The statistics in Desolation are set values from -4 to +4, and are fixed at character creation. They do not increase as you play. The values are as thusly:
Value | Description |
-4 | Terrible |
-3 | Bad |
-2 | Poor |
-1 | Below Average |
0 | Average |
+1 | Above Average |
+2 | Good |
+3 | Great |
+4 | Excellent |
Strength (STR): The ability to overpower enemies or to lift, move, and break items. This is important in melee combat and in physical tasks such as breaking down doors. The strength stat determines carry weight, and bonus damage to melee combat.
Intelligence (IQ): How well a character thinks and solves problems. The mental strength of the character is determined by this stat. Smarter characters will tend to be more skillful than silly ones, naturally. This stat is especially important to medic and engineer classes. Each level of the intelligence stat provides a bonus multiplier of 2% to the skill rating of the character. The converse is also true, so each negative level will give a penalty of 2%. Each level of the intelligence stat will also give +1 Mental Action (MA) points upon level up of the mental action vital. The converse is also true, so each negative level will reduce the mental action points upon level up by -1.
Constitution (CON): The toughness of your character, determining how much damage your character can take before kicking the bucket. Each level of the constitution stat gives an additional +1 Health (HP) point upon level up of the health vital. The converse is also true, so each negative level will reduce health upon level up by -1.
Reflexes (REF): How deftly a character moves, allowing that character to dodge blows, perform acrobatic stunts, and jump on tables. The stat increases the natural armor class (AC) of the character, allowing the character to dodge more blows. Each level of the reflexes stat gives an additional +1 Physical Action (PA) point upon level up of the physical action vital. The converse is also true, so each negative level will reduce physical ation upon level up by -1.
Accuracy (ACC): How accurate a character is with their attacks, and able to master fine movements such as picking locks, or aiming weapons. This is important in any sort of combat situation. This stat is especially important to characters attempting subterfuge. The accuracy stat gives an increase in the to-hit roll of the character, as well as provide for bonus damage when in ranged combat.
Charm (CHR): This attribute lets you know how likeable or persuasive a character is. Although it may seem like a trivial trait, it might well make the difference between life and death as you try to convince someone that you’re trustworthy. The charm stat also provides an increase in the critical hitrate of a character.
Also see: score command, for information on how to view your stats.