At 3rd level, you choose an archetype that you strive to emulate in your
combat styles and techniques. Choose from the list below. The archetype you
choose grants you features at 3rd leveI and again at 7th, 10th, 15th, and
18th level.
Archetypes for Fighter
Arcane Archer (xge28) -
An Arcane Archer studies a unique elven method of archery that weaves
magic into attacks to produce supernatural effects. Arcane Archers are
some of the most elite warriors among the elves. They stand watch over
the fringes of elven domains, keeping a keen eye out for trespassers
and using magic-infused arrows to defeat monsters and invaders before
they can reach elven settlements. Over the centuries, the methods of
these elf archers have been learned by members of other races who can
also balance arcane aptitude with archery.
Banneret (scag128) -
Purple Dragon knights are warriors who hail from the kingdom of Cormyr.
Pledged to protect the crown, they take the fight against evil beyond
their kingdom’s borders. They are tasked with wandering the land as
knights errant, relying on their judgment, bravery, and fidelity to the
code of chivalry to guide them in defeating evildoers.
A Purple Dragon knight inspires greatness in others by committing brave
deeds in battle. The mere presence of a knight in a hamlet is enough to
cause some ores and bandits to seek easier prey. A lone knight is a skilled
warrior, but a knight leading a band of allies can transform even the most
poorly equipped militia into a ferocious war band.
A knight prefers to lead through deeds, not words. As a knight spearheads
an attack, the knight’s actions can awaken reserves of courage and
conviction in allies that they never suspected they had.
Battle Master (ph72) -
Those who emulate the archetypal Battle Master employ martial techniques
passed down through generations. To a Battle Master, combat is an academic
field, sometimes including subjects beyond battle such as weapon smithing
and calligraphy. Not every fighter absorbs the lessons of history, theory,
and artistry that are reflected in the Battle Master archetype, but those
who do are well-rounded fighters of great skill and knowledge.
Cavalier (xge30) -
The archetypal Cavalier excels at mounted combat. Usually born among the
nobility and raised at court, a Cavalier is equally at home leading a
cavalry charge or exchanging repartee at a state dinner. Cavaliers also
learn how to guard those in their charge from harm, often serving as the
protectors of their superiors and of the weak. Compelled to right wrongs
or earn prestige, many of these fighters leave their lives of comfort to
embark on glorious adventure.
Champion (ph72) -
The archetypal Champion focuses on the development of raw physical power
honed to deadly perfection. Those who model themselves on this archetype
combine rigorous training with physical excellence to deal devastating
blows.
Clacking Mercenary (mhh35) -
The Clanking Legion is a legendary mercenary company, composed of roughly
half gearforged and half beings of flesh and blood. Fighters who emulate
the Clanking Mercenary archetype see the flexibility of flesh in steel
and the strength of metal in their own bodies and minds.
Edjet (mhh36) -
The peerless Edjet is the backbone of the mighty Dragon Empire’s military.
These brutal warriors are trained to fight in deadly formations. Hardy
and resolute, the Edjet are most commonly dragonkin, but lesser races
sometimes surprise their scaled masters by aspiring to draconic perfection.
Eldritch Knight (ph74) -
The archetypal Eldritch Knight combines the martial mastery common to all
fighters with a careful study of magic. Eldritch Knights use magical
techniques similar to those prActived by wizards, They focus their study
on two of the eight schools of magic: abjuration and evocation. Abjuration
spells grant an Eldritch Knight additional protection in battle, and
evocation spells deal damage to many foes at once, extending the fighter’s
reach in combat. These knights learn a comparatively small number of spells,
committing them to memory instead of keeping them in a spellbook.
Ghost Knight (mhh36) -
The Order of Knights Incorporeal, or Ghost Knights, arose in the
principalities of Morgau and Doresh. Fighters who follow the Ghost Knight
archetype draw power from undeath and bring themselves closer to that grim
fate in service to their vampiric and ghoulish masters.
Griffon Knight (mhh37) -
The griffon riders of Zobeck were devastated during the fall of House Stross,
so they now have only a shadow of their former glory. These days, most
griffon riders are mercenaries and hedge knights, but a few still nobly
defend the realm as members of the Order of the Griffon Knights. Led by
their doughty dwarven commander Sir Markus Lineguard, the Griffon Knights
patrol the Great Northern Road and keep the Free City safe from attackers.
