Classes and Archetypes

Classes in The Domains of Dread have been changed significantly from their Third Edition appearances in catering to our design philosophy, the introduction of new features, and pay mind to balance with regards of the reduced level cap of 14. Before we expand into a list of classes available for play, the following are some truths inherent to all classes in The Domains of Dread.

Archetypes

The cornerstone design of classes in The Domains of Dread is introduction of the archetype, alternatively described as "subclass". All classes have at least three separate, mutually exclusive archetypes available to choose beginning at the 3rd level. Characters receive features related to their archetype every three levels after - 6th, 9th, and 12th - excepting their capstone, which is chosen at the 14th level. Certain archetypes have alignment restrictions or other requirements, such as being of a particular race or background.

Dead Levels

Because of the compressed level track - down to 14 from 20 - the only level that will ever be "dead" - which is to say, without the progression of a class feature, allowance of a bonus feat, or ASI will be at the 1st level.

Multiclassing and Prestige Classes

Multiclassing and prestige classes are not enabled at this time in The Domains of Dread. It may one day be possible for a character to spec into "hybrid classes" that bridge two classes into another, bespoke class, but our design dictates that with the advent of archetypes, there should be minimal friction in expressing character fantasy through a pure but specialized class rather than in vanilla Third Edition, where multiclassing and prestige classes serve the purpose that archetypes do in The Domains of Dread.

Capstones

At the 14th level, a character receives a feature universal to that class as well as their choice of a capstone feat related to their chosen archetype.