Attributes

Attributes comprise a character's baseline level of ability across six measurements in The Domains of Dread: Strength, Constitution, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma. Their attribute score identifies to what level a character may be expected to perform at given conditions unforced and unaltered.

For every 2 points an attribute score is above 10, their modifier increases and vice versa. For example, a character that possesses 16 Wisdom will have a +3 modifier that influences any check, skill or roll which utilizes Wisdom in this way, just as their 8 in Charisma means that they have -1 in those circumstances involving Charisma.

Attributes in The Domains of Dread

Strength

Strength is the measure of the character's ability to exert physical power, their martial discipline and poise. Many melee weapon types add a character's Strength modifier to the attack and damage matrixes, and has an influence on the character's maximum carrying capacity in the inventory.

Constitution

Constitution is the measure of the character's hardiness and ability to withstand system shock. A character's Constitution modifier is added to their Fortitude saves and has an influence on how quickly or slowly that character becomes fatigued and exhausted. When leveling up, a character's Constitution modifier is also added to determine the final amount of HP that character adds to their total HP pool.

Dexterity

Dexterity is the measure of the character's ability to move deftly and with agility. Some melee weapon types and most ranged weapon types add a character's Dexterity modifier to the attack and damage matrixes, and a positive modifier is added to a character's base Armor Class when not flat-footed or otherwise denied this bonus. It is added to a character's Reflex save.

Intelligence

Intelligence is the measure of the character's ability to recall and organize information. Though characters who lack Intelligence are not required to be by necessity ignorant or illiterate, they will have narrower fields of expertise and knowledge. A character's positive Intelligence modifier adds to their bank of fluent languages and speed of learning.

Wisdom

Wisdom is the measure of the character's ability to rely on instinct and practice presence of mind. Important skills related to spotting, like Perception, are tied to Wisdom.

Charisma

Charisma is the measure of the character's ability to persuade others, force of personality, and overall presence. Characters do not require Charisma in order to be attractive or lack thereof to be physically unappealing, but should factor their Charisma in how they "even the score" in terms of personal mannerisms or matters of speech.