1.2.1 -- Attributes in FUDGE Deryni

Attributes represent several things in the game system. First of all, they are a descriptor of the basic makeup of a character. They are used when no particular skill applies (Frex, there is no Arm Wrestling Skill, therefore an arm wrestling contest would be off of Strength). They are also used as a guideline as to the character's abilities. Pick Attribute ratings that make sense, rating them along the scale of Terrible to Superb.

Attributes and Skills are not linked mechanically in Fudge Dseryni. There are many reasons for that, which I will not get into here. But while they aren't linked, Skill choice should reflect the inherent ability shown by the Attributes (assuming there isn't a good story/background reason otherwise). Each Attribute does have its uses in game, so don't assume that you can lower one just because it won't be used. A character always feels his deficencies in my games.

Also note there is not an Attribute concerning Intelligence or IQ or Reasoning, or any other variation thereof. Once again, there are many reasons for this. If you wish to play a character smarter than you are, then give him more Knowledge Skills. Skill Rolls are used for knowledge the character knows but the player does not.

Regular Attributes
• (STR) Strength : Physical strength of character. Applies to damage when attackings in melee combat.
• (AGL) Agility: Physical flexibility, manual dexterity, and balance.
• (STA) Stamina: Character's constitution. Determines fatigue limits and to some extent, the character's willpower. A character recieves 1 Fatigue Point per level of his Stamina. Fatigue is lost for strenuous activity, and is regained through rest.
• (PER) Perception: How aware of the environment this character is.
• (DAM) Damage Capacity: This is a representation of how durable your character is. DAM determines how resistant to being killed when he's wounded. A very low DAM is not recommended for a PC, unless they are typically non-combatants. More information on how DAM is used is in Section 4.4 Damage and Wounds .

Special Attributes
• (RAN) Rank: Rank is the measurement of a character's social standing. This rating is a product of many factors, and may change over the course of the game. Starting characters purchase the level of their current absolute Rank, but do not pay for modifiers. Clergy pay for the higher of their birth Rank or their status within the Church. This is explained in much more detail in Section 1.3.1.1 Rank and Social Standing.
• (POW) Power: Only available to characters with Deryni blood (see Notes on Deryni Characters for full details). The Power Attribute represents a Deryni's inherent aptitude and ability with magic. It is a measure of how much energy one has, how well one learns Skills, and how in tune with his senses he is. This Attribute has special details for how it is bought and raised, so see Notes on Deryni Characters.