Create-An-Archetype

A how-to guide for creating a fighter Archetype in 5e

Written by MATTHEW GRAVELYN

Cover Art by Dean Spencer

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Create-An-Archetype: A Fighter Archetype Creation Guide by Matthew Gravelyn 1
INTRODUCTION USING THIS SOURCEBOOK
This book is meant to be a template, a guide to help
Hello and welcome to my Create-A series, guides you create your very own fighter Archetype that is
designed to help you created your own class compatible with virtually any 5e setting or campaign.
archetypes compatible with D&D 5e. In this guide I In this way, you have nearly limitless potential to
take a look at the fighter, whose Archetype grants entertain yourself and find new ways to bring the
them access to mighty attacks and new fighting styles. fighter to life in your game.
This guide starts with a quick review of the Each section covers an area of Archetype creation,
primary fighter abilities so you can keep them in mind including an overview of existing options, concepts to
when crafting your new Archetype features. I share consider during creation, and how to balance the
some thoughts how to define and describe your features that go into an Archetype.
fighter’s Archetype. Next, we get into the sections for This book is based on research of the official fighter
each aspect of Archetype creation with two examples Archetype options as well as many other homebrew
that I will build upon as we go. Finally, I recap the and self-published options. Using that research as a
example Archetypes so you can see what they look like framework, I created this guide to help you create an
when we’re done. Archetype as quickly and easily as possible.
I hope you enjoy this guide. Always remember to
consult with your DM and other players before using
homebrew at the table. In this way you can make sure EXAMPLES
your subclass is balanced and fits within the Included at the end of each section are two example
framework your DM intends to use during play. Archetype that I have created following this guide. Feel
free to use these Archetypes in your game, but their
true purpose is to illustrate the practical application of
the guide.
Examples are found in blue boxes at the end of each
section and detail the choices of that section. Complete
versions of Long Reach and Wood Warrior can be
found at the end of this guide.

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Create-An-Archetype: A Fighter Archetype Creation Guide by Matthew Gravelyn 2
CLASS OVERVIEW ABILITY SCORE IMPROVEMENT
I don’t usually all this out in the class overview, but the
Before you dive into creating a new subclass it’s a good fighter bucks the trend of most classes with regards to
idea to refresh yourself on the base class. You can ability score improvements. Classes all gain an
check out the PHB for specific language, but I have improvement at 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, a total
included an overview of the class here for easy of five improvements. The fighter, however, also gains
reference. two additional improvements at 6th and 14th level, the
One of the more interesting aspects about the most of any class. Given this, fighters don’t need as
fighter class is how simple it is at the core. There are much stat improvement from subclass features as
only five distinct abilities granted by the class, but other classes.
three of them have improvements that are unlocked at Another thing to keep in mind is that ability score
later levels. So, while the fighter still gains additional improvements can optionally be swapped out for
value and opportunities at every level, they don’t have gaining a Feat. If the fighter is playing in such a game,
a lot of variety when it comes to abilities. they now have even more opportunities to take a Feat,
altering how they approach the game.
FIGHTING STYLE While it’s not feasible to plan or balance for every
combination of score improvements and Feats, it is
When creating a new fighter, you will choose a style something to keep in mind when designing your
that defines how they approach combat. This ranges subclass.
from archery and two-weapon fighting to self defense
or the protection of allies. Each of these options has,
for the most part, a passive bonus to how the fighter EXTRA ATTACK
performs in battle. Another quintessential fighter ability is being able to
make multiple attack rolls with a single attack action,
SECOND WIND which starts at 5th level.
This feature increases to 3 attack rolls at 11th level
The fighter also starts their journey with the ability to and 4 attack rolls at 20th level.
regain hit points during a fight if they need to push
through. As a bonus action the fighter can regain HP
equal to 1d10 + their fighter level. They can use this INDOMITABLE
feature once per short or long rest. Starting at 9th level the fighter receives their last
unique ability from the base class. This one allows the
ACTION SURGE fighter to reroll a failed saving throw and use the new
roll. They can do this once per long rest.
At 2nd level the fighter gains their most signature The fighter gains one additional use of this feature
features, the ability to take an extra action on their at both 13th and 17th level.
turn in addition to their given action and a possible
bonus action. This can be used once per long rest.
At 17th level the fighter gains the ability to use this
feature twice before needing a long rest, but only once
per turn.

