Variant Multiclassing (1DnD)
Goals of this system
The rules presented here are designed as an alternate form of Multiclassing that removes some of the issues surrounding standard Multiclassing in 5e. Primarily:
- Multiclass features not scaling well due to lack of levels
- Dead levels caused by the current multiclass system (such as from Unarmored defense or Extra Attack)
This system operates under the UA ruling in OneDnD that all Subclasses will have standardized levels that their features are gained (3rd/6th/10th/14th). I will update this document should that change.
DISCLAIMER
These rules are not designed to be used with current 5e multiclassing rules. For DMs, I strongly recommened choosing to use either this or default Multiclassing, not both.
Core Rules
When you choose a subclass for your class, you may choose instead another class to take a "multiclass" in. Each class now has a smaller Multiclass table in it's section, along with any special rules or exceptions when multiclassing into that class. Multiclass Ability Score requirements for each class are still in place, but you no longer need to meet your base class Ability Score requirements to multiclass.
Whenever you would gain a Subclass feature, you instead advance your progress on your chosen Multiclass table one step. Additionally, a new Feat is available specifically for players who wish to invest more in their Multiclass.
When you reach 3rd level after having chosen a Multiclass, you also gain Proficiency with Some tools, Skills, Weapons, and/or Armor. These are listed below the associated Multiclass Progress table under Multiclass Proficiencies
Unless otherwise stated in the Multiclass Feature changes section under each class, any time a class feature refers to the Base Class level(Such as Base Druid or Base Warlock), use instead your Primary Class level.
Diverse Training
- Requirements: 12th level
- Restrictions: This feat can only be taken at 12th, 16th, or 19th level
Your broad training has helped you progress in alternative methods.
You advance one step on your Multiclass table.
This feat can be taken more than once.
Multiclass progress ends at their 7th step. Once you have reached that level, you can not take the Diverse Training Feat anymore.
The Multiclass Tables
These tables detail the features you gain as you progress in your Multiclass. Unless otherwise indicated, the features function identically to the normal class features. Use the following rules to determine your Spellslots and spells prepared:
- If your Primary Class does not have a Spellcasting feature and you choose Bard, Cleric, Druid, or a class in the Mage group as your Multiclass use the Multiclass Spellslots table below to determine the number of spells you can prepare of any given level, as well as your spellslots available.
- If your Primary Class does not have a Spellcasting feature and you choose Artificer, Paladin, or Ranger as your Multiclass; use the Multiclass Spellslots table below, but only use half your Primary level to determine Spellslots available.
- If your Primary Class is a Bard, Cleric, Druid or in the Mage group, use that table instead for your spellslots available.
- If your Primary Class is Artificer, Paladin, or Ranger and you choose to Multiclass into Bard, Cleric, Druid, or a class in the Mage group add spellslots according to the Multiclass Spellslots table below only if your primary class does not already have that many spellslots of the given level, or more.
Any spells you learn or know from your Multiclass must be of a level you could learn based on the Multiclass spellslots table. (Paladins, Rangers, and Artificers use only half their Primary Class level on that table for this purpose.)
Multiclass Spell Advancement
Paladins, Artificers, and Rangers all have this feature and it reads as follows:
- Increase your total level 1 spellslots available by 1, to a maximum of 4.
- Increase your total level 2 spellslots available by 1, to a maximum of 3.
- The second time you gain this feature, Increase your total level 3 spellslots available by 1, to a maximum of 3.
- These increases also increase the number of spells you may prepare of the given level by the same amount.
Extra Attack
Classes with the Extra Attack feature also have a second feature in parenthesis. If your Primary Class already has the Extra attack feature, you instead gain the second feature listed.
Multiclass Spellslots
| Primary Class Level | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 4 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 5 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 7 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 8 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — |
| 9 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| 10 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — |
| 11 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — |
| 12 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — |
| 13 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| 14 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| 15 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| 16 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 17 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 18 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 19 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 20 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Artificer
| Multiclass Progress | Feature | Infusions Known (Items Infused) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spellcasting, Infuse Item | 2 (1) |
| 2 | — | 3(2) |
| 3 | Tool Expertise | 4(2) |
| 4 | Multiclass Spell Advancement | 5(3) |
| 5 | Flash of Genius | 6(3) |
| 6 | Multiclass Spell Advancement | 7(4) |
| 7 | Magic Item Adept, Spellstoring Item | 8(4) |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: Thieves Tools, Tinker's Tools
- Skills: One from the following: Arcana, History, Investigation, Medicine, Nature, Perception, Slight of Hand
- Weapons: None*
- Armor: Light Armor, Shields
Multiclass feature changes
Spellcasting
A Multiclass Artificer only knows 1 cantrip from the Artificer spell list initially. They learn 1 additional cantrip when their Mutliclass Progress reaches 3, and again when it reaches 5.
