Character Development Overview
Character development in Of Ash and Steel is a complex system that requires careful planning and resource management. Unlike many modern RPGs, you start extremely weak and must gradually build your capabilities through training, equipment, and strategic progression.
Character progression requires finding trainers and meeting stat requirements
Video Guide
💡 Key Principle
In Of Ash and Steel, character development is trainer-dependent. You cannot simply allocate points - you must find NPCs who can teach you new skills and abilities.
Core Attributes System
Primary Stats
Your character has four main attributes that determine what equipment you can use and how effective you are in combat:
| Attribute | Affects | Starting Value | Max Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Melee weapon requirements, carry capacity | Very Low | Unknown |
| Dexterity | Ranged weapons, light armor, dodge chance | Very Low | Unknown |
| Constitution | Health points, stamina, disease resistance | Low | Unknown |
| Intelligence | Magic abilities, learning speed, dialogue options | Average | Unknown |
Stat Requirements
Weapon Requirements:
- Basic Axe: Requires moderate Strength
- Crossbow: Requires moderate Dexterity
- Heavy Armor: High Strength requirement
- Light Weapons: Lower stat requirements but less damage
Important: Tristan starts with stats too low to use most equipment effectively.
Skill System and Trainers
Finding Trainers
Trainer Locations:
- Starting Area: Fish (basic combat sparring)
- Main City: Various weapon masters and skill trainers
- Remote Areas: Specialized trainers for advanced skills
- Faction Bases: Exclusive trainers for faction members
Skill Categories
Combat Skills
- Weapon Proficiencies: Axes, swords, crossbows, daggers
- Combat Techniques: Blocking, parrying, special attacks
- Defensive Skills: Armor usage, evasion, stamina management
Survival Skills
- Crafting: Item creation, repair, enhancement
- Exploration: Navigation, trap detection, resource gathering
- Social: Persuasion, intimidation, faction relations
Advanced Skills
- Magic: Elemental abilities, healing, enchantment
- Leadership: Commanding followers, inspiring allies
- Specialized Combat: Advanced weapon techniques
Training Process
How Training Works
- Find a Trainer: Locate an NPC who teaches the desired skill
- Meet Prerequisites: Have required stats, items, or previous training
- Pay Training Costs: Gold, items, or completing tasks
- Complete Training: May involve practice sessions or tests
- Skill Acquired: New ability becomes available
Training Costs
Typical Costs:
- Basic Skills: 50-200 gold
- Advanced Skills: 500-1000 gold + prerequisites
- Master Skills: Significant gold + rare items + faction standing
Alternative Payments:
- Completing quests for the trainer
- Providing rare materials or items
- Demonstrating loyalty to their faction
Equipment Progression
Equipment Tiers
Starting Equipment
- Makeshift Weapons: Pirate’s leg, improvised tools
- Basic Clothing: Minimal protection
- Limited Utility: Poor durability and effectiveness
Early Game Equipment
- Simple Weapons: Basic axes, knives, simple crossbows
- Light Armor: Leather protection, cloth garments
- Essential Tools: Repair kits, basic supplies
Mid Game Equipment
- Quality Weapons: Well-crafted arms with better damage
- Medium Armor: Chain mail, reinforced leather
- Specialized Gear: Tools for specific tasks
Late Game Equipment
- Master-Crafted Items: Exceptional weapons and armor
- Enchanted Gear: Magical properties and bonuses
- Legendary Equipment: Unique items with special abilities
Equipment Management
Durability System:
- All equipment degrades with use
- Repair costs money and materials
- Broken equipment is useless until repaired
Upgrade Paths:
- Find better base equipment
- Enhance existing gear through crafting
- Enchant items with magical properties
Progression Strategies
Early Game Focus (Levels 1-10)
Priority Order:
- Basic Combat Training: Learn to use at least one weapon type
- Stamina Management: Improve Constitution for longer fights
- Essential Skills: Repair, basic crafting, navigation
- Equipment Acquisition: Get functional weapons and armor
Resource Allocation:
- Save money for essential training
- Prioritize stat-boosting items
- Avoid expensive luxury purchases
Mid Game Development (Levels 10-20)
Specialization Phase:
- Choose Combat Style: Focus on melee, ranged, or hybrid
- Advanced Training: Seek out specialized trainers
- Faction Alignment: Join groups for exclusive training
- Equipment Upgrading: Invest in quality gear
Skill Diversification:
- Develop complementary skills
- Learn crafting for self-sufficiency
