Abstract
Problem: What do Arcanum's eight attributes actually do under the hood, and what hidden bonuses exist at the stat cap of 20?
Approach: Tim Cain loaded Arcanum's original source code in Visual Studio, used "find all references" on each stat, and catalogued every systemic effect — not prerequisites, just mechanical impact.
Findings: Each attribute has a distinct mechanical footprint, from Dexterity's overpowered skill coverage to Beauty's near-uselessness. Every stat has a hidden level-20 bonus, some of which are dramatically powerful (Charisma 20 makes followers permanently loyal; Intelligence 20 gives +10 to every skill roll). A conditional compilation flag was also discovered that could restore the original variable-cost leveling system.
Key insight: Arcanum's attribute system reveals a common RPG design tension — some stats (Dexterity, Intelligence) do far too much while others (Beauty) do almost nothing, and the level-20 bonuses create dramatic power spikes that reward full investment.
1. References
- Tim Cain. YouTube video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF8yjlIZz9A