Universal Abilities

These are abilities that can be chosen outside of the background. Some background abilities may be listed here, but others will not be. These are meant to help shape a character beyond their background. If you have ideas for some, please bring them up.

Some of these abilities can be seen in character backgrounds. If this is the case, they can be taken twice unless they have an asterisk next to them. If they are taken twice, this means they do stack.

The List

Athletic: Your physical ability is quite impressive. Gain a +2 on Strength Checks when it comes to climbing, jumping, and swimming.

Chef: One of your choices of study was cooking. You've learned to cook with less and really splurge when you can. Gain a +4 on all Intelligence cooking checks.

*Deflect Arrows: Once per round, you have the ability to snatch an arrow from the air as long as the arrow is aimed at you.

*Dodge: You've chosen to focus only on dodging incoming attacks. You gain +4 to Defense and are not allowed to take any attack actions until your next turn.

Drive: You're adept when behind the wheel of a car. Gain a+2 to Dexterity checks when driving.

Fleet: Increase your base speed by 10ft.

Hauler: Increase your carry capacity by 30 pounds.

Improved Attack: You've focused on your physical health. Gain a +1 to attack.

Improved Initiative: Gain a +4 to Dexterity checks when initiative is called.

Improved Stamina: Whenever you roll for stamina, add an extra +2 to the roll.

Multilingual: Gain an extra language to understand and speak fluently.

Observant: You're able to read the room a little better than others. Gain a +2 on Wisdom checks to understand someone's intentions, locate hidden objects (including traps and secret doors), and recall things others may have forgotten.

Perform: Choose One: Musical Instrument (Wis), Dance (Dex), Oratory/Act/Sing/Comedy (Cha). You gain a +4 on checks with your chosen style.

Respected: Choose one: youth, elderly, criminal, political, militaristic, aristocratic. You've interacted with this type of person a lot in the past and know how to talk to them. You gain a +4 Charisma check when dealing with them.

Slow Metabolism: For no real reason, you've never needed as much food as everyone else. Gain a +10 to hunger and thirst.