Category:Character Classes: Difference between revisions
(Added design notes. List of classes is firm and no longer called a "draft") |
(Fixed links and reworded modularity explanation) |
||
Line 12: | Line 12: | ||
= Design Notes on Character Classes = | = Design Notes on Character Classes = | ||
A character class in Adventure Band is one of the basic building blocks to define your character. We have fewer character classes than 5E or Pathfinder. Our character classes are meant to express the most basic types of adventurer you can play. For example, Pathfinder (2E) makes the [https://pf2.d20pfsrd.com/class/barbarian | A character class in Adventure Band is one of the basic building blocks to define your character. We have fewer character classes than 5E or Pathfinder. Our character classes are meant to express the most basic types of adventurer you can play. For example, Pathfinder (2E) makes the [https://pf2.d20pfsrd.com/class/barbarian barbarian] a separate character class from the [https://pf2.d20pfsrd.com/class/fighter/ fighter], but they're both designed for physical combat. In Adventure Band, we'd consider them both to be [[Warrior]]s. | ||
The reason we | The reason we only four classes is to manage complexity. Simply put, it's easier to learn and remember how four Classes work than twenty. This is what software designers call [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modularity#Modularity_in_technology_and_management modularity] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loose_coupling loose coupling]. | ||
To make a character with a more specific theme, such as a Viking-style berserker, choose your basic class and add an optional [[:Category:Archetypes|Archetype]]. Archetypes are themed templates for building a character. Most of the character classes in 5E or Pathfinder are archetypes in Adventure Band. For example, a [[ranger]] is a specific kind of [[Scout]], so it's an Archetype. A paladin is a specialized kind of [[Warrior]] (with some spellcasting abilities), a [[druid]] is a nature-oriented [[cleric]], and so on. | To make a character with a more specific theme, such as a Viking-style berserker, choose your basic class and add an optional [[:Category:Archetypes|Archetype]]. Archetypes are themed templates for building a character. Most of the character classes in 5E or Pathfinder are archetypes in Adventure Band. For example, a [[ranger]] is a specific kind of [[Scout]], so it's an Archetype. A paladin is a specialized kind of [[Warrior]] (with some spellcasting abilities), a [[druid]] is a nature-oriented [[cleric]], and so on. |
Revision as of 07:39, 25 September 2022
Your character's class is their profession. It defines what stunts they'll be able to choose from, and therefore what cool things they'll do to help the band prevail.
You choose your character's class at level 1 and cannot change it, but you can add a second and even third class as you gain additional levels. This is called multiclassing.
Character classes are intentionally broad and generic. To add flair, complement your character's class with a unique High Concept and, optionally, a distinctive Archetype.
There are four character classes:
- The Cleric uses divinely-inspired magic to strengthen, protect, and heal their allies.
- The Scout uses wits and stealth to overcome obstacles and outwit enemies.
- The Warrior excels at physical combat.
- The Magician wields magic to defeat enemies and overcome obstacles.
Design Notes on Character Classes
A character class in Adventure Band is one of the basic building blocks to define your character. We have fewer character classes than 5E or Pathfinder. Our character classes are meant to express the most basic types of adventurer you can play. For example, Pathfinder (2E) makes the barbarian a separate character class from the fighter, but they're both designed for physical combat. In Adventure Band, we'd consider them both to be Warriors.
The reason we only four classes is to manage complexity. Simply put, it's easier to learn and remember how four Classes work than twenty. This is what software designers call modularity or loose coupling.
To make a character with a more specific theme, such as a Viking-style berserker, choose your basic class and add an optional Archetype. Archetypes are themed templates for building a character. Most of the character classes in 5E or Pathfinder are archetypes in Adventure Band. For example, a ranger is a specific kind of Scout, so it's an Archetype. A paladin is a specialized kind of Warrior (with some spellcasting abilities), a druid is a nature-oriented cleric, and so on.