Now don't be afraid. Most other systems have several basic stats, and then lots of other numbers along with them. Hydraforge has only these ten, and they will drive almost everything about the game mechanics, so pay attention.

Ten scores, divided into two groups: Physical Prowess, and Mental Prowess. This installment is about the first group and how it affects your character.

Physical Prowess (PP)

Five scores add up to make your character's physical prowess score: Strength, Speed, Stamina, Aim and Balance. These five scores average at ten, which makes an average PP score of fifty. When creating a character, your game master (GM) may opt to generate these scores in any way they choose, but I encourage all GMs to use a point system to generate them, as that will create the most balanced character.

Strength (STR)

This score represents raw power, how much your character can lift, carry, push, pull or hold. A low strength score means that your character is physically weak, but not necessarily lacking in prowess. A high STR score will grant your character a bonus to hit and damage when making melee attacks.

Speed (SPD)

Any time your character does something requiring speed, whether it be running, fighting, or trying to disarm a trap, it will require raw speed. Sleight of hand, juggling, swordplay, and many other skills that require raw speed will be improved by this score. During combat situations, having a high SPD score will allow your character to act faster by granting a bonus to initiative rolls.

Stamina (STA)

At some point, your character will be tested physically. This score determines how much punishment your character can take before they either need a rest, or die as a result of their injuries. Resistance to poisons, diseases, injury and physical exertion is measured by this score. What die or dice are used to roll your character's maximum hit points is determined by your STA score.

Aim (AIM)

Firing a bow, throwing stones, or hitting a specific target with anything are all skills that require a good AIM score. Sharpshooters, assassins, thieves and archers will want to have a high AIM score. Having a high AIM score will grant a bonus to hit and damage when making ranged attacks.

Balance (BAL)

Maintaining their footing while crossing a river, performing acrobatics, and walking a tightrope are a few examples of tasks that require a good BAL score. Characters rely on their BAL score to help them dodge attacks and stay on their feet. Having a high BAL score will also grant them a bonus to hit and damage when making finesse attacks.

Using These Scores

Any time a character attempts a task, that task or "skill" will be judged against one of their ten primary ability scores. Each ability score has a bonus (or penalty if the score is low enough) that will be added to their die roll when making the skill check.

Some skills or challenges may require a check against the character's PP or MP scores. These checks are a bit different than ordinary skill checks, and will be covered in the Skills section of Hydraforge.

Nothing written here is set in stone yet. If you see a problem with this system, have a concern, or think something could be better, please do comment below and let us know.

If you're interested in learning more about Galadir, pick up a copy of The Time Weaver, Book I of The Time Weaver Chronicles today!

That place is The Hydraforge.

What does that have to do with me or my blog? Well, my plans over the next little while have changed, and The Hydraforge has a lot to do with it. Most of you know that I'm hard at work on Book II of The Time Weaver Chronicles, and am currently on track for its release in January of 2013. Many of you have also been loyal readers and followers since I started writing and blogging, and I appreciate that. I've decided recently that it's time for a change in how I'm doing things, and I know y'all will understand.

I have a limited amount of spare time, and that time must be divided up among all my hobbies. Writing is but one of them. Role-playing games are another. The truth is, I've been a gamer a lot longer than I've been a writer, but I've been devoting more time to writing than gaming.

The Hydraforge is an effort to combine the two hobbies.

As a twenty-year fan of role-playing games, one goal I've always had for myself is to create a game system of my own that I could run my games in. The Hydraforge will be that system. A full campaign setting (Galadir), magic system, combat system, skill system, and so much more.

But here's the best part:

Everything I develop for Hydraforge will be available in digital form, completely free. PDF downloads of all materials can be obtained here from my website, and free eBooks from all major online book distributors. As I work on bits and pieces of it, I'll post it here for people to look at, evaluate, and give feedback on. In that way, perhaps we can all work together on it.

The setting guide will allow you to create stories and campaigns in Galadir. So you'll not only be able to read about Galadir, but also experience the world through your own character's eyes. There are untold corners of Galadir still to explore, and The Time Weaver Chronicles will only reveal a small portion of what there is to discover.

I want to thank everyone for their support thus far. I couldn't have made it this far without you. I hope you'll continue with me along this journey, because this is going to get very exciting!

If you're interested in seeing what Galadir has to offer, pick up a copy of The Time Weaver, Book I of The Time Weaver Chronicles today!