There are four different types of Attributes you can use to build out your character. Each type uses different mechanics to govern how the Attribute will be used in play. It is best to make use of all of the available Attribute types to take advantage of your character’s resources and make play more versatile and exciting.
Skills
A Skill is an attribute tied to one of a character’s core statistics and provides a Skill Bonus modifier to enhance that stat during relevant tasks. Whenever a character attempts an action that falls within their expertise, they roll the associated stat and add their Skill Bonus to increase their chances of success. For example, in a noir detective setting, a private investigator might have the skill “Interrogation,” tied to their Mental Agility (MA) stat. When trying to extract information from a suspect, they would roll their MA stat and add their Skill Bonus in Interrogation to the result. In a steampunk adventure, a brilliant inventor could have “Tinkering” tied to their Mental Strength (MS), allowing them to repair or modify complex steam-powered machinery by adding their Skill Bonus to their roll. Skills provide characters with an edge in areas where they excel, enhancing their ability to influence the outcome of critical tasks.
Traits
A Trait is an innate Attribute that defines a character’s inherent qualities and can be used without limitation. Traits often provide permanent modifiers, either positive or negative, to a character’s mechanics, shaping how they interact with the world. These traits can be racial or species-based in a fantasy setting, like “Dark Vision,” which allows a character to see clearly in low light, or “Poison Resistance,” which halves damage from toxins. In an eldritch horror setting, a character might have the trait “Touched by Madness,” causing them to suffer from recurring visions or hallucinations that negatively impact their Mental Agility (MA), giving them a penalty to perception rolls when under stress. Traits are always active and apply whenever relevant, giving characters unique advantages or disadvantages that add depth to their identity and gameplay.
Abilities
An Ability is a type of Attribute that enables a character to perform a unique or powerful action a limited number of times within a specific time frame, such as once per day or three times per game session. These abilities go beyond normal skills, giving characters a distinct edge in certain situations. For instance, in a sci-fi setting, a starship pilot might have “Photon Surge,” allowing them to temporarily boost their ship’s speed or maneuverability, enabling them to outpace enemies or navigate dangerous terrain once per mission. In a modern espionage setting, a spy might have “Infiltrator’s Instinct,” which allows them to flawlessly bypass security systems twice per operation. Abilities are what give characters those standout moments that define their role and make them truly special in the narrative.
Powers
A Power is an Attribute that taps into a character’s finite internal energy or resource, allowing them to perform extraordinary feats. This resource is represented by a pool of power points, and once depleted, the character can no longer use their powers until the points are replenished. For example, in a superhero setting, a character might use “Energy Blast,” harnessing stored energy to fire powerful attacks, but only while they have power points remaining. In a post-apocalyptic setting, a mutated survivor might have the power to “Regenerate,” rapidly healing wounds by drawing from their power points, but once their energy is exhausted, they must wait to recover. Powers provide characters with game-changing abilities, but managing this finite resource is key to their success in challenging situations.