Fighter
Fighters are the class best suited to... fighting. Knights, paladins, and rangers have other talents as well; but, their core fighting skills and resources are a bit behind that of a true fighter.
In Prealith, there are a few mercenary companies, members of the Royal forces, guards for the few baronies, and fighters who hire themselves out as caravan or body guards.
Only caravan guards passing through or body guards of visiting dignitaries are seen in Sanctuary - and even these examples are rare. However, Sanctuary is filled with fighters in one form or another.
First, all citizens belong to the militia and are taught the longbow - even the wizards! The skills are rudimentary and designed for defense. These troops are called Defenders.
The more talented, fit, and motivated of these militia members are given more weapons training and rudimentary tactics. They provide the junior leaders of the militia and troops who are able to do more than fight from defensive positions. They are called Guardsmen.
The elite fighters of the Guardsmen can take on the role of fighters in a group of Strikers. Strikers operate in small groups both within and beyond Sanctuary's borders. Fighters who are Strikers receive extra military training and better weapons and armour. The other members of a Striker group may or may not be other specialities - such as wizards, clerics, rangers, etc. Strikers often serve for several years and then are given bonuses by the Sanctuary Council to settle in a frontier region to help establish a defensive strong point. Others go on to serve as trainers, militia commanders, and other related roles.
The rarest form of fighter to be found in Sanctuary (and only in Sanctuary) is The Chosen Band of Tenille. Sworn to the service of Tenille, these fighters either guard the temples and schools of Tenille (Warden) or as body guards (Shield). In either case they are tied to the place or person they are guarding. Besides a vow to a powerful goddess, this service has some earthly considerations. Spells cast by a cleric of Tenille under the protection of a Warden have maximum or no effect - depending on the cleric's intent. For instance, a healing spell restores maximum hit points; a Fire Storm spell incinerates all around the Warden but he takes no damage. If all the clerics under the Warden's care die or if the Temple/School is destroyed; the Warden must make a Constitution Saving throw. Failure means death and his soul is tied to that place until the Temple is restored or a similar level service is completed in his name; success means unconsciousness for #of clerics who died X hours. A Shield has the same benefits and penalties but for a specific cleric. Since a Warden or Shield is sworn to protect their charges with their lives, it is almost certain he or she will die before those under their care meet the same fate.
In Prealith, there are a few mercenary companies, members of the Royal forces, guards for the few baronies, and fighters who hire themselves out as caravan or body guards.
Only caravan guards passing through or body guards of visiting dignitaries are seen in Sanctuary - and even these examples are rare. However, Sanctuary is filled with fighters in one form or another.
First, all citizens belong to the militia and are taught the longbow - even the wizards! The skills are rudimentary and designed for defense. These troops are called Defenders.
The more talented, fit, and motivated of these militia members are given more weapons training and rudimentary tactics. They provide the junior leaders of the militia and troops who are able to do more than fight from defensive positions. They are called Guardsmen.
The elite fighters of the Guardsmen can take on the role of fighters in a group of Strikers. Strikers operate in small groups both within and beyond Sanctuary's borders. Fighters who are Strikers receive extra military training and better weapons and armour. The other members of a Striker group may or may not be other specialities - such as wizards, clerics, rangers, etc. Strikers often serve for several years and then are given bonuses by the Sanctuary Council to settle in a frontier region to help establish a defensive strong point. Others go on to serve as trainers, militia commanders, and other related roles.
The rarest form of fighter to be found in Sanctuary (and only in Sanctuary) is The Chosen Band of Tenille. Sworn to the service of Tenille, these fighters either guard the temples and schools of Tenille (Warden) or as body guards (Shield). In either case they are tied to the place or person they are guarding. Besides a vow to a powerful goddess, this service has some earthly considerations. Spells cast by a cleric of Tenille under the protection of a Warden have maximum or no effect - depending on the cleric's intent. For instance, a healing spell restores maximum hit points; a Fire Storm spell incinerates all around the Warden but he takes no damage. If all the clerics under the Warden's care die or if the Temple/School is destroyed; the Warden must make a Constitution Saving throw. Failure means death and his soul is tied to that place until the Temple is restored or a similar level service is completed in his name; success means unconsciousness for #of clerics who died X hours. A Shield has the same benefits and penalties but for a specific cleric. Since a Warden or Shield is sworn to protect their charges with their lives, it is almost certain he or she will die before those under their care meet the same fate.