Chapter 4: Proficiencies

Wizards and priests have developed a number of unique and valuable skills to aid them in their pursuit of both magical and temporal power and knowledge. Literacy in ancient languages, knowledge of the maintenance of libraries and physical care of dilapidated old tomes, and skills in research and the execution of laboratory tasks are absolutely indispensable to a wizard character. Similarly, priests should be familiar with the languages in which their holiest scriptures are written, the correct observances and customs demanded by their deity, and the administration of property and lands belonging to their temples.

In this chapter, we’ll take a look at new proficiencies for the spellcasters of the AD&D game. New nonweapon proficiencies describe a number of new skills available to both wizards and priests, ranging from alchemy to zoology. We’ll also introduce the concept of signature spells or spell specialization, which represents unusual skill with a particular spell. Just as fighters can master their weapons with practice and training, wizards can master their spells.

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