During my deconstruction of the Rolemaster ruleset for my Shadow World campaign I kept hitting a wall with stat redesign. Sometimes I tried to reduce the stats from 10, other times I tried to come up with a better framework of qualities that represents a “being” and works with the skill list. I have to say that even after 45 years, the 10 basic stats in Rolemaster work pretty well and it’s hard to come up with something better. It’s a good balance between tangible physical components and intangible or mental attributes. That is not to say that I don’t use stats differently (stats as skills) or apply different stats to skills then RAW, but I can’t come up with any real improvements that are worth further effort. That’s a testament to the original design.
However, there is 1 physical quality that I think should be included and one that I use–but not wholeheartedly. “Appearance”. It’s easily argued that physical appearance is an incredibly relevant attribute, but decisive as well. Recent game design theory has moved away from stressing physical appearance and embracing full-inclusivity, but beyond in-game efficacy, an appearance score is a quick indicator, a short-hand, when describing a PC or NPC. As part of my writing, I’m trying to focus more complete character descriptions and I don’t think every PC or NPC should be heroic in appearance or from “central casting”. Certainly a character could be less traditionally attractive (physical appearance) and yet highly charismatic. And yet, I don’t want to lean into the normal advantages that physical appearance provides: in real life or in gaming.
I’ve always been intrigued by player’s decision to embrace a PC with unusual attributes: obesity, unattractiveness, physical disabilities etc. In a game environment of min/maxing, fantasy and escapism, many players want to be an idealized figure. Does anyone really want a score of “20” in physical appearance? Should this be addresses through the flaw system or incorporated into the stats and related skill resolution (charm, leadership etc)?
Anyone else use Appearance as a 11th stat or a more prominent role in their game?