Dead Earth Online uses a Stats system which is based on decades of traditional RPG games, and has roots going all the way back to tabletop adventure games from the pre-computer era. We pride ourselves in maintaining a link with the past, and we believe this manner of organizing your character’s skills and abilities has proven itself as a very flexible and intuitive way of customizing your build so that you can play Your Game, Your Way®.

All the same, in our era of Turing-capable NPCs and AI-driven, fully somatic combat systems, you don’t want your damage output for a move be the result of a few simple calculations based on your Stat numbers. That would be way too restrictive for today’s player! As a consumer you demand a visceral, real-life playstyle where you have the ability to punch above your weight if you have a good idea and quick reflexes, and where your experience isn’t limited by some preset numbers. If you’re smart and fast and can outwit your opponent, then there’s no reason why you should not be rewarded for it.

You should think about your Stats as guidelines for your strengths and weaknesses. For instance, a player with a strength of 12 is going to carry off a tough, body-dependent task twice as reliably and effectively as someone with a 6 for the same attribute. A lower constitution score means your body will start to get less effective in dealing damage, or running and jumping, sooner that someone with a higher score. The DMAI system will make sure the weaker player’s somatics let him know that he’s pushing his body to the edge and beyond! That being said, a really lucky player might catch a break more often than an unlucky one. Every Stat counts, and sometimes in ways that might surprise you. Feel free to query the DMAI (see System Interface) for a bit of advice on what you’re doing right and wrong.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

But one way or another, if you’re a Level 15 Brawler and you’re trying to take on a Level 27 Basilisk on your own, then you’d better have a pretty amazing plan and more than a little luck on your side. Foolish choices will be be punished just as surely as they are in real life. Weigh your options and be smart out there!

    Your First Character Build: Player Stats

    Welcome to Dead Earth Online, Axiom Systems, 2027