D20 Basics - The Core of Your Adventure 🧙

The D20 system, where every action, from seducing a dragon to swinging an axe, comes down to a single twenty-sided die.

📚 Quick Reference

• What is the D20 System?
• Ability Scores & Modifiers
• Proficiency Bonus
• Combat Basics
• Advantage & Disadvantage
• Roleplay & Exploration

🎲 What is the D20 System?

At its core, the D20 system means:

Roll a 20-sided die + your modifiers, and try to meet or beat a Difficulty Class (DC).

• D20 = one twenty-sided die
• Modifier = your bonus from stats, skills, or proficiency
• DC = the target number set by the Dungeon Master (DM)

If your total ≥ DC, you succeed.
If it’s < DC, you fail — and probably fall on your arse.

📊 Ability Scores & Modifiers

There are 6 core stats:

Each stat has a modifier (usually -1 to +5), calculated like this:

Modifier = (Score - 10) ÷ 2 (rounded down)

🗡️ Proficiency Bonus

Everyone starts with a proficiency bonus. It increases as you level up.

If you're proficient in something (like Persuasion or Longswords), you add this bonus to your roll:

D20 + Stat Modifier + Proficiency

⚔️ Combat Basics

• Initiative: D20 + Dexterity mod (decides turn order)
• To hit: D20 + Attack Bonus vs target’s AC (Armour Class)
• Damage: Roll weapon die (e.g., 1d8 + Strength mod)
• Saving Throws: D20 + Save Modifier vs Spell DC

🧙‍♀️ Advantage & Disadvantage

• Advantage: Roll 2d20, take the higher result
• Disadvantage: Roll 2d20, take the lower result

Simple. Powerful. Full of tension.

💞 Roleplay & Exploration

Not every challenge is solved by a blade. Sometimes it’s a clever tongue or a bold decision.

Use D20 checks for:

• Convincing stubborn nobles
• Picking ancient locks
• Resisting poison
• Navigating perilous wildlands
• Reading cursed scrolls in forbidden Elvish