---
title: "Chapter 6: Attributes"
description: "You can find out how fast, strong, healthy, or intelligent a character is by looking at their Attribute scores. The higher the score, the smarter, stronger, or tougher the character is. Attributes fall into two categories: Primary Attributes and Secondary…"
url: "https://openadventurerpg.com/coc/attributes/"
updated: "2025-12-31"
category: Core Rules
---

# Chapter 6: Attributes

You can find out how fast, strong, healthy, or intelligent a character is by looking at their Attribute scores. The higher the score, the smarter, stronger, or tougher the character is.

Attributes fall into two categories: Primary Attributes and Secondary Attributes.

**Primary Attributes** define the character at the most basic level. They include traits like [Toughness](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/toughness/), [Willpower](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/willpower/), and [Resilience](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/resilience/). These are foundational to who the character is and what they can do. They will not change much over the course of the character’s adventures.

**Secondary Attributes** have scores based on the character’s Primary Attributes. For instance, the [Body Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-points/) Secondary Attribute is equal to the character’s [Strength](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/strength/) Score + [Coordination](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/coordination/) Score + [Toughness](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/toughness/) Score. Secondary Attributes sometimes include non-attribute scores and Benefits, like adding a shield’s Defense Score to a character’s [Body Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-defense/).

## **Primary Attributes**

A character’s natural abilities are defined by their nine **Primary Attributes**. Primary Attributes are organized into three types: Body, Mind, and Spirit. For each of these types, there is an attribute corresponding to the type’s power, agility, and sturdiness. For example, [Intellect](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/intellect/) is the character’s “[Strength](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/strength/) of mind,” while [Presence](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/presence/) is the character’s “[Strength](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/strength/) of spirit.” The table below illustrates this relationship.

| **Trait** | **Body** | **Mind** | **Spirit** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Power** | [Strength](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/strength/) | [Intellect](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/intellect/) | [Presence](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/presence/) |
| **Agility** | [Coordination](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/coordination/) | [Deduction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/deduction/) | [Intuition](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/intuition/) |
| **Sturdiness** | [Toughness](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/toughness/) | [Willpower](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/willpower/) | [Resilience](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/resilience/) |

#### **Body Attributes**

##### **[Strength](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/strength/)**

[Strength](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/strength/) represents a character’s overall muscle mass and physical power. It is the [Primary Attribute](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/primary-attribute/) used when performing [Action](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/action/) Checks to lift, carry, pull, and push. [Strength](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/strength/) is also the [Primary Attribute](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/primary-attribute/) used in many types of melee attacks.

##### **[Coordination](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/coordination/)**

A character’s natural sense of balance, agility, and precision with fine motor skills are represented by their [Coordination](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/coordination/). [Coordination](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/coordination/) is the [Primary Attribute](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/primary-attribute/) used for many full-body activities, such [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) acrobatics, dancing, and balance. It is also used for [Action](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/action/) Checks requiring strong hand-eye [Coordination](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/coordination/), such [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) picking pockets or performing surgery.

##### **[Toughness](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/toughness/)**

[Toughness](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/toughness/) represents a character’s ability to function and recover when faced with illness, accidents, or fatigue. It is used in [Action](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/action/) Checks to resist the effects of poison and disease, recover from injuries, and endure wounds. [Toughness](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/toughness/) is also used when making Recovery Checks to recover [Body Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-points/).

#### **Mind Attributes**

##### **[Intellect](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/intellect/)**

A character’s logical processing, ability to identify patterns, and general memory are all aspects of their [Intellect](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/intellect/). [Intellect](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/intellect/) is the [Primary Attribute](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/primary-attribute/) used for [Action](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/action/) Checks involving logical calculation, analysis, learning complex tasks, and remembering facts. It is also the [Primary Attribute](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/primary-attribute/) used by Wizards to cast spells.

##### **[Deduction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/deduction/)**

[Deduction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/deduction/) represents the character’s ability to make fast decisions, grasp situations quickly, and leverage their knowledge in useful ways. [Deduction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/deduction/) is also a measure of a character’s perception and discernment. It is the [Primary Attribute](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/primary-attribute/) used in the application of knowledge in the real world, thinking creatively, and adapting to unexpected situations. [Deduction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/deduction/) is also the [Primary Attribute](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/primary-attribute/) used by Sorcerers to cast spells.

