Jumping question

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?

22 points · 7 comments · view on lemmy.world

7 Comments

Determinator@lemmy.world · 10 pts · 3y (1 reply)

Yes, that's my understanding as well and how I've ruled in my game

WindyRebel@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 3y

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.

luffyuk@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 3y (2 replies)

As a DM, I personally completely ignore this and ask for Athletics checks if the jump distance isn't a gimme or impossible.

infinull@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 2 pts · 3y (1 reply)

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.

WindyRebel@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 3y

You and luffyuk both have viable options that I thought about as well. Probably makes it much simpler. Thank you!

edgemaster72@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 3y (1 reply)

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.

WindyRebel@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 3y

Yes, that’s right. Thank you for the reminder!