Attributes and abilities
For every item, check two different things: which attribute you need to equip it, and which attribute its attack uses. They're not always the same.
| Attribute | What it affects |
|---|---|
| Strength (STR) | Many melee attacks; lots of weapons and heavier gear require it. |
| Dexterity (DEX) | Dexterity-based attacks and ranged weapons; many light and ranged items require it. |
| Wisdom (WIS) | Magic, Mana-based builds and the requirements of magical gear. |
| Endurance (END) | Maximum health and Stamina, Blood resistance and poison duration. |
Equipping a weapon vs attacking with it
Short Sword needs STR 4 to equip, but its attack uses DEX. So a hero can hold it without having the attribute that makes it hit well. It works the other way round too: a hero built on Dexterity can still fall short of the Strength requirement.
Before you compare the weapon with another one, ask three questions. Can the hero equip it? Do its attack and effects suit them? And can they reach the enemy with it from where they stand? Meeting the requirement still won't turn a short sword into a Reach weapon for the back row.
Two requirements, both at once
Light Crossbow needs STR 4 and DEX 7, and Shield of Wind needs DEX 4 and WIS 4. You have to meet both numbers, not just one of them. That's why a spare item can stay useless even when one of the numbers looks easy to reach.
Some items are also limited to certain classes, and attributes don't get around that. Check the class restriction and the number requirements separately, especially when you're planning gear for a Paladin or Blood Mage who can use Wisdom as a secondary attribute.
Endurance doesn't protect against everything
Endurance (END) is an attribute. Stamina is a resource that classes like the Warrior, Thief and Ranger spend on skills. A Stamina potion refills Stamina; it doesn't raise Endurance.
Higher END doesn't lower the chance of being stunned or frozen. It is linked to how long poison lasts, but that's a separate rule. In the same way, elemental resistance cuts the damage but doesn't stop the attack's status from sticking.
Level-up points go into skills
Levelling up gives you points for your class skills. You can't put them into STR, DEX, WIS or END. If the game won't let you take the next rank of a skill, check its level requirement – swapping gear won't fix it.