
Exploring the Zoo Mafia RPG Stats: A Breakdown for Players and GMs
Zoo Mafia, an exciting new RPG fueled by the Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) engine, brings a fresh, animal-themed twist to the tabletop role-playing scene. Designed with a unique combination of narrative flexibility and streamlined mechanics, the game uses six key stats to define how characters navigate their criminal underworld. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into each stat, breaking down what they represent, how they’re used, and why they’re essential for creating dynamic animal mobsters. For more Zoo Mafia content check out one of the bosses here.
1. Awareness (Perception and Senses)
In Zoo Mafia, Awareness reflects a character’s ability to stay alert and sense what’s happening around them. Whether it’s detecting an ambush, noticing the subtle cues in a rival’s body language, or eavesdropping on a clandestine conversation, high Awareness helps a character stay one step ahead.
- When to Use Awareness:
- Spotting hidden threats or items.
- Understanding social nuances or emotional tells.
- Perception in high-stress situations, like a stakeout.
Awareness ensures that your character doesn’t miss critical information in a world full of deception, giving you a competitive edge. Awareness is the key stat for PUTTING YOUR PEEPERS TO WORK. Awareness is typically the most important stat for the Lookout Playbook.
2. Magnetism (Appeal or Presence)
Magnetism governs a character’s charisma, charm, and presence. In the cutthroat world of Zoo Mafia, sometimes it’s not what you say, but how you say it. Characters with high Magnetism have the ability to sway others, dominate a room with their presence, and convince people to see things their way—whether by charm, intimidation, or sheer force of personality.
- When to Use Magnetism:
- Persuading a rival to stand down.
- Commanding a room full of nervous associates.
- Attracting followers or loyal lackeys.
If you want to play a silver-tongued mob boss or a charismatic con artist, Magnetism is your go-to stat. Magnetism is the key stat when rolling to START SPITTING. Those playing the Grifter Playbook should consider having a good bonus in Magnetism.
3. Moxie (Grit or Willpower)
Moxie represents your character’s sheer grit and determination. Whether it’s standing firm against an interrogation, holding your nerve during a tense standoff, or powering through injury, Moxie is the stat that defines mental and emotional toughness.
- When to Use Moxie:
- Resisting intimidation or torture.
- Pushing through physical and emotional exhaustion.
- Holding steady under pressure, like during negotiations or shootouts.
Moxie defines a character’s inner strength, making it ideal for tough-as-nails enforcers or unshakable masterminds. Moxie is most used when rolling to GET OUT OF A JAM. Moxie is usually the dominant stat needed for those using the Driver Playbook.
4. Precision (Accuracy or Focus)
In a world of organized crime, Precision is critical for characters who rely on skill and accuracy. This stat governs careful execution, from handling firearms with deadly aim to picking locks or

Go Wild, Do Crime, and Don’t let the Humans Catch You.
performing delicate tasks that require a steady hand and sharp focus.
- When to Use Precision:
- Hitting a target in a firefight.
- Nailing a target precisely where you need to to cause a distraction
- Performing a high-stakes operation that demands accuracy.
Precision is essential for sharpshooters and characters who pride themselves on executing tasks with pinpoint accuracy. Precision is the key stat when you want to roll BRING THE HEAT. Those playing the Button (or button person) should favor a good Precision.
5. Sly (Guile or Subtlety)
Sly measures your character’s cunning, stealth, and ability to manipulate or deceive others. Whether you’re sneaking into a rival’s compound, pulling off a heist, or spinning lies to avoid suspicion, Sly is the stat that lets you operate in the shadows.
- When to Use Sly:
- Performing criminal tasks like unlocking a safe.
- Sneaking past security undetected.
- Devising clever schemes or subtle manipulations.
Sly is perfect for spies, con artists, or any character who thrives on guile and subtlety in a world where deception is as important as brute force. Sly is used to COMMIT A CAPER. Sly is the most important stat to the Safecracker playbook.
6. Wild (Instinct or Physicality)
In contrast to Sly’s subtlety, Wild represents raw physicality and instinctual action. It’s the stat you’ll call on in brawls, chases, or any scenario where brute force and reflex-driven action are needed. Characters with high Wild stats are driven by their animal instincts, relying on quick thinking and fast reflexes to survive.
- When to Use Wild:
- Getting into (or out of) a fistfight.
- Using melee or natural weapons.
- Acting on pure adrenaline in a life-or-death moment.
Wild is the perfect stat for enforcers, toughs, or anyone who likes using brute force to get something done. Wild is the key stat in combat when you want to BOP. Wild should be the primary stat for those using the Goon playbook.
How These Stats Fit into Zoo Mafia’s Powered by the Apocalypse Framework
Zoo Mafia’s stats are designed to complement the Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) framework, which prioritizes narrative-driven gameplay and player agency. Instead of rolling for a long list of skills, players rely on these six broad stats to handle a wide variety of challenges. This design choice encourages creativity and improvisation in how players approach the game, allowing them to bend the narrative to their will.
Each stat is tied to a set of moves that characters can use to interact with the world. Whether you’re using Magnetism to bluff your way past a rival mobster’s bodyguard or Precision to land a critical shot in a firefight, the stats create a streamlined yet versatile system that gives players a lot of freedom in their decisions.
Why the Stat System is Perfect for Zoo Mafia
The animal kingdom setting of Zoo Mafia meshes perfectly with the stats, as each one represents key animal instincts and behaviors. Whether you’re a quick-witted fox using Sly to outsmart your enemies or a hulking bear relying on Wild strength, the stats reinforce the game’s thematic focus on animals in a mobster world.
This streamlined approach also helps new players quickly grasp the core mechanics, while more experienced RPG players will appreciate the flexibility and depth the stats offer. Whether you want to intimidate, seduce, fight, or outwit your way to the top of the mob, the stat system provides a versatile toolkit for any playstyle.
Conclusion
Zoo Mafia’s stat system is a brilliant blend of narrative simplicity and strategic depth, designed to help players and GMs create thrilling, immersive experiences in the criminal underworld. With just six core stats—Awareness, Magnetism, Moxie, Precision, Sly, and Wild—you can embody any animal mobster you can imagine, whether they’re a charming con artist, a hard-boiled detective, or a ruthless enforcer. As you dive into the world of Zoo Mafia, these stats will be your guide to navigating the perils and opportunities of organized crime.
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Thanks for reading. Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy!
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