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Questions tagged [archetype]

For questions about archetypes in tabletop role-playing games. In several editions of D&D and similar RPGs, archetypes are specialization paths within a base class that are intended to evoke a specific flavor and/or playstyle.

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Spellstrike doesn't require an empty hand to use right?

So, I kind of wanted to clarify something, when it comes to spellstrike you don't need an empty hand to use spells through the weapon correct? So, if I wanted to run a Myrmidarch magus, and fight with ...
Masakan's user avatar
  • 2,715
-3 votes
1 answer
188 views

D&D Fighter (Brute) damage increase [closed]

I couldn't find anyone mentioning anything to do with this at all. I am assuming it is definitely not how I'm reading it, however: Why does it sound like the fighter brute stacks damage on every hit? ...
BRYANT J FAULKNER's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
100 views

(V2) Do these revisions to this "Survivalist" homebrew fighter martial archetype bring it in line with the existing subclasses?

This adventure I found on DMsGuild seems like it would be fun to play, and it comes with several character options. One in particular, the Survivalist Martial Archetype, seems like something I'd like ...
User 23415's user avatar
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2 votes
0 answers
43 views

Do Shadow Monks count as spell casters? [duplicate]

Shadow Arts gives you some spells you can cast with Ki, but not the spellcaster class feature or spell slots. However it does give you Minor Illusion as a cantrip, and I believe that races who get ...
Lucius Luci Cypher's user avatar
1 vote
3 answers
3k views

Is this "School of the Wyrm" wizard subclass I found balanced?

I found this wizard subclass in [this document] on DMsGuild, and I'd like to know if it is balanced compared to the existing classes. School of the Wyrm Knowledge of the Wyrm Beginning at 2nd level, ...
User 23415's user avatar
  • 3,829
4 votes
1 answer
921 views

Is this "Survivalist Fighter" archetype balanced?

This adventure I found on DMsGuild seems like it would be fun to play, and it comes with several character options. One in particular, the Survivalist Martial Archetype, seems like something I'd like ...
User 23415's user avatar
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2 votes
2 answers
307 views

Is this subclass I found on Dungeon Master's Guild balanced?

I found this "The Dropout" wizard subclass on Dungeon Master's Guild, and at first glance, it seems overpowered, as it gives abilities no other subclasses do. Note: this is a pay-what-you-...
User 23415's user avatar
  • 3,829
7 votes
0 answers
279 views

Updated Bagweaver Subclass

I posted here not too long ago asking to get a subclass reviewed (Bagweaver Artificer Subclass). I have since made edits based on you guys' suggestions as well as some from other people. Here is the ...
Hollow's user avatar
  • 141
6 votes
1 answer
753 views

Bagweaver Artificer Subclass

This is my first ever Subclass that I've made. I am looking for any constructive feedback. Any advice an things to remove, things that are too strong or too weak or too much. Any feedback is welcome. ...
Hollow's user avatar
  • 141
6 votes
1 answer
280 views

Is there a Pathfinder first edition Druid archetype that enhances Wild shape generically?

I would like to know about wild shape in Pathfinder first edition. The Shifter class in that system seems restrictive and not nearly as flexible at run-time as Dungeons & Dragons third edition's ...
Matthew Cenance's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
460 views

How exactly does underhanded maneuvers function?

Rogue archetype Skulking slayer specific for orcs and half-orcs has the following ability: Underhanded Maneuvers (Ex) At 1st level, when she could normally make a sneak attack, a slayer may instead ...
PnP's user avatar
  • 2,744
2 votes
1 answer
598 views

Will being able to "mix-and-match" subclass features break the game?

I'm wondering what the impact of a house rule that would allow players to choose which subclass to get features from whenever they would get a subclass feature. For example, a wizard could get ...
User 23415's user avatar
  • 3,829
2 votes
1 answer
152 views

How would you go about building a paladin of arshea?

Now I know how controversial arshea can be as a deity so this is more of a theory crafting exercise then anything that would be used in an actual campaign. But I found this interesting because arshea ...
Masakan's user avatar
  • 2,715
5 votes
1 answer
343 views

Is a familiar with the figment archetype still cursed, diseased, or poisoned after it dies then returns?

Do Figment Archetype Familiar with Lycanthropy retain Lycanthropy after returning from death? Recurring Dream (Su): Pathfinder Ultimate Wilderness A figment has a total number of hit points equal to ...
Jhyarelle Silver's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
297 views

Can I take the Bastion Dedication if I have the Hardwood Armor impulse?

Bastion Dedication has a prerequisite: Prerequisites Shield Block Hardwood Armor gives you the ability to use Shield Block, but not the feat itself: When you use this impulse, you can also create a ...
András's user avatar
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7 votes
1 answer
276 views

Which Esoterica actions can I use if I choose the Thaumaturge Dedication?

The description for Thaumaturgy Dedication states the following (emphasis mine) Choose an implement; you can use it to Glimpse Vulnerability, but don't gain its benefits. You also gain a few ...
Andrendire's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
1k views

What is the most optimal Cleric Subclass for a party consisting of mostly melee martials?

