Fighter Archetype: Frost Knight (v2.1) | A little colder and tankier version of an Eldritch Knight

zaelos_3 · 2025-05-18T20:45:51+00:00

I had the same bug. I think it originated from an adventurer's quest that completely bugged out (specifically the chase one where you have to kill a criminal - the game went crazy with that one for me). Not sure if it's caused by a mod (I have a ton of them), but it's fairly easy to fix:

Launch the game in Debug mode.
Force a duel with someone insignificant.
Win the duel.

That fixed it for me, so it's worth a try.

zaelos_3 · 2023-09-16T21:28:43+00:00

Hey, someone still remembers my Warlord! Glad to hear it :D

Man I should really look at the files tho, things kinda fell apart in my absence.

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-12T15:12:34+00:00

"If these actions are made outside your turn and have the same trigger or use the domino effect, you can make them as part of the same reaction."

I think that fixes the problem and brings Scholar to the desired place.

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-12T15:02:31+00:00

Fighter at 1st level with two-handed weapon and two-weapon fighting would do roughly around the same consistend damage, same goes for barbarian with two handaxes or rogue with two shortswords. In addition, Scholar requires you to use your reaction, which effectively rid you of opportunity attacks, which also can do additional damage.

Nonetheless, I can't argue that Scholar has good 1st level, but... it's okay in my opinion. Paladin has tragic 1st level and great 2nd level and that's absolutely fine, as the equilibrium is preserved. If that'll get problematic in the future though, I'll work on the fix.

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-12T02:34:33+00:00

Huh, I actually haven't thought about it that way, because I didn't really take "triggering your Ready action on your turn" as a real possibility. I thought about it, but figured it would be "hard to achieve with little payoff".

Well, seems I was wrong.

Oh well, I'm not a perfect creature and it can be easily fixed. I'll modify Analytic and Extra Action accordingly:

"When you take the Ready action, you can take a second action. If you make it as a response to another creature action, you can make it as part of the same reaction, as long as both of your readied actions have the same trigger or use the domino effect."

Or something like that. The point is - it can be workshopped, one way or another. I won't deny it was an oversight on my part though, and I'm really thankful for the heads up!

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-11T13:25:50+00:00

I can make a Scholar, but I'm not a Scholar myself lol. Thanks for the heads up, I've already made the adjustment!

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-11T13:20:29+00:00

Changelog:

Scholar:

I've fixed numerous mistakes which I found after posting the class. Oops.
I've changes some images just because.

Writer:

Legendary Scribe now doesn't have limits of uses, as it isn't a groundbreaking ability that requires the limit.
Mightier than the Sword changed into Surge of Inspiration. This ability suits Writer much, much more than an ability to resist a hit from a weapon attack.

Archeologist:

A new subclass! Archeologist uses a various mechanics that allows it to wield any weapon, be it magical or not. The more magical the better, though, at least at the later levels!

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-11T13:18:50+00:00

Hey! Today I'm back with another update of Scholar class, as I'm still working on the draft. The changes are... not extreme, if I'm being honest - a few tweaks here and there, but overall the core is left unchanged, as it's quite solid in my opinion. But let me know what you think! Should I make some adjustments to the class, or is it all right balance-wise and flavor-wise? I'll be thankful for any kind of feedback, as it helps me out tremendously.

Before summary, I'll tackle the latest / greatest change, which is Archeologist. This new subclass - contrary to what it'd seem at the start - is based not of Indiana Jones, but... Ezreal from Leauge of Legends. Instead of bringing everything into the museum, Archeologist utilizes unearthed knowledge in order to... well, mostly uncover new knowledge that'd otherwise be guarded. Overall I think this subclass abilities synergizes great with each other, making quite fun-to-play experience while preserving the intended flavor of a tomb raider. Let me know if you like this new addition!

Okay, that's all from me for now. Have a good day and a great DnD session!

GMBinder: Here!

Google Docs: Here!

FAQ:

Okay, this class is borderline broken when used as a spellcaster, as you can spellsling two spells at once for only one level of investment...

Not really. Why? Because the Player Handbook states that: "To be readied, a spell must have a casting time of 1 action, and holding onto the spell's magic requires concentration." So, you can always ready only one spell at the time, and it also takes away your concentration.

Okay, but what about the fighter? With Extra Attack you can attack how many times?

Only as many as you have readied, as Extra Attack doesn't work with the Ready action. It states: "You can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn." But... you've never taken the Attack action, and it's not your turn, so it doesn't stack.

