# Ability Files

The Ability files are used to identify and implement the individual class/racial abilities that make up each character.

## How to Build an Ability

The first field is the Ability Name, this is a required field and does not have a tag.

## Ability File Tag Dictionary

This section is broken into three subsections. The first, the Ability File Tags subsection, lists the new ability file tags, the second subsection, Global Ability Tags , and the third subsection, Other Ability Tags , lists the tags located elsewhere in the PCGen documentation.

### The Ability File Tags

*** Added 5.11.x

Tag Name: ADDSPELLLEVEL:x

Variables Used (x): Number (Increase in spell slot level)

What it does:

- This tag is used in metamagic abilities to denote how much higher the spell levelslot requires.
- .MOD Behavior: When modifying an ability with the `.MOD` tag, given an existing `ADDSPELLLEVEL` tag, the data included in a new `ADDSPELLLEVEL` tag will overwrite the existing tag data.

Example:

`ADDSPELLLEVEL:2`

A spell with this metamagic ability applied to it takes up a slot two levels higher than the normal spell.

.MOD Example:

Initial Ability: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> ADDSPELLLEVEL:1`

Modified By: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> ADDSPELLLEVEL:2`

Is Equivalent To: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> ADDSPELLLEVEL:2`

Modified ability applied to a spell will cause the spell to take up a slot two levels higher than the normal spell.

*** Deprecated 6.05.01 - use FACT

Tag Name: APPLIEDNAME:x

Variables Used (x): Text (An adjective to be prefixed to a spell modified by this ability)

What it does:

This tag is used in metamagic abilities to give an addribute that can modify the spell name./p>

Example:

`APPLIEDNAME:Empowered`

A spell with this metamagic ability applied to it gets the word "Empowered" prefixed to the spell name.

*** New 5.15.2

Tag Name: ASPECT:x|y|z|z

Variables Used (x): Text (Name of Aspect)

Variables Used (y): Text (Value of Aspect)

Variables Used (z): Number or Formula (Substitution value. Optional.)

What it does:

- Identifies an "aspect" (see examples below) that an ability has and sets its value.
- PRExxx tags can be used with the `ASPECT` tag.
- This tag can be used multiple times within an ability but each time it must identify a new aspect unless the `ASPECT` tag includes a PRExxx tag appended to the end.
- When using multiple `ASPECT` tags for the same "aspect" and PRExxx tags appended to the end of each, the final value for that aspect will be set by the physically last `ASPECT` tag in the ability line that passes the prerequisite.
- The text in the (y) parameter can use %# for substituting numerical values set by the (z) parameter, %1 is replaced by the first (z), %2 is replaced by the second (z), etc..
- The (y) parameter can also use other special variables as is done in the `DESC` tag:
  - `%CHOICE` - Will replace the first associated choice in the object.
  - `%LIST` - Will substitute all choices comma separated into that parameter.
  - `%NAME` - The `OUTPUTNAME` or name of the object this `DESC` tag is in.
- .MOD Behavior: When modifying an ability with the `.MOD` tag, given an existing `ASPECT` tag, the data included in a new `ASPECT` tag will selectively overwrite the existing tag data or include the separate tags. Since each aspect name can hold only one value per ability, modifying an existing `ASPECT` tag will overwrite only the value of the aspect by that name in the ability, and will add a separate `ASPECT` tag with a new name.

Example:

`ASPECT:Action Type|Standard Action`

Identifies the "Action Type" of an action performed as part of the associated ability as a "Standard Action".

`ASPECT:Attack Type|Melee weapon`

Identifies the "Attack Type" of an attack performed as part of the associated ability as a "Melee weapon" attack.

`ASPECT:Target|One creature`

Identifies the "Target" of an action performed as part of the associated ability as "One creature".

`ASPECT:Attack|Strength vs. AC`

Identifies an "Attack" performed as part of the associated ability as "Strength vs. AC".

`ASPECT:Attack Type|Ranged %1|PowerRange`

Identifies the "Attack Type" of an attack performed as part of the associated ability as a "Ranged" attack with a range equivalent to the "PowerRange" variable.

