How to Homebrew Subclasses in D&D 5e

[@fredericgenest]

Just to help homebrewers out there, Matthew Gravelyn published on Dungeon Masters Guild a series of "Create-a-" subclass guides, one for each class (Create-an-Archetype, etc.). These guides are based on existing published subclasses and offer insights on which type of feature is available at which level (i.e.the typical "template"). These are great to help balance subclass features between themselves and between subclasses and maintain the generic "5e feel" for them.

[@JabezFuutonSpecialis]

Where can we go to download or even just read these guidelines?

[@daxdleader719]

Are they up to date? For example if I'm making a Monk I want to follow the mercy template and kinda ignore the other subclasses cause they're bad / outdated

[@anttitikkanen5985]

Thank you for the tip

[@fredericgenest]

@@daxdleader719 DMs Guild is not clear on that. Initial publication date seems around 2016, with maybe an update around 2019. It should be ok for most subclasses, since WotC probably followed the same template most of the time.

[@fredericgenest]

@@JabezFuutonSpecialis you can easily find the guides on DMs Guild (try searching for the author or, for example, "Create-A-Path").

[@RobearRich]

I'm working on a new berserker barbarian subclass that get stronger the more damage they take. Every 10 damage, they get one berserker point. They can cash them in to make bonus action attacks, add additional damage (like a smite) to an attack, and get movement options. At higher levels they can trade in more points to grow large sized, heal themselves, etc. Basically it is the Hulk fantasy. The more damage they take, the more angry they become, and the more powerful they become.

[@sawyerstuart9968]

That sounds awesome! I'd be interested in seeing that once it's all put together

[@lesouth0348]

When this is done, you gotta give us the link. This sounds insanely fun

[@Crowsinger]

With the barbarians' resistance I doubt it would work well. I would give them some points as they enter rage, as an example. I would probably think of other ways for them to gain points too. I'd try to make them proactive, and this reactive gaining of points due to damage could be a subclass or a milestone feature.

[@FangofFate]

I have a very simple homebrew subclass in my game: Eldritch Knights can choose to get their spells from the wizard spell list and scale from Intelligence, or the sorcerer spell list and scale from Charisma. Nothing has broken so far, and my fighter who uses it usually holds on to her spells anyway, but it fits her character so much more to be a Charisma based caster while being very fighty so I figured why not

[@digifreak90]

I've been working on a Sorcerer subclass that is to Druid as the Divine Soul is to Cleric. (Basically a nature based/themed sorcerer)

[@jamesharris9501]

That sounds awesome! And if the Sorcerers ancestry was a nature based being like a Dryad or Fairy or anything really would be great good luck on the build!

[@tabletopnephilim4633]

We fucking need one of those, to be honest.

[@RagingGolo]

I considered doing that, but I did a Fiendish origin instead. Basically, you pick devilish or demonic and that impacts the spells added and some of the abilities.

[@isaacgraff8288]

love that thought, a thought that could be thrown your way: using hit die as a resource.

[@pascalprincess]

@@RagingGolo ive done both about a year ago

[@zacharygaroffolo8369]

I’m making a Draconic Circle Druid. That can use two of its Wildshapes to shift into a dragon form. This form gains swimming/climbing speed at 4th Lvl and a flying speed at 8th just like the normal wildshapes. It also gets an expand spell list based on the dragon type it can shift into.

[@F2t0ny]

A content creator called DM Dave created one that I read a few years ago. It'd be interesting to see how you'd compare.

[@druxusthemage9806]

Maybe consider putting the climb/swim and fly speeds on the lvls where they get subclass features

[@LaneyStudios5]

My friend is building a world and I'm helping him make some unique subclasses, we're aiming for three of each class and we're up to like 32 at this point, making subclasses is great fun

[@pke1]

Wait actually can you tell me some?

[@lunamoth34]

I made a monk subclass once and the 17th level feature (which was you can paralyze with stunning strike under certain conditions) got a friend of mine talking about how it's broken. My response is that wizards and sorcerers get wish at that level, so game balance might as well not exist at that point. (Also not to mention that the feature was still based on a Con save at high levels, creatures not being immune to stun/paralysis, etc.)

[@arcturuslight_]

You say under certain conditions, so I'm imagining it's not like you get easy 17 chances to land a paralysis (or is there even additional ki cost for such a strike?) I don't remember much of any high level monk abilities, but doesn't the most vanilla of monks, the open hand one, straight up get an "omae wa mou shindeiru" ability at 17 level, which is a _literal save or die?_ And it's still kinda relatively weak class. Yeah, yours seems balanced.

[@TheyCallMeCarg]

The only real difference between Stunned and Paralyzed is the auto-crit with the Paralyzed condition. It's a big difference, but at level 17 I think it's reasonable.

[@michaelgroce966]

I play a open hand/swarmkeeper. My DM is so tired of constantly moving everything around. Is the enemy on a horse? He isn't anymore. Roc 100 feet in the air? Ooo failed his save. Let's roll some fall damage

[@danielwoody6582]

I mean monks also kinda suck and as a level 17 monk level 3 fighter at the end of my campaign my entire job is to just burn legendary resistances. I use all my ki points in about 2 rounds then I’m nearly useless

[@rcschmidt668]

“Look to other classes” sounds like solid advice. The astral warlock has a feel like the circle of stars druid. It makes me think of the Transformers adding Blaster for someone to challenge Soundwave. Great ideas!

[@josiahws5]

You've made me want to figure out what class each g1 transformer is

[@nefyrev1011]

The explanation of starting off with characters to base stuff off of immediately made me want to make a ghost rider warlock subclass

[@LupineShadowOmega]

A part of me feels like that's just a fiendlock, the issue is that Warlock probably needs more pact gift options and something like a mount would be fun and flavorful.

