[@Archmage MC]
Yikes, I totally didn't mention magic at all in the OP, did I?

Magic in this world is not so much an inherent talent or skill the player is able to hone, rather it is a gift from the many beasts roaming the unexplored wilderness. "Magic" is more or less the incredible and inhuman skill of these beasts, which is condensed into and then derived from the items and ingredients dropped by slain monsters. Any of your standard magic can be found in one beast or another.

The strength of these items is determined by how many skill points you're willing to use to upgrade it, instead of spending it on your character. Magical items will have their own ranking system and parameters. When making your character, I'll allow the player to build their own item or items and transfer any number of starting skill points (there will be plenty) into the items instead of the character.

A character's skills will solely be physical characteristics. 

The reason for the magic mechanic is because I don't like OP magic. This, I feel, is a good way to keep mages on par with other players.