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Dexterity (DEX, Attribute Dexterity) is one of the primary attributes in Pillars of Eternity and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire.

Overview[ | ]

Dexterity is an abstraction of a character's hand-eye coordination, balance, and overall grace. In interactions, it can be used for sleight-of-hand and fast reactions. In combat, it affects the character's Action Speed with all attacks, spells, and abilities and contributes to the Reflex defense.

Ratings
  • 5 - Clumsy
  • 10 - Average
  • 15 - Agile
  • 20 - Incredibly Graceful

Effects[ | ]

Bonuses
Reflex Attack speed Stride*
1 -18 -27% -36%
2 -16 -24% -32%
3 -14 -21% -28%
4 -12 -18% -24%
5 -10 -15% -20%
6 -8 -12% -16%
7 -6 -9% -12%
8 -4 -6% -8%
9 -2 -3% -4%
10 no change
11 +2 +3% +4%
12 +4 +6% +8%
13 +6 +9% +12%
14 +8 +12% +16%
15 +10 +15% +20%
16 +12 +18% +24%
17 +14 +21% +28%
18 +16 +24% +32%
19 +18 +27% +36%
20 +20 +30% +40%
21 +22 +33% +44%
22 +24 +36% +48%
23 +26 +39% +52%
24 +28 +42% +56%
... ... ... ...

Combat[ | ]

Per point of Dexterity above/below 10, a character gains:

See Attribute#Combat for more explanation on how bonuses are calculated and applied.

Dialog and scripted interactions[ | ]

In conversations, the protagonist's dexterity is sometimes checked for attempts at sleight-of-hand etc.

In scripted interactions, any party member's dexterity may be checked to determine success at actions that require finesse or fast reactions.

See Uses of Dexterity in interactions for a detailed list.

Notably at 28 Dexterity, 100% of checks in dialogue and scripted interactions can be passed.

Allocation[ | ]

A player character's Dexterity score is allocated during character creation, and does not progress with levels. By default you may put between 3 and 18 points in it, but the character's race and culture can modify those limits - for example for an Elf from the Deadfire Archipelago, it would be between 5 and 20:

Racial bonuses:
Elf +1
Godlike +1
Dwarf -1
Cultural bonuses:
Deadfire Archipelago +1

Buffs in Pillars of Eternity[ | ]

There are various ways to (temporarily) increase a character's Dexterity beyond their base score. These buffs are not restricted to the upper limit that is imposed during character creation - so a temporary score of 30 or more is not impossible.

Passive abilities/talents[ | ]

unlimited – permanently active once learned

Type Ability DEX modifier
Quest reward talent Skaen's Boon +1
Rewarded talent Effigy's Resentment +1

Equipment[ | ]

one – bonus while equipped

Slot Item DEX modifier
NeckCloak of Many Feathers Pillars of Eternity+1
WaistCoil of Resourcefulness The White March - Part I+1
HeadCompany Captain's Cap Deadfire Pack+1
NeckGlanfathan Adraswen Pillars of Eternity+1
HandsGloves of Manipulation Pillars of Eternity+1
HandsGyrges' Gloves Pillars of Eternity+1
HandsPilferer's Grip The White March - Part I+1
HeadStag Helm Pillars of Eternity+1
WaistBelt of the Stelgaer Pillars of Eternity+2
NeckDream Dancer's Sidestep Pillars of Eternity+2
HandsFulvano's Gloves Pillars of Eternity+2
NeckFinreah's Grace Pillars of Eternity+3
FingersRing of Thorns Pillars of Eternity+3
FeetViettro's Formal Footwear The White March - Part II+4
Waist Belt of the Royal Deadfire Cannoneer [DP] +3
Head Company Captain's Cap [DP] +2
Armor Of Dexterity 1 Enchantment +1
Armor Of Dexterity 2 Enchantment +2

Resting bonuses[ | ]

one

Location Inn Room DEX modifier Lasts for
Copperlane Fox and Goose Vixen's Burrow +2 2 rests
Ondra's Gift Salty Mast Broad Beam +1 2 rests
Dyrford Village Dracogen Inn Wurm's Nest +2 2 rests
Caed Nua Brighthollow Craft Hall +3 3 rests

Prostitute boons[ | ]

one – for the protagonist only

Location Brothel Prostitute DEX modifier Lasts for
Ondra's Gift Salty Mast Serel +2 ?
Ondra's Gift Salty Mast Iqali +2 ?

Modal or active buffs[ | ]

onewhich includes:

Active abilities/spells

– temporary bonus when used

Type Ability DEX modifier Duration Affected characters

Consumable items

– temporary bonus when used

Type Item DEX modifier Duration Affected characters
food Rauatai Sweet Pie +2 300 s user
drug Carow Golan +2 600 s user

Buffs in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire[ | ]

Most dexterity buffs are applied via one of the three Dexterity Inspirations; Quick, Nimble, and Swift. Stacking rules apply depending on whether the effect is passive or active. Generally, all passives stack - but actives do not and will instead use the highest bonus. In the case of inspirations, a Tier 1 inspiration will always be superseded by a Tier 2 one of the same type, and so on.

Passive effects[ | ]

unlimited – obtained during gameplay

Name DEX modifier Duration
Alchemic Guile +2 Until rest
Amira's Blessing +2 Until rest
Berath's Blessing - Champion Stats +2 Permanent
Cauldron Brew +1 Permanent
Effigy's Resentment: Devil of Caroc +1 Permanent
Effigy's Resentment: Hiravias +1 Permanent
Fortune: Guile +1 Until rest

Abilities/spells[ | ]

one – temporary bonus when used, mostly combat only

Type Ability DEX modifier Duration Affected characters
3rd Level Barbarian Ability
6th Level Barbarian Ability
6th Level Barbarian Ability
Wild Sprint
Lion's Spirit
Ram's Sprint
+5 (Nimble) 6.0 sec Self
5th Level Chanter Invocation
7th Level Chanter Invocation
The Bride Caught their Ruse and Set to Make them Pay
Set to Their Purpose, They All Knew Their Part
+5 (Quick) 30.0 sec Allied AoE + Self
4th Level Cipher Spell Wild Leech +5 (Quick)* 45.0 sec Self (Random Effect)
8th Level Fighter Ability Inspired Discipline +5 (Quick) 30.0 sec Self
8th Level Fighter Ability Inspired Strike +5 (Swift) 10.0 sec Self
1st Level Monk Ability
3rd Level Monk Ability

Swift Strikes
Lightning Strikes
Swift Flurry
+5 (Quick) 10.0 sec Self
6th Level Paladin Ability
8th Level Paladin Ability

Hastening Exhortation
Zealous Exhortation
Hastening Command
+5 (Quick)
+5 (Nimble)
30.0 sec Allied Target
6th Level Paladin Ability Liberating Command +5 (Quick) 20.0 sec Target
7th Level Priest Spell Minor Avatar +5 (Quick) 30.0 sec Self
3rd Level Ranger Ability
5th Level Ranger Ability
Evasive Roll
Evasive Fire
+5 (Quick) 15.0 sec Self
5th Level Ranger Ability
7th Level Ranger Ability
Master's Call
Furious Call
+5 (Nimble) 10.0 sec Self
8th Level Ranger Ability Bonded Fury +5 (Nimble) 30.0 sec Animal companion
8th Level Ranger Passive Vengeful Grief +5 (Nimble) 15.0 sec Self or animal companion on partner KO
1st Level Rogue Ability Roguish Charm +5 (Quick/Nimble/Swift) 30.0 sec Self (Random Body Inspiration, tier depends on target level)
8th Level Rogue Ability Enduring Shadows +5 (Swift) 20.0 sec Self
1st Level Wizard Spell Conjure Familiar: Spider +3 60.0 sec Self
1st Level Wizard Spell Fleet Feet +5 (Nimble) 30.0 sec Self
3rd Level Wizard Spell Deleterious Alacrity of Motion +5 (Swift) 45.0 sec Self
7th Level Wizard Spell Berkana's Midnight Daydream [FS] +5 (Nimble)* 12.0 sec Allied Target (Random Effect)
7th Level Wizard Spell Citzal's Martial Power +5 (Quick) 30.0 sec Self

