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Chapter 10: Game Mastering / Difficulty Classes

Level-Based DCs

Source Core Rulebook pg. 503 ^2.0
When you’re determining a skill DC based on something that has a level, use Table 10–5 to set the DC. Find the level of the subject, and assign the corresponding DC. Since spells use a 1–10 scale, use the Spell Level column for them.

Use these DCs when a PC needs to Identify a Spell or Recall Knowledge about a creature, attempts to Earn Income by performing a task of a certain level, and so on. You can also use the level-based DCs for obstacles instead of assigning a simple DC. For example, you might determine that a wall in a high-level dungeon was constructed of smooth metal and is hard to climb. You could simply say only someone with master proficiency could climb it, and use the simple DC of 30. Or you might decide that the 15th-level villain who created the dungeon crafted the wall, and use the 15th-level DC of 34. Either approach is reasonable!

Note that PCs who invest in a skill become more likely to succeed at a DC of their level as they increase in level, and the listed DCs eventually become very easy for them.

Table 10-5: DCs by Level

Level	DC
0	14
1	15
2	16
3	18
4	19
5	20
6	22
7	23
8	24
9	26
10	27
11	28
12	30
13	31
14	32
15	34
16	35
17	36
18	38
19	39
20	40
21	42
22	44
23	46
24	48
25	50
Spell Level*	DC
1st	15
2nd	18
3rd	20
4th	23
5th	26
6th	28
7th	31
8th	34
9th	36
10th	39

*If the spell is uncommon or rare, its difficulty should be adjusted accordingly

Archives of Nethys

Rules Index | GM Screen | Player's Guide

Level-Based DCs

Table 10-5: DCs by Level