fatal

Chapter 3: Abilities
Intelligence
Fairly abstract, Intelligence is a character’s
mental precision, as well as capability and capacity
to learn new things. Intelligence is comprised of 4
sub-abilities: Language, Math, Analytic, and Spatial
Intelligence. A high Intelligence ability score indicates
that a character is likely to easily learn languages
and properly use them, perform abstract mathematical
operations such as geometry, solve logical problems
and arrange critically reasoned arguments, and
perceive and manipulate parts and the whole of objects
with accuracy. After controlling for body size,
brain size weakly correlates to Intelligence, so those
with bigger brains also tend to be more intelligent 1 .
Also, Intelligence is affected by mental exercise, just
as Strength is affected by physical exercise 2 .
Language: Those with excellent Language
sub-ability are able: to speak multiple languages fluently;
acquire, retain, and utilize a large Vocabulary;
and demonstrate impressive reading comprehension.
However, this is only the potential to do these things.
In a fantasy medieval environment where illiteracy
is the norm, most of the potential of this sub-ability
may go unrealized. Note that the examples for
Vocabulary are not necessarily words that are understood
by the character, so much as the level of
the character’s Vocabulary that is used daily and
nonchalantly. Language affects skills (see Chap. 8:
Skills) such as Forgery, Read/Write Language, Speak
Language, and Transcribing.
Math: The ability to accurately and consistently
perform mathematical calculations entails algebra,
geometry, and believe it or not, musical skills,
as well as basic arithmetic. The table lists the Highest
Possible Math 3 that may be performed, provided
the character has been trained in the Math listed.
Math affects skills (see Chap. 8: Skills) such as Architecture,
Chemistry, Numerology Divination, Gambling,
Math (Algebra), Math (Fundamental), Math
(Geometry), Math (Trigonometry), Music (Counterpoint),
and Music Theory.
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Analytic: Characters with high analytic or
reasoning ability are able to think critically and logically.
Analytic characters make better decisions based
upon available facts and probabilities. Some argue
that morality is derived from Analytic reasoning.
Analytic Intelligence affects skills (see Chap. 8: Skills)
such as Appraise, Chemistry, Logic, and Music
(Counterpoint).
Spatial: This sub-ability is concerned with
manipulating visual-spatial images. Spatial Intelligence
may be observed during the following: the
ability to imagine correctly how objects will appear
when rotated in two- or three-dimensional space,
finding hidden figures within the contours of a larger
figure, accurately predicting where a moving object
will be at any given moment, the ability to arrange
items to make or resemble a specific design, and
object assembly. On the table later in the chapter
for this sub-ability, Unfamiliar Object Assembly demonstrates
the differences in ability. This does not
mean that a character is qualified to assemble all unfamiliar
objects, but that there is a limit to the number
of pieces they can comprehend before being
overwhelmed. Generally, Spatial Intelligence may
be considered mechanical aptitude, and is most useful
with crafts or trades, and also with skills (see Chap.
8: Skills) such as Architecture, Armorsmithing,
Blacksmithing, Bowyer, Brass-smithing, Carpentry,
Cartography, Clockmaking, Constellations,
Coppersmithing, Cosmetics, Fletching, Gemcutting,
Glassblowing, Glovemaking, Goldsmithing,
Locksmithing, Musical Instrument, Painting, Papermaking,
Sailmaking, Shipwright, Silversmithing,
Stonemasonry, Weaponsmithing, and
Wheelwrighting.
DISCE.QUASI.SEMPER.VICTURUS.
VIVE.QUASI.CRAS.MORITURUS
Learn as if you were going to live forever;
live as if you were going to die tomorrow.
1. Brain size and intelligence have been correlated in at least 3 studies appearing in scholarly journals. See the References
section at the end of this book for: a) Lynn, R., b) Rushton, J., c) Willerman, L, Schultz, R., Rutledge, J., & Bigler, E.
2. In The Executive Brain, Elkhonon Goldberg cites studies demonstrating that parts of the brain, as well as intelligence,
change over time according to the amount of use. For more information, see the References section at the end of this book.
3. Although higher forms of math are possible, they had not been invented or discovered until after 1335 A.D., which
disqualifies higher forms of math from this game. For example, Isaac Newton published calculus in 1687.