##### **[Willpower](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/willpower/)**

[Willpower](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/willpower/) is the character’s ability to resist the influence of others and persevere in the face of extreme hardship. It is used to resist psychic assaults, to push forward even when exhausted, and to maintain focus when faced with confusing or mentally overwhelming conditions. [Willpower](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/willpower/) is also used to make Recovery Checks to recover [Mind Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mind-points/).

#### **Spirit Attributes**

##### **[Presence](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/presence/)**

[Presence](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/presence/) represents a character’s ability to command a room and [Grab](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/grab/) people’s attention. Performance, intimidation, seduction, and leadership are all types of [Action](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/action/) Checks where the character’s [Presence](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/presence/) comes into play. Note that [Presence](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/presence/) does not necessarily mean “charismatic” or “likeable.” A hideous monster is [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) likely to have a high [Presence](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/presence/) score [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) a dashing rogue. [Presence](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/presence/) is also the [Primary Attribute](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/primary-attribute/) used by Clerics for spellcasting.

##### **[Intuition](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/intuition/)**

A character’s [Intuition](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/intuition/) is a measure of their instincts, empathy, and ability to unconsciously pick up on subtle cues. It is used in [Action](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/action/) Checks to sense illusions, identify duplicitous intent, calm animals, and notice things that feel wrong about a situation. [Intuition](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/intuition/) is also the [Primary Attribute](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/primary-attribute/) used by Druids for spellcasting.

##### **[Resilience](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/resilience/)**

[Resilience](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/resilience/) represents a character’s innate ability to persevere in the face of emotional trauma and spiritual strain. [Resilience](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/resilience/) is used in [Action](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/action/) Checks to resist fear, face death in all its forms without faltering, and adapt to changes that undermine the character’s understanding of the world. It is also used in Recovery Checks to recover Spirit Points.

> ### **What is a “good” score? **
>
>
>
> [Human](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/human/) [Primary Attribute](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/primary-attribute/) scores [Range](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/range/) from 0 to 5, and a score of 2 is “[Human](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/human/) normal.” A truly average [Human](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/human/), however, will not have 2 for all their Primary Attributes. Rather, they will have 2 for *most* of their Primary Attributes, a couple Primary Attributes with a score of 1 to represent areas of weakness, and *maybe* a single 3 if they are especially gifted in one area. Few people in the game world will ever meet or know a [Human](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/human/) with a score of 4, and they are extremely unlikely to ever meet a [Human](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/human/) with a score of 5.
>
>
>
> Of course, Player Characters are anything but “normal.” Every PC is extraordinary in some way, and what makes them extraordinary might be a few higher-than-normal [Primary Attribute](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/primary-attribute/) scores. Most heroes have at least a couple Primary Attributes with a score of 3, and a few characters will even have a score of 4 or 5.

| **[Human](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/human/) Attributes Table** |  |
| --- | --- |
| **Score** | **Description** |
| 0 | Insignificant |
| 1 | Below Average |
| 2 | Average |
| 3 | Superior |
| 4 | Exceptional |
| 5 | World-class |
| 6+ | Legendary |

## **Secondary Attributes**

Secondary Attributes are attributes with scores derived from the character’s Primary Attributes.

#### **Defenses**

The character’s **[Body Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-defense/)**, **[Mind Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mind-defense/)**, and **[Spirit Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/spirit-defense/)** are the starting Difficulty Scores for any person or thing that tries to harm the character.

##### **[Body Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-defense/)**

[Body Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-defense/) is equal to the character’s [Coordination](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/coordination/) score. It represents the character’s ability to avoid direct physical attacks, such [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) a sword blow or the swipe of a tiger’s claws.

