The Character Archaic is designed to be a low-cost, fast-paced, easy to learn, and expandable fantasy roleplaying system. The first volume contains the core rules.

• Characters can be created in minutes: think up a good descriptive paragraph and then build your Primary, Compound, and Special Attributes (if applicable).
• All characters begin play as fresh adventurers, inching closer to becoming veterans in a variety of ways.
• There are no classes to limit the type of hands-on experience, research, or artistry performed between adventures.

• A standard 2d6 roll is used for most actions, with exploding penalties and bonuses (roll an extra die for double ones and double sixes).
• A difficulty scale works as a guide to determine how hard it is for an abstract or measured task, while an opponent's Attributes determine the difficulty for direct contests.
• Standardized degrees of success suggest outcomes for abstract tasks, while specifying a bonus for specialized rules like combat and magic.
• Attacks require only one roll, as damage is computed based on the degree of success, attack's base damage, type of damage, and the opponent's resistance.
• Characters and creatures are assigned challenge ratings based on their capabilities, making it easier to choose adversaries and threats.

• The attribute and difficulty scales, and task resolution system comes from genreDiversion 3E.
• Compound Attributes were directly influenced by Darkwood's skill and specialty system and Story Engine's descriptors.
• The damage, health, and resistance systems were directly influenced by Shatterzone/MasterBook (developed in parallel with those found in MasterBook 2E).
• The success levels/bonuses were developed in parallel with Supergame 3E and MasterBook 2E.
• Challenge ratings were directly influenced by Lair of Sword & Sorcery.