T he Hero’s
Apprenticeship
The Hero apprenticeship program focuses on the three most important attributes a Hero must
develop to succeed: Strength, Skill, and Will. Mastery of all three sets you on the way to greatness, but to graduate, we only require that you have become proficient enough to pass a final Guild test.
Strength
Although Strength is primarily physical ability, that which you have inherited, we do expect you to strengthen yourself on a daily basis while maintaining a nutritious diet of wild game and freshly-harvested produce. Especially after graduating from the Guild, you will find increasing Strength benefits you through your being able to carry heavier weapons. You can also do more damage to opponents in battle.
During your apprenticeship, we encourage you to wander the Guild woods and explore the grounds in your free time. Running across the bridges may be good exercise, but do be careful about running around the facilities in your undergarments or apprentice robe with your sword drawn—this is as dangerous to others as it is to yourself. After you graduate from the Guild, increase your Strength by gaining Experience and then levelling up your physique, health, and toughness at the Experience Spending Platform.
XIV
Skill
Developing Hero-level battle skills requires daily training in ranged combat. Training in ranged combat primarily focuses upon use of the bow. The bow may be the most difficult of all weapons to truly master, but once accomplished, is extremely useful in combat. If you can see your enemies but they can’t see you, you’re clearly at an advantage—and with ranged weapons, enemies can be eliminated at a distance.
Will
Will is, in essence, the ability to use magical powers. The mastery of Will is the most misunderstood and underrated Hero ability and at the same time is a particularly distinguishing characteristic between Heroes. Numerous Will powers are available, and what you choose to specialize in is up to you.
In Will training, you are first shown one of the most basic powers—that of the ranged Lightning Spell attack. This basic attack will always serve you well, but as you gain additional experience, you can increase your abilities and acquire other powers. As with melee combat, some powers of the Will are primarily for close-in encounters, while others are useful from a distance. With any of them, it is the focus and duration of your Will that inflicts more damage on your enemy.
Skill
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