Is it possible to have more than one Concentration modifier?

[Ravingdork]

If I have spell-like abilities, from race for example, the Concentration check modifier is generally Charisma-based, correct?

But what if I'm a cleric or wizard (or similar non-Charisma-based caster)? The concentration check modifier for my spells would be different as it is based on a different ability score, would it not?

So do I have two different Concentration modifiers now, and roll which ever one is appropriate to the situation? Or do I just take the highest and use it for everything?

This question also applies to multiclassed spellcasters.

I've seen it done both ways in official stat blocks.

[Jaswinder Aniljit]

If you look at the Bestiary (the Faerie Dragon comes to mind) you'll see it has two separate Concentration modifiers depending on whether it's casting a spell or using a SLA.

My Bard/Ranger keeps a similar separate tally of his Concentration modifiers for the same reason.

[Ravingdork]

I'm reviving this thread for FAQ purposes. I've seen contradictory stat blocks; some that have different Concentration modifiers, and others that just use the best modifier across the board.

Which is it?

[Blake's Tiger]

I would have assumed each Spell list/Class had its own.

[Ravingdork]

Conceptually speaking, why would a person's concentration be X for one thing and y for another? Isn't a person simply good at concentrating or not?

[Cavall]

Yes I agree each one is separated from the other. A wizard is int based so benefits little from a bard and a charisma boost.

I do think some things like an undine and the sorc alternative would may still boost wizard concentration.

[Starglim]

Your caster level, casting stat and relevant abilities vary by the class or other source from which you draw the spell. My magus/wizard benefits from a 14th level character's opportunities to boost his Intelligence, but otherwise his Concentration is dramatically different on some spells than others.

Ravingdork wrote:

Conceptually speaking, why would a person's concentration be X for one thing and y for another? Isn't a person simply good at concentrating or not?

Conceptually, the major influence is your background of practice, training and initiation in casting the magic you're attempting, and a lesser influence is your aptitude in the general quality (clear and logical thought, spiritual insight or force of personality) that governs your style of magic. In brief, it tests how good you are at casting the spell. Concentration is no longer a ranked skill, so no, the roll doesn't measure how good you are at concentrating at all.

[TriOmegaZero]

Characters can also have differing concentration checks when casting defensively due to Combat Casting.

[Starglim]

TriOmegaZero wrote:

Characters can also have differing concentration checks when casting defensively due to Combat Casting.

Very true, notably, Combat Casting doesn't help with damage or distracting spell effects, which also occur in combat. The feat applies to Concentration for any class or SLA you have.

[Berinor]

Ravingdork wrote:

Conceptually speaking, why would a person's concentration be X for one thing and y for another? Isn't a person simply good at concentrating or not?

There are things I do where I can power through distractions but others can't and vice versa. Concentration is half about being good at concentrating and half about not needing as much focus on that task because it's more natural. Because they separated out the ability modifiers, it makes sense to me that different kinds of tasks would have different concentration modifiers.