Potestas
Designing a character is a potentially lengthy process, though specifying the character's Characteristic and Ability scores can be a very quick and simple task. Character generation in Potestas is a three-step process:
Talk with your GM about what the game setting will be like before deciding on the sort of character you want to play. Try and identify what you and the GM want to get out of playing the game, and make sure your goals as a player and a character are compatible with the GM's plans. The GM will indicate what Stature characters will begin with: most adventuring characters should begin with Stature 3, which will allow you to design a character of any race. The GM may also require that your character conform to an archetype: if not, you may want to use an archetype anyway. Establish the character's background, current and past possessions, relationships with other characters, and any other aspects of the character concept that matter to you.
Characters receive 10 character points plus 10 character points per point of Stature. Depending on the character's race or archetype, some of the points derived from Stature will be committed to certain Skills and Abilities. Make sure the character has any necessary prerequisite Acquired Skills or Abilities. Be aware that characters should invest 1 character point per point of Stature for Skills they are good at, 2 points if they are very good, and 3 points (the maximum allowed) if excellent. Also, note that characters cannot have more steps in an Ability or Spell than they have Stature without the GM's permission.
Once you have finished assigning character points, the GM will review the character design to make sure it matches their game setting. It may be that the GM does not want characters to start with Skill bonus of over +9, or wants all characters to have a particular Skill or Ability (e.g. Literacy, Magic Talent). If the GM wants changes, the two of you will negotiate until the final character design is one both of you are happy with.