Grog Logs
2019-05-28, 11:45 AM
******CEPHALON CAMPAIGN STAY OUT************
A Level 7 Player recently asked me to respec his subclass from Champion Fighter to Eldritch Knight (EK) Fighter. I am okay with this and have at least two story-relevant ways this could happen in 5-15 sessions (depending on where the party goes and what they do). However, he also asked to make the EK a Charisma-based (Cha) caster using the Sorcerer spell list instead of an Intelligence-based (Int) caster using the Wizard spell list. His reasoning is that Int casters study magic (which his PC has not) whereas Cha casters use magic from within. So, lore-based reasoning.
I suggested that he multiclass into Sorcerer (in addition to or instead of EK subclass switch) instead of changing the EK subclass. I also suggested Paladin and Cleric multiclassing. I am willing to retroactively make the multiclass (e.g., Champion 5 / Sorcerer 2 or Eldritch Knight 5 / Paladin 2). However, he would rather not multiclass unless the story arc pushes his PC that way. I also offered to steer his magic item to spell-casting ones, as another way to get spells (or spell-like abilities).
We are also discussing possibly changing his race from Variant Human to Aasimar (Scourge or Fallen). I have no problem with the potential race switch, as it would fit with the story and other PC arcs. However, as Aasimar is a Cha-based race, I have some concerns about the EK to Cha/Sorcerer switch giving him a bit of an edge. Few races give Int and Str based bonuses (i.e., Githyanki, Half-Elf, V/Human), which seems intentional from a design standpoint.
I have been playing with this Player for about 3 years, so he is not a power gamer or munchkin. He's been very engaged in RP - both in game and behind the scenes with his downtime. I believe him when he says that it's for lore reasons to modify the EK to Cha/Sorcerer.
For what it's worth, the other PCs are a Phoenix Sorcerer 6 / Hexblade Warlock 1, Revised Ranger 6, Gunsmith Artificer 6, and Glamour Bard 5. The Bard is often absent from sessions.
So, fellow Playgrounders, should I enforce the EK as written? Should I be more flexible? Are there any downsides to altering the EK if multiclassing into Cha-based classes is not allowed or carefully controlled? Is it unfair to allow three UA subclasses but be rigid on the PHB subclasses?
A Level 7 Player recently asked me to respec his subclass from Champion Fighter to Eldritch Knight (EK) Fighter. I am okay with this and have at least two story-relevant ways this could happen in 5-15 sessions (depending on where the party goes and what they do). However, he also asked to make the EK a Charisma-based (Cha) caster using the Sorcerer spell list instead of an Intelligence-based (Int) caster using the Wizard spell list. His reasoning is that Int casters study magic (which his PC has not) whereas Cha casters use magic from within. So, lore-based reasoning.
I suggested that he multiclass into Sorcerer (in addition to or instead of EK subclass switch) instead of changing the EK subclass. I also suggested Paladin and Cleric multiclassing. I am willing to retroactively make the multiclass (e.g., Champion 5 / Sorcerer 2 or Eldritch Knight 5 / Paladin 2). However, he would rather not multiclass unless the story arc pushes his PC that way. I also offered to steer his magic item to spell-casting ones, as another way to get spells (or spell-like abilities).
We are also discussing possibly changing his race from Variant Human to Aasimar (Scourge or Fallen). I have no problem with the potential race switch, as it would fit with the story and other PC arcs. However, as Aasimar is a Cha-based race, I have some concerns about the EK to Cha/Sorcerer switch giving him a bit of an edge. Few races give Int and Str based bonuses (i.e., Githyanki, Half-Elf, V/Human), which seems intentional from a design standpoint.
I have been playing with this Player for about 3 years, so he is not a power gamer or munchkin. He's been very engaged in RP - both in game and behind the scenes with his downtime. I believe him when he says that it's for lore reasons to modify the EK to Cha/Sorcerer.
For what it's worth, the other PCs are a Phoenix Sorcerer 6 / Hexblade Warlock 1, Revised Ranger 6, Gunsmith Artificer 6, and Glamour Bard 5. The Bard is often absent from sessions.
So, fellow Playgrounders, should I enforce the EK as written? Should I be more flexible? Are there any downsides to altering the EK if multiclassing into Cha-based classes is not allowed or carefully controlled? Is it unfair to allow three UA subclasses but be rigid on the PHB subclasses?