Weapons[ | ]

unlimited – bonus only in combat, and either triggers under certain conditions or granted as a castable ability

Weapon type Name Enchantment DEX modifier Condition Duration
Estoc Engoliero do Espirs Soul Devourer +2 On kill 45.0 sec
Estoc Engoliero do Espirs Subdued Soul Devourer +1 On kill 45.0 sec
Estoc Engoliero do Espirs Ravenous Soul Devourer +3 On kill 45.0 sec
Mace Magistrate's Cudgel Fair Trial +5 (Quick) 1-in-6 chance upon being afflicted 15.0 sec
Rapier Squid's Grasp Certain Mutiny +5 (Swift) To self if any party members are Charmed or Dominated

Equipment[ | ]

unlimited – bonus only in combat, and either triggers under certain conditions or granted as a castable ability

Type Item Enchantment DEX modifier Condition Duration
Belt Least Unstable Coil [SSS] Empowered Being +5 (Swift) 1-in-6 chance after using an Empowered Spell or Ability 10.0 sec
Plate armor Guardian's Plate [BW] Plagued Strength +2 While afflicted
Ring Ring of Clenched Muscle [FS] Test Subject +5 (Quick) 10% chance to trigger random tier 1 Inspiration on being hit. 1-in-6 chance for it to be Quick. 10.0 sec

unlimited – bonus while equipped

Type Item Enchantment DEX modifier
Boots Footprints of Ahu Taka Graceful Motion +2
Boots Boots of the Stone Smoothly Jointed +1
Boots Pathfinder's Boots Unhindered +1
Gauntlets Aegor's Swift Touch Rapidity +1
Gloves Apothecary's Gloves Holistic Precision +1
Gloves Burglar's Gloves Lithe Hands +1
Gloves Firethrower's Gloves Artificer's Precision +2
Gloves Rokowa's Fingers Skillful Dodger +1
Ring Chameleon's Touch Versatile +1 (as Monk/Rogue)

Pets[ | ]

unlimited – bonus while equipped to either self or party

Pet Target DEX modifier
Chauncey Self +1
Lil' Babs Self +1
Luna Self +1
Nebula Party (in AoE) +5 (Quick) 1-in-6 chance for 10.0 sec every 12 seconds

Resting bonuses[ | ]

one - until next rest

Location Room Cost DEX modifier
Queen's Berth, The Wild Mare Konstanten's Massage Copper pires (cp)800 +3

Prostitute boons[ | ]

one – for the protagonist only, lasts until next rest.

Location Prostitute DEX modifier
Queen's Berth, The Wild Mare Rabyuna +1
Dunnage, King's Coffin Cabin Boy +1

Consumable items[ | ]

one – for the user until next rest

Type Item DEX modifier
Food Candied Nuts +2
Food Palm Stone +2
Food Palohe Nuts +1
Drinks Tani Cream +2

unlimited – for the user for a duration (sometimes only in combat)

Type Item DEX modifier Duration Combat only
Drug Taru Turu Chew +3 180 sec
Potion Potion of Physical Prowess +2 45 sec Yes
Potion Vial of Starlight +5 10 sec Yes
Scroll Deck of Endless Possibilities [DMT] +5 (Quick)* 30 sec Yes

Class[ | ]

unlimited – permanently to the character, sometimes under a condition

Type Name DEX modifier Condition
Subclass Wild Mind +5 Small chance on casting ability

Debuffs in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire[ | ]

Most dexterity debuffs are applied via one of the three Dexterity Afflictions; Hobbled, Immobilized, and Paralyzed/Petrified. Stacking rules apply depending on whether the effect is passive or active. Generally, all passives stack - but actives do not and will instead use the highest penalty. In the case of afflictions, a Tier 1 afflictionwill always be superseded by a Tier 2 one of the same type, and so on.

Abilities/spells[ | ]

one – temporary bonus when used, mostly combat only

Type Ability DEX modifier Duration Affected characters
1st Level Wizard(Transmuter) Spell Form of the Fearsome Brute -2 30.0 sec Self
1st Level Druid Spell Tanglefoot -5 (Hobbled) 6.0 sec AoE
1st Level Wizard Spell Ghost Blades -5 (Hobbled) 12.0 sec Foe AoE
1st Level Rogue Ability

3rd Level Rogue Ability

Crippling Strike

Arterial Strike / Debilitating Strike

-5 (Hobbled) 15.0 sec Target
1st Level Priest Spell Halt -5 (Immobilized) 15.0 sec Target
1st Level Paladin(The Steel Garrote) Ability Garrote -5 (Paralyzed) 6.0 sec Target
2nd Level Wizard Spell Binding Web -5 (Immobilized) 6.0 sec AoE
2nd Level Wizard Spell Fetid Caress -5 (Paralyzed) 10.0 sec Target
2nd Level Druid Spell Hold Beasts -5 (Paralyzed) 20.0 sec Foe AoE
2nd Level Cipher Spell Mental Binding -5 (Paralyzed)

-5 (Immobilized)

6.0 sec

10.0 sec

Foe Target

Foe AoE

2nd Level Chanter Invocation

4th Level Chanter Invocation

At the Sound of His Voice, the Killers Froze Stiff

...And Their Fear Followed Them into the Foothills

-5 (Paralyzed) 4.0 sec Foe AoE
3rd Level Druid Spell

3rd Level Priest(Berath)(Rymrgand)

Spreading Plague -5 (Hobbled) 15.0 sec Target + Jump Targets (x5)
4th Level Druid Spell

5th Level Priest(Harvester of Gaun) Spell

Wicked Briars -5 (Hobbled) 8.0 sec AoE
4th Level Rogue Ability

8th Level Rogue Ability

Shadow Step

Flurry of Blades

-5 (Paralyzed)

-5 (Paralyzed/Hobbled)

6.0 sec

6.0 sec/8.0 sec

Attack Targets

Attack Targets/Foe AoE

5th Level Wizard Spell Wall of Force -5 (Hobbled) 20.0 sec Hazard AoE
5th Level Wizard Spell Ninagauth's Bitter Mooring -5 (Immobilized) 3.0 sec Target + Beam
5th Level Druid Spell Embrace of the Earth Talon -5 (Paralyzed) 8.0 sec AoE
5th Level Ranger Ability

7th Level Ranger Ability

Binding Roots

Thorny Roots

-5(Immobilized) 20.0 sec Foe AoE
6th Level Wizard Spell

6th Level Rogue(Trickster) Ability

Gaze of the Adragan -5 (Paralyzed) 6.0 sec Foe AoE
6th Level Rogue Ability

8th Level Rogue Ability

Sap

Perplexing Sap

-5 (Hobbled) 30.0 sec Target
6th Level Wizard Spell

6th Level Priest(Rymrgand) Spell

9th Level Druid(Watershaper) Spell

Ninagauth's Freezing Pillar -5 (Hobbled) 3.0 sec AoE

AoE

Foe AoE

7th Level Priest(Wael) Spell Gaze of the Adragan -5 (Paralyzed) 6.0 sec Foe AoE
7th Level Wizard Spell Tayn's Chaotic Orb -5 (Paralyzed)

-5 (Petrified)

3.0 sec

4.0 sec

Foe Target (Random Effect)
8th Level Priest(Skaen) Spell Symbol of Skaen -5 (Paralyzed) 8.0 sec Foe AoE
8th Level Wizard Spell Temporal Cocoon -5 (Paralyzed) 15.0 sec Target
8th Level Wizard Spell

8th Level Rogue(Trickster) Ability

Kalakoth's Freezing Rake -5 (Hobbled) 8.0 sec Target
8th Level Wizard Spell

9th Level Rogue(Trickster) Ability

Wall of Many Colors -5 (Paralyzed) 4.0 sec Hazard AoE
9th Level Cipher Spell Haunting Chains -5 (Hobbled) 20.0 sec Target
9th Level Wizard Spell Petrification -5 (Paralyzed) Target (if health > 25%):

Target (if health ≤ 25%):

Target

Class[ | ]

unlimited – permanently to the character, sometimes under a condition

Type Name DEX modifier Condition
Subclass Wild Mind -5 (Paralyzed) Small chance on casting ability
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