Editing Gish

''Gish'' is a /tg/ term relating to [[character classes]], and specifically refers to a character who is capable of both melee combat and magic with relatively equal adeptness.

Gish originated from [[Dungeons & Dragons]], where the [[githyanki]] had an elite caste known as the gish; githyanki using the [[multiclassing]] option to become [[fighter]]/[[wizard]]s of considerable lethality. The archetype stuck fast in the D&D [[munchkin]] consciousness and it has remained a fixture of /tg/ ever since. The concept is referred to in homage to the githyanki, who started it all.

Traditionally, most gishes are the result of [[multiclassing]], or dual-classing or hybrid classing, depending on edition. However, certain classes have increasingly been designed to support this from the ground up, due to certain inefficiencies in the multiclassing approach - most notably, the XP Tax.

However, most "made" gish-classes have traditionally been "warriors, with a little magic"; examine the [[Paladin]] ([[fighter]] with some low-level [[Cleric]] spells and tricks) or the [[Ranger]] (a [[fighter]]/[[druid]] blending). More melee capable mage types have been a rarity; the [[Swordmage]] of 4th edition D&D, or the Bladesinging [[Wizard]] of 5e, for example.

[[Category: Dungeons & Dragons]]