Welcome to Gaia! ::

A note on Ability Scores:

These scores are used as guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules. A player is encouraged to roleplay his character based on what stats he has, good and bad. For example, a character with a low Strength score likely isn't going to be able to lift the tree that has fallen on his comrade's leg. Conversely, a character with a high Wisdom score can still be prone to what I call "blonde moments". Below is an outline of what each stat is and means.

STR: Strength. Physical power and fitness. High strength means heavier blows, higher carrying capacity, and a generally buffer character.
DEX: Dexterity. Manual skill, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination. High dexterity means a more accurate, flexible and fine motor skill-based character.
CON: Constitutuion. Toughness and stamina. High constitution means thicker skin and more staying power. Think of it as physical defense and hit points.
INT: Intelligence. Logic, memory, and 'book smarts'. A character with high intelligence is more likely to remember the spells in his spellbook, or solve the puzzle lock on the treasure chest.
WIS: Wisdom. Intuition, willpower and problem-solving skills. A character with high wisdom might be able to solve the puzzle, but probably won't because it will probably trigger a trap.
CHA: Charisma. Personality, magnetism, and general likeability. A charismatic character tends to be the 'face' of the party, doing most of the talking.
FOC: Focus. Mental discipline. Focus is the main stat for ki users, as it requires mental focus to channel the energy in their bodies.
DEV: Devotion. Faith in one's deity. Devotion is the main stat for any Divine character, as it represents how in-touch they are with their god.
MAG: Magic. Magical aptitude. Magic is th main stat for Arcane classes, as no matter how smart you are, you still need the tools to do the job.
AGI: Agility. Speed of movement. Agility is valueable to those classes that don't use much or any armor, as it helps determine how well one can dodge blows.
SNS: Senses. Mostly hearing and sight, but also the other three. A higher sensory perception is fairly self-explanatory, but also a double-edged sword. Someone with an extremely high senses score may find themselves in a lot of pain at sudden bright lights or loud noises.
LUK: Luck. Luck seems to be an inert score, as it doesn't really affect anything... does it?

How to read the Class descriptions:

Class name
Main stat(s): The ability score or scores that are most beneficial to this class, usually with reasons.
Basic description: What this class is, does, and entails, in the most basic way imaginable.
Spell type(s): If this class uses magic or special abilities, this is a description of what to expect.
Spell prep: Some classes need to prepare their spells or abilities before they can use them, or at a specific time. This lists when, how, and where.
Weapon proficiency: The weapons the class is able to use with skill. A wizard could weild a broadsword, but he'd be as likely to hurt himself or his allies as his enemies
Armor/shield proficiency: Similar to the above field, except dealing with armor and shields. A character that isn't proficient with the armor he's wearing is going to have a hard time using any spells he can cast, or certain special skills, such as sneaking about or picking locks.
Taboo(s): Some classes have forbidden acts, which, when committed, disable spells, special abilities, and so forth until a condition is met, as listed with the taboo. While in "penance", a character functions as though he was an unskilled peasant, keeping weapon/armor/shield proficiencies and innate abilities only. Once the condition is met, the character may function as though the taboo never happened.

Arcane Classes:

Wizard
Main stat(s): INT is required to study and learn spells, but MAG is needed to cast them.
Basic description: The Wizard is the most powerful of Arcane classes, with spells more devious and awe-inspiring than others dream of. A Wizard can choose to specialize in one school, foregoing all but the most basic of spells from other schools for power in their school unheard-of. The schools are as follows:
Illusion-Dealing with creating effects that aren't actually there, images and figments that simulate reality, but do not make them real.
Conjuration-Calling forces into being, or calling forces already in creation to you. While these spells can potentially create life, they provide no control over what one creates.
Evocation-These spells deal with the creation of pure energy, in the form of elements such as fire or ice, or simply pure force.
Enchantment-This subtle magic deals with the mind, confusing, befuddling, beguiling and charming enemies, sowing seeds of chaos and dissention.
Abjuration-These spells protect rather than harm, creating shields and walls, or turning spells back on their casters.
Necromancy-These potentially fearsome spells deal with the forces of life, death and undeath. They can heal, harm, or both.
Transmutation-These are spells of change, changing the physical form of one thing into another.
Divination-These spells show the caster things they could not know normally, seeing for him.
Spell type(s): See above.
Spell prep: Must prepare daily, requiring books and study time. Most Wizards prepare spells soon after they wake up.
Weapon proficiency: Few. Most Wizards use a simple weapon like a dagger or quarterstaff. Wizards use weapons that require little skill, little strength, or both.
Armor/shield proficiency: None. Armor interferes with Wizard's intricate gestures, as do shields.
Taboo(s): None, though most Wizards make it a point not to cast spells they have no control over, such as a Fire-based spell in a dry forest.

Sorceror
Main stat(s): MAG first and foremost, then FOC helps.
Basic description: While not as powerful as Wizards, Sorcerors pull the magic from within, and it tends to be faster, less predictable, and in essence just as deadly. Unable to specialize, most Sorcerors tend to use Evocation magic most.
Spell type(s): See above.
Spell prep: No prep is needed, but a full night's rest is necessary.
Weapon proficiency: Same as Wizard
Armor/shield proficiency: Same as Wizard
Taboo(s): None.

Warlock
Main stat(s): MAG, then WIS and FOC to control the demon within.
Basic description: Warlocks are people who contacted a demon and made a deal with them in exchange for power. Now, they channel dark energy into powerful blasts, which grow stronger and more controlled with experience.
Spell type(s): Dark energy bursts.
Spell prep: None, but consultation/resistance with the demonic powers must happen whenever the blasts are used, or else the character runs the risk of losing control.
Weapon proficiency: Same as Wizard.
Armor/shield proficiency: Same as Wizard. The demon within will not tolerate such meager and disgusting protections.
Taboo(s): Consorting with Angels or Saints is strictly forbidden. The only way to atone is to either kill the offending being or find a new demon. The former is usually easier.

Divine Classes:

Cleric
Main stat(s): DEV determines spells and their power, but WIS is a nice suppliment as well.
Basic description: The Cleric is to Divine magic as the Wizard is to Arcane. Calling upon the power of their chosen deity, the Cleric commands a great degree of power and knowledge.
Spell type(s): It depends completely on the deity (Talk to me if you choose Cleric about which deity you worship)
Spell prep: Preparation is necessary, in the pre-dawn light of the morning the Cleric must spend time in quiet supplication.
Weapon proficiency: Depends completely on the deity, most Clerics are proficient with weapons such as maces and clubs, as well as their deity's preferred weapon.
Armor/shield proficiency: Clerics, needing little in the way of somatic components for spells (gestures and the like), are proficient with any kind of armor, and most shield types (Tower shields excepted). This may, however, change depending on the deity worshipped.
Taboo(s): Every deity has their own decrees and taboos, to be strictly adhered to by their Clerics. Breaking a taboo denies all allowances of spells until the cleric spends a week in penance, spending their waking hours almost entirely in prayer for forgiveness.

Druid
Main stat(s): DEV, like the Cleric, WIS comes in handy, CON is helpful when using wild shape.
Basic description: A Druid is like a Cleric whose deity is nature. Along with the spells described below, a Druid has a special power: The ability to take the form of animals at will. Called Wild shape, this potentially powerful ability takes a great amount of concentration, and can be rather damaging to the mind and body, if held too long.
Spell type(s): The spells a Druid wields summon animals, control plant life and even with experience can control the very weather. A Druid also has a small selection of healing spells at his disposal.
Spell prep: The Druid must spend an hour a day, when he wakes up, in meditation and community with nature.
Weapon proficiency: Any purely-wooden basic weapon, like a quarterstaff. Also sickles are acceptable.
Armor/shield proficiency: Only armor made from animal hides.
Taboo(s): It is taboo for any Druid, a worshipper of nature, to grossly violate the natural order, or by inaction allow it to be violated. The only penance is to correct the original mistake. For example, if a Druid somehow managed to raise the dead, he would be unable to use his spells until he killed that which he raised.

Saint
Main stat(s): DEV, DEV, DEV. A Saint is all about the Devotion.
Basic description: The Saint is the pinnacle of faith, the most fanatical of followers of his God, almost always Pyos, God of the Sun. He functions much like a Cleric of Pyos, with a few exceptions. In essence, he follows his God so closely he has been granted the powers of a guardian angel, which allows him to heal his allies and himself, as well as shield them with sheer holy force. With greater experience and devotion, a Saint can even raise the dead and speak directly with his God.
Spell type(s): See above, almost exclusively healing-type spells.
Spell prep: None, though consultation with his angelic counterpart is often necessary.
Weapon proficiency: None. A Saint does not directly fight.
Armor/shield proficiency: None. Faith is the greatest shield and the strongest armor.
Taboo(s): A Saint is forbidden to deal with any demons or Warlocks. Also, a Saint takes a strict vow of non-violence, never allowed tro raise his own hand or a sword to strike down another. Penance requires the same as a Cleric's.