I'm a cleric considering asking my DM for a subclass change. My character worships Hestia, so most domains might work, emphasis on Life and Light. My party consists of two melee fighters, a paladin, a ...
Playmaker's user avatar
  • 621
7 votes
3 answers
4k views

Do you get the benefits of Oversized Weapons with Path of Giant?

The description of the Path of the Giant barbarian's Elemental Cleaver feature (from Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants) says, in part: Giant Stature: Your reach increases by 5 feet, and if you are ...
Duhl's user avatar
  • 291
7 votes
2 answers
939 views

Balancing help for homebrew warlock subclass

I have created a 5e warlock subclass heavily inspired by the leshen (specifically, an ancient leshen described in the Book of beautiful horrors). While overall I am very happy with the outcome, I ...
Waltard's user avatar
  • 73
8 votes
4 answers
2k views

Homebrew Monk "Way of the Dog" Review request

Way of the Dog (Monk Sublcass) Certain monastaries in the forgotten parts of the world train in an obscure form of martial arts. Each monk is gifted a puppy of a highly specialized dog breed and the ...
Wizurd's user avatar
  • 107
1 vote
1 answer
269 views

Pathfinder Chronicler and All These Bardic Performance-Alike Archetypes and Prestige Classes: How do they stack, in practice?

So. Pathfinder Chronicler is basically "meant" to stack with your bard level for the purpose of determining your bardic performance rounds per day. The relevant rules text of Pathfinder ...
Stackstuck's user avatar
  • 2,809
10 votes
2 answers
381 views

If a weapon attack moves the creature within 5ft of a second creature, such as with Crusher, can Horde Breaker be used to attack the second creature?

Horde Breaker states: "Once on each of your turns when you make a weapon attack, you can make another attack with the same weapon against a different creature that is within 5 feet of the ...
Nicholas.S's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
336 views

Acquiring Formulas to Enable Scrounger Archetype

The second paragraph of the Scrounger Dedication states: You can Craft temporary items out of anything, anywhere, with whatever materials happen to be on hand, spending only 10 minutes to perform the ...
Danforth's user avatar
  • 419
8 votes
1 answer
874 views

How can the Witch Archetype gain access to Hex Cantrips?

I have a martial character who, while reasonably intelligent, is not nearly as brilliant as they think they are. It seems appropriate for their free archetype to be Witch with the Rune Patron, as ...
papidave's user avatar
  • 1,105
8 votes
3 answers
1k views

Best base class for a homebrew subclass inspired by Doric from the movie?

A lot of D&D fans have noted that, unlike how Doric’s Wild Shape is presented in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, D&D druids have almost never had the ability to transform into ...
KRyan's user avatar
  • 357k
12 votes
1 answer
2k views

Does the Fighter Dedication require Strength AND Dexterity, or Strength OR Dexterity?

In general, Fighters are free to choose between these stats when building for the class. They must invest in one, but rarely need both. However, as written, the Fighter dedication appears to require ...
LessPop_MoreFizz's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
571 views

How does this homebrew Warlock "Patron of the Old Blood" compare with official patrons?

As I've developed further into DMing and the path of creation that follows, I've started to understand a need for more subclasses. And I've continuously toyed with the idea of a more occult style of ...
GuidingOlive's user avatar
  • 3,122
7 votes
1 answer
613 views

Is this barbarian Path of the Firebird subclass balanced compared to other barbarian subclasses?

I have a player interested in playing a fire genasi character as either a warlock or barbarian, and they want to have a unique subclass. We've come up with a subclass concept and have hopefully done a ...
aaron9eee's user avatar
  • 11k
6 votes
1 answer
286 views

Can a Pact of the Chain familiar use the help action with counterspell?

I've been trying to find an answer to whether or not a Pact of the Chain familiar can give you advantage on counterspell. I can't find anything directly answering this. I have found that a chainlock ...
SilasNailo's user avatar
13 votes
1 answer
2k views

Zero Cost High-Level Snares

I am currently building a kobold alchemist with the Snarecrafter archetype. I’ll be taking the Snare Setter ancestry feat at level 1 which in turn grants the Snare Crafting feat. Snare Crafting reads ...
Danforth's user avatar
  • 419
1 vote
1 answer
252 views

Is my bard college of dance homebrew balanced?

College of Dance V.1 People of this college have learned to dance in such a way that it can control life and death. Dance has existed since before written literature. You have found a way to harness ...
dndndndndnndndndnd's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
443 views

Is my College of Poems bard subclass balanced?

College of Poems V.1 You have been trained in the art of poetry, you have gained heightened sight and knowledge. Your poems can invigorate your allies, or torture your enemies. The power of poems is ...
dndndndndnndndndnd's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
2k views

Why can't you pick the elementalist archetype with the Elemental Sorcerer?

I'm using Pathbuilder 2 to create a character and came across something that I don't understand how it is working. Sorcerer's Bloodline feature reads: Choose a bloodline that gives you your ...
Luis Fernandez's user avatar
9 votes
3 answers
2k views

Can spontaneous spellcasting archetypes swap spells?

