The following list is all the occupations on Krynn minus the basics like Farming,
Smithing, Government, etc. Also, this is a list of playable classes to those who enjoy
AD&D. These
are just short descriptions and I encourage all who may be interested in more info to
purchase the Tales of the Lance Box Set.
The Fighter's Class
Samurai -
This type of fighter leads a life of total honor much like a knight or paladin. A Samurai
is
ruled by a king, lord, or god. One without a ruler is called a ronin. There is no
difference
between the two except a ronin is lost and without purpose. A Samurai is Lawful but may
be either Good or Evil. Ceremony and honor are held highly. There is a ceremony for
almost everything but each tribe/village may be different than any other. To the Samurai
there are only two types of actions: a honorable one and a dishonorable one. There are no
examples (that I know of) in the novels of Dragonlance. As far as location goes, the only
known tribes/villages are on Taladas.
Knights of Solamnia -
This fighter is unsurpassed by any other. This Knight is Lawful Good and holds honor as
highly as the Samurai. The Knights have what is called the Measure, which is a written
code of honor that each Knight must follow. Their primary purpose is to defend the
helpless, promote good, and administer justice.
Ranger -
This type of fighter is a woodsman that knows how to fight. Within their home forest,
Rangers are truly gifted. In their element they are "one with nature". Rangers
are like
Paladins in being generally Good although the opposite does exist. Rangers are the
defenders and keepers of the forest. They are simplistic and hate civilization. Very few
of
them travel away from their forest. The best example of Rangers on Krynn are the
Kagonesti Elves.
Paladin -
This fighter is a generally a Knight. The only difference between a Knight and a Paladin
on
Krynn is the nationality of the person. Knights of Solamnia are from Solamnia, Paladins
are everyone else fitting the definition, See Knight of Solamnia. Typically Paladins are
Ergoth. Paladins have the same advantages and limitations as the Knights.
Mercenary -
This type of fighter is basically a sword for hire. They range from experienced veterans
to
young kids looking for adventure. The normal attitude of a mercenary is one of isolation.
They keep to them- selves and have a general disgust for the rest of the world. There are
some, however, that are bent on world domination and will join any force he/she thinks
could accomplish that goal. Most mercenaries are of a large build and believe in what they
can do with their hands and swords. Intelligence ranges from down right stupid to very
gifted. Examples of mercenaries in the Dragonlance novels are: Kitiara, Caramon,
Verminaard, and most of the Dragonarmies.
Knight of Takhisis -
These fierce warriors choose follow the Dark Queen herself. The Knighthood was
established by Arakian, son of Arakias, after being released from captivity by the Knights
of Solamnia. When each Knight formally swears loyalty to Takhisis, she grants him a
vision explaining that knight's role in her grand scheme. This Knighthood is also divided
into 3 parts. Two parts are made of skilled fighters, and the last is made of renegade
magic users that follow only her. This force is the greatest threat Krynn has ever faced.
Legion of Steel -
This Knighthood is made up from Knights of Solamnia that grew tired of the political
games the Knighthood has become. It also has members from the Knights of Takhisis that
grew tired of serving such a dishonorable god. The members of this Knighthood believe in
nothing but keeping everything just, honorable, and fair. They have no cares about what is
good and what is evil.
Barbarian
These are simple people who generally wish to live at peace with Mother Nature.
However there are a few tribes that live for nothing except war. They are fierce fighters
with a very strong sense of loyalty to those they call friends. So far those know to the
people of Krynn are the tribes of the plains, desert, sea, and ice. There are rumors of
other tribes but no one, as of yet, has been able to offer hard evidence.
The Thief's Class
Pick Pocket -
These dexterous the ives have nimble fingers so quick that even the most protective
Aristocrat will not notice when he has been relieved of his purse. These tricksters posses
the slight of hand ability that caused many a fool to lose their money in simple games.
Most of these thieves can be found in busy bars, markets, or inns. Most have practiced
this trade for the simple reason of survival.
Burglar -
These are talented thieves that have the ability to enter many places undetected. They
have extremely keen observation skills that can be matched by few. Most burglars are
found in large cities and belong to guilds. Some, however, are known to travel with others
using their skills for other purposes besides personal gain.
Con-Artist -
This simple thief is a very intelligent person. His cunning ways allow him to convince
others of the truth of anything he says. The known schemes range from simply selling a
piece of glass as jewry, to obtaining large payments from towns to protect it from threats
that never existed.
Assassin -
This is one of the most demanding and highly proficient jobs available. The assassin must
posses the abilities of a burglar, a fighter, and a ranger. A truly skilled assassin is
one of
the most deadly of all people to encounter.
The Wizard's Class
Mage -
One of the most powerful professions in all of Krynn. They mold all the magical energies
that that gods gifted Krynn with upon its birth. Despite the hatred and fear of the
population of Krynn, these wizards have survived. Most spend their lives in laboratories
researching different magical spells, theories, and ideas. Preserving magic and ensuring
its
future is the primary mission of every Mage in all three of the Orders of Sorcery.
Specialist -
A Specialist is a specific kind of magic-user. They are similar to Mages in that they
devote
their lives to studying magic. The fact that the choose, at most, three schools to study
is
the only difference between the two. This difference is limited due to the fact that they
lack
an understanding of magic outside of the schools they study. However, their knowledge in
the schools they have chosen is far greater than what most Mages are capable of
achieving.
Illusionist -
This profession is even more limited than the Specialist. Normally magic-users who are
unable to grasp or handle the power and teachings of higher sorcery take up this
occupation. However, their are a few who love magic but due to traditional beliefs a
magic-user may choose to be an Illusionist. This is normally the case for females in many
tribes that have not been given any other purpose.
Magician -
These false magic-users employ slight-of-the-hand techniques and trickery to earn wages.
Most true magic-users hate these impersonators for the bad name they typically give to
magic. A few Magicians are capable of casting low level minor spells which they only use
when they have to convince their audiences of their "power".
The Priest's Class
Cleric -
These faithful people are some of the most compelling one could meet. Most are very
knowledgeable on many different subjects. Through these dedicated people, the 21 gods
of Krynn dictate their wishes and carry out their work. Wars are fought, won, and lost
through these faithful worshipers.
Druid -
These dedicated people thrive on life in the forest. The spend their lives protecting
nature
and assuring the proper cycles of life. Theses gifted people are able to shapechange at
will
and cast clerical spells. Like the clerics, Druids are responsible how Krynn functions. To
challenge a Druid would literately be like taking on the whole world.
Shaman -
This cleric is the religious leader of mainly barbarian tribes. Shamans, better known as
witch-doctors, have limited spell casting powers. They are able to cure many illnesses
using ancient lore and natural herbs. Shamans are second only to the chief. They are a key
source that keeps a tribe together.
False Priest -
These individuals are a specific example of a type of con-artist. They convince people to
believe in a god of their choosing in order to further their own personal goals. Many
followers have died needlessly for their cause. And many false priests have died when
they have been discovered. This is another risky profession. To fool with anyones
emotions and beliefs is asking for trouble.
Other Misc Classes
Bard -
These keepers of music and lore are a great source for entertainment and knowledge.
Without these traveling entertainers, old traditions and lore would soon die away. These
intellegent fellows know more than just lore and entertainment. Many Bards are known
for their superb magical, fighting, and thieving abilities. A seasoned Bard is another
dangerous person to encounter.
Sage -
Teachers, scholars, men of knowledge is what keeps Krynn from staying in an eternal
state of war. Their knowledge of past mistakes and reasoning to prevent future ones help
maintain any and all times of peace this planet has enjoyed.
Pirate/Sailor -
These men and women of the high seas are such exotic people to meet. Their personalities
comprised from hundreds of different places all over Krynn make them very interesting
and extremely dangerous. Most men of the sea are merely traveling merchants, but some
are highly proficient fighters.
Wanderer/Adventurer -
The people who fit in this category are restless souls. They wander the face of Krynn in
search of some activity to give their lives an on going sense of excitement. Most
adventures tend to be hyperactive and non-committal. Very few Adventures can stand to
remain in one location for very long.