diff --git a/rpg-docs/Model/Character/Characters.js b/rpg-docs/Model/Character/Characters.js
index c0dbab0c..f2da0da4 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/Model/Character/Characters.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/Model/Character/Characters.js
@@ -3,16 +3,16 @@ Characters = new Mongo.Collection("characters");
 
 Schemas.Character = new SimpleSchema({
 	//strings
-	name:         {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false},
-	alignment:    {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false},
-	gender:       {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false},
-	race:         {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false},
-	description:  {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false},
-	personality:  {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false},
-	ideals:       {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false},
-	bonds:        {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false},
-	flaws:        {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false},
-	backstory:    {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false},
+	name:         {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false, optional: true},
+	alignment:    {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false, optional: true},
+	gender:       {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false, optional: true},
+	race:         {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false, optional: true},
+	description:  {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false, optional: true},
+	personality:  {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false, optional: true},
+	ideals:       {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false, optional: true},
+	bonds:        {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false, optional: true},
+	flaws:        {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false, optional: true},
+	backstory:    {type: String, defaultValue: "", trim: false, optional: true},
 
 	//attributes
 	//ability scores
@@ -190,91 +190,101 @@ var attributeBase = function(charId, statName){
 	check(statName, String);
 	//if it's a damage multiplier, we treat it specially
 	if (_.contains(DAMAGE_MULTIPLIERS, statName)){
-		var effects = Effects.find(
-			{charId: charId, stat: statName, enabled: true, operation: "mul"}
-		).fetch();
-		var resistCount = 0;
-		var vulnCount = 0;
-		var multiplierEvaluationFail = false;
-		_.each(effects, function(effect){
-			var val = evaluateEffect(charId, effect);
-			if (val === 0.5){ //resistance
-				resistCount += 1;
-			} else if (val === 2){ //vulnerability
-				vulnCount += 1;
-			} else if (val === 0){ //imunity
-				return 0; //imunity is absolute
-			} else {
-				multiplierEvaluationFail = true;
-			}
-		});
-		if (multiplierEvaluationFail){
-			//we can't work it out correctly, set the value to 1
-			//and try work it out using regular maths below
-			value = 1;
-		} else if (resistCount && !vulnCount){
+		var invulnerabilityCount = Effects.find({
+			charId: charId,
+			stat: statName,
+			enabled: true,
+			operation: "mul",
+			value: 0,
+		}).count();
+		if (invulnerabilityCount) return 0;
+		var resistCount = Effects.find({
+			charId: charId,
+			stat: statName,
+			enabled: true,
+			operation: "mul",
+			value: 0.5,
+		}).count();
+		var vulnCount = Effects.find({
+			charId: charId,
+			stat: statName,
+			enabled: true,
+			operation: "mul",
+			value: 2,
+		}).count();
+		if (!resistCount && !vulnCount){
+			return 1;
+		}  else if (resistCount && !vulnCount){
 			return 0.5;
-		} else if (!resistCount && vulnCount){
+		}  else if (!resistCount && vulnCount){
 			return 2;
 		} else {
 			return 1;
 		}
 	}
+	var value;
+	var base = 0;
+	var add = 0;
+	var mul = 1;
+	var min = Math.NEGATIVE_INFINITY;
+	var max = Math.POSITIVE_INFINITY;
 
-	var value = 0;
-
-	//start with the highest base value
-	Effects.find(
-		{charId: charId, stat: statName, enabled: true, operation: "base"}
-	).forEach(function(effect){
-		var efv = evaluateEffect(charId, effect);
-		if (efv > value){
-			value = efv;
+	Effects.find({
+		charId: charId,
+		stat: statName,
+		enabled: true,
+		operation: {$in: ["base", "add", "mul", "min", "max"]},
+	}).forEach(function(effect) {
+		value = evaluateEffect(charId, effect);
+		if (effect.operation === "base"){
+			if (value > base) base = value;
+		} else if (effect.operation === "add"){
+			add += value;
+		} else if (effect.operation === "mul"){
+			mul *= value;
+		} else if (effect.operation === "min"){
+			if (value > min) min = value;
+		} else if (effect.operation === "max"){
+			if (value < max) max = value;
 		}
 	});
 
-	//add all the add values
-	Effects.find(
-		{charId: charId, stat: statName, enabled: true, operation: "add"}
-	).forEach(function(effect){
-		value += evaluateEffect(charId, effect);
-	});
+	var result = (base + add) * mul;
+	if (result < min) result = min;
+	if (result > max) result = max;
 
-	//multiply all the mul values
-	Effects.find(
-		{charId: charId, stat: statName, enabled: true, operation: "mul"}
-	).forEach(function(effect){
-		value *= evaluateEffect(charId, effect);
-	});
-
-	//ensure value is >= all mins
-	Effects.find(
-		{charId: charId, stat: statName, enabled: true, operation: "min"}
-	).forEach(function(effect){
-		var min = evaluateEffect(charId, effect);
-		value = value > min ? value : min;
-	});
-
-	//ensure value is <= all maxes
-	Effects.find(
-		{charId: charId, stat: statName, enabled: true, operation: "max"}
-	).forEach(function(effect){
-		var max = evaluateEffect(charId, effect);
-		value = value < max ? value : max;
-	});
-	return value;
+	return result;
 };
 
