Sources of Bonuses to Ability Scores Discussion Thread

[Maat Mons]

Corrections, comments, and questions about Sources of Bonuses to Ability Scores go here. 

[Maat Mons]

I finally updated this with the new races I added to the Master Player Race List.  I also added in horn of gorgon (Complete Champion, p132) and put in a Spell Augmentation section, which now houses ability enhancer and fell energy. 

[Tr011]

Hand of Veccna (DMG major artefact) can drain up to 3 ability score points and give them to you. If you also got the Eye of Veccna, you get +2 untyped int and str.

[sirpercival]

Hand of Veccna (DMG major artefact) can drain up to 3 ability score points and give them to you. If you also got the Eye of Veccna, you get +2 untyped int and str.

Don't forget the Head

[PlzBreakMyCampaign]

You've hit this thread right Maat?

[Tr011]

There are several Vestiges in Tome of Magic that grant untyped ability score bonuses, you might want to include them (Paimon for dex, Eligor for strength...)

[Ithamar]

Since you have some Savage Species races included, you might as well include 2 of the feats:

Involuntary Rage - +4 STR & CON after taking 50 points of damage from a single attack.

Pain Mastery - +2 STR for each 50 points of damage taken during an encounter, bonus is cumulative.

[Maat Mons]

Thanks for the help guys.  Here's a list of new material I'll be incorporating. 

(click to show/hide)

Race

Aelfborn: +2 dex, +2 int, -2 con, -2 wis, additional -1 wis every even-numbered level; Dragon 307 – 68

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feats

Involuntary Rage: +4 str, +4 con [must take 50 damage from single attack, until end of encounter]; Savage Species 36

Pain Mastery: +2 str per 50 damage taken during encounter; Savage Species 37

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Spell augmentation

Focused Caster (Transmutation) 15: ability bonus from a transmutation spell is doubled [1/day]; class variant, replaces familiar; Dragon 348 – 88

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Vesitiges

Paimon: +4 dex (untyped) [Paimon's dexterity]; Tome of Magic 43
Eligor: +4 str (untyped) [Eligor's strength]; Tome of Magic 29

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Class (increase)

Diamond Dragon 1: +1 str, dex, or con [dragon augmentation]; Dragon Magic 30
Diamond Dragon 5: +1 str, dex, or con [dragon augmentation]; Dragon Magic 30
Diamond Dragon 10: +1 str, dex, or con [dragon augmentation]; Dragon Magic 30

Infused (Astral Deva) 6: +2 str [moderate physical change]; Dragon 321 – 16
Infused (Astral Deva) 8: +2 cha [major physical change]; Dragon 321 – 16
Infused (Bralani) 6: +2 dex [moderate physical change]; Dragon 321 – 16
Infused (Bralani) 8: +2 con [major physical change]; Dragon 321 – 16
Infused (Ghaele) 6: +2 str [moderate physical change]; Dragon 321 – 16
Infused (Trumpet Archon) 8: +2 con [major physical change]; Dragon 321 – 16

Mighty Contender of Kord 5: +1 str; Dragon 283 – 46
Mighty Contender of Kord 9: +1 str; Dragon 283 – 46

Mythic Exemplar (Dardallion) 10: +2 dex; Complete Champion 86
Mythic Exemplar (Imdastri) 10: +2 wis; Complete Champion 86
Mythic Exemplar (Ktolemagne) 10: +2 int; Complete Champion 86
Mythic Exemplar (Orsos) 10: +2 con; Complete Champion 86
Mythic Exemplar (Reikhardt) 10: +2 cha; Complete Champion 86
Mythic Exemplar (Sunyartra) 10: +2 str; Complete Champion 86

Risen Martyr 1: +2 cha; Book of Exalted Deeds 68
Risen Martyr 5: +2 cha; Book of Exalted Deeds 68

Shaper of Form 1, 4, 7, 10: +1 str, dex, or con [modify self: physical prowess]; Dragon 326 – 82

Swift Wing 10: +1 str, dex, or con & +1 int, wis, or cha [draconic surge]; Dragon Magic 50

Tainted (Cornugon) 9: +4 str; Dragon 302 – 32
Tainted (Erinyes) 9: +4 cha; Dragon 302 – 32
Tainted (Nalfeshnee) 6: +2 str; Dragon 302 – 32
Tainted (Nalfeshnee) 9: +2 str, +2 con; Dragon 302 – 32
Tainted (Succubus) 6: +2 cha; Dragon 302 – 32
Tainted (Ultroloth) 6: +2 int; Dragon 302 – 32
Tainted (Ultroloth) 9: +4 int; Dragon 302 – 32

Taker 5: +1 cha; Dragon 287 – 51
Taker 10: +1 cha; Dragon 287 – 51

Thrall of Baphomet 10: +4 str, dex, or con [bestial blessing]; Dragon 341 – 25

Thrall of Dagon 10: +2 str, +2 con [third invocation]; Dragon 349 – 36

Tree Friend 5: +2 cha; Dragon 307 – 73

Waker of the Beast 5: +8 str, +4 con, -2 dex, -2 int [partly from size increase, tarrasque apotheosis]; Dragon 296 – 51

