Attributes represent your innate talents and capacity for learning. Attributes are ranked by a die type, from a d4 to a d12. Whenever you make a skill roll, you attempt the test using a specific attribute's die type. They also help determine vital statistics such as Chakra and Health. There are eight attributes: four physical (Strenght, Agility, Finesse and Vitality) and four mental (Focus, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma).

Strength represents sheer physical prowess: your ability to crush boards or rocks or keep a doorway from collapsing. Strength is used in tests where the key task involves brute force. Key applications are in melee attacks and Athletics tests to run, swim, or climb.

Agility is your ability to dodge, weave, and flip, as well as your bodily flexibility. Agility is used in tests where they key task involves bodily maneuverability. Key applications are in most Defense rolls against physical attacks.

Finesse is manual dexterity and aim. It is used in tests where coordination and the manipulation of fine objects is paramount. Finesse is commonly used in ranged physical attacks and melee physical attacks with rapiers, daggers and short swords.

Vitality represents physical stamina, health and endurance. Vitality is used in tests wherein the primary task is to shrug off a physical effect or endure a malign condition such as disease or poison.

Focus is the Vitality of the mind. It represents concentration and mental fortitude as well as spiritual resourcefulness. Use Focus for a skill test wherein concentration is key.

Intelligence is a measure of memory and ingenuity. Use Intelligence for testing a character's knowledge of a subject or solving difficult problems, such as those that arise during surgery or engineering.

Wisdom represents worldly knowledge, intuition and pattern recognition capabilities. Use Wisdom in any situation where the character must "go with the flow" to find his way.

Charisma is force of will, personality and social grace. Use Charisma if you are trying to swim in a social situation or trying to create a magical effect that involves conjuration, summoning or evocation.

How do I Know Which Attribute to Use? In Saga, there are no iron-clad links between just one skill and one attribute. Given the right situation, any skill can be rolled with any attribute. The attribute used is decided at time of rolling depending upon in which attribute's domain the attempted action falls. Sometimes the rules will provide clear guidelines—where it doesn't, the decision is up to the GM.