"My favorite human form is short, slight, and seemingly harmless. It brings out the best in humans... or the worst."
--Brigid the Red, a dragon living among humanity
Stature-Based Modifiers
In the d20 system, Intimidation is a Charisma-based skill that represents a character's ability to frighten or coerce others through threats, hostile actions, or sheer force of personality. While Charisma captures force of will and presence of character, it doesn't fully account for the visceral impact of physical stature.Stature-based modifiers are optional rules that add circumstantial bonuses or penalties to Intimidation checks based on the physical presence and size differential between the intimidator and their target.
Stature Bonus Calculator
| Height | Modifier | Build | Modifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short (6"+ below avg) | -1 | Slight | -1 |
| Average | +0 | Average | +0 |
| Tall (6-12" above avg) | +1 | Muscular | +1 |
| Unusually Tall (12"+ above) | +2 | Massive | +2 |
Optional Additions
| Modifier | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Visible Scars | +1 |
| Heavy Armor | +1 |
| Brutal Weapon | +1 |
| Threatening Demeanor | +1 |
Size Differential Modifier Table
| Intimidator Size | Target Size | Modifier |
|---|---|---|
| 4+ categories larger | Any | +8 |
| 3 categories larger | Any | +6 |
| 2 categories larger | Any | +4 |
| 1 category larger | Any | +2 |
| Same size | Same | +0 |
| 1 category smaller | Any | -2 |
| 2 categories smaller | Any | -4 |
| 3+ categories smaller | Any | -6 |
Modifier Stacking Checklist
✓ Always Stack Together:
Skill ranks + Charisma modifier
Stature bonus (height + build)
Size differential modifier
Racial bonuses
Circumstance bonuses (scars, armor, weapons, demeanor)
Feat bonuses: Intimidating Prowess (adds Str/Con modifier to Intimidation), Skill Focus (Intimidate) (+3 bonus)
Intimidation Context Guide
| Situation | Stature Applies? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Threatening violence | Full | Physical intimidation at its core |
| Combat demoralizing | Full | Direct threat of harm |
| Social/political threats | None | Reputation, not physique |
| Magical threats | Size only | No personal stature bonus |
| Indirect threats | Half | Allies will act, not you directly |
| Competence-based | GM's call | Quiet menace of expertise |
Quick Rule: If the target fears this person's physical harm, apply full stature. Otherwise, reduce or eliminate it.
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