Dungeon Siege classes and skill progression: melee, ranged and magic
Learn how using weapons and spells develops a character instead of choosing a fixed class at creation.
Edition covered
The original 2002 Kingdom of Ehb campaign. Publisher images depict Dungeon Siege. Legends of Aranna, the separate multiplayer world and Dungeon Siege II use different content or systems and are outside this guide.
Your actions build the role
Using a melee weapon improves Melee, using a ranged weapon improves Ranged, and casting the two kinds of magic develops their respective skills. The game does not ask the farmer to permanently pick a class before the adventure.
| Skill | Raised by | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| Melee | Using melee weapons | Front-line fighter |
| Ranged | Using projectile weapons | Archer or ranged attacker |
| Nature Magic | Casting Nature spells | Healing and nature-oriented support |
| Combat Magic | Casting Combat spells | Offensive spellcaster |
Attributes follow the skills
Strength, Dexterity and Intelligence grow with the skills being exercised. Equipment requirements therefore reward sustained training in a role rather than switching every character between unrelated attacks.
| Check | Connection | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Closely associated with melee training | Supports heavier physical equipment |
| Dexterity | Closely associated with ranged training | Supports ranged equipment use |
| Intelligence | Closely associated with magic training | Supports magical equipment and spells |
| Skill requirement | Printed on weapons or spells | The character must meet it before use |
Specialize enough to use current loot
A character spread across every skill may struggle to equip the strongest item for any one role. A focused specialist gives the party a reliable answer, while a deliberate secondary skill can add flexibility.
Check spell requirements
A powerful spell found in a shop may require a higher Nature or Combat Magic skill than the intended caster has. Buying the book alone does not make the spell usable.
A powerful spell found in a shop may require a higher Nature or Combat Magic skill than the intended caster has. Buying the book alone does not make the spell usable.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Dungeon Siege publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Gas Powered Games publisher manual | store.steampowered.com |