> ### **Dodge, Block, and [Parry](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/parry/)**
>
>
>
> A character’s [Body Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-defense/) represents their ability to move out of the way when an enemy attacks. For some attacks, the Adventure Guide may allow the character to Block with a shield or [Parry](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/parry/) with a [Rigid](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/rigid/) weapon. In these cases, the equipment adds a modifier to the character’s [Body Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-defense/). See ***Chapter 9: Equipment*** for more information about equipment that provides Block or [Parry](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/parry/) modifiers.
>
>
>
> In some cases, the Adventure Guide may decide the only way to defend against a particular [Attack](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/attack/) [Action](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/action/) is a Block or [Parry](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/parry/). In these cases, the character gains the usual bonuses if they have the appropriate equipment. If they do not have the appropriate equipment, their [Body Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-defense/) is treated [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) 0. The most common examples are situations where there is no room to dodge out of the way, such [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) a pillar of fire shooting down a narrow hallway. In this case the Adventure Guide might rule only a Block is an effective defense.

##### **[Mind Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mind-defense/)**

[Mind Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mind-defense/) is equal to the character’s [Deduction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/deduction/) score. It represents the character’s ability to avoid direct mental attacks, such [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) a psionic blast or an [Attack](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/attack/) by an illusory monster only the character can see.

##### **[Spirit Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/spirit-defense/)**

[Spirit Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/spirit-defense/) is equal to the character’s [Intuition](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/intuition/) score. It represents the character’s ability to avoid direct spiritual attacks, such [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) a fear spell directed at the character or an unfair accusation that cuts to the core of the character’s [Self](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/self/)-confidence.

##### **Defense Modifiers**

Equipment, training, and other defensive Benefits may increase a character’s Defense scores. Some common Defense modifiers are:

- **Favored Defenses**: Add the character’s [MO](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mo/) score to defenses listed [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) Favored Defenses.
- **Specializations**: If a character is specialized in a particular defensive maneuver or is an expert at fighting certain foes, add a [Benefit](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/benefit/) to the character’s Defense Score when appropriate.
- **Weapons**: Weapons with the [Parry](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/parry/) trait add a [Benefit](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/benefit/) to [Body Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-defense/) when used to [Parry](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/parry/) an incoming [Attack](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/attack/).
- **Armor**: Armor and shields with the Block trait apply a [Benefit](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/benefit/) to [Body Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-defense/) when used to block an incoming [Attack](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/attack/).
- **Cover and Concealment**:Taking cover behind a solid [Barrier](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/barrier/) or using concealment may add one or more Benefits to a character’s Defense score with the Adventure Guide’s approval.

> ### **Avoiding vs. [Resisting](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/resisting/) vs. Enduring**
>
>
>
> A character’s Defenses help them **avoid** threats. For instance, the character’s [Body Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-defense/) helps them dodge an arrow while their [Spirit Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/spirit-defense/) allows them to avoid feeling the pain of a traumatic event. For this reason, Defenses are based on the Primary Attributes that represent the character’s different types of agility ([Coordination](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/coordination/), [Deduction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/deduction/), and [Intuition](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/intuition/)).
>
>
>
> When a character must **resist** something potentially harmful and unavoidable, the Primary Attributes that represent the character’s different types of sturdiness ([Toughness](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/toughness/), [Willpower](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/willpower/), and [Resilience](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/resilience/)) are used to perform an [Action](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/action/) Check. For instance, a character might make a [Toughness](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/toughness/) Check to resist the effects of extreme cold or a [Resilience](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/resilience/) Check to resist the pervasive sense of dread in a haunted ruin.
>
>
>
> Finally, when a character has failed to avoid or resist a threat, their [Body Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-points/), [Mind Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mind-points/), and Spirit Points indicate how much damage or injury they can **endure** before they collapse.

#### **[Body Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-points/), [Mind Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mind-points/), and Spirit Points**

A character’s **[Body Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-points/)**,**[Mind Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mind-points/)**,and**Spirit Points** represent how much physical, mental, and emotional hardship they can endure before they must stop to recover. The loss any of these three in the game is sometimes referred to [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) **taking damage**, although it’s possible to lose points from things other than simple injury.

- **[Body Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-points/)**: [Body Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-points/) represent the character’s overall physical health, their ability to resist stunning blows, and how well they withstand fatigue.
- **[Mind Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mind-points/)**: [Mind Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mind-points/) represent the character’s force of will, their ability to stay centered in the face of chaos, and their power of concentration.
- **Spirit Points**: Spirit Points represent the character’s morale, their inner [Strength](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/strength/), and their spiritual life force.

