Specialists as PCs (SNS)

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Due to the supporting roles of these classes, few players will find it rewarding to run a specialist. Those who thirst for fortune and glory will rarely find themselves satisfied with taking on the role of a historian or a blacksmith. If a player wants to try a character from one of the specialist classes, however, explain to him that these types of characters will not be as useful or powerful as a regular PC class. After all, a navigator isn't much use in a large city, and a healer will likely feel outclassed by the incredible magical powers of a cleric. 
On the other hand, trying out a non-traditional type of character can be fun-if only as a diversion from a regularly played character. A DM could, for instance, allow a player to take on the role of a guide needed by the party, but only if that player is willing to leave his regular player character behind. In the interests of game balance, it is not recommended that a player control the actions of more than one character. 
Another alternative is to assign a specialist to a player who infrequently attends the gaming sessions. In such a case, the player takes on the role of a specialist already known to the adventurers, or simply makes up an appropriate one from scratch. When the player in question attends the game, he will run a recurring NPC that the regular players will recognize.