The Hero Within RPG 2: How Should Attributes Define Your Hero?

I think I found a format that will allow us to have full discussions about the game mechanics.

---

---

Ready for round two?

In The Hero Within, your character’s attributes aren’t just numbers on a page—they define the essence of who they are and how they interact with the world. But how should attributes truly shape a hero’s journey?

That’s where you come in!

We want your feedback to refine this system before it’s finalized. Below, we’ll break down our current approach to attributes, and we’d love to hear your thoughts.

• Are these mechanics engaging?

• Do they balance realism and fun?

• Should we tweak anything?

Let’s build something great—together.

---

Rolling for Attributes: Too Much, Too Little, or Just Right?

In The Hero Within, attributes are generated by rolling 2d6+4 for each stat. This ensures every hero has a solid foundation, with scores ranging from 6 to 16.

• This method avoids the frustration of weak rolls while keeping things exciting.

• It still allows variety in character strengths and weaknesses.

Community Question:

1. Does this system feel fair and fun?

2. Would you prefer another method, like point-buy or 3d6 straight rolls?

Let us know what you think!

---

The Core Attributes: Do These Cover It All?

Right now, we have seven attributes that shape your hero:

• Might (Strength, power, and physical force)

• Coordination (Dexterity, agility, and reaction speed)

• Reason (Intelligence and problem-solving ability)

• Constitution (Endurance, toughness, and resilience)

• Influence (Charm, persuasion, and leadership)

• Awareness (Perception, quick thinking, and reaction time)

• Luck (The universe tipping the odds in your favor)

Community Question:

1. Are these the right attributes?

2. Should any be combined, renamed, or replaced with something else?

3. Would you add anything new?

---

Attribute Caps by Race: Limiting or Encouraging Growth?

Each race has natural strengths and weaknesses, represented by attribute caps. For example:

• Humans: Well-rounded with balanced caps.

• Kutollum: High Might and Constitution, but lower Influence and Coordination.

• Gentre (Gnomes): High Coordination and Reason, but less Might.

• Nocturi: High Intelligence and Awareness, but lower Constitution.

But here’s the twist—you can break through your racial cap! Rolling a natural 1 in skill checks earns you +1 Attribute Point, allowing growth beyond your limits over time.

Community Question:

1. Should races have attribute caps, or should progression be fully open-ended?

2. How do you feel about characters being able to surpass their natural limits?

---

How Should Attribute Growth Work?

Right now, natural 1s (the best roll in The Hero Within) allow heroes to boost their attributes. Over time, this lets them shape their strengths based on in-game experiences.

But should there be other ways to grow?

• Training mechanics? Should heroes be able to spend downtime improving attributes?

• Class-based bonuses? Should warriors naturally gain Might, and scholars naturally gain Reason?

• Achievement-based increases? Maybe heroes only gain new attribute points through completing major story milestones.

Community Question:

1. What’s the best way for heroes to grow?

2. Should leveling up involve attribute increases, or should they stay mostly static?

---

Luck: A Powerful Tool or Too Much Chaos?

Luck is the wildcard of the system. It lets you dodge a fatal blow, land an impossible shot, or simply get a break when the dice gods smile upon you.

But should Luck be a finite resource or a permanent stat?

• Should heroes spend Luck points to influence rolls, restoring them over time?

• Or should Luck remain a static attribute that only helps in certain situations?

Community Question:

1. How should Luck work?

2. Should it be an expendable resource or a permanent ability?

---

Your Turn: Help Shape the Game!

We want The Hero Within to be a game built by the players, for the players—and that means your feedback is invaluable.

• Which attribute mechanics excite you?

• Which parts feel off or could be improved?

• Do any of these ideas inspire you to suggest something new?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, join the discussion on social media, or reach out directly. Let’s make this the ultimate heroic RPG experience—together!

Want to get a taste of the world we’re creating?

---

---

Would you like to participate in the live discussions?

We are developing a growing section of the The Fiction HUB for the TTRPG part of Life of Fiction. A place where we can meet in real time, via video and chat, and discuss these aspects together.

This is available to supporters of Life of Fiction.

If you’d like to be included, please send me a private message and I’ll keep you in the loop. We don’t have an established time yet and have to play it by ear…for now.

Thank you for your time and insights—your feedback is what helps bring The Hero Within to life!