Character Ability Statistics

The usage of statistics in the Character Sheets is something that need be carefully approached, since they should not be considered in the same way as one would in a computer game, or paper-based role-playing game. The statistics would not be used very much in any role-playing done via the writing of stories, but they would have some very powerful other uses. They would allow authors to come up with more realistic ways of specifying the strengths and weaknesses of characters, and also allow for the tales to reflect this -- e.g. in order for people to be in a certain profession, they have to be strong in some things, and weaker in others. Some statistics would be low and others would be high, showing people what the capabilities of their characters truly are.

Characters could also be compared with each other, seeing that Elric is more dexterous than Dekar Gates, and that Wulfgar is stronger than Aldar etc. The role-playing or stories would then be written accordingly -- e.g. in a certain scene a group of characters are chased by Dark Paladins, and run up against a blocked door. Aldar strains to break it down, but cannot. Wulfgar takes over, and because he is stronger, manages to force it open allowing us to escape. A wizard like Schaffer Otik, for instance, would not stand even a chance, since he might have low Strength, but rather a high Intelligence stat. A Ranger with high Constitution and Quickness might well outrun everyone over long distances. Therefore, I believe that the introduction of this element has some value, even though it might not be used directly to play or resolve any actions or activities of the characters.

The statistics for these character sheets are based on the system devised for the Rolemaster role-playing setting by ICE. This system uses a base of 100 (like in percentages) and an expanded range of statistics. This allows a greater range of definition for characters.

An individual’s characteristics represent his prowess in various areas in comparison to the average man. A townsman or normal civilian might average 40 to 50 in his stats. Adventurers are likely to be superior to the general populace, however. Therefore their stats would be much higher over average. Note that not ALL their stats might be higher! In very basic terms, about 45 is average (normal), 70 to 80 is good/high, 80 to 90 is exceptional, 100 is practically supernatural.

The statistics are as follows:

STRENGTH (STR)
Not brute musculature, but the ability to use your existing muscles to their greatest advantage. For comparison, I will try to indicate what a number in these stats actually mean. A STR of 50 is equal to an average 20-year-old. 90 to 94 is equal to a top athlete or bodybuilder. At 100, you could just about change the tire on your car without using a jack. An AD&D Troll would have a STR of 101. Druid Wulfgar (a huge plainsman) would most likely have a STR stat of 98 or 99. A full-grown dragon would likely have a STR stat of a staggering 200.

QUICKNESS/DEXTERITY (QUI)
This is essentially a measure of reflexes and conscious reaction time. At 75 to 89, you would be a good, competent swordsman/fencer. At 90 to 94, you would be like Houdini. A ninja would have a QUI of 98. Bruce Lee would have a stat of 100.

PRESENCE/CHARISMA (PRE)
This refers to control of one’s own mind. It is related to Courage, Bearing, Self-esteem, Charisma, Outward appearance and the ability to use it to affect and control others. A team couch would have the PRE of 75 to 89. A top diplomat or president of a country would have a stat of 95. The Kings and Lords of the countries of Temmarendil (such as Emperor Pyros or Lord Grayness) would likely have Charisma stats ranging from 95 to 99.

INTUITION/WISDOM (INT)
This is a combination of luck, genius, and the favour of the gods. At 75 to 89 a character would be a skilled planner. Sherlock Holmes would have a stat of 98. Lord Onaeus would likely have a Wisdom stat of 98 to 99.

EMPATHY (EMP)
This is the relationship of the character to the all-pervading force that is common to all things natural and is the basis of most things supernatural. It has other names as well, such as the Force etc. It is difficult to find comparisons. Darth Vader of Star Wars would have a stat of 95 to 98. The Emperor (Darth Vader’s Master) would be at 99 to 100. Generally, magic-users would have high scores for this stat.

CONSTITUTION (CON)
Constitution refers to the general health and well being of the character, his resistance to disease and his ability to absorb more damage. An Olympic athlete would have a CON stat of 89 to 91, while a Marathon runner would have a score of 95 to 97. The superhero, Batman, would have a CON stat of 100.

AGILITY (DEX)
This is related to manual dexterity and litheness. (Refer to Quickness)

SELF DISCIPLINE (SFD)
This statistic refers to the control of your mind over your body, the ability to push yourself harder in pursuit of some goal, or to draw upon the inner reserves of strength inherent in any individual. There are no direct comparisons, but a modern-day soldier in the special forces (Navy Seals, Green Berets) would have a SFD stat of 90 to 97. A master in the martial arts (Kung Fu etc) would probably have a stat of 98.

MEMORY (MEM)
This refers to the ability to retain what you have previously encountered and learned. It is again hard to make good comparison. However, I would think that people blessed with "photographic" memory would have a stat of 98 to 99.

REASONING/INTELLIGENCE (RSN)
Close to intelligence, the ability to absorb, comprehend and categorize data for future use. It also reflects the ability to take available information and draw logical conclusions. In this instance, a college professor or a fine detective would have a stat of 85-89. Mr. Spock of Star Trek fame would score 98 in this stat. The great artist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci, would probably be at 99 to 100.

One major Guideline to follow when assigning statistics is that for each profession type, there are usually two statistics that HAVE to be high. This reflects the fact that in order for a character to be in a certain profession, he would likely be talented in specific attributes that make him suited for the profession. This is referred to as the profession’s Prime Requisites (PR). For example, a Warrior character would have PRs of Strength and Constitution. Characters that want to be warriors and do not have high scores in those stats would not likely be good fighters, and would consequently not survive for long.

For this reason, the guideline to follow for the PRs of any chosen profession is that those statistics would be in the 90-100 range. Quick references for the PRs for the various classes are:

The recommended spread of statistic scores could be as follows:
4 stats: 90 to 100
2 stats: 80 to 90
2 stats: 70 to 80
1 stat: 60 to 70
1 stat: 50 to 60

A character could have no stats below 50 (ordinary person), since they are all extraordinary people and above average. The above layout places the stats in favour of higher attributes, while still ensuring that people have to carefully decide what they are good at and what not.