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Create-An-Archetype: A Fighter Archetype Creation Guide by Matthew Gravelyn 3
ARCHETYPE CREATION Example: Long Reach
For a fighter, their Archetype is a bit different than
I have always loved polearms and spears in D&D and,
most subclasses. For many classes, especially those
outside of weapon proficiencies and a couple feats, there
rooted in magic or religion, their subclass is an
wasn’t anything super-focused on the playstyle. This
extension of a believe structure or a society they
belong to. While it is possible for the fighter to have subclass allows the fighter to utilize some of the specific
both of those in their life, their Archetype is instead a abilities of wielding a long weapon.
representation of their training and style in combat.
If you’ve read any of my other subclass guides you Description: Both spear and polearm are often seen as the
know that I heavily push theme as a vital part of weapon of blockades or tools of peasants. While a wooden
subclass creation. Understanding the “why” and “how” shaft and metal tip can be less impressive than a gleaming
of a subclass is extremely important for the backstory sword or crafted battlehammer, those who take the time to
of your character and is also very helpful in helping to master the long weapons can wield the cumbersome
craft features that make sense. That said, when it weapons to deadly effect. These masters twirl, jab, and
comes to a fighter’s Archetype, there isn’t a lot of room slash well beyond normal reach. You will be hard pressed
for theme in that sense. Instead, focus on a style of to ever get close enough to these warriors to put a sword
combat and make sure your features revolve around to their skin.
that. For example, if your fighter is all about brute
force in melee combat, adding a feature where they
defend an ally with a shield would be a questionable Example: Wood Warrior
choice, as it completely contradicts the playstyle the This subclass is a vision of a hit-and-run warrior, a fighter
character is engaged with. who strikes from the shadows only to return again. It feels
like a beefy rogue, so it will be perfect if you want a similar
NAMING YOUR ARCHETYPE playstyle but focusing on Strength-based attacks.

Similar to the lack of lore and flavor in this particular

Description: There are fighters who use their surroundings
subclass, the naming of your Archetype is also made
to heighten their own battle prowess. Deep in the forests
easier here. Instead of a structure or fancy words, the
are warriors so fierce they are sometimes called “ghost” in
name of your Archetype will simply be what the fighter
the local language. They are specters of death, appearing
“is”. For example, if your Archetype is about protecting
from the underbrush to strike and fading back into the
and supporting allies, you might call your subclass
forest just as quickly. These fierce fighters are known as
“Protector” or “Defender”, because that is what
someone would call the fighter. If you need to check wood warriors. The only solace you have is that you won’t
your Archetype name, just imagine someone yelling even see them coming.
“Here comes the ___________!” in response to seeing the
fighter.

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Create-An-Archetype: A Fighter Archetype Creation Guide by Matthew Gravelyn 4
BONUS PROFICIENCIES Example: Long Reach
Almost every fighter Archetype offers extra skill or
For our spear master, I chose skills that felt like they might
tool proficiencies at this level. I believe this plays into
naturally come from working with a dexterous weapon.
the notion of a fighter being from some kind of skilled
background, like a laborer or craftsperson.
Utilize these both thematically and mechanically. Bonus Proficiencies: When you choose this Archetype at
Think about where a fighter like this would come from 3rd level, you gain proficiency in either Acrobatics or
and give them options that reflect that. Also think Performance.
about what a fighter might be doing in and out of
combat and bolster that. For example, a woodland
fighter would almost certainly be proficient in survival Example: Wood Warrior
or nature. Our woodland fighter obviously needed some natural
skills. I also wanted to add a little extra by allowing them to
call on animal companions during a fight.

