These days, it's fairly common for a new MMO to have a Beta Test period before the release of a game. This generally takes place in 2 stages, a Closed Beta and an Open Beta - with Closed Beta being used to find and eliminate bugs, and Open Beta used to stress test the server to make sure they can handle the player base without server crashes and lag. Some games have a second closed Beta Test, this being used to experiment with new ideas and patches and gauge a response from the players. Atlantica is one such game.

The reason I mention this process is that many people are unaware of it, rarely does a game make significant changes in these tests and as a result they usually go by unnoticed. Atlantica chose a different path with their second Closed Beta Test, they chose to add a new gameplay element entirely, one that would later be known as Stamina - the destroyer of worlds.

 The Stamina system in Atlantica works simply, you begin the day with 100 Stamina Points (50 once you reach level 50), and after every battle one point is lost. Once you have consumed your daily stipend of Stamina you will no longer receive experience or loot from battles. At first glance this isn't really