Attributes are required to learn some skills, use some items, and affect the performance of your character. There are six core attributes. You start with a score of 5 in each of them and you can add 3 points every time you level up.
Strength
Strength (STR) allow you to wield more powerful melee weapons, deal more damage with them and utilize many hand-to-hand combat skill. Every point of strength adds 0.67 attack power to heavy one-handed melee weapons, 1.17 attack power to colossal weapons, 0.33 attack power to fist weapons and 0.17 attack power to light melee weapons and bows.
Dexterity
Dexterity (DEX) allows the use of bows and other light weapons, increases their effectiveness, and improves your ability to dodge attacks. Starting at 5 DEX with 0% dodge, every point of dexterity adds 0.5% dodge chance, 0.67 attack power to light melee weapons, 0.33 attack power to fist weapons and 1.17 attack power to bows.
Intelligence
Intelligence (INT) is the primary stat of spellcasters, increases the power of magical skill and allows you to wield staves and other arcane tools. Every point of intelligence adds 1 spell power and 1.33 attack power to staves.
Skill
Skill (SKL) increases the critical hit chance of all attacks, and is key to wielding many diverse spell and ability. Every point of skill adds 0.5% crit chance.
Endurance
Endurance (END) effects your maximum health and allows the use of heavy armor, as well as many abilities demanding a rugged constitution. Every point of endurance adds 5 HP and 0.33 attack power with blunt weapons.
Charisma
Charisma (CHA) improves the prices of items you buy and sell and is demanded by skills that require great leadership and willpower. Every point of charisma reduces the cost of items by 1% and increases selling prices of items by 3.5%, capped at 45 CHA.
Secondary Attributes
Pushing up on your core attributes in the character sheet will reveal additional information such as Crit %, Health, Attack Speed, etc. This information is very useful when determining the best gear to compliment your build.