I'm new at Pathfinder and have a question nobody in my group of newbies knows the answer to.
Can you attempt a DC 16 strength check if you have 12 strength?
Option 1: With 12 strength you have a +1 modifier. This would mean that you need to throw 15 on the d20 to succeed (15 + 1 str mod = 16 = yay you made it).
Option 2: I read somewhere (yes, somewhere I don't remember) that you need to have 16 strength to be eligible to attempt a DC16 strength check. Is this true?
And how about intelligence? The ''Maze'' spell requires a DC20 intelligence check to escape. If the above is true that would make this spell pretty strong versus anything with 19 or less intelligence.
Will a natural 20 help make otherwise impossible ability checks succeed? For example breaking manacles with DC26 while having only 2 strength mod.I know it doesn't work on skill checks. Is it the same with these "ability checks"?