[RPG] Can a character acquire multiple archetypes from the same class

archetypecharacter-creationclassdnd-5e

I have a player that wants to build a Dragonborn Outlander Ranger/Sorcerer, with Slaad as the first Favored Enemy.

The archetypes for the Sorcerer are Draconic Bloodline and Wild Magic. Being Dragonborn fits the Draconic Bloodline. And her backstory, in which she was used in a Slaadi ritual, fits rather well with the Wild Magic archetype. As such, the player would like both archetypes.

My thoughts are that I will simply let them Multiclass in Sorcerer twice, thus becoming Rang 3/Sorc (Dragon) 1/Sorc (Wild) 1. While I realize this goes against the standard rules, I can't see where it conflicts. So, my question is this:

Are there any other guidelines for acquiring multiple archetypes within the D&D 5th edition class system that I am missing?

Best Answer

Using the books' rules, no, you can't.

You can only choose your archetype once, when you achieve that level (e.g. 3rd lvl Fighter). The only way to get another archetype would be leveling the same class from 1st level again, doing something similar to a multiclass Fighter/Fighter.

Although, as mentioned here, multiclassing rules in PHB specifically state

With this rule, you have the option of gaining a level in a new class whenever you advance in level, instead of gaining a level in your current class.

And in Sage Advice

Can I multiclass into the same class to pick more than one subclass?

Multiclassing is designed solely for taking different classes. For example, you can be a fighter/rogue, but not a rogue/rogue.

(Just explaining to people that might get here to question the same thing and don't know why it is against standard rules, as mentioned in the text)

Hopefully, the books aren't everything

I know the same about specific official guidelines to multiple archetypes as you - I don't know any. And yet, I've created some NPCs and let my players create some PCs with multiple archetypes, although admittedly some turned out being broken. Anyway I might help:

  • Create a mixed archetype that takes out some features from one archetype and adds from the other.
  • Your scenario seems motivated by the background and race of the character, so it seems you want the most flavorish characteristics. From Wild Magic, you want Wild Surge and from Draconic Bloodline you want the Draconic Resilience.
  • Balancing both of them together: If you give them the Tides of Chaos from Wild Magic as well, decrease the AC given by draconic resilience and don't give them the HP bonus. Also nerf some of the wild surge effects from the table as you seem fit.
  • If you give them the full Draconic Resilience, don't give them Tides of Chaos. Honestly, I think Wild Surge by itself is not a "good" feature that actually needs to be balanced if you just give it for free. For example, casting a Fireball centered on yourself usually means killing yourself and half your party. There are enough negative effects already and its trigger is the DM wants to, so you can actually just give it for free and balance it through when you trigger it.

Personally, I would make them take the Draconic Bloodline archetype and just give the Wild Surge feature for free. Balance-wise it is does not seem broken to me, although I do have less experience with Wild Magic Sorcerers than almost every other subclass.

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