Fighter

A human in clanging plate armor holds her shield before her as she runs toward the massed goblins. An elf behind her, clad in studded leather armor, peppers the goblins with arrows loosed from his exquisite bow. The half-orc nearby shouts orders, helping the two combatants coordinate their assault to the best advantage.
A dwarf in chain mail interposes his shield between the ogre’s club and his companion, knocking the deadly blow aside. His companion, a half-elf in scale armor, swings two scimitars in a blinding whirl as she circles the ogre, looking for a blind spot in its defenses.
A gladiator fights for sport in an arena, a master with his trident and net, skilled at toppling foes and moving them around for the crowd’s delight—and his own tactical advantage. His opponent’s sword flares with blue light an instant before she sends lightning flashing forth to smite him.

Questing knights, conquering overlords, royal champions, elite foot soldiers, hardened mercenaries, and bandit kings—as fighters, they all share an unparalleled mastery with weapons and armor, and a thorough knowledge of the skills of combat. And they are well acquainted with death, both meting it out and staring it defiantly in the face.

Well-rounded Specialists

Fighters learn the basics of all combat styles. Every fighter can swing an axe, fence with a rapier, wield a longsword or a greatsword, use a bow, and even trap foes in a net with some degree of skill. Likewise, a fighter is adept with shields and every form of armor. Beyond that basic degree of familiarity, each fighter specializes in a certain style of combat. Some concentrate on archery, some on fighting with two weapons at once, and some on augmenting their martial skills with magic. This combination of broad general ability and extensive specialization makes fighters superior combatants on battlefields and in dungeons alike.

Trained For Danger

Not every member of the city watch, the village militia, or the queen’s army is a fighter. Most of these troops are relatively untrained soldiers with only the most basic combat knowledge. Veteran soldiers, military officers, trained bodyguards, dedicated knights, and similar figures are fighters.
Some fighters feel drawn to use their training as adventurers. The dungeon delving, monster-slaying, and other dangerous work common among adventurers is second nature for a fighter, not all that different from the life he or she left behind. There are greater risks, perhaps, but also much greater rewards—few fighters in the city watch have the opportunity to discover a magic flame tongue sword, for example.

Martial Archetypes

Arcane Archer

An Arcane Archer studies a unique elven method of archery that weaves magic into attacks to produce supernatural effects. Arcane Archers are some of the most elite warriors among the elves. They stand to watch over the fringes of elven domains, keeping a keen eye out for trespassers and using magic-infused arrows to defeat monsters and invaders before they can reach elven settlements. Over the centuries, the methods of these elf archers have been learned by members of other races who can also balance arcane aptitude with archery. Nowadays the most Arcane Archers are made of half-elves and Aasimars, but they can also be found amongst other races, even such as orcs or giants.

Famous Schools: Yonwa'pengron of Sulantaar (in Sulantaar), ?
Famous Arcane Archers: ?

Battle Master

Those who emulate the archetypal Battle Master employ martial techniques passed down through generations. To a Battle Master, combat is an academic field, sometimes including subjects beyond battle such as weaponsmithing and calligraphy. Not every fighter absorbs the lessons of history, theory, and artistry that are reflected in the Battle Master archetype, but those who do are well-rounded fighters of great skill and knowledge. It is no surprise then, that most of such academic teachings can be found amongst officers of Divine Empire, their academies producing one of the finest Battle Masters, which duties were perfected and passed with generations.

Famous Schools: Fencing School of Half Leaf Blade (in Essoy), ?
Famous Battle Masters: Elauthin Leaf Brother, ?

Cavalier

The archetypal Cavalier excels at mounted combat. Usually born among the nobility and raised at court, a Cavalier is equally at home leading a cavalry charge or exchanging repartee at a state dinner. Cavaliers also learn how to guard those in their charge from harm, often serving as the protectors of their superiors and of the weak. Compelled to right wrongs or earn prestige, many of these fighters leave their lives of comfort to embark on a glorious adventure. Contrary to what is said amongst the most "civilized" nations, the most renowned, and most dreaded Cavaliers are those of Lepidia's forces. Combining the undead nature with years of discipline and war, they stand as one of the most feared forces on Tethys. But of course, Divine Empire and other nations would say otherwise...

Famous Schools: Dreadriders of Lepidia (in Lepidia), ?
Famous Cavaliers: ?

Champion

The archetypal Champion focuses on the development of raw physical power honed to deadly perfection. Those who model themselves on this archetype combine rigorous training with physical excellence to deal devastating blows. Every land, every city, every nation has those which claim the title of Champion. It is not a surprise to find such deadly warriors dueling each other in all kinds of places - a rumor speaks, that there is a secret way by which they all communicate with each other, only to meet in desolate places - or in the middle of arena - and claim the right to be the stronger one.

Famous Schools: Warrior-clans of Venland (mainly in Niffleheim), ?
Famous Champions: ?

Eldritch Knight

The archetypal Eldritch Knight combines the martial mastery common to all fighters with a careful study of magic. Eldritch Knights use magical techniques similar to those practiced by wizards. They focus their study on two of the eight schools of magic—abjuration and evocation. Abjuration spells grant an Eldritch Knight additional protection in battle, and evocation spells deal damage to many foes at once, extending the fighter's reach in combat. These knights learn a comparatively small number of spells, committing them to memory instead of keeping them in a spellbook. It is not a surprise that many of such Knights are found amongst elder races, such as elves or dwarves. It was quite a surprise to learn that human Luigi de Capodimonte could be far above them.

Famous Schools: Arcaknights of Cinthelia (in Cinthelia), ?
Famous Eldritch Knights: ?

Knight Banneret

Knights Bannerets are warriors who usually hail from feudal kingdoms. Pledged to protect the crown, they take the fight against evil beyond the kingdom's borders. They are tasked with wandering the land as knights-errant, relying on their judgment, bravery, and fidelity to guide them in defeating evildoers. A Knight Banneret inspires greatness in others by committing brave deeds in battle. The mere presence of a knight in a hamlet is enough to cause some orcs and bandits to seek easier prey. A lone knight is a skilled warrior, but a knight leading a band of allies can transform even the most poorly equipped militia into a ferocious war band. A knight prefers to lead through deeds, not words. As a knight spearheads an attack, the knight's actions can awaken reserves of courage and conviction in allies that they never suspected they had.

Famous Schools: Many nations, especially those in the Old World like Divine Monarchia, Divine Empire, Albersberg or the Duchies of Marlette (like Theux)
Famous Knight Banneret: ?

Samurai

The Samurai is a fighter who draws on an implacable fighting spirit to overcome enemies. A Samurai's resolve is nearly unbreakable, and the enemies in a Samurai's path have two choices: yield or die fighting. While the island of Shidarezakura Samurai are amongs the most famous and renowned, such warriors can be found all around the world but mainly hail from the continent of Sailan. Loyality and Resolve forms an unyielding spirit, who guides them forth to victory - or honorable death.

Famous Schools: The many samurai clans in Shidarezakura, Buyant or Jadeite Empire
Famous Samurai: ?