SO:Aspects

Aspects represent core attributes of Characters in The Lays of Althas: Sundered Order. They are a set of fundamental qualities of a character that govern how that character interacts with gameplay elements and influence their skills and abilities. Not to be confused with SO:NPC Behaviour, aspects do not directly affect the character's behaviour.

Aspect range from 1 - 20 and work in a similar way to IQ. The "average" character having any particular Aspect at a value of 10. An exceptionally high value is 20, and an exceptionally low value is 1.

Domain

Domains are categories that define the part of the body that those particular Aspects originate from. Aspects are split between the following three Domains:

• Body
• Mind
• Spirit

Body Domain

The Body domain governs all corporeal Aspects like sheer physical strength, speed, balance or coordination.

Strength

Strength dictates the sheer force you can exert with your body. At it's most fundamental, the higher the strength of a being, the more force it can exter. The greater the force that can be exerted, the larger the mass that can be moved, or the faster and easier smaller masses can be maneuvered.

In practice, higher strengths let the bearer carry heavier objects, throw farther or weild larger weapons with more ferocity.

Endurance

Endurace is the bodies' ability to withstand exertion and resist fatigue. A durable body is one that can run for many miles or fight right to the end of a battle with no signs of slowing down. Increased endurance also allows the inhabitant to cope with ever greater wounds before succumbing to their crippling effects.

Higher endurances reduce the stamina drain of combat and dynamic locomotion, increase resistance to damage and lessen the effects of injuries.

Agility

Agility is the ability to move the body quickly, deftly and with precision. One trained in acrobatics can perform even the most athletic stunts with ease and grace. Jumping, climbing and swimming become effortless while parrying, swinging nimble weapons and dodging become lighning-fast. The sure-footedness and poise that comes with improved balance means the distinguised will never fall from their mount, be staggered in combat or come a cropper when trying to evade detection.

Agility increases the speed at which weapons can be swung, the effectiveness of sneaking and the speed and effectiveness of athletic abilities.

Dexterity

Dexterity simultaneously defines the craftsman, the archer and the theif. Being supple yet strong in the hand allows The Practiced to achieve extraordinary feats, from transforming the most basic raw materials into highly prized and valuable treasures; to swiping those treasures right from under the nose of the owner; to swiftly drawing, knocking and loosing the perfectly-placed arrow. While being dextrous may be a niche talent, the uses are certainly varied.

Dexterity affects all walks of life, increasing the speed and quality of crafting, reducing the chance of fumbling a weapon, and making lockpicking quicker and easier.

Mind Domain

The Mind domain governs all Aspects related to intellect, mental ability and personality.

Intelligence

Intelligence is the retention of wisdom, the ease with which complex challenges can be solved and the fortitude with which to persuade.

Intelligence grants the bearer increased skill learning, information gathering about the world and unlocks intelligence-driven options in conversation.

Perception

Perception is not just the knack of being aware of the surroundings, it's an inherent ability to read the world, and even be presented with clues and warnings far greater than could possibly be spotted by an untrained eye. Hazards stand out like the sun in the sky, the slightest of trails become obvious and reading a map becomes second nature.

Perception improves the ability to spot traps, trails and clues. Orientation is improved with UI helpers.

Charisma

Charisma is both a tool for the bearer and a gift to others. Charisma nudges and guides the beholder to trust and place their faith in the issuer. In times of duress, charisma allows clarity and command to be heard over all else. Charisma can also be used for the nefarious, granting the user an unfair edge when it comes to haggling, persuasion and dissent.

Charisma opens up options within conversations, giving the increasing ability to convincingly lie or charm. It also makes sellers and buyers alike more willing to trade at better prices.

Spirit Domain

The Spirit domain governs the use of Magic, and magical power. Magic is is not planned to be implemented until later releases of The Lays of Althas and so no Spirit domain Aspects have been implemented.