MMORPG.com Roma Victor Correspondent Phil Zieg writes this overview of the character system in the Roman-era based game.

The character system in Roma Victor (RV) is somewhat different than that of most MMOs. In most games the player creates a character with the standard strength, intelligence, dexterity, etc., based upon what benefits/bonuses are desired for the character class (fighter, mage, thief, and so on). Hit points are most often based upon the character’s level, while combat skills may be based on either level or skill with a particular piece of equipment. Crafting is usually skill based, for games that have it.

Most games have an armor class or armor rating that is determined by the total protection value of various equipped items, with that armor rating being for the character’s entire body. In Player versus Player combat, attacks most often “roll” against the opponent’s armor rating, with successful attacks subtracting a certain number of hit points from the character who was successfully attacked. The character who runs out of hit points first is dead.

Read Character Systems Part One