Dungeons and Dragons 8 new subclasses target a specific type of player

Dungeons and Dragons' Forgotten Realms theme Heroes of Faerun and Adventure in Faerun introducing eight new subclasses, including a mix of returning favorites like Knowledge Domain Cleric and new additions like Scion of the Three Rogue. All eight subclasses have exciting new abilities and spells that range from elemental blows to healing auras. Especially the new one Dungeons and dragons subclasses are perfect for those who like multiclassing, as they offer powerful abilities at early levels. The multi-class options are practically endless, and players are sure to find plenty of exciting new combinations.

The new Dungeons and Dragons subclasses beg for multiclass experimentation

Each of the eight new Dungeons and dragons subclasses can absolutely stand on their own and be taken from level 1 to level 20 without drops in anything else. But for those who love to multiclass and create unique new combos, Heroes of Faerunpp subclasses are a treat that invite players to experiment.

Wizards of the Coast made the excellent decision to give most of the eight subclasses extremely powerful abilities at early levels, typically level 3 and level 6. Some examples of what the eight new subclasses can do early in a Dungeons and dragons promotion includes:

• At level 3, Oath of the Noble Genies Paladins can access four powerful Elemental Smites, cast spells like Chromatic Orb and Thunderous Smite, and add bonuses to their armor class when not wearing armor.

• Spellfire Sorcerers hitting level 3 can create a burst of flames that heal or damage, as well as cast Cure Wounds, Scorching Ray, and more.

• College of the Moon Bards can turn invisible and increase their healing at level 3, while level 6 allows them to cast a modified version of the spell Moonbeam that heals, damages and scatters light.

Note that this doesn't mean that the abilities these subclasses get at level 15 or 20 are necessarily bad. A few feel lackluster – the Banner Fighter Level 18 feature, which grants immunity to Charmed and Frightened conditions, for example – but a single-class run of these subclasses is perfectly valid. Still, looking at what these subclasses can do so early in their journey, the urge to mix and match and see what I can create is undeniable.

DnD's new multiclass options are practically endless

I can't wait to see what Dungeons and dragons players come up with when combining the new subclasses with each other or previously existing options. After reading through Heroes of Faerun, here are some multi-class combos that I think would be particularly fun to explore:

• Oath of the Noble Genies Paladin would pair well with any Charisma-based caster, such as Warlock or Sorcerer. The Noble Genies Paladin's ability to boost their AC without armor gives the character survivability while casting, and they also have a melee option, in the form of Elemental Smites.

• Spellfire Sorcerer can double up with another caster or hybrid caster class, such as Bard, Warlock or Paladin. Spellfire Sorcerer gives access to useful spells like Counterspell, which can add to the arsenal of caster who don't learn it naturally.

• The Banner Fighter's support-based skills, which can boost allies standing near them, pair perfectly with a Paladin's proximity-based aura abilities. It can also be combined with the new College of the Moon Bard to create the ultimate support focused character.

Heroes of Faerun and its eight subclasses seem perfectly poised to encourage a host of exciting new multiclass options. Looking at the Unearthed Arcana database and seeing what other classes may be coming in the near future promises even more possibilities for experimentation. This is the era of unique new multiclasses in Dungeons and dragons, and I'm ready to dive in head first.

Franchise

Dungeons & Dragons

Original release date

1974

Designer

E. Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson