Character Classes of Barsoom
On Barsoom, there are no clerics or magic users. The classes reflect the harsh, dying world of Mars where survival depends on martial prowess, scientific knowledge, social cunning, or deadly precision. Choose your path wisely—each class offers a unique way to experience the wonders and dangers of the Red Planet.
Warrior
Dwar / Padwar
The backbone of Martian civilization, Warriors are masters of the long sword, radium pistol, and close combat. They excel in direct confrontation and can withstand tremendous physical punishment. Whether a Green Martian with four arms or a Red Martian noble, Warriors dominate the battlefield through raw skill and courage.
Primary Stats: Strength, Constitution
Secondary Stats: Dexterity
Weak Stats: Intelligence, Charisma
Key Abilities:
- Highest hit points per level
- Best weapon proficiency and damage
- Superior armor usage
- Combat maneuvers (disarm, charge, multi-attack)
- Battle leadership at higher levels
Starting Equipment: Long sword, radium pistol, leather harness with metal ornaments, fighting leathers
Inspired by: John Carter, Tars Tarkas, Tan Hadron
Scientist
Savant / Inventor
Barsoom's Scientists are the keepers of ancient knowledge and creators of wondrous devices. They can perform brain transplants, create invisibility devices, manufacture atmosphere, and build sophisticated navigation systems. Their inventions and knowledge make them invaluable, combining the roles of engineer, surgeon, and natural philosopher.
Primary Stats: Intelligence, Wisdom
Secondary Stats: Dexterity
Weak Stats: Strength, Constitution
Key Abilities:
- Identify and repair technology
- Create inventions and devices
- Surgery and healing (restore HP, cure poison, transplant brains)
- Analyze weaknesses in creatures and technology
- Navigate by instruments
- Use scientific weapons (radium rifles, disintegrator rays)
Starting Equipment: Surgical kit, diagnostic instruments, notebook, small radium pistol, scholar's robes
Inspired by: Ras Thavas, Phor Tak, Dejah Thoris
Noble
Jed / Princess
Nobility on Barsoom is not mere privilege—it's a responsibility requiring courage, wisdom, and leadership. Nobles command respect through force of personality and lead through example. They excel at diplomacy, can inspire followers, and possess the social standing to access powerful allies.
Primary Stats: Charisma, Wisdom
Secondary Stats: Intelligence or Strength
Weak Stats: Constitution
Key Abilities:
- Inspire and command followers
- Diplomatic persuasion
- Access to resources and allies
- Rally troops in combat (+morale, +accuracy)
- Detect deception and read motives
- Command respect (intimidate or befriend)
- Moderate combat ability
Starting Equipment: Ornate long sword, jeweled harness, signet ring of noble house, well-crafted radium pistol
Inspired by: Dejah Thoris, Tara of Helium, Gahan of Gathol
Assassin
Shadow / Blade
Assassins are the shadow warriors of Barsoom, masters of stealth, poison, and the killing strike. Operating outside traditional codes of honor yet bound by professional ethics, they excel at reconnaissance, sabotage, and eliminating targets without detection. In a world of open combat, they represent the hidden blade.
Primary Stats: Dexterity, Intelligence
Secondary Stats: Strength
Weak Stats: Charisma, Wisdom
Key Abilities:
- Backstab for massive damage
- Hide and move silently
- Pick locks and disable traps
- Apply and create poisons
- Climb walls and surfaces
- Critical strikes and dirty fighting
- Urban navigation and information gathering
Starting Equipment: Dual daggers, dark cloak, lockpicks, poison kit, silent boots
Inspired by: Guild of Assassins, Gor Hajus
Class Philosophy
These classes reflect Barsoom's unique setting:
- No Magic: There are no clerics or wizards. The "magic" of Barsoom is advanced science—radium weapons, surgery, atmosphere plants, and technological wonders.
- Martial Culture: Even Scientists and Nobles are expected to defend themselves. Everyone learns the sword.
- Dying World: Mars is ancient and dying. Characters must be resourceful and tough to survive.
- Honor Code: Most civilized Martians follow a strict code of honor. Assassins operate outside this code but are still bound by professional ethics.
- Social Hierarchy: Class matters on Barsoom. Nobles expect deference; Warriors earn respect through prowess; Scientists through knowledge; Assassins through fear.