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How to Calculate an Attack Modifier on Dungeons & Dragons

An attack modifier is a number added or subtracted from your dice roll and base attack bonus in "Dungeons &Dragons" combat. While your base attack bonus is generally persistent, your attack modifier can vary between targets in a single battle, or even the same enemy at different times. The attack modifier is calculated by considering current battlefield conditions that help or hinder the success of your next attack.

Instructions

- 1
  Start with a base attack modifier of 0. Various values will be added or subtracted to it as you determine which of them apply.
- 2
  Add 2 to the attack modifier if you have combat advantage against your foe. You have combat advantage when you can see your target and it is in a physically vulnerable position, unable to see you, unaware of your presence, fighting one of your allies on its opposite side or is suffering from a psychological or magical effect such as surprise or stunning. Once per encounter, you can gain combat advantage by performing a successful Bluff check against your opponent.
- 3
  Subtract 2 from the attack modifier if the defender is in or behind cover such as a low wall, a small tree or a large piece of furniture. Subtract 5 instead if the cover is superior. This applies in situations when you are attacking someone who is behind a window, grate or arrow slit.
- 4
  Subtract 2 from the attack modifier if your opponent is concealed. This applies if your foe is lightly obscured by dim light, smoke or precipitation, or is heavily obscured by particularly thick smoke or foliage but is standing adjacent to you. Subtract 5 instead if the defender is totally concealed by complete darkness or invisibility, or is heavily obscured at a distance from you.
- 5
  Subtract 2 if you are prone, somehow restrained or firing a weapon at long range. Add 2 if you are charging your opponent.

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