Negative Strength Modifiers and CMB

[alexperience]

Hi all,

I promise you I have Googled and searched the forums. I believe this is a simple question since because I have not found any threads about this, I am assuming it's general knowledge that I just missed.

If your Strength Score is 8, and your modifier is -1, does -1 apply to your combat maneuver rolls and DC?

I already know that it applies to damage, to a minimum damage of 1, I just didn't know if it applied to combat maneuvers.

Bonus Question: Are there any circumstances where negative strength modifiers are NOT considered but positive strength modifiers are?

Thanks!

[Sniggevert]

Yes, it would apply to your CMB calculation.

PRD wrote:

CMB = Base attack bonus + Strength modifier + special size modifier

If the text references a "modifier", then it applies to both positive and negative values.

If the text references a "bonus", then it only applies when you have a positive modifier.

[Chemlak]

CMB wrote:

CMB = Base attack bonus + Strength modifier + special size modifier

Since it says "modifier", rather than "bonus", having a low Str does penalise your CMB. Likewise with CMD.

I can't think of anywhere off the top of my head to answer your bonus question, though the double slice feat might do it.

[alexperience]

Thanks! I knew it would be something like this, but I saw nowhere that it distinguished between "Modifier" and "Bonus".

Chemlak wrote:

I can't think of anywhere off the top of my head to answer your bonus question, though the double slice feat might do it.

I think you answered it anyway, by explaining the difference between Modifier and Bonus.

Thank you.

[Chemlak]

It's a bit buried in the rules, but...

CRB, Getting Started, Ability Scores wrote:

Determine Bonuses

Each ability, after changes made because of race, has a modifier ranging from –5 to +5. Table: Ability Modifiers and Bonus Spells shows the modifier for each score. The modifier is the number you apply to the die roll when your character tries to do something related to that ability. You also use the modifier with some numbers that aren't die rolls. A positive modifier is called a bonus, and a negative modifier is called a penalty. The table also shows bonus spells, which you'll need to know about if your character is a spellcaster.

While it's not spelt out anywhere, as a general rule, when the rules talk about applying an ability bonus, they mean +0 or higher, otherwise use +0, and for penalties, +0 or lower, otherwise use +0, but if they say modifier, use the modifier as it stands.