Stats

Character Stats

Character stats are the core attributes that players roll when making moves. This page covers the various stat system configurations available in the PbtA system.

Basic Stat Configuration

Stats are defined in the [character.stats] section:

[character.stats]
  cool = "Cool"
  hard = "Hard"
  hot = "Hot"
  sharp = "Sharp"
  weird = "Weird"

Reserved Stat Names

The following stat names are reserved and cannot be used:

• ask - Used internally for prompting stat selection
• formula - Used internally for roll formulas
• prompt - Used internally for user prompts
• token - Special behavior when using stat tokens (see Stat Token section)

Warning

Using reserved stat names will cause unexpected behavior. Choose different names for your game's stats.

Note

Despite being related to actors, all stat configuration fields are meant to be added outside the scope of an actor, just like you'd do for Rolls and Results.

Optional Fields

Stat Clocks

Adds a number of pips to stats. It is useful for games such as Apocalypse World: Burned Over.

statClock = 4

Stat Shifting

The Stat Shifting feature adds a new block at the end of the stats list that increases/decreases stats. It is useful for games such as Masks.

# Short Syntax
statShifting = true

# Long Syntax
[statShifting]
  # Everything is optional. Values shown are the defaults for English localization
  label = "Stat Shift" # String shown on Character Sheet. Otherwise localize "{stat} Shift"
  value = 1 # The value to be shifted up/down
  stat = "Stat" # String used to localize the label
  stats = "Stats" # String used to localize "Character shifts {stats}" on Chat Message

Stat Toggle

The Stat Toggle will show up in each stat on character sheets. It is useful for games such as Apocalypse World (Highlights) and Dungeon World (Debilities). It can be input as either a single value field or as a group with label and modifier properties.

Toggle Modifier Types

If a modifier is included, any toggled stats will have its rolls modified by that value:

# Short Syntax - No modifier (useful for highlighting)
statToggle = "Highlight"

# Numeric Modifier - Adds/subtracts from rolls
[statToggle]
  label = "Debility"
  modifier = -1        # Subtracts 1 from rolls

# Positive Modifier - Adds to rolls  
[statToggle]
  label = "Boost"
  modifier = 2         # Adds 2 to rolls

# Advantage/Disadvantage - Special rolling mechanics
[statToggle]
  label = "Advantage"
  modifier = "adv"     # Roll 3d6, keep highest 2

[statToggle]
  label = "Disadvantage" 
  modifier = "dis"     # Roll 3d6, keep lowest 2

Stat Toggle Examples

Apocalypse World Style (Highlighting)

statToggle = "Highlight"
# No modifier - purely for marking important stats

Dungeon World Style (Debilities)

[statToggle]
  label = "Debility"
  modifier = -1
# Penalties for being debilitated

Advantage/Disadvantage System

[statToggle]
  label = "Condition"
  modifier = "dis"
# Roll with disadvantage when condition is active

Stat Token

Defines a pool of tokens used for rolls made with that stat. When enabled, characters use tokens instead of traditional stat values for rolling.

Token Configuration Options

# Short Syntax (Boolean)
# Minimum = 0, Default = 0, Maximum = 1
statToken = true

# Short Syntax (Number)
# Minimum = 0, Default = 0, Maximum = specified value
statToken = 5

# Long Syntax - Full Control
[statToken]
  default = 1    # Starting number of tokens
  min = 0        # Minimum tokens (usually 0)
  max = 5        # Maximum tokens allowed

How Stat Tokens Work

When stat tokens are enabled:

• Characters have a pool of tokens instead of traditional stat modifiers
• Tokens are spent or gained during play
• Rolls use the current token count as the modifier
• The system creates a special "token" stat for tracking

Customizing Token Names

You can change the "Token" stat's name by defining a custom stat:

[character.stats]
  token = "Luck Points"    # Changes display name
  # or
  token = "Force Points"   # Star Wars style
  # or  
  token = "Drama Points"   # Dramatic games

Token System Examples

Simple Binary Tokens

# For games with simple on/off token mechanics
statToken = true

[character.stats]
  token = "Edge Token"

Resource Pool Tokens

# For games with larger token pools
[statToken]
  default = 2    # Start with 2 tokens
  min = 0        # Can't go below 0
  max = 6        # Maximum of 6 tokens

[character.stats]
  token = "Momentum"