Griffon knights swear an oath of allegiance to both the order and to their
griffon mounts. The knights put the safety and health of their steeds above
all else; you are not a griffon knight without a griffon to ride.
Hospitaller (br192) -
The Hospitaller archetype stands at the crossroads of martial mastery and
devotion to one or more gods. Hospitallers approach their faith much as
clerics do, but draw on their religious convictions to help them overcome
their enemies in battle. Where paladins are called to fight in the name of
righteousness, Hospitallers use their devotion to the divine to advance the
cause of their patron deities in the world and might serve as combat healers,
chaplains, or simply devout warriors who took up arms in the name of the
gods. Hospitallers pray for and receive a small number of cleric spells,
and most focus their spell selection on healing magic.
Knight Surgeon (fkcc8) -
A knight-surgeon is a fighter trained in the arts of healing, whether on
the battlefield or away from it. This vital function is especially
important when divine spellcasters are not available, or in low-magic
settings. Knight-surgeons also receive a small amount of mystic training,
enabling them to treat various conditions.
Samurai (xge31) -
The Samurai is a fighter who draws on an implacable fighting spirit to
overcome enemies. A Samurai’s resolve is nearly unbreakable, and the
enemies in a Samurai’s path have two choices: yield or die fighting.
Shield Bearer (mhh38) -
The archetypal Shieldbearer of the Ironcrag Cantons is a staunch bulwark
against any foe. Fighters who emulate this archetype become one with
their shields, bolstering their defensive power and even turning it into
a crushing weapon.
Sword Dancer (mhh39) -
Sword-dancers blur the line between warrior and courtier. The first
sword-dancers hailed from the sultan’s court in the city of Siwal in
the Southlands. Sword-dancers are graceful and charming, with wits as
sharp as their flashing blades. Fighters who follow the sword-dancer
archetype often attach themselves to powerful lords as bodyguards,
spies, and diplomats.
Weapons Master - Someone who is specialising in learning the
advanced weapon training provided in the setting of Mystara.
Woodlands Cavalier (fkcc9) -
A fighter who belongs to the order of the woodlands has pledged himself
to protecting the wild country and those that dwell under the forest boughs.
They may have pledged themselves to a forest king or a fairy queen, or
simply appointed themselves as guardians of the green places of the world.
A woodslands cavalier does not attack animals, plants, or fey unless they
are being overtly hostile. He does his best to protect natural areas from
exploitation and the ravages of invaders and despoilers.
Character Level Progression - Base Levels
Character Level Progression - Fighter
Character Level Progression - Fighter Archetype - Arcane Archer
Source - Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (dnd-5e-wiz-rb-xge p28)
An Arcane Archer studies a unique elven method of archery that weaves
magic into attacks to produce supernatural effects. Arcane Archers are
some of the most elite warriors among the elves. They stand watch over
the fringes of elven domains, keeping a keen eye out for trespassers
and using magic-infused arrows to defeat monsters and invaders before
they can reach elven settlements. Over the centuries, the methods of
these elf archers have been learned by members of other races who can
also balance arcane aptitude with archery.
Purple Dragon knights are warriors who hail from the kingdom of Cormyr.
Pledged to protect the crown, they take the fight against evil beyond
their kingdom’s borders. They are tasked with wandering the land as
knights errant, relying on their judgment, bravery, and fidelity to the
code of chivalry to guide them in defeating evildoers.
A Purple Dragon knight inspires greatness in others by committing brave
deeds in battle. The mere presence of a knight in a hamlet is enough to
cause some ores and bandits to seek easier prey. A lone knight is a skilled
warrior, but a knight leading a band of allies can transform even the most
poorly equipped militia into a ferocious war band.
A knight prefers to lead through deeds, not words. As a knight spearheads
an attack, the knight’s actions can awaken reserves of courage and
conviction in allies that they never suspected they had.
Character Level Progression - Fighter Archetype - Battle Master
Source - Players Handbook (dnd-5e-wiz-rb-ph p72)
Those who emulate the archetypal Battle Master employ martial techniques
passed down through generations. To a Battle Master, combat is an academic
field, sometimes including subjects beyond battle such as weapon smithing
and calligraphy. Not every fighter absorbs the lessons of history, theory,
and artistry that are reflected in the Battle Master archetype, but those
who do are well-rounded fighters of great skill and knowledge.