Wood Warrior Lore: When you choose this Archetype at

3rd level, you gain proficiency in 2 of the following skills:
Nature, Stealth, or Survival. You also learn the animal
friendship spell. When casting this spell, you can use your
Strength modifier for the spell save DC. Once you cast this
spell, you must wait until after a short or long rest to cast it
again

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Create-An-Archetype: A Fighter Archetype Creation Guide by Matthew Gravelyn 5
ORIGIN FEATURE
In terms of specifics, I would recommend a list of
options somewhere between 8 and 16 unique abilities.
These don’t have to be complex necessarily, but they
When the fighter chooses their Archetype at 3rd level
should all be distinct in both effect and flavor. The size
they will receive the bulk of utility from their subclass. of the list is relative to how many options the fighter
This is where you will introduce most if not all of the
will eventually unlock. For example, if the fighter starts
new mechanics to the subclass and lay the foundation
with 2 options at 3rd level and then gets another option
for the playstyle of the fighter. You will likely spend
at 7th, 10th, and 15th level, that is a total of 5 options. To
most of your creative energy here and that’s totally
make sure there’s enough choice there, I would aim for
fine; this is a big one so don’t skimp on it.
a list of options that is double that, or 10.
For uses, this will be based on how powerful the
CHANGE THE GAME options are. Ideally you want all the options to be as
There is a virtually limitless amount of possibilities equally balanced as possible so “one use” of the
here, but the main concept is to make the way the feature, regardless of the option, is about the same
fighter plays and fights fundamentally different from level of power in combat. The number of uses the
other classes or subclasses. If your 3rd level feature is fighter should start with is around 2 to 4 and should
merely making use of existing abilities and mechanics, also progress with levels. This number won’t increase
that’s a good indication that you should go back to the as much or as often as the number of options; look to
drawing board and see what you can do to beef it up. increment this by 1 either 2 to 3 times during leveling
This feature should either add net new mechanics for to a max of around 4 to 6 uses. The spent uses are then
the fighter or break the rules of the game. regained after completing a short or long rest, again
In terms of “breaking the rules”, I mean in the sense depending on the potency of the options.
that when another character was to do something or
endure an effect, they follow the standard steps to
resolve it. For your fighter, they might have a different
BONUS SPELLS
As a class that, by definition, doesn’t get to use a lot of
set of rules, like rolling fewer dice for fall damage or
magic, a couple bonus spells here could radically
gaining partial proficiency bonus on weapons they’re change how the fighter plays. Obviously, this is only
not explicitly proficient in. Again, the sky’s the limit
something you want to do if your fighter has a magical
here, so remember to go big.
flavor to them, like a wizard warrior or similar. If that’s
the kind of subclass you want to build, then make sure
PROGRESSING OPTIONS to give them some potent magic here.
I observed an interesting approach to this feature in This can be as complex as giving the fighter an
several of the official Archetypes that offers a lot of entire spellcasting ability, like wizards, or just a spell
flexibility to a fighter following your subclass. This or two that they can use. Determine what makes the
method offers a default mechanic of “uses” and a list of most sense for your fighter while also making sure to
options to choose from that will be the “what” your simplify wherever possible. Don’t add in an entire
uses go towards. spellcasting component if it’s just for two spells.
At a thematic level, this type of feature would be a
good fit if your subclass was based around melee
combat prowess, but the actual how the fighter is good
at melee combat is up to them. This feature would
allow for a number of uses that then could be used to
us abilities from a list of moves, like parrying, shield
bashing, knocking enemies prone, and more.
To keep this feature relevant during progression,
these types of features usually increase both the
number of uses and the number of options the fighter
has at certain levels, typically coinciding with other
subclass improvements (7th, 10th, 15th, and 18th levels).
This allows the fighter to evolve over time, and
sometimes even allowing them to replace previous
choices if they’re not happy with them in practice.

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Create-An-Archetype: A Fighter Archetype Creation Guide by Matthew Gravelyn 6
Example: Long Reach Example: Wood Warrior
The core of this subclass is choosing which type of spear Asdf
fighting to specialize in. I wanted to make this choice feel
meaningful but also be mechanically simple. At this level, Forest Ghost: When you choose this Archetype at 3rd level,
the fighter chooses a weapon and gets one ability to use you are a master of surprising attacks and misdirection.
their mastery dice on during play. Additional mastery dice When you make an attack against a target who cannot see
and ability options will become available at later levels. you, they must make a Wisdom saving throw against a DC
equal to 10 + your proficiency bonus. On a failure, they are
Spear Mastery: When you choose this Archetype at 3rd unable to track your movement and you remain hidden
level, you specialize in a particular style of spear fighting. from them.
You learn a special ability that is powered by special dice
called mastery dice.
You also specialize with a type of spear. You must use
this weapon to utilize your spear ability.
Mastery Dice. You have 4 mastery dice, which are d8s. A
mastery die is expended when you use it. You regain all
your mastery dice after you finish a short or long rest.
You gain an additional mastery die at 7th and 15th level.
Specializations. When you choose this feature, choose
one of the following specializations. This determines your
chosen weapon as well as your spear ability.

