Intelligence

Ability Scores

Intelligence (INT) measures reasoning, memory, and the ability to learn. It determines how many skill points you gain each level, how many bonus languages you speak at character creation, and — for Wizards — the power of your spells. A low INT doesn't cripple most characters, but a high INT multiplies a skill-focused build's versatility dramatically over twenty levels.

What Intelligence Affects

Stat / Check	How INT applies
Skill points per level	You gain INT modifier additional skill points each level (minimum 1 per level total from all sources); retroactive if INT permanently increases
Bonus languages	INT modifier additional languages at character creation (beyond racial starting languages); does not apply to languages learned later via Linguistics ranks
Wizard spellcasting	INT is the casting ability for Wizards — governs spell save DCs (10 + spell level + INT modifier) and bonus spell slots
Appraise	INT is the key ability
Craft (all)	INT is the key ability
Knowledge (all)	INT is the key ability for all ten Knowledge skills
Linguistics	INT is the key ability
Spellcraft	INT is the key ability

Skill Points per Level

Each class provides a base number of skill points per level. Your INT modifier is added to this base. The total is always at least 1 per level, regardless of penalties.

Base / level	Classes
2 + INT	Barbarian, Cleric, Fighter, Paladin, Sorcerer, Wizard
4 + INT	Alchemist, Druid, Inquisitor, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Summoner, Witch
6 + INT	Bard, Cavalier, Gunslinger, Ranger
8 + INT	Rogue, Investigator

Retroactive skill points. If your INT modifier permanently increases (ability score increase at level 4/8/12/16/20, or a permanent magic item), you gain the retroactive skill points immediately — one per past level per point of INT modifier gained. These are added to your unspent pool and can be spent at any time.

Bonus Languages

At character creation, you know your racial starting languages plus a number of additional languages equal to your INT modifier (minimum 0). You choose these from the list available to your race. A negative INT modifier does not remove racial starting languages. Languages gained this way are in addition to any granted by the Linguistics skill.

Wizard Spellcasting and INT

Spell save DC	10 + spell level + INT modifier
Bonus spell slots	See the bonus spells table on the Ability Scores hub
Minimum to cast	INT must be at least 10 + spell level to prepare or cast that spell level (e.g. INT 14 required to cast 4th-level spells)
Spell preparation	Wizards must study their spellbook each morning; INT governs the number of spells they can prepare beyond their base allotment via bonus slots

No INT score. Mindless creatures (most constructs, oozes, vermin) have no INT score (listed as "—"). They cannot speak, read, use skills, benefit from morale bonuses, or be feinted in combat. They are also immune to mind-affecting effects, including fear and charm.