Each and every character has six principal characteristics, the character's
abilities. These abilities are strength, intelligence, wisdom, dexterity,
constitution, and charisma. (See also APPENDIX I , Psionic Ability.) The
range of these abilities is <generally> between 3 and 18.
The premise of the game is that each player character is above average
- at least in some respects -
and has superior potential.

Furthermore, it is usually essential to the
character's survival to be exceptional (with a rating of 15 or above) in no
fewer than two ability characteristics. Each ability score is determined by
random number generation. <when the scores are raised (before/after modifiers), and which scores (highest/lowest) are raised, makes a difference>

The referee has several methods of how this random number generation should be accomplished suggested to him or her in the DMG. <as well, Method V in UA>
The DM will inform you as to which method you may use to determine your character's abilities.

The principal abilities are detailed as follows:

Strength, Intelligence, Wisdom, Dexterity, Constitution, Charisma.
 

    In the descriptions of the fighter, paladin and thief player
character classes in the PH, the rules state that
certain minimum ability scores are needed to “become” a
member of that class. The same reasoning should be applied to
those classes where the same wording is not used. In other
words, minimum requirements have to be met when a character
begins a career in a class, but not necessarily at all times thereaf-
ter while that profession is being pursued.
(SA53.12)

Q: In the old Giants in the Earth column, some of the heroes
were given a percentile score for every ability of 18, even those
characteristics like intelligence and wisdom that have no percentile
score given to them in the AD&D rules. Why was this done?

A: Originally such 18-percentile scores were given as a basis for
comparison; so many of the heroes and heroines in that column
had ability scores of 18 that it was thought there should be some
way to further differentiate between (for instance) two characters
who both have 18 intelligence. Such percentile values can be easily
disregarded, since they have no function in the AD&D rules.
(76.64)
 

Q: What is the effect of nonmagical
exercise on ability scores?
A: Officially, none. All character classes are
assumed to exercise to a degree appropriate
to their professions, as a normal part
of training for advancement. The lessphysical
classes fill in their nonadventuring
time with study and mental
exercises.
(144.7)

Q. If a paladin's CHA drops to 16, 
does that character stop being a 
paladin? 
A. No. The minimum scores required for 
a character to become a paladin, 
wizard or whatever apply only 
when the character is created, not 
once the character has started adventuring.  
A paladin is particularly 
vulnerable to changes in class -- if 
the character's behavior strays from 
LG, then paladinhood becomes a 
normal fighter. 
(Imagine #15)
 

DMPrata wrote:
Gary, how (if ever) did you handle cases where a PC's ability scores were more-or-less permanently reduced below the prerequisites for his class? (I have to make a ruling on this re: a ranger who has been raised one too many times and whose CON has thus fallen below the 14 minimum for the class.) I guess the broader question is whether the ability requirements are only for entry into the class or are mandatory for continued advancement; e.g., is the ranger now a fighter with d8 hit dice?
 

the ability scores for PCs are requirements to enter the class and to progress within it thereafter.
In the case you cite, the PC would no longer be able to gail levels,
but he would remain a ranger of whatever level he had attained before dropping a point of Constitution so as to be inelligible for continued advancement.

Cheers,
Gary
 

JASON THE RULESREADER wrote:
Thats not a bad suggestion. I myself would probably let the PC advance as a fighter from there on out.

IS that a good idea?
 

It is if the PC is a worthy one from a player that simply had a run of bad luck. Also, keeping the HD gain to a d8 of the Ranger Class is a good comprimise in the bargain. After all, a Ranger is a fighter of sorts, so allowing progress thus is logical. I must say that if the Ranger PC was played poorly I would as the DM be incluned to simply freeze the character at the Ranger level extant at the time the qualifying ability was lost.

Cheers,
Gary
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bullgrit
Mr. Gygax,

I'll get straight to some questions:

How did you decide/settle on using the 6 ability scores of D&D: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma? [Any bets on how many people comment on the order I've listed them here compared to how they've been listed through the years/editions?]
 

The six attributes used seemed to cover the spectrum of what a human consisted of in general manner.
They seem to have been on target, as there hasn't been a change in them for some years...