We're going to do a series of articles focusing on specific parts of the game's development, explaining a bit how they work and their changes compared to the previous game.
Today we'll be talking about wizards, the main characters of the game and the ones you'll be controlling.
Wizards
Before starting a mission, you'll get to choose which wizard you want to play with. Initially there will be two available (Argo and Carina, old acquantaices from the first Ziggurat), but as you keep advancing on the main storyline, you'll unlock more.
Every wizard can have different strengths and weaknesses, and preferred playstyles. Argo and Carina, being the starter characters, are well balanced and don't sport any weaknesses, but others may be faster but weaker, or have limitations in exchange for strong skills, etc.
All wizards have one skill that only they can use, usually with a cooldown time between uses. They can also earn mastery levels once a mission is complete, and unlock stat boosts and new unique passive skills.
We don't want to spoil the surprise on many characters, so here's information on Argo and Carina:
Argo
Argo was the last apprentice admitted in the Brotherhood of Daedolon, and one of the few survivors to the Downfall. His goal is to bring the old splendor back to the order.
His basic training confers him a set of balanced skills, with no specific strengths or weaknesses.
Argo's main skill is Syphon, which instantly attracts all items in range dropped by enemies. This allows him to pick mana and experience from afar, without risking getting damaged.
On top of that, he can unlock a passive skill that grants him a permanent experience boost, and another that grants him barrier points (a new kind of temporary health) for every item syphoned.
Carina
Carina was the youngest member to ever be accepted in the Brotherhood, which is proof of her great talent. Ashamed by the infights that led to the order's demise, she intends to start over and avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Her talent allows her to summon an energy wave that repels nearby enemies.
Carina's main skill is Shove, which pushes and damages enemies around her. It's specially useful to gain some breathing space when surrounded by enemies, but can also be used as a finishing move for enemies with low health.
She can unlock a passive skill that reduces mana usage for all attacks, and another that Curses enemies being pushed by Shove (Curse is a new effect which temporally halves damage inflicted and doubles damage received).
More characters!
On the first Early Access release, we'll have three more characters (for a total of 5) that will be unlocked by playing the main quests. The other characters are more suited for specific playstyles, such as hit-and-run tactics, or soaking up damage in order to gain an advantage. So make sure to progress in the game to find them all!