MMORPG.com Tabula Rasa Correspondent Matt Favale writes this long overdue overview of the class structure in NCsoft's Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa.

The class system in Tabula Rasa is very unique compared to other MMOs. All players start as recruits, who can use basic firearms (pistols, shotguns and rifles) and have the ability to discharge lightning to damage their foes. Lightning and firearms are skills that can be upgraded with training points accumulated each time you level up. Below is the class tree in which all classes are listed with their respected pre classes (the class you are before you choose that class) and a description of the class system and class tree.

Tier Two

After you reach level five as a recruit, you can choose to be a soldier or a specialist. Soldiers are much more direct damage oriented while specialists are focused on keeping groups alive longer and supporting other players through healing and protective buffs. Soldiers have access to reflective armor, very resistant to photonic(laser), physical, and EMP damage, and chain guns, in addition to the rage ability which makes the soldier do more damage but gives much less health for the duration of the ability, as well as the shrapnel ability which hurls a storm of sharp metal at an area. Specialists have access to leech guns which take away enemy health and give it to the player, hazmat (hazardous material) armor, which is resistant to fire, ice, and viral damage types. Specialists can use healing tools to aid other players in battle as well as cause damage over time effects on their enemies. Both soldiers and specialists certainly have their place on the battlefield.

Read the article here.