`ASPECT:Effect|Double damage to %CHOICE creatures`

Identifies the "Effect" of an action performed as part of the associated ability as "Double damage" to the creature chosen by the associated chooser.

`ASPECT:Target|One creature <tab> ASPECT:Target|Two creatures|PREPCLEVEL:MIN=7,MAX=12 <tab> ASPECT:Target|Three creatures|PREPCLEVEL:MIN=13`

Identifies the "Target" of an action performed as part of the associated ability as "One creature" for characters that are level 1-6, "Two creatures"' for characters level 7-12, and "'Three creatures" for characters level 13 or greater.

.MOD Example (Overwrite):

Initial Ability: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> ASPECT:A1|A2`

Modified By: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> ASPECT:A1|A3`

Is Equivalent To: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> ASPECT:A1|A3`

.MOD Example (Include Separately):

Initial Ability: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> ASPECT:A1|A2`

Modified By: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> ASPECT:B1|B2`

Is Equivalent To: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> ASPECT:A1|A2 <tab> ASPECT:B1|B2`

*** Updated 6.01.3

Tag Name: BENEFIT:x

Variables Used (x): Text (benefit text)

Variables Used (x): .CLEAR

Variables Used (x): .CLEAR.text (regular expression)

What it does:

- This is the benefit text of the ability from the source material.
- The included text will be displayed in the ability description field if the "Display Feat Description" checkbox in the Appearance/Display Options Preference window is unchecked. Otherwise the text from the DESC tag will be displayed.
- PRExxx tags can be used with the `BENEFIT` tag.
- Multiple `BENEFIT` tags per line are allowed with all qualifying `BENEFIT` tags being concatonated for output and separated by spaces.
- `.CLEAR` will clear all `BENEFIT` tags.
- `.CLEAR.(regular expression match)` will clear specific instances.
- `BENEFIT` tags will take variable substitution.
  - Within the text a % followed by a number will substitute the #th variable from the variable list associated with the `BENEFIT` .
  - Variables are specified after the descriptive text and are pipe-delimited (|).
  - The special parameter %% will insert an actual % character into the text.
  - If the parameter needs to be next to a number the parameter number should be surrounded in curly brackets { }. For example, %{1000}gp.
- The following special variables are allowed within the variable list:
  - `%NAME` - The name of the object this `BENEFIT` tag is in.
  - `%FEAT` - Will substitute the descriptions of feats within the object that match the associated preqrequisites.
  - `%CHOICE` - Will replace the first associated choice in the object.
  - `%LIST` - Will substitute all choices into that parameter as a comma-delimited list.
- Formulas can be parsed and the results replaced in the output by enclosing the variables and formulas within parentheses.
  - CASTERLEVEL , a variable specifically designed for this purpose, is commonly used though other variables can be used as well.
  - Because anything within parentheses is assumed to be a formula to be parsed, text containing parentheses must substitute brackets [ ] in place of parentheses.
- Regular Expressions: Java has a Regular Expression library built in that is very similar to Perl regular expressions. Basically it allows for pattern matching in strings. You can create fairly powerful match structures using things like character groups "[a-zA-Z]" match any alphabetic character or groupings "(bat|super)man" match batman or superman and many many more. So, for example, you could clear all benefits by doing `BENEFIT:.CLEAR..*` , or clear all exceptional abilities by doing `BENEFIT:.CLEAR.\(Ex\)` , or clear everything that's non-numeric with `BENEFIT:.CLEAR.[A-Za-z]` .
- .MOD Behavior: When modifying an ability with the `.MOD` tag, given an existing `BENEFIT` tag, the data included in a new `BENEFIT` tag will be included as a separate tag.

Example:

`BENEFIT:This is sample text for the example purposes`

Adds ability benefit.

`BENEFIT:Kick Butt (level 3)|PRELEVEL:3`

Adds ability description only if the PC is level 3 or higher.

