How common is ability damage?

[Dire Loner]

Or perhaps more accurately, how important is it to be able to reliably mitigate/heal ability score damage?

I plan on joining a group that will be starting up this campaign so I'd like to know how important it is that I prepare a class that can load up on the restorations.

[yonman17]

I wouldn't base your character choices on the adventure path. Just choose a thematically appropriate character and build him as the campaign progresses.

[Dire Loner]

Totally valid opinion.

For what it's worth in case others look for similar info:

Based on the books we've made it through thus far, ability damage hasn't been all that much of an active concern. You'll often have enough time to prepare recovery spells as needed, so just keep a few scroll of lesser restoration ready and you should be just fine

[Purple Dragon Knight]

Very common. Bring a healer.