Skills are the backbone of City of Heroes. Since there isn’t much equipment to speak of, the developers have packed much of the customization players are looking for in the skill system. Each skill you gain with experience comes with certain "slots" you can fill with points. Slots may range from damage, to duration, to range, and beyond. Using these slots heroes can tweak a skill so it can further fit their needs. So even though two guys are flinging the same basic fireball, appearance is the only thing their missiles have in common. Certain skills will be open to all classes once they reach a certain level. The most notable of these is the power of flight. Leaping huge buildings in one bound is definitely going to be quite a status symbol.