A Multiclass Artificer may only prepare a number of spells from the Artificer Spell list per spell level equal to the number of spellslots they have available according to the Multiclass Spellslots table, plus an additional number of spells of any level from the same list equal to their Intelligence Modifier.
*Optional Rule: Firearm Proficiency
If your campaign is using firearms, this feature is added to the Multiclass Artificer table at 3rd level
Barbarian
| Multiclass Progress | Feature | Rages (Rage Damage) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unarmored Defense, Rage | 1 (+2) |
| 2 | Extra Attack(Reckless Attack) | 2(+2) |
| 3 | Brutal Critical, Fast Movement | 3(+3) |
| 4 | Relentless Rage | 4(+3) |
| 5 | Persistent Rage | 4(+4) |
| 6 | Brutal Critical (2 dice) | 4(+4) |
| 7 | Primal Warrior | 4(+4) |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: Shields
- Skills:
- Weapons: Simple, Martial
- Armor: Shields
Multiclass Feature Changes
Unarmored Defense
If you already have another Unarmored defense feature, you must choose to use either this AC calculation or your other calculation. These cannot be combined.
Primal Warrior
This feature acts like the Primal Champion feature, but only increases your Strength and Constitution scores and their maximums by 2 instead of 4.
Bard
| Multiclass Progress | Feature | Inspiration Die |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spellcasting, Bardic Inspiration | d6 |
| 2 | Expertise(1), Songs of Restoration | d6 |
| 3 | Font of Bardic Inspiration | d8 |
| 4 | Jack of All Trades, Expertise (2) | d8 |
| 5 | Magical Secrets | d10 |
| 6 | Expertise (3) | d10 |
| 7 | Superior Bardic Inspiration | d10 |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: One Musical Instrument of your choice
- Skills: One Skill of your Choice
- Weapons: None
- Armor: Light Armor
Multiclass feature changes
Spellcasting
A Multiclass Bard knows only 2 cantrips initially. They learn 1 additional cantrip when their Multiclass Progress reaches 3, and again when it reaches 5.
A Multiclass Bard may prepare a number of spells equal to the number of spellslots they have of a given level, plus an additional number of spells equal to their Charisma modifer. The additional spells they prepare based on their Charisma Modifier can be no higher than 5th level
Expertise
Multiclass Bards gain only one expertise at a time. When you gain the Expertise feature, you choose one skill at Multiclass Progress 2, another at Multiclass progress 4, and a third at Multiclass progress 6.
Cleric
| Multiclass Progress | Feature | Channel Divinity uses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spellcasting, Channel Divinity | 1 |
| 2 | Holy Order | 1 |
| 3 | Smite Undead, Subclass Channel Divinity | 1 |
| 4 | Blessed Strikes | 2 |
| 5 | — | 2 |
| 6 | Divine Intervention | 2 |
| 7 | — | 2 |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: None
- Skills: None
- Weapons: Simple
- Armor: Light, Medium, Shields
Multiclass feature changes
Spellcasting
A Multiclass Cleric knows only 2 cantrips initially. They learn 1 additional cantrip when their Multiclass Progress reaches 3, and again when it reaches 5.
A Multiclass Cleric may prepare a number of spells equal to the number of spellslots they have of a given level, plus an additional number of spells equal to their Wisdom modifer. The additional spells they prepare based on their Wisdom Modifier can be no higher than 5th level
Multiclass Channel Divinity
If you already have a Channel Nature or another Channel Divinity feature, you do not gain uses of Channel Divinity from this Multiclass. Instead, you may use your Channel Nature feature to fuel any of your Channel Divinity Features if you have it.
Subclass Channel Divinity
This feature is unique to a Multiclass Cleric. Choose a Cleric Subclass. You gain access to the Channel Divinity Option granted by that Domain at 6th level. You do not gain any other benefits from that subclass.
Divine Intervention
You use your Character level for determining your success with this feature, not your Cleric Level.
