Ability Scores

The six ability scores

Every character has six ability scores that describe their fundamental capabilities.

Strength (STR) — Physical power. Used for melee attacks with most weapons, Athletics checks, carrying capacity.

Dexterity (DEX) — Agility and reflexes. Used for ranged attacks, finesse weapon attacks, AC (light/medium armor), Stealth, Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, and initiative.

Constitution (CON) — Endurance and health. Contributes to maximum HP (CON modifier × level added to total). Used for concentration checks when taking damage.

Intelligence (INT) — Reasoning and memory. Used by Wizards for spellcasting. Governs Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, and Religion skills.

Wisdom (WIS) — Awareness and intuition. Used by Clerics, Druids, and Rangers for spellcasting. Governs Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, and Survival.

Charisma (CHA) — Force of personality. Used by Bards, Paladins, Sorcerers, and Warlocks for spellcasting. Governs Deception, Intimidation, Performance, and Persuasion.

Ability modifiers

Your modifier is what you actually add to dice rolls. It's calculated from your score:

| Score | Modifier | | ----- | -------- | | 1 | −5 | | 2–3 | −4 | | 4–5 | −3 | | 6–7 | −2 | | 8–9 | −1 | | 10–11 | +0 | | 12–13 | +1 | | 14–15 | +2 | | 16–17 | +3 | | 18–19 | +4 | | 20–21 | +5 |

Formula: floor((score − 10) / 2)

Proficiency bonus

Your proficiency bonus applies to attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks you're proficient in. It increases as you level:

| Levels | Proficiency Bonus | | ------ | ----------------- | | 1–4 | +2 | | 5–8 | +3 | | 9–12 | +4 | | 13–16 | +5 | | 17–20 | +6 |

Saving throws

When a spell or effect targets you with a saving throw, you roll d20 + the relevant ability modifier + your proficiency bonus (if you're proficient in that saving throw) vs. a Difficulty Class (DC). Each class grants proficiency in two saving throws:

• Barbarian, Fighter: STR, CON
• Bard, Rogue: DEX, CHA
• Cleric, Paladin: WIS, CHA
• Druid, Ranger: INT, WIS
• Monk: STR, DEX
• Sorcerer, Warlock: CON, CHA
• Wizard: INT, WIS

Ability checks

An ability check is d20 + ability modifier + proficiency bonus (if proficient in the relevant skill). The Raven sets the DC and the game engine resolves the roll automatically when you attempt something that requires one.