[@sunstar8782]

All you really need to do is make a Fiendish Pack Gift that’s some kind of infernal machine, as devils or demons (don’t remember which) use the, in The Forgotten Realms. Can make it look however you want

[@fanboykc9140]

Just my opinion, but while Ghost Rider literally makes a pact with the Devil, he's more paladin than warlock. More of a martial class at least that would definitely have access to smites like searing and wrathful. Probably some higher level spell or channel devinity that could be reflavored as his penance stare.

[@nefyrev1011]

@@fanboykc9140 makes sense, due to how ghost riders work they can make anything their weapon including vehicles or even animals, because of that i think it is possible to make a paladin and a warlock version, one for more of a ranged style and one for a more martial style. If nothing else could just make the subclass get a weapon proficiency/dedicated weapon system or even just have a change in hit die for taking the subclass

[@clarkkent163000]

I made a Ghost Rider barbarian subclass. It made more sense to me to use rage as his transformation. Also ghost rider is strong and durable, a 20th level barb gets +4 in str and con.

[@PunknPixels]

i made a homebrew sorc subclass on the feywild for a character, based on Tasha's guidelines. Took Aberrant Mind and gutted it, giving a new spells known list and a few neat effects like a limited charming aura, some defense boosts using your reaction once per long rest, and opening up teleporting spells like misty step and dimension door at higher levels (use SP to bring multiple people, bring up to one size category larger), and then giving flight and a limited number of summon fey casts without materials or concentration as a capstone. Is a lot of fun and since it isn't directly ramping up your combat effectiveness, DMs aren't as afraid to greenlight it.

[@thomsonandfrench4974]

I've been working on a Traveller artificer, who is able to use jewelry tools to summon creatures from other planes, and also who travel between planes regularly.

[@kennyshack2006]

I made a Warlock Subclass built on the idea of them being an Inspiring/Legendary Commander figure for the party. Haven't had any chance to test it out yet but its a fun concept if nothing else!

[@altogrey9712]

One of the recent things i did, i made my own dragon book, with alot of character creation options, which included subclasses, spells, invocations, and other character options, one of my and my friend groups favorite was a treasure paladin, when i made these subclasses, i went with some aspects of dragon in mind, and paladins were the dragon greed, their tenets reflect that, as well ss their character features, they can keep weapons and armors and valuables in a sortof treasury vault, which is akin to a bag of holding, but when you get to level20 you can essentially become like Gilgamesh from fate, and just unleash youe entire vault, its just really cool imo

[@bladestalker9365]

This is literally one half of what I've been looking for. I want to make my own whole class and I've been struggling making class features and sub class features for awhile now.

[@kennethdixon6021]

I've been working on a class/subclass that doesn't have any special spells or abilities but uses those of other classes they encounter. Like a PC who can use any spell they've seen performed, or seeing another character go into a rage and going into one as well. Almost like a humanoid mimic for abilities and spells.

[@MsAirnation]

Check out the Witchblade subclass if you can

[@Supallcomm]

Protip - don't fall into the trap of making your subclass seem better than it is by just making it roll higher than its sibling subclasses.

[@stickblade]

I've tossed around the idea of a shinobi subclass for rogue that gains ki points to use for jutsu, though I've had so many flavors of this I might try to shape it into a whole class. Love your guys stuff!

[@spikertaker]

I've been creating an Oath of Undeath for the past month or so, your video helps a lot! It's basically an oath the Paladin takes before a Lich or another strong undead entity, the fantasy and abilities are flavored after the Warcraft's Death Knights.

[@F2t0ny]

The vow to a lich/undead is pretty cool.

[@spikertaker]

@@F2t0ny The Oath of Undeath doesn't require the Death Knight to vow to the Lich or powerful Undead, but it is done before one for the purposes of syphoning necrotic energies and getting rid of any unnecessary divinity (all radiant damage is turned to necrotic, including smite. Even Channel Divinity is replaced with Amplify Sin).

[@sorapwn1200]

Have a subclass I actually just made recently for a friend that I think you lot will enjoy. It's based off of the stereotypical gangster sort of archetype in movies and books. The violent sort who will just as soon take your kneecaps kind of character. It's a rogue subclass, and all of its abilities surround improvised weapons, intimidation checks mid-combat and buffing them all over, and most importantly: removing the finesse requirement for sneak attack. They can use their sneak attack with any weapon so long as it does not have the heavy tag, and anything with a versatile tag you have to use the one handed version of the damage to get sneak attack.

[@benjaminholcomb9478]

That's pretty good. I like the way you expanded the feature but still kept some restrictions on it.

[@sorapwn1200]

@@benjaminholcomb9478 I'm not at home at the moment, but I can c/p it into a reply here when I am later if you're interested.

[@jansolo4628]

I like that. Most Rogue subclasses come with a feature to either give more options to trigger Sneak Attack or augmentations to said Sneak Attack. The removal of finesse counts for the former and I don't even think this necessarily breaks anything if it's a subclass feature through the restriction of the heavy property. On that note, I'd like to know if you made the sneak attack also apply to unarmed strikes. It's 100% a good part of the gangster-style fantasy to go for a sudden jab at someone but isn't the monk style of "I hit you an infinite number of times".

[@sorapwn1200]

@@jansolo4628 I didn't write it that way, but I also wrote it so they can get a sneak attack bonus on improvised weapon attacks. Let the Enforcer go at someone with a wooden plank until they talk as easily as they would use a baseball bat and the like. Might write in the unarmed bit though... I'll play test a bit.

