Combat Modifiers¶
Many factors modify the number a character needs for a successful hit. Each one is applied as a bonus or penalty to the to-hit number or to the attack roll itself.
There is no limit to the number of modifiers — positive or negative — that can stack on a single d20 roll.
Strength¶
A character's Strength modifies both the chance to hit and the damage caused on melee attacks.
A handful of missile weapons — throwing axes, throwing daggers, and slings — receive the Strength modifier to damage only, not to the attack roll.
For exact bonuses, see the ability score tables.
Dexterity (missile weapons)¶
Dexterity affects the chance to hit with a missile weapon. Higher Dexterity increases the to-hit; lower Dexterity lowers it. Dexterity does not affect missile damage.
Dexterity also affects Armor Class.
Magical items¶
Items marked with a plus sign improve combat in proportion to their bonus:
- Sword +1 → +1 to hit, +1 damage.
- Chain mail +1 → AC improved by one beyond normal chain mail (an AC of 5 becomes AC 4).
- Cursed items carry a negative modifier (a penalty): subtract from attack rolls, add to AC.
Stacking restriction
You may not equip multiple magic items that grant the same kind of bonus — for example, two Rings of Protection, or a Ring of Protection with +1 Leather Armor.
Rate of fire¶
Missile weapons have different Rates of Fire (ROF) — the number of shots per round:
| Weapon | Shots per round |
|---|---|
| Arrows / thrown daggers | up to 2 |
| Crossbows, slings, throwing axes | 1 |
| Darts | 3 |
Multiple missile shots are handled the same way as other multiple attacks for the purposes of determining initiative.
Bonuses against the improperly equipped¶
Surprise attacks, backstabs from behind, and attacks against the unaware or unarmored give attackers additional bonuses to hit — the Thief class is the most common beneficiary (Backstab).
Source: bgee/original_manuals/baldurs_gate_1_ee_mastering_melee_and_magic.pdf — "Improving the Odds in Combat" → "Strength Modifiers", "Magical Items", "Dexterity Modifiers for Missile Weapons", "Missile Weapons in Combat—Rate of Fire".