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Spell Training
The purpose of this guide is to allow others to view how Bronnwyn has trained as a successful field healing and hunting empath. The following course of spell training itemization is purely my opinion and suggestions that I would offer anyone that asked me. This course of spell training is how I am training my baby empath according to the new proposed empath spell list. Even if there were not going to be a new list I would still train accordingly because you just never know. However, there is a proposed new empath spell list floating about. After training Bronnwyn with no consideration of the possibility of a new empath list I focused only on double training in Major Spirit after I trained to 150 and 820. When the proposed empath spell list came out my first regret was stopping training at 820. You can still focus on double training in Major spirit after following the below spell training schedule. It is your choice whether you choose to continue in double/single training in empath, minor spirit, or major spirit circles. My suggestion would be to double in empath circle since there is a proposed spell that is based on CS in the empath circle. Whether or not that will turn to be true is another story. However, I would hope that by the time anyone reaches the age of below spells we would have a general idea of which direction to go from our Guru, Iflaer. You choose how you wish to train your empath. These are just my suggestions:
Level 0 train in 101 and 201
Level 1 train in 202 and 801
Level 2 train in 102 and 802
Level 3 train in 103 and 803
Level 4 - 10: 203 - 209 and 804 - 810
Level 11-14: 210 - 213 and 104 - 107
Level 15 train in 214 and 215
Level 16-20: double train in 100... 108-117
Level 21-25: 811-815 and 216-220
Level 25-30: double train in 100... 118-127
at level 30 your spells would be at: 815, 127, 220
Level 31 train in 816 and 221
Level 32 train in 817 and 128
Level 33 train in 818 and 222
Level 34 train in 819 and 223
Level 35 train in 820 and 129
Level 36 train in 821 and 224
Level 37 train in 225 and 130
Level 38 - 42 double in 800... 822-831
Level 43 - 52 double in 100... 131-150
Level 53 - 62 double in 800... 832-851
at level 62 your spells would be at: 851, 150, 225
From here on out I would continue to double train in empath circle but only because of the proposed empath list. You will want to increase your empath casting strength as much as you can. Without any consideration for a new empath list I would double, as I did for many trainings, in Major Spirit. This was for the purpose of having a stronger casting strength (CS) in the spells bind, rage, and silence. Those 3 spells were and are the spells I use to hunt with.
Skill Training
Before I go into skill training, I would like to point out, as I did in previous areas, that this is only my opinion and how I would suggest to train to anyone that asked me. I have trained this way for the purpose of being able to survive attacks in the field while healing and for the purpose to be able to hunt and heal groups I am with in the midst of battle.
To train this way skill wise is not for the empath that wishes to sit in town and heal. However, there are some things that the empath that sits in town healing needs to train in as well if the said empath wishes to survive rescues.
Now on to skill training:
There are two terms designating skill levels, they are - SKILL and RANK. The first 10 trainings in a skill accumulate 5 skill points each training, then 4 for the next 10 trainings, then 3 for the next 10, 2 for the next 10, and 1 for all trainings thereafter.
RANK is the amount of times you have actually trained in a skill.
To check the amount of skill and ranks you have by using the skill verb, just type SKILL.
Below is the list of skills available for empaths to train in when they check in to train. The amount of physical and mental training points for each skill is listed beside the skill itself PTP/MTP
Armor Use (15/1): The primary purpose of Armor use is to train away the Round Time (RT) adder for armor. Most empaths wear double leather, AsG 8, which offers the highest full-body protection for the armor class Soft Leather with no spell failure. The RT adder is 2 seconds for AsG 8. Every 20 skill trains away 1 second of Round Time adder. 40 skill (8 ranks) is sufficient for double leather.
Personal opinion: If you intend to train your empath to be a field healer, hunter, or rescuer it is a good plan to train to Brigadine possibly up to Hauberk. There are hunting areas where the critters attack HARD and with special maneuver attacks. You will not only want to be using the heavier more protecting armor but you will want to look into some padded armor as well. You need 120 skill in armor use to train away the RT on Brigadine and 180 skill to train away the RT on Hauberk. Bronnwyn did not train in armor beyond double leather until she was in her 60's. She really needed the heavier and padded armor for pyros, lower eye and village on teras isle, and in the rift. It indeed really makes a big difference.
Shield Use (7/1): Shield use should be trained by ALL empaths. It is important to train in shield use every training to increase your character's defenses. Shield use also raises one's defenses to help defend against bolts as well as physical attacks.
Personal opinion: Train in shield use every training for life.
Edged Weapons (10/1): Edge weapons increases your AS, and adds to parryable DS. Even if you plan to be a Healing Only empath, you will need to leave town eventually. You will need all the defense that you can get. Not to mention the need for defense during invasions that occur every now and then.
