Hello, hello and thank you for reading our newest Misconceptions post. This time we will be going over a widely-discussed topic that can be narrowed down to the simple and common phrase: dual-classing. What does it mean? Why can it be a good thing, why can it be a bad thing? How can you dual-class? Why should you duel-class, and how can you get started? 

This and much more will all be up for discussion!

1. What even does dual-classing mean? 

Well, I am glad you asked! I think it is important for us to first mention that this is of course opinionated – what my definition is, may not be another person's definition. That being said, to us a dual class is simply defined as: a character that uses abilities, traits, equipment, and general skill-sets from two or more Classes; such as a warrior using magic.

By our definition, unless you are 100% full, sword and board, plate-wearing Soldier dominating the battlefield only with your physical prowess and unbridled strength – you just might be dual-classing. Even if it is a skill-set kept primarily hidden… Such as perhaps you are a warrior that uses his sword most of the time, but when in trouble you have enough comprehension and training to use magic ability; we would still call that a dual-class.

Arguably, by our definition, most people are dual-classing.

2. Alright, so why is this important?

Well, for a few reasons in our opinion. For one, I think it provides a breath of fresh air for many who felt pressured to conform to an archetype because they played as a certain class in-game. Let me assure you, there is no need to roleplay as a pure, by the book Mage because you’re a mage. Your character can use a sword, can wear armor, hell - even use a bow. It doesn’t matter, as long as it makes sense to you and the character’s own story.

That being said, it is important to realize two things.

Don’t try to dual-class just to be more ‘powerful’ if not simply because it's arguably in poor taste, then because most will find it rather irritating. Very few want to be playing with a God, and to be overshadowed consistently - but there are cliques. If that's your thing, to it with full consent on both sides. Much like the Archetype, never dual-class just to dual-class... it's by no means a requirement for your character to learn more than one skill-set, and there are also benefits to mastering one path just as there are benefits to learning several paths.

Otherwise, I think it's just a matter of saying: it is okay, and makes sense for a character to have various skill-sets. It is not cheating, it is not edgy, it is not OPed, it is simply roleplay and the progression of the character itself. (Hopefully.) It shouldn't be looked at as a RP taboo.

3. Okay, so why does dual-classing make sense?

Entering the Military does a soldier learn strictly how to shoot? No, they learn a variety of skill-sets, and some specialize into various talents - but they always retain things from their previous experiences. A combat-engineer for example doesn't just have C4 and Grenades on them, they will likely have a gun and know how to shoot sufficiently with said gun on top of their skill-set with explosives (and other things.)

So, why would a soldier of the alliance Military be any different? A sword and shield is only efficient in close ranges, what about prior to engaging? Well, though not exclusively stated in canon lore... Most Guards and soldier units have rifles, crossbows, or bows on their person. Even if they typically wield a melee weapon. It would make sense; engage from afar with a volley and switch to your melee before the enemy is upon you.

Now then as a more specialized, experience soldier... I think most special operations units IRL, from my studies, would agree that they have been successful in their careers and have come out of a lot of bad situations not because they can shoot better than the average soldier - but because they have a varied skill-set, and have had more experience; or character development. A Special Operations unit or even just an experienced soldier i would argue, in Azeroth and elsewhere would thus be efficient not because they're the best marksman, but because they're the most flexible and adaptable.

That being said, sure there will be a few cases where someone is just super specialized and that is more than fine! Sometimes you need a specialist, a master lock-picker for your heist, or a long-range specialist, or a master toxicology! All those things are great tropes for great stories, and have their place in character progression as well. There is nothing wrong with either method of progression, that is the point.

4. What does this have to do with RP?

Well, part of our goal - and my goal specifically is to build more onto the community of roleplayers. From inspiring more shops, merchants, and business-oriented folks, to a realistic version of Knights and Warriors; this is no different. It is a job for all of us to expand the community, to inspire more roleplay, and to grow the bonds between us. That being said, I will provide a handful of roleplay scenarios that you all can use as a basis to get started down the road of a new story line!

Examples:

Your Mother and Father had both served the Alliance either in the Military or through the City Guards. (Praise be to the Percy.) All your life you have lived under a strict set of laws similar to your parents occupational rules, and with these rules also came training in various combat methods. Learning to fight hand-to-hand, and defend yourself - all skills your parents thought as necessary as you’d surely join the Military. But, you had other dreams - one day on your way home you happened upon an elderly Wizard, and after some time talking, you decided this was your path; learning the mythical ways of Arcana. (Easy set to a Spellblade, Battlemage, War-Mage scenario!)

You spent most of your life in the deep woods with your family. Surviving off the land, learning to hunt, and how to avoid danger. You learned what plants you can, and cannot eat, and you learned how to work a rifle (or bow) to take down prey and to defend yourself. Now an adult, you have decided to give your life structure and discipline; signing up with the Alliance Military. There you're trained vigorously in the routine of hand-to-hand combat, outfitted with mail armor, and taught how to fight effectively as a unit. (An ideal plot for a Special Ops unit, mercenary, or experienced soldier.)

You were orphaned as a young child, taken up by a local tower of Magi who have taught you the basic uses of the Arcane. Knowledgeable, wise, and quick-witted through your harsh, and long nights of near consistent study. Finally an adult, you have decided to leave the tower and move to the forest, secluded and alone except for your collection of books. Using your wit, you’ll have to learn how to build shelters, hunt for animals using various methods as your casting is simply too slow and obvious. But over time, you’ll master the use of both your magics and the art of survival. (Quick and easy route to a Magic bow-user.)

Now, the great thing about all this is it includes more than one person. A great thing about dual-classing is typically you need an instructor to teach you such skills. You'll have to go out and find that seasoned mage to teach you, or find that master swordsman; vice versa if you’re a wise old mage - you can open your horizons to not just fellow Mages, but any class.

So, there you have it folks. Three quick and easy opening scenarios you can take as inspiration and build off of. I hope this inspires at least one of you to try something different or at the very least gives a few of you a different perspective on the sometimes infamous dual-classing.

Thank you so much for reading, reblogging, commenting, and liking!

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions - please contact Elstine in game, leave a message here, or message me. I try to read all the feedback, and keep the discussions going, as well as answer any questions and edit the work as much as possible!

What do you mean I have to level up Imoen ANOTHER level before I can use her thief abilities again?