fuindordm
Adventurer
First of all, let me just say that I don't think multiclassing is broken. At least, no so much that drastic measures are required! This post lays out three concise and minor changes to the rules that I feel are warranted.
Note: I'm placing this in the 'Rules' forum rather than the 'House Rules' forum for two reasons. First, the changes are really minor. Second, I'm interested in other people's thoughts on whether RAW multiclassing is balanced appropriately.
In the heroic tier, the only problem I see is that multiclass feats give you a fixed benefit. The player should have some freedom to choose what features of the second class they trained in. Otherwise, I think 3 feats is an appropriate sacrifice for increased versatility and the potential to set up unusual combos.
In the paragon tier, it's clear that multiclassing has been severely gimped. The power swaps are no problem, but you don't gain anything from them that you wouldn't have had already. Note that the power swap feats grow with you--at 10th level and beyond, you can have any three level-appropriate powers you want from the second class. The extra powers you gain from the paragon path just give you a broader range of options, not more powerful options. Furthermore, the character loses an action point bonus and a significant "flavor" power for no reason that I can see. After all, you already paid a heavy price for the versatility.
And frankly, I don't understand the underlying constraint of "thou shall not have more than 2 at-wills". They aren't powerful--it can't be that unbalancing to have one more.
So here's my proposal:
Change the [XX Multiclass] feats to read:
Prerequisite: unchanged
Benefits:
First, you gain training in one skill from the second class' list. If the second class has any required skills, you must choose one of these. If the second class can use implements, so can you. You count as that class for the purpose of taking feats and paragon paths.
Second, you choose one minor or partial class feature, with the following guidelines:
Take an at-will attack power or class feature from the second class as an encounter power (examples: eldritch blast, magic missile, warlock's curse, shadow walk, tactical presence, tide of iron, sneak attack, hunter's quarry, warlock's curse).
Take a limited class feature from the second class as a daily power (examples: inspiring word, channel divinity)
Take a weaker version of a utility class feature (examples: 2 wizard cantrips, gain a warlock pact without the boon or at-will).
The DM may rule that certain features implying significant mastery of a technique are off-limits to a dabbler such as yourself (example: implement mastery, combat superiority)
Option: if you feel the revised multiclass feat is too powerful, remove the ability to use implements. The martial classes tend to have fewer interesting class features anyway. This feature can then be rolled into the new feat proposed below:
New feat: Multiclass training
Prerequisite: XX Multiclass
Benefit: you gain one weapon and one armor proficiency from class XX. The armor proficiency must follow the usual sequence; for example, a Wizard [Fighter] could gain leather or hide armor. [Alternatively, this feat gives you access to the implements of your second class.]
Paragon Multiclassing:
At level 11, gain an at-will from the second class (this replaces the action point boost enjoyed by paragon paths).
At level 11, upgrade the partial class feature chosen for your multiclassing feat to a full class feature.
At level 11, take an encounter power from the second class as usual.
If you feel this is too good, then you could make the player spend their level 11 feat to upgrade their class feature.
Note: I'm placing this in the 'Rules' forum rather than the 'House Rules' forum for two reasons. First, the changes are really minor. Second, I'm interested in other people's thoughts on whether RAW multiclassing is balanced appropriately.
In the heroic tier, the only problem I see is that multiclass feats give you a fixed benefit. The player should have some freedom to choose what features of the second class they trained in. Otherwise, I think 3 feats is an appropriate sacrifice for increased versatility and the potential to set up unusual combos.
In the paragon tier, it's clear that multiclassing has been severely gimped. The power swaps are no problem, but you don't gain anything from them that you wouldn't have had already. Note that the power swap feats grow with you--at 10th level and beyond, you can have any three level-appropriate powers you want from the second class. The extra powers you gain from the paragon path just give you a broader range of options, not more powerful options. Furthermore, the character loses an action point bonus and a significant "flavor" power for no reason that I can see. After all, you already paid a heavy price for the versatility.
And frankly, I don't understand the underlying constraint of "thou shall not have more than 2 at-wills". They aren't powerful--it can't be that unbalancing to have one more.
So here's my proposal:
Change the [XX Multiclass] feats to read:
Prerequisite: unchanged
Benefits:
First, you gain training in one skill from the second class' list. If the second class has any required skills, you must choose one of these. If the second class can use implements, so can you. You count as that class for the purpose of taking feats and paragon paths.
Second, you choose one minor or partial class feature, with the following guidelines:
Take an at-will attack power or class feature from the second class as an encounter power (examples: eldritch blast, magic missile, warlock's curse, shadow walk, tactical presence, tide of iron, sneak attack, hunter's quarry, warlock's curse). Take a limited class feature from the second class as a daily power (examples: inspiring word, channel divinity) Take a weaker version of a utility class feature (examples: 2 wizard cantrips, gain a warlock pact without the boon or at-will). The DM may rule that certain features implying significant mastery of a technique are off-limits to a dabbler such as yourself (example: implement mastery, combat superiority) Option: if you feel the revised multiclass feat is too powerful, remove the ability to use implements. The martial classes tend to have fewer interesting class features anyway. This feature can then be rolled into the new feat proposed below:
New feat: Multiclass training
Prerequisite: XX Multiclass
Benefit: you gain one weapon and one armor proficiency from class XX. The armor proficiency must follow the usual sequence; for example, a Wizard [Fighter] could gain leather or hide armor. [Alternatively, this feat gives you access to the implements of your second class.]
Paragon Multiclassing:
At level 11, gain an at-will from the second class (this replaces the action point boost enjoyed by paragon paths).
At level 11, upgrade the partial class feature chosen for your multiclassing feat to a full class feature.
At level 11, take an encounter power from the second class as usual.
If you feel this is too good, then you could make the player spend their level 11 feat to upgrade their class feature.
Last edited:
