An Upgraded Paladin? NEW DC20 Spellblade Class

[@staticHam]

"Cut a fireball in half" This. This is what I want to see in my TTRPGs! Mechanics that empower those epic moments even at lower levels. And I like the idea of "removing" the sometimes restrictive flavor of PC options to create more flexible mechanics, as you have done with the Paladin. I have always thought the Samurai subclass in 5e (and to some extent the Kensei monk) can feel restrictive to players in that they see "Samurai" and think that this is the only way to play a samurai-like character or that it limits them to play a samurai. Your Spellblade and DC20's whole "non-stat dependent classes" really open up the potential for players to create more of their own story for their characters.

[@hericn]

Hell yeah! I want to cut a firebolt by lvl 1 to protect a friend and feel like the party protector and by lvl 10 I want to cut a fucking meteor cast by the bbeg and feel like the protector of the realm. Lvl e scaling coolness, not lvl dependent coolness.

[@otakughost1814]

Wizard:*casts fireball* Spellblade:*goes to cut the fireball* "Parry this you filthy casual!"

[@doublea125]

New class fantasy that I don't have to take a subtype to achieve let's goooooooo

[@doublea125]

(I'm looking at you wizards)

[@LuizCesarFariaLC]

The customizability of everything in DC20 is one of the coolest aspects of this system

[@jakubwisniewski1827]

Exactly

[@KennethLucey-Cose]

Whew, I got some chills when I saw Spellbreaker. Epic feature, and epic class! Well done!

[@LaMancha13]

When I was first introduced to dnd I had the idea to create a character with a magical spear, but the rules didnt realy allowed it, dc20 rules does, this is great

[@DarthPoyner]

"Spear and Magic Helmet!"

[@AlessandroGuarita]

Cap. America? Bound a great hammer, infuse lightning and BAM! Thor is ready

[@Gokkee]

Was my thought to, and I was gonna comment it 😂

[@cooperton4949]

Exactly what i was thinking "cap? Nah, probably not. But thor? 100%"

[@Splincir]

Yeah... I was like, Thor made easy! I've considered making a thor like character but it wouldn't come online till later in the game. This is ready at level 1 basically. I wish I wasn't the forever DM. I really want to try out some character concepts. I guess it's time to get cracking and introduce something dope to my players.

[@Azerinth]

Mjollnir specifically has a short handle, should be a custom 1h hammer, add toss/returning or toss/heavy

[@hericn]

Anyone else dreaming of spellstriking a foe with a greatsword while casting Command and screaming "kneel!"?

[@checkmoth6402]

That would be a really cool concept for a bad guy too.

[@werewolfbat7817]

I command thee kneel

[@pjenner79]

I like the idea of casting command knell first to regain SP then spending it on a supped up execution (so many options to add to this)

[@hericn]

​@@pjenner79"while I stare at the demon, flames starts bursting from my blade. I walk in his direction with a finger pointed 'I command thee kneel'. When his trembling knees hit the ground I strike him down with my radiant great sword screaming 'by the holy fire be purged!'" And that's how a vergence paladin should feel like in my head

[@pjenner79]

@@hericn Hell yeah!!! Pun intended

[@hericn]

Maaaan! Spell duels were already epic. Spell duel with your freaking weapon because you truly are a hybrid class?! This is so cool! That's the kind of stuff that a lvl 1-2 character should be able to do to really live the heroic fantasy. You are so on point with all classes design. Every single one of them sounds distinct and fun to play from the start. Congratulations on the successful Kickstarter. I'm really happy to be one of your backers

[@theredbeardbard]

You're the guy that we have to move all the dishes out of the way when you start telling stories at dinner. Great energy, man. It's obvious you love what you're doing. I dig what I'm seeing and hearing. Glad to see your KS is killin' it.

[@njh113]

I love this class. It really gives the flexibility to give your own take and flavor to your characater!

[@williamross6477]

Spell Breaker sounds so freaking amazing! I got chills!

[@dreemweaver6664]

So excited to see what flavor of spell blades my players create. So grateful for all that you and your team are doing! Looking forward to chatting with you at GenCon again. Things have changed so much in a year.

[@twinsen1949]

Dominate person whip build would be absolutely unhinged, and I see more than one person going for it on purpose

[@veronwright1291]

Well thanks, now I can't get the idea outta my head lmao Gotta make a character with that build someday XD

[@isaacgraff8288]

Dommy Mommy?

[@jeremythrelkeld8534]

I hate that I want to play that now...

[@nunyabusiness22]

Jesus Christ I hate that you're right

[@iselbub]

So pumped for the DC20 Kickstarter. Just increased my backing.

[@thelemonadeguy8055]

Though I find sorrow in the paladins absence, it is with their sacrifice that we get such an amazing class. May our oaths live on, forevermore.

[@greninjatron5227]

A soul for a soul

[@charger1369]

Spellblade spell duel is wild. So cool.

[@Azerinth]

Spellblade spell duel is a clash of shining blades, pull in the closeup as both might and magic struggle against each other. Alternately, it describes Link vs Ganon Tennis match.

[@DragonflyCis]

As a guy that loves arcane tricksters because of that mix of martial and caster, spellblade seems something i would like a lot tbh.

[@sparklingwater925]

I love how this was done! From level 1 I could make a 4e Seeker and a curse-slinging heavy knight character I always wanted to play.

[@artimus124]

Upgraded pledge +200...love all the stretch goals...awesome job

[@ludditedred]

So hyped for this game. Congratulations on the kickstarter success and thank you for making a game I really can't wait to play!

[@LuizCesarFariaLC]

I feel like it would be so cool if you could expand the range to your weapon range on that level 2 feature, with something like a 1AP cost. Delivering a touch spell with a whip or even with a bow seems like a very spellbladey maneuver (maybe just double the range on the feature with no cost, this way bows can deliver ranged spells further and whips can deliver touch spells)

[@DarthPoyner]

I think you can spend mana or AP to increase spell range. Not sure about touch spells though.

[@checkmoth6402]

I think cantrip warlocks can use ranged touch spells, I'm sure there is a way to balance it for spellblades.

[@dbzdiehard7209]

I love how he didn't mention Thor when talking about throwing weapons. Thowing hammer with lighning as the damage Always thought Thor was a miss of tempest cleric/Paladin so it's nice to see it all in one

[@Vugerra]

I love this! I was so excited when you announced this as a class. And it being so open for RP baked into the class. Absolutely amazing.

[@couver73]

Just checked the Kickstarter! The 2.1 million stretch goal is met! Faster VTT integration FTW!

[@Namikaze_VT]

Arcane archer charging out an arrow with a spell and plunging it into a monster by hand, perfect

[@rustyshackleford2950]

So don’t cast touch spells with archer? Or maybe there will be a subtype that tweaks it?

[@Geanhm]

I'm loving the system and can't wait to use it. Some points: 1- The text specifies magic for a target, but gives an example of fireball. How it works? 2- The idea of ​​using more AP to take advantage during combat to perform an action, makes the character better in combat to break down a door (for example), than outside of combat. My concern is, that this difference makes sense?

[@ru5h1n68]

Petition to change Hex Warrior to Witch Knight, as Witch Knight sounds more in line with what the ability allows you to do

[@TheMoparman1978]

Or Wraith Warrior?

[@franciscofernandez8183]

What is a spellblade? A paladin? A battlemage? A hexblade? It is a Magus, a PF2e magus. I am glad they are in DC20, looking forward for the alchemist/inventor DC20 version in the future.

[@donalddouds6033]

All be it a bit nerfed Magus lacking the “Starlit Span” hybrid theory seeing that you cannot use touch spells with the ranged weapon of choice. Interesting design choice.

[@DragonKingSkye]

@@donalddouds6033 Interesting isn't the word I would use. More like boring and limiting. Hopefully the subclass for Spellbow we haven't seen yet fixes this oversight.

[@bray2964]

I'd love to try a Strength-bssed Soellblade wielding the power of _Circular Reasoning_

[@TheJayTeeGee]

This looks really cool. For Acolyte I would suggest just merging heal and cure into one feature. I do not think it would be overpowering to have it heal hp if you also cure a poison or disease. If someone were to multiclass into Spellblade and select the Spellblade Disciplines feature, would they get 2 Disciplines or just one? I ask because when you multiclass you get to select one feature, but this feature is "pick 2 from the list". I could see Spellblade being a very popular multiclass option.

[@galaxyfoxnightsky2042]

Best reveal soo far take the prize @DC20

[@gloglok3356]

Great stuff, excited to read the whole class! Just a note coach, the current wording of Bound Weapon says "While you hold the Bound Weapon it gains the following properties", which means you can smite with a bow, but it seems like the wording could be changed a bit to make it clear that you could smite with a thrown weapon too like in your example with the dagger.

[@joelserrallonga631]

True, and as the wording per se, the recall wouldn't be available. You can't hold a weapon 20 squares away... maybe the holding part would be only for the Illuminate option? (that could be cool, imagine attacking in a dark room, illuminating a dagger so you can see ur opponent but as soon as the dagger leaves ur hand the light goes off)

[@gameover40567]

I was just trying to build a spell blade when playing the playtest material. Couldn't quite get it to work as I intended, so this is amazing!!

[@heartoffire5902]

I have always desired this class so deeply to be its own real, deep, beautiful thing. Thank you so much for making one of my dreams a reality. I love you and what you're bringing to us all. ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@NeatZebra5]

Gambit comparison is a good one that i agree might fit better.

[@shonenacademia]

So proud of this bold move! DC20 will make its own iconic classes for the best possible game design!! 💜

[@cosmicroyaltyxz]

I am absolutely hyped for DC20!! Love your work man!

[@magetower]

I backed the project. Paladins have always been my go to class. PF2E doesn’t do a great job with them, 5e is a bit bland and WotC…. Kind of bummed it’s not its own class but if I can make a character that has the feel of a paladin then I’ll adjust. Congrats on the success! Can’t wait to see it all come out.

[@g.waits4gainz205]

genuinly love it, and going to rock a lv 2 for a fun tester one shot with a table during a break from the normal run! honestly though who DOESNT love whip + blink blade!! tak on some lightning blade to taunt people or cc, or even upcharge some lightning lure shocking grasp to force peope all around. sounds fun!

[@rohanv18]

Wow Spellblade now i want to be a player insted of GM i love the spell breaker and blink ones so awesome

[@maxchait5839]

Honestly just beautiful interpretation of the spellblade and magus. I can't wait to see it in action!

[@lidular]

It's the fact that this was unlocked that made me wanna support the kickstarter. Spellswords/spellsblades are always my favorites and my go to, if i can

[@DarckaX]

man, loved the blink blade being a lvl 1 feature. my first dnd character was a hexblade just so i could make a nightcrawler type char, and this feature makes it easier and you can just start with it.

[@ediskey]

I have a similar thought with monk as the renaming of the paladin to spellblades. Monk sticks out as the 1 class that kinda has a name that takes influence from Asia. The rest you can reason any country having myths and legends of. When you think monk you're gunna think of shaolin temples and kung fu But I've always wondered if monk could do with a rename, something like pugilist or martial artist Includes potentially all unarmed fighting around the world. Not that there is many as prominent, but I'm sure you could get creative like mercy monk does

[@simonrichard1871]

That looks amazing! Probably more complex for new players, but definitely a nice addition and sounds very versatile!

[@oiman5733]

damn i didn't think it was possible to merge pf2 magus with 5e paladin and hexblade, and end up with a mechanically interesting class. this might be the most interesting implementation of a spellblade/gish type of character i've yet seen. and you have the privilege of finetuning everything to maintain balance while keeping all the abilities flavourful and powerful. i really like what i'm seeing

[@lethargicnugget71]

legitimately it’s insane barely anyone’s thought of having this as a core feature. Spellblades are everywhere in video games & fantasy shows. Glad to see DC20’s ahead of the curve. Can’t wait to see what else you have in store.

[@Serrassi]

i love gish classes and i was excited to see this. It does not disappoint and just might be my favorite class already!

[@sbmasonator]

Man, I CANNOT wait for this...

[@natehill123]

this looks so so cool i may back at basic now

[@jimmystetler2572]

Congratulations Alan! I am so excited to GM a brand new campaign with DC20.

[@deuceohnegative]

My players are going to love this.

[@Kosmic_Aes]

The Paladin is dead! Long live the Spellblade!

[@GlenFinney]

Paladin Subclass resurrection!

[@greninjatron5227]

Why not both tho

[@veronwright1291]

​@@greninjatron5227I was thinking the same thing

[@camguarino8669]

DC20 is amazing!

[@AzureKing64]

Let's hit that last stretch goal! LET'S GOOOOO

[@przemysawjozwiak144]

I think that the best version of the Nightcrawler is Monk with Blink (Fist) Blade Feature ;)

[@Zangetsu-tn7ur]

This is great! Already messing around with a fire themed dragonborn swordsman build, with flaming smites and spells!

[@JAH711]

Sounds amazingly versatile, hope DC20 can become the best it can be!

