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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sacrosanct" data-source="post: 7066632" data-attributes="member: 15700">I know it sounds contradictory on the surface.  How can you have a subclass not be part of a class; it's sort of how the words are defined?  Probably why "kit" is a better descriptor, even if they are designed and handled exactly like a subclass.But anyway, I've been thinking about this.  There are a lot or archetypes that could be built like a subclass, but really could fall under more than one class.  For example, the iconic ninja.  There are ninja that focus on combat (falling under a fighter), those that focus on stealth (falling under rogue), and even some that may focus on trickery and illusion (falling under wizard or sorcerer).So....that being said, and this is just a mental exercise and I'm not saying this has to be done or anything, could such a thing work in the 5e system?  I think the biggest challenge would be when the subclass abilities are gained, as not every class gets the same ability at the same range.  E.g., a barbarian subclass gets features at 3, 6, 10, and 14th levels, while the fighter gets theirs at 3, 7, 10, 15, and 18.The initial solution that comes to mind would be a table with the classes and what levels they get subclass features, and gain your feature, in order, according to that chart.To expand my example, here is the ninja:Ninja 3rd level (this is the same for all classes):Improvised Weapons:  You can use almost anything as a weapon, gaining proficiency in any improvised weapon or tool.  Base damage is 1d4.  This becomes 1d6 at 6th level, 1d8 at 11th level, and 1d10 at 17th level.Evasion:  If not wearing armor, your base AC is 10+DEX+INTStealth:  If not already proficient, gain the stealth skill.Tool proficiency: claws (add your prof bonus to all climbing checks when using climbing claws)Next subclass ability: Quick Strike:  You can the ability to cast misty step as a bonus action.  This can be done a number of times per long rest as equal to your intelligence modifier.  The first next attack during the same turn of using this ability will be made at advantage.Next subclass ability: Vanish:  As a reaction, you can cast the blink spell.  You can do this a number of times equal to your intelligence modifier per long rest.  As an action, you can cast passwall a number of times equal to your intelligence modifier per long rest.Next subclass ability: Shadowform:  You and your gear become as insubstantial as smoke.  You gain immunity to all piercing, slashing, and bludgeoning damage, and can fit through any hole.  This ability lasts up to one hour, and can be used once per long rest.Next subclass ability: Additional ASI, max ability score increased to 22  (not all classes would get this, only classes with 5 subclass features like the fighter).For example:If you are a rogue ninja, you gain the Quick Strike ability at level 9, while a a fighter ninja gets it at level 7.I'm just thinking of ways to create greater customization without having to create all new classes with their own subclass packages from scratch.  This way, you could have your warrior ninja and your stealth ninja and your illusion ninja (and a bunch more) by just adding one single subclass.Note:  The above ninja is just for example purposes.  I want this discussion to go around the overall topic of generic subclasses, so don't get hung up on the ninja or it's abilities I listed.</blockquote>

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