If you follow Shadowlord's recommendations regarding c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts -- You should be able to read this:
Server Downtime: Electrical Substation Explodes. We're down right now. I don't know for how long.
Oh, and, Perches increase INT. Apples do not give food event points at all, and agility does not affect running speed.
Strength increases the damage you deal in combat. Agility is important for certain combat moves (Sidestep, comes to mind) Constitution increases your HP. Charisma and Perception do nothing, but they will. Charisma will affect party based combat moves/maneuvers (Party based combat actions, how do you like the sound of that? -- "Leadership", "Strength in numbers", "Lead from the front", "Stern command"), and perception will be important, among other things, when using ranged weapons.
On that topic, I notice a lot of you seem to have problems getting started with combat. I can only assure you that the foxes become a nuisance at worst once you've leveled up a bit. Stay close to the Ring, do the grind for a while, get some gear, and you'll be fine. Their reputation as being orange dire hell wolves of landcarpish maimdom is actually quite overstated.
I am awestruck by the sheer length of this thread. Thank you all so much for taking an interest in what we're trying to do with H&H.