Iconic Wizard Ezren Stat Question

[Gramorum]

Hello,

I am hoping someone can shed some light on something to help me understand Stat progression. I am building a wizard and looked to the iconic wizard Erzen for some guidance. However, I noticed that his stats increase higher than I think the rules allow and I was hoping someone could clarify this and/or if I am missing something.

At 1st level his stats are:
Str 10, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 18, Wis 12, Cha 10

At 7th level his stats are:
Str 10, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 12, Cha 10

At 12th level his stats are:
Str 10, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 24, Wis 12, Cha 10

If you get ability score increases every 4 levels then how is this possible?

Thank you.

[BigDTBone]

Stat boosting items.

[FuriousPhil]

Specifically, a headband of vast intelligence +2 at level 7, and a headband of vast intelligence +4 at level 12 - in addition to getting the normal stat bumps at levels 4, 8, and 12.

It's always a good idea to consider how magical items might affect your character builds, as the game assumes their use when determining appropriate CR for encounters.