Fighter Classes:

Warrior
Main stat(s): Either STR and CON, or else DEX and AGI. It depends on the style you play.
Basic description: Also known as Weaponmasters, Warriors are the pinnacle of combat mastery, expert tacticians, and unparallelled in combat prowess with a single weapon style. Still, for this amount of skill, there's a price: Because of intensive study in combat and combat alone, the Warrior has no other special abilities like other classes.
Spell type(s): None
Spell prep: None
Weapon proficiency: Any, but only truly blessed in combat with a weapon set, pre-selected upon creation, such as broadsword/shield, two-handed axe, or bow.
Armor/shield proficiency: Any, though some armors may be counter-productive. An AGI/DEX-focussed rapier Warrior may find mobility severely limited in full plate armor.
Taboo(s): None.

Paladin
Main stat(s): STR, DEX, DEV.
Basic description: The Paladin is the champion of his deity, the picture of honour and justice, regardless of his place on the good-evil axis of alignment. Weilding a combination of physical prowess and a limited amount of Divine magic, they are bound to serve their God, with sword, with spell, and with blood if need be.
Spell type(s): A small selection of Divine spells, as granted by their patron deity.
Spell prep: Daily, as a Cleric.
Weapon proficiency: Broadsword and lance(only useable while mounted)
Armor/shield proficiency: Heavy shield, platemail, chainmail, or scale mail armor.
Taboo(s): Paladins have a strict code of conduct they must follow at all times. Any break in this code requires two weeks of penance, including fasting, prayer, and community service. This penance can only be done under the supervision of a church of the Paladin's parton deity.

Spellsword
Main stat(s): DEX, AGI, MAG.
Basic description: Similar in nature to a Sorceror, Spellswords are a toned-down version, with some combat expertise. Not quite as skilled as most combat-based classes with his weapon, the spellsword gets by by surprising his enemies with sudden magical strikes.
Spell type(s): Mostly evocation, with a few illusions, mostly emulating more powerful spells.
Spell prep: As a sorceror.
Weapon proficiency: A single light sword of the Spellsword's choosing, such as a rapier or longsword, that can be weilded in one hand.
Armor/shield proficiency: None.
Taboo(s): None.

Rogue Classes

Thief
Main stat(s): DEX, AGI. CHA could be helpful, for talking your way out of things.
Basic description: The name is slightly misleading, as while the Thief class is quite proficient at getting into and out of anything, including purses and vaults, actual larceny is not a requirement of the thief class. Theives have skills around opening locks, fitting into tight places, even using sleight of hand to 'relieve' people of 'what they don't need' without causing 'an unnecessary kafuffle.'
Spell type(s): None.
Spell prep: None.
Weapon proficiency: Light weapons only, or weapons weilded with finesse rather than force.
Armor/shield proficiency: Light armors like leather. Nothing that restricts movement.
Taboo(s): None.

Bard
Main stat(s): CHA is a must. DEX is needed for instruments. AGI helps, because of the low armor allowance.
Basic description: Bards are singers, poets and players of great music. As well as the obvious benefits of music, a Bard is able to sow in some enchantment magic into his music and poetry, in the same way a farmer sows seeds. All magic he casts has to be heard by the target to work, and isn't as powerful as an accomplished Wizard. In exchange, Bards are also able to bolster allies with encouraging music, and have some combat ability.
Spell type(s): Enchantment, sound-based.
Spell prep: None.
Weapon proficiency: Light weapons, especially well-hidden ones.
Armor/shield proficiency: Same as Thief
Taboo(s): Not so much a taboo as a bit of a chore at times, a Bard cannot learn new spells until he learns or writes new songs to sow them into. Also, a Bard's wanderlust tends to come into play often, as Bards find if difficult to stay in one town for very long.

Dancer
Main stat(s): CHA, AGI, DEX.
Basic description: Dancers are just that--people that dance. Still, with their dances, as well as the scarves and colours they wear, they weave illusions in their dances, and with some of the weapons they can weild, they can be surprisingly worthy combatants. Most Dancers are female, but males can be dancers as well.
Spell type(s): Illusion
Spell prep: None.
Weapon proficiency: Weapons that flow, such as daggertails, chains, steel ribbons and whips.
Armor/shield proficiency: None.
Taboo(s): As a Bard must learn or make songs, Dancers must learn or create dances to weave their illusions into. They are also subject to the same wanderlust as a Bard.