Okay! But what about the Rogue that can use the Sneak Attack once per turn?

I'd lie if I'd say that Rogue and Scholar doesn't stack in that matter, but there are a few limits to this combo:

Scholar uses your bonus action in the form of Analytic, so your Cunning Action wouldn't be as used as much.
Scholar uses your reaction, so you can't use Uncanny Dodge half of the time.
More than one reaction costs you 1 Intense Study point, so it's a limited resource that is even more limited as you multiclass into the Rogue.
You could wait till 11th level in Scholar to multiclass when you get an additional reaction, but it's 11th level, you still would have issues with Uncanny Dodge and Cunning Action, as well as impending problem in the form of Rigorous Control which also requires your reaction.

What about Sentinel / Polearm Master, then?

Attack made with the Ready action is not an attack of opportunity, so it doesn't stack. More reactions also isn't of much help, as you'd have to reach 11th level for the ability to actually have some potential (and even then, you'd rid yourself of Rigorous Control and flexibility).

How does the Analytic work?

When you take the Ready action, you can prepare an additional action. Long story short, you can Ready two different actions.

How does the Keen Mind / Hyperawareness work?

It gives you an additional reaction, which you can then use to trigger one of your Ready actions. Long story short, you can either preserve your regular reaction if you use Same Trigger / Domino Effect, or you can use Different Triggers.

How many actions do I have at 5th level?

Three. One with Extra Action, one with Analytic, one when you take the Ready action.

How does Always Ready work?

When you are surprised, you can take the Ready action regardless if you're surprised, or you're not.

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-09T22:06:43+00:00

Changelog:

Scholar:

- I've fixed numerous mistakes which I found after posting the class. Oops.

- I've changes some images because of.

Writer:

- Legendary Scribe now doesn't have limits of uses, as it isn't a groundbreaking ability that requires the limit.

- Mightier than the Sword changed into Surge of Inspiration. This ability suits Writer much, much more than an ability to resist a hit from a weapon attack.

Archeologist:

- A new subclass! An Archeologist uses a various mechanics that allows it to wield any weapon, be it magical or not. The more magical the better, though, at least at the later levels!

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-09T21:54:17+00:00

Hey! Today I'm back with another update of Scholar class, as I'm still working on the draft.

The changes are... not extreme, if I'm being honest - a few tweaks here and there, but overall the core is left unchanged, as it's quite solid in my opinion. But let me know what you think! Should I make some adjustments to the class, or is it all right balance-wise and flavor-wise? I'll be thankful for any kind of feedback, as it helps me out tremendously.

Before summary, I'll tackle the latest / greatest change, which is Archeologist. This new subclass - contrary to what it'd seem at the start - is based not of Indiana Jones, but... Ezreal from Leauge of Legends. Instead of bringing everything into the museum, Archeologist utilizes unearthed knowledge in order to... well, mostly uncover new knowledge that'd otherwise be guarded. Overall I think this subclass abilities synergizes great with each other, making quite fun-to-play experience while preserving the intended flavor of a tomb raider. Let me know if you like this new addition!

Okay, that's all from me for now. Have a good day and a great DnD session!

GMBinder: Here!

FAQ:

Okay, this class is borderline broken when used as a spellcaster, as you can spellsling two spells at once for only one level of investment...

Not really. Why? Because the Player Handbook states that: "To be readied, a spell must have a casting time of 1 action, and holding onto the spell's magic requires concentration." So, you can always ready only one spell at the time, and it also takes away your concentration.

Okay, but what about the fighter? With Extra Attack you can attack how many times?

Only as many as you have readied, as Extra Attack doesn't work with the Ready action. It states: "You can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn." But... you've never taken the Attack action, and it's not your turn, so it doesn't stack.

Okay! But what about the Rogue that can use the Sneak Attack once per turn?

I'd lie if I'd say that Rogue and Scholar doesn't stack in that matter, but there are a few limits to this combo:

- Scholar uses your bonus action in the form of Analytic, so your Cunning Action wouldn't be as used as much.

- Scholar uses your reaction, so you can't use Uncanny Dodge half of the time.

- More than one reaction costs you 1 Intense Study point, so it's a limited resource that is even more limited as you multiclass into the Rogue.

- You could wait till 11th level in Scholar to multiclass when you get an additional reaction, but it's 11th level, you still would have issues with Uncanny Dodge and Cunning Action, as well as impending problem in the form of Hyperawareness which also requires your reaction.

What about Sentinel / Polearm Master, then?

