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The 5 Best Classes for Changelings in D&D 5e

The 5 Best Classes for Changelings in D&D 5e

Embrace Your Shifting Nature! Discover the top class options tailored for Changelings, known for their ability to alter their appearance.

These classes complement a Changeling’s abilities, offering versatile gameplay options from subtle manipulation to masterful deception. Embrace your fluid identity with these top picks!

Best Classes for Changelings

5. Cleric

Primary Ability Score – Wisdom

Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution

Spellcasting Ability – Wisdom

Armor Proficiencies – Light, Medium, Shields

Weapons Proficiencies – Simple

Why the Cleric?

Changeling Clerics can take +1 in Wisdom, Dexterity, and Charisma to distribute the points they need equally.

Changeling Clerics will be more suited to mimic the Rogue, aided by the Changeling’s innate abilities but slowed down by the need for WIS, DEX, and CHA.

Recommended Cleric Divine Domain

  • Trickery Domain

4. Sorcerer

Primary Ability Score – Charisma

Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Dexterity

Spellcasting Ability – Charisma

Armor Proficiencies – None

Weapons Proficiencies – Daggers, Quarterstaffs, Light Crossbows, Darts, Slings

Why the Sorcerer?

Changeling Sorcerers stick to a +2 in Charisma and a +1 in Dexterity.

Since Sorcerers are Charisma-based characters, they already benefit from choosing the Changeling race. When a bit of Dexterity is added, you’ll easily manage stealth and make the perfect Scout/Face spellcaster.

The only issue you might run into is a Sorcerer’s low number of available skills, especially compared to the Rogue.

Recommended Sorcerer Origins

  • Clockwork Soul
  • Shadow Magic

3. Paladin

Primary Ability Scores – Charisma and Strength

Secondary Ability Score – Constitution

Spellcasting Ability – Charisma

Armor Proficiencies – Light, Medium, Heavy, Shields

Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Martial

Why the Paladin?

Changeling Paladins will have +2 Charisma and +1 Dexterity to get the most out of a Changeling’s features.

Paladins are great martial options for a Changeling character, having enough Charisma for skills like Deception, Persuasion, or Intimidation.

All that’s missing is some Dexterity to increase your stealth (Dexterity builds can easily work on a Paladin.

You’ll also find that Paladins not only have some really overpowered spells but are innately tanky and can take hits that normal Scout or Face characters can’t.

Recommended Paladin Sacred Oaths

  • Oath of Conquest
  • Oath of Vengeance
  • Oathbreaker

2. Bard

Primary Ability Score – Charisma

Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Dexterity

Spellcasting Ability – Charisma

Armor Proficiencies – Light

Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Shortswords, Rapiers, Longswords, Hand Crossbow

Why the Bard?

Bards are perfect Changeling spellcasters with +2 in Charisma and +1 in Dexterity.

Bards have everything the classes before them lack: An increased number of valuable skills, Charisma-based spellcasting, synergy with the Changeling’s abilities, and more.

Not to mention that the whole theme of a Bard fits so well with a Changeling that it feels like Changeling Bards are supposed to be played more often.

Recommended Bard Colleges

  • College of Lore
  • College of Whispers (Thematically appropriate)

1. Rogue

Primary Ability Score – Dexterity

Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Intelligence (For Arcane Tricksters)

Armor Proficiencies – Light

Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Shortswords, Rapiers, Longswords, Hand Crossbows

Why the Rogue?

Rogue is a Changeling’s go-to class, taking +2 in Dexterity/Charisma and +1 in Dexterity/Charisma (depending on which score increased by 2) or +1 in Dexterity, Charisma and Intelligence if you’re interested in becoming an Arcane Trickster.

Changeling Rogues not only have more than enough skills to choose from, but their inherent stealth with a Changeling’s Shapechanging ability lets them get away with all sorts of complex stealth-based missions.

Recommended Rogue Archetypes

  • Assassin
  • Soulknife
  • Swashbuckler

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer the deceptive skills of a Rogue, the magical talents of a Sorcerer, or the healing abilities of a Cleric, each class offers unique opportunities for storytelling and character development.

Consider your Changeling’s backstory, goals, and party dynamics when choosing a class, and remember, the best class is the one that allows you to fully embrace your character’s shapeshifting nature and adaptability.