D&D 5E Multi-single-classing

[Sunseeker]

Maybe a subclass is considered a distinct class.

That's what I was thinking. We could skip the first two levels of "base class" and call level 3 the "first level" of your subclass. Wizards has openly stated that the first couple levels are intended to be "starter" levels and suggested experienced players should start at level 3. So since arguably a player who already is a class has completed the "training" for that class of levels 1 and 2, they could then pick up a second subclass.

 

[Shiroiken]

I would say by RAW and RAI this does not work.

That said, if you're the DM, do whatever works best for your game. If you don't see a problem with it, houserule it in. I have a ton of things in my game that aren't strictly by the book, and I don't care.

 

[Mouseferatu]

Maybe a subclass is considered a distinct class.

Um, no. 5E may not be as strict on the language as some earlier editions, but the book very clearly uses "class" to mean "class," and "subclass" to mean "subclass." If one is looking to play RAW--and there's no reason you have to, but if you are--there's no ambiguity there.

 

[bganon]

I think if I were going to do this, I'd just let the player replace one subclass feature with another rather than think of it as "multiclassing". So if an Eldritch Knight 14 really wanted to switch, at level 15 they could just gain Combat Superiority, giving up Arcane Charge (and the 1/3 effective caster level).

I think this makes it kinda obvious that there are probably some overpowered combos, so I'd want to rule and possibly tone it down on a case-by-base basis. And Martial Adept is already the RAW way to do this.

 

[Fanaelialae]

It's an interesting idea. I might try it out at some point.

If I were to allow it, I think I'd allow you to take a level in another subclass for the cost of a single level, but only if you already meet the level requirement with that class. So a Fighter 3 Eldritch Knight could take his 4th level to gain the 3rd level Battlemaster features (and only the Battlemaster features). In other words, when he takes his next level of proper Fighter (at 5th level), he would gain the 4th level Fighter features.

Also, I would count them separately for purposes of spellcasting. So, in the previous example, gaining a level of Battlemaster would not increase the Eldritch Knight's spellcasting, since Battlemaster can't cast spells.

Seems like it could work, since you're delaying high level class abilities for the ability to gain additional subclass abilities. You'd have to keep an eye out for potentially overpowered combinations, but it could be fun. Sub-multiclassing.

 

[Ahrimon]

One of the possible problems could be that not all cases diversify at third level. Some are at 2nd or even 1st. What if you have a homebrew diety of sun and war? Could you make a L1 light cleric/L1 war cleric? What about a L4 wizard? Could he be a diviner/enchanter/evoker/necromancer? Can you have a Wild Dragonblood sorcerer?

I think coming up with a way to swap out class abilities would probably be a better option than trying to build a multi-sub-class system.

 

[Mistwell]

By Rules as Fun, I'd allow it. But, only with players who you know are unlikely to abuse any unexpectedly powerful synergies.

 

[SirAntoine]

That's what I was thinking. We could skip the first two levels of "base class" and call level 3 the "first level" of your subclass. Wizards has openly stated that the first couple levels are intended to be "starter" levels and suggested experienced players should start at level 3. So since arguably a player who already is a class has completed the "training" for that class of levels 1 and 2, they could then pick up a second subclass.

Definitely. They're pursuits characters can follow at any time, like any other class.

 

[Eejit]

Definitely. They're pursuits characters can follow at any time, like any other class.

Not all of them are. Look at Warlock or Paladin subclasses, you'd have some difficulty having more than one of each of those simultaneously.

 

[SirAntoine]

Not all of them are. Look at Warlock or Paladin subclasses, you'd have some difficulty having more than one of each of those simultaneously.

In these two cases, maybe it just depends on the appeal. What is a player's motivation for picking another subclass of the same base class? If something is truly contradictory, why would someone want to do it then? A paladin could take another vow, and a warlock, strike another bargain with another monster.