-//functions and calculated values.
-//These functions can only rely on this._id since no other
-//field is likely to be attached to all returned characters
-Characters.helpers({
-	//returns the value stored in the field requested
-	//will set up dependencies on just that field
-	getField : function(fieldName){
+if (Meteor.isClient) {
+	Template.registerHelper("characterCalculate", function(func, charId, input) {
+		try {
+			return Characters.calculate[func](charId, input);
+		} catch (e){
+			if (!Characters.calculate[func]){
+				throw new Error(func + "is not a function name");
+			} else {
+				throw e;
+			}
+		}
+	});
+}
+
+//create a local memoize with a argument concatenating hash function
+var memoize = function(f) {
+	return Tracker.memoize(f, function() {
+		return _.reduce(arguments, function(memo, arg) {
+			return memo + arg;
+		}, "");
+	});
+};
+
+//memoize funcitons that have finds and slow loops
+Characters.calculate = {
+	getField: function(charId, fieldName) {
 		var fieldSelector = {};
 		fieldSelector[fieldName] = 1;
-		var char = Characters.findOne(this._id, {fields: fieldSelector});
+		var char = Characters.findOne(charId, {fields: fieldSelector});
 		var field = char[fieldName];
 		if (field === undefined){
 			throw new Meteor.Error(
@@ -287,8 +297,7 @@ Characters.helpers({
 		}
 		return field;
 	},
-	//returns the value of a field
-	fieldValue : function(fieldName){
+	fieldValue: function(charId, fieldName) {
 		if (!Schemas.Character.schema(fieldName)){
 			throw new Meteor.Error(
 				"Field not found",
@@ -298,102 +307,92 @@ Characters.helpers({
 		//duck typing to get the right value function
 		//.ability implies skill
 		if (Schemas.Character.schema(fieldName + ".ability")){
-			return this.skillMod(fieldName);
+			return Characters.calculate.skillMod(charId, fieldName);
 		}
 		//adjustment implies attribute
 		if (Schemas.Character.schema(fieldName + ".adjustment")){
-			return this.attributeValue(fieldName);
+			return Characters.calculate.attributeValue(charId, fieldName);
 		}
 		//fall back to just returning the field itself
-		return this.getField(fieldName);
+		return Characters.calculate.getField(charId, fieldName);
 	},
-
-	attributeValue: function(attributeName){
-		var charId = this._id;
-		var attribute = this.getField(attributeName);
+	attributeValue: memoize(function(charId, attributeName){
+		var attribute = Characters.calculate.getField(charId, attributeName);
 		//base value
-		var value = this.attributeBase(attributeName);
+		var value = Characters.calculate.attributeBase(charId, attributeName);
 		//plus adjustment
 		value += attribute.adjustment;
 		return value;
-	},
-
-	attributeBase: preventLoop(function(attributeName){
-		var charId = this._id;
-		//base value
-		return attributeBase(charId, attributeName);
 	}),
-
-	skillMod: preventLoop(function(skillName){
-		var charId = this._id;
-		var skill = this.getField(skillName);
+	attributeBase: memoize(preventLoop(function(charId, attributeName){
+		return attributeBase(charId, attributeName);
+	})),
+	skillMod: memoize(preventLoop(function(charId, skillName){
+		var skill = Characters.calculate.getField(charId, skillName);
 		//get the final value of the ability score
-		var ability = this.attributeValue(skill.ability);
+		var ability = Characters.calculate.attributeValue(charId, skill.ability);
 
 		//base modifier
 		var mod = +getMod(ability);
 
 		//multiply proficiency bonus by largest value in proficiency array
-		var prof = this.proficiency(skillName);
+		var prof = Characters.calculate.proficiency(charId, skillName);
 
 		//add multiplied proficiency bonus to modifier
-		mod += prof * this.attributeValue("proficiencyBonus");
+		mod += prof * Characters.calculate.attributeValue(charId, "proficiencyBonus");
 
 		//apply all effects
-		var rawEffects = Effects.find(
-			{charId: charId, stat: skillName, enabled: true}
-		).fetch();
-		var effects = _.groupBy(rawEffects, "operation");
-		_.forEach(effects.add, function(effect){
-			mod += evaluateEffect(charId, effect);
-		});
-		_.forEach(effects.mul, function(effect){
-			mod *= evaluateEffect(charId, effect);
-		});
-		_.forEach(effects.min, function(effect){
-			var min = evaluateEffect(charId, effect);
-			mod = mod > min ? mod : min;
-		});
-		_.forEach(effects.max, function(effect){
-			var max = evaluateEffect(charId, effect);
-			mod = mod < max ? mod : max;
-		});
-		return signedString(mod);
-	}),
+		var value;
+		var add = 0;
+		var mul = 1;
+		var min = Math.NEGATIVE_INFINITY;
+		var max = Math.POSITIVE_INFINITY;
 
-	proficiency: function(skillName){
-		var charId = this._id;
-		//return largest value in proficiency array
-		var prof = 0;
-		Proficiencies.find(
-			{charId: charId, name: skillName, enabled: true}
-		).forEach(function(proficiency){
-			var newProf = proficiency.value;
-			if (newProf > prof){
-				prof = newProf;
+		Effects.find({
+			charId: charId,
+			stat: skillName,
+			enabled: true,
+			operation: {$in: ["base", "add", "mul", "min", "max"]},
+		}).forEach(function(effect) {
+			value = evaluateEffect(charId, effect);
+			if (effect.operation === "add"){
+				add += value;
+			} else if (effect.operation === "mul"){
+				mul *= value;
+			} else if (effect.operation === "min"){
+				if (value > min) min = value;
+			} else if (effect.operation === "max"){
+				if (value < max) max = value;
 			}
 		});
-		return prof;
-	},
+		var result = (mod + add) * mul;
+		if (result < min) result = min;
+		if (result > max) result = max;
 
