Most of the professions have the means to engage in combat with other players. Though it is possible to work out methods to slay most of the major computer controlled characters - their weaknesses and strengths do not change regularly - you will find combat against players to be altogether more challenging. For many, conflict is competitive, challenging and nerve-racking. Unless you choose a life of pacifism or peace (as many Animists, Loremasters and even Bards do), you will want to learn to defend yourself in the event of attack, to flee from the field of battle when you are ambushed, and ultimately, perhaps, to launch your own counter-offensives and defeat your enemies. This is no easy matter. Fighting is an art which few perfect. The art of combat can be simply divided into three separate areas - the assembling of defences, or the preparation for battle, the techniques of escape if you are being serious damaged, and acting in the heat of battle.