Assume a martial character with no spellcasting takes an archetype dedication feat at level 2 that gives them access to spontaneous spellcasting (bard, sorcerer, oracle). Then the character takes the ...
StefanS's user avatar
  • 271
5 votes
1 answer
828 views

Does picking feats from a multiclass archetype work the same way as if they were from the "Other" section?

In the rules, archetypes are divided in two groups. Multiclass Archetypes and Other Archetypes. If I'm not mistake, in the first group, in order to pick up the archetype (dedication feat) you have to ...
Luis Fernandez's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
431 views

Is this Pragmatic Runesmith homebrew archetype balanced?

There are several dedications and classes that allow you to pick up free consumables, alleviating the need for trips to town for refills. Adventuring gear can often be found in dungeons and treasure ...
LLamablaster's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
844 views

If a player selects the Ghost archetype, how does its body react to enviromental effects? [closed]

Assuming a human character with the Ghost archetype and no feats: The ghost archetype specifies that the character is inmune to any effects that require a body to work. Does this include things like ...
Luis Fernandez's user avatar
10 votes
2 answers
2k views

Is this homebrew "Pact with the Factory" a balanced warlock subclass?

This is a homebrew warlock subclass I’ve made: Pact with the Factory. Lore: The factory is an organization that has spread to multiple planes, conquering, consuming, and producing. Its only goals are ...
NielIGuess's user avatar
4 votes
3 answers
810 views

Is this "Dream Conduit" homebrew Sorcerer subclass balanced?

Sorcerous Origin: Dream Conduit Sorcerers whose power arises from dreams are rare and as varied as the dreamscapes that empower them. Such sorcerers are often known as "Dream Conduits" due ...
nben's user avatar
  • 3,000
6 votes
1 answer
393 views

Can a mind smith's materialized weapon be of large size?

Would materializing a large-sized axe - for a giant instinct barbarian to use - be legal? For reference the mind smith dedication says that: The overall shape and design of your mind weapon can be of ...
Snakehelm's user avatar
  • 2,427
0 votes
2 answers
534 views

Is this "Gun Mage" Fighter subclass balanced (redux)

I've created this Gun Mage homebrew Fighter subclass. The intent is to make a fighter that can cast spells by engraving them into bullets that they fire. This is inspired by Gun Mages from Iron ...
Gaming Neko's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
1k views

Is this "Gun Mage" Fighter subclass balanced?

I've created this Gun Mage homebrew Fighter subclass. The intent is to make a fighter that can cast spells by engraving them into bullets that they fire. This is inspired by Gun Mages from Iron ...
Gaming Neko's user avatar
-2 votes
1 answer
545 views

If my BBEG is a warlock of an archfey vampire, would their subclass be that of the Archfey patron or the Undead patron? [closed]

The BBEG in my campaign is going to be the descendant/follower of the Archfey Vampire Kannoth. If a follower of Kannoth made a pact with Kannoth as their warlock patron, would they level through the ...
HtDM's user avatar
  • 25
19 votes
3 answers
8k views

What is the source of the powers of an oathbreaker?

As I understand, in the Forgotten Realms, when a paladin breaks their oath (assuming the optional class option from the DMG is used) they can change their subclass to an oathbreaker. It functions just ...
Yuval Amir's user avatar
  • 1,413
5 votes
3 answers
780 views

Need balancing advice and contructive criticism for Ranger Subclass 5e

Ranger: Pact Keeper Some rangers stand as a gateway between humanity and the chaotic presence of the feywild, and some fey stand with them. You’ve made a pact with an organization upholding safety for ...
Nick Nick's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
728 views

In Pathfinder 2e, how do the Cathartic Spellcasting feats interact with existing spellcasting?

Cathartic Mage Dedication is something of an odd feat, in that it grants a spell repertoire and the Cast a Spell activity if you don't already have spell slots, but augments your existing spellcasting ...
darch's user avatar
  • 2,477
4 votes
1 answer
456 views

How to increase Dragon Disciple's DC?

If a Kobold1 Fighter takes Dragon Disciple and then Breath of the Dragon, its DC falls behind quite quickly2, as you only get trained in arcane spell DCs. The only way I see for increasing it is also ...
András's user avatar
  • 65.3k
3 votes
1 answer
130 views

Warden—homebrew warpriest archetype (v2)

An iteration on my previous warden archetype. See that question for motivation and goals. Changes: Instead of 2 hp/level, just used a d12 HD for warden. Changing HD is very rare, or possibly entirely ...
KRyan's user avatar
  • 357k
2 votes
2 answers
164 views

Warden—homebrew warpriest archetype

A friend was interested in playing something akin to the D&D 4e warden in Pathfinder 1e, which has long been an interest of mine but nothing I found really worked for me, so I couldn’t really ...
KRyan's user avatar
  • 357k
4 votes
1 answer
4k views

Does the Drakewarden's Drake have to increase in size at lv7 and lv15?

So, I'm playing a Drakewarden Ranger and at lv7, the drake grows in size. The rules state the following: In addition, while your drake is summoned, you and the drake gain the following benefits: ...
Der Pschorn's user avatar

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