 The game starts with a character creation screen where the player can choose items for their playable character , such as their physical appearance , race and creed . The player can choose to play as one of the eleven available classes : fighter , barbarian , paladin , ranger , wizard , druid , monk , priest , rogue , chanter and cipher . Each of them make the gameplay different ; for example , the cipher can use the soul of an enemy in order to attack them , and druids can shapeshift into a beast and cast spells . The protagonist 's class can also influence the number of available dialogue options . The player may adventure with up to five other characters out of a total of eight that they can pick up on their travels . These are fleshed out characters with unique personalities and appearances . Additionally , the protagonist can hire party members which the player creates in local taverns , but at a monetary cost . 
