Character attributes

(UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

Stats is shorts for statistics, a term used since the early installments. Stats decided on the abilities of a party member, but each game handles them slightly different. Here therefore first an explanation of the three main stats since Ultima IV and then the differences in each game.

Strength
Strength (STR) determines two things:


 * First and foremost, STR determines how hard a weapon can be used against an enemy. Only high strength allows full damage, otherwise a penalty is applied. Several weapons also have a minimum STR needed before they can be used in the first place.


 * Second, STR determines how much the character can carry around, the exact calculations differing from game to game. It also determines the minimum strength needed to carry certain armours.

Dexterity
Dexterity (DEX) determines two things:


 * The chance to hit an enemy and the frequency of attacks. This is especially important for ranged weapons, which far more rely on the warrior having a good aim with high DEX.


 * The chances of evading an enemy's blow entirely.

Intelligence
Intelligence (INT) is solely responsible (among other things) to determine the mana pool of the character. The exact formula how this is accomplished differs from game to game. There is no penalty for low INT to actual spellcasting.

Ultima IV
...

Ultima V
...

Ultima VI
...

World of Ultima
...

Ultima Underworld I + II
...

Ultima VII + Part Two
...

Ultima VIII
...

Ultima IX
Here the system was completely changed. All three stats now have four levels, which can be pushed to the maximum over the course of the game (with exception of the Shepherd). Also, who they work was changed significantly compared to previous installments.


 * STR still determines the amount of health available. Each level of STR gives the Avatar 30 HP, the maximum being 120. Also, the higher levels give damage bonuses of +2, +4 and +8 damage done.


 * DEX only determines the number of combat techniques the Avatar can learn for each weapon, the number equivalent to the current level.


 * INT gives 10 Karma per level, 5% spell resistance per level and damage bonuses of +2, +4 and +8 for spells on the higher levels


 * The mana pool is determined by the Karma, which is measured on a scale from 0 to 200 and is not bound at the stats.