There are two types of characters in this game, and two paths for character progression: Caster and non-caster. Casters include things like mages, warlocks, wizards, (some) druids, elementalists, etc. Non-casters are rogues, warriors, rangers, hunters, knights, cavaliers, etc. Here are some differences:
General Differences
- Casters must put points into Arcana to use spells, whereas non-casters must put points into Strength and Dexterity to use weapons.
Basic Attack
- Casters start with a ranged basic attack -- a spell -- that deals damage. Their basic attacks get small increased damage modifiers as they level up. In this way, casters are relatively simple to build, and have a linear path to upgrade their basic attack.
- Non-casters start with a weapon that determines what their basic attack is. They can upgrade their weapon using gemstones, craft a new weapon with higher-quality materials, or buy a new weapon at any time -- providing a non-linear path to upgrading their damage output.
Tier Abilities
- Casters use a specific damage template and format for their damaging / healing abilities.
- Non-casters use their weapon damage to determine how much damage their Tier abilities do.
- Casters require a certain amount of Arcana to create Tier abilities.
- Non-casters require a certain amount of Strength and/or Dexterity to create Tier abilities and wield weapons.