The main point of this cut-and-dry rubric is to give players clarity, to get rid of the pesky question, 'is my character able to do this?' Let's just say everyone starts at 1 point in STR, DEX, and END, which equates to that of an average human. That means they can do everything you might expect from an average person, but no more. NOTE: However, that won't mean they won't be able to do things that are beyond their limits. By purposefully pushing yourself, you might be able to reach higher levels temporarily, but at the cost of a consequence. (determined by me, though we can always deliberate.) More on that later. As those numbers raise (or fall), it will affect their performance in respective fields, so players will be able to understand their limitations and thus, will be able to think of ways to work around them. It would allow for a clear sense of danger or threat, as no character will be strong in all areas. Hence, teamwork.

The traits are as follows:
STR = How much physical power you have. Also affects general speed.
END = This is how much you can exert yourself, push your own limits, and how much punishment your body can take. Dictates how long you can do something for a prolonged amount of time.
DEX = Your reaction speed, your athleticism, and precision. Important for performing extraordinary feats well.
SPI = Your affinity towards magic and all things supernatural. How well you control magic is linked to this stat, but how much you can output or sustain special abilities and spells is affected by END. Being as your body itself is the medium.

That said, all characters will start the story with all stats being 1/2, with the outlined power-level outlined in the list below. The exception to this is SPI, which will start at 0. Depending on your choice early on, these values will change. To keep things simple, each stat increase is quite significant. From just point 2, characters will already be encroaching superhuman levels. And it only goes up from there.

To answer any concerns you might have about power-creep, yes it will eventually happen, but I assure that won't be too quick or sudden. 'Essence', which can be used to raise these stats, is only earned after large victories and such and only in small quantities. Usually in just 1. The conversion ratio is also 1:1, for simplicity sake.

IMPORTANT: As an extension to this, adding the first point of Essence into SPI grants your character a unique ability they have access to. Their 'Expression', if you will. It will start off weak and difficult to use, but will grow and evolve as the stat increases. Usually they are unique and exclusive to the character, with no duplicates allowed in the party. As these are drawn from the nature of their very own 'Soul', which is unique to each and every person. More on this in the actual Roleplay.

Alternatively, instead of spending it on stats, you can use the Essence to unlock and empower any special abilities or powers your character might have attained, whether from an NPC or other method.

Drew this little sketch, might clean up the lines and color it... might not. Mr. Procrastination wants me dead.