Basically it's as filcat says. Each class receives an Ability Score Improvement (commonly abbreviated to ASI) when they gain certain levels. This can be used, as said, to permanently boost ability scores such as Strength or Intelligence, or to choose a feat.
A feat is a special kind of bonus, something specific to a particular activity. As an example, my Elf Fighter has the Shield Mastery feat, allowing him to use his bonus action to bash people to the ground as well as giving a bonus to certain dexterity saving throws, all as long as he has a shield equipped. Others, like Actor, are less to do with combat, more to do with deceiving people in conversation. Some are to do with travel, some can give you magic (even as a Fighter). Some are helpful in many situations, others are very niche. There are a few dozen of them! Each one works differently, as detailed in its description.
I am a new player. I am wondering what are feats and how do they work?
I heard one time at band camp
Every class at levels 4, 8,12,16,19 have a choice.
1)Use 2 points to increment any ability score (2 on the same score or 2 scores incremented by 1).
OR
2)choose a feat. The feats are listed in the PHB.
Basically it's as filcat says. Each class receives an Ability Score Improvement (commonly abbreviated to ASI) when they gain certain levels. This can be used, as said, to permanently boost ability scores such as Strength or Intelligence, or to choose a feat.
A feat is a special kind of bonus, something specific to a particular activity. As an example, my Elf Fighter has the Shield Mastery feat, allowing him to use his bonus action to bash people to the ground as well as giving a bonus to certain dexterity saving throws, all as long as he has a shield equipped. Others, like Actor, are less to do with combat, more to do with deceiving people in conversation. Some are to do with travel, some can give you magic (even as a Fighter). Some are helpful in many situations, others are very niche. There are a few dozen of them! Each one works differently, as detailed in its description.
They're good fun.
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My homebrew: [Subclasses] [Races] [Feats] [Discussion Thread]