D&D (2024) Brawler is out. What subclass should replace it?

[Horwath]

Arcane Archer should have been a Wizard subclass rather than a Fighter subclass.

just add that Blade-singing works with bows along with 1Handed weapons and you have it.

 

[Yaarel]

Some part of me thinks that if it were a Ranger subclass instead that might be one part of solving the Ranger's identity issues.

The thought crossed my mind too. But it would be odd to call the Ranger an "Arcane" Archer. Even so, it is fine for the Ranger to have an Arcane subclass, like the Sorcerer can have a Divine subclass.

 

[Vaalingrade]

You misunderstand me. I want a framework to create my own balanced subclasses, and a handful of examples.

I don't want less options. I want infinite options.

The practical result is that most people will have less options though.

 

[Knight_Marshal]

I would want a thrown weapon fighter or a dual weapon fighter subclass.

 

[Mirrorrorrim]

Some part of me thinks that if it were a Ranger subclass instead that might be one part of solving the Ranger's identity issues.

I think the primal-powered Seeker that really delves into the primal magic-infused ranged attacks would have been a more valid Ranger subclass.

Arcane Archer as a wizard could have been interesting, but they aren't going to swap classes for a subclass.

 

[mellored]

Some part of me thinks that if it were a Ranger subclass instead that might be one part of solving the Ranger's identity issues.

The thought crossed my mind too. But it would be odd to call the Ranger an "Arcane" Archer. Even so, it is fine for the Ranger to have an Arcane subclass, like the Sorcerer can have a Divine subclass.

IMO, turn Arcane Archer into ranger spells.

Curving Arrow.
Level 1, Transmutation
Bonus action you take immediately after missing a ranged weapon attack.
Reroll the attack roll against a different target within 60 feet of the original target.

 

[Mirrorrorrim]

I would want a thrown weapon fighter or a dual weapon fighter subclass.

The Slyblade Fighter subclass (A Dex-based Light Weapon Specialist.)

They would have abilities that work on weapons with the Light and Thrown properties. (Not Finesse-only, as they can be larger weapons.)

Relevant Proficiencies:
Acrobatics
Deception
Sleight of Hand
Stealth
Thieves Tools

It gives abilities that benefit:
Two-Weapon Fighting - Damage, more attacks,
Light Thrown Weapons - Range, no OAs, etc.
Initiative/Surprise bonuses - Iaijutsu-style quickdraw/throws
Dash/Disengage - maneuver through the battlefield
If magical, then returning weapons would be cool.

On second thought, a Monk has a lot of overlap in skills/style, and may be a better fit than Fighter.

 

[The Myopic Sniper]

The thought crossed my mind too. But it would be odd to call the Ranger an "Arcane" Archer. Even so, it is fine for the Ranger to have an Arcane subclass, like the Sorcerer can have a Divine subclass.

My thought was that an Arcane Archer would get access to a list of Arcane bonus spells that could be delivered via arrow. And perhaps they could be traded out for other Wizard spells of certain schools on level up like some of the Tash sorcerer classes. Since the Ranger is a half-caster I am not too worried about it stepping on the Wizard's toes since it will getting 5th level spells eight levels later than the Wizard got them.

 

[The Myopic Sniper]

It is a shame that the unified subclass progression didn't make it through playtesting, because Arcane Archer seems like a concept that would fit nicely within the Fighter, Ranger, Rogue and Wizard as well. It is too much for a feat, but not enough for a class of its own. Having subclasses that could be placed on multiple classes would really shine with certain subclass options. Maybe if they ever make a 6E, they will take that into consideration.

 

[Mirrorrorrim]

It is a shame that the unified subclass progression didn't make it through playtesting, because Arcane Archer seems like a concept that would fit nicely within the Fighter, Ranger, Rogue and Wizard as well. It is too much for a feat, but not enough for a class of its own. Having subclasses that could be placed on multiple classes would really shine with certain subclass options. Maybe if they ever make a 6E, they will take that into consideration.

Maybe we will recognize that 5E.2014 and 5E.2024 are truly compatible, side by side, so in 10 years, 5E.2034 can have unified progression and people believe that they can play those characters alongside 5E.2024 options, and things will be just fine.

Reminds me of video games that in later years, let certain classes have new builds (mage-tank?) but they are still playable alongside older builds.