example of this is the {{SAI|Shove}} action. The creature attempting the Shove rolls Athletics, and the defending creature rolls either Athletics or Acrobatics (the game chooses the Skill with the highest bonus) to contest the Shove. If the attacker's roll is higher than the defender's, the Shove succeeds; otherwise it fails.


=== Initiative ===
== Other Rolls ==
''Main page: [[Initiative]]''
=== Damage Rolls ===
''Main page: [[Damage Roll]]''
 
A '''Damage Roll''' is made when an attack is successful, a spell hits a target, a trap is activated, and so on. The result determines the damage dealt to an affected creature or object, measured in [[Hit Points]]. This roll can involve any size and number of dice, determined by the source of the damage. Damage rolls also have a [[Damage Types|Damage Type]].


When combat starts, all combatants make an Initiative roll to determine the turn order. This is effectively a Dexterity Ability Check, but made using a D4 instead of a {{D20}}. Proficiency does not normally apply, but some class features, spells and magical items can provide bonuses to the Initiative roll.
For example, a [[Dagger]] uses a single D4 for Damage Rolls, and deals Piercing Damage. Assuming no modifiers apply, the game expresses this as "1d4 (1-4) damage - {{DamageType|Piercing}}". Most weapons use a single die, though [[Greatswords]] and some other weapons deal 2d6 damage. Being caught in a {{SAI|Fireball}} will cause 8d6 points of fire damage, though a successful Saving Throw (see below) can reduce it to half.


= Advantage / Disadvantage =
==== Damage Roll Modifiers ====
''Main page: [[Advantage]]''
Attacks made with weapons always add the attacking creature's [[Ability Score Modifier]], generally [[Strength]] or [[Dexterity]] (whichever was used for the Attack Roll). Spell attacks generally do not add such a modifier, except when explicitly granted by a magical item or class feature, such as the [[Warlock]]'s {{SAI|Agonising Blast}} invocation. Some magical affects, like the spell {{SAI|Shillelagh}} or a Warlock's {{SAI|Pact of the Blade}}, allow spellcasters to use their [[Spells#Spellcasting_Ability_and_Proficiency|Spellcasting Ability Modifier]] for weapon Attack and Damage Rolls.


In various situations, a creature can have {{Advantage}} or {{Disadvantage}} on an Attack Roll, Saving Throw, or Ability Check.
=== Initiative ===
''Main page: [[Initiative]]''


'''Advantage''' means that you make the roll twice and use the higher result. '''Disadvantage''' means you use the lower result.
When combat starts, all combatants make an Initiative roll to determine the turn order. This is effectively a Dexterity Ability Check, but is made using a D4 instead of a {{D20}}. Proficiency does not normally apply, but some class features, spells and magical items can provide bonuses to the Initiative roll.


Advantage and Disadvantage cannot stack. In other words, you never roll more than twice. Additionally, they cancel each other out, no matter how many sources of Advantage or Disadvantage you have. For instance, if you had three sources of Advantage and only one source of Disadvantage, they would still cancel each other out, causing you to roll normally.
=== Random Results ===
Some class features, spells and other, usually magical effects are selected randomly from a list of possibilities. The dice rolled for these varies, but is usually a single die, meaning each option has equal chance of occuring. Effects that work this way include:
* The [[Wild Magic (Subclass Feature)|Wild Magic]] feature of the {{Class|Wild Magic Sorcerer}}
* The [[Rage: Wild Magic]] feature of the {{Class|Wild Magic Barbarian}}


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