A warlord must practice with his favored weapon for at least two hours a day or risk losing his special abilities. A full day of practice will bring back one level of special abilities. Thus, a 5th level warlord who misses practice for 6 days only has the special abilities of a 2nd level warlord. Each day he spends in practice will bring back one level of ability. Combat does not count as practice, thus a warlord cannot fight everything he sees and call it training.
Most warlords are single class fighters before joining the ranks.
Occasionally warrior priests or paladins are found among them. It is rare for a ranger to accept the discipline required for this class. Barbarians and monks can benefit from the warlord bonuses. Wizards and sorcerers are extremely rare, and most rogues prefer stealthy weapons over the large double weapons. The warlord is proficient in all simple and martial weapons, as well as all types of armor, but not shields.