[@rcschmidt668]

I created a Mastermind Rogue that I built around the gangster character played by Dom Deluise in Robin Hood Men In Tights.

[@martinstephenortiz4628]

I made a sorcerer gish subclass since I noticed sorcerers were the only spellcasting class without that archetype. Which is weird since you'd think sorcerers out of any other spellcaster would actually have the time to focus on martial stuff. It's most unique feature is allowing all your cantrips to be used in melee via your weapon as a focus. It allowed you to add your strength or dex mod to all cantrip damage rolls in exchange for being a squishy spellcaster in the frontlines

[@clauzga8029]

Great video! I recently finished creating a "Jedi knight" inspired subclass for Paladin. This video will help a lot with the final details!

[@SamRocher]

I found this when looking how up how to create a class. Very insightful! I've been really wanting a whole summoner class, and after going through about 10 different summoners on Dungeon Masters Guild, none of those hit the mark. While it does seem a little intimidating starting at the class level rather than sub-class, I feel like I can still use this advice to break up the class into very differentiated flavors and not totally ignore the sub-class aspect. Really appreciate the advice you give in this video!

[@pke1]

Oh can I hear some of the class?

[@jeremybosworth2275]

I find a lot of inspiration from Tulok the Barbrarian and Urge TV. Tulok does builds of fictional characters from media using existing material, and Urge covers a lot of published homebrew subclasses.

[@ProgramKiraTV]

This helped me a lot with designing a gravity based monk class. Someone who uses their Ki to connect with the latent force energy that exists everywhere. They transform ki into kinetic or potential energy. Deflect missile is now absorbing and redirecting the energy on the arrow to send it back at attackers

[@kayoh9364]

Very good explanation of the general principles of homebrewing.

[@Axel-zc6xj]

I think the toughest part was balancing the subclass so it wouldn't pull a full on gloomstalker in a class lol.

[@jonp8015]

"Is [subclass] too overpowered?" "Consider the Gloomstalker." "Nevermind, we're fine."

[@MrManic4960]

What's the gloomstalker?

[@Axel-zc6xj]

@@MrManic4960 The gloomstalker is a ranger subclass. It gives 60ft darkvision if you don't have it, extra initiative based on wisdom, an extra attack + move speed on the first turn of combat, and invisibility in darkness to other creatures who rely on darkvision. All at level 3. It is one of, if not THE most frontloaded subclasses in the game. Picking up gloomstalker as ranger, reaching ranger 5 for extra attack, and then multiclassing into assassin rogue is one of the nastiest combos in DnD 5e. Get Archery fighting style, sharpshooter, and max Dex/Wis and you have a build that is designed to utterly delete something on the first round of combat.

[@Axel-zc6xj]

@@MrManic4960 Stupid youtube deleting my comments... ANYWHO. The gloomstalker is a ranger subclass. It gives extra initiative based on wisdom, darkvision, invisibility against creatures who rely on darkvision to see you. It also gives an extra attack and +10ft of movement on your first turn. All of which you get at ranger level 3. It is one of, if not THE most frontloaded subclasses in DnD 5e and is strong enough to make a ranger feel super strong. Multiclassing into rogue for the assassin subclass gets you one of the nastiest ambush nukers in the game with the ability to delete something on your first turn.

[@King_Cong27]

Please do a video on home brewing full on classes! I’m working on one right now and I’d love to hear about the process you dudes went through to make the apothecary!

[@jamesharris9501]

Yes same! Help us Dungeon Dudes your our only hope.

[@warrenpeace5366]

I kinda sat down and decidided to complie all the homebrew I've made over the three years of running my campaign.. Have about 35 subclasses to review and revise. Not to mention the 70+ Magic items, a new class and 24 subraces This entire year is just going to be bloody editting. Thank you for your guy's tips, as always your content is stellar!

[@Charok1]

I like your shirt Kelly. My favorite Hope saying is something Galen said from the Crusade tv show: "There is always hope. Only because it's the one thing that no one has figured out how to kill yet."

[@Xenozfan2]

Kelly, I want to thank you for wearing that shirt today (or whenever you were recording). I've been going through a bad rough patch these past few days, and that message is just what I need. Thank you for the message, and thanks to both of you for making awesome content.

[@Andshrew94]

Thanks for making this video. My favorite thing to homebrew is subclasses. My favorites are my weaver artificer, ice strider ranger, and greatwyrm warlock.

[@jakewarman7277]

I like that you rift on the grave cleric and essentially gave its abilities in reverse order but still kept it unique enough to not step on any toes

[@ReallyRobEgan]

Totally agree about play testing. I'm tinkering with a monk subclass that uses ki points to gain extra reactions on a 1:1 basis. So a level 6 monk could take up to 7 reactions in one turn. The subclass also gets new ways to use reactions, like redirecting attacks, but I want to see how it is in play. I imagine it would be closer to the monk that excels at swarm fighting. Also, having extra reactions would be broken on any other class, but it seems to make the monk balance out.

[@armphidiic2609]

This is great thought on the creative process and I had my own idea for a Paladin subclass while listening to it. Thank you.

[@taleg1]

D&D is something I've been playing since 1st edition and I have had a lot of fun sesion playing, but I also found my self thinking that the system was lacking. Why couldn't my character learn something just because of race or a core skill, it never made sense to me, so I made my own system to change that and discovered something. It was fully possible to make a system where your class and your level is just a measure or not there at all, yet still working just by adding the right skill level. Suddenly your fighter could learn to cast spells if they put in the work to learn how to do it, the mage might want to learn how to wield a sword or maybe learn how to sneak along. Such variations where you could learn anything as long as you find the right teacher or the right path, just makes so much more sense to me and most of my players. We still do play D&D now and than, but no one really liked the 3rd ed, thr 4th ed or 5th ed version so we usually play 2nd ed variation plays when we do that. But what we always return to is the world I made where everything is possible and you can learn everything, just like real life. Only some things are hard to learn or hidden away due to some secret some hidden order wants to keep for them self. It's a system based on skill instead of levels and your class is barely more than a tittle you have earned due to a blend of some of your skill. It just works and way better than the odd locked down variation that D&D uses. Over time anyone typically gains a bit if this skill and that skill that might be usable for something down the road, but DnD don't support that at all. Think about it a bit, what if the fighter needs to track someone and there is no Rangers or Druids nearby, why shouldn't that person be able to learn how to track or how to hunt. From there that fighter might want to learn more about the local plants and herbals you might find. Maybe something can be used as a fun poison or something else fun and useful, why shouldn't such skill be available to anyone who might want to learn about it. Using that freedom I found over time that the players found their own ways to what they thought a warrior or a mage should be able to do along with support skills that each found useful for some reason or another and that happened again and again. The Druid on the group found a good use of known how to enchant gear and cast enchantment on areas to boost her own powers, understanding the languages of the woodbase beings was way to useful for her not to spent time to learn. And all of them found that all of them could gain a lot by simply adding the right supporting skills. Doing that in DnD is more or less impossible asdly. But the down side of such a system is that it demands a lot more of both the players and the Dungeon master than the much simpler and easier DnD, yet still anyone who has tested that system keep returning to it due to the possibilites.

[@wolf1693]

Kelly rocking the Angels and Airwaves shirt is INCREDIBLE.

[@Harbinger-lx6rt]

I feel like I made a pretty decent Dragon Patron Warlock. Some of my friends are playtesting it in some one-shots were in. Thank you for this video.

[@mikecarson7769]

Super advice , especially about the playtesting

[@AgentForest]

I homebrewed a custom Rogue subclass that's the Warlock version of an Arcane Trickster: Cultist. I changed the invocations you get access to in order to make them fit a rogue more, like making "Agonizing Blast" give your Eldritch Blasts the potential to sneak attack if they meet the criteria of a ranged weapon sneak attack, instead of adding Charisma mod to damage. So now you can use Eldritch Blast instead of a bow. You can still only sneak attack once per turn though. There's also a feature that lets you get sneak attacks against enemies you've personally debuffed in some way. For example, you can sneak attack your Hex target, or an enemy with Bane on them, so long as you cast it. Repelling Blast and Grasp of Hadar also let you deal sneak attack damage if the target takes any damage as a result of being moved. Shoving them off a cliff or into a damaging spell lets you apply sneak attack damage.

[@XmonoXchromeX]

I have only made a few subclasses so far and this has made me want to try more.

[@hathus5536]

One subclass I'm working on is called Planar Fighter...at level 3 when picking the subclass they pick one of the elemental planes and gain unique abilities associated with whatever plane they pick

[@ferkuraccoon9225]

I have in mind a Cleric Subclass, The Vessel Domain. A cleric that has one or two souls of a past holy person bonded to theirs, whether it was willingly or by chance. Sometimes they hear the voices, or their actions can be influenced by this entities. The more you level up, the better the relationship gets. This allows the user to gain the abilities of this past clerics, changing spell or getting new skills or mechanics. This started because a character in my campaign kept changing player because of schedule issues. Now we have a permanent player, but because of the changes of personality we implemented that in souls of past clerics in the head of this character, moon knight style.

[@davemorris9368]

I love the gun mages from the iron kingdoms, I tried to make an artificer subclass based upon it using ideas from the arcane archer.

[@pke1]

Isn’t have the aliiorist?

[@100dfrost]

I love the idea of having a friend to run my homebrew subclass by, you guys a re lucky in this. I am currently attempting to make a "Celestial Blade Warlock". I created one a couple of years ago, but it was too strong so I am recreating it. It seems to be playing okay right now at 6th level, but it may start running away later. It's playing next to an Oath of Vengeance Paladin which seems to be a good measuring stick, ie. it's still weaker than the paladin, but it can keep up for a while. Good video, thanks.

[@Shaderox]

Another useful thing when making features or homebrewing a spell for their spelllist or such, is to look at other class features/spells of similar level and try to get a feel for their average numbers and "mechanical strength", it gives you a good idea of what to aim for and go slightly above/below depending on if there's additional effects or not. The one i've been working on for example has like a spiritual guide theme with a bit of fae trickery and mechanically is a lot about using their bonus action & reaction to disrupt enemies and cover allies, so even if the disrupting version fills an entirely different niche than magic missile does, they share a slight mechanical similarity so it's still a useful comparison tool for damage and wording. Always trying to find the closest spell or effect can however be troublesome for more unique ideas (did create a 2-turn spell a while back, that one was hard to find any good reference effectiveness/numbers to base it on). But the way i like to build subclasses is with a core mechanic to the theme at low lvl, then a complimentary feature at the end of the low lvls, some bonus to or expansion of the core mechanic when entering the mid levels and then something big that really shows mastery of the theme at high level. Personally i think Spelllists should go higher, and the main reason they only go to 5th level is because that's about when official adventures usually end so there's no need for wotc to make longer spelllist features but i want to be prepared for a grand adventure!

[@teijotso8672]

great video, as per usual. Always exited to see that notification!

