Recommended builds
A short overview of Dark Swords builds for elf, orc, human, drow and dwarf. 380 combat and 95 religious lessons.
Combat guilds and religious cults are separate tracks. Religion does not raise combat level. Every build below is calculated for 380 combat and 95 religious lessons.
Pick a race for guilds, cults and imbues. Supers (ailments) are not covered here — they will get their own article.
Elf
The most armored characters, with the highest single-hit damage. Very useful against tanks.
Easy matchup: orcs. Counter: mages and drow.
Two paths: sneak (the all-rounder solo) and armored (groups, and solo vs orcs).
Orc
High damage and strong innate elemental resist. An axe hits several targets at once — strong in groups against mages.
Easy matchup: mages and drow. Counter: elves.
Human
A mage with direct single-target damage, high cast chance and Manashield. Easy to play, strong vs elves.
Easy matchup: elves. Counter: orcs.
Two paths: two elements vs other mages, or one element and two staves for more cast chance.
Drow
A mage with area magic against groups. Same guilds as the human; the role in a fight is different.
Easy matchup: elves. Counter: orcs.
Dwarf
The party tank: a lot of life, covers allies and soaks the hits. Group fights are usually harder without one.