Abilities are special features that either give a character a new capability, or improve one that he or she already has. Abilities are always granted by gaining levels in a class. Unlike Talents, they are always class-specific and geared toward that class role. You can choose an ability at every odd level. Each available class comes with a specific set of unique abilities that become accessible to the player over time. Crafting a well-balanced party means utilizing the strengths and skills of each characters abilities.
Types
Passive
Passive abilities are powers that are always in effect and don’t require user interaction.
Active
An active ability is a latent power that can be activated for a short time. They are either per-rest, a per-encounter resource, or can always be used. Per-encounter abilities can be used a number of times in an encounter and are then disabled until combat ends. Per-rest abilities can be used a number of times after resting before they must rest to recover them. There are several “activation time” durations, ranging from instant to long.
Modal
These abilities can be turned on and off at will. Some modal abilities are exclusive to others, meaning you can have only one active at a time. These can have either a positive or a negative effect.
Leveling
Every character begins with two abilities, and every class starts with active abilities that regenerate after combat. (Spell sets are counted as “one” active Ability for casters). Non caster classes start with a fixed passive ability and the player can choose an active ability. Traditional Caster classes start with first level spells and a per-encounter active ability. For example, Ciphers begin with 1st level Powers and a passive ability while Chanter’s start with 1st level Phrases and Invocations.