As you read this book, you will see references to “Game Abilities.” This refers generally to the Skills you buy for your character with XP. If you’re playing a monster, any of their expendable abilities will similarly be considered Game Abilities.

Some effects can prevent you from using your Game Abilities. If you are under the effect of Enfeeble, for instance, you cannot cast any spells, fight, or throw any gas globes since all of these are Game Abilities. However, you can still talk, drink a potion, activate a Magic Item, or perform other actions that do not fall under the Game Abilities list.

Wear Extra Armor and Hardy are the two Skill exceptions to this. These Skills affect what a character is instead of what a character does. Similarly, three High Magic abilities will continue to function when you are unable to use Game Abilities: Celestial Armor, Earth’s Bounty, and Rebirth.

All other PC Skills count as Game Abilities. This means that while under a “no Game Abilities” effect, you can’t identify Production items, can’t use Focus Skills, will be unable to read Ritual Scrolls, cannot apply Alchemical coatings, cannot disarm traps, and cannot evaluate items using the Merchant Skill.

The mechanism of activating a Magic Item is exempted from negative effects which restrict Game Abilities. You must be able to at least move your mouth to vocalize (though the Spell and Arcane qualifiers may be used while under the effect of a Silence). For example, you could activate a Magic Item while under a Web effect, which holds you in place from the neck down, but not while under a Paralysis effect, which completely paralyzes you.