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Welcome back to Multiclass Mondays!

Multiclass Mondays is a continuation of the “You, Version 2.0″ posts (here and here) that were put up a few weeks back regarding using the Theme mechanics to more effectively multiclass characters.  The concept seemed to be a hit with many players and DMs around the Web, so we’re going to go through and provide Themes for all current D&D classes (even Psionics!) and maybe.. just maybe…  throw in a few bonus Themes.  For now, though, let’s stick to the basics.

Last week, we went toe-to-toe with the Ranger. This week, in the interest of wrapping the series up in a timely fashion, we hold a convocation of the faithful – Avenger, Invoker and Paladin.

Avenger

Righteous Indignant

You count as an Avenger for all feat, theme and paragon path requirements. In addition, you gain the Oath of Enmity class feature and may use it with Avenger class and paragon path powers.

If you choose to apply your Oath of Enmity to a power, you may not simultaneously apply any other striker damage feature (Flurry of Blows, Arcane Might, Hunter’s Quarry, etc.) to that power.

Theme at Level 1

Steeled Zealot (Multiclass Avenger)

Prerequisite: Avenger

Theme Feature: Abjure Undead (encounter usage, Dark Sun only)
Lv 1. Theme Power: Abjure Undead (encounter usage, non Dark-Sun only)

Theme at Levels 2+

• Lv 2: Refocus Enmity
• Lv 3: Deadly Stride
• Lv 5: Menacing Presence
• Lv 6: Soul Seeker
• Lv 7: Chains of Censure
• Lv 9: Blade of Repulsion
• Lv 10: Wings of Vengeance

Not much to say about the Avenger. You get an Oath and your powers are based on utilizing that Oath in various ways. Simple.

Invoker

No Feat

Acolyte of Divine Secrets is already a solid multiclass feat. Like many other controllers, Invokers really live off their powers instead of their class features. Also, Invokers get some wicked cool Paragon Paths, so really no need to change anything here.

Theme at Level 1

Minor Prophet (Multiclass Invoker)

Prerequisite: Invoker

Theme Feature: Rebuke Undead (encounter usage, Dark Sun only)
Lv 1. Theme Power: Rebuke Undead (encounter usage, non Dark-Sun only)

Theme at Levels 2+

• Lv 2: Divine Call
• Lv 3: Falling Leaves
• Lv 5: Lamentation of the Wicked
• Lv 6: Demand Justice
• Lv 7: Baleful Eye of Judgement
• Lv 9: Fourfold Invocation of Doom
• Lv 10: Prayer of Vengeance

This theme lands on the fine controller/leader line that the Invoker walks, highlighting the best of what the class has to offer each role.

Paladin

Soldier of Virtue

You count as a Paladin for all feat, theme and paragon path requirements. You gain the Divine Challenge class feature, though you may only mark enemies using the power twice per encounter.  If an enemy violates your mark and you have another punishment feature (Combat Challenge, Aegis, etc), you must choose which feature to use.

A once per encounter Paladin mark per the Soldier of the Faith feat is problematic since a Paladin is a melee character. One unexpected immobilize or prone and suddenly you’ve lost the use of your feature through little fault of your own. This feat trades the skill training out for a second shot at the Challenge if the first drops off unexpectedly. Still, consider carrying a javelin or sling just in case.

Theme at Level 1

Burgeoning Justiciar (Multiclass Paladin)

Prerequisite: Paladin

Theme Feature: Lay on Hands (encounter usage*, Dark Sun only)
Lv 1. Theme Power: Lay on Hands (encounter usage*, non Dark-Sun only)

*that is to say, you can use Lay on Hands only once per encounter but a number of times per day equal to your Wisdom modifier. Per the Paladin class feature, you could trade it out for Ardent Vow or Virtue’s Touch under the same restrictions but c’mon, you’re a Paladin. Take the Lay on Hands already.

