Something I was thinking on was the relevancy of base attributes in an RPG (strength, dexterity and so forth).
Having played the starwars game it got me thinking about it, as it is a game focused more on the skills than on the basic attributes unless you want to do something you aren't trained in. It led me to the question...
Are they really needed?
Some systems use Attributes as a blanket cover for all tests made in a game, like Castles and Crusades, Maelstrom, Basic D&D or AD&D.
Others use Attributes modified by 'skills', like Warhammer or Dragon Age.
The opposite is also used in the majority often in that characters develop skills that are enhanced by attributes, like in d20 (3.x D&D, Arcana Unearthed, etc), Earthdawn or Rolemaster.
While there are a fair number of games that use a composite of skills and attributes, like L5R, Star Wars d6, and Shadowrun (if I recall correctly).
It seems the less complex (though rolemaster is likely the most complex example I gave) the intended system, the more importance (or power if you like) is given on the attributes to cover situations that require a rolled resolution.
In most cases base attributes are there to cover the unskilled attempt, raw aptitude or to cover the training that every character would have due to their time prior to being part of the game, the characters history, yet that the system couldn't cover itself.
If care was taken to include skills that could emulate the raw aptitude of a character, say a might skill as opposed to having a strength attribute for brute force tasks, would attributes even be needed at all.
I have two minds on the subject as they aren't essential as they muddy the waters for a more blanket or streamlined system, while conversely they are useful for those inevitable stop gaps and to simulate a characters natural talent.
The natural talent aspect is an odd one though, given allot of natural talent can go unfounded if its not used, or trained to be used at some point.
All of which comes back to me further pondering on the question;
Are base attributes really needed in an RPG?
