Statistics
Characters in the game are represented by a set of numerical statistics that determine how effective the character is at different physical and mental challenges.
Attributes
Attributes are the first set of statistics we will cover. These are the innate abilities of the character, governing things such as their physical strength, agility, intelligence, and so on. These attributes are the raw basics of a character, each will have a number of skills and abilities as later defined by the Skill Bundles and Specialties they select.
Following from the SFM, the characters have the following six attributes: Physique, Reflexes, Knowledge, Savvy, Confidence, and Empathy. However, as we are tying this system to the Castle & Crusades system as well, the “core” abilities of Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma may often need to be compared. Below, in the description of each attribute, it will relate how to tie back to these abilities.
Attributes will normally range from -3 to +3. This is not a hard cap on the range, exceptional individuals, or through some sort of enhancement or drawback, an character may have a higher or lower score. SFM does not mention recording the actual number used to determine the Attribute score, though for the sake of comparison or compatibility with C&C, I would recommend keeping record of the Attribute Rating.
Physique
This attribute covers the characters physical abilities. Primarily regarding strength, health, and endurance. A character will gain an additional number of wound boxes on the Wounds Track, equal to the Physique score. When determining encumbrance, the character can carry an item whose Size is equal to 5 plus their Physique score, to a maximum of the size of the character. Finally the Physique score is added to all melee combat rolls.
When comparing to C&C, Physique is equivalent to Strength and Constitution. If you wish to differentiate between the two, I would recommend allowing the rating to be modified by subtracting one or two points from one attribute and adding that to the other. So if the Physique rating was 14, you could have a Strength of 16 and a Con of 12, or vice-verse.
Reflexes
Reflexes relate to the agility and reaction time of a character. It also governs the manual dexterity of the character and hand-eye coordination. Reflexes will add to a characters defense rating, though a negative attribute will not reduce the rating. Reflexes are also used to all Ranged combat rolls.
Reflexes are directly linked to Dexterity in C&C.
Knowledge
This attribute covers what the character understands of the world around them, general knowledge, education, and memory retention. This can be through formal education, or learning through life-experiences.
Knowledge is akin to the Intelligence score in C&C. However, it is not a perfect analogy, and the SE/CK could rule that Intelligence would be equal to the average of Savvy and Knowledge.
Savvy
Where Knowledge covers what a character knows, Savvy measure how well the character can use that Knowledge. Reasoning, logic, and ability to learn all fall under the aspect of Savvy.
When talking about conversion to C&C Savvy is similar to Wisdom. See the notes on Knowledge above, as it can possibly affect the Intelligence score as well. If using this mix of Knowledge and Savvy for Intelligence, I would also consider averaging Savvy and Empathy to create the Wisdom score.
Confidence
This measures a characters self-worth, force of will, ego, and will affect how others view the character. Confidence is used most often when the character tries to sway others to their line of thinking, charm, or intimidate another being. It is also used when trying to resist such actions when the character is their target. The Confidence score is added to the characters Stress Track, though a negative Confidence attribute will not subtract from the normal track. This ability is also used when defending against attacks directed at the mind, such as from Psionics.
In C&C, Charisma is most directly related to Confidence. Again the analogy is not perfect, and whether or not you choose to average Kn and Sv for Intelligence, and Sv and Em for Wisdom, you should average Confidence and Empathy to determine the effective Charisma of the character.
Empathy
The Empathy attribute measures how well they get along with others and understand their own psyche. This ability can aid in determining the motivations of others through scrutinizing their emotions and body language. It also relates to their general likeability. Often it is used when trying to understand the actions or even hidden desires/motivations of other beings. It is also the base attribute for Psionic Powers, though the details of these are not provided and will be released in a future supplement. In SFM this attribute also affects the Cyber Score.
Generating Attributes
There are many methods that players and game masters have used over the years to determine the starting attributes of characters. Below, three methods are outlined. As I noted above, I recommend recording the Rating (the number actually rolled) as well as the Attribute itself. This aids in conversion to C&C if/when needed.
First, the method as shown in the SFM on page 5, simply roll a d20 to determine the Rating. This generates a number between 1 and 20 and is completely random.
Second, rolling 3d6 and totaling them up to determine the ability rating. This yields a bell-curve and generates a bit more natural character. The character will tend more towards the average, with less of a chance of getting an exceptionally low or high score.
Finally, there is the point-buy system. In this system all characters have 50+3d10 points with which to buy their ability ratings. If all three dice come up 9 or 10, the character may get an additional 5 points to spend at the discretion of the SE.
Regardless of what system is used, if the total rating of all of the characters attributes is less than 55, the SE should consider granting additional points to be assigned, or allow a new set of attributes be generated.
Once you have the ability score rating, consult the following chart to determine the actual attribute. First find the method used to generate ability ratings, d20 or some other method, then read the Attribute score from the last column.
Code: Select all
d20 3d6 Attribute
1 3 -3
2–3 4–5 -2
4–7 6–8 -1
8–13 9–12 0
14–17 13–15 +1
18–19 16–17 +2
20 18 +3
