# What does “Strength modifier damage” mean? [duplicate]

Some powers, for instance the warden's Earth Shield Strike, say "1[W] plus Strength modifier damage", though I've seen the same line used with different ability scores in different powers.

What is this "modifier damage"? I think it is your strength score, cut in half?

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## marked as duplicate by mxyzplk♦Sep 1 '14 at 16:42

Which power? Not every power adds the modifier, and most add the whole one. If you're asking *how to calculate the modifier, then this question has the answers: rpg.stackexchange.com/q/37175/1084 – wax eagle Sep 1 '14 at 11:57
We need loads more information here. Where are you reading "damage modifier"? What kind of damage modifier are you after? – doppelgreener Sep 1 '14 at 12:03
My guess is this answer is asking for both how to calculate the (for instance) Str modifier starting from the Str score, but also which other bonuses apply to the damage modifier to attacks (maybe the one in the 4e official character sheet). If it's not so, please tell us. Also, you'll probably get some downvotes because it looks like there has been poor research on your part. – Zachiel Sep 1 '14 at 12:03
@Zachiel I downvoted because it's totally unclear what's being asked, not so much lack of research. – doppelgreener Sep 1 '14 at 12:06
Warden attack, Earth Shield Strike. It says 1W plus Str modifier damage. Srry for lack of info – user15854 Sep 1 '14 at 12:28

An ability modifier (strength in this instance), is calculated by taking the strength score, subtracting 10 and dividing the remainder by 2 (round down).

So in the power with a text of 1[W]+str, with a longsword, the damage at L1 with a Strenght of 18 would be:

 1d8+4 (plus other modifiers)


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“Strength modifier damage” doesn't mean anything, because it's two fragments of two different pieces of the phrase. This wording is really common in 4e powers, and makes straightforward sense… once you've seen how to read it, that is. It's a little bit like a garden path sentence though, so it's not really your fault for reading it wrong.

How you've parsed the phrase is

( 1[W] ) plus ( Strength modifier damage )

The actual parsing is

( 1[W] plus Strength modifier ) damage

So to find the damage the power deals, make one roll of your weapon's damage dice and add the value of your strength modifier.

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