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4 Dec, 2008 3:54pm

DS4E: Relevant Modifiers

Three Basic Rules

Three principles are at the heart of the game. Other rules will be based on these assumptions.

  • Simple rules, many exceptions
  • Specific beats general
  • Always round down

Checks & Ability Modifiers

The table below recommends which ability modifier to use for a check in a given situation.

Ability  Type of Check
Str      Athletics: Climbing, Escaping from a Grab, Jumping, Swimming
Str      Combat: Hitting a Target with a Held Weapon (close, or melee combat)
Con      Endurance: Holding Breath, Ignoring Hunger or Thirst, Resisting Disease or Poison, Swimming, Surviving Extreme Weather
Dex      Acrobatics:  Performing Acrobatic Stunts, Balancing, Escaping from a Grab, Escaping from Restraints, Falling Safely
Dex      Stealth: Avoiding being Perceived
Dex      Thievery: Disabling a Trap, Opening a Lock, Picking a Pocket, Performing Sleight of Hand
Dex      Combat: Hitting a Target with a Thrown or Fired Weapon (ranged combat)
Int      Arcana: Knowledge about Magic, Knowledge about Monsters, Detecting Magic,  including Identifying Effects and Sensing the Presence of Magic
Int      History: Knowledge about the Chronological Record of Significant Events and Explanations of their Causes
Int      Religion: Knowledge about Gods, Traditions and Ceremonies, Divine Effects, and the Origin of Immortal or Undead Creatures
Wis      Dungeoneering: Knowledge about Underground Environments and Hazards, Foraging in Underground Environments, Knowledge about the Origin of Alien Creatures
Wis      Healing: Administering First Aid, Treating Disease
Wis      Insight: Sensing Motives and Attitudes, Sensing Outside Influence, Recognizing Effects as Illusory
Wis      Nature: Foraging Outdoors, Handling Animals, Knowledge about the Natural World, Knowledge about Natural Creatures
Wis      Perception: Discerning Sounds, Spotting or Searching for Hidden Items, Finding and Following Tracks
Cha      Bluffing, Engaging in Diplomacy, Intimidating, Knowledge about Settlements

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