Secret Crafts - War
Locations - All
Races - All
Character Level Progression - Fighter Archetype - Cavalier
Source - Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (dnd-5e-wiz-rb-xge p30)
The archetypal Cavalier excels at mounted combat. Usually born among the
nobility and raised at court, a Cavalier is equally at home leading a
cavalry charge or exchanging repartee at a state dinner. Cavaliers also
learn how to guard those in their charge from harm, often serving as the
protectors of their superiors and of the weak. Compelled to right wrongs
or earn prestige, many of these fighters leave their lives of comfort to
embark on glorious adventure.
Races - Human (Atruaghin, Ethengar, Kerendan, Makistani)
Character Level Progression - Fighter Archetype - Champion
Source - Player's Handbook (dnd-5e-wiz-rb-ph p72)
The archetypal Champion focuses on the development of raw physical power
honed to deadly perfection. Those who model themselves on this archetype
combine rigorous training with physical excellence to deal devastating
blows.
Secret Crafts - Weapons
Locations - All
Races - All
Character Level Progression - Fighter Archetype - Clacking Mercenary
The Clanking Legion is a legendary mercenary company, composed of roughly
half gearforged and half beings of flesh and blood. Fighters who emulate
the Clanking Mercenary archetype see the flexibility of flesh in steel
and the strength of metal in their own bodies and minds.
Secret Crafts - Mech
Locations - Ierendi, Karameikos, Rockhome, Sind
Races - Dwarven, Gnome
Character Level Progression - Fighter Archetype - Edjet
The peerless Edjet is the backbone of the mighty Dragon Empire’s military.
These brutal warriors are trained to fight in deadly formations. Hardy
and resolute, the Edjet are most commonly dragonkin, but lesser races
sometimes surprise their scaled masters by aspiring to draconic perfection.
Secret Crafts - Dragon
Locations - Unknown
Races - Dragonkin
Character Level Progression - Fighter Archetype - Eldritch Knight
Source - Player's Handbook (dnd-5e-wiz-rb-ph p74)
The archetypal Eldritch Knight combines the martial mastery common to all
fighters with a careful study of magic. Eldritch Knights use magical
techniques similar to those prActived by wizards, They focus their study
on two of the eight schools of magic: abjuration and evocation. Abjuration
spells grant an Eldritch Knight additional protection in battle, and
evocation spells deal damage to many foes at once, extending the fighter’s
reach in combat. These knights learn a comparatively small number of spells,
committing them to memory instead of keeping them in a spellbook.
Secret Crafts - Elves
Locations - Alfheim, Karameikos, Wendar
Races - Elves
Character Level Progression - Fighter Archetype - Ghost Knight
The Order of Knights Incorporeal, or Ghost Knights, arose in the
principalities of Morgau and Doresh. Fighters who follow the Ghost Knight
archetype draw power from undeath and bring themselves closer to that grim
fate in service to their vampiric and ghoulish masters.
Secret Crafts - Blood, Reanimate, Shade
Locations - Darokin, Glantri, Karameikos
Races - Human (Traladaran)
Character Level Progression - Fighter Archetype - Griffon Knight
The griffon riders of Zobeck were devastated during the fall of House Stross,
so they now have only a shadow of their former glory. These days, most
griffon riders are mercenaries and hedge knights, but a few still nobly
defend the realm as members of the Order of the Griffon Knights. Led by
their doughty dwarven commander Sir Markus Lineguard, the Griffon Knights
patrol the Great Northern Road and keep the Free City safe from attackers.
Griffon knights swear an oath of allegiance to both the order and to their
griffon mounts. The knights put the safety and health of their steeds above
all else; you are not a griffon knight without a griffon to ride.
Secret Crafts - ?
Locations - Heldannic, Karameikos, Thyatis
Races - Human (Heldannic, Kerendan)
Character Level Progression - Fighter Archetype - Hospitaller
Source - The Book of the Righteous (dnd-5e-grr-tbr p192)
The Hospitaller archetype stands at the crossroads of martial mastery and
devotion to one or more gods. Hospitallers approach their faith much as
clerics do, but draw on their religious convictions to help them overcome
their enemies in battle. Where paladins are called to fight in the name of
righteousness, Hospitallers use their devotion to the divine to advance the
cause of their patron deities in the world and might serve as combat healers,
chaplains, or simply devout warriors who took up arms in the name of the
gods. Hospitallers pray for and receive a small number of cleric spells,
and most focus their spell selection on healing magic.
Secret Crafts - Celestial, Healer
Locations - All
Races - All
Character Level Progression - Fighter Archetype - Knight Surgeon
A knight-surgeon is a fighter trained in the arts of healing, whether on
the battlefield or away from it. This vital function is especially
important when divine spellcasters are not available, or in low-magic
settings. Knight-surgeons also receive a small amount of mystic training,
enabling them to treat various conditions.
Secret Crafts - Healer
Locations - Rockhome
Races - Dwarven
Character Level Progression - Fighter Archetype - Samurai
Source - Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (dnd-5e-wiz-rb-xge p31)
The Samurai is a fighter who draws on an implacable fighting spirit to
overcome enemies. A Samurai’s resolve is nearly unbreakable, and the
enemies in a Samurai’s path have two choices: yield or die fighting.
Secret Crafts - ?
Locations - Darokin, Ethengar, Glantri, Ylaruam
Races - Human (Ethengarian, Makistani)
Character Level Progression - Fighter Archetype - Shieldbearer
The archetypal Shieldbearer of the Ironcrag Cantons is a staunch bulwark
against any foe. Fighters who emulate this archetype become one with
their shields, bolstering their defensive power and even turning it into
a crushing weapon.
Sword-dancers blur the line between warrior and courtier. The first
sword-dancers hailed from the sultan’s court in the city of Siwal in
the Southlands. Sword-dancers are graceful and charming, with wits as
sharp as their flashing blades. Fighters who follow the sword-dancer
archetype often attach themselves to powerful lords as bodyguards,
spies, and diplomats.
Secret Crafts - Weapons
Locations - Darokin, Ylaruam
Races - Human (Alasiyan, Makistani)
Character Level Progression - Fighter Archetype - Weapons Master
They are the masters of weapon, focusing their study on improving their
techniques and used in the gladiatorial pits of Thyatis City.
Trained in making the most out of weapons you gain the following benefits. You
select this archetype at 3rd level. Your fighter and level proficiencies can be
used for weapon options instead of increasing your proficiency.
Note - Stacks with Weapon Master feat.
A fighter who belongs to the order of the woodlands has pledged himself
to protecting the wild country and those that dwell under the forest boughs.
They may have pledged themselves to a forest king or a fairy queen, or
simply appointed themselves as guardians of the green places of the world.
A woodslands cavalier does not attack animals, plants, or fey unless they
are being overtly hostile. He does his best to protect natural areas from
exploitation and the ravages of invaders and despoilers.
Secret Crafts - Beasts, Nature
Locations - Alfheim, Five Shires, Karameikos, Thyatis
Races - Elven, Halfling, Human
Character Level Progression - Fighter Features - Fighting Styles
Character Level Progression - Fighter Features - Background Elements
Heraldic Sign
Fighters typically do battle for a cause. Some fight on behalf of kindoms
besieged by monsters, while otehr quest only for personal glory. In either
case, a fighter often displays a heraldic sign that represents that cause,
either adopting the symbol of a nation or a royal line, or creating a crest
to represent one’s self-interest.
Your character could be affiliated with an organisation or a caiuse, and
thus might already travel under a banenr of some sort. If that’s not the case,
consider devising a heraldic sign that symbolises an aspect of your nature or
speaks to what you see as your purpose in the world.
d6 – Heraldic Sign includes
A rampant golden dragon on a green field representing valor and a
quest for wealth.
The fist of a storm giant clutching lightning before a storm cloud,
symbolising wrath and power.
Crossed greatswords in front of a castle gate, signifying the defence
of a city or kingdom.
A skull with a dagger through it, representing the doom you bring to
your enemies.
A phoenix in a ring of fire, an expression of an indomitable spirit.
Three drops of blood beneath a horizontal sword blade on a black
background, symbolising three foes you have swown to kill.
Instructor
Some fighters are natural-born combatants who have a talent for surviving
in battle. Others learned the basics of their combat prowess in their
formative years from spending time in a military or some other martial
organisation, when they were taught by the leaders of the group.
A third type of fighter comes from the ranks of those who receieved
one-on-one instruction from an accomplished veteran of the craft. That
instructor was, or perhaps still is, well versed in a certain aspect of
combat that relates to the student’s background.
If you decide that your character had an individual instructor, what is
that persons speciality? Did you emulate your instructor in how you fight,
or did you take the instructor’s teachings and adapt them to your own
purpose?
d6 - Instructor
Gladiator – Your instructor was a slave who fought for freedom
in the arena, or one who willingly chose the gladiator’s life to earn
money and fame.
