The PHB says that a jump is based on strength. The high jump explains it well where if you’re standing then it’s 3ft + str modifier. However, a long jump says you cover a number of feet up to your str score.
So if a character has a -1 str modifier and a score of 8 in str then I would assume the following?
- high jump = 2 ft (3-1)
- long jump = 8 ft if running at least 10 ft first, 4ft if trying to jump from a standing position
Is my interpretation correct?
Yes, that’s my understanding as well and how I’ve ruled in my game
Thank you so much! I haven’t yet encountered jumping, but I am running a small one shot for my 9yo son and his friend and I wanted to add in some obstacles that used something I haven’t done yet.
As a DM, I personally completely ignore this and ask for Athletics checks if the jump distance isn’t a gimme or impossible.
Right, I generally use these to determine how far you can jump without a roll, and then require an athletics check to jump further/higher than that.
You and luffyuk both have viable options that I thought about as well. Probably makes it much simpler. Thank you!
Mostly correct, but note that your high jump distance is also halved if you don’t move at least 10 ft first. So in your 8 STR high jump example it would be 2 ft if you move 10 ft first, or only 1 ft otherwise.
Yes, that’s right. Thank you for the reminder!