-	passiveSkill: function(skillName){
-		if (_.isString(skillName)){
-			var skill = this.getField(skillName);
-		}
-		var charId = this._id;
-		var mod = +this.skillMod(skillName);
+		return result;
+	})),
+	proficiency: memoize(function(charId, skillName){
+		//return largest value in proficiency array
+		var prof = Proficiencies.findOne(
+			{charId: charId, name: skillName, enabled: true},
+			{sort: {value: -1}}
+		);
+		return prof && prof.value || 0;
+	}),
+	passiveSkill: memoize(function(charId, skillName){
+		var skill = Characters.calculate.getField(charId, skillName);
+		var mod = +Characters.calculate.skillMod(charId, skillName);
 		var value = 10 + mod;
 		Effects.find(
 			{charId: charId, stat: skillName, enabled: true, operation: "passiveAdd"}
 		).forEach(function(effect){
 			value += evaluateEffect(charId, effect);
 		});
+		var advantage = Characters.calculate.advantage(charId, skillName);
+		value += 5 * advantage;
 		return value;
-		//TODO decide whether (dis)advantage gives (-)+5 to passive checks
-	},
-
-	advantage: function(skillName){
-		var charId = this._id;
+	}),
+	advantage: memoize(function(charId, skillName){
 		var advantage = Effects.find(
 			{charId: charId, stat: skillName, enabled: true, operation: "advantage"}
 		).count();
@@ -403,19 +402,18 @@ Characters.helpers({
 		if (advantage && !disadvantage) return 1;
 		if (disadvantage && !advantage) return -1;
 		return 0;
+	}),
+	abilityMod: function(charId, attribute){
+		return getMod(
+			Characters.calculate.attributeValue(charId, attribute)
+		);
 	},
-
-	abilityMod: function(attribute){
-		return signedString(getMod(this.attributeValue(attribute)));
-	},
-
-	passiveAbility: function(attribute){
-		var mod = +getMod(this.attributeValue(attribute));
+	passiveAbility: function(charId, attribute){
+		var mod = +getMod(Characters.calculate.attributeValue(charId, attribute));
 		return 10 + mod;
 	},
-
-	xpLevel: function(){
-		var xp = this.experience();
+	xpLevel: function(charId){
+		var xp = Characters.calculate.experience(charId);
 		for (var i = 0; i < 19; i++){
 			if (xp < XP_TABLE[i]){
 				return i;
@@ -424,30 +422,103 @@ Characters.helpers({
 		if (xp > 355000) return 20;
 		return 0;
 	},
-
-	level: function(){
+	level: memoize(function(charId){
 		var level = 0;
-		Classes.find({charId: this._id}).forEach(function(cls){
+		Classes.find({charId: charId}).forEach(function(cls){
 			level += cls.level;
 		});
 		return level;
-	},
-
-	experience: function(){
+	}),
+	experience: memoize(function(charId){
 		var xp = 0;
 		Experiences.find(
-			{charId: this._id},
+			{charId: charId},
 			{fields: {value: 1}}
 		).forEach(function(e){
 			xp += e.value;
 		});
 		return xp;
+	}),
+};
+
+var depreciated = function() {
+	//var err = new Error("this function has been depreciated");
+	var name = "";
+	if (Template.instance()){
+		name = Template.instance().view.name;
+	}
+	var logString = "this function has been depreciated \n";
+	if (name){
+		logString += "View: " + name + "\n\n";
+	}
+	//logString += err.stack + "\n\n---------------------\n\n";
+	console.log(logString);
+};
+
+//functions and calculated values.
+//These functions can only rely on this._id since no other
+//field is likely to be attached to all returned characters
+Characters.helpers({
+	//returns the value stored in the field requested
+	//will set up dependencies on just that field
+	getField : function(fieldName){
+		depreciated();
+		return Characters.calculate.getField(this._id, fieldName);
+	},
+	//returns the value of a field
+	fieldValue : function(fieldName){
+		depreciated();
+		return Characters.calculate.fieldValue(this._id, fieldName);
+	},
+	attributeValue: function(attributeName){
+		depreciated();
+		return Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this._id, attributeName);
+	},
+	attributeBase: function(attributeName){
+		depreciated();
+		return Characters.calculate.attributeBase(this._id, attributeName);
+	},
+	skillMod: function(skillName){
+		depreciated();
+		return Characters.calculate.skillMod(this._id, skillName);
+	},
+	proficiency: function(skillName){
+		depreciated();
+		return Characters.calculate.proficiency(this._id, skillName);
+	},
+	passiveSkill: function(skillName){
+		depreciated();
+		return Characters.calculate.passiveSkill(this._id, skillName);
+	},
+	advantage: function(skillName){
+		depreciated();
+		return Characters.calculate.advantage(this._id, skillName);
+	},
+	abilityMod: function(attribute){
+		depreciated();
+		return Characters.calculate.abilityMod(this._id, attribute);
+	},
+	passiveAbility: function(attribute){
+		depreciated();
+		return Characters.calculate.passiveAbility(this._id, attribute);
+	},
+	xpLevel: function(){
+		depreciated();
+		return Characters.calculate.xpLevel(this._id);
+	},
+	level: function(){
+		depreciated();
+		return Characters.calculate.level(this._id);
+	},
+	experience: function(){
+		depreciated();
+		return Characters.calculate.experience(this._id);
 	},
 });
 
 //clean up all data related to that character before removing it
-Characters.after.remove(function(userId, character) {
-	if (Meteor.isServer){
+if (Meteor.isServer){
+	Characters.after.remove(function(userId, character) {
 		Actions       .remove({charId: character._id});
 		Attacks       .remove({charId: character._id});
 		Buffs         .remove({charId: character._id});
@@ -460,8 +531,8 @@ Characters.after.remove(function(userId, character) {
 		SpellLists    .remove({charId: character._id});
 		Items         .remove({charId: character._id});
 		Containers    .remove({charId: character._id});
-	}
-});
+	});
+}
 
 Characters.allow({
 	insert: function(userId, doc) {
diff --git a/rpg-docs/Model/Character/SubSchemas/Adjustment.js b/rpg-docs/Model/Character/SubSchemas/Adjustment.js
index b33f8e93..8025f089 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/Model/Character/SubSchemas/Adjustment.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/Model/Character/SubSchemas/Adjustment.js
@@ -3,10 +3,6 @@
  * Damage, healing and resource cost/recovery are all adjustments
  */
 Schemas.Adjustment = new SimpleSchema({
-	name: {
-		type: String,
-		optional: true,
-	},
 	//which stat the adjustment is applied to
 	stat: {
 		type: String,
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/characterSheet.js b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/characterSheet.js
index 71933b46..4e7681b9 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/characterSheet.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/characterSheet.js
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ Template.characterSheet.helpers({
 	hideSpellcasting: function() {
 		var char = Characters.findOne(this._id);
 		return char && char.settings.hideSpellcasting;
-	}
+	},
 });
 
 Template.characterSheet.events({
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/features/features.html b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/features/features.html
index 52043f27..e39dd965 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/features/features.html
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/features/features.html
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@
 </template>
 
 <template name="resource">
-	{{#if char.attributeBase name}}
+	{{#if characterCalculate "attributeBase" char._id name}}
 		<paper-shadow class="card" 
 					  hero-id="main" {{detailHero name char._id}}
 					  layout horizontal>
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@
 									   disabled={{cantDecrement}}>
 					</paper-icon-button>
 				</div>
-				<div>{{char.attributeValue name}}</div>
+				<div>{{characterCalculate "attributeValue" char._id name}}</div>
 				<!--<div>/{{char.attributeBase name}}</div>-->
 			</div>
 			<div class="right clickable" 
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/features/features.js b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/features/features.js
index 3ae8b376..5a9fa705 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/features/features.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/features/features.js
@@ -96,12 +96,14 @@ Template.features.events({
 
