Renaming the Core Classes

[Erekose]

OK - so as I've posted before on other threads virtually all of the core classes in our campaign have had minor tweaks (for flavour rather than balancing reasons) and so I've decided that I may as well change the names of the classes to enhance their "flavour" (or how specific they are to this campaign).

The campaign is based on the Great Britain in the Medieval Ages but as presented in Le Morte d'Arthur rather than any attempt at historical accuracy. The names I am thinking of are as follows:

Barbarian - Pagan
Bard - Minstrel
Cleric - Priest
Druid - Druid?
Fighter - Knight
Monk - Pilgrim
Paladin - Paladin?
Ranger - Yeoman (very much the Archer-Ranger)
Rogue - ???
Sorcerer - ???
Wizard - Magician

Does anyone have any better suggestions? Or any suggestions for Rogue and/or Sorcerer?

I'm tempted to replace the Sorcerer class with a "Witch" core class.

 

[AdamBank]

Would PC fighters have a knighthood? If not, I'd be inclined to call fighters "mercenaries" (or even "squires") and have knight as a prestige class. I'd go so far as pronouncing knight in the Middle English style, "Keh-nick-T" if my players could refrain from MP & Holy Grail jokes.

I'd definitely keep paladins as "paladins;" gotta respect your French influences.

Instead of "Pagan," how's about "wildman" or "berzerker" or even "pagan warrior" for barbarian? I suggest this because your sorcerers, druids, witches, and the like will probably be pagans too.

As for sorcerer, my dictionary says this:

Middle English "sorser", "sorcerer," from Old French "sorcier," from Vulgar Latin *sortirius, from Latin sors, sort-, lot, fortune.

So "sorcerer" is a in-setting name. Considering that sorcerers typically "eschew materials," I'd also suggest "enchanter" (and "enchantress"), since they are chanting and hand-waving a lot.

The most in-setting "authentic" term for the rogue class, I would think, is "merchant adventurer." Kinda lame, though. How's about "scoundrel"? I'd recommend "knave" but that's a duel-worthy insult.

 

[Erekose]

Thanks AdamBank your advice is really helpful!

I agree, the Knight class should be the Squire class - essentially the same as the Knight class but without being Knighted by the King. As you say, this could lead into multiple prestige classes.

As for rogue - the definition of Knave that I have is:

"A tricky, deceitful fellow; a dishonest person; a rogue; a villain."

which is not a bad description of most characters that currently have the Rogue class!

The two other cultures available for players are based on the Norse and Celtic cultures so berserker does fit as does keeping the druid.

The only problem I will have is with celtic warriors who will not fit as Knights or Yeoman - I may have to include another Fighter derived class to fit unless the barbarian can be adapted to cater for both!

So the current list is:

Barbarian - Berserker
Bard - Minstrel
Cleric - Priest
Druid - Druid
Fighter - Squire
Monk - Pilgrim
Paladin - Paladin
Ranger - Yeoman
Rogue - Knave
Sorcerer - Sorcerer
Wizard - Magician

 

[Tonguez]

My list would look something like this:
Barbarian - Heathen/Raider/Savage
Bard - Minstrel/Troubador
Cleric - Priest/Crusader
Druid - Pagan/Witch
Fighter - Miliitaman (Swordsman/Pikeman etc)
Monk - Pilgrim
Paladin - Paladin/Knight-Crusader
Ranger - Yeoman/Huntsman
Rogue - Knave
Sorcerer - Sorcerer/Warlock
Wizard - Mage

In a medieval British setting Barbarians are generally fighters from uncivilised and pagan lands (including Scotland and Ireland) and Druids are priests of pagan religions (and often worshippers of satan of course).

The Militant Clerics of DnD are more Crusaders than 'Priest' and are probably lead by a Pladin (Knight-Crusader)

Fighters should be named according to their favoured weapon and yeah Knight ought to be a PrC.

 

[Erekose]

Thanks Tonguez!

Crusader probably is a more accurate description of the Cleric - most "stay at home" priests are probably not so martially trained! However, despite this compelling logic I still prefer the title Priest.

With regards to Fighters - I can see the need for a generic "fighter class" but the name "Squire" resonates much more with the nature of the campaign than "Militiaman". Also, my original idea was that the militia would effectively be replaced by the yeomanry.

As for the Wizard, my copy of L'Morte d'Arthur describes Merlin as a Magician and Soothsayer.

 

[Halivar]

Medieval England? Dude, barbarians can only be one thing:

Scottish highlanders.

With their fancy-wancy plaid skirts, they're the "ladies from Hades."

Otherwise, I'd say call them Norseman or Bezerkers, since that's what the class seems based on.

 

[Erekose]

Hi Halivar - I think I've decided to call the Barbarian class - Berserker and create a separate "highland warrior" or "clan warrior" class based on the Fighter class as the rage ability only really fits berserkers.

 

[AdamBank]

Be sure to check out the King Arthur Pendragon RPG and pillage it's great background and campaign material! It's Personality Trait mechanics would make a great port for Paladins and Knights, too:

http://www.greenknight.com/

 

[Erekose]

Thanks for the suggestion Adambank - I've heard that Pendragon is good but I'm not sure my pocket can stretch to more books just yet - having just purchased 3.5!