How to Get Over 20 Ability Scores in Tabletop Roleplaying Games

The allure of superhuman abilities is a core fantasy of many tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs). While most systems impose a limit on ability scores, typically topping out around 20, there are ways to break through that barrier. Achieving ability scores over 20 often requires a combination of character building choices, powerful magic items, boons from deities, and clever exploitation of game mechanics. These exceptionally high scores represent characters who are truly legends in their own right, surpassing the limitations of ordinary mortals.

Breaking the Barrier: Methods to Exceed 20

The specific mechanics for exceeding 20 in an ability score are highly game-dependent, but common avenues include:

• Magic Items: These are often the most reliable way to consistently boost ability scores beyond the normal maximum. Look for items that specifically grant a bonus to an ability score, rather than granting advantage on checks or skills. Powerful artifacts may even provide a permanent increase.
• Boons and Blessings: Deities or powerful entities may reward characters with boons that permanently increase their ability scores. This usually comes with a narrative hook and might be tied to the character’s alignment or actions.
• Class Features and Feats: Some classes or feats allow for temporary or even permanent increases to ability scores, potentially pushing them past the 20 mark. Carefully review class progression tables and feat lists for relevant options.
• Potions and Consumables: Certain potions or consumables can grant temporary increases to ability scores, allowing you to exceed 20 for a limited time. Keep in mind the temporary nature of these boosts and any potential side effects.
• Wish Spells and Similar Effects: The Wish spell (or equivalents in other systems) offers the most flexibility but also the greatest risk. It can be used to directly increase an ability score, but misinterpreting the wording can lead to unintended consequences.
• Epic Level Play: In systems with advancement beyond the traditional level cap, such as D&D 3.5e, new rules and options often allow for further ability score increases, surpassing the standard limitations.
• Environmental Effects and Plane-Specific Traits: Visiting certain planes or being exposed to specific environmental conditions could grant temporary or even permanent boosts to ability scores. This is less common but can provide exciting roleplaying opportunities.

It’s crucial to remember that each TTRPG has its own set of rules, and these rules are often open to interpretation by the Dungeon Master (DM) or Game Master (GM). Always check with your DM/GM to ensure that any method you plan to use is within the rules of the game and the context of the campaign. Furthermore, exceeding 20 in an ability score can significantly impact game balance, so discuss your intentions with your DM/GM beforehand.

FAQs: Expanding on Ability Score Limits

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding ability scores, focusing on the possibility of surpassing the typical limitations.

Understanding the Basics

1. What are ability scores? Ability scores are numerical representations of a character’s innate capabilities in various areas like strength, dexterity, constitution, intelligence, wisdom, and charisma. They influence a character’s skills, abilities, and overall effectiveness.

2. Why do most games have a limit on ability scores? Limits on ability scores help maintain game balance and prevent characters from becoming overwhelmingly powerful. They also provide a framework for character progression and differentiation.

3. What is considered a “good” ability score in most TTRPGs? Typically, an ability score of 10 is considered average. Scores between 14 and 16 are generally considered good, while scores above 18 are exceptional, especially at early levels.

Methods and Mechanics

4. Can I use multiple methods to stack ability score increases? This depends entirely on the rules of your specific TTRPG. Some games have explicit rules against stacking bonuses of the same type, while others allow it with certain restrictions. Check with your DM/GM.

5. Are there any drawbacks to having extremely high ability scores? While high ability scores provide significant advantages, they can also create narrative challenges. The DM/GM might need to adjust encounters to provide a suitable challenge, and the character’s extreme power might draw unwanted attention from powerful enemies or rival factions.

6. How does exceeding 20 in an ability score affect skill checks and saving throws? The impact depends on the specific game. Usually, higher ability scores translate to larger bonuses on related skill checks and saving throws, making the character more likely to succeed.

7. What is the difference between a temporary and a permanent ability score increase? A temporary increase lasts for a specific duration, often measured in rounds, minutes, or hours. A permanent increase is, as the name suggests, a lasting change to the character’s ability score.

8. How do I track ability score increases and decreases? Maintain a clear record of all temporary and permanent ability score modifications. Use a character sheet or a separate tracking tool to avoid confusion and ensure accuracy.

Specific Scenarios and Considerations

9. If I use a Wish spell to increase an ability score above 20, what are the potential risks? The Wish spell is notoriously open to interpretation. The DM/GM could twist your wish in unexpected ways, granting the ability score increase but imposing a significant drawback or curse.

10. What happens if an ability score is reduced below 1 due to damage or other effects? This usually results in severe penalties or even incapacitation. The specific consequences vary depending on the game rules and the ability score affected. In many systems, this can lead to unconsciousness or even death.

11. Can I use an ability score of 20 to qualify for feats or class features that require a minimum score? Yes, having an ability score of 20 usually satisfies any requirements that specify a lower minimum score.

12. Are there any ethical considerations when trying to maximize ability scores? Some players might consider excessive optimization to be disruptive to the game or detrimental to the roleplaying experience. It’s important to discuss your character goals with the DM/GM and other players to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Advanced Topics

13. How do epic level rules affect ability score limits? In games with epic level content, such as D&D 3.5e, the rules often expand to allow for ability scores to increase beyond 20 through various means, including epic feats and advancement bonuses.

14. Are there any TTRPGs that do not have a limit on ability scores? Some less structured or more narrative-focused TTRPGs might not have explicit limits on ability scores. In these systems, the focus is more on the story and less on strict numerical balance.

15. What is the best way to convince my DM/GM to allow me to exceed 20 in an ability score? The key is communication and justification. Explain your character’s backstory and motivations, and demonstrate how achieving such a high ability score would enhance the story and provide interesting roleplaying opportunities. Be prepared to accept their decision, even if it’s not what you hoped for. Highlight the challenges that may accompany such power and how you are prepared to face them.

Ultimately, exceeding 20 in an ability score is a challenging but rewarding goal. Understanding the rules of your chosen TTRPG, communicating effectively with your DM/GM, and embracing the narrative possibilities are all essential ingredients for success. By combining clever character building, strategic resource management, and a bit of luck, you can create a character who truly transcends the limitations of ordinary mortals.