Editing DF2014:Adventurer mode (section)

=== Starting skills ===

:'' See [[Adventurer mode character creation#Starting skills|this page]] for more info about adventurer mode starting skills, or [[Skills|this]] and [[Combat skill|this]] pages for full info about skills.

Not all races have the same sets of skills available at character creation time, but keep in mind that almost all starting skills, as well as ones not available at character creation, can be improved through use in-game (except for skills that require you to already have some experience to improve further, such as swimming or reading).

This section will specifically address starting skills as they relate to adventure mode. For a full description of combat skills, see [[Combat skill]].

==== Weapon ====

Includes [[Axeman]], [[Bowman]], [[Crossbowman]], [[Hammerman]], [[Knife user|Knife User]], [[Lasher]], [[Maceman]], [[Pikeman]], [[Spearman]] and [[Swordsman]].

Each skill enables the character to use the appropriate weapon more effectively.

Note that different races have different names for their weapon skills: Axegoblin, Axedwarf etc. These names are defined in the creature raws, as can be seen in the dwarf raws, but Crossbowman is an exception - dwarves call this skill Marksdwarf, although bow skill is referred to as Bowdwarf, as you'd expect. Elite Axe and Hammerdwarves are referred to as Lords.

Since version 0.47, weapons may be chosen on the embark screen before starting an adventure. Before that, the weapon you got on start was dependent on the skills you selected.

==== General combat ====

Includes [[Fighter]] and [[Archer]].

These skills improve effectiveness of melee (Fighter) or ranged (Archer) combat, regardless of the weapon used. Fighter skill also improves unarmed combat, Archer also improves throwing.

==== Defence skills ====

Including [[Shield user|Shield User]], [[Armor user|Armor User]] and [[Dodger]], these skills improve the character's ability to defend, using a shield, armor or dodging. Starting out with good ability in one (especially Shield User or Armor User) if not all, is strongly advised.

==== Unarmed combat and improvised weapons ====

Including [[Wrestler]], [[Striker]], [[Kicker]], [[Biter]], [[Thrower]] and [[Miscellaneous object user]].

While some of them come in handy at times, they can generally be raised fairly easily in-game, especially Wrestler and Thrower.

==== Movement and awareness ====

Includes [[Observer]], [[Swimmer]], [[Ambusher]], [[Climber]], [[Tracker]] and [[Crutch-walker]].

Observer is hard to train, and adding some points here is advisable. Swimmer is almost impossible to train without at least Novice level, and Adequate level is advised because Adequate swimmers do not drown while stunned.

==== Other ====

Includes [[Knapper]], [[Bone carver]], [[Writer]], [[Carpenter]], [[Persuader]], [[Judge of intent]], [[Flatterer]], [[Musician]], [[Speaker]], [[Poet]], [[Singer]], [[Dancer]], [[Stringed instrumentalist]], [[Wind Instrumentalist]], [[Percussionist]], [[Keyboardist]], [[Reader]] (a Novice level of Reading is required in order to become a [[necromancer]]), [[Butcher]] and [[Wordsmith]].

==== [[Personality]] ====

All the aspects of who an adventurer is as an individual, determining their wants, desires, and ultimate [[Personality_trait#Goals|goals]], as well as their tolerance for stimuli like combat, trauma, and death.