Frozen_Heart
Hero
It's true that many tables allow players to ignore all the class theme. You could have a cleric without a god, a warlock without a patron, or a paladin without an oath.
But just as many enforce the theme in a strict manner, as seen by numerous threads on here and reddit. Many tables consider class to be central to the classes identity, and will not allow it to be reflavoured. This can be seen with the "I hate hexblades" thread going on right now.
So sure, with my current DM I have completely reflavoured my hexblade into a frost themed swordmage (to the point where eldritch blast does cold damage). But if I tried playing something similar as a different table, I'd be told that I had to have a shadowfell patron and be all edgy as the class fluff demands.
That is why 'just reflavour' isn't a valid argument. Because in many tables that's largely not allowed.
But just as many enforce the theme in a strict manner, as seen by numerous threads on here and reddit. Many tables consider class to be central to the classes identity, and will not allow it to be reflavoured. This can be seen with the "I hate hexblades" thread going on right now.
So sure, with my current DM I have completely reflavoured my hexblade into a frost themed swordmage (to the point where eldritch blast does cold damage). But if I tried playing something similar as a different table, I'd be told that I had to have a shadowfell patron and be all edgy as the class fluff demands.
That is why 'just reflavour' isn't a valid argument. Because in many tables that's largely not allowed.