Each profession also has a number of subclasses or specialists.
These are characters that started out life training under their more general heading but found they had a natural ability in one particular field.
However, due to the dedication to their chosen specialisation, other aspects of their class suffer.
Hence an archer could be exceptional with a bow but if he got caught in a close combat situation, his abilities would be below that of a similarly skilled fighter who has a more rounded range of abilities.
Fighter
As the name suggests, characters of this class are skilled in combat and can usually handle all kinds of weapons and armour without difficulty.
Toughness is an important attribute for a fighter but awareness is also useful, especially when using missile weapons.
When in combat, a fighter's skill statistic is used with the skill he has with his weapon to give an overall fighting ability.
Mage
Characters of this class are skilled in the use of magic.
They will begin knowing just a few simple spells but as the game progresses will learn many more.
A mage's skill determines how many Power Points the mage has and the level of spells that he is able to cast.
Mages are the weakest of all classes in combat, years of book learning instead of physical exercise means that they lumber around when wearing heavy armour.
Priest
Priests are the servants of the gods and their services are rewarded with the ability to perform miracles.
The nature of these miracles will be determined by the god or gods that the priest serves.
As the priest's skill increases, he will be granted the use of more powerful miracles.
The actions of a priest in combat will be determined by his alignment.
Followers of the Gods Garthrana and Sundonak would be found in the thick of the action, whereas a priest of Novala or Phyloqure will try to keep to the back of any combat.
Thief
No surprises here.
The thief is a catburglar, pickpocket, and locksmith all rolled into one.
Good awareness is the vital attribute here.
This also tends to make them good with missile weapons.
In combat they will fight if necessary but prefer to use bolts or arrows to strike from a distance.
Heavy armour hampers their agility.
