While there are no basic classes in Darkfall and players can choose to develop any skills they want, there will be special prestige classes that provide an optional path for your character to follow. In most cases, prestige classes will give the character several special skills and spells, as well as special status. In addition to advantages, each prestige class also has its limitations, restrictions and tradeoffs. The more bonuses a class gives you, the more tradeoffs there are-- e.g. you might be prohibited from using certain items. The choice is not final-- the player can always change the class later, with some minor penalties. There are going to be more than 50 prestige classes in the game[1].
Due to other priorities, Prestige classes will not be available on release of Darkfall. [2] Aventurine does intend to implement them after the initial release.