Wormhunter 1, 3, 5: +1 any, -1 any, -1 any [gift of the worm: cannibalization]; Dragon 338 – 70

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class (persistent)

Crystal Master 2, 4, 6, 8, 10: +[1 to 3] str (untyped, while psionically focused) [embed gem: bloodstone]; The minds Eye: Expanded Prestige Classes
Crystal Master 2, 4, 6, 8, 10: +[1 to 3] dex (untyped, while psionically focused) [embed gem: tiger eye]; The minds Eye: Expanded Prestige Classes
Crystal Master 2, 4, 6, 8, 10: +[1 to 3] con (untyped, while psionically focused) [embed gem: ruby]; The minds Eye: Expanded Prestige Classes
Crystal Master 2, 4, 6, 8, 10: +[1 to 3] int (untyped, while psionically focused) [embed gem: aquamarine]; The minds Eye: Expanded Prestige Classes
Crystal Master 2, 4, 6, 8, 10: +[1 to 3] wis (untyped, while psionically focused) [embed gem: calcite]; The minds Eye: Expanded Prestige Classes
Crystal Master 2, 4, 6, 8, 10: +[1 to 3] cha (untyped, while psionically focused) [embed gem: smokey quartz]; The minds Eye: Expanded Prestige Classes

Flame Steward 1: +1 str (inherent) [might of the sacred flame]; Dragon 283 – 84
Flame Steward 3: +2 str (inherent) [might of the sacred flame]; Dragon 283 – 84
Flame Steward 5: +3 str (inherent) [might of the sacred flame]; Dragon 283 – 84
Flame Steward 7: +4 str (inherent) [might of the sacred flame]; Dragon 283 – 84
Flame Steward 9: +5 str (inherent) [might of the sacred flame]; Dragon 283 – 84

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Class (temporary)

Battle Howler of Gruumsh 2: +4 str, +4 con [rage]; Dragon 311 – 69

Boge of Nomog-Geaya 10: +4 wis, +4 cha; Dragon 315 – 104

Cerebrex 3: +4 str, +4 con [as rage, but self or ally]; Dragon 317 – 55
Cerebrex 4: +[1/2 class level] dex (enh) [symphony of nerves]; Dragon 317 – 55


Cleric (Rage) 1: +4 str, +4 con [rage]; Dragon 333 – 86
Cleric (Rage) 11: +6 str, +6 con [rage]; Dragon 333 – 86
Cleric (Rage) 20: +8 str, +8 con [rage]; Dragon 333 – 86

Companion of the Dead 3: +2 str, +2 dex [deathrage]; Dragon 315 – 38

Deep Avenger 5: +4 str, +4 con [rage]; Dragon 298 – 56

Dragon Warrior 4: +4 str, +4 con [dragon's furry, as rage]; Dragon 298 – 104
Dragon Warrior 7: +6 str, +6 con [dragon's furry, as rage]; Dragon 298 – 104
Dragon Warrior 10: +8 str, +8 con [dragon's furry, as rage]; Dragon 298 – 104

Flux Adept 2: +4 cha (enh) [as eagle's splendor, but extraordinary]; Dragon 317 – 53

Glaive of Azharadian 2: +2 con (enh, must be at negative HP); Dragon 293 – 84
Glaive of Azharadian 6: +4 con (enh, must be at negative HP); Dragon 293 – 84
Glaive of Azharadian 9: +6 con (enh, must be at negative HP); Dragon 293 – 84

Green Hunter 7: +4 str (untyped); Dragon 294 – 68

Mighty Contender of Kord 7: increase bonus from strength domain; Dragon 283 – 46

Omatu Master 8: +2 str, +2 dex, +2 con [determined defense]; Dragon 315 – 85

Primal Rager 1: +[variable] str, +[variable] con (augments rage); Dragon 295 – 70

Shen (crane) 3: +2 dex [hybrid form]; Dragon 319 – 68
Shen (dragon) 3: +2 str, +2 con [hybrid form]; Dragon 319 – 68
Shen (monkey) 3: +4 dex [hybrid form]; Dragon 319 – 68
Shen (panther) 3: +2 str, +2 dex [hybrid form]; Dragon 319 – 68
Shen (snake) 3: +2 dex, +2 int [hybrid form]; Dragon 319 – 68
Shen (tiger) 3: +4 str [hybrid form]; Dragon 319 – 68
Shen (tiger) 10: +4 str [5th shen ability: frenzy]; Dragon 319 – 68

Spirit Speaker 7: +4 str, dex, or con (enh) [spirit guide: ability enhancement]; Dragon 323 – 82

Tainted (Barbazu) 2: +4 str, +4 con [rage]; Dragon 302 – 32
Tainted (Barbazu) 7: +4 str, +4 con [as rage sans fatigue]; Dragon 302 – 32

Totemic Demonslayer 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10: +4 str, +4 con [lesser totem tattoo: badger, as rage]; Dragon 354 – 64

I think I'll start looking at artifacts next. 

[PlzBreakMyCampaign]

Again some kudos. And you have a typo of this under the dex section: "Stoneblessed 3: +2 con [stoneborn]; Races of Stone 122"

[Mithril Leaf]

Finally remembered to mention that HoB (or maybe DoF) has the command armor ability that gives +4 competence to charisma.

[Maat Mons]

The version in Defenders of the Faith does do that, but the more recent versions in Faiths and Pantheons and Arms and Equipment Guide work differently. 

[Mithril Leaf]

Hmmm, could've sworn it wasn't properly reprinted. There's a half dozen armor and weapon command abilities, I suppose it's a true overwrite though. At least the Arm of Nyr is still good.

[Iainuki]

Mythic exemplar (CCe 86-88) gives temporary and permanent bonuses to all abilities depending on your choice of paragon.

[SorO_Lost]

Hmmm, could've sworn it wasn't properly reprinted. There's a half dozen armor and weapon command abilities, I suppose it's a true overwrite though. At least the Arm of Nyr is still good.

It wasn't 100% reprinted. I listed them in SirP's High Arcana when I asked for the OK on them. Maybe you'll find it insightful.

(click to show/hide)

Command: This armor or shield always appears brilliant and gleaming, no matter what the conditions and despite all attempts to paint over or obscure it. Coveted by military leaders of all sorts, this armor or shield carries a powerful aura that gives a +4 competence bonus to Charisma and a +2 morale bonus on Will saves to all allies within 30 feet. The enchantment also makes the possessor very noticeable, giving a –6 penalty on Hide checks. Caster Level: 5th; Prerequisites: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, 5 levels of spellcasting ability; Market Price: +2 bonus.

One I was thinking of.

Command: This armor or shield always appears brilliant and gleaming, no matter what the conditions and despite all attempts to paint over or obscure it. Coveted by military leaders of all sorts, it carries a powerful aura that grants a +4 competence bonus on Charisma-based skill checks and reaction checks(?). Furthermore, all allies within 30 feet of the wearer of the armor or shield get a +2 morale bonus on Will saves. Command armor and command shields make their owners very noticeable, imposing a –6 penalty on Hide checks. Caster Level: 5th; Prerequisites: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, 5 levels of spellcasting ability; Market Price: +2 bonus.

Didn't even know about.

Breastplate of Command
This finely crafted +2 breastplate radiates a powerful aura of magic. When worn, the armor bestows a dignified and commanding aura upon its owner. The wearer gains a +2 competence bonus on all Charisma checks, including turning checks and Charisma-based skill checks. The wearer also gains a +2 competence bonus to his Leadership score. Friendly troops within 360 feet of the user become braver than normal. Since the effect arises in great part from the distinctiveness of the armor, the wearer cannot hide or conceal herself in any way and still have the effect function.
Strong enchantment; CL 15th; Craft Magic Arms and Armor, mass charm monster; Price 25,400 gp; Cost 10,975 gp + 850 XP.

Specific Armor, rather than named ability.

Can't quote, but it's Commander, not Command. +2,000gp addon that gives +2 to Diplo and same ally will boost as the rest.

Hey it's not even the same thing. Missed the suffix.

A suit of armor or a shield with this special ability bestows a dignified and commanding aura upon its owner. The wearer gains a +2 competence bonus on all Charisma-based checks. The wearer also gains a +2 competence bonus to his leadership score. Friendly troops within 360 feet of the user become braver than normal (for example, more willing than norml to follow a leader into battle against dangerous foes). Since the effect arises in great part from the distinctiveness of the armor, if the wearer hides or conceals himself in any way, the command effect does not function. Aura: Strong enchantment Caster Level: CL 15th Requirements: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, mass charm monster Price: +3 bonus.

Those are the ones I know of in addition to what others have brought up. So looking at the three main ones.
FR:DoF is +3, and gives +2 to skills, huge aura, and +2 to Leadership.
A&E is +2, gives +4 to skills, +4 reaction (?), aura and hide penalty.
DotF is +2, gives +4 to charisma (by extension, +2 all cha skills), aura, and hide penalty.

A&E's version nerfs the DC aspect I'm after but awards a larger skill bonus and FR:DoF's is way out in left field (but 3.5 material).

[PlzBreakMyCampaign]

The int section mentions the dragon aging stuff, which doesn't apply.

[Endarire]

Template Classes have no LA and don't require taking levels.  In exchange, you get a weaker version of a full creature.

Savage Aasimar gives +2 CHA and the Outsider type for 0 LA.

Savage Drow gives -2 CON, +2 INT, and +2 CHA for 0 LA.