Druid
| Multiclass Progress | Feature | Channel Nature uses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spellcasting, Channel Nature | 1 |
| 2 | Nature's Aid, Might of the Land | 1 |
| 3 | Aquatic Form | 1 |
| 4 | Aerial Form, Tiny Critter | 2 |
| 5 | Alternating Forms, Wild Resurgence | 2 |
| 6 | Beast Spells | 2 |
| 7 | — | 2 |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: None
- Skills: None
- Weapons: Simple
- Armor: Light, Shields
Multiclass feature changes
Spellcasting
A Multiclass Druid knows only 2 cantrips initially. They learn 1 additional cantrip when their Multiclass Progress reaches 3, and again when it reaches 5.
A Multiclass Druid may prepare a number of spells equal to the number of spellslots they have of a given level, plus an additional number of spells equal to their Wisdom modifer. The additional spells they prepare based on their Wisdom Modifier can be no higher than 5th level.
Channel Nature
Multiclass Druids only have 1 use of their Channel Nature feature initially, and gain an additional use when they reach Multiclass Progress 4.
If you already have a Channel Divinity Feature, you do not gain any uses of your Channel Nature feature. Instead, you may use your Channel Divinity feature to fuel your Channel Nature Features.
Fighter
| Multiclass Progress | Feature |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fighting Style, Combat Specialty |
| 2 | Extra Attack(1) (Action Surge) |
| 3 | Indomitable, Second Wind |
| 4 | Extra Attack(2) |
| 5 | Advanced Combat Specialty |
| 6 | Martial Perfection |
| 7 | Indomitable(3) |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: None
- Skills: None
- Weapons: Simple, Martial
- Armor: Light, Medium, Shields, Heavy (If you are already proficient in Medium Armor)
Mutliclass Feature Changes
Martial Perfection
When you gain this feature, choose 2 Ability scores that are either Dexterity, Strength, or one of the Primary Ability Scores of your Primary Class. Increase both of those scores, and their maximum, by 2.
Second Wind
Multiclass Fighters use their Primary Class level to determine the amount of hit points restored by their Second Wind feature.
Combat Specialty
When you gain this feature, choose a Fighter Martial Archetype. You gain the benefit of that Archetype's 3rd level features, however any effects that you must finish a Short or Long rest to regain the use of you receive half as many uses (round up, minimum of 1). Use half your Primary class level to determine progress of any features that automatically increase as you level.
When you gain the Advanced Combat specialty feature, you gain the 7th level feature for the Archetype you chose.
Monk
| Multiclass Progress | Feature | Ki Points | Unarmored Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unarmored Defense, Ki, Martial Arts | 2 | 10ft. |
| 2 | Extra Attack(Stunning Strike), Unarmored Movement | 3 | 10ft. |
| 3 | Evasion | 4 | 15ft. |
| 4 | Mind and Body | 4 | 15ft |
| 5 | Purity of Body | 5 | 20ft. |
| 6 | — | 8 | 20ft |
| 7 | Diamond Soul | 9 | 20ft |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: One set of Artisan's Tools
- Skills: None
- Weapons: Simple Weapons, up to 3 Martial weapons of your choice
- Armor: None
Mutliclass Feature Changes
Unarmored Defense
If you already have another Unarmored defense feature, you must choose to use either this AC calculation or your other calculation. These cannot be combined.
Ki
The Multiclass Monk has a much smaller pool of Ki than the Base Monk, however a Multiclass Monk regains all spent Ki points whenever they Roll Initiative or take a Short or Long Rest.
Martial Arts
This feature functions as the normal Martial Arts feature, except that your Martial Arts die starts as a d6 instead of a d4, and only increases to a d8 at Multiclass Progress 3, and a d10 at Multiclass progress 5.
Mind and Body
When you gain this feature, your Dexterity and Wisdom scores both increase to 18, if they are lower. Alternatively, you may increase your Dexterity or Wisdom current and maximum score by 2. If you choose Dexterity, your current and maximum Wisdom score increases by 1. If you choose Wisdom, your current and maximum Dexterity score increases by 1.
Paladin
| Multiclass Progress | Feature | Channel Divinity Uses | Lay on Hands pool |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spellcasting, Lay on Hands | — | 10 |
| 2 | Extra Attack (Divine Smite), Channel Divinity | 1 | 20 |
| 3 | Aura of Protection | 1 | 30 |
| 4 | Multiclass Spell Advancement, Abjure Foes | 2 | 40 |
| 5 | Radiant Strikes | 2 | 50 |
| 6 | Multiclass Spell Advancement, Aura Expansion | 2 | 60 |
| 7 | Divine Conduit | 2 | 70 |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: None
- Skills: None
- Weapons: Simple, Martial
- Armor: Light, Medium, Shields
Multiclass feature changes
Spellcasting
A Multiclass Paladin may only prepare a number of spells from the Paladin Spell list per spell level equal to the number of spellslots they have available according to the Multiclass Spellslots table, plus an additional number of spells of any level from the same list equal to their Charisma Modifier.
Lay on Hands
Instead of having a Pool equal to your Class level, your Pool for your Lay on Hands feature advances according to the Paladin Multiclass Progress table
Channel Divinity
When you gain this feature choose a Paladin Oath. You gain the Channel Divinity options from that Oath and may use your Channel Divinity feature once per Short or long rest.
If you already have the Channel Divinity or Channel Nature class features you do not gain additional Channel Divinity or Channel Nature uses from this Multiclass. You may use your Channel Nature feature to fuel any of your Channel Divinity features instead if you have it.
In either case, you don't gain any of the other features of the related Oath.
Ranger
| Multiclass Progress | Feature |
|---|---|
| 1 | Spellcasting, Fighting Style |
| 2 | Extra Attack (Favored Enemy) |
| 3 | Roving, Expertise(1) |
| 4 | Multiclass Spell Advancement, Tireless |
| 5 | Expertise(2), Nature's Veil |
| 6 | Multiclass Spell Advancement, Feral Senses |
| 7 | Foe Slayer, Expertise(3) |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: None
- Skills: One Skill of your choice
- Weapons: Simple, Martial
- Armor: Light, Medium, Shields
Multiclass feature changes
Spellcasting
A Multiclass Ranger only knows 1 cantrip from the Ranger spell list initially. They learn 1 additional cantrip when their Mutliclass Progress reaches 3, and again when it reaches 5.
A Multiclass Ranger may only prepare a number of spells from the Ranger Spell list per spell level equal to the number of spellslots they have available according to the Multiclass Spellslots table, plus an additional number of spells of any level from the same list equal to their Wisdom Modifier.
Expertise
Multiclass Rangers gain only one expertise at a time. When you gain the Expertise feature, you choose one skill at Multiclass Progress 3, another at Multiclass progress 5, and a third at Multiclass progress 7.
Rogue
| Multiclass Progress | Feature | Sneak Attack Dice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sneak Attack, Expertise(1) | 1d6 |
| 2 | Cunning Action, Uncanny Dodge | 2d6 |
| 3 | Expertise(2), Evasion | 3d6 |
| 4 | Reliable Talent | 4d6 |
| 5 | Expertise(4) | 5d6 |
| 6 | Subtle Strikes | 6d6 |
| 7 | Slippery Mind | 7d6 |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: Thieves Tools
- Skills: One Skill of your choice
- Weapons: Simple, Martial weapons with the Finesse Property
- Armor: Light
Multiclass feature changes
Sneak Attack
Multiclass Rogue Sneak attack functions under the same conditions that a base Rogue does, but they gain additional sneak attack dice each time they Advance their Multiclass Progress instead.
Expertise
Multiclass Rogues gain expertise at a slightly different rate than base Rogues. When you gain the Expertise feature, you choose one skill at Multiclass Progress 1, another at Multiclass progress 3, and a third and a fourth at Multiclass progress 5.
Sorcerer
| Multiclass Progress | Feature | Sorcery Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spellcasting, Font of Magic | 2 |
| 2 | Metamagic | 3 |
| 3 | — | 5 |
| 4 | Metamagic | 6 |
| 5 | — | 8 |
| 6 | Metamagic | 9 |
| 7 | — | 11 |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: None
- Skills: None
- Weapons: None
- Armor: None
Multiclass feature changes
Spellcasting
A Multiclass Sorcerer knows only 2 cantrips initially. They learn 1 additional cantrip when their Multiclass Progress reaches 3, and again when it reaches 5.
A Multiclass Sorcerer may prepare a number of spells equal to the number of spellslots they have of a given level, plus an additional number of spells equal to their Charisma modifer. The additional spells they prepare based on their Charisma Modifier can be no higher than 5th level
Metamagic
A Multiclass Sorcerer only gains 1 Metamagic option each time they gain the Metamagic feature. Unlike Base Sorcerers, the first time each day a Multiclass Sorcerer uses a Metamagic option after regaining their sorcery points, the cost in Sorcery points of that Metamagic feature is reduced by 2 (to a Minimum of 0) for that application.
