Do You Get Armor Proficiencies if You Multiclass? A Comprehensive Guide
The burning question for many adventurers venturing into the realms of multiclassing in Dungeons & Dragons (and its digital counterpart, Baldur’s Gate 3): Do you gain all the shiny new armor proficiencies that your new class seems to offer? The answer, in short, is a resounding not always. Multiclassing is a powerful tool, but it comes with specific rules, particularly regarding proficiencies. This article breaks down the nuances of gaining armor proficiency through multiclassing, covering both the tabletop and digital gaming perspectives.
Multiclassing and Armor Proficiencies: The Core Rules
When you multiclass, meaning you take a level in a new class after already having levels in another, you do not automatically receive all the starting proficiencies of that new class. Instead, you gain a subset of proficiencies, which are usually limited compared to what you would get if you started with that class at level one. This is a key mechanic designed to prevent players from becoming overly powerful early on. Think of it as a trade-off: you gain the versatility of multiple classes, but you may not become a master of every single skill or weapon.
The Multiclassing Proficiencies Table
The core rules of D&D 5th Edition, as found in the Player’s Handbook, clearly outline the Multiclassing Proficiencies table. This table is your go-to reference for what you gain when multiclassing. It’s important to consult this table whenever you consider a new class. In general:
- Armor Proficiencies are often limited when multiclassing. For example, if you start as a Wizard and multiclass into Fighter, you might gain proficiency with shields and light armor, but not medium or heavy armor. You won’t become a heavy armor juggernaut by taking a single Fighter level.
- The amount of weapons gained is usually less than starting with a first level in that class.
- Some classes offer no new armor or weapon proficiencies when multiclassed into. For instance, if you’ve leveled in Fighter, you won’t get armor proficiencies from adding levels of Rogue or Wizard.
Baldur’s Gate 3: A Closer Look
Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) largely adheres to these core rules, but with some specific nuances. While the game provides visual aids and tooltips to help guide you, it’s still crucial to understand the underlying mechanics. The rule is still the same. Not all weapon and armor proficiencies of a new class become available when multiclassing. In BG3, it might feel slightly more forgiving than pen-and-paper, but the underlying concept of a subset of proficiencies holds true. Check the specific multiclass options for each class combination.
Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the intricacies of armor proficiencies and multiclassing:
1. Which classes get extra skill proficiencies when multiclassing?
Only the Rogue, Ranger, and Bard classes receive extra skill proficiencies when you multiclass into them. These classes are known for their broad skill sets, and their multiclassing proficiency rewards reflect this.
2. Does multiclassing affect saving throw proficiencies?
No, you never gain additional saving throw proficiencies just by multiclassing. Saving throw proficiencies are determined by your starting class and never increase with multiclassing. This is one major restriction on the system.
3. How does multiclassing impact spellcasters and their armor?
Spellcasters often have to balance the desire for armor with class abilities that penalize armor use. For example, classes like Monk, Sorcerer, and Wizard are typically limited in armor proficiencies as using armor often interferes with their spellcasting. This means that if you multiclass a spellcaster into another class, you still might not be able to wear armor if you don’t have the needed proficiencies without facing penalties.
4. What weapon proficiencies do you get when multiclassing?
Similar to armor, the weapon proficiencies you gain are limited to the specific entries in the Multiclassing Proficiencies table for that class, and you won’t gain all of the weapon proficiencies of that class. The proficiencies gained aren’t determined by the order you take classes, instead the game follows a specific set of rules, different for each class.
5. What happens if you wear armor you are not proficient in?
If you wear armor you are not proficient in, you have disadvantage on any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll that involves Strength or Dexterity, and you cannot cast spells. This means it is a bad idea to use armor you aren’t proficient in, as it heavily impacts your ability to play your character.
6. Can you become proficient in heavy armor if you aren’t already?
There are typically two ways to gain heavy armor proficiency. You must either have it as a class ability (for instance by being a Paladin, Fighter, or Cleric with a domain granting heavy armor) or take a feat that grants heavy armor proficiency. Multiclassing alone will not give you heavy armor proficiency, and you must adhere to the limitations.
7. Is multiclassing always worth it?
Not always. While multiclassing offers versatility, it can potentially make your character weaker if not done strategically. It can slow down access to higher-level abilities and spells. Keeping classes pure is often a better idea if the player does not have specific builds in mind. Multiclassing spellcasters often means you get your next spell level later and miss out on some higher-level, most powerful spells.
8. Does your proficiency bonus increase if you multiclass?
Your proficiency bonus is tied to your overall character level, not your class levels. Whether you are a single-classed adventurer or a multiclassing expert, your proficiency bonus is still the same as everyone else’s at the same level. This bonus starts at +2 at level 1 and increases to +3 at level 5, and keeps increasing until level 17, where it reaches +6.
9. Do proficiency bonuses stack?
No, proficiency bonuses do not stack. They are added to things you are proficient in, not gained through being good at stuff. You add your proficiency bonus only once, not multiple times.
10. What happens if you gain proficiency twice?
If you gain proficiency twice in a skill, you gain expertise with that skill. This means your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make with it. You can only double your proficiency once on the skill regardless of how many times you gain it.
11. Are there penalties for using weapons you aren’t proficient in?
Yes, while you can use weapons you’re not proficient in, you do not add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll. Armor has more severe penalties (disadvantage on relevant rolls and inability to cast spells) for being used while not proficient.
12. Can you get proficiency with improvised weapons?
You do not gain proficiency from using improvised weapons. Improvised weapons use Dexterity for the attack and damage rolls and deal 1d4 damage. The Tavern Brawler feat allows you to add your proficiency bonus to attack rolls made with improvised weapons, but does not add proficiency.
13. What are some of the best and worst classes to multiclass?
Some strong multiclass combinations include Paladin/Fighter, Rogue/Artificer, and Cleric/Wizard, among others. Conversely, some combinations might not be as synergistic due to overlapping features or limitations on spellcasting progression. You must consider the pros and cons before multiclassing.
14. What class has the most skill proficiencies?
Rogues get some of the most skill proficiencies, and on top of that gain Expertise to make them even more proficient in their skills, making them excellent problem-solvers.
15. Is there a limit to how many classes you can multiclass into?
There is no limit to the number of classes a character can possess. This allows for a lot of freedom, but also might make your character weaker if you have no clear build in mind. Some DMs may impose limitations on multiclassing.
Conclusion
Multiclassing can lead to incredibly versatile and powerful characters, but it’s essential to understand the rules, especially regarding armor and weapon proficiencies. You do not gain all the proficiencies of a new class. Instead, you gain a subset as determined by the multiclassing proficiencies table, both in D&D 5e and Baldur’s Gate 3. Therefore, strategic planning and a thorough understanding of your class choices are crucial to making the most of your multiclassing experience.