D&D (2024) Cross-class subclasses

[Tales and Chronicles]

I'd like that as a way to multiclass. Question is: how does addong 1/3 casting to a full spellcaster...

You dont, really. Just like how in 5e you dont have two spellcasting tables if you MC two fullcaster.
With my idea, you gain access to the spell list of the multiclassed class when you level up though, plus the other 3rd level features.

Ex:

3rd - Bardic Dilettante
1/3 spellcasting, arcane spell list, divination, illusion, enchantment, transmutation only. If you already have spellcasting from another class, you instead add all D/I/E/T spells from the Arcane spell list to the list of spells you can prepare; they count as spells from your main class for the purpose of spellcasting.

3rd - Bardic Knowledge
You have Expertise in two Intelligence or Charisma skills of your choice.

6rd - Chant of Healing
You have a pool of d6s that you spend to fuel magical healing. The number of dice in the pool equals 1+ your proficiency bonus. As a bonus action, you can heal one creature you can see within 60 feet of you, spending dice from the pool. The maximum number of dice you can spend at once equals your Charisma modifier (minimum of one die). Roll the dice you spend, add them together, and restore a number of hit points equal to the total.

Your pool regains all expended dice when you finish a short rest.

10th - Inspired Success
When you or an ally within 30 ft of you use Heroic Inspiration on a d20 and the result is still a failure, the creature can retain their Heroic Inspiration.

14th - Call to Victory
When you roll initiative, all allies within 30th that of you that are not surprised have their speed increased by 10 ft, have advantage on their attack rolls during the first round on combat and if they hit with an attack during the first round, they gain 2d6 THP.

 

[cbwjm]

The reason I expect that cross-class subclasses will be restricted to the class groups is that I expect the different groups to have different subclass levels. For instance, the expert group has the subclass features at levels 3,6,10, and 14 whereas the mages might have the subclasses beginning at level 1

That's a good point, I'm hoping they'll keep it the same across all classes but you might be correct that the different groups will have different subclass levels.

 

[Amrûnril]

I think designing around this possibility would put too many constraints on class design. Not only would classes need to gain subclass features at the same levels, they'd also need to gain the same amount of their power from subclass features. The current classes aren't designed that way. Some, like the Paladin, gain most of their power from base class features, with subclasses providing a few flavorful additions. Others, like the Artificer, rely heavily on their subclass features to be effective in combat. I think the flexibility to take either of those approaches to class design is a good thing.

I'm also not sure I really see the point. If the subclass abilities really are independent of base class, that seems like exactly what feats are designed for. Whereas I think a good subclass design should interact with class features in a unique and synergistic way.

 

[cbwjm]

I

I think designing around this possibility would put too many constraints on class design. Not only would classes need to gain subclass features at the same levels, they'd also need to gain the same amount of their power from subclass features. The current classes aren't designed that way. Some, like the Paladin, gain most of their power from base class features, with subclasses providing a few flavorful additions. Others, like the Artificer, rely heavily on their subclass features to be effective in combat. I think the flexibility to take either of those approaches to class design is a good thing.

I'm also not sure I really see the point. If the subclass abilities really are independent of base class, that seems like exactly what feats are designed for. Whereas I think a good subclass design should interact with class features in a unique and synergistic way.

T largely depends on how the rest of the class UAs go for 1dnd, if they streamline the subclass features to be gained at the same rate across all classes then I think this can be done.

For me, I think there are some archetypes that could easily be spread across classes, things like warlord, swashbuckler (I'm aware the rogue subclass does interact with rogue class features), or witch that could work with multiple classes without needing to specifically reference class features. While you could make them feats, you'd need to create a feat chain to fit all the features in. I think it's better to have a subclass while keeping feats as separate points of customisation.

 

[Horwath]

The problem with cross-class subclasses is that they cant reference a feature from its base class: for example, the current 1D&D Hunter subclass could be used on a rogue chassis, even if the levels fit, because it requires spell slots for its conjure barrage thingy.

there is no way that will survive playtest. it's so bad

 

[Tales and Chronicles]

there is no way that will survive playtest. it's so bad

I would not get my hopes up. It fits the usual criteria for full approval by WotC design team:
1) It changes a rather mundane thing into a magical spell
2) Its power level is pretty bad
3) works mostly only for ranged characters, making it a non-feature for melee ranger.

I fully expect to see the Valor Bard get a new spell: Otto's Wear Medium Armor at 6th level!