This guide explains how to use the Create/Update Ability interface in the Do It For The XP app.

1. Open the app and navigate to the Game Master section
2. Select the "Compendium" tab
3. Go to the "Abilities" section
4. Click the "+" button to create a new ability or select an existing ability to edit

The Create/Update Ability interface is divided into several sections that help you define how your ability works and what requirements it has.

• Name: A unique identifier for your ability (required)
• Description: Explains what the ability does and any special notes
• Type: Choose between "Real Life Reward" (external activities) or "In-Game Ability" (used within the app)
• Frequency: How often the ability can be used (hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, etc.)
• Icon: A visual representation of your ability

This section defines the AP threshold required to access the ability and the MP cost to cast it.

• AP Required: This is the minimum Ability Points threshold you must maintain to access this ability. AP points are NOT spent when casting an ability; they determine which abilities you have access to based on your current AP level.

• AP Period: The time period over which the AP threshold is measured (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or total/one-time).

• MP Cost: The Magic Points that are actually spent/consumed when casting the ability. Unlike AP, MP is a currency that gets depleted when abilities are used.

If you create an ability with:

• AP Required: 25
• AP Period: Daily
• MP Cost: 10

This means:

1. You must maintain at least 25 AP points per day to have access to this ability
2. When you cast the ability, 10 MP will be deducted from your Magic Points
3. If your daily AP falls below 25, you'll lose access to the ability until you reach the threshold again

For In-Game Abilities, you can set additional requirements:

• Class Requirement: Specify if a particular class is required to use this ability
• Class Level: The minimum level in that class needed
• Character Level: The overall character level required

• Effect Description: Explains what happens when the ability is used
• Scaling Attribute: Select an attribute (strength, dexterity, etc.) that enhances the ability
• Scaling Rate: How much each point in the attribute increases ability effectiveness

1. Clear Descriptions: Write clear descriptions that explain exactly what the ability does
2. Balanced Requirements: Set AP thresholds that are challenging but achievable
3. Appropriate MP Costs: Make MP costs proportional to the ability's power
4. Logical Time Periods: Choose time periods that make sense for the ability (daily for common abilities, weekly/monthly for special ones)

• Abilities - General overview of the abilities system
• Ability Points (AP) - Understanding AP and how it's earned
• Magic Points (MP) - Understanding MP and how it's used