D&D 5E Multiclass in 5E

[Ridley's Cohort]

The idea of eliminating player-side multiclassing is initially somewhat shocking. But I think I agree. Rather than creating a comprehensive ruleset for multiclassing that will almost certainly have holes, it would be easy enough to release hard-coded multiclass classes. So, there would be a set of discrete, specific, rules of progression for a Fighter-MU, a Thief-Cleric etc. This assumes a DDI-type model so the classes could be created and distributed with nominal hassle.

Yes, that could work. And it has all the advantages and fewer of the disadvantages of the 1e/2e multiclassing.

In a sense, 3e eventually went in that direction with its PrCs and blended base classes, only without any hard restriction.

On the downside, there were a dizzying array of potential options, if one really cared. On the plus side, there were three easy & practical choices available: (A) just dip for 1-3 levels and call it good enough, (B) walk down the two-class PrC path for your whole career, or (C) pick a blended new base class.

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

And twice as long to train with twice the expense. Which means he's likely missing out on some adventures, so he's even further behind in exp.

Or not at all -- depends on the campaign. Is the dwarf fighter really going to delve into that dangerous dungeon all alone, while his friends are hitting the books?

 

[JRRNeiklot]

Or not at all -- depends on the campaign. Is the dwarf fighter really going to delve into that dangerous dungeon all alone, while his friends are hitting the books?

Yes. In my experience, you ran another character while your other guy was training. The world does not stop while the pcs train.

 

[Victim]

And don't even get me started on dual-classing... The restrictions on it were so draconian that it hardly seemed worth doing. I don't think I ever saw a dual-classed character - not that there were all that many human characters to do it anyway. (Yet another sign of multiclassing problems.)

I would like to be able to have my character actually change in response to events. The 3e system makes that possible.

If you have the stats, dual classing was actually really good. The same doubling XP mechanic that kept multiclassers only a level or so behind single class characters made it pretty easy for the dual class character to catch up in the second class and regain his full complement of abilities.

Note that in the Baldur's Gate computer games - where you tended to get both really high stats and predictable XP - dual classing was a key part of optimizing your party.

 

[Grabuto138]

If you have the stats, dual classing was actually really good. The same doubling XP mechanic that kept multiclassers only a level or so behind single class characters made it pretty easy for the dual class character to catch up in the second class and regain his full complement of abilities.

Note that in the Baldur's Gate computer games - where you tended to get both really high stats and predictable XP - dual classing was a key part of optimizing your party.

I remember more than one 1st level Thief with a 17 Intelligence. You basically hide out for a level or two, and then dual class MU when you have some hit points. And you can carry a short sword for style purposes.

 

[Grimmjow]

Glancing over the new 5E docs, I didn't see any mention of multiclassing (If Its ther, just let me know).

So, at this point, if you wanted to concoct a fighter/wizard, wizard/rogue or whatnot, how would YOU do it? Would it be 1E/2E style where you select you classes at character generation, 3E style where you pick the class you advance in at each level, early 4E style with feats or late 4E style with hybrid classes? Or a mix or even something completely different?

they said they are going back to 3e multi-classing

 

[steeldragons]

they said they are going back to 3e multi-classing

Well that is disappointing to hear.

I suspect we will probably see a 1e multi-classing option/alternate.

But, if not, like anything I don't like in 5e (or have not wanted for any edition...or wanted added in, for that matter), I'll just change it for my table.

--SD

 

[Frostmarrow]

From a game design point of view multiclassing leads to a blander game. If you allow multiclassing you need to weed out synergy effects from combining two classes. Some of that weed actually makes perfect sense for a single class character but it has to go in order to allow multiclassing. Thus, we need to sacrifice gaming goodness in a single class character - in a class-based game - to make room for the multiclassed character.

That's like getting rid of the bun, or it will be dissolved by the soup, because you simply must have soup with your burger.

 

[Grimmjow]

Well that is disappointing to hear.

I suspect we will probably see a 1e multi-classing option/alternate.

But, if not, like anything I don't like in 5e (or have not wanted for any edition...or wanted added in, for that matter), I'll just change it for my table.

--SD

how did it work in 1e?

 

[Mattachine]

If you were non-human, you could pick a combo of two or three classes, determined by your race, at first level only.
Then you divided your xp between/among your classes, tracking leveling separately. If one class hit max level, you kept dividing hps.
Generally, you got all the benefits of each of your classes, but still had restrictions (like not casting spells in platemail) of each, as well. Hit points were averaged.

If you were human, you could decide to retire from your current class (forever), assuming you had a high ability score in the class prime attribute (Str for fighters, Int for wizards, etc). Then you could advance in another class, for which you had an even higher stat. You could not use the abilities of your previous class without losing all xp from the current encounter/adventure. Once your new class outleveled your old one, you could mix and match abilities (restrictions still applied).