Disclaimer: I don't own stuff; Bioware/Black Isle/Interplay etc does.
A/N: I have tried to format this as best I can - unfortunately, it threw a hissy fit in the upload. If there are stray letters attached to words where there should not be, I apologise in advance. I've done my best to catch them all.
Background Review: General Assessment and Self-Appraisal
Charname put down The Book. 'Dynamics' was a much referenced word. 'Forward Planning'. 'Psychology of the Elven Mind'. 'Actions and Strategies'. 'Do Opposites Attract?'. 'Overcoming Boundaries'. 'Challenges, not Problems'. 'Difficulties and Solutions'. 'Positives of Diversity'. 'Positives of Specialisation'. 'Skillsets'. 'Organisation vs. Fluid Adaptation'. 'Shapes: Leadership – Pyramid, Circle or Diamond?' Chapter headings.
It was not an easy book to read. Diagrams, charts, bullet points. Lengthy examples of 'charismatic leadership vs. planning and organisation'… and most of all, finances. In goings, out goings, how to stay well equipped, preparation of all weathers, terrains and encounters. Urban vs. wilderness. Logistics. Ecology. Taxes.
The basics of Party Management.
It was the most infuriating book Charname had ever read. There were several issues that needed resolving. 'Optimisation' was one of them. In regards to background, the implication was libraries bred scholars. Taking that further meant one of four options: pure, variant, worldly, or cross-specialisation. In practical terms, it meant taking the role of a mage (pure option), cleric (variant), bard (worldly), or mixing books with the fighting arts.
As a fortress library, there were manuals of war, military histories, and practical instruction from the guards. The tavern provided a venue for the bardic tradition of song, though not a tutor. A more exotic path might allow for a sorcerer, warlock or even a wild mage, but those were 'flashy' and should be avoided. Keep things simple, the book suggested. The implication of 'showy' led to poorly thought out reasoning was emphasised as strongly as 'Effective Leadership: By Command or Example?'
Given Charname's particular background, warrior variants were discouraged. A wandering mentor who had settled down undermined Charname's own guardian's role, so a religious order was out: it would also place other responsibilities ill-suited given the context. 'Leaving with nothing, no one and no allies to fall back on' seemed to strongly imply that all ties were lacking. 'Destitute and Alone' and 'Preparation for Wandering: Lone Wolf or Team Player?' all had something to say on the subject.
'As a recently orphaned victim, our young hero begins his journey with regards to growth: he doesn't know it, but the journey is what will shape him. It is expected, therefore, that he will encounter challenges beyond him, but with the help of companions, he will overcome obstacles until he reaches the product of his circumstances.
'In the case of a heroine, more is expected. She will either begin as a helpless damsel, or a plucky girl with grit, and learn either how to fend for herself, or the value of refinement.'
Other exotic weapon-masters were frowned upon for the same reason. An old swordsman settling down, or a monk of the martial disciplines – both of these were out of place. The berserker was even worse and a barbarian out of the question. Candlekeep was a civilised place. Even a woodsman was stretching it. The guards stayed within the Fortress' walls, and since all those leaving the grounds required a pass to get in and the Gatewarden's permission, it made little sense for Charname to come and go at will, as invariably due to 'Destitute and Alone', circumstances would dictate entry would be forbidden. This avenue cut off 'Cleric-Ranger' cross-specialisation, and also eliminated 'Druid' as a vocation. Like a 'paladin' (of the religious warrior order), 'Druid' involved a) an organisation, and b) obligations and requirements in conflict to 'Destitute and Alone'.
As Candlekeep was a small, closely-knit community of scholarly monks, guardsmen, an innkeeper and possible servants, and the token non-human dwarven resident, and visiting elf, all be it with a caste system and clear social divides, thievery was strongly discouraged. Pertaining to Bard, it eliminated pickpocketing, though not sleight-of-hand. While a case could be made for song, as this particular sect of monks contained 'chanters', and there was a shrine to knowledge (which may or may not include the use of music in worship), it was probably instruments would not be encouraged, except perhaps in the taproom as this would disturb the monks at their study.
For obvious reasons, the arts of assassination were clearly not suited, and even if a case for alchemy, herbalism (and by extension, poisons) could be made, it was unlikely the rest could be attained. Even spinning a tale about being an 'apprentice' of a hidden mentor was dubious, given the watchful eye of Charname's guardian, and indeed, Charname's true background. (Charname did not know the content of said 'true background', only that it was covered in 'The Hero's Journey' – an appendix at the back of the book).
Bearing all this in mind, Charname was forced to conclude that there were only several viable paths: mage(scholar), cleric(scholar), bard(worldly), or mage/warrior or cleric/mage. The cleric/warrior subset was very dubious, as it was nothing more than a pale imitation of a paladin. The trouble with the cleric was a) outcast (see: 'Alone and Destitute', and 'True/Hidden Destiny') and b) organisation (ties and obligations). That really only left: mage, bard, or mage/warrior. 'Pure Warrior' was also an option, but unlikely given the amount of scholarly texts. Mage/warrior and bard were very similar in some respects, the first being an imitation of the other without the musical abilities or the potential thievery. There was also the social connotation and the Bard's allure.
It seemed somewhat unlikely that such allure would be cultivated within the 'hallowed halls' of Candlekeep and any such behaviour would be frowned upon. That did not, however, exclude what went on outside the walls, when Charname finally left, nor did it infringe upon musical talent, should he/she happen to possess any.
As a pure mage, Charname would have little knowledge of the martial arts, and would ignore the guardsmen and their potential instruction. It would, however, allow more time to focus on the studies at hand, and as a direct result, avoid hours of tedious guard duty which instead were spent on arcane lore. It was a trade-off, and both had severe disadvantages. A new craft could be learnt outside of the walls, with the right tutor, training and experience, but according to The Book, that was tacky.
As a human, it was socially permitted, given the Universe's Law (which may be subject to change), but as a demi-human(the term was also subject to change), it was not. A demi-human must begin with two or three skillsets, or forever be restricted to a singular path (unless the Universe's Laws changed). Demi-humans possessed several advantages over humans, but their weakness was their inability to learn skills as quickly as a human. At least, that is what The Book's Appendix II claimed. Gender was not as important as species, but 'True/Hidden Destiny' urged towards human, or half-human due to 'tackiness' in spite of 'villainy'. This was listed as 'unexplained inconsistencies in future journeys' in Appendix III. It also stated that 'showiness' on the part of 'villains' was no excuse for a hero/heroine's neglect of solid backstory and 'every conceivable effort should be made'.
Charname disliked the Appendixes. They came close to shattering the world's perception of reality and seemed to only be included as a guide to those who might not care about such things as 'integrity' and 'character' and 'preserving character integrity, regardless of paladin, mage or assassin'.
Charname decided it was best to move on to the next section: 'Party Dynamics'.