Just gonna put this here:
2e Complete Book Conversions
(I'm working on Bards now, so it's especially timely!)
Conceptually:
I don't object to more subclasses to represent some kits. Not always very NECESSARY, as I think I'm showing with my conversions, but it can be nice. The possible conceptual issue is splat creep, but if they've got a good story link, a good fiction, it'll be fine. They're not splatting at a rate that makes me fear creep too much at the moment.
Kits I'd Like to See
Though I'd really like to see what their take on a
beast rider would be...but I imagine that dovetails with their ranger re-write (I WANNA RIDE A BEAR!). I think the
acrobat could also use a subclass (not necessary, but there's room!). And it'd be interesting to see a Cleric subclass that swaps out weapons and armor for unarmed combat a la the
fighting monk - a monk with full spellcasting!
And it'd be interesting to see their take on
2e alternate priesthoods, too.
Specifics
The College of Swords has fun flourishes, but I don't know that that's "enough" to distinguish them from Valor bards. The two are looking awfully similar. Maybe the flourishes would be better as a feat or a simple "alternate class feature" for Valor bards? Either that, or
make the College more distinct.
College of Satire seems weak at first blush. Though VERY mobile, it's not lucky or wacky enough for my preferences for a "jester" class.
Cavalier and Scout have the same issue as the College of Swords - it's not a lot different from the Battle Master (with some extra sauce). Though a little less so. Putting these abilities as a feat (or two) could make some sense, adding those options to ALL BMs would be fine. Either that or
make the Archetype more distinct, I'd say.
These subclasses, I think, need to try harder to achieve escape velocity from the Land of Feats and Backgrounds. Any time your subclass is 50% or more copypasta from existing subclasses,
it's too much. Just give me alternate class features / feats / etc.