[quote]No I get that the classes are assigned based on skill not skill assigned based on class but what I want to know is why couldn't a Kindred have been trained in the use of a sword or knife or axe if his backstory justifies it?[/quote]

A person can't be a Kindred without training in how to fight in an alternate form.  That said, I will make a change to the Kindred class to allow them to have some skill in a 'back-up weapon' of the player's choosing.

[quote]
Also would it be possible for someone to have a stave that they use as a weapon even if they have no proficiency in magic with which to use it's healing properties?
[/quote]

Yeah, staves can be used to smack people, even by people who can't heal with them.