Fighter

[Mr. Cheez-It]

The questing knight, the conquering overlord, the king's champion, the elite foot foldier, the hardened mercenary, and the bandit king â€" all are fighters.  Fighters can be stalwart defenders of those in need, cruel marauders, or gutsy adventurers.  Some are among the land's best souls, willing to face death for the greater good.  Others are among the worst, those who have no qualms about killing for private gain, of even sport.  Fighters who are not actively adventuring may be soldiers, guards, bodyguards, champions, or criminal enforcers.  And adventuring fighter might call himself a warrior, a mercenary, a thug, or simply an adventurer.

Fighters are at home in nearly every society of Faerun.  While they are often overlooked for praise because their skills are so common, great leaders such as Randal Morn, Bruenor Battlehammer, and the late King Azoun IV of Cormyr are very skilled warriors with reputations greater than the reach of their swords.  Of course, may have risen to infamy on their fighting skills, such as Gondegal the Lost King, or the notorious assassin Artemis Entreri.

Adventurers:  Most fighters see adventures, raids, and dangerous missions as their job.  Some have patrons who pay them regularly.  Others prefer to live like prospectors, taking risks in hopes of the big haul.  Some fighters are more civic-minded and use their combat skills to protect those in danger who cannot defend themselves.  Whatever their initial motivations, however, fighters often wind up living for the thrill of combat and adventure.

Characteristics:  Of all classes, fighters have the best all-around fighting capabilities (hence the name).  Fighters are familiar with all the standard weapons and armors.  In addition to general fighting prowess, each fighter develops particular specialties of his or her own.  A given fighter may be especially capable with certain weapons, another trained to execute specific fancy maneuvers.  As fighters gain experience, they get more opportunities to develop their fighting skills.  Thanks to their focus on combat maneuvers, they can master the most difficult ones relatively quickly.

Alignment:  Fighters may be of any alignment.  Good fighters are often crusading types who seek out and fight evil.  Lawful fighters may be champions who protect the land and its people.  Chaotic fighters may be wandering mercenaries.  Evil fighters tend to be bullies and petty villains who simply take what they want by brute force.

Other Classes:  The fighter excels in a straight fight, but he relies on others for magical support, healing, and scouting.  On a team, it is his job to man the front lines, protect the other party members, and bring the tough opponents down.  Fighters might not much understand the arcane ways of wizards or share the faith of clerics, but they recognize the value of teamwork.