Attribute Modifier Overview

Each attribute modifier starts at +0, representing the average. As you make character choices, you'll adjust these modifiers by applying attribute boosts, which increase an attribute modifier, and attribute flaws, which decrease an attribute modifier. As you build your character, remember to apply attribute modifier adjustments when making the following decisions. Ancestry: Each ancestry provides attribute boosts, and sometimes an attribute flaw. If you're taking any voluntary flaws, apply them in this step (see Optional Voluntary Flaws). Background: Your character's background provides two attribute boosts. Class: Your character's class applies an attribute boost to their key attribute: the attribute modifier most important for that class. Four Free Boosts: After the other steps, you apply four more attribute boosts to attributes of your choice to finalize your starting attribute modifiers. Attribute Boosts An attribute boost normally increases an attribute modifier's value by 1. However, if the attribute modifier to which you're applying an attribute boost is already +4 or higher, instead mark “partial boost” on the character sheet for that attribute. If the attribute already has a partial boost invested in it, increase the modifier by 1 and uncheck the box. At 1st level, a character can never have any attribute modifier that's higher than +4. Whenever your character receives an attribute boost, the source indicates whether it must be applied to a specific attribute modifier, to one in a limited list, or whether it's a “free” boost that can be applied to any attribute of your choosing. For example, a Vesk character receives an attribute boost to their Constitution modifier and their Strength modifier, as well as one free attribute boost, which can be applied to any other attribute of choice. When you gain multiple attribute boosts at the same time, you must apply each one to a different modifier. This means you can't apply a partial boost to an attribute modifier and apply another boost simultaneously to increase it. Attribute Flaws Attribute flaws are not nearly as common in Starfinder as attribute boosts. If your character has an attribute flaw—likely from their ancestry—you decrease that attribute modifier by 1. Vesk, for example,receive an attribute flaw to Wisdom. Any character can choose to take two free boosts instead of the listed boosts and flaws (Alternate Ancestry Boosts). A character receives an attribute boost to their class's key attribute.