Item Class is a loaded keyword associated exclusively with Artifacts and Possessions. In the example of Hobbit Sword to the right, you can see its item class listed directly below the portrait picture: Hand Weapon.

Each Character may bear only one Possession or Artifact of each class at one time. In other words, a character may bear only one hand weapon, only one ranged weapon, only one armor, only one cloak, etc etc (however, see Flaming Brand for an example of when this does not apply).

Some Possessions do not have a class (such as Athelas); there is no limit to the number of such Possessions that a character may bear, assuming they are not unique (see [Classless]).

See Race for a similar unloaded keyword limited to Characters.

See the keywords listed below for an in-depth discussion of strategy and use of each class.