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Ability Scores

Six ability scores define every character in the Realms. Each is rated on a 3–25 scale (with 18 the human maximum at creation, and 19+ unlocked by magical items, racial bonuses, or potions).

The detailed bonus tables — exact effects of each score on combat, saves, spell access, etc. — live in the progression tables.

The six abilities

Strength

Measures a character's muscle, endurance, and stamina. Prime requisite of warriors except Rangers and Paladins. Affects:

  • To-hit and damage with melee weapons.
  • Damage with throwing axes, throwing daggers, and slings.
  • Maximum carry weight (see Encumbrance).
  • Bend Bars / Lift Gates checks.

Exceptional Strength (the 18/01–18/00 range) adds further bonuses to to-hit and damage.

Dexterity

Measures hand-eye coordination, agility, reflexes, and balance. Prime requisite of rogues except Bards. Affects:

  • To-hit with missile weapons.
  • Armor Class bonus (the Dexterity AC bonus).
  • Reaction adjustment and surprise modifiers.

Constitution

Measures fitness, health, and resistance to hardship, injury, and disease. Prime requisite of the Ranger. Affects:

  • Hit-point bonus per Hit Die (warriors get larger bonuses).
  • Save vs. paralysis/poison/death-magic (for short races and dwarves, an additional bonus is layered on top).

Intelligence

Measures memory, reasoning, and learning ability. Prime requisite of wizards. Affects:

  • The maximum spell level a wizard can learn.
  • The maximum number of spells per spell level a wizard can scribe.
  • The chance to learn a spell from a scroll.
  • Immunity to certain illusion-based effects at very high scores.

Wisdom

Measures enlightenment, judgement, and common sense. Prime requisite of priests except Druids. Affects:

  • Bonus priest spells per day (extra slots for Clerics, Druids, Paladins, Rangers).
  • Save bonuses against mind-affecting spells.

Charisma

Measures persuasiveness, personal magnetism, and ability to lead. Important to Druids, Bards, and Paladins, but every character benefits from a high score. Affects:

  • The reaction adjustment in NPC encounters and shop prices (see Reputation).
  • Party morale (the leader's Charisma drives the party).
  • Maximum number of henchmen.

Class minimum requirements

Each class requires a minimum score in one or more abilities. The character generator enforces these — if your rolls don't meet them, you can't choose the class.

Source: bgee/original_manuals/baldurs_gate_1_ee_mastering_melee_and_magic.pdf — "Ability Scores" overview; specific values in the manual's appendix.