Core Stats
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, Aspects, Body Type, and 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 (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:
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.