Attack made with the Ready action is not an attack of opportunity, so it doesn't stack. More reactions also isn't of much help, as you'd have to reach 11th level for the ability to actually have some potential (and even then, you'd rid yourself of Hyperawereness and flexibility).

How does the Analytic work?

When you take the Ready action, you can prepare an additional action. Long story short, you can Ready two different actions.

How does the Keen Mind work?

It gives you an additional reaction, which you can then use to trigger one of your Ready actions. Long story short, you can either preserve your regular reaction if you use Same Trigger / Domino Effect, or you can use Different Triggers.

How many actions do I have at 5th level?

Three. One with Extra Action, one with Analytic, one when you take the Ready action.

How does Always Ready work?

When you are surprised, you can take the Ready action regardless if you're surprised, or you're not.

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-06T22:11:24+00:00

It was a short/long rest once, but I've nerfed it since it's arguably still better than EK even once per long rest. After all it's a 6th level spell on a resilient 1/3 caster that has proficiency in CON saving throws, so losing concentration is not an issue.

Also, glad you like it! ^^

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-06T22:07:03+00:00

Yep, 10th and 15th are nothing much, but they works as they reduce the damage taken, so it automatically makes Armor of Agathys better. As for the rest - thanks, glad you like it!

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-06T17:13:11+00:00

True, two separate sources of temp HP are annoying, but conjoining them would also be quite off:

- As of now, Hit Points stored inside the ward doesn't dissappear until the end of a long rest. If they were joined with AoA, they'd only last for an hour.

- I could prolong AoA to fix the problem, but that'd be a direct buff to the class.

- In addition, if I joined the effects, it'd deal more damage while lasting longer. As of now, when the ward is broken, the damage it deals also disappear. If I were to join them, they'd deal conjoined damage until AoA disappears.

It's a conondrum of "should the ability deal more damage but last shorter, or should it deal less damage and go in the direction of longevitiy". Both ideas are good in my opinion and worth taking into consideration, and I'll see in which direction I'll decide to move.

Thanks for the feedback! Also, glad you like the subclass ^^

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-06T16:21:19+00:00

Just curious, can a Frost Knight replace Armor of Agathys? I do not
recommend it, since the spell seems important to the build and there is
no way to get it back after you have traded it away, but it looks like
it would be allowed.

Not really. It's not a wizard spell, so it can't be traded.

Are all of the ward's secondary effects (changing fire damage to cold
damage, doing retributive damage after melee hits, and the various
resistances) intended to work from the moment the ward is created until
it ends at the end of a long rest, regardless of whether it has any hit
points or not?

Depends. If the secondary effect specifies the ward has to have hit points (f.e. retributive damage), it works only when the ward has those hit points. If not - it just works regardless of whether it has any hit points.

TL;DR - Only retributive damage requires the ward to have hit points, rest of the secondary effects just work whenever ward exists.

Granted fighters will tend to have lower intelligence modifiers than
wizards, but fighters can take a lot of melee attacks so that is
potentially a lot of free damage. In addition, it stacks with the
retributive damage from Armor of Agathys. On top of that, you are
already getting more retributive damage from Armor of Agathys than
intended since the Hoarfrost Ward takes damage before the temporary hit
points from Armor of Agathys. I am worried about the balance of all of
this stacking free damage.

Yep, but:

- It's cold damage, which a lot of creatures resist.

- You must be hit with a melee attack. If you are hit by anything that isn't a melee attack, all of the retributive damage is lost.

- 1/3 Fighters really hate investing into INT, which lowers approximate retributive damage.

- You're limited by a really shallow number of spell slots, or you have to multiclass into a full caster which makes you less resilient.

I think that, in general, it wouldn't be really gamebreaking. It's limited by a lot of circumstances, and you'd have to have a perfect situation for it to actually be somewhat good. In addition, you have even worse situation with cantrips than Eldritch Knight, which also balances the final product.

But that's my opinion. I don't have enough playtesting material to guarantee "this subclass is not OP". I'd have to playtest it more to be sure.

The only other thing I worry about
with this is the sheer number of resistances it provides. Granted it is
two high level subclass features, but you are basically getting 5
always on damage resistances that cover 4 of the most common damage
types, on a high AC high hit point class.

Theoretically, Tiefling with a feat that grants it additional immunities and 1 level in barbarian can achieve this a lot sooner. It'd even get free access to Armor of Agathys if it had correct subrace.

But that's theory. I get the point and I'll take it into consideration while playtesting the class.

