Created in 1974 by Dave Arneson and Gary Gygax, Dungeons & Dragons established many of the core elements we now come to expect from fantasy role playing games.

This is particularly true of the customization options that are available for the game's characters - from choosing between various fantasy races like Dwarves, Elves, Halflings, and Half-Orcs, to which skills and proficiencies to focus on, to the spells one can cast. One of the cornerstones of the Dungeons & Dragons options is the Class system.

At its most basic, the class system of D&D establishes the "role" in roleplaying. Whether it's the meaty warrior whose power is the weapon in his hand, to the stealthy thief, a devoted disciple that casts divine magic, or the arcane magic-user frail in form but mighty in spells. From these archetypes, other classes spring forth that add variety and specializations to what they bring to a party, as they quest for precious loot and tales of glory.

Dungeons & Dragons Online Class Guide