As the deadline approaches, most of the team is burned out – flagging from long hours in this final push to get everything ready for client approval. A last-minute request comes through, something that no one has ever heard of. You take a moment. Focus. Breathe. You surge, working at two, or three times the pace you usually do. The fatigue drops away as you catch your second wind and you develop new methods on the fly to achieve a higher goal as you carry your whole team across the finish line. This is what it means to be The Fighter.
What is The Fighter?
The Fighter is an oft-underappreciated archetype in TTRPG settings, with many associating the archetype with first-time players, simplistic playstyles and repetitive gameplay loops - this couldn’t be further from the truth. While a Fighter can appear to be a bit of a one-trick pony on paper, the truth is they’re one of the more versatile TTRPG classes. Sure, they can’t cast devastating spells like The Wizard and bring their allies back to life like The Cleric, but The Fighter will always find innovative ways to use their skills and manipulate any situation to their advantage. They thrive in an environment where the odds are stacked against them and more than that, when most classes start to flag The Fighter just keeps going. They are relentless, tenacious go-getters and for that we love them.
The History of The Fighter
Fighters have been a TTRPG stalwart since the very first edition of Dungeons and Dragons, where players could choose to play as a “Fighting Man” – alongside “Magic User” and “Cleric” as other options. Originally intended as a broad descriptor of anyone who falls within a classic “Warrior” archetype – The Fighter was designed with flexibility in mind so the player could embody a Lancelot-esqe noble knight, a charismatic swashbuckler like Zorro, or a Legolas-style deadly marksman. As a class they were able to wear all types of armour (even magic armour) and wield any kind of weapon – not to mention their monstrous pool of hitpoints which ensured that they could handle anything the “Referee” (in 1st Edition the “Dungeon Master” was called the Referee, isn’t that fun) threw at them!
Who's your Fighter?
But what about in real life? In the workplace a fighter isn’t necessarily someone who fights – but instead embodies all the characteristics that we’ve mentioned already. Resilience, versatility and dedication. The perfect team member, right? From an employer’s perspective, The Fighter might come into your workplace for a targeted single-focus role and quickly demonstrate their skills in several situations, drawing from lived experience, reinforced by dedicated learning and training. Typically they will take on more and more responsibilities outside of their intended job role and eventually carve out their niche within the organisation and you’ll wonder how you ever got anything done without them!
They’re also incredibly talented at picking up new skills – mastering new software, technologies and methodologies far quicker than expected, no doubt streamlining, improving and enhancing processes as they go along to make everything much easier for everyone around them.
But be warned; all the tenacity and willpower can be a double-edged sword for those who don’t know how to wield it. The Fighter will openly speak their mind on any subject they’re an expert at – which can be almost anything. Be prepared to have your existing systems challenged with questions that are far more profound than “Why do we do it like that?” If a fighter has asked that question, they’ve already thought of 10 different ways they can improve it. You are entitled to their opinion and it would be good to listen to it. Don’t mistake their versatility and flexibility for a willingness to overwork, either. The Fighter takes on tasks that they know they will enjoy and excel at, but they’re no pushover. A Fighter who is constantly asked “can you just” for things outside of their job role will quickly become disinterested and likely look for opportunities elsewhere.
If you’re a fighter you already know that you’re great. In interviews you demonstrate a plethora of transferrable skills, in debate, you wield your breadth of knowledge like a sword and your wealth of experience as a shield. When the going gets tough, you get going – moreover, you keep going until the very end. You pride yourself on your consistency and ability to meet deadlines – though you might not be a social butterfly you may enjoy the company of others and are always looking for alternative teambuilding activities.
You also probably do cross-fit, but not in an obnoxious way.
Working with your Fighter
Fighters work well in most team structures but are best supported by colleagues who can motivate and inspire (Bard), offer specific, targeted knowledge (Wizard); and provide calming advice in heated situations (Druid). You might find a Fighter gets easily irritated when working with colleagues who have a more practical and straightforward approach to problem-solving (Barbarian) or those who prefer to work solo and give their own unsolicited opinions (Rogue).
If you’ve got a Fighter in your team make sure their input is appreciated, and that they are challenged by their work – both in complexity and diversity! Remember, they’re well-situated to become the core engine of your workplace and when properly supported they will flourish, which will then in turn help your team all excel!
If you’re a Fighter who’s finding themselves getting frustrated at work don’t despair! Our tailored teambuilding activities provide neutral environments to give valuable feedback to your colleagues (and that includes managers) – so before you fight with your boss, why not join us for a Boss Fight?
Next, we’ll be talking about the master of the arcane (and keeper of dark secrets) The Wizard. Sometimes viewed as a more complicated archetype to play, this master of knowledge can manipulate the very fabric of reality and end encounters quickly with a well-placed fireball. Grab your books and your wand and we’ll see you there!