 Template.resource.helpers({
 	cantIncrement: function(){
-		var baseBigger = this.char.attributeValue(this.name) <
-			this.char.attributeBase(this.name);
+		var value = Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this.char._id, this.name);
+		var base = Characters.calculate.attributeBase(this.char._id, this.name);
+		var baseBigger = value < base;
 		return !baseBigger;
 	},
 	cantDecrement: function(){
-		var valuePositive = this.char.attributeValue(this.name) > 0;
+		var value = Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this.char._id, this.name);
+		var valuePositive = value > 0;
 		return !valuePositive;
 	},
 	getColor: function(){
@@ -115,14 +117,17 @@ Template.resource.helpers({
 
 Template.resource.events({
 	"tap .resourceUp": function(event){
-		if (this.char.attributeValue(this.name) < this.char.attributeBase(this.name)){
+		var value = Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this.char._id, this.name);
+		var base = Characters.calculate.attributeBase(this.char._id, this.name);
+		if (value < base){
 			var modifier = {$inc: {}};
 			modifier.$inc[this.name + ".adjustment"] = 1;
 			Characters.update(this.char._id, modifier, {validate: false});
 		}
 	},
 	"tap .resourceDown": function(event){
-		if (this.char.attributeValue(this.name) > 0){
+		var value = Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this.char._id, this.name);
+		if (value > 0){
 			var modifier = {$inc: {}};
 			modifier.$inc[this.name + ".adjustment"] = -1;
 			Characters.update(this.char._id, modifier, {validate: false});
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/inventory/carryCapacityBar/carryCapacityBar.js b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/inventory/carryCapacityBar/carryCapacityBar.js
index bc8a42f9..c6a56997 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/inventory/carryCapacityBar/carryCapacityBar.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/inventory/carryCapacityBar/carryCapacityBar.js
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ var getFractionCarried = function(char) {
 		weight += item.totalWeight();
 	});
 	//get strength
-	var strength = char.attributeValue("strength");
+	var strength = Characters.calculate.attributeValue(char._id, "strength");
 	var capacity = strength * 15;
 	return weight / capacity;
 };
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/journal/journal.html b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/journal/journal.html
index 1bb050e1..1ab6a6ab 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/journal/journal.html
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/journal/journal.html
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 						 hero-id="toolbar" {{detailHero}}
 						 layout horizontal center>
 						<div flex>Experience</div>
-						<div >{{experience}} XP</div>
+						<div >{{characterCalculate "experience" _id}} XP</div>
 						<paper-icon-button class="black54" id="addXP" icon="add"></paper-icon-button>
 					</div>
 					<div class="bottom list">
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@
 						 layout horizontal center>
 						<div flex>
 							<div class="containerName subhead">
-								Level {{level}}
+								Level {{characterCalculate "level" _id}}
 							</div>
 							{{#if nextLevelXP}}
 								<div class="caption">
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/journal/journal.js b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/journal/journal.js
index b96a533c..6686e14e 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/journal/journal.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/journal/journal.js
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ Template.journal.helpers({
 		return Levels.find({charId: charId, classId: this._id}, {sort: {value: 1}});
 	},
 	nextLevelXP: function(){
-		var currentLevel = this.level();
+		var currentLevel = Characters.calculate.level(this._id);
 		if (currentLevel < 20){
 			return XP_TABLE[currentLevel];
 		}
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/spells/spells.js b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/spells/spells.js
index 6f9d4438..3ec6e0ea 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/spells/spells.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/spells/spells.js
@@ -84,32 +84,28 @@ Template.spells.helpers({
 	},
 	cantCast: function(level, char){
 		for (var i = level; i <= 9; i++){
-			if (char.attributeValue("level" + i + "SpellSlots") > 0){
+			if (Characters.calculate.attributeValue(char._id, "level" + i + "SpellSlots") > 0){
 				return false;
 			}
 		}
 		return true;
 	},
-	baseSlots: function(char){
-		return char.attributeBase("level" + this.level + "SpellSlots");
-	},
-	slots: function(char){
-		return char.attributeValue("level" + this.level + "SpellSlots");
-	},
 	showSlots: function(char){
-		return this.level && char.attributeBase("level" + this.level + "SpellSlots");
+		return this.level && Characters.calculate.attributeBase(
+			char._id, "level" + this.level + "SpellSlots"
+		);
 	},
 	hasSlots: function(){
 		for (var i = 1; i <= 9; i += 1){
-			if (this.attributeBase("level" + i + "SpellSlots")){
+			if (Characters.calculate.attributeBase(this._id, "level" + i + "SpellSlots")){
 				return true;
 			}
 		}
 		return false;
 	},
 	slotBubbles: function(char){
-		var baseSlots = char.attributeBase("level" + this.level + "SpellSlots");
-		var currentSlots = char.attributeValue("level" + this.level + "SpellSlots");
+		var baseSlots = Characters.calculate.attributeBase(char._id, "level" + this.level + "SpellSlots");
+		var currentSlots = Characters.calculate.attributeValue(char._id, "level" + this.level + "SpellSlots");
 		var slotsUsed = baseSlots - currentSlots;
 		var bubbles = [];
 		var i;
@@ -143,15 +139,15 @@ Template.spells.events({
 			var char = Characters.findOne(this.charId);
 			if (event.currentTarget.icon === "radio-button-off"){
 				if (
-					char.attributeValue(this.attribute) <
-					char.attributeBase(this.attribute)
+					Characters.calculate.attributeValue(char._id, this.attribute) <
+					Characters.calculate.attributeBase(char._id, this.attribute)
 				){
 					modifier = {$inc: {}};
 					modifier.$inc[this.attribute + ".adjustment"] = 1;
 					Characters.update(this.charId, modifier, {validate: false});
 				}
 			} else {
-				if (char.attributeValue(this.attribute) > 0){
+				if (Characters.calculate.attributeValue(char._id, this.attribute) > 0){
 					modifier = {$inc: {}};
 					modifier.$inc[this.attribute + ".adjustment"] = -1;
 					Characters.update(this.charId, modifier, {validate: false});
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/abilityCards/abilityCards.html b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/abilityCards/abilityCards.html
index eb32ac7a..d044bc55 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/abilityCards/abilityCards.html
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/abilityCards/abilityCards.html
@@ -4,8 +4,8 @@
 				  layout horizontal>
 		<div class="left white-text {{color}}"
 			 hero-id="toolbar" {{detailHero ability ../_id}}>
-			<div class="display1">{{../attributeValue ability}}</div>
-			<div class="title">{{../abilityMod ability}}</div>
+			<div class="display1">{{characterCalculate "attributeValue" ../_id ability}}</div>
+			<div class="title">{{abilityMod}}</div>
 		</div>
 		<div class="right subhead" layout horizontal center>
 			{{title}}
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/abilityCards/abilityCards.js b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/abilityCards/abilityCards.js
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..4b184574
--- /dev/null
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/abilityCards/abilityCards.js
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+Template.abilityMiniCard.helpers({
+	abilityMod: function() {
+		return signedString(
+			Characters.calculate.abilityMod(
+				Template.parentData()._id, this.ability
+			)
+		);
+	}
+});
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/attributeDialog/attributeDialog.js b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/attributeDialog/attributeDialog.js
index 81b461be..1e2bf9a3 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/attributeDialog/attributeDialog.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/attributeDialog/attributeDialog.js
@@ -106,10 +106,8 @@ Template.attributeDialogView.helpers({
 		return a || b || c;
 	},
 	adjustment: function(){
-		var char = Characters.findOne(this.charId);
-		if (!char) return;
-		var value = char.attributeValue(this.statName);
-		var base = char.attributeBase(this.statName);
+		var value = Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this.charId, this.statName);