Personal Opinion: Train in weapon training every train for life. Never miss a training no matter what type of path you wish to choose for your empath.
Blunt Weapons (9/1): Blunt weapons also increases your AS, and adds to parryable DS. Again, even if you plan to be a Healing Only empath, you will need to leave town eventually. You will need all the defense that you can get.
Personal Opinion: I prefer one handed edge weapons. The reason for my belief that edge is better is due to the lack of blunts available and the great-varied weapons there are in edges. However, some empaths with the race of Giantmen and Dwarf seem to like Blunts.
Polearms (20/3): This is a very costly skill for an empath. Polearms are two-handed weapons that leave no room for a shield. This is lethal for an empath since empaths lack in defense enough already. Empaths can indeed choose to train in this skill but the outcome is not very promising, and again the skill is extremely expensive to train in.
Personal Opinion: I would not train in this ever, I would use my training points to train in the skills that I need and to train in the skills that are beneficial to me for surviving in the wilds as a field healer/hunter.
Two-handed Weapons (20/3): Another expensive skill to train in for an empath.
Personal Opinion: I feel the same way about this skill as I do about the polearms. There are some empaths that train in two-handed weapons. Personally, I have not come across an empath that has trained in it to the later years. Again, the lack of being able to have a shield defense from using two-handed weapons is lethal for an empath.
Ranged Weapons (20/3): Another extremely costly skill for an empath to train in. Ranged weapons are nice, but they are not intended for an empath. They too leave no room for a shield. One using a ranged weapon receives a significant bonus when firing them from a kneeling position. As a result, kneeling will lower your DS even more leaving an empath extremely vulnerable thus making ranged weapons a poor choice for any empath.
Personal Opinion: This goes right with the polearms and two-handers. Save your training points for skills you need that will benefit you.
Thrown Weapons (20/3): Thrown weapons are not currently implemented.
Two-Weapon Combat (25/20): This skill allows you to wield two weapons at once. The attack strength of the right-hand weapon is determined by the applicable weapon skill (blunt, edged, etc.). The attack strength of the left-hand weapon is determined by the lesser of the applicable weapon skill and two-weapon combat skill. Again, this leaves no hand free for a shield and is not recommended.
Personal Opinion: I would not bother to train in this either, however, I have heard of some empaths training in it. Again, this is entirely up to you and how you wish to train your empath. I would not use the points to train in this, it is not beneficial to me as an empath.
Combat Maneuvers (20/15):
Combat maneuvers provide 0.5 parryable AS per rank and adds to your ability to dodge maneuver attacks. It also figures into the formula for aimed attacks un-hidden. This skill is a costly one, but one that is benefiting for empaths.
Personal Opinion: I train in this every training. I did not start to train until around 30th training, but it was not until that point that I was able to afford to train in this skill every training. You may choose to train every other or occasionally before 30th, but I would not start until around 30th to leave room to train in other areas and getting started good with my path of training.
Multi-Opponent Combat (20/15): If this skill is ever implemented it will determine how you fare against multiple opponents. The cost of this skill even when implemented will be prohibitive to empaths.
Personal Opinion: I would not bother with this. I am certain if this skill was implemented that there would be some empaths that would experiment with it, but personally, I would never bother with it.
Climbing (6/2): Climbing is required to get into a few hunting areas. Other things that can factor into climbing success are dexterity, reflexes and encumbrance. Also, wounds and scars can hinder climbing abilities.
Personal Opinion: By the time you are in your 20's and 30's you will probably want to have about 10 ranks. By the time you are in your 70's you will want to have about 20 ranks or above. At 23 ranks I have no problem climbing the slopes up to the rift, but I have a very good statistical values in dexterity and reflexes with the racial bonuses of being Sylvankind.
Swimming (3/1): Swimming is required in a few hunting areas. There are also many places where waterwalking (spell 112) doesn't work, like the pool leading into darkstone castle and the pool leading into the rift.
Personal Opinion: It is recommended that you get at least 1 rank by 5. You should have 2 ranks by the time you want to hunt in wolves den. At 23 ranks I have no problems swimming through the pool into the rift. Some people will need to have 30 or more ranks, again depending on their statistical values.
Disarm Traps (2/9): This skill gives you the ability to disarm traps on treasure boxes. This can be one of the side skills for an empath. Since rogues can triple in it while we can only single, never expect to get like-leveled boxes even if you train every level.
Personal Opinion: Many empaths choose to pick and disarm boxes for a hobby other than healing. Many empaths also choose to be able to hunt and rescue and field heal. Keep in mind that training points do not allow one to be able to train in both hunting and picking. You need to choose a path and stick to it. One just does not have that many training points. Bronnwyn has never trained in picking or disarming. She never had the points to spare as a hunting and field healing empath.
