Variant Multiclassing (1DnD)
Goals of this system
The rules presented here are designed as an alternate form of Multiclassing that resolves 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)
- Small dips into one class or another being too strong relative to their investment.
One of the challenges the designers have faced is making Classes that are both front loaded enough to be effective, but not overpowered for Multiclassing. This system fixes that while also allowing Multiclassing to be a fun and engaging way to build a character all the way to 20th level. I will continue to update this document with each new 1 DnD UA that makes changes to classes.
DISCLAIMER
These rules are not designed to be used concurrently with default 5e multiclassing rules. For DMs, I strongly recommend choosing to use either this or default Multiclassing on any given character, not both.
Core Rules
Primary and Secondary Classes
In much of this document you'll see a reference to a Primary Class and a Secondary Class. Your Primary Class is the Class you chose at 1st level. Your Secondary Class is the class you chose to Multiclass into in place of your Subclass.
Picking and progressing your Multiclass
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 Primary class Ability Score requirements to multiclass.
Just like normal Subclasses, Multiclasses offer particular features at the appropriate levels. Additionally, new feats have been added to allow players to pick up a subclass from their Primary class or their Secondary Class and other feats are available to expand on their chosen Secondary Class
When you reach 3rd level after having chosen a Secondary Class, you also gain Proficiency with Some tools, Skills, Weapons, and/or Armor. These are listed below the associated Multiclass Progress table under Multiclass Proficiencies
Features with the same name
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.
If you see a reference to a Base Class that doesn't mention level, it is referring to the full version of the corresponding Secondary class.
Finally, to clarify, you cannot choose the same Secondary Class as your Primary class.
The Multiclass Tables
These tables detail the features you gain as you progress in your Secondary Class. Unless otherwise indicated, the features function identically to the normal class features.
Multiclass Feats
At the bottom of this document you will see available a number of new Multiclass feats. These are available to players who wish to further invest in their Secondary Class, or want to pick up Subclass features in addition to their Secondary Class.
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 feature listed in the parenthesis.
Warlocks who take the Thirsting Blade Invocation gain the effect in Parenthesis when they take the Invocation.
REVERSION TO NON-STANDARD SUBCLASS PROGRESSION
With UA Playtest 6, WotC has opted to revert the change to standardizing Subclass Progression. This means some significant changes to how this Multiclass Variant will work.
Each class now lists an order of features, and whenever you would gain a Subclass feature from your Primary Class you gain the next feature from your Secondary Class table. If your class offers more than 4 Subclass features, you instead automatically gain a Multiclass feat of your choice that you qualify for.
If your Primary Class only offers 3 subclass features and you wish to gain all 4 Secondary Class features, look to the Crossclassing Feat in the feats section of this document
Multiclass Spellslots
| Primary Class Level | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 4 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 5 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 7 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 8 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 9 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| 10 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — |
Understanding Multiclass Spellcasting
Spellcasting can get to be a bit of a mess when it comes to Multiclassing. The above table is meant as a singular reference for how it works under this variant.
Spells Prepared
Each Multiclass spellcaster will tell you how many spells you have prepared from your Secondary Class. Generally speaking, you will have half as many spells prepared or known as the Base class of the same name and the highest level spellslot you have available determines the highest level spell you can know or prepare.
Spellslots
Unlike normal Spellcasters, the number of Spellslots you have available are much fewer than the number of spells you can prepare.
Except at lower levels, Multiclass spellcasters only have a maximum of 4 Spellslots; 2 of the highest level of spell they can prepare, and 2 of the level below that.
The number listed on the table is a guide for how many Spellslots your character should have. Each Spellcasting feature in a multiclass table will have [Half} or [Full] listed next to it. Use the corresponding amount of your Primary Class level to determine your Spellslots on the table above. (Minimum of 3rd level, Round down)
For example, Gary is a Rogue Multiclassing into Wizard. At 6th level Gary will have access to two 1st level spell slots and two 2nd level spell slots and he can prepare a total of 6 wizard spells.
Multiple Spellcasting features
If your Primary Class already has a Spellcasting feature, use the instructions in the individual Secondary Class sections to determine the number of spells you have prepared/known from your Secondary class.
For Spellslots, use your Primary Class's Spellslot table, only adding spellslots from the Multiclass table if your Primary class doesn't give as many or more Spellslots of the given level.
Barbarian
| Feature Order | Feature | Rages (Rage Damage) | Bonus Hit Points | Weapon Mastery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Unarmored Defense, Rage*, Weapon Mastery | 1 (+2) | 2 | 1 |
| 2nd | Extra Attack(Reckless Attack), Primal Knowledge | 2(+2) | 4 | 1 |
| 3rd | Brutal Critica(1d12) | 3(+3) | 6 | 2 |
| 4th | Relentless Rage | 4(+3) | 10 | 2 |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: None
- Skills: None
- Weapons: Simple, Martial
- Armor: Shields
Multiclass Feature Changes
Bonus Hit Points
Multiclass Barbarians increase their maximum hit point total by the amount listed in the column on the Barbarian Multiclass Progress table. (The amount listed is the total increase to their Hit points)
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. You may change this decision whenever you gain a level.
Rage
A Multiclass Barbarian's rage is less potent than that of a full Barbarian's. Whenever you rage as a Multiclass Barbarian, instead of gaining Resistance to Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing damage you instead gain Resistance to only 1 of those for the duration of that rage. You choose which type of Resistance you gain each time you rage.
If you are already raging, you may choose to expend a use of your Rage feature as a Bonus Action to gain 1 additional type of Damage resistance from Bludgeoning, Piercing, or Slashing for the remainder of that Rage.
Bard
| Feature Order | Feature | Inspiration Die |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Spellcasting[Full], Bardic Inspiration | d6 |
| 2nd | Expertise(1), Jack of All Trades | d6 |
| 3rd | Font of Inspiration | d8 |
| 4th | Magical Secrets, Expertise (2) | d8 |
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 they reach 10th level.
To determine the number of Bard spells you can prepare use the Bard Class table, but only use half of your Primary Class Level.
Expertise
Multiclass Bards gain only one expertise at a time. When you gain the Expertise feature, you choose one skill at 6th level and another at 14th level.
Cleric
| Feature Order | Feature | Channel Divinity uses |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Spellcasting[Full], Holy Order | - |
| 2nd | Channel Divinity | 1 |
| 3rd | Smite Undead, Subclass Channel Divinity | 1 |
| 4th | Blessed Strikes | 2 |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: None
- Skills: None
- Weapons: Simple
- Armor: Light, Shields
Multiclass feature changes
Spellcasting
A Multiclass Cleric knows only 2 cantrips initially. They learn 1 additional cantrip when they reach 10th level.
A Multiclass Cleric can prepare a number of spells equal to half the total of your Primary Class Level + your Wisdom modifier.
Multiclass Channel Divinity
If you already have another Channel Divinity feature, you do not gain uses of Channel Divinity from this Multiclass, though you do gain additional methods of using the feature as listed.
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.
Blessed Strikes
This feature only applies to the first 2 attacks you make each turn, whether they hit or miss.
Divine Intervention
You use your Primary Class Level for determining your success with this feature, not your Cleric Level (if you have it)
Druid
| Level | Feature | Channel Nature uses |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Spellcasting[Full], Druidic Order | - |
| 2nd | Wildshape | 1 |
| 3rd | Elemental Fury | 1 |
| 4th | - | 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 they reach 10th level.
A Multiclass Druid can prepare a number of spells equal to half the total of your Primary Class Level + your Wisdom modifier.
Wildshape
Multiclass Druids only have 1 use of their Wildshape feature initially, and gain an additional use when they reach their 4th Secondary class Feature
Fighter
| Level | Feature | Weapon Mastery | Second Wind Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Fighting Style, Weapon Mastery | 1 | - |
| 2nd | Extra Attack(Action Surge), Second Wind | 2 | 1 |
| 3rd | Indomitable | 2 | 2 |
| 4th | Two Extra Attacks | 3 | 2 |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: None
- Skills: None
- Weapons: Simple, Martial
- Armor: Light, Medium, Shields, Heavy*
Mutliclass Feature Changes
Second Wind
Multiclass Fighters use their Primary Class level to determine the amount of hit points restored by their Second Wind feature and use the Multiclass Fighter table above for their maximum number of uses of the feature.
Heavy Armor Proficiency
You only gain Heavy Armor Proficiency from this multiclass at level 3 if you already have Medium Armor proficiency from another source.
Eldritch Knight Exception
This system does not support taking the Eldritch Knight Subclass if you choose to take the Specialized Training feat. It is not considered a valid option.
Monk
| Level | Feature | Ki Points | Unarmored Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Unarmored Defense, Ki, Martial Arts | 2 | — |
| 2nd | Extra Attack(Stunning Strike), Unarmored Movement | 3 | 10ft. |
| 3rd | Evasion | 4 | 15ft. |
| 4th | Mind and Body | 4 | 15ft |
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. You may change this decision whenever you gain a level.
Ki
The Multiclass Monk has a much smaller pool of Ki than the Base Monk, however a Multiclass Monk regains half of their maximum Ki points whenever they Roll Initiative (up to their maximum) or they recover all spent Ki Points whenever they 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 upon reaching your 3rd Secondary Class feature.
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
| Level | Feature | Channel Divinity Uses | Lay on Hands pool |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Spellcasting[Half], Lay on Hands, Fighting Style | — | 10 |
| 2nd | Extra Attack (Divine Smite), Channel Divinity | 1 | 20 |
| 3rd | Aura of Protection | 1 | 30 |
| 4th | Abjure Foes | 2 | 40 |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: None
- Skills: None
- Weapons: Simple, Martial
- Armor: Light, Medium, Shields
Multiclass feature changes
Spellcasting
A Multiclass Paladin can prepare a number of spells equal to one quarter the total of your Primary Class Level + your Charisma modifier.
Lay on Hands
Instead of having a Pool equal to five times 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 Secondary Class. 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
| Level | Feature |
|---|---|
| 1st | Spellcasting[Half], Fighting Style |
| 2nd | Extra Attack (Favored Enemy) |
| 3rd | Roving, Expertise(1) |
| 4th | Tireless, Expertise(2) |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: None
- Skills: One Skill of your choice
- Weapons: Simple, Martial
- Armor: Light, Medium, Shields
Multiclass feature changes
Spellcasting
To determine the number of Ranger spells you can prepare as a Multiclass Ranger, use the Ranger Class table, but only use one quarter of your Primary Class Level.
Expertise
Multiclass Rangers gain only one expertise at a time. When you gain the Expertise feature, you choose one skill on gaining your 3rd Secondary class feature, and another at your 4th Secondary class feature.
Rogue
| Level | Feature | Sneak Attack Dice |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Sneak Attack, Expertise(1) | 1d6 |
| 2nd | Uncanny Dodge, Cunning Action | 2d6 |
| 3rd | Expertise(2), Evasion | 3d6 |
| 4th | Reliable Talent, Expertise(3) | 4d6 |
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 according to their Multiclass Progress table 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 3rd level, and another when you gain your 3rd Secondary class feature, and again when your 4th Secondary Class feature.
Arcane Trickster Exception
This system does not support taking the Arcane Trickster Subclass if you choose to take the Specialized Training feat. It is not considered a valid option.
Sorcerer
| Level | Feature | Sorcery Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Spellcasting[Full], Font of Magic, Metamagic | 2 |
| 2nd | Metamagic, Innate Sorcery | 3 |
| 3rd | Sorcery Incarnate | 5 |
| 4th | Metamagic | 6 |
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 they reach 10th level.
When determining the number of Sorcerer spells you may have prepared each day, use the number of prepared spells in the Sorcerer class table rather than the Multiclass Spells table. When you do so, treat your Sorcerer level as equal to half your Primary Class level.
Your number of Spellslots and highest level of spell known still use the Multiclass Spellcasting rules.
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
| Level | Feature | Invocations Known | Pact Magic Slots |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Pact Magic, Warlock Invocations | 1 | 1 |
| 2nd | — | 3 | 1 |
| 3rd | Magical Cunning | 4 | 2 |
| 4th | — | 5 | 2 |
Multiclass Proficiencies
- Tools: None
- Skills: One Skill of your choice
- Weapons: Simple, Martial
- Armor: Light, Medium
Multiclass feature changes
Pact Magic
A Multiclass Warlock knows Eldritch Blast and 1 other Warlock Cantrip initially. They learn 1 additional cantrip when they reach 10th level
When determining the number of Warlock spells you may have known, use the number of prepared spells in the Warlock class table. When you do so, treat your Warlock level as equal to half your Primary Class level.
Pact Magic and Spellcasting
If you have both the Pact Magic and Spellcasting features using this multiclassing system (either by your Primary Class being a Warlock, or choosing Warlock as your Secondary Class) the slots you gain from Pact Magic replace a corresponding number and level of spellslots from your Spellcasting feature instead of adding on top of spellslots you might already have from another Spellcasting feature. You regain those slots after finishing a Short or Long rest, but you can use them for any features that are fueled by spellslots, even ones specifically fueled by another class's or Warlock Spellslots.
Wizard
| Level | Feature |
|---|---|
| 1st | Spellcasting[Full] |
| 2nd | Arcane Recovery |
| 3rd | Memorize Spell |
| 4th | - |
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 they reach 10th level.
When determining the number of Wizard spells you may have prepared each day, use the number of prepared spells in the Wizard class table. When you do so, treat your Wizard level as equal to half your Primary Class level.
Your number of Spellslots and highest level of spell prepared still use the Multiclass Spellcasting rules.
Multiclass Feats
Listed here are the new Multiclass feats sorted first by General access to those players choosing to multiclass, then into specific classes. All of these feats require you to have chosen to multiclass (and chosen the Secondary Class in the section they are listed under) at level 3, even if they do not otherwise list it as a specific requirement.
General Multiclass feats
Diverse Magical Study
Requires Secondary Class with a Spellcasting Feature
Primary Class must NOT have a Spellcasting Feature
- 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.
- You can take this feat twice. The second time you gain this feat, Increase your total level 3 spellslots available by 1, to a maximum of 3.
Empowered Spellcasting
Requires Secondary Class with a Druid, Cleric, Sorcerer or Wizard
Requires level 16
You have learned a unique way to improve the efficiency of your spellslots, though it does require significant effort.
Once per day, you may cast a spell of 6th level by expending a 5th level spellslot instead of the normally required spellslot. Doing so is taxing, and inefficient. Treat your Spellsave DC or Spell Attack Bonus as 2 lower for any effects from the spell. Also, you may prepare 6th level spells from the Base Class list of your Secondary Class.
You may take this feat a second time. When you do, once per day you may choose to cast a 7th level spell by expending a 5th level spellslot, but doing so increase the penalty imposed to 4 for Spell save DC and Spell Attack Bonus. You may also prepare up to 7th level spells from the Base Class list of your Secondary class.
Crossclassing
Requirements: Special*
- You gain the next features listed in your Secondary Class's table of features, in Order.
*Qualifying for this feat depends on your Primary Class, your Secondary Class, and your Level. When you take this feat, you cannot gain a feature from your Secondary Class at a lower level than when your Secondary Class lists the feature in it's base class table. If you would gain a Subclass feature that would cause you to break this rule, you instead gain a Feat of your choice.
This restriction also extends to scaling features, such as Sneak Attack, Lay on Hands, etc.
For example, if you are a Fighter multiclassing into a Rogue, you could take this feat at 4th or 6th level to gain Cunning Action, Uncanny Dodge, and 2d6 Sneak Attack dice. You could not take it twice before 7th level though, as Evasion is normally gained at 7th level on the Base Rogue class table.
Specialzed Training
- You have learned more specific abilities from either of the classes you have chosen to progress in. When you gain this feat choose a subclass available to either your Primary class or the base of your Secondary Class. You gain the features normally granted by that subclass at level 3. You may choose this feat twice. The second time you take this feat, you must choose a subclass from the class option you didn't choose when you took this feat the first time.
Barbarian Multiclass Feats
Persistent Rage
Requires level 12
- Increase your Strength or Constitution score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- You gain the Persistent Rage feature, as per the Base Barbarian class.
Indomitable
Requires level 19
- Increase your Strength or Constitution score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- You gain the Indomitable Might feature, as per the Base Barbarian class.
Bard Multiclass Feats
Student of Magical Secrets
Requires level 12
- Increase your Dexterity or Charisma score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- You gain the Magical Secrets feature, as per the Base Bard Class.
Dedicated Study
- Increase your Dexterity or Charisma score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- The size of your Inspiration die increases by 1 step (d6 to d8, d8 to d10). This affects all levels of your Bard Multiclass Table.
- You gain Expertise in 1 additional skill of your choice
Cleric Multiclass Feats
Divine Connection
Requires level 12
- Increase your Wisdom score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- You gain the Divine Inspiration feature as per the Base Cleric class.
Druid Multiclass Feats
Elemental Rage
Requires level 12
- You increase your Wisdom score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- You gain the Improved Elemental Fury feature, as per the Base Druid class.
Natural Resurgence
Requires level 12
- You increase your Wisdom score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- You gain the Wild Resurgence feature, as per the Base Druid class.
Fighter Multiclass Feats
Master of Armaments
Requires level 12
- Increase your Strength or Dexterity score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- You gain the Master of Armaments feature, as per the base Fighter class.
Advanced Combatant
Requires level 12
- Increase your Strength or Dexterity score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- You gain the Tactical Shift feature, as per the base Fighter class.
- You gain an additional use of your Indomitable Feature. (If you do not already have the feature, you gain a use of Indomitable until you do).
Monk Multiclass Feats
Pure Body
Requires level 8
- Increase your Wisdom and Dexterity scores by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- You gain the Purity of Body feature, as per the Base Monk Class.
Abundant Ki
Requirse level 8
- Increase your Wisdom or Dexterity score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- Your Maximum Ki pool increases by 2.
Unbreakable Soul
Requires level 16
- Increase your Wisdom or Dexterity by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- Increase your Ki point Maximum by 1.
- You gain the Diamond Soul feature, as per the Base Monk Class.
Paladin Multiclass Feats
Radiant Weapon
Requires level 12
- Increase your Charisma or Strength by 1, to a maximum of 20. Alternatively, you may increase your Lay on Hands pool maximum by 10 instead.
- You gain the Radiant Strikes feature as per the Base Paladin Class.
Pervasive Presence
Requires level 19
- Increase your Charisma or Strength by 1, to a maximum of 20. Alternatively, you may increase your Lay on Hands pool maximum by 10 instead.
- You gain the Aura Expansion feature, as per the Base Paladin Class.
Healing Touch
Requires level 8
- Increase your Charisma or Strength by 1, to a maximum of 20. Alternatively, you may increase your Lay on Hands pool maximum by 10 instead.
- Your Lay on Hands pool maximum increases by 10 points. This can stack if you chose to increase your Lay on Hands pool with the first part of this feat.
Ranger Multiclass Feats
Camo Expert
Requires Level 16
- Increase your Dexterity or Wisdom Score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- You gain Expertise in 1 skill of your choice.
- You gain the Nature's Veil feature, as per the Base Ranger Class.
Unparalelled Senses
Requires level 16
- Increase your Dexterity or Wisdom Score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- You gain the Feral Senses feature, as per the Base Ranger Class.
Rogue Multiclass feats
Subtlety Expert
- Increase your Dexterity or Intelligence score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- You gain Expertise in 1 Skill of your choice.
- Increase your Total Sneak Attack Dice by 1.
- You may take this feat twice.
Unerring Sneak
Requires level 8
- Increase your Dexterity or Intelligence score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- Increase your total Sneak Attack dice by 1.
- You gain the Subtle Strikes feature, as per the Base Rogue Class.
Sorcerer Multiclass Feats
Spellweaver
- Increase your Charisma or Constitution score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- You learn a Metamagic option from the Base Sorcerer list of Metamagic options.
- Your maximum Sorcery points increases by 1.
Endless Font
Requires level 8
- Increase your Charisma or Constitution score by 1, to a maximum of 20. Alternatively, you may increase your Maximum Sorcery points by 1.
- Your Maximum Sorcery points increases by 2. This bonus is in addition to the bonus point you gain if you choose to increase your Sorcery Point maximum with the first part of this feat.
Warlock Multiclass Feats
Pact Master
Requires level 8
- Increase your Wisdom or Charisma Score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- Increase the number of Pact Magic slots available to you by 1.
Eldritch Invoker
Requires level 8
- Increase your Wisdom or Charisma Score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- You learn an additional Warlock Invocation. You may take this feat twice.
Mystic Arcanum
Requires level 12
- You gain the Mystic Arcanum feature as per the Base Warlock Class specifically to 6th level spells.
- You may take this feat twice, gaining a Mystic Arcanum for a 7th level spell accordingly the second time you take this feat.
Wizard Multiclass Feats
Well Studied
- Increase your Intelligence by 1, to a maximum of 20.
- You gain the Scholar feature, as per the base Wizard class.
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 the Player's Handbook.
- Multiclass Progress table: This refers to the specific table you use to determine your Secondary Class features and is listed here in this document.
- Primary Class: This term refers specifically to the class you took at 1st level. Your Secondary Class 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.
Changelog v1.4
- Removed the Artificer. This was because the 1DnD playtest is focused on PHB classes and will not see an update to the Artificer. To better focus this document, I chose to limit it to the same scope as the current 1DnD playtest.
- Updated Multiclass Progress tables. All Secondary Classes now work more similarly to standard subclasses, with specific levels for the features rather than a numbered progress table. It's clear that moving forward WotC plans to keep the 3/6/10/14 subclass pattern across all classes which makes this variant Multiclassing much easier to accomplish.
- Added new Multiclass specific feats to accomodate the players who want to invest more in their Secondary Class. These half-feats add specific features I felt could potentially be cut while also attempting to maintain the flavor of the chosen Class. Keep an eye out though, not all of the feats are Half feats.
- Added a feat to allow players to choose a subclass from either class. This was a common complaint I had seen of previous versions. My biggest concern with these is power balance compared to other feats, which is why it remains a whole feat vs. the half-feats for other class specific features.
Changelog v1.5
- Adjusted Multiclass Spellslot table. A common complaint I saw was that the previous table was too generous, specifically allowing access to higher level spells. While part of this Variant is meant to allow for higher level spells from Multiclassing, the previous table was still too much. The number of spells a character may prepare remains the same, but the number of actual spellslots they have has been dramatically reduced. Furthermore, being able to cast spells higher than 5th level with a full caster Secondary Class now requires additional feat investment.
- Further on the Adjusted Multiclass Spells, Spells known have been delayed an additional level. This means that a Secondary Class full-caster (such as Cleric or Wizard) learns spells at a rate 2 levels behind a non-multiclass character. For example, a non-multiclass Wizard gains access to 3rd level spells upon reaching 5th level. Someone who has chosen to multiclass into Wizard learns 2nd level spells at 5th level, and 3rd level spells at 5th level.
- Between the strongly limited spellslots and reduced spellcasting progression, Multiclassing into a full-caster class should feel relevant at all levels but will never outclass a non-multiclass character.
- Barbarians now gain additional hit points at each Subclass feature level. They gain 2 points at levels 3, 6 and 10 and 4 additional hit points at level 14.
- Multiclass Barbarian Rage now only provides resistance to 1 damage type, vs all 3 of BPS as a Full class Barbarian.
- Added Barbarian, Fighter, Sorcerer, Warlock, and Wizard UA features to the tables.
- Blessed Strikes now only applies to the first 2 attacks you make each turn. This should prevent Fighter/Cleric from getting too out of hand with the feature.
- Sorcerers use the language of "Spells Known" vs. "Spells Prepared" to clarify between classic 5e and the UA language. This better matches the rules used.
- Updated Multiclass Spellcasting section. While the underlying rules governing Multiclass spellcasting haven't changed, the specifics as they apply to each class have been moved to each class' Multiclass spellcasting feature. This should hopefully make it easier to parse.
Changelog v0.6
- I've decided to revert this document to v0.x as it is still a work in progress, though it is perfectly functional. This is a cosmetic change only.
- Reworded a good bit of the document, including some changelogs, to better distinguish between Multiclassing in general and secondary classes.
- Added the term "Secondary Class" to indicate the class you chose in place of a Subclass. This should clarify some sections of the document. It IS still considered multiclassing though, and should not be mixed with default Multiclassing.
- Reorganized the Multiclass spells section. Should be a bit clearer now.
- Changed Spellslot progression. It now follows a more consistent rule. This is more similar to Pathfinder 2, but I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing.
- Updated Pact Master Feat. Now grants a single Pact Magic slot.
- Added changes from UA6 and UA7 to the multiclass tables.
- Updated Empowered Spellcasting.
Developers Notes
While I personally may not agree with all of the changes with each UA, this document reflects an adaptation of the materials presented therein. This is why even things which are generally unpopular (such as the removal of Warlock Pact Magic) can be found here.
I'm drawing a line at the atrocity that was the first iteration of the Monk, though. That was objectively terrible and WotC should be ashamed for releasing something like that.
Additionally, I do my best to include features for each Secondary Class I feel are indispensable to the class Identity. Features which feel less central to that identity but strongly thematic are available via the Multiclass feats.
I'd love to playtest this content myself, but I don't currently have any 5e games running, nor do I have any groups of players who would be willing to playtest any material at all for DnD. (most don't have time to playtest, but those who do have the time have decided to move on to other TTRPGs) Anyone willing to test this, please let me know how things go!