Attributes
Attributes are the statistical descriptors for a character's base ability to cause damage through automatic weapon attacks and/or the usage of spells. There are five attributes in total which can be advanced throughout the game, and the attribute level governs the effectiveness of any skills that are used by the player.
However, attributes do not increase on a linear scale - an increase in one attribute results in multiple other attributes decreasing in level. This means that specialisations in specific attributes is considered the optimal route, and as attacking (either through automatic attacks or spells) adjusts all character attributes careful consideration should be applied to what weapons are used, and which/how often specific skills are used.