When I right-click on Sword, for instance, at the bottom, it will say:

"Controlling Attributes:
Strength
Dexterity"

Can anyone explain please how these work?

G.

I think those are just point of references to the rolls involved when you use the skill. Wiz 8 does a LOT of calculations whenever any action is measured in combat and those rolls are influenced by the attributes linked to the action, the academic skill related to the action, and the skill with the ability required for the action itself. So when your fighter swings his sword, he is rolling to hit with modifiers from his dexterity, his close combat, and his sword skill. I think str only modifies the penetration and damage rolls, not the actual to hit roll but not 100% sure there.

I've heard it said that having higher controlling attributes allows you to learn the skill faster, though I think that's just incidental... as above, they have a bearing on using the skill you're looking at.