Angband/Gameplay

On the first screen after you start a new game (either by pressing a key, or selecing New from the file menu), you are given the prompts to create a new character.

Sex

The Sex determines whether your character is male or female. This has no impact on gameplay, but is meant for flavor. While older versions gave female characters an additional 50 gold, this was removed.

Race

The race is the first important choice in the game. While the Human allows characters to quickly become high level, the other races have slight variations that allow them to become specialized. Beginning players may either favor the Human, Dunadan, or High-Elf, but it's possible to choose another race in order to help create a specialist.

Class

The class is the second important choice you make. Warriors generally have the best attack power (and also have a better chance of determining if an item is probably worthwhile keeping), while the other classes have a better ability to cast spells.

In general, spellcasters will have trouble casting spells if they are wearing armor.

All classes start to get a "sense" of the worth of an item worth at around 20th level. You can also just equip an item. If it's "special" you'll know. The only cursed items in this game are some named items so there isn't a risk of inadvertently equipping a cursed item.

Warrior

If you want to go with a warrior, you won't have to worry about monsters trying to drain mana, and you don't need to spend inventory slots on spellbooks (but you may instead have to carry more potions instead.)

Best melee fighters but lack much of the flexibility and balance of the hybrid classes. Easy to play at lower levels but extra care is needed when facing the high octane opponents later on.

Mage

The mage is extremely weak in melee combat, but more than makes up for it with the variety of attack spells available. It has early access to magic missile and stinking cloud, which are great spells for beginning players.

They can't wear too much armor before losing the ability to cast spells. In addition, they should avoid wearing gloves.

Not a good class. Period. Really only for experienced players who are looking for the extra challenge, which is significant.

Mages, Rogues and Rangers all require gloves, gauntlets, etc. that give free action in order to cast spells. All that the other armor does is somewhat reduce your mana if it tells you that your "movement is encumbered". Actually being slowed is caused by the cumulative weight a character is carrying versus their encumbrance limit which is largely a factor of their strength and (somewhat) their size. This affects all classes equally.

Priest

The priest has access to defensive magic and healing spells. However, priests do not get to choose which spell they study, instead they are given a random spell from a book they carry.

Priese can wear a bit of armor while still casting spells. However, they are not comfortable using most edged weapons.

Using an edged weapon reduces your mana unless it is "Blessed". There is no restriction on armor other than the weight restrictions which affect all classes.

Rogue

The rogue is a Warrior/Mage hybrid, but has limited access to offensive spells.

Strongest character class overall. Get a sling or short bow asap. Has access to all the detection spells and at high levels gains the ability to enchant items. Play as a halfling (or other) and just kill things at low levels by throwing pebbles or shots at them. Angband is not a game where damage causing magic is important. Avoiding traps or encounters that lower your effectiveness is important as is the ability to quickly locate the best items and this is where the rogue excels.

Ranger

The ranger is a Warrior/Mage hybrid.

Rangers excel with bows. Gain an extra shot at 30th level. Magic books roughly similar to a rogue but doesn't get as many hit points or the best detection spells.

Paladin

The paladin is a Warrior/Priest hybrid. Unlike priests, they are able to use edged weapons.