A 10 rating represents average human ability in the stat category. Some popular RPGs use 10 as the baseline for all stats.At the start of a game, you might have each player start with 20 stat points to apply to different stat categories. In many RPGs, the game begins with players creating a character and using a set number of points to invest in different stats.
To give you an example of how stats affect characters, a character with high strength but low charisma would likely be powerful in battle but clumsy in diplomatic situations. Common stats include strength, intelligence, wisdom, charisma, and dexterity.
A player character's stats gives it a baseline for what it can do and how it will act.