Ki Classes

Samurai
Main stat(s): STR, CON, FOC, AGI
Basic description: Samurai are the picture of the focussed and honourable warrior, the perfect balance between the physical and metaphysical, efficiency and honor. They accomplish this by binding their soul and ki to a single weapon, which they themselves make. The ki and their soul meld together, forming a sentience in the weapon, as well as an awesome power, taking on the form of an element, granting power by element.
Spell type(s): The four elements grant different powers, as listed here:
Earth: The strength of stone and earth grant defensive abilities, usually to the tune of covering the Samurai in rock, granting him defense.
Water: Ice and water can control temperatures, or with experience, the weather. However, other types of Water weapons focus the temperature control on their business ends, causing nasty frostbite or freezing burns on contact.
Wind: Wind either makes invisible blades, cutting the very air and creating a razor-sharp vaccuum which propels forward, or else the blade is enveloped in electricity, which can be equally deadly.
Fire: The raw fury of Fire-based weapons is potentially the most deadly to both the opponent, and the wielder. Upon command, the Fire weapon envelops in flame, aside from obvious handles, and by increasing ki output, can even cause a massive explosion of flame. Of course, the Samurai himself is not immune to the fire he causes.
Spell prep: A ki user of any kind is required to spend an hour in a meditative state after a complete rest in order to use his ki.
Weapon proficiency: All, but a Samurai only has a modicum of skill with any weapon aside from his ki weapon.
Armor/shield proficiency: Aside from ceremonial purposes, a Samurai does not usually wear any heavy armors. Typically, they are seen in some chainmail, a breastplate or scalemail.
Taboo(s): A Samurai who breaks or loses his ki weapon is unable to use any ki abilities, he is never allowed to to make another. The only way to restore ki abilities is to recover and/or repair the weapon in question.

Ninja
Main stat(s): DEX, AGI, FOC
Basic description: The deadly assassin, a Ninja uses his ki to distract and confuse his foes while he moves in from the shadows for the kill.
Spell type(s): Like the Samurai, the Ninja's ki is bound to an element. The abilities for each elemeat are as follows:
Earth: The power of earth grants the Ninja the ability to meld himself into any stone surface large enough to hold his body, or the ability to burrow through the earth.
Water: The Water Ninja has the ability to walk on water as though it were solid ground, and even generate a thick fog in the area around him.
Wind: Wind Ninjas are fairly straightforward: They can use their ki to render themselves invisible for a short period of time, or they may use it, with experience, to become insubstantial, becoming as the wind.
Fire: Fire Ninjas can make loud bangs and bright flashes with their ki. This may seem to be contradictory to the Ninja's style, but they serve as distractions that can potentially blind and deafen opponents, making them that easier to kill. With time and practise, those bangs and flashes can function as small firebombs, burning nearby things and people.
Heart: Just kidding. Heart is not an element.
Spell prep: A ki user of any kind is required to spend an hour in a meditative state after a complete rest in order to use his ki.
Weapon proficiency: Same as theives, as well as some one-handed swords, like katanas and scimitars.
Armor/shield proficiency: Same as thieves.
Taboo(s): A Ninja who reveals his name to a living soul renders his abilities unusable near them, unless he kills them.

Monk
Main stat(s): STR, CON, FOC.
Basic description: The Monk is a ki user who has focussed his power inward, and honed his body to become a weapon in and of itself. His fists can crush guards, his skin able to stop swords. With training, they become immune to poisons, diseases, and can even heal themselves
Spell type(s): Monk 'spells' are all focussed on the self. They usually involve things like strengthening specific parts of their bodies, or removing things like poisons or diseases. All Monk 'spells' require no verbal, somatic or material components, but the Monk does need to concentrate and focus, usually involving a mantra of some kind.
Spell prep: A ki user of any kind is required to spend an hour in a meditative state after a complete rest in order to use his ki.
Weapon proficiency: None.
Armor/shield proficiency: None.
Taboo(s): None.

Accepted profiles:

Ashenvale.

The town itself was large and prosperous, its walls tall and well-guarded. People all around were generally happy, crime was low, and life was good. A mostly Human settlement, it eventually expanded itself, becoming a meeting point for most races, mostly for commerce.

The World's End Inn.

This tavern did not reflect the town in which it resided. Run-down, dirty, smelling of stale beer and staler sweat, it was the definition of seedy. Rowdy patrons, drunk on cheap beer and wine, sang rauciously. Several fights started and stopped quickly. Some people simply sat in corners, sleeping or brooding.

((If at all possible, when you start, start at the World's End.))