• Hoplite: you are specialized with spear and shield. When

an ally within 5 feet of you is attacked with a ranged
weapon or spell attack, you can expend one mastery die
to reduce the damage done.
• Poler: you are specialized in two-handed polearms.
When you make a two-handed attack, you can expend a
mastery die to make an attack with the blunt end. Add
the mastery die to the attack roll. The attack does 1d6
bludgeoning damage.
• Javelineer: you are specialized javelins or throwing
spears. When you target an enemy who you have
successfully attacked with a ranged attack, you can
expend a mastery die to add it to your attack roll.
• Lancer: you are specialized with lances and mounted
combat. When you hit a target with a melee attack while
mounted, you can expend a mastery die to add it to the
attack’s damage. The target is also knocked prone.

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Create-An-Archetype: A Fighter Archetype Creation Guide by Matthew Gravelyn 7
UTILITY FEATURE Example: Long Reach
At 7th level, the fighter receives another set of features,
This simple feature packs a big punch and allows the
usually two depending on their strength and effects.
fighter to control the area around them by virtue of their
Similar to the 3rd level, this usually consists of a unique
extended reach.
or major feature along with another that adds
additional proficiencies or bonuses to existing abilities.
Battle Reach: Starting at 7th level, enemies that enter your
weapon’s range provoke an opportunity attack from you.
ADDITIONAL POTENCY
Most of the unique features at this level don’t add new Example: Wood Warrior
functionality, but rather compliment or augment The fighter, having spent much of their life in the harsh
existing playstyles. For example, a fighter who woods, bears the scars and callous skin of a beast as well
specializes in ranged combat might get a feature here as the nimbleness needed to dart between the trees. This
that deals with dodging incoming ranged attacks or a translates into skill in dodging attacks and intimidating city
mounted fighter gets extra bonuses to combat when folk.
mounted.
You can put a defensive spin on this feature by Woodworn: Starting at 7th level, you are light on your feet
thinking about what dangers the fighter is most from years of weaving in and out of the forest underbrush.
susceptible to given their 3rd level features and helping You gain proficiency in Dexterity saving throws. If you
mitigate them. For melee-focused fighters, additional already have this proficiency, you instead gain proficiency
ways of avoiding or mitigating damage from multiple in Wisdom saving throws.
attackers.
Your time in the woods has also given you a gruff and
commanding presence. Whenever you make a Charisma
MORE BONUSES (Intimidation) check, you gain a bonus to the check equal
Similar to the 3rd level features, there are many to your Strength modifier.
Archetypes that continue bolstering a fighter’s skill
checks and saving throws with additional features at
7th level. This is typically in addition to another feature
and, I believe, used to help balance the level up a bit.
As before, consider what the fighter wants to be
doing in addition to their other combat features. Think
about which skills help them before, during, and after
battle, as well as things that can help round out the
character when not in battle. For example, our
woodland fighter is probably very light on their feet, so
giving them a bonus to stealth could be thematic, and
also something a fighter doesn’t typically have.

BALANCING WITH OPTIONS

If your 3rd level feature is one that comes with
choosing additional options at higher levels, make sure
to keep that in mind as you define this and all future
features in your Archetype. Balancing these option
choices and the increased uses with the net new
features you are defining will be key to making your
subclass interesting and powerful without completely
breaking the game.

