Chapter II: Abilities

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1 Buying Ability Scores

Buying Ability Scores

You choose your character's ability scores by spending character points on them. Two character points increase an ability score by 1, so putting two character points into Strength, for example, raises it from +0 to +1. Remember a score of +0 is average, +1 to +2 is a fair amount of talent or natural ability, +3 is exceptional, +4 is extraordinary, and so forth. (See the Ability Benchmarks)

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Reducing Ability Scores

You can also lower one or more of your character's ability scores from the starting value of +0. Each point you lower a score gives you two additional character points to spend elsewhere. You cannot lower an ability score below -5.

If you reduce an ability score to -5 (for -10 points), you lack that ability entirely (see Nonexistent Ability Scores).


Ability Cost = Base score of 0. 2 character points per +1 to an ability score. Gain 2 bonus character points per -1 to an ability score.

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Ability Scores Modifying Checks

Each ability score modifies certain tasks associated with it, based on how above or below average it is. The ability score is added to die rolls when your character does something related to that ability. For example, your Strength score affects the amount of melee damage you do. Your Intelligence score comes into play when you roll skills based on Intelligence, and so forth. Sometimes your modifier is used to calculate another value, such as when you use your Dexterity score to help determine how good you are at avoiding harm with your reflexes (your Dodge Bonus).

The maximum score you can have with an ability is equal to the campaign’s power level +5. A power level 10 hero, for example, cannot have an ability score greater than +15 modifier. Unlike the other ability scores, Strength is affected by the power level limits on damage (see Power Level).

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