Attributes are the nine foundational pillars that define an Incarnation’s innate potential. They are not arbitrary values, but are derived directly from the core Anatomy of the Incarnation itself. They represent the broad, underlying capacities of their physical Vessel and metaphysical Psyche. Unlike Skills, which are learned and refined, Attributes represent the baseline of raw material from which a being is formed, setting the stage for what it is and what it can become.

The Anatomical Foundation of Attributes

An Incarnation’s Attributes are a direct expression of its being, a mechanical reflection of its body and soul. This relationship is governed by the principle of Predisposition, not Predestination. Anatomy defines the starting point and the potential for growth, but a life lived can overcome innate limitations.

• The Vessel’s Influence: The physical construction of the Vessel, its Core Morphology and the components slotted within it; provides the Foundation for the Physical Attributes. A massive, reinforced body is naturally stronger and tougher.
• The Psyche’s Influence: The nature of the Psyche, its cognitive models and metaphysical attunements; determines the Aptitude for Mental and Narrative Attributes. A soul attuned to logic has a greater potential for intellect.

The Dual-Layer Model: Anatomy vs. Perception

The Attribute system is built on a Dual-Layer model, creating a crucial distinction between an Incarnation’s true capabilities and its own fallible understanding of them.

• The Objective Layer: This is the “under the hood” mechanical reality, derived from the Incarnation’s Anatomy. Every Incarnation possesses a set of nine Attribute components with quantifiable, numerical values based on its Vessel and Psyche. The simulation uses these true values to determine outcomes. These numbers are never directly shown to the player.
• The Subjective Layer: This is the agent’s (and therefore the player’s) perception of its own abilities. This understanding is a Belief formed from the Memory of past actions and their consequences. This creates the potential for agents who are unaware of their own strengths or weaknesses, making for a richer simulation of self-awareness.

The Nine Attributes

The attributes are divided into three categories, forming a triarchy of being.

I. Physical Attributes

These govern the Incarnation’s physical form and are primarily derived from its Vessel.

• Strength: The measure of raw physical power.

  • Objective Function: Affects melee damage, carry capacity, and the ability to move heavy objects.
  • Source: Primarily derived from the Vessel’s Core Morphology (e.g., [Massive Construct]) and the properties of components slotted in the [Torso] and [Limbs].

• Agility: The measure of speed, coordination, and grace.

  • Objective Function: Affects movement speed, stealth effectiveness, and the chance to hit or dodge in combat.
  • Source: Derived from the Vessel’s Core Morphology (e.g., [Lightweight Avian]), its total mass, and the articulation of its [Limbs] and [Lower Body] components.

• Constitution: The measure of health and physical resilience.

  • Objective Function: Affects maximum health, and resistance to damage, poison, and disease.
  • Source: Derived from the Vessel’s Core Morphology (e.g., [Silicon-Based], granting immunity to biological poisons) and the durability of its [Integument] and internal components.

II. Mental Attributes

These govern the Incarnation’s cognitive and social faculties, and are primarily derived from its Psyche.

• Intellect: The measure of analytical reasoning and information processing.

  • Objective Function: Affects the rate of Skill gain in cognitive tasks and the capacity to learn and hold crafting recipes.
  • Source: Primarily derived from the Psyche’s [Cognitive Model] slot. A high-strength, positive-valence attunement to an Archetype like [logic] or [analysis] provides a high potential for Intellect.

• Willpower: The measure of mental fortitude and resolve.

  • Objective Function: Affects resistance to psychological stress, fear, and psionic influence.
  • Source: Derived from the Psyche. Influenced by attunements to Archetypes like [conviction] or [discipline], or a high-strength attunement (positive or negative) to any core Faith.

• Charisma: The measure of social grace and force of personality.

  • Objective Function: Provides a baseline modifier for all social interactions and leadership checks.
  • Source: Derived from the Psyche, influenced by attunements to [empathy], [leadership], or [performance]. It can be positively or negatively modified by physical components in the Vessel (e.g., a [Ceramic Cranial Casing] might provide a bonus, while [Intimidating Tusks] might penalize it in diplomatic situations).

III. Narrative Attributes

These govern the Incarnation’s relationship with the underlying fabric of the Tapestry itself and are almost exclusively derived from the Psyche.

• Luck: The measure of an Incarnation’s inherent narrative favor.

  • Objective Function: Provides a small, global modifier to the success chance of almost any action, acting as a form of “plot armor.”
  • Source: A property of the Psyche’s fundamental resonance with the Tapestry. May be influenced by the [Eidic Inheritance] component, representing the soul’s accumulated narrative favor from past lives.

• Perception: The measure of raw awareness and the ability to notice the unnoticed.

  • Objective Function: Determines the passive ability to detect hidden details in the environment.
  • Source: A composite Attribute. The physical acuity of components in the Vessel’s [Sensory Organs] slot sets the baseline for sensory input, while attunements in the Psyche to Archetypes like [awareness] or [curiosity] determine the mind’s ability to process and notice details in that data.

• Resonance: The measure of an Incarnation’s attunement to the metaphysical currents of the Tapestry. The “oldness” of its soul.

  • Objective Function: Makes an agent a “narrative attractor,” increasing the likelihood of encountering mythic or supernatural events. The primary attribute influencing reincarnation potential.
  • Source: Almost entirely derived from the Psyche’s [Metaphysical Attunement] slot. It is a direct measure of the soul’s “volume” and its connection to the deeper currents of the universe.