+		var base = Characters.calculate.attributeBase(this.charId, this.statName);
 		return value - base;
 	},
 	baseEffects: function(){
@@ -138,14 +136,10 @@ Template.attributeDialogView.helpers({
 		);
 	},
 	attributeBase: function(){
-		var char = Characters.findOne(this.charId);
-		if (!char) throw "character is " + char;
-		return char.attributeBase(this.statName);
+		return Characters.calculate.attributeBase(this.charId, this.statName);
 	},
 	attributeValue: function() {
-		var char = Characters.findOne(this.charId);
-		if (!char) throw "character is " + char;
-		return char.attributeValue(this.statName);
+		return Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this.charId, this.statName);
 	},
 	sourceName: function(){
 		if (this.parent.group === "racial"){
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/healthCard/healthCard.html b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/healthCard/healthCard.html
index 56f035e9..e31c042c 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/healthCard/healthCard.html
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/healthCard/healthCard.html
@@ -11,11 +11,11 @@
 		<div class="right" flex layout vertical center-justified style="min-width: 180px;">
 			<div layout horizontal>
 				<paper-diff-slider id="hitPointSlider"
-							  value={{attributeValue "hitPoints"}}
-							  max={{attributeBase "hitPoints"}} 
-							  editable pin
-							  role="slider"
-							  ></paper-diff-slider>
+								   value={{characterCalculate "attributeValue" _id "hitPoints"}}
+								   max={{characterCalculate "attributeBase" _id "hitPoints"}}
+								   editable pin
+								   role="slider">
+				</paper-diff-slider>
 			</div>
 			{{#each tempHitPoints}}
 				<div>
@@ -35,9 +35,21 @@
 			</div>
 			{{/each}}
 			<div class="caption">
-				{{#if multipliers.immunities.length}} <div>Immune:     {{#each multipliers.immunities}}  {{name}} {{/each}}</div>{{/if}}
-				{{#if multipliers.resistances.length}}<div>Resistance: {{#each multipliers.resistances}} {{name}} {{/each}}</div>{{/if}}
-				{{#if multipliers.weaknesses.length}} <div>Weakness:   {{#each multipliers.weaknesses}}  {{name}} {{/each}}</div>{{/if}}
+				{{#if multipliers.immunities.length}} 
+					<div>
+						Immune:     {{#each multipliers.immunities}}  {{name}} {{/each}}
+					</div>
+				{{/if}}
+				{{#if multipliers.resistances.length}}
+					<div>
+						Resistance: {{#each multipliers.resistances}} {{name}} {{/each}}
+					</div>
+				{{/if}}
+				{{#if multipliers.weaknesses.length}}
+					<div>
+						Weakness:   {{#each multipliers.weaknesses}}  {{name}} {{/each}}
+					</div>
+				{{/if}}
 			</div>
 			{{#if showDeathSave}}
 				{{#with deathSaveObject}}
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/healthCard/healthCard.js b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/healthCard/healthCard.js
index 5fb37eab..6fe9a7c8 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/healthCard/healthCard.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/healthCard/healthCard.js
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ Template.healthCard.helpers({
 		return TemporaryHitPoints.find({charId: this._id});
 	},
 	showDeathSave: function(){
-		return this.attributeValue("hitPoints") <= 0;
+		return Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this._id, "hitPoints") <= 0;
 	},
 	deathSaveObject: function(){
 		var char = Characters.findOne(this._id, {fields: {deathSave: 1}});
@@ -27,21 +27,20 @@ Template.healthCard.helpers({
 		return this.fail >= 3;
 	},
 	multipliers: function(){
-		var char = Characters.findOne(this._id, {fields: {_id: 1}});
 		var multipliers = [
-			{name: "Acid",        value: char.attributeValue("acidMultiplier", 1)},
-			{name: "Bludgeoning", value: char.attributeValue("bludgeoningMultiplier", 1)},
-			{name: "Cold",        value: char.attributeValue("coldMultiplier", 1)},
-			{name: "Fire",        value: char.attributeValue("fireMultiplier", 1)},
-			{name: "Force",       value: char.attributeValue("forceMultiplier", 1)},
-			{name: "Lightning",   value: char.attributeValue("lightningMultiplier", 1)},
-			{name: "Necrotic",    value: char.attributeValue("necroticMultiplier", 1)},
-			{name: "Piercing",    value: char.attributeValue("piercingMultiplier", 1)},
-			{name: "Poison",      value: char.attributeValue("poisonMultiplier", 1)},
-			{name: "Psychic",     value: char.attributeValue("psychicMultiplier", 1)},
-			{name: "Radiant",     value: char.attributeValue("radiantMultiplier", 1)},
-			{name: "Slashing",    value: char.attributeValue("slashingMultiplier", 1)},
-			{name: "Thunder",     value: char.attributeValue("thunderMultiplier", 1)},
+			{name: "Acid",        value: Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this._id, "acidMultiplier")},
+			{name: "Bludgeoning", value: Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this._id, "bludgeoningMultiplier")},
+			{name: "Cold",        value: Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this._id, "coldMultiplier")},
+			{name: "Fire",        value: Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this._id, "fireMultiplier")},
+			{name: "Force",       value: Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this._id, "forceMultiplier")},
+			{name: "Lightning",   value: Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this._id, "lightningMultiplier")},
+			{name: "Necrotic",    value: Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this._id, "necroticMultiplier")},
+			{name: "Piercing",    value: Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this._id, "piercingMultiplier")},
+			{name: "Poison",      value: Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this._id, "poisonMultiplier")},
+			{name: "Psychic",     value: Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this._id, "psychicMultiplier")},
+			{name: "Radiant",     value: Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this._id, "radiantMultiplier")},
+			{name: "Slashing",    value: Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this._id, "slashingMultiplier")},
+			{name: "Thunder",     value: Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this._id, "thunderMultiplier")},
 		];
 		multipliers = _.groupBy(multipliers, "value");
 		return {
@@ -55,7 +54,8 @@ Template.healthCard.helpers({
 Template.healthCard.events({
 	"change #hitPointSlider": function(event){
 		var value = event.currentTarget.value;
-		var adjustment = value - this.attributeBase("hitPoints");
+		var base = Characters.calculate.attributeBase(this._id, "hitPoints")
+		var adjustment = value - base;
 		Characters.update(this._id, {$set: {"hitPoints.adjustment": adjustment}});
 		//reset the death saves if we are gaining HP
 		if (value > 0)
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/hitDice/hitDice.html b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/hitDice/hitDice.html
index 1a1d0b83..ac1b2af3 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/hitDice/hitDice.html
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/hitDice/hitDice.html
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 <template name="hitDice">
-	{{#if ../attributeBase name}}
+	{{#if characterCalculate "attributeBase" ../_id name}}
 		<paper-shadow class="card hit-dice" hero-id="main" 
 					  {{detailHero name ../_id}} 
 					  layout horizontal>
@@ -18,10 +18,10 @@
 				</div>
 				<div class="resourceValue" layout vertical center>
 					<div>
-						{{../attributeValue name}}
+						{{characterCalculate "attributeValue" ../_id name}}
 					</div>
 					<div class="title white-text">
-						d{{diceNum}} {{../abilityMod "constitution"}}
+						d{{diceNum}} {{characterCalculate "abilityMod" ../_id "constitution"}}
 					</div>
 				</div>
 			</div>
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/hitDice/hitDice.js b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/hitDice/hitDice.js
index bdaef24d..e6cd38e5 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/hitDice/hitDice.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/hitDice/hitDice.js
@@ -1,25 +1,28 @@
 Template.hitDice.helpers({
 	cantIncrement: function(){
-		var valueSmallerThanBase = this.char.attributeValue(this.name) <
-			this.char.attributeBase(this.name);
-		return !valueSmallerThanBase;
+		var value = Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this.char._id, this.name);
+		var base = Characters.calculate.attributeBase(this.char._id, this.name);
+		return value >= base;
 	},
 	cantDecrement: function(){
-		var valuePositive = this.char.attributeValue(this.name) > 0;
-		return !valuePositive;
+		var value = Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this.char._id, this.name);
+		return value <= 0;
 	},
 });
 
