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Fantasy Character Class Archetypes

Fantasy Character Class Archetypes

Especially prevalent in game-oriented worlds (both tabletop and computer/video game roleplaying worlds), character ‘classes’ are a useful way to help organize a world and provide motivation to the player for potential ‘leveling up’ opportunities. Despite this, character class archetypes can also be useful in narrative-driven worlds as a quick character creation tool prior to adding additional depth. Gandalf, for instance, is a wizard – although none would call him just that.

FIGHTER
Archer
Brute
Captain
Captain-of-the-Guard
Commander
Crossbowman
Gladiator
Knight
Lord Commander
Man-at-arms
Martial Artist
Ninja
Pikeman
Pit Fighter
Sergeant-at-arms

MAGIC USER
Druid
Mage
Mystic
Oracle
Sage
Scryer
Shaman
Sooth-sayer
Sorcerer
Warlock
Witch
Wizard
SCOUNDREL
Assassin
Bandit
Cutpurse
Fence
Highwayman
Maurader
Pickpocket
Rogue
Smuggler
Thief
Thug
Urchin

ENTERTAINER
Acrobat
Bard
Fortune Teller
Jester
Minstrel

OUTLANDER
Adventurer
Barbarian
Berserker
Druid
Nomad
Outlander
Pathfinder
Ranger
Scout
TRADE
Cook
Fisher
Merchant
Miner
Smith
Trader
Trapper

ACADEMIA
Academic
Librarian
Scholar
Scribe
Student

RELIGIOUS
Abbot
Bishop
Cultist
Friar
Imam
Monk
Nun
Paladin
Pilgrim
Priest

DIPLOMAT
Ambassador
Diplomat
Envoy
Spy
HEALER
Doctor
Healer
Herbalist
Medic
Nurse
Physician
Plague Doctor

SEAFOLK
Buckaneer
Corsair
First Mate
Pirate
Sea Captain

TOWNSFOLK
Courier
Cryer
Executioner
Guard
Magistrate
Watchman

ROYALTY
Duke/Duchess
King/Queen
Noble
Prince/Princess
Royal Guard
Thane
Viceroy

A Primer

  • Getting Started
  • World Archetypes
  • Regions & Biomes
  • Places
  • Factions
  • Fictional Histories
  • Worldbuilding Terminology

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