[@DurandalsFate]

When playtesting, don't just try scenarios where the subclass will obviously shine. Those "ribbon" features (like proficiency with a tool or social skill) give characters a chance to do something outside of the class's core competency, so a character that is usually focused on combat can contribute to a negotiation, solve certain problems during exploration, or have a hobby/profession that gives the character an interesting perspective or something to do during downtime.

[@officiallynerdy924]

Really cool of you two to put this out as a new tool for the community! Homebrewing in general can be quite a monumental task even for the most veteran of players, especially when dealing with stuff like subclasses, full classes, monsters, & the more complicated spells. In our experience of homebrewing, going back and forth between playtesting and revising is the most important part of developing the mechanics of a new piece of content before releasing it. I would recommend a couple of different things when doing a playtest. 1. Try not to use homebrew/optional rules outside of the ones you are testing (such as flanking & fumble charts). Since all tables are different, it will better even the playing field (battlefield?), so to speak. 2. Try to have a party of 3-4 when playtesting (even if they are all played by 1-2 people). It is really important to see how some abilities can interact with other character abilities, such as spells. The subclasses that we have released so far on the dmsguild are: -Oath of the Caldera, Paladin -Path of the Eclipse, Barbarian -Marksman, Artificer -Oath of Death, Paladin -Hydric Bloodline, Sorcerer -Serpent Bloodline, Sorcerer -Sanguiniris, Artificer -Oath of the Lifeline, Paladin We also have a few classes that we have released; Voidwalker, Valkyrie, Dreadnought, & Shaman. Even though we have released them, we are still going back to playtest, revise, and update them.

[@Scorchedlnfern0]

Ooh, what do they do?

[@bowserbrowser6559]

Jesus Monty, that "greetings" is getting powerful lol jump scared the shit outa me

[@pyrthireas]

When i design subclasses (or prestige classes for pathfinder and 3rd edtition), i usually work with the player.I ask for a roleplay description of what they want to play and then we examine the mechanics together.Great video as always!

[@IamSeñorStorm]

This video was really helpful. I’ve been working on a rogue subclass for the past 2 years off and on that gives a Gambit/Twisted Fate kind of feel; the super charming magic infused card slinger. And I’m finally to a point that I’m about to have it play tested at my friends table!

[@kazumakanogi6759]

Really wish I had someone else who could help with this process. Especially the play testing.

[@FarothFuin]

Something i did recently was to take the ranger phb and the tce and join them in a single one that is not situational. That way you have the phb features but not linked to certain terrains. And the favored enemy/foe combined is a way that you mark enemy TYPES and not a single creature, and can make the marking by tracking them or observing them. That way feel more ranger-ish (Aragorn style) and without concentration but with fixed time and uses per day. You get the mark on the creature type per X amount of time and deal an extra damage that escalate by ranger level that a creature can receive once per turn, allowing the extra damage to not cumulate on single creatures but does on hordes. You can combine with hunters mark or use the mark to track not enemies but lost allies too

[@Arohan71]

If it's not an exclusive deal for patrons I'd love to hear about the development of your own base class. You've touched on elements here and there in the apothecary breakdown but I think a base class creation discussion could be cool too

[@GeminiEarthSnake]

This is now my 3rd time watching this video. Once I've written up my idea I will drop it into the patreon discord.

[@Salem-Arrak]

Finally the video I've been waiting for my whole life!

[@Thomas-culture-show]

Hey Dudes thanks so much for this video it was super helpful! I’ve always wanted to create and homebrew but never thought I’d be able to or good enough. but with y’all making your own book you guys really inspired me to give it a shot lol. and this video was super helpful. I’m making a book called “Ivan’s Manual of Madness” it’s going to have Tasha’s vibes. so subclasses, magic items, different mechanics for game play, even some new creatures. and I have some good friends who are long time players/DMs and nerds who are helping me. Right now I’m working on some different Artificers specifically the Quartermaster based off of Q from James Bond which I love that character so I’m making him lol.

[@AZUREPHOENIX777]

Hasn't been playtested yet, but I've designed a homebrew dragon-related subclass for the Barbarian that revolves around channeling your innate elemental energy to both protect yourself and deal damage, and even spreading those benefits to your allies.

[@pke1]

That sounds sick

[@PowderKeg3838]

Working on a New Orleans-style Voodoo Sorcerer that casts spells through Tarot Cards and later levels a Voodoo Doll.

[@Scorchedlnfern0]

That's an amazing idea!

[@TempestShroom]

i tried to fix storm sorcerer because I've allways Loved the idea of controlling and summoning storms. but then my friend got really mad at me because he thought it was way to overpowered because I made it an ability to summon ANY storm(snow, lightning, rain, heatwaves, sand, etc...) and because I made an ability that allowed the character to turn into electricity, water, and air. he even threatened to leave the entire dnd club at my school, or threaten to get the dm to kill my character. i eventually limited the storm sorcerers control over the storms he summons and the amount he can use them.

[@Maw_thuugn]

For play testing I like the idea of a battle tower style world. My mind calls to slay the spire. With a basic structure of each floor the party has a prep area with vendors and npcs. You then pick what kind of enemy's you fight out of a selection of creature types. And each floor is scaled to each character level topping off with a boss encounter.

[@joseandrespineda479]

thnx me and my dm are trying to creat our own class with their 4 subclasses and this help us a bunch

[@SonOfTheNorthe]

What a coincidence, I was just making an entire new class!! Video on homebrewing whole classes sometime? :)

[@MadnessOpus]

Very nice and informative video. Will definitely use this to better my Oath of the Haunted Paladin.

[@theoverlord4904]

A summoner subclass is needed for sure

[@jmiles86]

I made a Monk sub-class called Way of Surging Ki, they get more ki points, can fire a ki blast, charge their fists with elemental damage and create a big ki explosion with a punch.

[@jamesharris9501]

I made a Monk subclass last year that was inspired by the Nen combat system from the anime Hunter x Hunter, I call it Way of the Nen Master.

[@thundertwonk1090]

I'm currently making (and ironing out kinks) a Druid subclass called Circle of The Wild Hunt, inspired by Bosmer lore and Leshens. The wildshape is a vengeful (not purely evil) spirit made of trees, vines, and animal bones (basically a Leshen). It has similar stats to Barbarian Rage, with a simple Summon Woodland Creatures (once per day) and Manipulate Roots (limited usage, deals low to mid damage and can grapple a target on failed save [low to mid DC to make it fair]). Very tanky and deals good damage, with a weakness to fire and thunder, it has drawbacks. When coming out of wildshape, player must make 2 saves. If failed, player can become an enemy on the board. DM discretion: when near poachers or people that have been harming nature out of greed and such, the spirit may take over and hunt the villain (thus the Wild Hunt). I'm still trying to figure out the details and trying to balance the high risk/reward, like a Wild Magic Sorcerer. I really want that vengeful forest spirit feel to it. If anyone can give some input I would absolutely appreciate it. There honestly need to be subclass like Wild Magic for every class, where the player has to truly weigh their options before going all out all the time.

[@richardadams9674]

My DM and I are working on a Fate Domain Cleric for his latest campaign. I am playing a halfling (Halfling Luck). It borrows the portent feature from the divination wizard. The channel divinity is a reaction that makes an enemy reroll when attacking me or an ally and take the lower roll. Spells on the list include Gift of Alacrity, Fortune's Favor, Silvery Barb, and Time Stop. The real test and tweaking we will have to see is after I pick up the Bountiful Luck and the Lucky Feats at 4th and 8th levels.

[@adriel8498]

This is really usefull to me. I'm homebrewing subclass avaiable for PC and NPC for the new homebrew campaign im going to DM. Thanks!

[@haydenstockwell252]

Oath of the Full Moon paladin: Paladin spared the alignment shift of lycanthropy by divine intervention. Customize your hybrid form by choosing bestial traits, which you can later share through your aura. Way of the Infinite Soul monk: AtLA-inspired monk that focuses more on the “past lives” aspect than the elemental stuff. Burn ki points to reduce incoming damage, playing a risk-reward game of trying to get your HP low enough to go “Avatar State.” Primordial Slime warlock: Ooze warlock with plenty of grappling and squicky effects. Can eventually split self in two as an action or in response to taking slashing damage. Flayer artificer: Melee-focused artificer that can make leather armor from slain beasts and monstrosities.

[@LupineShadowOmega]

That Paladin reminds me of the Wolfir from Innistrad, Werewolves given their humanity back by angels.

[@jamesharris9501]

These sound crazy and down right weird... I LOVE IT!!

[@haydenstockwell252]

@@jamesharris9501 I've made almost 40 at this point, and I'm not shy about sharing. If you want to try something, just give me a place to post it. :)

[@GramGramAnimations]

Kelly, I will always be here to acknowledge appreciate your AVA/To The Stars and HMNIM attire 🖤

[@Edhack77]

I made a Barbarian subclass, the concept of which is basically The Hulk. I called It the Path of the Alchemic Monster, and its gimmick is that when you enter a Rage, you transform into a Hulk and your Int and Str Ability Scores switch

[@lesouth0348]

Why do he need a -6 strength 😭

[@falionna3587]

I think as a PC you could consider flavour or making a mild alteration of a existing subclass. Say you want to be a fighter with a feypact, how about eldritch knight with the flaovur? Or maybe using CHA as casting and the warlock spell list.

[@hollowknight4630]

I’ve made a couple subclasses for my world that I absolutely love, firstly the Ancient Dragon Warlock which was spawned by the 10 dragon demigods in my world making pacts (or any dragon old enough to grant pacts) Cannibal barbarian that was made for our Yuan-Ti barbarian as it was her specific fantasy to be a feral creature running around and biting in the battlefield, and an arcana monk that can cast spells as their flurry of blows or go into flurry of blows from a spell which makes that spellcasting monk feel much better than 4 elements

[@LaneyStudios5]

I've made something similar with a quarter caster monk that can use cantrips with their flurry, I made the mechanic too that ranged cantrips don't imposr disadvantage up close because they're literally punching the spell into the opponent

[@hollowknight4630]

@@LaneyStudios5 oh good idea I need to add the no disadvantage, the main fantasy I had was a monk one inch punching and casting thunder step and instant transmissioning away

[@yourconscience1986]

Excellent vid guys! This got my brain storming, keep up the great work! Side note: I want that Tshirt, Kelly, I feel it's message to my core!

[@1971JohnnyC]

Nice video, as always, but I was hoping for a screen share too for us visual learners.

[@trwechsler4737]

This video tipped the scale dudes, you got another subscriber!

[@ticozayas6430]

I'm currently working on a barbarian subclass homebrew, and my idea for this subclass is what if a barbarian had a way to deal with the biggest issue barbs have in combat? things in the air have been the bane of barbs since there have been barbs, so I created the path of the rift walker, a barbarian whose rage is so focused that they can see the weave of space itself and have learned to manipulate it, allowing them the ability to open a rift in the weave of space and teleport themselves 60 ft to a spot they can see once per rage (this is a subclass ability not a spell so it doesn't break rage). It's still in the playtest/development stage (version 4.0) but it's been approved for play by the dm so I'm excited to try it out :)

[@craigseverance6235]

I like the idea of a drconic barbarian that sprouts wings or has lightning wings or whatever is appropriate for the bloodline that let's the Barb fly.

[@ticozayas6430]

@@craigseverance6235 I really expected them (wotc) to do a lot more dragon themed subclasses than we got for fizban's, was disappointed we only got 2... but that's where home brew comes in you can make that specific dragon themed barb if u wanted to :)

[@LupineShadowOmega]

At least Giant Barb points to them at least considering this. Being able to throw attack and power that up is really interesting.

[@ticozayas6430]

@@LupineShadowOmega my lvl 6 is something similar, my Rift Walker can make ranged melee attacks as if the were in melee (up to 30 ft away) by attacking thru mini rifts.

[@jamesharris9501]

I would add a feature early on that focuses on your draconic lineage from the Cromatic, Gem, or Metallic. Like if you chose a Red Dragon take the personality traits and the combat style of that dragon. I hope this helps you out on the build of yours.

[@novaprime9084]

I've been very interested in this topic. I tried making a sub class for an int based sorcerer that couldn't shake stepping on Wizard.

[@gorgonitefire4418]

Im currently making a warlock subclass called the herald who's whole gimmick is using songs to debuff enemies and buff allies. like 1 of the songs you can take is called "Earworm" which essentially acts like ottos irresistible dance but its a 10 ft radius and lasts until the end of your next turn

[@markdressel3022]

Great video! I'm an aspiring long time player who has never "pulled the trigger" on attempting to DM. Having said that, I have two homebrew subclass ideas I think would really be fun to play. First is a subclass modeled after a Space Marine but not nearly as OP as actually creating one in a DnD setting. I call him/her a battle brother/sister who is a kick-ass fighter by themselves but they complement/synergize their (or the parties) abilities when they fight alongside others...the perfect wing man you'd want with you when the proverbial crap hits the fan. IDK maybe have an aura of bless or protection from evil. Being able to exploit an advantage when A, B, or C happens in combat. You get the idea. The second idea is something I call a Combat Mage. A wizard or fighter/MU that can't quite grasp the higher level spells but makes up for it in being able to fight well (for a wizard) or by leaning heavily on expendable magic items and talismans. Being an expert at fighting enemies and creatures that rely heavily on magic. Think Witcher without all the glowy yellowy eye nonsense. Any and all feedback on these concepts are welcome...thanks.

[@michaeljpastor]

Using Alert or Sentinel perhaps to be battle aware of potential Attacks of Opportunity or other Advantage granting situations, with a free Dash feat to GET THERE even if across the battle field.

[@FaeQueenCory]

Using a virtual table top also is useful for testing the subclass. However, I would also recommend a few real 1shot games in addition to any scenario testings. And if your subclass has any direct comparison classes, it would also be a good idea to have that class being played by another player. EDIT: The

[@TheGreatHoldinii]

I’m working on a Barbarian subclass focused on ranged attacks for the Warforged I’ll be playing in my next campaign. When he rages he essentially turns into an artillery battery

[@jakeryker3751]

My first home brew subclass I made was the College of Hyms Bard. It’s based upon my time growing up in signing in church choirs and blends bards with clerics like the divine soul does with sorcerers. Another one of my favorites it the Oath of Ancestors Paladin. This is inspired by things like disneys Mulan where you can call upon the spirits of your ancestors for knowledge, skills, and aid in combat.

[@Frownlandia]

Am I the only one who immediately got Ludacris stuck in my head when they got to step one of the process?

[@eternalfire9717]

I've been working on a Oath of Rescue Paladin subclass. The paladin swears to protect a chosen ally, and they and the ally get buffs. The paladin gets a channel divinity to teleport to them, which was used quite unorthodoxly and effectively by the NPC paladin I slapped the subclass on to escape from an assassination attempt on her life by teleporting to her fighter husband's side. She was one hit from death and now in the middle of a gunfight, but still safer than where she was.

[@sunstar8782]

Ah, I’ve gotten the perfect timing that so many other people seem to have gotten. Finishing up on a Ranger subclass, the Stormwarden, myself. A Ranger who has connected to the storm, through a Primordial spirit. I really liked the Drakewarden being a dragon beast master, so I wanted to make a storm beast master. Plus, the Beast of the Sea stat block isn’t very good, especially compared to the other too. Yes, this steps on the beast master toes a bit. That’s kinda the point

[@aaronwhite1882]

I want to see more Artificer subclasses, preferably based on each kind of artisan tool.

[@Scorchedlnfern0]

A rune-based artificer would be nice. Perhaps an Acient Scribe

[@Ni-sw3ii]

working on a reaper rogue utilizing darkness for extra damage and access to smoke bombs as well as the crusader paladin

[@roflcoptersoi100]

I made a druid which gets temp hp and wisdom mod to attack/damage rolls from wild shaping. Drew inspo from bladesinger with the intent of filling the "mental mod for damage gap" left by battle smiths and hexblades. It gets extra attack and more wild shape charges later on. "Circle of Wardens"

[@Miner49er201]

This video came out at a good time; I'm presently trying to create new subclasses for Matt Mercer's Blood Hunter, as well as trying to rework Profane Soul.