 Template.hitDice.events({
 	"tap .resourceUp": function(event){
-		if (this.char.attributeValue(this.name) < this.char.attributeBase(this.name)){
+		var value = Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this.char._id, this.name);
+		var base = Characters.calculate.attributeBase(this.char._id, this.name);
+		if (value < base){
 			var modifier = {$inc: {}};
 			modifier.$inc[this.name + ".adjustment"] = 1;
 			Characters.update(this.char._id, modifier, {validate: false});
 		}
 	},
 	"tap .resourceDown": function(event){
-		if (this.char.attributeValue(this.name) > 0){
+		var value = Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this.char._id, this.name);
+		if (value > 0){
 			var modifier = {$inc: {}};
 			modifier.$inc[this.name + ".adjustment"] = -1;
 			Characters.update(this.char._id, modifier, {validate: false});
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillDialog/skillDialog.html b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillDialog/skillDialog.html
index 954dcd61..10953f17 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillDialog/skillDialog.html
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillDialog/skillDialog.html
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<!-- needs name, char, and skillName -->
+<!-- needs name, charId, and skillName -->
 <template name="skillDialog">
 	{{#baseDialog title=name class=color hideEdit=true}}
 		{{> skillDialogView}}
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 <template name="skillDialogView">
 	<div layout vertical center>
 		<div class="display2">
-			{{char.skillMod skillName}}
+			{{characterCalculate "skillMod" charId skillName}}
 		</div>
 		<div class="subhead">
 			<core-icon icon="{{profIcon}}" class="black54"></core-icon>
@@ -25,9 +25,9 @@
 	<table class="summaryTable">
 		<tr>
 			<td>{{abilityName}}</td>
-			<td>{{char.abilityMod ability}}</td>
+			<td>{{characterCalculate "abilityMod" charId ability}}</td>
 		</tr>
-		{{#if char.proficiency skillName}}
+		{{#if characterCalculate "proficiency" charId skillName}}
 			<tr>
 				<td>{{proficiencyValue}}</td>
 				<td>{{signedString profBonus}}</td>
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@
 		{{/each}}
 		<tr class="body2">
 			<td>Total</td>
-			<td>{{char.skillMod skillName}}</td>
+			<td>{{characterCalculate "skillMod" charId skillName}}</td>
 		</tr>
 	</table>
 
