Are there any ways to increase you chances for looting items,such as,say,a attack from the back?

The whole process of obtaining items by killing other players seems rather random. Could anybody clear it up a bit for me?

OK,thanks.

But what if I want my character to get more poficient with a certain weapon,say a crossbow?
Do I have to make a new one?


(Also,how do I change my forum name?)

I mean,level up so that I can add more to my character's stats (Strength,Agility,Ironflesh,power throw,etc.).

How do I level up?