Pick Locks (2/8): This skill gives you the ability to open locks on treasure boxes and the likes.
Personal Opinion: See Disarm Traps.
Perception (0/3): This skill helps with detecting traps on boxes, noticing them pocket pickers and helps one to find hidden trap doors and crevices and the likes. Some even believe that it aids one in finding better treasure, although this has never been proven. If you plan on being a locksmith on the side you need to train in this every year.
Personal Opinion: I did not really start to train in this until my later years. It is a good idea to have about 10 ranks or so by the time you are about 20 trainings. From there I put perception on hold and did not start training again until after I was approximately 50 trainings. I was not really concerned about pickpockets and I just would occasional train in it when I had the points to spare. However in my later years I have started training in it each train but that is due to my having the points to spare now and playing hide and seek.
Spell Research (0/10): Training in spell research will give a new spell for every training until your 20th. After 20th training in spells, you must still train in this through empty slots (21-24) to get the 25th spell. Training in Spell Research also contributes to your CS. It is suggested that you train twice in this from level 0 on, forever. If you single train in 2 separate spell circles per training you will gain 4 points to your CS for both minor and major spirit circles. (also for the empath circle if there was a CS based spell as proposed in the new empath spell list). If you train in major spirit twice in a training your major spirit CS will go up by 5 points but your minor spirit (and empath circle) will STILL go up by 4 points. However, if you do not train in ANY spells at all your CS in each circle will still go up by 3. Below is the formula:
CS : Casting Strength
CS = (Caster Level * 3) + (1.0 * Spells Known in Circle) + (0.5 * Spells known in all circles in the same realm as the cast spell) + (stat bonus)
Personal Opinion: Double train in spells for life. Bronnwyn, stopped at 150, and 820 and focused on major spirit circle doubling in it each year until the empath forum on the proposed empath spell list. Since then she has been double training in her empath circle for the "proposed empath spell that is CS based and a hunting tool" to come out. However you wish to train your empath is your decision. Personally, I would go by the spell schedule I have listed under spell training at the top of this page and at least train to empath 850, and then I would focus on the empath circle. Course it would not be a bad idea to double in major spirit to have the spells bind, silence, and rage to use as a hunting tool either. It is up to you how you wish to train your empath.
Scroll Reading (0/3): Scrolls can contain extremely useful spells. If there is a level 1 spell on a scroll you would need 1 rank in scroll reading to invoke it, level 2 would require 2 ranks and so on making your ability to read and invoke a scroll dependent upon this skill. Scroll reading as well as magic item and mana share are factors in the success formula for Living Rune, spell 208.
Personal Opinion: Bronnwyn has 70 ranks in scroll reading. Often times people need the assistance of empath and cleric in broken lands where one needs to be able to read the runes to enter, here scroll reading is beneficial to reading the magical runes. One needs about 20 ranks or more to be able to read the runes if they are under 25th training.
Magic Item Use (0/4): This skill is for using magical items such as twisted and slate wands or imbedded rods and wands or anything that requires to be waved to be invoked. This skill is also factored into the living rune (spell 208) formula.
Personal Opinion: Twisted wands are very beneficial to an empath in the younger years, hunting with mana disrupt via twisted wands or imbeddables is a wonderful hunting tool. I used to find me a wizard to dupe every twisted wand I came across, after a while people that knew me were saving wands for the little empath to hunt with. People are very good about helping out hunting empaths. Bronnwyn has 55 ranks in this, she is a bit overtrained in it. I would train as TP's allow stopping at around 24 ranks.
Mana Share (0/2): This skill is very inexpensive for empaths. The formula for sharing mana between characters is (Amount sent)*(Sender's Skill%)*(Recipient's Skill%) = Amount received. Both the town empath and the hunting empath will find this skill valuable. Overtraining in it, as you can see by the formula, increases the mana received by those undertrained in it. However, receiving mana from someone with zero skill will net zero mana. This skill is also factored into the living rune (spell 208) formula.
Personal Opinion: I would train double per year in mana share until you reach 24 ranks, (102) in share, at 12th training. I then would put it on hold and use my TP's for other skills. After a while you can easily go back to training in mana share as TP's allow but I would not go over 100 ranks in it. Used to be empaths would double and even triple in it for life for it was said to be extremely helpful in infusing mana in the mana pool to help wizards enchant. However, that has been changed and no amount of overtraining in mana share increases the amount that can be infused in the pools. I believe it is set at 50% of amount infused if infuser has 102 (24 ranks) share
Spell Aiming (3/2): This is not a very expensive skill either. This skill adds directly to your AS in bolt spells, which are mainly a wizard attack.