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillDialog/skillDialog.js b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillDialog/skillDialog.js
index c2cbf6fc..759c1f11 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillDialog/skillDialog.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillDialog/skillDialog.js
@@ -106,9 +106,7 @@ Template.skillDialogView.helpers({
 		return a || b || c;
 	},
 	profIcon: function(){
-		var char = Characters.findOne(this.charId);
-		if (!char) return;
-		var prof = char.proficiency(this.skillName);
+		var prof = Characters.calculate.proficiency(this.charId, this.skillName);
 		if (prof > 0 && prof < 1) return "image:brightness-2";
 		if (prof === 1) return "image:brightness-1";
 		if (prof > 1) return "av:album";
@@ -123,13 +121,13 @@ Template.skillDialogView.helpers({
 	profBonus: function(){
 		var char = Characters.findOne(this.charId);
 		if (!char) return;
-		return char.proficiency(this.skillName) *
-			char.attributeValue("proficiencyBonus");
+		var prof = Characters.calculate.proficiency(this.charId, this.skillName);
+		var proficiencyBonus = 
+			Characters.calculate.attributeValue(this.charId, "proficiencyBonus");
+		return prof * proficiencyBonus;
 	},
 	proficiencyValue: function(){
-		var char = Characters.findOne(this.charId);
-		if (!char) return;
-		var prof = char.proficiency(this.skillName);
+		var prof = Characters.calculate.proficiency(this.charId, this.skillName);
 		if (prof == 0.5) return "Half Proficiency";
 		if (prof == 1)   return "Proficient";
 		if (prof == 2)   return "Double Proficiency";
@@ -199,22 +197,15 @@ Template.skillDialogView.helpers({
 		return skill.ability;
 	},
 	abilityName: function(){
-		var opts = {fields: {}};
-		opts.fields[this.skillName] = 1;
-		var char = Characters.findOne(this.charId, opts);
-		if (!char) return;
-		var skill = char[this.skillName];
+		var skill = Characters.calculate.getField(this.charId, this.skillName);
 		if (!skill) return;
 		var ability = skill.ability;
 		return abilities[ability] && abilities[ability].name;
 	},
-	char: function(){
-		return Characters.findOne(this.charId, {fields:{_id: 1}});
-	},
 	sourceName: function(){
 		if (this.parent.collection === "Characters"){
 			if (this.parent.group === "racial"){
-				return Characters.findOne(this.charId, {fields:{race: 1}}).race || "Race";
+				return Characters.calculate.getField(this.charId, "race") || "Race";
 			}
 			if (this.parent.group === "background"){
 				return "Background";
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillRow/skillRow.html b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillRow/skillRow.html
index 65cc3814..c40d6460 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillRow/skillRow.html
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillRow/skillRow.html
@@ -8,7 +8,9 @@
 			{{#if failSkill}}
 				<div class="fail skill-mod">fail</div>
 			{{else}}
-				<div class="{{advantage}} skill-mod">{{../skillMod skill}}</div>
+				<div class="{{advantage}} skill-mod">
+					{{skillMod}}
+				</div>
 			{{/if}}
 			<div flex>
 				{{name}}
@@ -16,7 +18,7 @@
 					*
 				{{/if}}
 				{{#if showPassive}}
-					({{../passiveSkill skill}})
+					({{characterCalculate "passiveSkill" ../_id skill}})
 				{{/if}}
 			</div>
 		</div>
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillRow/skillRow.js b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillRow/skillRow.js
index 8c4ca52c..fae6145a 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillRow/skillRow.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/skillRow/skillRow.js
@@ -1,13 +1,21 @@
 Template.skillRow.helpers({
+	skillMod: function() {
+		return signedString(
+			Characters.calculate.skillMod(
+				Template.parentData()._id, this.skill
+			)
+		);
+	},
 	profIcon: function(){
-		var prof = Template.parentData(1).proficiency(this.skill);
+		var charId = Template.parentData()._id;
+		var prof = Characters.calculate.proficiency(charId, this.skill);
 		if (prof > 0 && prof < 1) return "image:brightness-2";
 		if (prof === 1) return "image:brightness-1";
 		if (prof > 1) return "av:album";
 		return "radio-button-off";
 	},
 	failSkill: function(){
-		var charId = Template.parentData(1)._id;
+		var charId = Template.parentData()._id;
 		return Effects.find({
 			charId: charId,
 			stat: this.skill,
@@ -16,12 +24,13 @@ Template.skillRow.helpers({
 		}).count();
 	},
 	advantage: function(){
-		var advantage = Template.parentData(1).advantage(this.skill);
+		var charId = Template.parentData()._id;
+		var advantage = Characters.calculate.advantage(charId, this.skill);
 		if (advantage > 0) return "advantage";
 		if (advantage < 0) return "disadvantage";
 	},
 	conditionalCount: function(){
-		var charId = Template.parentData(1)._id;
+		var charId = Template.parentData()._id;
 		return Effects.find({
 			charId: charId,
 			stat: this.skill,
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/stats.html b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/stats.html
index 20a63d87..afff375b 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/stats.html
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/stats.html
@@ -75,9 +75,9 @@
 		<div class="left display1 white-text {{color}}"
 			 hero-id="toolbar" {{detailHero stat ../_id}}>
 			{{#if isSkill}}
-				{{../skillMod stat}}
+				{{prefix}}{{skillMod}}
 			{{else}}
-				{{prefix}}{{../attributeValue stat}}
+				{{prefix}}{{characterCalculate "attributeValue" ../_id stat}}
 			{{/if}}
 		</div>
 		<div class="right subhead" flex horizontal layout center>
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/stats.js b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/stats.js
index acfcd759..0cf7b922 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/stats.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/character/stats/stats.js
@@ -67,6 +67,12 @@ Template.stats.events({
 	},
 });
 
