User blog comment:Oof the Fist/EXPLAIN./@comment-2205072-20130319163610

BEFORE TIBBY BEGINS, DO NOTE THAT WHAT IS WRITTEN HERE IS PURELY OUT OF SPECULATION.

As for assassins, no real idea. The biggest reasons to point to are their fashion, their depiction in some media, or just a fad. Really, to Tibby it's because of the influence. Obviously, it's not just all of that, some people who roleplay as assassins (Note, real life assassins are different to fantasy assassins) have always done so even before the Famous Assassin's Creed series. You could point to Dungeons and Dragons or Warhammer (Fantasy or Sci-fi versions).

Soldiers on the other hand, well, this one's pretty simple to answer in Tibby's perspective. Most of people who roleplay as soldiers ( True to the word, not one that dons themselves in special equipment to stand out) just wants to be the "Average Joe" (Easily replaced by a Generic soldier) of the combat triangle. Tibby differenciates the melee class between two professions. The Soldier and the Warrior.

Now the soldier, to Tibby is more of a man in uniform with weapons just the same as the guy next to him. Fighting in large numbers in formation, the next man to him just as important as the other, depending on your buddy to hold his line for his, yours and everyone's sake. A soldier's death could mean the loss of a whole group. They fight with a uniformed style as well. Cultural differences make all the difference, Time periods as well. A Roman Soldier is practially trained in all forms of combat ( Meaning that they can use slings, bows, and javelins) but far better with a sword. A Soldier in the medieval era is a very "iffy" matter. Some armies have well-trained and equipped soldiers, some just have peasants with studded leather and a cheap sword and buckler.The appeal to this might be the opportunity to try and stand out from the others with heroic deeds as a common soldier. (Take Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus for example)

A Warrior is somewhat similar but still different. They fight in groups just like a soldier, but far more fortunate to afford the better equipment. They can afford their own custom-designed armour, weapons, a warhorse...It's difficult to simply put facts into this part as different cultures have different kinds of warriors. From what Tibby has read, warriors mostly use weapons that requires some space to use if they are not armed with a spear or lance. Like a Katana or Zweihander. Meaning that they fight in large groups as well, but dismounted or in melee, they are required to have space to swing their weapons. In a Melee cafe, where space is scarce, they would be fortunate enough to have a sidearm small enough to use in dangerously close range (A mace or shortsword for example).

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Now, let's talk about the "Ronin", These guys are probably the most used kind fighting men and women, under the profession of a warrior. These people have far more freedom than the Soldier and the Typical Warrior, they have their own goals. Following the typical depiction of these warriors in Fantasy, they are usually a member of a group of adventurers or they work alone like a mercenary or are on a personal quest. Purchasing higher grade equipment as they progress with more to do in their lives than Soldiers or Warriors bound serve the crown. These guys can go all out in looking the best if they wanted to.

If you were to ask why Tibby roleplays as an assassin, Tibby's answer is:

Nope. Tibby just dresses like one. In it for the fashion and fast-paced action.

A Warrior/Soldier?:

Solid, reliable and well-rounded. Given an animal that can be tamed, they'd end up being a deadly package if given a ranged weapon (provided they've been trained to use it) and lance.

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If you're interested in learning more about Soldiers and warriors. Or assassins, Tibby recommends the following:

1. Adrian Goldsworthy, THE COMPLETE ROMAN ARMY. Published by Thames and Hudson. A Big detailed book the army, from the Republic to the Late Empire.

2. Osprey Publishing. These guys have really detailed books on just about any kind of soldier, warrior, (sometimes assassins, but they don't put much of these), fortresses and so on. Don't let the thin-ness of the boosk fool you, these a REALLY AWESOME. Well written, and they generally try to stay neutral in their writings.