Warlock Patron: The Archmage
This subclass aims to offer a solution to the two most common complaints I’ve have read, heard, and experienced from Warlock players:
- The drought of spell slots progression between levels 2 and 11, which is the main reason they default to Eldritch Blast spam
- Charisma as a spellcasting ability doesn’t make sense for a lot of characters and/or patrons
Turning you into some archwizard’s glorified familiar was a solution to both issues. In combat, this subclass gives you support features which synergize with your party’s other spellcasters. Trust me, your wizard will love you.
Cleric: Prophecy Domain
This domain is all about receiving mysterious visions and trying to understand them. Whether you are trying to make sure fate is not tampered with, or you are trying to prevent a terrible fate from coming to pass, this is the subclass for you!
Mechanically, this would lend itself well to dice manipulation… But I tried to stay away from it, as it is a bit overdone, and there are a lot more interesting things to do with this theme.
Artificer: The Augmented
This utility-based subclass is all about using items, not weapons. Whether it’s ball bearings, caltrops, bear traps, or at later levels tentacle rods, horns of blasting and other wand of lightning bolts, you’re really throwing your entire workshop at enemies.
The subclass comes with a fun feat for improvized weapon enjoyers, two extra mundane items including a stink bomb (we can all agree 5e needed one, right?), and 8 new fun artificer infusions.
Barbarian: Path of Blood Magic
This is to the Barbarian what the Eldritch Knight is to the fighter. Except instead of using the Wizard’s spell list, it uses the Warlock’s, and instead of having spell slots, it uses hit die and can only cast spells while raging.
This is a barbarian whose spells are fueled by either physical pain, blood sacrifices, or strong emotions. You’re basically a really, really bulky bard.
You can get the Path of Blood Magic Barbarian for free here.
Rogue: The Poisoner
Poisons in 5e are too expensive for low level characters, and too weak for high level heroes as a lot of creatures are immune to poison damage and/or the poisoned condition.
This subclass fixes both issues by turning poisons into class features, and expanding the definition of what a poison is from “a thing that deals poison damage” to “any debilitating substance that you can put on a rapier”.
Ranger: Trapper Conclave
Trap spells exist in 5e, but are made extremely impractical for player characters by giving them long casting times and expensive components. They are on the spell list to justify the existence of magical traps in dungeons, but it is pretty clear they were designed as DM-only tools from the start.
Thing is, traps also happen to be cool. So, here’s a ranger subclass specialized in setting up ambushes. But be careful, as there can be such a thing as “overprepared”…
Cleric: Ambition Domain
Ambition in D&D is typically associated with selfishness and evil gods such as Bane or Lolth. However, in real life, those who promote an ambitious lifestyle are coaches and teachers, who help people become the best version of themselves, avoid burning out, and achieve all of their dreams.
In combat, this subclass acts as an offensive support, who focuses on buffing allies.
Druid: Circle of Crystals
Mechanically, this subclass is to the Druid what the College of Swords is to the Bard or the Bladesinger is to the Wizard: a gish subclass. However, where those two gish subclasses focus on dexterity and nimbleness, the Circle of Crystals is more about being a tank.
Thematically, this Circle is all about Order, and is one of the few druidic circle which meshes relatively well with the rest of society. Only thing is, they protect Nature, not necessarily Life. If you start summoning demons or talking with an Elder Evil, they’ll probably come knocking on your door (and your skull).
Some of these player options were originally released under DMsGuild Community Content Agreement.
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Trekiros 