All creatures in ITD&TD have 8 Ability Scores: Brawn, Heartiness, Agility, Precision, Logic, Reason, Savvy, and Presence. Each of these scores help determine your character's overall ability to do things.
These scores are listed as numbers between 1 and 30. Ability Scores are not used often, and when they are it is frequently outside of dice rolls. Instead, you apply ability score modifiers. Ability Score Modifiers are what you apply to d20 tests when applying a particular ability score.
For example, a creature with a Brawn Score of 13 has a Brawn Modifier of +1. Anytime they make a d20 test using Brawn, they can add a +1 to the roll.
| Score | Modifier | Score | Modifier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | -4 | 8 - 12 | 0 | |
| 3 | -3 | 13 - 15 | +1 | |
| 4 - 5 | -2 | 16 - 17 | +2 | |
| 6 - 7 | -1 | 18 - 19 | +3 |
Your ability scores can apply to a wide range of things, but players and GMs should strive to use the right ability score for the right task. For example, if you are attempting to listen at a door, you should use a Wisdom skill test, not a Strength skill test.
Strength of limb, muscle, and raw might. This attribute governs when feats of strength need to be called upon.
High Brawn characters tend to be strong, and thus tend to be more suited to wade into combat, swinging large weapons, breaking down doors, and lifting heavy objects.
Low Brawn characters tend to be weak, struggling with heavy loads, unable to effectively use heavier equipment, and easily pushed aside in combat.
Brawn will affect your accuracy and damage with most melee weapons, how much you can carry before becoming encumbered, your Force saving throw, allowing you to stand firm when effects attempt to move you. Finally, it affects your Overpower Save DC.
Stamina, endurance, and resistance to effects against the body. This attribute governs when your toughness is called upon.
High Heartiness characters tend to be resilient, and thus have a higher capacity to receive damage, shrug off illness, and are not easily fatigued.
Low Heartiness characters tend to be frail, sickly, or delicate. They often succumb to illness, and are quicker to tire.
Heartiness will affect your hit points and grit, determining how tough you are to kill. Additionally, it affects your Resilience saving throw, allowing your body to reject foreign poisons and diseases.
Quickness of step, deft hands, and swiftness in battle. This attribute governs your ability to move your body quickly.
High Agility characters tend to be quick and nimble, able to perform feats of acrobatics, avoidance, and other forms of body control.