The target takes a –2 penalty on one of the following (witch’s choice): AC, ability checks, attack rolls, saving throws, or skill checks
Question: What exactly constitutes an Ability check.
The target takes a –2 penalty on one of the following (witch’s choice): AC, ability checks, attack rolls, saving throws, or skill checks
Question: What exactly constitutes an Ability check.
A d20 roll that only adds the characters relevant ability modifier. Forcing open a stuck door is an example of an ability check (Specifically, a Strength check).
Init checks! Although you're likely to have already made said check by the time my witch gets the chance to hex you. I've wondered if the target's Init is unaffected, as the check isn't be made again, or goes down by -2. (It's worth remembering that Init checks are ability checks, though, because some items affect them.)
Also, I believe a caster's concentration checks are ability checks, even though you also get to add your CL. (Again, useful to keep in mind when perusing items at a Magic Bazaar.)
It might be more accurate to say that they're any d20 rolls that take an ability modifier but are NOT attack rolls, saving throws, or skill checks.