Starting Stats
 

Is there a way to change the starting stats when creating a character? Or is that hardcoded into the client?

it's hardcoded for now at least...I believe one of the developers was asking on how to implement a starting system involved with the database but that was for inventory. Stats could also be done this way as well. I person could create a class warrior for example and append certain skills to a skills table. But they're gonna have to modify the client to support the custom races and classes. I'm not sure how that works.

Stats are correct but with equipment and stuff I am sure that there is a template that it goes off of cause when you start a character in the emulator now it gives you 2pp some gold, silver, and copper. Also there is money in the bank. So you could give the character equipment and then once images npc questing code is in place you could probably have some npc go and give out stats. Though that is just a theory.

Once things get around to spell editing, could have it so once you visit your trainer every 10 levels or so, a new perma-effect spell would be cast on you with stat ect boosts... now that I think about that it is damn cool, back to my spdat editing :D

That stat giver idea reminded me of how we handled it in UO. We were able to create custom classes by using objects in the game. When a new player was born, he starts in an empty room like limbo. There was an anvil in the center of the room we called the "skill stone" If they double clicked it, a menu interface would show up asking what class they wanted to be, what skills they wanted to specialize in, etc.

This was all done through scripting through sphere server. I'm not sure how far the script development has been going but I'm sure alot of the things that are hard coded, could be implemented through server side scripts.

Configurable starting items for each class would be a really good idea too. You could set it to give you anything from the default tunic/rusty weapon/L1 spells to a full set of high-level items, depending on the sort of server you want to create.
Although it doesn't take long to summon things, it'd still be nice.