[@zacharyperkins2442]

I'm doing the exact same thing now. So far I find the "reworking" of profane soul to be somewhat on the easier side, but still can be done better given more time then a quick solution. So far for profane soul I have simply made it where all spells you learn from subclass features you can free cast once a short or long rest and then can use a spell slots for them afterwards, and then including over their course of leveling giving them up to 4 invocations they can learn and that any invocations that use a charisma modifier uses your hemocraft modifier instead. After that it's all about tweaking the level 3 patron abilities when it comes to the weaker ones. As for my blood hunter subclass im working on one that is a somewhat curse focused subclass to push them in different ways

[@tearable20s95]

Ive always wanted to play a harlequin inspired by 40k harlequins

[@Jo3mama6969]

It's funny that you mentioned, “a monk subclass that has a feature to refuel key points.” I'm actually making a sort of tank monk subclass that's all about protecting others with both spiritual / nature magic. Persistence 3rd-level Way of Hardened Soul feature In addition to your new Monk abilities at this level you gain these benefits • When you use Flurry of Blows, every attack from your Flurry of Blows that you land against a creature and or construct deals extra force damage equal to a roll of your martial arts die on a hit. A creature hit by this attack has disadvantage on attack rolls against targets other than you until the start of your next turn. • When you use Patient Defense, every attack against you that hits, grants you 1 ki point. When you take damage while using Patient Defense you have the option to stand your ground and attempt to grapple the attacker if they are within 5ft of you. They must be a size of small or medium for you to be able to do this however. (Note for gaining Ki Points: You are not allowed to have over your maximum amount of ki points with this feature. For example; if you are level 3 in the class you can only have a maximum of 3 ki points at one time. Any more after that will simply not be gained or stockpiled for later use.

[@Jo3mama6969]

it’s not finished by any means, but this was one of the major features that goes into the level six ones

[@midwesternpickle]

Currently working on my 4th homebrew subclass. First was a Paladin that communes with ancestral spirits (really wanted a good Spirit Guardians Paladin). Second I made an Artificer that is all about magical infusion who gets to infuse more items, "build" a mechanical familiar, and attune to even more items. Third is a Melee Spell Warlock for which I created a melee spell attack version of Eldritch Blast and built around that spell. Finally I wanted a character that's really good at lightning damage but IMO the Tempest Cleric and Storm Sorcerer are both meh. I decided on Druid and this one is still a work in progress.

[@Isaac-gj8tf]

My barbarian homebrew subclass: Path of Blazing Fury This formidable barbarian is not only simply raging but engulfed in its radiant anger so much so as being able to expend it outwards and inflicte some serious damage to its nearby enemies. Basically its giving the barbarian an aoe spell like ability and not just any but one similar to the most coveted of all - the FIREBALL (but even better ! ) Starting at 3 level the path of Blazing fury gets an aura of flames that surrounds him anytime his raging giving him a bunos fire damage die to all of the attacks In addition gains the features smouldering gaze which gives permanent adv on intimidation checks (wanted my sub to have good ability outside of combat as well) Starting at level 6 our barbarian gains the exploding rage ability and can 1 per day as an action expend the aura outwards causing massive explosion in a 20 ft radius centered on itself causing 8d6 fire and force damage (4d6 fire 4d6 force) damage to enemies who must make a dex save of 8 + prof bunos+ str of the barbarian on a successful save they receive half and on a fail save they get all the damage the barbarian itself is the centre of the radius but as it from itself outwards it does not affect him but in the aftermath of the explosion he must make a wis save against same dc and if failed he is stunned for 1 round. In any case the rage affect ends after using this ability. At level 10 the barbarian gets a boost to 1 extra damage die to its attack while raged but now its of force damage in addition he now is resistant to fire and force types of damage At level 14 the aura of flames get upgraded and gains the scourcing earth feature as while of barbarian is raging the ground around hime bursts with heat and his surrounding area of 20 ft is considered rough terrain for enemies In addition the exploding rage ability gains also a bump now causing 12d6 damage (6d6 fire 6d6 force). This ability can now be used 2 times a day. Primal path of Blazing Fury cause whats more terrifying than a barbarian who can cast fireball and by that explode like a nuke Would love to hear notes and constructive ideas like some other ideas were to have the exploding damage to include also alliescat first and then at higher levels chamge that or to have it do less damage but to add on affects like knocking the failed prone or backwards 5 ft or causing them to burst in flames stuff like that also maybe changing the resistances to immunity at higher levels or i dont know if you other thoughts I would love to hear...

[@watcher314159]

Alas, I always seem to gravitate much more toward creating new classes than subclasses. The ideas I have always seem to be things where the existing classes get in the way of the fantasy I want to support. Like a class based on being really good at cantrips or focusing around the concept of a single iconic spell, where a class's existing spell slots and spell lists distract from the fantasy but giving it to a martial class makes it too gish-y. Indeed, I'd frankly rather redo all the classes from scratch so as to create a better space for different fantasies to exist than bother making subclasses for the existing classes.

[@jamesfoster9613]

I know y'all are promoting your new book, but here's hoping for reviews of spelljammer and even monsters of the Multiverse. Would love your thoughts on One D&D as well (most of which I am hype for). Great stuff as always!

[@michaeljpastor]

I cannot emphasize enough how much I want to see them review D&D One. Especially since it seems to implement a lot of the criticisms and homebrew rules the Dudes have done in their videos. I bet they like the new rules a lot.

[@gabebaum6527]

One other thing I will add is that on your first pass, make things strong. It's generally easier to nerf something than it is to buff it.

[@kappascrolls6495]

I really want to make a poison themed but relatively basic sorcerer who focusses on overcoming the pitfalls that come with poison damage. I also wanna make a Dragonborn variant for the 2 new Dragon types from Spelljammer. wish me luck :D

[@simonhives2592]

Love the imagery of an old skool barbarian using s goblin as a weapon 😂