Theme at Levels 2+

• Lv 2: Call of Challenge
• Lv 3: Hold Fast
• Lv 5: Arc of Vengeance
• Lv 6: Fury of the Battle God
• Lv 7: Resurgent Smite
• Lv 9: Knightly Intercession
• Lv 10: Vengeful Vigilance

Due to the somewhat limited nature of the Challenge, the Paladin multiclass Theme relies heavily on the Divine Sanction to keep the Defender motif up.  The powers here apply sanctions regularly which is both blessing and curse. You will be a fair defender, but be prepared for the impending beating. Most attack powers are Strength or Charisma (Strength only if we must choose one) and nearly all are Weapon to make the Theme as widely applicable as possible. Fury of the Battle God breaks my general guideline of ‘pick powers that CharOp rates at least OK’ (they rate it poorly); given that the number of Paladin powers you possess are limited, being able to partially salvage one is a good deal, particularly if you aren’t well-suited in terms of gear or ability scores.

For the record, I did not try to use a form of the word “vengeance” in every Lv 10 utility power. Divine characters just seem to hold grudges, apparently.

Next week, we will round out the Arcane source with Swordmage and Artificer and then hit the single ‘classic’ Shadow class, the Assassin.  See ya then!

P.S. As to this last week’s Themes:

Chevalier – For a Theme about gallant and chivalrous characters, this guy is unusually selfish. If you want to be the knight in shining armor protecting the weak, go pick up Guardian. The mounted benefits are appropriate if you’re into that sort of thing. You will be more resilient with this Theme, but I don’t necessarily feel like it picks up the idea of a knightly combatant much beyond the Lv 10 Utility power. Chevalier is an etymological variant of Cavalier, so..  Chevalier Cavalier? Not the only time we’ll see that in this article.  C

Guardian – I’d have switched the names of this and the Chevalier, but whatever – a minor contention. You will feel like a bodyguard with this Theme and I love it. This is one of the few rare Themes I’ve already used in play and will vouch for its fun factor. Though it claims to be built for Defenders, I think it’s actually better applied to a Leader or tough Striker to 1) give the Defender a timely break and 2) activate his or her mark punishment. There’s not much flavor or story, but the Theme solidly supports what’s available.  A

Hospitaler – Another odd choice in that by level 11, you could be playing a Hospitaler Hospitaler (Theme/Paragon Path).  With the new Cleric errata, you also have the option be a Templar Templar as well. Was Little Caesar’s (“Pizza! Pizza!”) in on the naming conventions?  As it turns out, the Hospitaler Hospitaler thing might be a feature not a bug – heaven help the poor fool who hits the Hospitaler Hospitaler’s ally and, due to Shield of Devotion, ends up triggering 5 + 1/2 level + 2 x Wis Modifier (likely around 18 HP) surgless healing. Tag on a Divine Challenge for 12ish HP damage and a +2 damage bonus and you’ve made a potent Defender of nearly any Paladin-dipped class. The flavor of the Theme is similar to the Paragon Path so not really original, but it fits. The major downside is that the Level 5 feature (food and lodging) is usually handwaved in most D&D games, making the feature both mechanically and narratively weak though salvageable if the DM wants to build around it.  B

Noble – This Theme takes some flak for its ‘gain an item’ feature and I can see both sides of that argument. In public play or a campaign in which the rules are rigidly maintained, a common Lv 6 item is likely no big deal. On the other hand, if your DM is stingy with the magic items (guilty as charged!) or chooses things that aren’t helpful to you, the choice of item can be a godsend. The Theme works in play like a Cunning Bard or TacLord, which is to say that no party will be unhappy with a Noble even if it’s not unique or flashy.  I suspect there are some distinct nods to the SWSE Noble in this Theme so if you like that style of play, take a good look here. B+

Similar Posts:

•      Multiclass Mondays #5 – Bard
•      Multiclass Monday #11 – Miscellaneous Power
•      Multiclass Mondays #7 – Warlock