Fudge levels and classic D&D

Fudge uses seven adjectives instead of numbers for character traits. Which fits perfectly with classic D&D’s seven modifiers for ability scores.

Ability score	Modifier	Fudge level	Assumed score
18	+3	Superb	18
16–17	+2	Great	16
13–15	+1	Good	13
9–12	0	Fair	10
6–8	-1	Mediocre	8
4–5	-2	Poor	5
3	-3	Terrible	3

The “assumed score” column is for converting Fudge levels to D&D ability scores.

What can we do with this?

New players: For some new players Fudge levels can be a little easier to understand than the raw numbers.

NPCs: If you need an ability score for an improvised NPC, select a Fudge level and then use the equivalent modifier or ability score.

Descriptions: When describing characters, the Fudge levels are a bit less mechanical than ability scores. It’s also nice that they aren’t quite exact. Player: “How strong is the guard?” DM: “He appears to have Great Strength.”

Related miscellanea

Another game, The Secret Fire, has tables of adjectives customized for each ability score.

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Here is the Marvel Superheroes scale:

• feeble
• poor
• typical
• good
• excellent
• remarkable
• incredible
• amazing
• monstrous
• unearthly

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Here’s the Magic Realm scale:

• Tremendous
• Heavy
• Medium
• Light
• Negligible