CLASSES:
Adventurers are uncommon in the Known World. They represent a very small sub-class of the population. Most people are happy going about their daily routine. Still there are those who seek something better in life. They often become Adventurers.
BARBARIANS
The Clansmen of Sheridar produce many Barbarians. It is a harsh country where strength is everything. Sheridian Barbarians, prefer to use Bastard Swords and Spears. They usually use a small buckler called a Targ. The rare Elf might also become a Barbarian, often living on the outskirts of the forests of Glenfaddich. They would almost certainly be considered outcasts, extremists on the fringe. There are no other Barbarians in the Known World.
BARDS
Performing minstrels are common throughout the Known World. Bards, on the other hand, are more rare. What separates a minstrel from a Bard is the ability to create seemingly magical effects with their music. “Spellsinging,” as Bards call it, is a rare and precious talent… it is also a talent with a price. Because of its similarity to “The Gift,” The Order of Magi is wary of “Spellsinging.” It rumored that The Magi often keep tabs on Bards who develop the ability. See ORGANIZATIONS to learn more about The Order of Magi.
CLERICS
The GODS were once a powerful force in the Known World. For reasons unknown to anyone, their power began to wane after the Dark War. While people still worship the GODS, it is rare for any of their followers to gain Divine powers. True Clerics are priests who can perform “miracles.” They represent a very small portion of their churches and are sometimes resented by the priests who cannot perform miracles. Adventuring priests are almost always True Clerics. See RELIGION for a list of Deities and the powers they bestow.
DRUIDS
Druids are followers of GAI, “The Earthmother.” They protect nature and all her creatures. Slightly more common than Clerics, they can often be found living in the wilderness between villages. They try to remain detached from civilization, only interfering if it encroaches on their protected lands. Druids are also common amongst the Elves because of their strong attachment with “The Earthmother.” The Longbow and Elvish Longdagger are considered class weapons for the Druid. See WEAPONS for more information on the Elvish Longdagger.
FIGHTERS
Fighters are the most common of the adventuring classes. They can be ex-soldiers or restless youths who take up the sword in search of adventure. Fighters practice their trade in a number of ways: guarding caravans, being members of standing armies, or doing mercenary work. Fighters can be found in every Race, Clan or Tribe.
MONKS
Monks are new to the Known World. They first appeared about thirty years ago when a ship from the Empire to the East arrived off the coast of the Free Isles. The ships brought with them teachers of a philosophy merely called “The Way.” They also brought with them a form of Unarmed Combat never before seen in the Known World. The exotic looking Brothers of “The Way” occasionally take in students from the Known World. They are very picky, though, and no one knows the criteria to make one acceptable to the Brothers. There are a small handful of Monks, both Eastern and from the Known World who travel the lands, searching for the perfection that all Brothers of the Way seek. PC Monks belong to this small group. See ORGANIZATIONS to learn more about the Brotherhood of “The Way”. The Quarterstaff is now considered a “Monkish” weapon and can be used in a Flurry of Blows. See WEAPONS to learn more about the expanded use of the Quarterstaff in the Known World.
PALADINS
The church of TANELORN, “The Just” has an elite group of dedicated warriors who protect the faith and all things “Good”. TANELORN himself always calls upon Paladins, usually in a life altering vision. It is considered a great honor to receive the vision and few reject the calling. It is not easy to be a Paladin, though most successfully live up to the lofty ideals set forth by TANELORN. There are a few that are rumored to have fallen from the faith. It is not wise to speak of such things to a Paladin.
PSIONS AND PSYCHIC WARRIORS
Psions and Psychic Warriors are not PC Classes. Despite this, it is generally believed that Psionics existed before the Dark War and may return in the time of The Oracle. The Brothers of “The Way” also speak of an enlightened state of mind that sounds suspiciously like Psionics. See ORGANIZATIONS to learn more about the Brotherhood of “The Way.”
RANGERS
Rangers are a fairly common adventuring class. They are represented amongst the Elves, the Clansmen of Sheridar, and indeed amongst Humans throughout the Known World. They protect the wilds, often working closely with Druids. Rangers who have gained enough experience to cast spells receive them from GAI, “The Earthmother.” Rangers receive some modifications in the Known World: They now receive new Favored Enemies every 4th level and their bonuses for those enemies start out at +2 and go up accordingly. In addition, they receive bonus feats at 2nd level and every 4th level beyond that, Nature Sense at 3rd level and Woodland Stride at 7th level. Rangers can also use the Quarterstaff with their free Two Weapon Fighting and Ambidexterity Feats. See WEAPONS to learn more about the expanded use of the Quarterstaff in the Known World.
ROGUES
Wherever there are people, there are Rogues. Some choose to live off of others, taking what they can, others use their skills to find treasure, and adventure. No matter what their motives, Rogues use stealth and cunning to achieve their goals, often finding themselves on the wrong side of the City Watch. There are no official Thieves Guilds in the Known World, although it is not unheard of for small groups of Rogues to band together.
SORCERERS
Sorcerers are found only amongst the Elves. Elves have an intuitive grasp of magic and do not need books to prepare their spells. The occasional Half-Elf learns to use “The Gift” this way, but Sorcerers are unheard of amongst Humans. The Magi consider Sorcerers to be Dra’Coran, or “The Uneducated” in the old tongue. See ORGANIZATIONS to learn more about The Order of Magi.
WIZARDS
Sometimes a rare Human is born with “The Gift.” For whatever reason he of she can understand the weaves of magic. Whenever this happens, The Order of Magi invariable comes calling. Most Wizards are trained by The Magi in the use of “The Gift.” There are some, though, that escape The Magi’s attention. These Wizards are considered Dra’Coran or “The Uneducated.” Perhaps they get a hold of a spellbook and teach themselves, or another Dra’Coran trained them. Whatever the case, they are considered a threat to The Magi and are often persecuted by the Order. See ORGANIZATIONS to learn more about The Order of Magi.
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