Ability

Oct. 30, 2020

Jack Wain and I discuss what "ability" means within the 5e context. We take a look at what makes an effective player and how those skills are transferable to being a successful DM. We discuss ability skills and how some, such as the oft derided Animal Handling, get a bad rap through no fault of their own. This episode's Big Question is ability modifiers: big box or small box?

• 00:01:41 - How to determine player ability
• 00:08:58 - Signifiers of a good DM
• 00:20:40 - Ability scores
• 00:40:59 - Dissonance between player and character ability
• 00:50:36 - Improvisation in published adventures
• 00:55:26 - Impact of score simplification over earlier editions
• 01:00:30 - Big box or little box?

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod
Reference to The Monsters Know What They're Doing by Keith Ammann.