[@diogomarinho182]

I thought of Thor and not Cap with recall. It kind fit the character been a god that has to be worth to wield mjolnir

[@TheHegetzu]

Man, I'd love to support the kickstarter, but I'm financially a bit rough now. When the book comes available as full release, I'll most likely pick it up. DC20 sounds like an amazing concept that builds on top of already great TTRPG legacy. Good job!

[@andrewh.9937]

I've been really excited to see where the spell blade was going and im pretty psyched

[@dallinlowe2627]

I’m so freakin HYPED for this class alone! Lookin so good, I’ve already got character ideas floating in my head, haha. Genuine question: could you use the blink effect before you initiate a spell duel with your weapon? Like, an ally near you is gonna be hit with a spell and you’re 2 spaces away. Can you blink and then block the spell? Want to know. You’re doing great, Alan!!

[@JanterCyrano]

it's a monster... like every other class, amazing and super formed at level 1 You feel like what You want to play

[@thethingwithfins]

Actual... support for a mixed magic martial? that isn't just a paladin? without forced rp rules like oaths and tenets? **I will await with interest**

[@custommizerOG]

Love the class. Had a thought during one of the last livestreams. What if the artificer was a martial class and the summoner acts like it’s spellcaster opposite. With subclasses adding mana and stamina to each accordingly

[@AndroidMaxine]

I think this is a really good idea. there are so many different kinds of 'gish' style characters and different fantasies for them, so having a whole class that has different subclasses to fulfill each of those styles is a great move. I realized too when you said paladins have a very specific kind of narrow concept, it's true. even in 5e the Paladin subclasses don't actually feel that different from each other beyond how you choose to flavour them, and flavour is free!

[@RojaAlego]

Sounds amazing!

[@FuuLain]

If we go the choose your power source route what is stopping you from making a Grand unified Spell caster class? chose the power source of your spellcaster with the corresponding Spell lists. Wizard, Cleric , Warlock , Druid as the standard power sources .... and if you want to follow me down this road we get to Martial power sources too... Rage , KI, Tactics/Training usw. than we end at 3 classes Full Martial , Half&Half , Full caster and you add a power source to your class for Martial and Casting. Basic attachment for the basic Fantasy of the character (Just change it later as the Character is played if needs come up). So that there is already a theme set for the point you want to multiclass into a caster for a dip.

[@Zirbip]

I've been waiting for this class!

[@jeydomo]

This to be is definitely the Redmage I've wanted to do and this can be split so many ways. I'm going to love trying out different combos for this one

[@josechacon9939]

I’ve been anxious and excited for this. You did not disappoint. 👏

[@q267scott]

Hey coach, since the spell blade is its own class, what if i wanted to do a wizard subclass trait for my spellblade? Is that possible at 3rd level? Im thinking about a chronomancer/echo knight spellblade, maybe using the teleporting rules as an early echo for 1st and 2nd levels. (Think like an after image)

[@Leniathan]

Can't wait to try this out!

[@Sambrostar]

BROOO when you said the spellblade can bring their weapon back, I automatically thought of Sora from Kingdom Hearts This class is already amazing I love it!!!

[@Splincir]

I know a lot of people poopoo on having too much power at the start, but most people won't even make it to level 10 or more in their campaigns and never really get to see their character come online. This is such a great change of pace. Being able to have some heroic moments and feeling your class fantasy in early levels is just something other ttrpgs are lacking without homebrew. Congrats, man. Im glad i backed this project and can't wait for the 0.8 content.

[@nathanaelthomas9243]

Ever since I started reading the 5e players guide, I was looking for the best combo of martial and magic and I never found something that fully satisfied what I was looking for. I then read PF2e later and had a similar experience. I am sooo beyond excited that you made a full class that gives you the tools you need to build the exact fantasy of a gish character that excites you in a game system that allows for seamless multi-classing combinations and isn’t ability score dependent! I can’t wait to build my agile two-weapon fighting, fire sword wielding, cocky insult hurling character who throws himself at danger with reckless abandon to impress and protect his friends! Thanks so much for sticking through the tough times and for all the hard work you’ve put into this game to enable my friends and I to have a ton of fun!

