Specialization

Specialization lets a character become better with a chosen set of weapons or armor at the cost of flexibility.

Specialization is optional. It rewards consistent equipment choices and punishes frequent switching outside the chosen type.

Where To Train

Weapon and armor specialization are trained in the Weapons Training Hall in DarkWind City.

Weapon Specialization

Weapons are described by size, damage type, and special properties.

Weapon sizes:

  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
  • Huge

Damage types:

  • Slash
  • Pierce
  • Blunt
  • Cleave

Special properties:

  • Missile
  • Polearm

When specializing, you pick a size. The next larger size is included automatically. You can also pick one or two damage types and a special property.

More precise specialization gives a larger bonus, but it also creates a larger penalty when using weapons outside the specialization.

Examples:

  • Large weapons
  • Large cleaving weapons
  • Large cleaving polearms
  • Large cleaving and piercing polearms

Armor Specialization

Armor specialization uses broader categories.

TypeExamples
ClothesClothing, padded armor, small shields
LightLeather, studded leather, medium shields
MediumChain mail, scale mail, large shields
HeavyPlate mail, splint mail, banded mail, large or huge shields

Light armor specialization gives a more pronounced benefit. Heavy armor gives steadier protection even when awkward.

Improving Specialization

Specialization improves through use in real fights.

To progress:

  • Use your specialized weapon as your main weapon
  • Wear armor from your specialized armor type
  • Fight enemies that are reasonably challenging
  • Return to the trainer when ready to advance

Wisdom and intelligence influence how quickly you learn.

Changing Specialization

You can change specialization at the training hall. Changing to a very different specialization can reduce your specialization level.

See Equipment for weapon sizes, damage types, and common weapon examples.