The player has four attributes, which also resources, and can use them in all kinds of nodes since they are also represented as cards (not just that four shit at the bottom of the screen).
Health - can be used for working, can gain Vitality, then strength which gives more Health, to use them simultaneously and such. Also you can get ill, or harmed, that reserves one of your Health, until you seek a doctor (for Funds) or cancel it with Vitality, via the Dream node (sleep = rest).
Passion - emotional aspect of the player, this also can be multiplied, can be used to do work, or dream, whatever.
Reason - the mental capacity or something, usually for studying, can be gained skills and used them to I dunno what, not sure yet, I'm just experimenting, haven't read any manual or help.
Funds - money, used to pay for all kinds of things, like keep the Time going, get help from doctor when ill, or purchase items, or hire people to do stuff.

Items are source of other cards, after Study or Explore, and probably can do other stuff with them, eg for rituals.