D&D 5E SCAG Subclasses: Which do you like?

[Rofel Wodring]

I am somewhat surprised that Purple Dragon Knight is doing so poorly, though. I think that it fits a niche that the other fighter subclasses do that -- that is, a socially competent frontline general. Sort of like (if you squint really hard and turn your head) the 4E D&D Warlord. I suppose there's nothing the Purple Dragon Knight thematically does that the Paladin already doesn't, but I do think that there's a place for a socially competent frontline general that doesn't have the magical and divine baggage of the paladin.

 

[Argyle King]

I am somewhat surprised that Purple Dragon Knight is doing so poorly, though. I think that it fits a niche that the other fighter subclasses do that -- that is, a socially competent frontline general. Sort of like (if you squint really hard and turn your head) the 4E D&D Warlord. I suppose there's nothing the Purple Dragon Knight thematically does that the Paladin already doesn't, but I do think that there's a place for a socially competent frontline general that doesn't have the magical and divine baggage of the paladin.

I wanted to like the Purple Dragon Knight because it sounds like something similar to a Warlord, but (to me) it was too much of a half-step toward something like that. I think it has some pieces I like mixed with pieces which I don't find to be very inspiring. I'll take a second look at it. Maybe I missed something.

 

[gyor]

The Mastermind is doing better then I expected, but still in 2nd last.

Bladesinger is doing way better then I expected, but I have to admit it's a well made subclass, but I don't think it will make it into XGE because of the racial restrictions.

Arcana Domain and Swashbuckler are safe assumptions to be to be in XGE, both popular and not too linked to FR or Racial Restrictions.

Storm Sorceror and Oath of the Crown is reasonably popular and no setting or racial restrictions so that is a reasonable bet to be in XGE.

Long Death and Sun Soul are also reasonable popular, but are very much FR specific, but Sun Soul and Long Death are actual Monk Orders in the Forgotten Realms that go back to previous editions, so no setting neutrality, which they said is a prerequisite to be in XGE.

So I think it with be Arcana Domain, Swashbuckler, Oath of the Crown, and Storm Origin that make it into XGE.

 

[gyor]

I am somewhat surprised that Purple Dragon Knight is doing so poorly, though. I think that it fits a niche that the other fighter subclasses do that -- that is, a socially competent frontline general. Sort of like (if you squint really hard and turn your head) the 4E D&D Warlord. I suppose there's nothing the Purple Dragon Knight thematically does that the Paladin already doesn't, but I do think that there's a place for a socially competent frontline general that doesn't have the magical and divine baggage of the paladin.

Yeah, took another look at PDK, it's actually a pretty cool, yet easy to use subclass that has flavour.

I think some people voted against are FR haters.

By level 20 with two short rests, you can heal 180 total damage with the Rallying Cry feature, not bad.

You can grant about 6 reaction attacks with 2 short rests.

At level 20 you can give allies a reroll on Int/Wis/Cha saving throw per long rest.

And you gain a skill and expertise in Persuasion.

 

[Gladius Legis]

I am somewhat surprised that Purple Dragon Knight is doing so poorly, though. I think that it fits a niche that the other fighter subclasses do that -- that is, a socially competent frontline general. Sort of like (if you squint really hard and turn your head) the 4E D&D Warlord. I suppose there's nothing the Purple Dragon Knight thematically does that the Paladin already doesn't, but I do think that there's a place for a socially competent frontline general that doesn't have the magical and divine baggage of the paladin.

The PDK is a shining example of great concept but awful execution.

 

[Li Shenron]

I don't have the SCAG book, so I'm unaware of the subclasses mechanics beyond those that were previews in UA. Thus, I am mostly speaking about their character concepts.

And from that point of view, IMHO the most solid and universally usable subclasses in SCAG are the Storm Sorcerer, Undying Warlock and Swashbuckler. Those 3 I hope they'll end up in XGtE.

That leaves one more...

I kind of loath the concepts of Arcana domain (god of magic, how original... with the usual problem of why doesn't it prefer wizards than clerics?), Battle Rager (nothing more than a Barbarian or Berserker at best, oh but it's a dwarf) and Bladesinger (because they never have enough gish options?).

PDK is probably too specific to the setting.

Sun Soul is too cartoonish.

Mastermind, I have no idea what it really is supposed to be.

So that leaves the Long Death and Oath of the Crown. I think both are cool and strike the right balance between being unique enough to feel different from other existing character options, and being generic enough to be adaptable to most games and attractive to enough players. I am undecided between, if I had to toss a coin I'd probably choose the paladin's subclass just because I am not a fan of monks in general.

 

[Charles Rampant]

I love many of them, but one of my favorite is the Undying warlock. Its features are really bad and too restrictive, but the flavour is spot on and the extended spell list is really good. I think its one of the subclasses that will be reprinted in XGtE because it has lore not related to the Forgotten Realms in its description, contrary to the more FR-specific subclasses, and I hope it will be revisited to remove the ultra-restrictive per rest restriction on some abilities.

I think it's safe to say that they absolutely will not publish two contradictory versions of the same subclass, or invalidate a version already published in a later book. Having a subclass be slightly underpowered is a far lesser sin than making people feel like their books are 'wrong'.

 

[Li Shenron]

I think it's safe to say that they absolutely will not publish two contradictory versions of the same subclass, or invalidate a version already published in a later book. Having a subclass be slightly underpowered is a far lesser sin than making people feel like their books are 'wrong'.

Yes, to my understanding they will only reprint (and possibly corrige) some SCAG material, not revise it at all.

 

[Gardens & Goblins]

I do love the Mastermind.

Go for great mental stats and middling to poor physical. Work your connections, bribe/persuade lackeys/minions to follow to glory/their doom. Do business. Own the cities.

All while enjoying the inherent roguey utility, damage and defense.

While in theory, any character can invest their gold wisely, I find the class simply lends itself to doing it better.

Love me a Mastermind social rogue!

 

[Pauln6]

I bought a third party supplement with other Warlord type manoeuvres in. I will allow any player who takes this class a free martial adept feat to choose a couple of these to round out the class abilities.