A quick introduction to Roleplaying Video Games.

1. An introduction to
RPG Video GAMES
We played them with dice and spreadsheets before video
games. These games are still like big spreadsheets...

2. The stats and attributes we describe that make up an RPG game could
be laid out on a spreadsheet. They are numbers which affect other
numbers.
What Makes it an RPG Game?
A game with most of the following features
I'd call an RPG:
● You can create your character looks and choose
abilities.
● Your can pick a class or role which determines your
abilities.
● You select some abilities during creation, and various
abilities as you progress.
● Your maximum health is increased as your levels and
skills increase
● Your defenses are increased by selected abilities,
equipment, or items.

3. RPG Games are Realistic
often in unrealistic ways.
They take place in worlds that can be
very different from ours.
Mimicking our mythology, laws of
physics, and social settings to make the
game worlds feel just as real.
There's a huge inventory of fictional items.
Ranging from common to rare; and magical.
Items often come with effects or skill boosts.
(Bomb shaped cereal -
a healing item in "Fallout 3")

4. Attribute Points
Attribute points are usually controlled Wisdom Intelligence
by you, assigning points to the attribute
of choice as you level up. Dexterity
You get some points to spend when you
create, and 1 point every couple of
gth Endu
levels. S tren rance
In some games, every level.
Although theres a trend in newer
games where you don't get assign
attributes, they only go up based on
level and equipment.

5. Common Attributes
Strength
The most common attribute you'll find in an RPG. Good for
anyone who deals damage with melee weapons (swords, etc.)
as it increases damage. Also helps increase carrying capacity
and many skills (climb, swim, jump.)
Dexterity You don't find this too often anymore. It's sometimes called
Agility or Perception. And it increases hand-to-eye
coordination, balance, and accuracy. For long range damage
it can increase both accuracy and damage. In d&d it also
increases your defence. When called agility it usually
increases your dodge chance and speed.
Endurance
You'll find this in most RPG games, often called Stamina or
constitution, if not just health. It increases your
healthpoints (HP), and defense, the amount of punishment
you can take before losing health. Although not as much as
your armor.

6. Intelligence
Useful for spellcasters as it usually increases the damage
output of spells. Can also increase the rate of of skill points.
And the ability to solve or learn new things.
Wisdom
You usually find this in games where there are several types
of casters; wisdom is for the spellcasters who don't use
wands or scrolls. It measures how many spells you can learn.
In other words how many things you know.. Magic might
require either Wis or Int depending on the game.
Charisma
Your people skills, communication, and it can also be said to
measure how good your character looks. It can be used for both
intimidation and persuasion. And helps increase Barter (getting
stuff cheaper); and talking your way through stuff.

7. Some Other Attributes You Might Come Across:
Luck - Increases your chance of critical hits (does double damage or
more) and dodging things.
Stamina (see Constitution).
Agility - Often does the same as Dexterity, but could be a standalone
attribute controlling your attack speed and dodge.
Building a Character
When I start a new RPG one of the first things I do is read through the
attributes. It will usually have a description for each one. If I get to
check out some skills, feats, magic, etc. I'll do that, and then decide on
what type of character to make.
Each character class usually has strengths and weaknesses, and at
least one attribute that is critical to the build. And several skills.
I don't want to put all my points in strength if I'm making a
spellcaster for example.
There's armor and items for each class as well. Light armor might
come with more bonuses for spellcaster or rogue classes while heavy
armor for the tanks, warrior, or defenders.

8. In many games the attributes control how powerful the
skills are. One point in an attribute can increase a skill
by several points. Thus skills usually go higher than the
attributes, often to 100 and more. You might get
several points to spend each level, or they could
increase based on how much you use them (a trend in
newer games).
One-Handed Attack - Str, Dex, or Agi
Controls how much damage you deal with one handed
melee weapons (swords, knives, clubs, etc.), while you can
also hold a shield (or another sword, or item) in the other
hand. Can also increase attack speed in some games.
Two-Handed Attack - Str, Dex, or Agi
Damage output with big melee weapons.
Speech, Diplomacy, Barter - Charisma
When possible you can talk your way out of a fight,
or find out something special in the storyline
through dialogue. Also helps your money when
buying and selling items

9. This slide was brought to you by Nicko Gibson who
writes Tubeblogger.net .