Archetypes

Archetypes define a champion’s starting point, not a permanent class. Each archetype sets initial attributes, starter equipment, a starter skill gem, and a recommended Foundation Discipline. All later systems remain open.

Archetype roster

Archetype	Role	Starter gem	Starting direction
Fighter	Balanced weapon user	Skewer	Sword, shield, and flexible attributes
Brute	Slow heavy hitter	Cleave	Strength, life, and large melee hits
Rogue	Fast evasive striker	Blade Flurry	Dexterity, speed, crit, and evasion
Ranger	Agile projectile hybrid	Power Shot	Bows, projectiles, and accuracy
Arcanist	Elemental caster	Firebolt	Mana, energy shield, and spell damage
Spellblade	Armored battle caster	Runic Strike	Strength, intelligence, and fire melee

Starting attributes

Strength raises life and supports melee physical damage. Dexterity supports evasion, accuracy, and attack speed. Intelligence raises mana and energy shield.

The archetype’s initial spread helps the starter kit function, but attributes grow through gear and Passive Disciplines rather than automatic level-up allocations.

Recommendations are not restrictions

The character creation screen suggests a Foundation Discipline that complements each starter kit. You may ignore it. A Rogue can become an armored elemental build; an Arcanist can pursue attack skills if the gear and attributes support the plan.

The practical constraint is item and gem compatibility, not class permission.

Choosing well

Choose based on the opening experience you want:

• Fighter is the safest introduction to defenses and weapon combat.
• Brute offers immediate impact with fewer early pivots.
• Rogue rewards stacking speed and avoidance.
• Ranger starts at range with a projectile-focused kit.
• Arcanist begins with a true spell and an energy-shield bias.
• Spellblade mixes armor, energy shield, and elemental weapon damage.

When uncertain, start with Fighter. Its balanced attributes make early experimentation less expensive.