How does Multiclassing affect proficiency?

How Does Multiclassing Affect Proficiency in D&D 5e?

Introduction

Multiclassing, a feature in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th edition, allows players to combine the abilities and features of different classes into a single character. This addition has sparked a lot of discussion on how it affects proficiency in various roles. In this article, we’ll explore how multiclassing impacts proficiency, highlighting key points and exceptions to help you create a well-rounded and effective character.

Proficiency

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of multiclassing, let’s briefly discuss proficiency in general. Proficiency refers to a character’s overall skill and ability to perform tasks or use equipment. In D&D, proficiency is determined by the character’s classes, levels, and feats. For each class, there are specific skills, armor, and weapons that grant proficiency or expertise. In multiclassing, proficiency can become more complex, affecting how your character performs in combat, skill checks, and non-combat situations.

New Save Proficiencies

One thing to keep in mind when multiclassing is that you do not gain new saving throw proficiencies. If you’re multiclassing between two classes, you only have the saving throw proficiencies listed under the class you’re currently using as your main class. This is evident in the official 5th edition Monster Manual (p. 316): "When you gain levels in a new class, you add the saving throw proficiencies from that class to your list. Any saving throws you had but no longer have are lost. You don’t gain any saving throw proficiencies that you didn’t have beforehand."

Multiclassing Example: Paladin/Warrior

To illustrate how saving throw proficiencies work in multiclassing, let’s consider a Paladin/Warrior. The Paladin class allows for the following saving throws: Fortitude, Reflex, Will, and Strength. The Warrior class includes the following saving throws: Fortitude, Reflex, Will, and Constitution.

In this scenario, the character multiclassing between Paladin and Warrior would retain the Paladin saving throws (Fortitude, Reflex, Will, and Strength) and gain the Warrior’s save proficiency for Constitution. They would lose any Warrior saving throws they never had before, such as Intelligence. This highlights the importance of familiarizing yourself with each class’s abilities when multiclassing.

Proficiency in Combat

Combat is one of the most critical aspects of any D&D campaign. When multiclassing, it’s essential to keep in mind that your proficiency levels can significantly impact your character’s ability to deal damage and evade attacks.

• Multiclassing between martial classes (such as Fighter, Ranger, or Warrior): When multiclassing between these classes, you generally combine their respective weapon proficiencies. This means you gain more versatility in combat, but at the risk of not specializing as deeply in any one weapon or weapon group.
• Multiclassing with a martial class and a non-martial class (such as Rogue or Bard): Combining a martial class with a non-martial class often results in more utility and flexibility. You might access to more skill checks, spells, and abilities, but you may sacrifice some specialization in combat.

Proficiency Out of Combat

Proficiency affects more than just combat performance; it also influences non-combat situations like skill checks and Exploration. When multiclassing, take note of the skills each class grants expertise in and whether these skills overlap or complement your character’s overall abilities.

• Explore and disable traps with Intelligence ( Investigation ): When taking on the role of a Scout or Rogue, Intelligence (Investigation) helps you explore and disable traps more efficiently.
• Piloting an airship or navigating terrain: If your character has a mix of classes, they might possess Proficiency in both Piloting or Navigation. This combination can significantly increase their chances of success in aerial travel or navigating complex terrain.

Paladins and Proficiency

One class that requires special consideration regarding proficiency is the Paladin. Paladins lack proficiency in most weapons outside their martial focus, which often features a single weapon type. However, the Paladin’s spellcasting abilities can help alleviate this limitation.

• Pistol or Bow: In general, Paladins are more vulnerable in combat when using ranged attacks, as they lack proficiency in these specific weapons.
• Magic: Palladins can use their spell slots to overcome this limitation with spells like Mage Armor, Heroism, or Sundering Light.

Baldur’s Gate 3: Fighter/Barbarian Analysis

The recently released Baldur’s Gate 3 has seen a rise in popularity of Multiclassing builds, particularly between the Fighter and Barbarian. One such build takes advantage of the Fighter’s combat proficiency and the Barbarian’s rage mechanics, resulting in a formidable warrior-capable of dealing massive damage on the battlefield.

• Unchained Fury: By multiclassing and gaining the ability to use Rage during combat, this build exploits enemy weaknesses while dealing massive damage in close quarters.
• Multitasking: This build makes the most of the Fighter and Barbarian’s abilities, granting expert proficiency in combat and exploration while handling both close-range and ranged fighting.

Conclusion

Multiclassing adds a layer of complexity to D&D proficiency, requiring players to carefully consider skill and equipment combinations. Understanding saving throw proficiencies, weapon compatibility, and the interplay of non-combat and combat skills allows for a more nuanced and well-rounded approach to multiclassing. Embracing these complexities will reward you with a character that is capable in various situations, making for an engaging and exciting adventure.