One thing DD lacks is nice level tiles for the player types--in part due to the IP/copyright over the original titles. So recently I've had a go at an alternative arrangement of level titles for fighters; here's what I came up with:
1st.
Fighter. This is already the name of every 1st level member of the fighting class. So let the de facto level title be explicit!
2nd.
Veteran. I've always loved the idea of the battle-hardened, care-worn veteran but struggled with its contradictory use at 1st level. I prefer the title to identify proper veterans who've survived a few knocks.
3rd.
Myrmidon. In classical mythology the Myrmidons were a soldier-race created by Zeus from a nest of ants. They were distinguished by their skill in battle and unshakable loyalty, and would later serve under Achilles in the Trojan wars. Their numbers and subservience implies to me a sub-hero status.
4th.
Hero. The definitive 4th level fighter.
5th.
Armiger. Historically an armiger was a person entitled--usually by birthright--to bear a heraldic coat of arms. Here I'm assuming the fighting-man has earned this privilege (or its social equivalent) by virtue of his great deeds and mastery of the arms.
6th.
Captain. A captain in the Tolkien sense (see:
http://www.google.com/search?q=Captain+ ... ateway.net) is a formidable military figure, greater than any regular (or Hobbit) hero, and often the leader of an army or host. It seems satisfactory that these should sit between hero and superhero status, and that top level dwarfs should ultimately achieve this title.
7th.
Champion. Unchanged from the original, champions remain champions. Superlative warriors who are not quite superheroic.
8th. S
uperhero. Superheroes are few and far between, one-man armies, apex predators. They define the top of the attack matrix and woe betide anyone who messes with them!
9th and above.
Warlord. The title warlord implies a military figure who has seized power by force of arms, whereas a regular Lord's authority need not be based in military prowess. Thus warlord seems to be a pretty good fit for the fighting-man.
[f=32]
Golgildir the Elf Medium (MV 12", AC 9, HD 1, hp 1/1, AL N) great cloak,
lantern; spells: color spray; scrolls: sleep, sleep, charm person
Hirelings: Georges;
torch[/f]