These values represent the key numbers that define your character’s **durability**, **resilience**, and **capacity for action**. They are distinct from your six **Attributes** (Strength, Dexterity, etc.) and are calculated from a combination of [Attributes](/rules/attributes/), [Aspects](/rules/aspects/), [Body Type](/rules/body-types/), and [Domains](/rules/domains/). --- ## Core Stat Summary | Stat | Description | |-------------------|-------------| | **HP (Hit Points)** | How much damage you can take before being knocked out. | | **Stress** | How much pressure you can take before breaking down or losing focus. | | **Evasion** | How hard you are to hit with physical or magical attacks. | | **Action Load** | A running total that determines whether you can take more actions on your turn. | | **Load Buffer** | A scaling buffer (formerly "Action Point Bonus") that starts your Action Load below 0 each turn. | --- ## How They're Used - **HP and Stress** are tracked with counters and recovered between rests. - **Evasion** is checked when an enemy tries to hit you. - **Action Load** increases when you take an action; You may take an action if **(Aspect − current Action Load) ≥ the action's Cost**. Advantage and Disadvantage never change this—they only adjust the dice pool. - **Load Buffer** determines how much you can act each round—it sets your starting Action Load to a **negative value**. --- ## How They Scale The **Core Stats** typically only change due to **Feature Cards** or when a character [Progresses](/rules/progression/) (i.e. gains a new Domain Tier or a new Domain). - HP and Stress usually start at 4–6, as set by your Body Type, and grow slowly up to a maximum of 10 as you progress. - Evasion typically starts around 9-11 and is set by your Body Type. It also grows slowly up to a maximum of 15 as you progress. - Load Buffer grows as you progress, affecting your Action Load. Both calculations are given below: ::: wrap info $$ \text{Load Buffer} = \left\lfloor \dfrac{\text{Total Tiers}}{\text{Number of Domains}} \right\rfloor $$ $$ \text{Action Load (when reset)} = \text{0} - \text{Load Buffer} $$ ::: **Total Tiers** is the sum of your current Tier in every Domain you have; **Number of Domains** is how many Domains you have. Divide first, then round down. **New characters start with a Load Buffer of 1** (Tier 1 + Tier 1 = 2, divided by 2 Domains = 1). So every turn begins at **Action Load −1**: your first roll in an Aspect is a pool of Aspect + 1 d4s, and you have one extra point of headroom before the Can-I-Act limit. This is intentional—starting characters are already heroes. Worked examples should start a turn at −1 (not 0) unless they say otherwise.