Personal Opinion: This is my favorite most treasured skill to train in. It has been my hunting tool since I hit pyros on teras (level 70+ critter). I did not use spell aim very much to hunt with in my younger years. Empaths can use spell 111 spirit fire as a bolt spell but it is costly for the young empaths. At the age I am at now and hunting in the rift it is my sole hunting tool and I love it, it is very safe for me to hunt with spirit fire because I can hold my weapon. I would not survive a hit from a rift critter if I were holding a wand due to it being a self cast only environment. But due to my training in spell aim since birth I can really hunt efficiently in the rift. Now in pyros on teras I was able to have defensive spells and was able to walk around with my cobalt rods and metal wands in the lower eye. I must say that those years where most empaths hit a wall, were in fact my most cherished and fun years to hunt as an empath. My training in spell aim and sticking to it definitely paid off. Again, you choose how you wish to train your empath but I have to suggest training in spell aim. It is a good idea to have a back up method to hunt with if you choose that path, for there will indeed be times (like pyros) where no matter how hard you swing you just can not get a good hit and spell aim will rule.
*Keep an eye out for a link to view actual hunting logs using spell aim*
Ambush (15/15): Another costly skill. Ambushing, along with CM skill, helps one to aim their hits from the open. Ambushing from hiding imparts a good benefit for both aimed and unaimed attacks. This skill is more useful when combined with training in hiding every year. The combined cost is extreme for an empath. With the skill being subject to being tweaked by the GM's at any time it is not a wise training path for an empath to choose. Rogues are able to double in this skill, therefore any changes to it would have the doublers in mind and since an empath can only single in it any tweak would hurt severely.
Personal Opinion: I would not train in ambush. I did train in it for a short time but I have always had pretty good aim. While I was hunting in a group with an empath that trained extensively in ambush, I noticed that I could aim nearly just as well, so I chose to not further train in ambush. I do not know if one's statistical values have anything to do with aim. However, Bronnwyn is Sylvankind with the racial bonuses to reflex and dexterity along with having decent statistical values placed there. Her aim is fairly decent..
Physical Training (2/0): Each train in physical training will add additional health points to the base amount determined by your racial and constitution bonuses divided by 10, until you reach your max. For every 20 skill over 100, you will recover 1 additional health point per minute when injured.
Personal Opinion: Overtraining in this skill is useless. Empaths can heal themselves by 10 points with the heal1 (801) spell, or 50 - 75 points with the heal 2 (806) spell.
First Aid (1/0): First aid is a very inexpensive skill for empaths. This skill can be used to help prevent death. Often times you will find yourself unable to take more wounds due to lack of mana or time. With this skill, you can TEND your wounds or the wounds of others. The RT's for tending some wounds are very long, but the more skilled you are in FA, the quicker you can tend. First aid also enhances the ability to skin dead critters.
Personal Opinion: Rift critters at having 130+ RANKS in FA I still botch. However, this skill is very cheap and one can easily just simply single train for life in it. It really does help immensely with skinning critters and really has come in handy in tight situations while lack of mana prevents one from being able to heal at times.
Trading (0/3): This skill helps your dealings with some merchants to a small degree. I have also noticed that the better charisma statistic one has the better a discount as well, but it is not much.
Personal Opinion: I have not ever trained in trading. With my course of training I chose to use my TPs elsewhere and felt that this really did not benefit me.
Brawling (20/3): Brawling aids in your defense with empty hands. Another purpose for brawling is "Voln-fu", a society-based brawling. You must belong to the society, and the formula for attacking with fist or foot is in favor of the double-trainer in this skill.
Personal Opinion: Although I have heard of empaths training in this skill I have not ever seen any stick to it, it just is entirely too costly and is not that beneficial for a single trainer only. I have never trained in it. Just entirely too expensive for a skill that is not that beneficial to me.
Pick Pockets (3/3): This skill provides one with the ability to pick other characters' pockets. This is mostly a skill made for rogues.
Personal Opinion: This skill can be fun to train in to role-play with and have a little fun. Since it only allows empaths to single train in it you wont really get as great at is as a rogue that can double train in it. I love playing around with my friends and seeing if I can pick their pockets. One time with zero ranks in the skill I managed to pluck out a sunstone from a very old rogue's pocket. He saw me of course but it sure was hilarious, I just sat there slack jawed. I have not trained in this skill...yet.
And there you have it. I sincerely hope this guide is of help to people in not only training but choosing a path that would best suit their needs and interests the most. The most important thing to remember is not what you can do or how good you can do it, but how much fun you can have.
Best of luck to you all and please feel free to email me anytime with any questions or comments at Daphster@aol.com