Adventurers operated separately from the army. Their fighting styles were completely different. Military training emphasized offensive and defensive strength, while adventurers focused more on agility and evasion. Even raging barbarians were somewhat better at dodging than warriors trained by the army, because the latter were accustomed to large-scale group combat. Adventurer parties generally did not exceed ten people, and their most common formation was five-person groups, including those who held the front line, skirmished, launched sneak attacks, and cast healing spells. The army fought in ranks of heavy infantry, all armed with Steel Shields, with a small number of defensive warriors carrying exceptionally sturdy Tower Shields.
A skilled adventurer could tell at a glance from someone's fighting style whether they had a military background or had received military training.
Soren's assignment was to scout the enemy's movements.
The adventurers were divided into three groups. One was a reconnaissance group made up of thirteen rogues and five rangers, all at Tier 2 or above. Another was a combat group consisting of warriors, rangers, barbarians, priests, and others. Their task was to clear out scattered enemy forces after the army defeated the main force, while also supporting and covering the army's flanks. The last group consisted of the relatively few wizards, sorcerers, and druids. As key personnel requiring protection, they moved alongside the army. Wizards rarely joined the military. They could earn more than soldiers by doing almost anything else, and their lives were far more comfortable.
The wages required to employ wizards could absolutely cripple a prosperous city.
That was why this sort of employment arrangement was most common: pay them a large sum when their services were needed. Before setting out, everyone received an advance payment. Soren received thirty Gold Dalers, ten more than the other warrior classes. By this