Talk:Phoenix Bloodline (5e Subclass)

Ususally, sorcerers don't get archetype traits at levels 17 or 20 (They get them at levels 1 (two traits at lvl 1), 6, 10 and 14). Also, they don't get free spells like clerics. This is a good idea for a bloodline, but those things are what I think is unbalancing the subclass. -AngelsAndAarakocra

Hello, fellow wikian! The Phoenix Blood archetype sounds awesome, but as AngeslAndAarakocra said above, there seems to be a bit of a balancing issues. Here are my comments I'd like to share with you:

• Bonus Spells. I took a look at my copy of PHB, SCAG, and Unearhed Arcana article I downloaded from the official homepage, and found that sorcerers do not get bonus spells in official works. The UA article introduces some of the archetypes that grants bonus spells, but they're all playtest materials, so I guess that can be excluded. You may consult your SCAG to find that the Storm archetype is now introduced without bonus spell lists.

Although not as versatile as wizards, sorcerers already have a decent spell list. I think adding even more spells could easily unbalance stuffs, especially if you intend to add some of the cleric spells that could be a bit sensitive.

• Armor of the Phoenix. The current text does not list how long does a phoenix armor lasts. If it lasts forever, it might as well be a passive stuff, not unlike the Dragon!sorcerer's feature.

• Personal Flame. I have said this many times elsewhere, but flying speed is the most broken form of movement in the entire game. Note that aarakocra from Elemental Evil Player's Companion is pretty much bland without its flying trait, but the flying trait alone made it one of the most powerful races in the game. Gaining a flying speed at 1st level, which lasts up to 20 minutes? Too strong.

I must be nitpicking on this part, but gaining immunity against fire damage from your own spells (is that right?) could be strategically interesting. For example, I might be able to detonate a fireball spell on myself, effectively demolishing the surrounding without even getting a scratch myself. Is this too overpowered or acceptable? I'm not sure, frankly speaking.

• Imbue Fire. You might want to elaborate the current texts by consulting the Artificer class from the Unearthed Arcana article.

I acknowledge that AngelsAndAarakocra has mentioned that sorcerers do not gain a feature at 17th level and 20th level, but while I'm at it, I'd like to make comments on them as well:

• Hungering Flames. Judging that this is a 17th-level feature, wouldn't it be a bit too weak? Having fire damage from your spells ignoring resistance is nice and all, immunity to fire damage is not bad, but what I'm concerned with is the pseudo-hellish rebuke part. Too weak, to say the least.

• Rebirth. A very fitting and interesting feature, but some questions: It specifies that an attack that would otherwise kill you triggers the feature, what if I'm struck with power word kill spell, that's not exactly "attack" according to 5e mechanics. What if I'm killed between the two minutes of regeneration? These are mostly nitpicking at best, I acknowledge, but I assume that these questions might help you elaborate the current wordings.

Well, that's it for now. In short: Interesting concept, but features deserve better. You might want to consult the of Phoenix Sorcery archetype for reference, which can be found at another Unearthed Arcana article. Now, I'm not saying your work is obsolete or anything; I just want to say that it would be wonderful to see a different, interesting version of phoenix magic. --WeirdoWhoever (talk) 09:11, 3 May 2017 (UTC)