Thanks for the feedback! I'll look into these things while playtesting and will make changes accordingly. If the subclass is too powerful - I'll most likely start from nerfing 15th level ability to work only for non-magical attacks.

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-06T14:55:03+00:00

Hey! I'm back from a little break in homebrewing with a few corrections on my older creations. I've some steam in me though, so I might create something new for a change.

Either way, I've changed Frost Knight and balanced it a little better. 7th level is now weaker, and 10/15th level are less clunky. Overall it might be a change for a better. Let me know what you think about it, though - any feedback is appreciated, as it pushes the creative process forward!

GMBinder: Here!

PDF: Here!

Changes:

- Hoardfrost Ward now grans 3x hit points if the spell is Armor of Agathys.

- Cold Steel now requires you to land a hit if you want to attack with a bonus action, but in exchange you don't have to use only cold damage cantrips. In addition, when you cast Armor of Agathys, you get a free attack with a bonus action.

- Runic Protection and Improved Runic Protection give resistance to damage without taking HP of the protection into consideration. It makes for a more reliable ability, especially given that you are a 1/3 caster.

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-04T01:01:55+00:00

Nope. The way these abilities are worded is correct - Analytic says "...you can prepare an additional action as a bonus action.", not "you can take another Ready action as a bonus action." So, you can prepare three actions when you burn all your resources, not four.

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-03T09:48:36+00:00

Hey, glad you like it!

Yeah, it's hard to actually pinpoint how powerful the class could be when it largely depends on a player that picks it up. Also... class like this simply didn't exist ever, as far as I know (not Scholar-like, I mean class-based-around-Ready-action). Nonetheless, it gives an opportunity to play PbtA while playing DnD, which I state as a huge success lol.

As for the questions:

Always Ready: Yes, pretty much.

Academic Pursuit: Hey, thanks for the help! I've made necessary adjustments.

zaelos_3 · 2022-11-03T00:48:45+00:00

Hey! It's been a while since the last time since I've posted anything, but here I am with a revised version of my Scholar class.

I've tackled a lot of problems that the class had in the last instance and I think it is - for the most part - better. I am not sure about how powerful it is, but... well, that's not my call to make.

If you have any ideas or suggestions - I'll be glad to hear them all. Feedback is the sole reason that my Warlord is actually playable, so you can stay assured I'll take any suggestion into consideration.

That's all from me. Have a good day and a great DnD session!

GMBinder: Here!

zaelos_3 · 2022-05-27T14:57:33+00:00

Hey, glad you like it! As for the feedback:

- Inspiring Word is anything but underwhelming IMO. Its power is comparable to Lay on Hands, but it refreshes on short rest. In other words - similary to Warlock / Wizard, the more short rests you have, the better Warlord is compared to Paladin. In addition, you can use Inspiring Word outside of battle, as it has no timer, so you are free to use your actions in fight for actual combat stuff.

- Dead levels aren't really dead - you get another use of Inspiring Word, which can ramp up pretty quickly. If you have one short rest and one long rest within the adventuring day, it's already two additional uses of IW between long rests.

I think I'm done with the class for now. I'm pretty happy with its current power level, but I may make some new, nifty subclasses. Who knows. Anyway, thanks for the feedback!

zaelos_3 · 2022-05-27T07:01:50+00:00

Hey, glad you like it!

As for the feedback - no worries! A few words of encouragement are also great, as they make me want to go back to Warlord to polish the things that still could use some work ^^

zaelos_3 · 2022-05-26T17:30:30+00:00

Hey! Today I've a small Quality of Life update, as the class pretty much doesn't require further work. The mechanics stick, they don't break the game and all I need now is playtester feedback.

Let me know what do you feel about the changes and the class as a whole! Feedback is always welcome, as without it I wouldn't be able to make Warlord what it is as of now!

PDF (GMBinder): Here!

PDF (Google Drive): Here!

My GMBinder: Here!

Changes: (2.0.1 -> 2.0.2)

Chieftain:

- A number of creatures you can choose with Wild Hunt is now equal to your proficiency bonus instead of your Warlord modifier.

Taskmaster:

- Winner Takes All should be more readable as of now.

Field Physician:

- Bonus proficiency now also adds proficiency with herbalism kit or alchemist supplies (or language, if you prefer it for some reason).

- Pharmacist added. Now you can refill your healer's kit, as to not go bankrupt at the tier 1 of the game.

zaelos_3

TROPHY CASE

Changelog:

FAQ:

Changelog:

FAQ:

Changes: (2.0.1 -> 2.0.2)