System Mechanics: Ability Modifiers in Action:

Last post the different terms for ability modifiers were detailed, this time an example of the modifiers in action via a few examples. For this scenario we have Udeth Taniis who is a Potameides Naiad Psion/Wizard, Lindaree Spinnel who is a Pixnix Pixie Rogue/Sorcerer and Kuchak Thunn who is a Duwerg Gitwerg Burdener/Tinkerer. Udeth and Lindaree are swifter than Kuchak, and as such are more likely to use closer range attacks, being able to rush in to land a blow before running back out of range. Kuchak on the other hand, having more endurance, makes for a good shield and strategist in general, using his tinkerer tools and companions to cover the distance for him if need be. Let's look at one base ability they chose at level 1 for each of their classes:

For Udeth:

Empathy [Targeted] (2FP): Target another being to attempt to sense their emotional state for five minutes or push three emotions into them.

Freezing Blow [Touch] (1FP): Make physical contact with another being to attempt to start freezing them, dealing 2 physical damage and 3 frost damage.

For Lindaree:

Backstab [Touch] (0FP Each): 3 damage on success in addition to weapon materials/enhancement bonuses. For the blade she bought, none were available.

Conceal III [Aura] (1FP Each): While stationary, hide from normal vision by minor wild magic use until the character moves or the ability is dispelled from other means.

For Kuchak:

Longburn [Beam] (2 FP Each): Creates a blaze from one of his weapons that requires concentration to operate which leaves a burning trail in a line between the caster and the target for five turns unless put out. Deals 2 physical damage and 3 fire damage to any in its path for five turns unless put out.

Meat-Shield [Wall] (1 FP Each): Endures damage twice as efficiently, using only 1 EP per 2 damage dealing withstood for five minutes or two turns from a direct attack, shielding those behind as well.

Alright, looking at their abilities its quite clear that Kuchak does his best at a range while the girls run in, but as the characters take injury, or opponents flee, they may decide to alter their strategies a little bit, possibly slotting experience toward new abilities, or possibly improving abilities they already know, maybe even tweaking them with different modifiers. Here's an example of them again with changed modifiers.

Modifying for Udeth:

Empathy III [Targeted-Radius] (2FP): Target another being to attempt to sense their emotional state for fifteen minutes or push three emotions into them, as well as three emotions into any others within a 4 movement block radius from them.

Freezing Blow II [Touch-Chain] (1FP): Make physical contact with another being to attempt to start freezing them, dealing 3 physical damage and 4 frost damage to them and others within 3 movement blocks in a chain effect.

Modifying for Lindaree:

Backstab II [Touch-Aura] (0FP Each): 4 damage on success in addition to weapon materials/enhancement bonuses. For the blade she bought, none were available. Additionally, 2 damage will persist every turn until the aura is removed or the individual dies.

Conceal IV [Aura-Targeted] (1FP Each): While stationary, hide from normal vision by minor wild magic use until the targeted character moves or the ability is dispelled from other means.

Modifying for Kuchak:

Longburn II [Blast] (2 FP Each): Creates a blaze from one of his weapons that requires concentration to operate which leaves a burning trail in a line between the caster and the target for five turns unless put out. Deals 3 physical damage and 4 fire damage to any in its path for five turns unless put out, as well as any in a splash radius of 2 movement squares from any individual hit in the blast's line of targeting.

Meat-Shield III [Sphere] (1 FP Each): Endures damage four times as efficiently, using only 1 EP per 4 damage dealing withstood for five minutes or two turns from a direct attack, shielding those in a radius of three movement squares from the one using this ability.