Ability Classification - Natural, Extraordinary, Spell-Like, Supernatural, etc

[Roman]

I sometimes have trouble determining whether an ability is Extraordinary, or Supernatural or whatever...

For example, how would you classify Darkvision?

 

[RigaMortus]

That is an Extrordinary ability

 

[Roman]

That is an Extrordinary ability

Thanks, but how did you know that? For example, when I read the dwarf entry for darkvision it says nothing about what type of ability it is...

 

[FireLance]

From the SRD, Abilities and Conditions, it states:

DARKVISION
Darkvision is the extraordinary ability to see with no light source at all, out to a range specified for the creature. Darkvision is black and white only (colors cannot be discerned). It does not allow characters to see anything that they could not see otherwise—invisible objects are still invisible, and illusions are still visible as what they seem to be. Likewise, darkvision subjects a creature to gaze attacks normally. The presence of light does not spoil darkvision.

Emphasis mine.

Generally, whether an ability is extraordinary (Ex), supernatural (Su) or spell-like (Sp) would be stated in the description of the ability in the monster or class entry, for monster ability and class abilities respectively. Where it is not stated, assume that it is extraordinary.

 

[Starglim]

Typically spell-like abilities will say in the text that they are such, or will have the same name as a spell and be deliberately cast or invoked. Supernatural abilities tend to use or be based on magical energies, alignment or weird folkloric traits (such as DR/cold iron or DR/silver).

Anything that is based on physical prowess and skill, or otherwise doesn't seem to be supernatural as described above, is probably an extraordinary ability.

There's a slightly unclear line between extraordinary abilities and lesser traits and features that are not extraordinary - what the alter self spell description calls physical qualities.

 

[dcollins]

Thanks, but how did you know that? For example, when I read the dwarf entry for darkvision it says nothing about what type of ability it is...

If you look in the MM Dwarf entry, it does list it under "Dwarven Traits (Ex)".