8 new Dungeons and Dragons subclasses target a specific type of player

Dungeons and Dragons' With the Forgotten Realms theme Heroes of Faerun and Adventures in Faerun will introduce eight new subclasses, including a mix of returning favorites like Knowledge Domain Cleric and new additions like Scion of the Three Rogue. All eight subclasses feature exciting new abilities and spells from elemental strikes to healing auras. Especially the new one Dungeons and Dragons subclasses are ideal for those who enjoy multiclassing as they offer powerful abilities at early levels. The multiclass possibilities are practically endless, and players are sure to come up with lots of exciting new combinations.

Dungeons and Dragons' new subclasses beg for multiclass experimentation

Each of the eight new Dungeons and Dragons subclasses can absolutely stand on their own and be converted from level 1 to level 20 without anything else happening. However, for those who love to multiclass and create unique new combinations, Heroes of Faerun'with subclasses are a treat that invites the player to experiment.

Wizards of the Coast made a great decision to give most of the eight subclasses extremely powerful abilities at early levels, typically at level 3 and level 6. A few examples of what the eight new subclasses can do early on Dungeons and Dragons campaign includes:

• At level 3, Oath of the Noble Genies Paladins have access to four powerful Elemental Smite, cast spells like Chromatic Orb and Thunderous Smite, and add bonuses to their armor class when unarmored.

• Spellfire casters who reach level 3 can create a burst of flame that heals or damages, as well as cast Cure Wounds, Scorching Ray, and more.

• College of the Moon Bards can turn invisible and increase their healing at level 3, while level 6 allows them to cast a modified version of the Moonbeam spell that heals, damages and casts light.

Note that this does not mean that the abilities these subclasses gain at level 15 or 20 are necessarily bad. Some feel lackluster – the Banneret Fighter Level 18 feature, which grants immunity to the Charmed and Frightened conditions, for example – but the one-class run of these subclasses is completely valid. However, looking at what these subclasses can do so early in their journey, the desire to mix and match and see what I can create is undeniable.

The new DnD multiclass possibilities are practically endless

I can't wait to see what Dungeons and Dragons players come up with when combining new subclasses with each other or with previously existing options. After reading Heroes of Faerun, here are some multi-class combos that I think would be particularly fun to explore:

• Oath of the Noble Genies Paladin would combo well with any Charisma based caster like Warlock or Sorcerer. The Paladin Noble Genies ability to increase his AC without armor gives the character survivability when casting his spells, and he also has a melee option in the form of Elemental Smites.

• Spellfire Sorcerer could double with another caster or a hybrid caster class like Bard, Warlock, or Paladin. Spellfire Sorcerer gives access to useful spells like Counterspell that could add to the arsenal of spellcasters who don't learn it naturally.

• Banneret Fighter's support-based skill set, which can buff allies standing near them, is a perfect match for Paladin's proximity-based aura abilities. It could also be teamed up with the new College of the Moon Bard to create the ultimate support focused character.

Heroes of Faerun and its eight subclasses seem perfectly poised to support a host of exciting new multi-class options. Looking at the Unearthed Arcana database and seeing what other classes might be coming in the near future promises even more possibilities for experimentation. This is the era of unique new multiclasses dungeons and dragons, and I'm ready to dive in head first.

Franchise

Dungeons & Dragons

Original release date

1974

Designer

E. Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson