Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Entry: 00-005: Attributes

Attributes
by Doug, Co-Creator

Attributes are common in almost all RPGs but what they are and how they are used can vary greatly depending on game system and setting. In CotV we wanted to insure that the characters attributes were appropriate for a Sci-Fi setting and would allow the players enough options to complete any task they wished. With this in mind we chose Strength (STR), Agility (AGL), Discipline (DIS), Tech (Tech), Awareness (AWR), Persuasion (PER), and Manipulation (MAN). Let’s look at what each of these attributes represent.

STR is a character’s raw strength and endurance. STR is used for skills such as lifting heavy objects, climbing, and resisting the effects of toxins. Sometimes it’s used to lift a refrigerator if you are part man part machine.


AGL is a character’s ability to control the movement of their body. AGL is used for skills such as jumping from one roof to another, moving silently, and mimicking another person’s body movement.

DIS is a representation of a character’s mental discipline. DIS is used for skills such as recalling information without access to a data pad, taking information and applying it, and staying awake on watch.

Tech is a character’s ability to use, understand and implement technology. Tech is used for skills such as cracking codes, programming computers and robots, and repairing broken technology.

AWR is a character’s ability to accurately and quickly perceive their surroundings. AWR is used to spot things of interest, look for clues, and watching for danger.

PER is a character’s ability to influence another character’s opinion through diplomacy, charisma and charm. PER is used for bartering an agreement, convincing someone to do something you would like them to do, and give others an overall positive impression of you.

MAN is a character’s ability to influence another character’s opinion through intimidation, manipulation, and cunning. MAN is used for striking deals, convincing someone to do something you would like them to do, and give others an overall fearful impression of you.