Sorcery Points
Multiclass Sorcerers gain Sorcery points according to their Multiclass Progress table instead of the Base Sorcerer class
Warlock
| Multiclass Progress | Feature | Slot Level | Invocations Known |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pact Magic, Warlock Invocation | 1st | 1 |
| 2 | Pact Boon | 2nd | 2 |
| 3 | — | 3rd | 2 |
| 4 | — | 5th | 3 |
| 5 | Mystic Arcanum(6th level) | 5th | 4 |
| 6 | Mystic Arcanum(7th Level) | 5th | 5 |
| 7 | Mystic Arcanum(8th Level) | 5th | 5 |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: None
- Skills: One Skill of your choice
- Weapons: Simple, Martial
- Armor: Light
Multiclass feature changes
Pact Magic
Multiclass Warlocks only learn 1 Cantrip at Multiclass Progress 1, though they learn an additional Cantrip at Multiclass Progress 2, and Multiclass Progress 5.
Multiclass Warlocks do not gain as many spellslots as base Warlocks do from their Pact Magic feature. A Multiclass Warlock only gets a 2nd spell slot from their Pact Magic at Multiclass Progress 3, and a 3rd spellslot at Multiclass Progress 5.
A Multiclass Warlock knows 2 spells at Multiclass Progress 1, and they learn an additional spell each time they advance their Multiclass Progress. Multiclass Warlock's Pact magic feature otherwise functions identically to the Base Warlock.
If your Primary class has a Spellcasting feature, your Pact Magic slots replace spell slots of the corresponding level and are not gained in addition to the spellslots you have. For example, if your primary class is Sorcerer and you choose Warlock as your Multiclass, at 3rd level you would have 1 Pact Magic slot of 1st level and 3 Normal Spellslots of 1st level as well as 2 normal 2nd level Spellslots.
Mystic Arcanum
If your Primary Class has a Spellcasting feature, this feature only adds a Warlock spell of the indicated level to your list of Spells known. You do not get an additional casting of the spell without the expenditure of a spell slot.
Wizard
| Multiclass Progress | Feature |
|---|---|
| 1 | Spellcasting |
| 2 | Arcane Recovery |
| 3 | — |
| 4 | Eldritch Mind |
| 5 | — |
| 6 | — |
| 7 | — |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: None
- Skills: None
- Weapons: None
- Armor: None
Multiclass feature changes
Spellcasting
A Multiclass Wizard knows only 2 cantrips initially. They learn 1 additional cantrip when their Multiclass Progress reaches 3, and again when it reaches 5.
A Multiclass Wizard may prepare a number of spells equal to the number of spellslots they have of a given level, plus an additional number of spells equal to their Intelligence modifer. The additional spells they prepare based on their Intelligence Modifier can be no higher than 5th level
Eldritch Mind
A Multiclass Wizard can prepare additional spells equal to their Intelligence Modifer when they gain this feature. These spells must be 5th level or lower.
Commonly Used Terms
In this document are a few terms I use regularly. The way they are intended to be defined is clarified below:
- Base _______: The ______ space can be filled with any class name where this term occurs. This refers to the class as it is outlined in either Tasha's Cauldron of Everything (for Artificers) or the Player's Handbook.
- Multiclass Progress X: This refers to how many steps you have progressed down the multiclass table for the class you chose. X represents the corresponding line in the table.
- Primary Class: This term refers specifically to the class you took at 1st level. Your Multiclass is the class you chose instead of a Subclass for your Primary Class.
Changelog v1.2
- Updated for new Cleric UA. Channel Divinity is now just like Base class Cleric, Holy Order added, Smite Undead Replaces destroy undead, Blessed Strikes is now Base Cleric and not part of a subclass (changed accordingly), Divine Domain Channel Divinity renamed to Subclass Channel Divinity and edited according to when the Subclass would gain that feature.
Changelog v1.3
- Updated Spellcasting progression. Spellcasting now advances based on Primary Class level instead of Multiclass Progress. This smooths progress out, and makes it less awkward, no longer jumping from 3rd level spells to 5th level at once.
- Further added in Druid/Paladin UA and updated the Cleric to Match the Druid with their Channel progression.
- Channel Divinity/Nature pools now blend. You just gain more ways to use those features rather than gaining more fuel for them.