-Template.stats.helpers({
-
+Template.statCard.helpers({
+	skillMod: function() {
+		return signedString(
+			Characters.calculate.skillMod(
+				Template.parentData()._id, this.stat
+			)
+		);
+	},
 });
diff --git a/rpg-docs/client/views/paperTemplates/baseDialog/baseDialog.html b/rpg-docs/client/views/paperTemplates/baseDialog/baseDialog.html
index a3771702..249f2d5b 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/client/views/paperTemplates/baseDialog/baseDialog.html
+++ b/rpg-docs/client/views/paperTemplates/baseDialog/baseDialog.html
@@ -13,22 +13,22 @@
 								   role="button"
 								   tabindex="0"
 								   icon="delete"
-								   aria-label="Delete Feature"
-								   noink></paper-icon-button>
+								   aria-label="Delete Feature">
+				</paper-icon-button>
 			{{/unless}}
 			{{#unless hideColor}}
 				{{> colorDropdown}}
 			{{/unless}}
 			<paper-icon-button id="doneEditingButton"
 							   icon="done"
-							   aria-label="Delete Feature"
-							   noink></paper-icon-button>
+							   aria-label="Delete Feature">
+			</paper-icon-button>
 		{{else}}
 			{{#if showEdit}}
 				<paper-icon-button id="editButton"
 								   icon="create"
-								   aria-label="Delete Feature"
-								   noink></paper-icon-button>
+								   aria-label="Delete Feature">
+				</paper-icon-button>
 			{{/if}}
 		{{/if}}
 	</div>
diff --git a/rpg-docs/lib/functions/evaluate.js b/rpg-docs/lib/functions/evaluate.js
index 7e1d8adf..552f6944 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/lib/functions/evaluate.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/lib/functions/evaluate.js
@@ -1,11 +1,10 @@
 //evaluates a calculation string
 evaluate = function(charId, string){
 	if (!string) return string;
-	var char = Characters.findOne(charId, {fields: {_id: 1}});
 	string = string.replace(/\b[a-z]+\b/gi, function(sub){
 		//fields
 		if (Schemas.Character.schema(sub)){
-			return char.fieldValue(sub);
+			return Characters.calculate.fieldValue(charId, sub);
 		}
 		//ability modifiers
 		var abilityMods = [
@@ -19,7 +18,7 @@ evaluate = function(charId, string){
 		if (_.contains(abilityMods, sub)){
 			var slice = sub.slice(0, -3);
 			try {
-				return char.abilityMod(slice);
+				return Characters.calculate.abilityMod(charId, slice);
 			} catch (e){
 				return sub;
 			}
@@ -33,7 +32,7 @@ evaluate = function(charId, string){
 		}
 		//character level
 		if (sub.toUpperCase()  === "LEVEL"){
-			return char.level();
+			return Characters.calculate.level(charId);
 		}
 		return sub;
 	});
@@ -41,7 +40,6 @@ evaluate = function(charId, string){
 		var result = math.eval(string);
 		return result;
 	} catch (e){
-		console.log("Failed to evaluate ", string);
 		return string;
 	}
 };
diff --git a/rpg-docs/lib/functions/preventLoop.js b/rpg-docs/lib/functions/preventLoop.js
index d71b6a2c..12deea1f 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/lib/functions/preventLoop.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/lib/functions/preventLoop.js
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 preventLoop = function(inputFunction){
+	var self = this;
 	if (!_.isFunction(inputFunction)){
 		throw new Meteor.Error(
 			"Not a function",
@@ -9,23 +10,26 @@ preventLoop = function(inputFunction){
 	//if we try to visit the same argument twice before resolving its value
 	//we are in a dependency loop and need to GTFO
 	var visitedArgs = [];
-	return function(argument){
-		var value;
+	return function(){
+		var result;
+		var hash = _.reduce(arguments, function(memo, arg) {
+			return memo + arg;
+		}, "");
 		//we're still evaluating this attribute, must be in a loop
-		if (_.contains(visitedArgs, argument)) {
+		if (_.contains(visitedArgs, hash)) {
 			console.warn("dependency loop detected");
 			return NaN;
 		} else {
-			//push this skill to the list of visited skills
+			//push this hash to the list of visited hashes
 			//we can't visit it again unless it returns first
-			visitedArgs.push(argument);
+			visitedArgs.push(hash);
 		}
 		try {
-			value = inputFunction.call(this, argument);
+			result = inputFunction.apply(this, arguments);
 		} finally{
-			//this argument returns or fails, pull it from the array
-			visitedArgs = _.without(visitedArgs, argument);
+			//this hash returns or fails, pull it from the array
+			visitedArgs = _.without(visitedArgs, hash);
 		}
-		return value;
+		return result;
 	};
 };
diff --git a/rpg-docs/lib/memoize/memoize.js b/rpg-docs/lib/memoize/memoize.js
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..092a4036
--- /dev/null
+++ b/rpg-docs/lib/memoize/memoize.js
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+Tracker.memoize = function(func, hasher){
+	var memoize  = function(key) {
+		var cache = memoize.cache;
+		var address = "" + (hasher ? hasher.apply(this, arguments) : key);
+		if (!_.has(cache, address)) {
+			cache[address] = new CacheObject(func, address, arguments, cache, this);
+		}
+		return cache[address].get();
+	};
+	memoize.cache = {};
+	return memoize;
+};
+
+function CacheObject(func, address, args, cache, context){
+	var self = this;
+	self.currentValue = null;
+	self.dep = new Tracker.Dependency();
+
+	//spawn a new autorun that keeps the value up-to-date
+	Tracker.nonreactive(function() {
+		Tracker.autorun(function(computation) {
+			//if this isn't the first run and nobody is listening,
+			//delete itself from cache and stop the computation
+			if (!computation.firstRun && !self.dep.hasDependents()){
+				computation.stop();
+				delete cache[address];
+				return;
+			}
+			//call the expensive function
+			var newValue = func.apply(context, args);
+			//if the value changed, store the new value
+			if (self.currentValue !== newValue){
+				self.currentValue = newValue;
+				//tell the dependents that we've changed
+				self.dep.changed();
+			}
+		});
+	});
+}
+
+CacheObject.prototype.get = function() {
+	//if there is an active computation, track dependents
+	if (Tracker.active) this.dep.depend();
+	return this.currentValue;
+};
diff --git a/rpg-docs/lib/methods/conditions.js b/rpg-docs/lib/methods/conditions.js
index e5a83801..f0ecddb0 100644
--- a/rpg-docs/lib/methods/conditions.js
+++ b/rpg-docs/lib/methods/conditions.js
@@ -98,9 +98,9 @@ trackEncumbranceConditions = function(charId, templateInstance) {
 		});
 		var character = Characters.findOne(
 			charId,
-			{fields: {strength: 1, "settings": 1}}
+			{fields: {"settings": 1}}
 		);
-		var strength = character.attributeValue("strength");
+		var strength = Characters.calculate.attributeValue(charId, "strength");
 		var give = function(condition) {
 			Meteor.call("giveCondition", charId, condition);
 		};