`BENEFIT:Assembly ~ 1 table|PREVAREQ:AssemblyTables,1
BENEFIT:Assembly ~ %1 tables|AssemblyTables|PREVARGTEQ:AssemblyTables,2`

Adds an ability description which is dependent upon the value of the variable AssemblyTables.

`BENEFIT:You get a +2 bonus on all %1 saving throws|%CHOICE`

Adds ability description and replaces %1 with the first choice made.

`BENEFIT:You get a +3 bonus on all checks involving %1|%LIST.`

Adds ability description, replacing %LIST with all choices made.

`BENEFIT:%3 Sneak Attacks per day for +%1d%2 damage|SneakAttack|SneakAttackDie|SneakAttackTimes`

Adds ability description, substituting the variables from the positions specified.

`Advanced Combat Martial Arts.MOD <tab> BENEFIT:.CLEAR <tab> BENEFIT:When the character scores a critical hit on an opponent with an unarmed strike, the character deals triple damage`

Changes the ability description, substituting the specified text.

.MOD Example (Include Separately):

Initial Ability: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> BENEFIT:Initial benefit text.`

Modified By: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> BENEFIT:New benefit text.`

Is Equivalent To: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> BENEFIT:Initial benefit text. <tab> BENEFIT:New benefit text.`

The output will show the following: &quotInitial benefit text. New benefit text."

*** Updated 5.13.6

Tag Name: CATEGORY:x

Variables Used (x): Text (Ability category)

What it does:

This is the Ability Category that the ability belongs to. The ability category is a broad group of abilities, defined in the game mode. An ability's key name need only be unique within its category.

Examples:

`CATEGORY:SpecialAttack`

This ability is part of the "SpecialAttack" ability category.

`CATEGORY:Feat`

This ability is part of the "Feat" ability category, which is a special case of abilities that can be selected as feats.

`CATEGORY=Talent|Uncanny Dodge II.MOD <tab> PRE:.CLEAR`

This ability is part of the "Talent" ability category, which is aimed at the feat of "Uncanny Dodge II" so that it can be modified by removing the PRExxx.

*** Added 5.11.x

Tag Name: COST:x

Variables Used (x): Number (ability point cost)

What it does:

- This is how many ability points the ability costs. A decimal value, as the example below, would mean that it only costs 1/2 an ability point.
- .MOD Behavior: When modifying an ability with the `.MOD` tag, given an existing `COST` tag, the data included in a new `COST` tag will overwrite the existing tag data.

Example:

`COST:1`

Ability costs one ability point.

`COST:.5`

Ability costs half a ability point.

Default Value:

`1`

.MOD Example:

Initial Ability: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> COST:2`

Modified By: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> COST:1`

Is Equivalent To: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> COST:1`

Ability costs one ability point.

*** Added 5.11.x

Tag Name: MULT:x

Variables Used (x): Boolean ('YES' or 'NO')

What it does:

- This determines if an ability can be taken multiple times. If the value is set to 'YES', then you MUST also use a `CHOOSE` tag.
- .MOD Behavior: When modifying an ability with the `.MOD` tag, given an existing `MULT` tag, the data included in a new `MULT` tag will overwrite the existing tag data.

Example:

`MULT:YES`

This Ability can be taken multiple times.

Default Value:

`NO`

.MOD Example:

Initial Ability: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> MULT:YES`

Modified By: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> MULT:NO`

Is Equivalent To: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> MULT:NO`

Modified ability cannot be taken multiple times.

*** Added 5.11.x

Tag Name: STACK:x

Variables Used (x): Boolean ('YES' or 'NO')

What it does:

- This tells PCGen if the ability benefits may be stacked on one another.
- .MOD Behavior: When modifying an ability with the `.MOD` tag, given an existing `STACK` tag, the data included in a new `STACK` tag will overwrite the existing tag data.

Example:

`STACK:YES`

The benefits for this ability stack with itself if taken multiple times.

Default Value:

`NO`

.MOD Example:

Initial Ability: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> STACK:YES`

Modified By: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> STACK:NO`

Is Equivalent To: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> STACK:NO`

The benefits for the modified ability will not stack with itself if taken multiple times.