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Create-An-Archetype: A Fighter Archetype Creation Guide by Matthew Gravelyn 8
IMPROVE FEATURE Example: Long Reach
At 10th level, fighters gain a subclass feature that
Continuing on the theme of controlling their immediate
typically improves upon an existing ability or feature
area, this feature gives the fighter a way of mitigating
and does so in a way that enhances its existing effect
damage while in the heat of battle.
or playstyle. This doesn’t add new options, per se, but
rather makes the fighter’s abilities more potent.
Best Defense: Starting at 10th level, your speed and finesse
you’re your spear creates a substantial defense in close-
ADDITIONAL EFFECTS range combat. When an enemy within 5 feet targets you
Even if your fighter subclass isn’t utilizing a with a melee attack, you can use your reaction to impose
progressive set of maneuvers or abilities, this is still a disadvantage on the attack.
good place to add additional benefit or usage to their
abilities. This can take many shapes, ranging from
imposing disadvantage on targets, extending ranges or Example: Wood Warrior
opportunities for attacks, or making minor Inevitably the fighter will fail to hide from an enemy. They
adjustments to movements. can still capitalize on this by getting a quick melee attack
Alternatively, you can increase the economy of uses in as they spring from hiding.
for the fighter’s primary feature. This typically takes
the form of gaining a single use if you start a combat Pounce: Starting at 10th level, you can take advantage of
without any uses. your stealth even when found out. When an enemy detects
you in hiding, you can use your reaction to make a weapon
EXTRA FIGHTING STYLE attack against that target.
While not common among official Archetypes, I did see
some allowing the fighter to take on an additional
Fighting Style as provided at character creation.
Thematically this represents the fighter growing more
conformable with a variety of weapons and styles,
making them a more versatile fighter. If you see your
subclass being one that encourages a breadth of
combat knowledge instead of specializing deeply into a
particular style, this is a very easy feature to add.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
While this probably isn’t the first time the fighter gains
an additional option for their origin feature, it might be
the first time that’s all they get. Some of the subclasses
I looked at didn’t have a new feature at 10th level,
instead relying on the potency of additional options or
improvements to their origin feature to carry the
fighter through this level. If you feel like that option
gain is valuable enough, or if there isn’t a new feature
you could offer here that would improve the subclass,
you can skip it altogether.

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Create-An-Archetype: A Fighter Archetype Creation Guide by Matthew Gravelyn 9
AUGMENT FEATURE Example: Long Reach
For their 15th level Archetype feature, fighters typically
Since mastery dice are such a huge part of this subclass, I
gain an augment to an existing feature or ability,
wanted to make sure they always had one when a combat
something that will allow them to use their tools in
starts.
new and interesting ways. This doesn’t add new
mechanics, per se, but does allow the fighter to
leverage their abilities to address new situations or Ready Staff: Starting at 15th level, you are always prepared
achieve new outcomes. for battle. If you roll initiative and have no uses of Spear
Mastery, you regain one use of it.

FEATURE MODIFICATION
In general, I would recommend using this feature to Example: Wood Warrior
add on new aspects to an existing feature, either one This feature adds some movement speed during stealth to
from your subclass or from the base fighter class itself. allow the fighter to better position themselves for sneaky
This can range from adding duration, range, or even attacks.
movement to an ability to give it some extra oomph.
For example, you could augment a previous feature by Shadow’s Swiftness: Starting at 15th level, you can move
allowing the fighter to choose to knock an enemy as quick and silently as the forest shadows. When you
prone in addition to their other effects. This gives the successfully hide from an enemy, you can immediately
fighter more control over how the battle progresses move up to half your movement speed.
without introducing any net new mechanics.
To that point, allowing the fighter to make choices
when using existing abilities is another way to add
more value to their playstyle without adding a new
feature. This could, in a sense, be considered “breaking
the rules” to just do something else, like trading in
advantage for attacking twice or choosing to fail a
saving throw for the chance to go down swinging.

OPTION USAGE
One standardized type of feature jumped out at me
during my research and it applies to those subclasses
that offer choices from a list of options. Two of the
official Archetypes offered a feature at this level that,
when rolling initiative, if the fighter doesn’t have any
uses of their option feature, they gain one. This not
only allows the fighter to generate some more uses of
their origin feature but are also encouraged to
consume all their uses during each combat.
I did notice that one Archetype used this feature at
10th level instead. I think this speaks to the flexibility of
this type of feature and prioritizing the overall balance
of the subclass. If you’re going this route with your
feature, weigh it against other features and move them
around as necessary.

