Difference between revisions of "Primary Attributes"

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'''Primary attributes''' are the defining [[Ability Stats|ability statistic]] of each [[Character Class|character's class]], that underlie the character's capabilities while affecting success in the game world.  Primary attributes play a pivotal roll in [[Character Creation|character creation]] and game play.
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A [[Fighter (class)|fighter]], for example, has the primary attribute of [[Strength (ability stat)|strength]].  The minimum strength to become a fighter is 9.  This is not only a minimum limit when assigning ability stats to the character, but a recognition than any fighter with a less than 9 strength would be a very poor combatant.  Thus when creating a fighter, the player is encouraged to allocate the character's highest roll to strength, because this would be that character's greatest need.
  
The primary attribute of any character class is considered to be it’s most important [[Ability Stats|ability statistic]]. When a player [[Character Creation|creates a character]], it is considered best for the character’s survival if the highest stat the character has rolled is placed upon the character’s primary attribute. This is not a requirement - but it is often good policy.
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== Experience Bonuses ==
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There are seven distinct character classes that offer a notable 10% [[Experience (X.P.)|experience]] bonus to characters whose primary attribute surpasses a specified threshold. These classes include [[Cleric (class)|clerics]], [[Druid (class)|druids]], fighters, [[Mage (class)|mages]], [[Paladin (class)|paladins]], [[Ranger (class)|rangers]] and [[Thief (class)|thieves]].
  
For example, a player has decided to be a [[Fighter (class)|fighter]]. The primary attribute for the fighter is [[Strength (ability stat)|strength]]. A fighter’s minimum strength is 9. Under the rules, the player is free to assign any stat above 9 to their strength in order to meet the requirements to be a fighter. However, a fighter with only a 9 strength would be a poor fighter; whereas placing the highest of the player’s six rolls under strength would most likely make the best possible fighter. Thus the primary ability is a guideline for the player when choosing stats.
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Two of these require a strength of 16 or better in order for the bonus to be received: fighters and paladins.  A ranger requires that both strength and [[Intelligence (ability stat)|intelligence]] be at least 16. Mages require a 16 intelligence; clerics and druids require a 16 [[Wisdom (ability stat)|wisdom]]; thieves require a 16 [[Dexterity (ability stat)|dexterity]]. Four classes cannot receive an experience bonus, regardless of their stats: [[Assassin (class)|assassins]], [[Bard (class)|bards]], [[Illusionist (class)|illusionists]] and [[Monk (class)|monks]].
  
In the case of seven classes - the [[Cleric (class)|cleric]], [[Druid (class)|druid]], fighter, [[Mage (class)|mage]], [[Paladin (class)|paladin]], [[Ranger (class)|ranger]] and [[Thief (class)|thief]] - the primary attribute also provides a 10% [[Experience (X.P.)|experience]] bonus for the character.
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== Constitution & Charisma ==
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[[Constitution (ability stat)|Constitution]], although not classified as a primary attribute for any particular class, frequently emerges as the most advantageous choice for a character's second-highest roll. This is due to its substantial influence on a character's [[Hit Points|hit points]] and overall [[Disease|health]], making it a crucial consideration in character development.
  
Strength is the primary attribute for [[Assassin (class)|assassins]], fighters, paladins and rangers. [[Wisdom (ability stat)|Wisdom]] is the primary attribute for clerics, druids and [[Monk (class)|monks]]. [[Intelligence (ability stat)|Intelligence]] is the primary attribute for [[Illusionist (class)|illusionists]] and mages. [[Dexterity (ability stat)|Dexterity]] is the primary attribute for thieves. And [[Charisma (ability stat)|charisma]] is the primary stat for [[Bard (class)|bards]].
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[[Charisma (ability stat)|Charisma]] is the primary ability for bards.  It's also of particular benefit to paladins and druids, and to a lesser extent to all players, as charisma can open doors and win [[Morale|loyalty]] and [[Follower|followers]] through game play.
  
[[Constitution (ability stat)|Constitution]] is not a primary stat for any class; but it is very often the best choice for the character’s second highest roll, as constitution is very important for hit points and health.
 
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See [[Player Characters]]
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See also,<br>
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[[Multi-class Characters]]<br>
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[[Player Characters]]
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[[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 20:13, 6 November 2023

Primary-attributes.jpg

Primary attributes are the defining ability statistic of each character's class, that underlie the character's capabilities while affecting success in the game world. Primary attributes play a pivotal roll in character creation and game play.

A fighter, for example, has the primary attribute of strength. The minimum strength to become a fighter is 9. This is not only a minimum limit when assigning ability stats to the character, but a recognition than any fighter with a less than 9 strength would be a very poor combatant. Thus when creating a fighter, the player is encouraged to allocate the character's highest roll to strength, because this would be that character's greatest need.

Experience Bonuses

There are seven distinct character classes that offer a notable 10% experience bonus to characters whose primary attribute surpasses a specified threshold. These classes include clerics, druids, fighters, mages, paladins, rangers and thieves.

Two of these require a strength of 16 or better in order for the bonus to be received: fighters and paladins. A ranger requires that both strength and intelligence be at least 16. Mages require a 16 intelligence; clerics and druids require a 16 wisdom; thieves require a 16 dexterity. Four classes cannot receive an experience bonus, regardless of their stats: assassins, bards, illusionists and monks.

Constitution & Charisma

Constitution, although not classified as a primary attribute for any particular class, frequently emerges as the most advantageous choice for a character's second-highest roll. This is due to its substantial influence on a character's hit points and overall health, making it a crucial consideration in character development.

Charisma is the primary ability for bards. It's also of particular benefit to paladins and druids, and to a lesser extent to all players, as charisma can open doors and win loyalty and followers through game play.


See also,
Multi-class Characters
Player Characters