Military – Your trainer served with a group of soldiers and knows
much about working as a team.
City Watch – Crowd control and peacekeeping are your instructor’s
specialties.
Tribal Warrior – Your instructor grew up in a tribe, where fighting
for one’s life was practically an everyday occurence.
Street Fighter – Your trainer excels at urban combat, combining
close-quarters work with silence and efficiency.
Weapon Master – Your mentor helped you to become one with your
chosen weapon, by imparting highly specialised knowledge of how to wield
it most effectively.
Signature Style
Many fighters distinguish themselves from their peers by adopting and
perfecting a particular style or method of waging combat. Although this
style might be a natural outgrowth of a fighters personality, that’s not
always the case – someone’s approach to the world in general does not
necessarily describe how that person operates when lives are on the line.
Do you have a combat style that mirrors your outlook on life, or is it
something else insid you unleashed when weapons are drawn?
d6 - Signature Style
Elegant – You move with precise grace and total control,
never using more energy than you need. (Elven style)
Brutal – Your attacks rain down like hammer blows, meant to
splinter bone or send blood flying (Giant and Halfling style)
Cunning – You art in to attack at just the right moment and
use small-scale tactics to tilt the odds in your favour. (Gnomish
style)
Effortless – You rarely perspire or display anything other
than a stoic expression in battle (Dwarven style)
Energetic – You sing and laugh during combat as your spirit
sours. You are happiest when you have a foe infront of you and a
weapon in hand. (Norse style)
Sinister – You scowl and sneer while fighting, and you enjoy
mocking your foes as you defeat them. (Alphatian style)
Character Level Progression - Fighter - Weapons Master Notes
This has gone through a few iterations. This one comes out the cleanest of them
so far and I beleive it really shows a master of all weapons.
All weapon proficiencies are now at skilled and you learn 1 new weapon option.
(Previous weapon upgrades become options for those weapons, even though other
character can’t take options until they are experts)
Weapon Mastery (+1), increase the Base DC, number of attacks you can use deflect
and AC bonus, number of rounds for knockout and stun, with by the level of
Weapons Mastery.
Can trigger two weapon effects useable with a bonus action with a single bonus
action.
You are considered proficient and can add your proficiency modifier to the Base
DC roll.
You can use expert weapon options on weapons with Skilled proficiency.
All weapon proficiencies are now at expert and you learn 1 new weapon option.
Weapon Mastery (+2), increase the Base DC, number of attacks you can use deflect and AC bonus, number of rounds for knockout and stun, with by the level of Weapons Mastery.
Can trigger three weapon effects usable with a bonus action with a single bonus action.
Class Build – Fighter – Weapons Master – Level 10
(10th) Master Weapon Use: At 10th level receive the following:
All weapon proficiencies are now at master and you learn 1 weapon option.
Weapon Mastery (+3), increase the Base DC, number of attacks you can use deflect
and AC bonus, number of rounds for knockout and stun, with by the level of
Weapons Mastery.
Can trigger all weapon effects usable with a bonus action with a single bonus
action.
Class Build – Fighter – Weapons Master – Level 18
(18th) Grand Master Weapon Use: At 18th level receive the following:
All weapon proficiencies are now at grand master and you learn 1 weapon option.
Weapon Mastery (+4), increase the Base DC, number of attacks you can use deflect
and AC bonus, number of rounds for knockout and stun, with by the level of Weapons
Mastery.
Can consider each attack as a Crit, for the weapon options and qualities but not
the damage multiplier if they hit but don’t crit.
Content Updates
2023-05-04 - Adding in the levels of fighter as a table up to level 15.
2023-01-19 - Migrate content from Figher overview.
2023-01-18 - Added up to level 10 and included level 18 for Weapons Mastery.
2023-01-07 - Page Created. Adding in level 01 details.
2022-05-05 – Building an updated Weapons Master that is easier to use.
2021-10-29 – Added in Tashia’s Cauldron of Everything class options.
2021-08-22 – Update to layout and menu
2021-04-26 - Weapons Master Published on WordPress.
2021-03-26 – Added in the Background elements with changes from Xanathar’s
Guide.
2021-03-25 – Adding in details up to level 7 for character building and
moving weapons master to its own post.
2021-03-21 – Setting up for easy to build options.
2020-09-20 – Content layout cleanup.
2020-08-02 - Fighter Overview published on WordPress.