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Create-An-Archetype: A Fighter Archetype Creation Guide by Matthew Gravelyn 10
BONUS FEATURE Example: Long Reach
Unlike some subclasses the fighter Archetype doesn’t
At their highest levels, these spear fighters have learned
boast a massive, potent ability for its final feature.
many tricks and tactics to wielding their chosen weapon.
Instead, most of the Archetypes I researched offered
This feature offers another option for each specialization as
bonus actions or reactions, or sometimes didn’t have a
feature at all. By the time a fighter reaches 18 th level well as increasing the potency of the mastery dice.
they are already an unrivaled battle machine, and so
this feature is generally used to offer a little extra fun Improved Spear Mastery: Starting at 18th level, you have
instead of a new, game-changing ability. learned much in the way of the spear. You gain an
additional Spear Mastery option for your specialization.
Your mastery dice are now d10s.
EXTRA ACTIONS • Hoplite: When an enemy fails an attack roll against you,
Most features I saw at this level are offered as either a
you can expend a mastery die to make an attack against
bonus action or a reaction, and none were full-fledged
them, adding the mastery die to the attack roll.
actions themselves. Choosing either a proactive or
• Poler: When you hit an enemy with a melee attack, you
complementary bonus action or a triggered reaction is
can expend a mastery die to disarm them.
a good place to start with this feature.
• Javelineer: When you are hit with a ranged weapon
The first thing I’d recommend considering is how
attack, you can expend a mastery die to reduce the
many times you’ve used bonus actions or reactions in
damage.
previous features. If you’re heavy on one so far,
consider using the other to help balance things out. • Lancer: When you are hit with a melee attack you can
Remember that characters only get one bonus action expend a mastery die to reduce the damage.
and one reaction per turn, so don’t overload them with
options for one or the other.
Also think about what kind of feature makes sense Example: Wood Warrior
for the flavor of Archetype you’re constructing. If the The woodland fighter is now able to meld into their
fighter you have in mind is more protective, a reaction surroundings seamlessly while fighting.
to mitigate attacks makes a lot of sense.
Naturally Stealthy: Starting at 18th level, you have become

PASSIVE ABILITIES naturally stealthy and can hide easily in virtually any
setting. You can use the Hide action as a bonus action.
If a bonus action or reaction doesn’t feel quite right for
the feature you’d like to write, consider instead a
passive bonus. This can range from an always-on
bonus to certain rolls or other persistent effects that
could influence allies or enemies around the fighter.
Some examples of this could be as simple as regaining
HP slowly over time, having advantage on a certain
type of weapon attack, or improved senses.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
This is another instance where some of the subclasses
I looked at didn’t add a net new ability to the mix,
instead looking to the increased potency to the origin
feature to empower the fighter. This is the same advice
I gave for the 10th level feature; weigh the power of the
option gain with whether or not you can think of
anything else that would add value to the fighter here.

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Create-An-Archetype: A Fighter Archetype Creation Guide by Matthew Gravelyn 11
LONG REACH
• Javelineer: you are specialized javelins or throwing
spears. When you target an enemy who you have
successfully attacked with a ranged attack, you can
Both spear and polearm are often seen as the weapon
expend a mastery die to add it to your attack roll.
of blockades or tools of peasants. While a wooden
• Lancer: you are specialized with lances and
shaft and metal tip can be less impressive than a
mounted combat. When you hit a target with a melee
gleaming sword or crafted battlehammer, those who
attack while mounted, you can expend a mastery die
take the time to master the long weapons can wield
to add it to the attack’s damage. The target is also
the cumbersome weapons to deadly effect. These
knocked prone.
masters twirl, jab, and slash well beyond normal reach.
You will be hard pressed to ever get close enough to
these warriors to put a sword to their skin. BATTLE REACH
Starting at 7th level, enemies that enter your weapon’s
LONG REACH FEATURES range provoke an opportunity attack from you.
Fighter Level Features
3rd Bonus Proficiencies, Spear Mastery BEST DEFENSE
7th Battle Reach Starting at 10th level, your speed and finesse you’re
your spear creates a substantial defense in close-range
10th Best Defense
combat. When an enemy within 5 feet targets you with
15th Ready Staff a melee attack, you can use your reaction to impose
18th Improved Spear Mastery disadvantage on the attack.

