-5 to +5 ability modifiers?

[Dark Jezter]

Hi everyone. My friend and I have a disagreement over the rules concerning ability modifiers; he says that a character's modifier in any stat can not be greater than +5 based on the statement on page 7 of the PHB. But I argue that since you gain an ability point every 4 levels, you CAN naturally exceed the +5 restriction. Could anyone tell me which one of us is right? Thanks.

 

[RogueJK]

You most certainly can have higher than a +5 modifier.

The text on page 7 is referring to character creation. When creating a character using the core races, it's not possible to have a stat higher than 20 (which is +5), since you are limited to a maximum roll of 18, with a possible +2 bonus added from your race.

 

[drowdude]

The +5 restriction only applies to Inherent bonuses.

Edit: Duh! Guess I should have looked at the page you were referencing!

Yes, you can most certainly exceed a +5 modifier.
I mean, think about it... why would the chart go past 20/+5 if that were the best you could ever attain?
The text on page 7 is just assuming 1st level core rules characters are what you will be playing with initially.

 

[Happiest_Sadist]

Of course you can. Ex. Storm Giant, Great Wyrm Red Dragon.

You can't start with above a 20 with any of the standard player races.

 

[Cor Azer]

Of course you can. Ex. Storm Giant, Great Wyrm Red Dragon.

You can't start with above a 20 with any of the standard player races.

Well... that's assuming you don't count familiars...

Gnome or dwarf wizard or sorceror - get an 18 Con, modified to 20 because of race, modified to 22 because of toad familiar, giving a 22 Con to start.