A character’s maximum [Body Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-points/), [Mind Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mind-points/), and Spirit Points are calculated [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) follows:

**[Body Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-points/)** = [Strength](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/strength/) + [Coordination](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/coordination/) + [Toughness](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/toughness/)

**[Mind Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mind-points/)** = [Intellect](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/intellect/) + [Deduction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/deduction/) + [Willpower](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/willpower/)

**Spirit Points** = [Presence](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/presence/) + [Intuition](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/intuition/) + [Resilience](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/resilience/)

If a character’s [Body Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-points/), [Mind Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mind-points/), or Spirit Points are reduced to 0, they are temporarily **[Incapacitated](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/incapacitated/)**. To learn more about taking damage and being [Incapacitated](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/incapacitated/), see ***Chapter 13: Vitality, Wounds, and Healing***.

#### **[Reaction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/reaction/)**

A character’s **[Reaction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/reaction/)**represents their reflexes, alertness, and instinct. It helps to determine when they take their [Turn](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/turn/) in the [Round](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/round/), whether they unconsciously notice threats, and how quickly they pick up on and can react to changes in their environment. [Reaction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/reaction/) is equal to the highest of the character’ s [Coordination](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/coordination/), [Deduction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/deduction/), or [Intuition](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/intuition/), plus their [MO](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mo/) score:

**[Reaction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/reaction/) Score** = The highest of a character’s [Coordination](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/coordination/), [Deduction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/deduction/), or [Intuition](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/intuition/) + [MO](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mo/) score

[Reaction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/reaction/) is used in situations such [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/):

- Instinctively spotting an ambush right before the enemy attacks.
- Noticing a trap you are about to set off.
- Unconsciously picking up on deception.
- Getting a “bad feeling” about a [Dangerous](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/dangerous/) situation.
- [Leaping Clear](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/leaping-clear/) of an [Area of Effect](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/area-of-effect/) [Attack](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/attack/).

Note that [Reaction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/reaction/) is used when the character notices something unconsciously. If the character is making a conscious effort to find or spot something, they use one of their Primary Attributes for the [Action](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/action/) Check.

#### **[Turn](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/turn/) Order**

A character’s [Reaction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/reaction/) also determines when they take their [Turn](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/turn/) each [Round](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/round/). At the beginning of an [Encounter](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/encounter/), each character makes a [Reaction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/reaction/) Check. The Adventure Guide writes the results down, and characters take their Turns from the highest result to lowest.

> ### **NPC Attributes vs. PC Attributes**
>
>
>
> Non-Player Characters have slightly different attributes than their Player Character counterparts.
>
>
>
> **Primary Attributes **
>
>
>
> NPCs only have three Primary Attributes: Body, Mind, and Spirit. [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) the supporting cast in your adventures, they aren’t [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) important [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) the PCs, and it is not necessary to know with precision what their capabilities are. Just having a rough idea of how physically capable, smart, or spiritually strong they are is enough. This simplification also makes it easier for the Adventure Guide to manage the host of NPCs they are expected to roleplay and [Control](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/control/) during the game.
>
>
>
> **Secondary Attributes**
>
>
>
> Just like PCs, NPCs have a [Reaction](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/reaction/) score [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) well [AS](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/as/) [Body Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/body-defense/), [Mind Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/mind-defense/), and [Spirit Defense](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/spirit-defense/) scores. Unlike PCs, NPCs do not have Body, Mind, and Spirit Points. Instead, NPCs have [Challenge Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/challenge-points/). [Challenge Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/challenge-points/) is a single score that takes into account the NPC’s physical [Toughness](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/toughness/), mental [Resistance](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/resistance/), and spiritual power. Anything that causes damage to the NPC reduces their [Challenge Points](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/challenge-points/), regardless of the nature of the [Attack](https://openadventurerpg.com/glossary/attack/). Again, this simplifies NPCs to make it easier for the Adventure Guide to manage large numbers of NPCs at the same time.
>
>
>
> For more information on NPCs and their attributes, see ***Appendix E: NPC Library***.