Editing GURPS (section)

===Attributes===
Characters in ''GURPS'' have four basic [[attribute (role-playing games)|attribute]]s:

* '''Strength (ST)''': A measure of the character's physical power and bulk, ability to lift, carry, and do damage
* '''Dexterity (DX)''': A measure of the character's physical agility, coordination, and manual dexterity
* '''Intelligence (IQ)''': A measure of the character's mental capacity, acuity and sense of the world
* '''Health (HT)''': A measure of the character's physical stamina, recovery speed, energy and vitality, ability to resist disease

Each attribute has a number rating assigned to it. Normally they begin at 10, representing typical human ability, but can go as low as 1 for nearly useless, to 20 (or higher) for superhuman power. Anything in the 8 to 12 range is considered to be in the ''normal'' or ''average'' area for humans. Basic attribute scores of 6 or less are considered ''crippling''—they are so far below the human norm that they are only used for severely handicapped characters. Scores of 15 or more are described as ''amazing''—they are immediately apparent and draw constant comment.

Players assign these ratings spending [[character point]]s. The higher the rating the more points it will cost the player, however, assigning a score below the average 10 gives the player points back to assign elsewhere. Since almost all skills are based on Dexterity or Intelligence, those attributes are twice as expensive (or yield twice the points, if purchased below 10). In earlier editions (pre–4th Edition) all attributes followed the same cost-progression, where higher attributes cost more per increase than attributes close to the average of 10.

Attribute scores also determine several ''secondary characteristics''. The four major ones are each directly based on a single attribute:

*'''Hit Points (HP)''': how much damage and injury can be sustained, based on ''ST'' in 4e. In previous editions it was based on HT.
*'''Will (Will)''': mental focus and strength, withstanding stress, based on ''IQ''.
*'''Perception (Per)''': general sensory alertness, based on ''IQ''.
*'''Fatigue Points (FP)''': a measure of exertion, tiredness, and hunger, based on ''HT'' in 4e. In previous editions it was based on ST.

The other secondary characteristics (Damage<!--(thrust/swing)-->, Basic Lift<!--[in lbs]-->, Basic Speed, Dodge, <!--Basic -->Move<!--(Ground/Water/Air) [in yard/sec]-->) are calculated from one or more attribute values using individual [[Mathematical table|table]]s or [[formula]]e.