Attributes

Items or individuals are assigned numeric ratings to indicate how effective they are at certain tasks. Both a vehicle's Maneuver and its Speed are ratings, as is a person's Build Attribute or his Stamina. They allow comparisons between individuals and their respective abilities. Many ratings, such as a vehicle's Maneuver or an individual's Attributes, are Zero-Average Ratings. They are the ones presented in the plus/minus format (for example +1, 0, -2). This type of rating is used as a modifier for die rolls. An average score is unexceptional and is therefore rated as a zero. Any below average scores are rated as negative numbers and any above average scores are rated as positive numbers.

Agility (AGI)

Physical prowess and coordination

Agility is the character's hand-eye coordination, nimbleness and reflexes. This Attribute is best suited to action-oriented characters such as pilots, bodyguards and pickpockets, all of which are likely to have high Agility ratings.

Appearance (APP)

Physical comeliness

Appearance rates the physical attractiveness of the character. This can modify how other people react to him: many heroic characters have a high Appearance rating in order to impress those they come in contact with. Note that Appearance applies solely between members of the same race.

Build (BLD)

Physical size and mass

Build is a rating of the character's size and body frame. It does not represent the character's physical might -- that's what's the Strength Secondary Attribute is for -- but the actual body size and mass. This is most apparent in the archetypal couch potato who is very large (high Build), but can barely lift the remote to change the channel.

Creativity (CRE)

Mental innovation and quick thinking

Creativity is a measure of the character's ability to use his mind in innovative ways. It is also a measure of the character's ability to think on his feet. This Attribute is useful for most characters who are likely to be thrust into unfamiliar situations and for leaders who have to make many decisions while on the run.

Fitness (FIT)

Physical conditioning and endurance

Fitness rates the character's general flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, resistance to effort and overall muscle tone. While Build measures raw size, Fitness measures how well maintained the character's body is. Illness can temporarily reduce this Attribute, as can other hardships (such as a substandard air supply and starvation).

Influence (INF)

Charisma and persuasiveness

Influence measures the character's charm, wit and persuasiveness. A high Influence rating is a must for any charismatic leader. It is also useful for those who desire to spend lots of time in corporate or social settings, or characters who need to get past security in more subtle ways.

Knowledge (KNO)

Education and logical thinking

Knowledge is the character's ability to learn and recall information and also takes into account the number of years of education the character has successfully completed. Scientists and "brainiac" characters typically have high Knowledge ratings.

Perception (PER)

Alertness and ability to discern details

Perception is a measure of the character's attentiveness to detail and overall alertness. It is crucial for action heroes, since the enemy who cannot be seen cannot be dealt with. Perception is especially important for scouts and investigators, who need to pay attention to obscure details and find things hidden from view.

Psyche (PSY)

Mental health, empathy and luck

Psyche is an abstract measure of the character's karma, happiness, sensitivity and love of life. It also reflects the empathy of the character and how "in tune" he is with his own emotions and those of others, as well as his innate luck. Psyche is an abstract concept which is best reflected by extremes; someone with a low psyche seems to have a black cloud over his head all the time and people will intuitively avoid him. A person with a high Psyche is empathic towards the feelings of others and tends to be easily trusted.

Willpower (WIL)

Mental endurance and conviction

Willpower is a rating of the character's selfdiscipline, determination and pain threshold. Unlike Psyche, Willpower does not imply a love of life; it does however reflect the character's ability to deny death using sheer strength of will. Headstrong and arrogant characters are good candidates for a high WIL, as are shocktroopers who want to be able to take a bullet.