After determining the character’s ability scores and background, each player will choose between two possible character classes. In the Long Night campaign, players can be a: Warrior or a Magic-user.
Warriors
Warriors are tougher and more skilled in hand-to-hand and ranged combat than any of the other classes. Additionally, warriors can use any type of weapon and armor. However, they possess no inherent magical abilities, although they can use magical weapons. Mechanically, warriors:
- have more hit points (HPs)
- have better attack bonuses (ABs)
- have no penalties or limits with weapons or armor
- gain more combat-related abilities as they gain experience
- have no magical abilities, but can use some magical items like magical weapons and armor
Magic-users
Magic-users are powerful individuals capable of performing magical charms (galdors). Casting a charm is a ritualized form of magic that involves harnessing the raw potency found in plants, animals, bones, minerals, and other materials. This power is then controlled and directed by means of the magic-user’s galdorcræft, or “song-power.” The magic-user is magically superior to both the warrior and priest classes. However, the training and expertise required to learn this galdorcræft means that little time was devoted to martial training. Therefore, magic-users are not skilled in hand-to-hand or ranged combat. Because of the affect of iron on magic (the so-called Law of Iron), magic-users do not wear chain armor. Mechanically, magic-users:
- are able to learn and perform magical charms
- use magical wands
- create magical potions, amulets, talismans, and other magical items
- have less HPs
- have a slower progression of ABs
- incur penalties when wearing chain armor and metal helms
- incur penalties when using weapons other than staves, staffs, or knives