An Attribute (also called a statistic, characteristic or ability) is an abstract number (or, in some cases, a set of dice) which represents a single aspect of a fictional character in a role-playing game. Most RPGs use attributes to describe characters' physical and mental characteristics, for example their strength or wisdom. Usually a higher number is better, but not always. They often influence the chance to succeed in skill or other tests by addition to a die roll or by determining the number of dice to be thrown.

In contrast to skills, which represent a character’s expertise in learned capabilities like horse riding or hacking, or powers, which represent a character's unique or special abilities such as flight, attributes describe to what extent a character possesses natural, in-born characteristics common to all characters. As a result, ability scores are usually determined during character creation, and in many games they are fixed for the duration of the game. However, in some games they can be increased by spending experience points gained during the game, or as part of the process of levelling up. There are generally two ways of determining attributes, either randomly (by rolling dice) or by point distribution (see character point).

Common attribute names Edit

Strength aka Body, Might, Brawl Edit

A measure of how physically strong a character is. Strength often controls the maximum amount you can carry, melee attack and/or damage, and sometimes hit points. Armor and weapons might also have a Strength requirement.

Constitution aka Endurance, Vitality Edit

A measure of how resilient a character is. Constitution often influences hit points, resistances for special types of damage (poisons, illness, heat etc.) and fatigue. Many games combine Constitution and Strength.

Dexterity aka Agility, Reflexes, SpeedEdit

A measure of how agile a character is. Dexterity controls attack and movement speed and accuracy, as well as the difficulty of an opponent's attack (see Armor Class).

Intelligence aka Mind, Brains, Smarts Edit

A measure of a character's problem-solving ability. Intelligence often controls a character's ability to comprehend foreign languages and their skill in magic. In some games, it controls the rate at which experience points are earned, or the amount needed to "level up".

Charisma aka Presence, Charm, Social Edit

A measure of a character's social skills, and sometimes their physical appearance. Charisma generally influences prices while trading, and NPC reactions.

Wisdom aka Psyche, Sense Edit

A measure of a character's common sense and/or spirituality and/or ability to perceive surroundings. Wisdom often controls a character's ability to cast certain spells, communicate to mystical entities, or hear something in the distance.

Willpower aka Sanity, Personality, Ego Edit

A measure of the character's mental resistance (against pain, fear etc.) when falling victim to mind-altering or torture, or insanity.

Perception aka Alertness, Awareness, Cautiousness Edit

A measure of a character's openness of their surroundings. Perception controls the chance to detect vital clues, traps, or hiding enemies, and might influence combat sequence, or the accuracy of ranged attacks. Perception-type attributes are more common in more modern games. Sometimes combined with wisdom.

Luck aka Fate, Good Stuff Edit

A measure of a character's luck. Luck might influence anything, but mostly random items, encounters and outstanding successes/failures (such as critical hits).

Additional Links Edit

See Also: FAQ/Abilities and Skills