What Does Constitution Do in D&D? The Ultimate Guide
Constitution in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a fundamental ability score that represents a character’s health, stamina, and overall physical resilience. It determines how well a character can withstand punishment, resist poisons and diseases, and maintain consciousness in harsh conditions. A high Constitution score translates to a tougher, more durable character, while a low score means a character is more frail and susceptible to harm.
The Core Function of Constitution
The primary function of Constitution is to determine a character’s hit points (HP). At each level, a character gains hit points, and the amount gained is heavily influenced by their Constitution modifier. The higher the modifier, the more hit points gained. This makes Constitution a vital stat for all classes, but especially for those who expect to be in the thick of combat, such as Fighters, Barbarians, and Paladins. It’s arguably the most important ability score for survivability.
Beyond Hit Points: Additional Benefits
While hit points are Constitution’s most direct impact, it also influences several other crucial aspects of the game:
- Saving Throws: Constitution saving throws are used to resist effects that drain a character’s vitality, such as poisons, diseases, exhaustion, and certain spells. A character with a high Constitution is more likely to succeed on these saving throws, mitigating the detrimental effects.
- Concentration: For spellcasters, maintaining concentration on spells is vital. Many factors can break concentration, including taking damage. A Constitution saving throw is often required to maintain concentration when damage is received. A higher Constitution makes it easier to keep spells active.
- Suffocation and Starvation: Constitution plays a role in determining how long a character can hold their breath, survive without food or water, or endure extreme temperatures. A robust Constitution allows a character to withstand these hardships for a longer duration.
- General Hardiness: In general, a high Constitution score suggests a character is physically fit and resistant to environmental hazards. While not explicitly codified, a DM might take Constitution into account when adjudicating situations involving physical endurance or resilience.
Importance Across Different Classes
While all classes benefit from a good Constitution score, its importance varies:
- Martial Classes (Fighter, Barbarian, Paladin, Ranger, Monk): These classes are often on the front lines, taking the brunt of enemy attacks. High hit points and strong Constitution saving throws are essential for survival.
- Casters (Wizard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Cleric, Druid, Bard): While traditionally more fragile, casters need Constitution to maintain concentration on their powerful spells and to provide some buffer against enemies who manage to close the distance.
- Rogues: While not always on the front lines, Rogues need Constitution to survive ambushes, traps, and the occasional close-quarters combat encounter. A decent Constitution score is necessary to avoid being instantly incapacitated.
Constitution and Character Creation
During character creation, allocating ability scores strategically is key. Given its impact on hit points and saving throws, Constitution should be a priority for most characters. Consider your class and role in the party when deciding how high to prioritize Constitution. Many players choose to place their second-highest score into Constitution, after their primary class ability score.
Understanding Constitution Checks
It’s important to note the difference between Constitution saving throws and Constitution checks. Saving throws are reactive, used to resist an effect. Checks, on the other hand, are proactive attempts to overcome an obstacle. Constitution checks are relatively rare, but might be called for in situations involving prolonged physical exertion or resisting environmental effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Constitution modifier?
A Constitution modifier is derived from your Constitution score. It represents the bonus (or penalty) you apply to Constitution-related rolls, such as saving throws and hit point calculations. To determine the modifier, subtract 10 from the score, then divide by 2 (rounding down). For example, a Constitution score of 14 results in a modifier of +2.
2. How does Constitution affect hit points?
At each level, you gain hit points based on your class’s hit dice. Your Constitution modifier is then added to that number. For example, a Fighter (d10 hit die) with a Constitution modifier of +3 would gain 1d10 + 3 hit points per level.
3. What happens if my Constitution score is reduced to 0?
If your Constitution score is reduced to 0, you instantly die. This is a rare occurrence, but it can happen through specific monster abilities or spells.
4. Can I increase my Constitution score after character creation?
Yes, you can increase your Constitution score through various means, such as leveling up and choosing an Ability Score Improvement (ASI), using magical items, or benefiting from specific spells or class features.
5. Is Constitution more important than other ability scores?
The importance of Constitution depends on your class and playstyle. While important for all characters, it’s often prioritized differently. Martial classes typically value it highly, while spellcasters might prioritize it slightly less in favor of their primary casting stat.
6. What is a good Constitution score?
A “good” Constitution score is subjective. A score of 14 or higher is generally considered good for most classes. For martial classes, aiming for 16 or higher is often beneficial.
7. What are some common Constitution saving throw effects?
Common Constitution saving throw effects include poisons, diseases, exhaustion, paralysis, petrification, and spells like Contagion or Feeblemind.
8. Does Constitution affect carrying capacity?
No, carrying capacity is primarily determined by Strength.
9. How does the Tough feat affect hit points?
The Tough feat grants you an additional 2 hit points for each level you have. This stacks with your Constitution modifier and provides a significant boost to your overall hit point total.
10. Can a low Constitution score be detrimental to my character?
Yes, a low Constitution score can significantly hinder your character’s survivability. You’ll have fewer hit points, be more vulnerable to poisons and diseases, and struggle to maintain concentration on spells.
11. What is the average Constitution score for a commoner?
Commoners typically have an average Constitution score of around 10.
12. Does Constitution affect my ability to resist psychic damage?
While Constitution doesn’t directly affect resistance to psychic damage, having a high Constitution modifier can help you succeed on Constitution saving throws against spells or effects that might indirectly cause psychic damage.
13. How does exhaustion interact with Constitution?
Exhaustion is a condition that imposes increasingly severe penalties. Resisting effects that cause exhaustion often requires a Constitution saving throw.
14. Can I be healed if my Constitution score is temporarily reduced?
Yes, you can be healed even if your Constitution score is temporarily reduced. Healing restores hit points, regardless of your current Constitution score. However, you should address the underlying cause of the Constitution reduction to avoid further complications.
15. How does Constitution affect my character’s roleplaying?
While Constitution primarily governs physical resilience, it can also influence roleplaying. A character with a high Constitution might be portrayed as robust, enduring, and less prone to illness or fatigue. Conversely, a character with a low Constitution might be portrayed as frail, sickly, and easily exhausted. You can use your Constitution score as a starting point for developing your character’s personality and physical traits.