Q: What does the "*" mean in the rules?

A: The "*" signifies a unique ability or spell. This means that ONLY the class that the ability/spell is under may take that ability/spell. It cannot be used during custom classing unless a specific rule states otherwise. This also goes for Specializations. Unique specializations will always be marked with an "*" and any abilities in a non-unique specialization that has an "*" means they are unique to that Specialization.