*** Updated 5.17.x

Tag Name: TEMPLATE:x|x

Variables Used (x): Text (Template Name)

What it does:

- This is a pipe-delimited (|) list of templates that are granted by the ability.
- Supports `%LIST` in conjunction with a `CHOOSE` tag.

Example:

`TEMPLATE:Incorporeal|Undead|Celestial`

The ability applies the "Incorporeal", "Undead" and "Celestial" templates.

Tag Name: TEMPLATE:ADDCHOICE:x|x

Variables Used (x): Text (Template Name)

What it does:

- This is a pipe-delimited list of template choices that are added to the list presented by the original `TEMPLATE:CHOOSE` tag.
- When using the `TEMPLATE:ADDCOICE` tag as part of a `.MOD` of a Race object that containes multiple `TEMPLATE:CHOOSE` tags, all instances of the `TEMPLATE:CHOOSE` tag will be modified.

Example:

`TEMPLATE:ADDCHOICE:Demihuman|Beast`

The ability can choose previously defined templates plus the "Demihuman" or "Beast" templates.

Tag Name: TEMPLATE:CHOOSE:x|x

Variables Used (x): Text (Template Name)

What it does:

- Will present a popup window of the choices provided in the pipe-delimited (|) list, allowing the user to pick ONE from the list.
- Multiple `TEMPLATE:CHOOSE` tags can be used in the same LST object but PCGen's current Data Standard is to include no more that one in each LST object.
- Though the `TEMPLATE:CHOOSE` tag is not a gobal tag it can be used in the Class , Race , and Template files.

Example:

`TEMPLATE:CHOOSE:Celestial|Outsider`

The ability allows the selection of either the "Celestial" or "Outsider" template.

*** Added 5.11.x

Tag Name: VISIBLE:x

Variables Used (x): YES (Default)

Variables Used (x): NO

Variables Used (x): DISPLAY

Variables Used (x): EXPORT

What it does:

- `YES` - Shows the ability name in PCGen and on export to a character sheet.
- `NO` - Hides the ability name in PCGen and on export to a character sheet.
- `DISPLAY` - Displays the ability name in PCGen but not on the character sheet.
- `EXPORT` - Hides the ability name from PCGen but displays it on the character sheet.
- .MOD Behavior: When modifying an ability with the `.MOD` tag, given an existing `VISIBLE` tag, the data included in a new `VISIBLE` tag will overwrite the existing tag data.

Example:

`VISIBLE:YES`

Shows the ability name in PCGen and on the Output sheet.

.MOD Example:

Initial Ability: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> VISIBLEE:YES`

Modified By: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> VISIBLE:DISPLAY`

Is Equivalent To: `CATEGORY=<category name>|<ability name> <tab> VISIBLE:DISPLAY`

Modified ability will appear in the GUI but will not appear on the output sheet.

### Global Ability Tags

- ABILITY (Global Other)

### Other Ability Tags

These are not true global tags as the tags in the previous section are. Though they occur in other files, they have an impact on abilities and are being included here to make them easier to locate and understand.

#### Game Mode Misc Info and AbilityCategory Files

- ABILITYCATEGORY (Misc Info) or ABILITYCATEGORY (Ability Category)
- CATEGORY (Misc Info)
- DISPLAYNAME (Misc Info)
- EDITABLE (Misc Info)
- EDITPOOL (Misc Info)
- FRACTIONALPOOL (Misc Info)
- PLURAL (Misc Info)
- POOL (Misc Info)
- TYPE (Misc Info)
- VISIBLE (Misc Info)

#### Game Mode - Stats and Checks File

- ABILITY:ADDSPELLLEVEL (Stats & Checks, in STATNAME Line)

#### Bonus Ability Tags

- BONUS:ABILITYPOOL (Global BONUS)

#### Starting Kit Tags

- ABILITY:CATEGORY (Starting Kit)
- ABILITY:PROMPT:FEAT (Starting Kit)

#### PCC Ability Tags

- ABILITY (PCC)