- Improve social skills for better quest outcomes
Late Game Mastery (Levels 20+)
Master Development:
- Elite Training: Seek legendary trainers and masters
- Rare Skills: Unlock unique abilities and techniques
- Equipment Perfection: Acquire and enhance top-tier gear
- Complete Builds: Finalize character specialization
Character Build Archetypes
The Warrior
Focus: Melee combat and heavy armor Primary Stats: Strength, Constitution Key Skills: Weapon mastery, armor proficiency, combat techniques Equipment: Heavy weapons, plate armor, shields
Advantages:
- High damage output in melee
- Excellent survivability
- Intimidating presence in social situations
Disadvantages:
- Limited ranged options
- High equipment costs
- Slower movement speed
The Scout
Focus: Ranged combat and mobility Primary Stats: Dexterity, Intelligence Key Skills: Archery, stealth, navigation, trap detection Equipment: Crossbows, light armor, utility tools
Advantages:
- Excellent at avoiding danger
- Good at exploration and scouting
- Lower equipment maintenance costs
Disadvantages:
- Vulnerable in close combat
- Limited carrying capacity
- Requires ammunition management
The Survivor
Focus: Balanced approach with emphasis on self-sufficiency Primary Stats: Constitution, Intelligence Key Skills: Crafting, repair, medicine, social skills Equipment: Versatile gear, crafting tools, survival supplies
Advantages:
- Highly adaptable to different situations
- Self-sufficient in resources
- Good at problem-solving
Disadvantages:
- Master of none specialization
- Slower combat progression
- Requires diverse skill investment
Advanced Development Tips
Trainer Relationships
Building Reputation:
- Complete quests for trainers
- Bring them rare materials or information
- Demonstrate skill and dedication
- Maintain faction loyalties
Exclusive Training:
- Some trainers only teach faction members
- Others require completing specific questlines
- Master trainers may test your worthiness
Stat Optimization
Efficient Progression:
- Focus on meeting equipment requirements first
- Balance offensive and defensive capabilities
- Don’t neglect Constitution for survivability
- Plan stat distribution around your chosen build
Stat-Boosting Items:
- Prioritize permanent stat increases
- Temporary boosts for meeting requirements
- Equipment that provides stat bonuses
Resource Management
Training Budget:
- Set aside money specifically for training
- Don’t spend training funds on consumables
- Invest in skills that provide long-term benefits
Equipment Investment:
- Buy quality over quantity
- Maintain and repair existing gear
- Upgrade strategically based on your build
Common Development Mistakes
What to Avoid
❌ Spreading stats too thin - Focus on 2-3 primary attributes ❌ Ignoring trainers - Skills are essential for progression ❌ Buying equipment you can’t use - Check stat requirements first ❌ Neglecting Constitution - Health and stamina are crucial ❌ Skipping basic skills - Foundation skills enable advanced training ❌ Poor money management - Training is expensive, budget carefully
Best Practices
✅ Plan your build - Decide on specialization early ✅ Find trainers systematically - Explore thoroughly for training opportunities ✅ Balance offense and defense - Don’t focus only on damage ✅ Maintain equipment - Keep gear in good repair ✅ Save for important training - Prioritize skill acquisition ✅ Test new abilities - Practice with trainers when possible
Faction-Specific Development
Order of the Seven
Training Benefits:
- Access to holy magic and healing
- Advanced combat techniques
- Leadership and command skills
- Exclusive equipment and weapons
Requirements:
- Demonstrate moral character
- Complete initiation quests
- Maintain faction loyalty
Free Hunters
Training Benefits:
- Wilderness survival skills
- Advanced archery and tracking
- Stealth and infiltration techniques
- Independent crafting abilities
Requirements:
- Prove self-reliance
- Complete hunting challenges
- Reject authoritarian control
Conclusion
Character development in Of Ash and Steel requires patience, planning, and resource management. Success comes from understanding the trainer system, making strategic choices about specialization, and carefully managing your limited resources.
Remember that every character build is viable with proper development, but rushing or poor planning can leave you struggling against the game’s challenges. Take time to explore, find trainers, and build relationships that will unlock your character’s full potential.
Ready to put your character to the test? Check out our Survival Tips Guide or tackle the Complete Walkthrough with your developed character.
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