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Player Character Class for Dungeons & Dragons: Character Classes for Old School

Sidney Cox

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Published in Brawler: A Player Character Class For Dungeons Dragons (Character Classes For Old School Fantasy Role Playing 1)

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The world of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is filled with an array of captivating characters, each with unique abilities and backgrounds that contribute to the game's rich tapestry. Among the most iconic elements of D&D are the character classes, which provide a framework for players to define their characters' roles and capabilities. This article will delve into the classic character classes from the early editions of D&D, exploring their origins, defining characteristics, and offering insights for both players and Dungeon Masters (DMs).

The Fighter

The Fighter is a stalwart warrior, skilled in the art of combat and wielding weapons. Their strength, constitution, and proficiency in martial prowess make them formidable opponents on the battlefield. Fighters can specialize in various weapon types and fighting styles, becoming masters of swordplay, archery, or two-handed weapons. Their unwavering resolve and unwavering loyalty to their companions make them indispensable in any adventuring party.

Iconic Abilities

Fighting Style: Fighters choose a fighting style that enhances their combat effectiveness, such as Dueling, Great Weapon Fighting, or Protection.
Action Surge: Once per combat, Fighters can take an extra action, allowing them to unleash a flurry of attacks or perform a daring maneuver.
Second Wind: Fighters can use their Second Wind ability to regain hit points during a short rest, giving them a crucial edge in protracted battles.

Roleplaying Tips

Play the Fighter as a stalwart defender, always ready to charge into the fray and protect their allies.
Develop a backstory that explores the Fighter's motivations for joining the adventure, whether it be a thirst for glory, a desire for wealth, or a noble quest.
Consider multiclassing into other classes, such as Paladin or Ranger, to enhance the Fighter's combat abilities and versatility.

The Cleric

The Cleric is a devout servant of a deity, wielding divine magic to heal the sick, protect the innocent, and vanquish evil. Their wisdom, charisma, and connection to their deity grant them access to potent spells and abilities. Clerics can specialize in different domains, such as Life, Light, or War, shaping their spellcasting abilities and gaining unique benefits.

Brawler: A player character class for Dungeons Dragons (Character Classes for Old School Fantasy Role Playing 1)

Brawler: A player character class for Dungeons & Dragons (Character Classes for Old School Fantasy Role Playing Book 1)

by Brian Daccord

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Language	:	English
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Iconic Abilities

Divine Intervention: Once per day, Clerics can call upon their deity for divine intervention, rolling percentile dice to determine the outcome of an important event.
Channel Divinity: Clerics can use their Channel Divinity ability to unleash divine energy, depending on their chosen domain. For example, Life Clerics can heal allies, while War Clerics can bless their weapons.
Spellcasting: Clerics have access to a wide range of divine spells, including healing, protection, and offensive magics.

Roleplaying Tips

Play the Cleric as a compassionate healer and a pillar of faith, guiding their companions and inspiring them to acts of righteousness.
Develop a deep understanding of your deity's dogma and beliefs, shaping the Cleric's moral compass and motivations.
Consider multiclassing into other classes, such as Paladin or Druid, to enhance the Cleric's healing or spellcasting capabilities.

The Magic-User

The Magic-User is a master of arcane magic, wielding spells that can manipulate the elements, control minds, and summon otherworldly beings. Their intelligence, dexterity, and thirst for knowledge drive their pursuit of magical power. Magic-Users can specialize in different schools of magic, such as Evocation, Illusion, or Necromancy, gaining access to unique spells and abilities.

Iconic Abilities

Spellcasting: Magic-Users have access to a vast repertoire of spells, including powerful incantations and utility spells.
Cantrips: Magic-Users can cast a limited number of simple spells, known as cantrips, without expending spell slots.
Ritual Casting: Magic-Users can cast certain spells as rituals, taking longer to cast but not requiring spell slots.

Roleplaying Tips

Play the Magic-User as a curious and enigmatic scholar, always seeking new knowledge and unlocking the secrets of the arcane.
Develop a backstory that explores the Magic-User's motivations for pursuing magic, whether it be a desire for power, a thirst for understanding, or a quest for forbidden knowledge.
Consider multiclassing into other classes, such as Fighter or Rogue, to enhance the Magic-User's combat abilities or stealth capabilities.

The Thief

The Thief is a shadowy figure, skilled in the arts of stealth, deception, and thievery. Their dexterity, intelligence, and cunning allow them to navigate treacherous environments, pick locks, and outwit their opponents. Thieves can specialize in different archetypes, such as Assassin, Burglar, or Scout, refining their skills and gaining unique abilities.

Iconic Abilities

Sneak Attack: Thieves deal additional damage to unsuspecting enemies, making them deadly assassins.
Fast Hands: Thieves can use their Fast Hands ability to perform intricate tasks, such as picking locks or disarming traps, as a bonus action.
Cunning Action: Thieves have access to Cunning Action, allowing them to dash, disengage, or hide as a bonus action.