Characters have four Attributes which determine their ability to perform actions in quests, battles, and events. At registration, characters will distribute a set amount of points into the four Attributes as they desire, keeping in mind Class and Race requirements. Each time a character reaches a new level, they have the chance to increase their stats by spending Skill Points; five (5) SP will raise an Attribute by one (1) point. You'll want to build your character's stats according to their strengths and weaknesses: want to wield powerful magic? Invest in Aptitude. Want to be a strong warrior? Invest in Vigor. It's up to you how you build your character. The Attributes are defined as follows:

Now we'll explain defending. Obviously people can attack each other through the whole duel, but you'll be defending yourself too! So how do we do this?

First you need to know that you only defend after your opponent has made an attack. The rounds go:
1. Character 1's Attack/Action
2. Character 2's Defending an Attack
3. Character 1's Damage roll if applicable.
4. New Round, Character 2's Attack/Action
Sometimes an action will be made such as creating distance, healing, or using an item in which you wont need to always defend. This means that your defending is not needed, and the turn will advance straight to the next round.

Let's assume for now now though that your character was attacked and has to defend themselves. You have a few options to do so:

Option 1: Dodging. You can use your Agility (AGL) to get out of the way of an oncoming attack. This means you will roll your AGL stat and hope you get higher than your opponent's attack roll. If you successfully dodge, you take no damage. This style of defending is useful if you have a high AGL, because your opponent's character would be likely to cause less damage by landing less hits. Also, max dodge rolls (see below for more info) are automatic dodges even if your opponent's roll was higher. Though Dodging can sometimes be a less reliable way of defending, it is the only defense option that results in no damage taken if successful.

Option 2: Blocking. Similar to absorbing (see option 3), you can block some of the damage aimed at you. This means you'll take the hit, but kind of deflect it to reduce the damage you take. You will roll Vigor (VIG) to do this, and what you roll will be deducted from what your opponent rolls for damage next. If your block is higher than the damage rolled, you take no damage. If it is lower, you will subtract. (If the damage was 7 and your block was 5, the damage taken will be 2 LP.) This is a particularly useful way to defend if your character has no armor and the attack roll made is higher than a Dodge roll you could make. Shields increase your Block rolls if used, and will only be destroyed if an Aimed Shot is done directly at the shield.

Option 3: Absorbing. Armor is useful in battle because it can endure damage instead of your character having their life points reduced. Armor uses DP (durability points) and can protect your character from harm, as long as you don't let the DP reach 0 (at which point it becomes useless until repaired.) If you wish to Absorb damage, you'll state so on your defending turn and the GM will note it. If armor becomes useless during battle, you will begin to take damage, and have to get your armor repaired after the event is finished. In the event the damage taken in a single turn is more than half your character's LP and you still choose to Absorb, your character will take no LP damage, but the armor will be destroyed beyond repair (despite it's DP) and no longer be usable; a great option to save your character in dire situations, but costly.

Option 4: Counter Attack. If you have little regard for taking some damage, you can forfeit defending and do a counter attack instead. This means your character will take the full damage of the attack, but will get to deal some damage to the opponent too. An attack has to have been made by your character's opponent to counter-attack. If an action (see below) is used in place of an attack round, your character cannot counter attack. If you decide to counter attack, announce it at the defense stage to the GM, then once the opponent has rolled their damage, your character will do a counter attack. You'll then roll the damage for your weapon (roll the normal damage roll, the result will be cut in half *rounded down*) and the only option the opponent has to defend a counter attack is Absorbing since they wont have reaction time for Blocking or Dodging! Counter attacks must be done in the same way you were attacked that turn distance wise. If you were attacked melee, you must counter melee, ranged vs ranged, and magic vs either since magic can be melee or ranged depending on the spell. Then a new round starts and it's your turn to attack again! This method of "defense" (or lack of) is perfect for the warriors who can afford to take some hits and want to deal as much damage to their opponent as they can. It also makes for quicker battles.

In the case of a tie between an attack and defense roll, each will roll their APT to see who gets the 'last second edge' over their parry. If tied again, roll APT again.