What are basic attributes?
Four numbers called “attributes” define your basic abilities: Strength(ST), Dexterity (DX), Intelligence (IQ),and Health (HT).A score of 10 in any attribute is free, and represents the human average. Higher scores cost points: 10 points to raise ST or HT by one level, 20 points to raise DX or IQ by one level. Similarly, scores lower than 10 have a negative cost: -10 points per level for ST or HT, -20 points per level for DX or IQ. (Remember – negative point values mean you get those points back to spend on something else!
Most characters have attributes in the 1-20 range, and most normal humans have scores in the 8-12 range. Scores above 20 are possible but typically reserved for godlike beings – ask the GM before buying such a value. The exception is ST, which can range significantly beyond 20 even for nor-mal humans. At the other end of the scale, a score of 0 is defined in special cases, but 1 is the minimum score for a human. No one may have a negative score.
For those new to GURPS, a "level" in something typically means to increase it by 1. For instance, for 20 points, you can buy 2 levels of Strength, which gives you a Strength score of 12.
Strength (ST) ±10 points/level
Strength measures physical power and bulk. It is crucial if you are a warrior in a primitive world, as high ST lets you dish out and absorb more damage in hand-to-hand combat. Any adventurer will find ST useful for lifting and throwing things, moving quickly with a load, etc. ST directly determines Basic Lift, basic damage, and Hit Points, and affects your character’s Build.Dexterity (DX) ±20 points/level
Dexterity measures a combination of agility, coordination, and fine motor ability. It controls your basic ability at most athletic, fighting, and vehicle-operation skills, and at craft skills that call for a delicate touch. DX also helps determine Basic Speed (a measure of reaction time, p. 17) and Basic Move.Intelligence (IQ) ±20 points/level
Intelligence broadly measures brainpower, including creativity, intuition, memory, perception, reason, sanity, and willpower. It rules your basic ability with all “mental” skills – sciences, social interaction, magic, etc. Any wizard, scientist, or gadgeteer needs a high IQ first of all. The secondary characteristics of Will and Perception are based on IQ.Health (HT) ±10 points/level
Please use a "note" to tell us how many points you would like to spend on each of the four basic attributes. Even if you're leaving them all at 10, please leave a note so that we know you didn't miss a step.