BONUS PROFICIENCIES READY STAFF

When you choose this Archetype at 3rd
level, you gain Starting at 15th level, you are always prepared for
proficiency in either Acrobatics or Performance. battle. If you roll initiative and have no uses of Spear
Mastery, you regain one use of it.

SPEAR MASTERY
When you choose this Archetype at 3rd level, you IMPROVED SPEAR MASTERY
specialize in a particular style of spear fighting. You Starting at 18th level, you have learned much in the
learn a special ability that is powered by special dice way of the spear. You gain an additional Spear Mastery
called mastery dice. option for your specialization. Your mastery dice are
You also specialize with a type of spear. You must now d10s.
use this weapon to utilize your spear ability. • Hoplite: When an enemy fails an attack roll against
Mastery Dice. You have 4 mastery dice, which are d8s. you, you can expend a mastery die to make an attack
A mastery die is expended when used. You regain all against them, adding the mastery die to the attack
your mastery dice after you finish a short or long rest. roll.
You gain an extra mastery die at 7th and 15th level. • Poler: When you hit an enemy with a melee attack,
you can expend a mastery die to disarm them.
Specializations. When you choose this feature, choose
• Javelineer: When you are hit with a ranged weapon
one of the following specializations. This determines
attack, you can expend a mastery die to reduce the
your chosen weapon as well as your spear ability.
damage.
• Hoplite: you are specialized with spear and shield. • Lancer: When you are hit with a melee attack you
When an ally within 5 feet of you is attacked with a can expend a mastery die to reduce the damage.
ranged weapon or spell attack, you can expend one
mastery die to reduce the damage done.
• Poler: you are specialized in two-handed polearms.
When you make a two-handed attack, you can
expend a mastery die to make an attack with the
blunt end. Add the mastery die to the attack roll. The
attack does 1d6 bludgeoning damage.

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Create-An-Archetype: A Fighter Archetype Creation Guide by Matthew Gravelyn 12
WOOD WARRIOR WOODWORN
Starting at 7th level, you are light on your feet from
There are fighters who use their surroundings to years of weaving in and out of the forest underbrush.
heighten their own battle prowess. Deep in the forests You gain proficiency in Dexterity saving throws. If you
are warriors so fierce they are sometimes called already have this proficiency, you instead gain
“ghost” in the local language. They are specters of proficiency in Wisdom saving throws.
death, appearing from the underbrush to strike and Your time in the woods has also given you a gruff
fading back into the forest just as quickly. These fierce and commanding presence. Whenever you make a
fighters are known as wood warriors. The only solace Charisma (Intimidation) check, you gain a bonus to the
you have is that you won’t even see them coming. check equal to your Strength modifier.

WOOD WARRIOR FEATURES

POUNCE
Fighter Level Features Starting at 10th level, you can take advantage of your
3rd Wood Warrior Lore, Forest Ghost stealth even when found out. When an enemy detects
7th Woodworn you in hiding, you can use your reaction to make a
weapon attack against that target.
10th Pounce
15th Shadow’s Swiftness
18th Naturally Stealthy
SHADOW’S SWIFTNESS
Starting at 15th level, you can move as quickly and
silently as the forest shadows. When you successfully
WOOD WARRIOR LORE hide from an enemy, you can immediately move up to
When you choose this Archetype at 3rd level, you gain half your movement speed.
proficiency in Stealth and either Nature or Survival.
You also learn the animal friendship spell. When
casting this spell, you can use your Strength modifier
NATURALLY STEALTHY
Starting at 18th level, you have become naturally
for the spell save DC. Once you cast this spell, you must
stealthy and can hide easily in virtually any setting.
wait until after a short or long rest to cast it again.
You can use the Hide action as a bonus action.

FOREST GHOST
When you choose this Archetype at 3rd level, you are a
master of surprising attacks and misdirection. When
you make an attack against a target who cannot see
you, they must make a Wisdom saving throw against a
DC equal to 10 + your proficiency bonus. On a failure,
they are unable to track your movement and you
remain hidden from them.

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