[@NokoDragon]

I think table top sim is one of the easier ones (I think) cause all you need to do is use the workshop

[@SquirrelNuggets]

Brooooo I’ve always wanted a straight up spellsword class 🔥🔥🔥 Hell yeah can’t wait 💪

[@alderaancrumbs6260]

At work and about to listen to this on an ATV and…my ear bud needed charging. It was an agonizing few hours. 😅

[@Finalplayer14]

This sounds awesome exactly what I’m looking for when it comes to a spellblade or battle mage character! The open flavor makes this perfect for any style character (WOO Sword in the stone sorcerer types) Say you want to play a character inspired by Chrono from Chrono Trigger or any of the Heroes from Dragon Quest! You could absolutely pull that off here and that’s awesome.

[@Andez1248]

Question: How many spells do they get to start with? The class table never scrolled over that far

[@GigaTyGuy]

Could have used this mindset on a lot of things to be honest. What is a druid but a nature based cleric? Ranger is a nature specialized fighter or rogue.

[@michaelwbell442]

My initial thought was of Final Fantasy. The Mystic Knight in FFV uses the Spellblade ability, and interestingly enough, the same design that was used for Mystic Knights in FFV was used for Paladins in FF Tactics Advance. So, the idea Paladin as a subclass of Spellblade is apparently already written into my brain.

[@josequiles7430]

This is the coolest shit ever. Definitely playing a spellblade day 1 of beta

[@ColeBerkley]

Super excited to play a beast born spellblade with claws of firebolt :).

[@pjenner79]

This is truly badass!! Take blink blade and have a mix of Nightcrawler in on it to 💙

[@ColeBerkley]

@@pjenner79 Yeah, that will be amazing.

[@garykinney16]

I remember when you explained the kickstarter and you said you were setting the funded bar at $20,000. You also said that that amount would have made the game but would not have fulfilled your dream of creating DC20 as a career. I was so happy to watch you hit that $20,000 in the first minute. I enjoyed watching you smash all expectations across the month of the Kickstarter! Congratulations on a successful campaign! DC20 has gone Paragon! Best wishes and much more success creating the game that we all love!

[@sethcaplan859]

Pathfinder Magus + 5e Paladin, honestly that's really good idea. Way more flexible then ether and prefect canvas for a verity of archetypal characters.

[@butterflysrage]

Casting a spell through your weapon sounds so cool... slap fireball onto a hammer and you have those guys with the exploding hammers at San Juan de la Vega

[@TehCapsE]

Sounds awesome but I feel like the hex blade warlock really should be a subclass of this.

[@TrixterTheFemboy]

*Casts fireball* "Parry this, you filthy casual!" "aight bet"

[@dynestis2875]

Do different damage types apply specific effects in DC20, such as cold damage reducing a target's movement speed or lightning damage taking away an action point on their next turn? Otherwise, that's something I'm gonna homebrew!

[@Sabowie]

DC20 FOR LIFE!!!🎉

[@sillymonger]

Fuck yes! This is going to be so much fun to customize

[@veronwright1291]

With all the potential this class has I am hoping for an anti-magic spell blade subclass. Would be cool to play around as Asta

[@thomashart2761]

This is already my favorite class I’m all in. As a note (sure someone has made you aware already) in the description for spell strike you have stated that the ability recharges on a new initiative roll twice. Once in the main description of the ability and again underneath just above your example. You might want to remove one of those. I would remove the one in the main description personally as having it in there feels a bit jarring and will bloat out your book. This system looks sick! I love 5e an am currently super excited to play the new rules. I’ve never been tempted to try my players on another system, until I started reading about dc20 the passion u an ur team put in is evident from everything we’ve seen and i am super hyped to both run an hopefully play this system myself. No pressure but get these books done coz as the gifs say “take my money”

[@GryphonDes]

Oh my this is going to be so off da hook ! I love it!

[@steelmongoose4956]

The game mechanics are much more basic and simple than the flavor text. I agree with the approach that tries to nail down solid mechanics and then work the flavor text back from there.

[@mtknight5141]

Could a spellblade bind a shield and use it to do shield bashes or throwing attacks for a small shield?

[@ninnusridhar]

The one character I've always been sad I couldn't play in DND properly was an arcane Archer. A true master of magic and weaponry. The magus in pathfinder offers some benefits to this end. But the spellblade feels like the magus and CR's bloodhunter rolled into one. And i LOVE THAT

[@Sebastian-fn1qg]

I'd definitely look into RPG Stories for another VTT

[@redblanket4069]

Can't wait for the 0.8 update tomorrow. actually thinking of asking my friend group to give this a try when they want to