Fiend Hunter Class

Class Overview

Resources

The Fiend Hunter introduces two new resources to Faerun, Hatred and Discipline.

Hatred is the primary resource. Hatred fuels your special attacks, known as Infernal Arts. You can generate Hatred by dealing significant damage with attacks other than Infernal Arts. You also generate Hatred when you receive significant damage. Significant damage is based on your level, split into three tiers. As you level up you will need to deal and receive more damage in order generate Hatred. You'll find that weapons with a higher damage die will more consistently generate Hatred, such as Longbows and Heavy Crossbows, whereas Hand Crossbows and Shortbows will have a tougher time doing so. You can of course augment your damage with equipment and other class perks which can mitigate this, however the classic feat Sharpshooter that many ranged users take has no affect on this mechanic. Your capacity for Hatred increases as you level up, granting an additional Hatred every odd level, up to 6 total at level 12.

Discipline is the secondary resource, used to fuel Tactics. Tactics are utility based actions that allow you to gain the upper hand in a fight, or as a survival tool should you need it. Tactics are restored on Short Rest. Your Discipline increases as you level up, granting an additional Discipline every even level, up to 6 total at level 12.

Class Actions

The Fiend Hunter has two main class specific actions, Infernal Arts and Tactics.

Infernal Arts

Infernal Arts range from situationally useful to devastating depending on the use case. Stronger Infernal Arts require more Hatred, and are only unlocked at higher levels. A good example of an Infernal Art is Bola Shot. Shoot a bola grenade that can attach to enemies, exploding at the end of the round dealing bonus Fire damage to the target and anyone around them. Just be careful the enemy doesn't run up to you when it's attached! Alternatively, you can shoot it at the ground as a timed bomb as a safer option, but the enemy can always move away from the explosion.

Another good example is Elemental Arrow. Shoot an arrow that can be infused with Fire, Cold, Thunder, or Lightning damage. Each elemental arrow has its own bespoke effect, such as Thunderclap Arrow, which applies the condition Thunderclapped. When Thunderclapped is applied it deals additional Thunder damage to the target when they move, similar to Booming Blade. Another Elemental Arrow, Immolation Arrow, can apply Immolation which removes Fire Resistance, as well as deals bonus Fire damage at the end of the round. If you can get enough Immolation stacks on an enemy, they will ignite causing a massive explosion! I'll leave the rest of the Infernal Arts for you to discover and find your favorite. You can choose a new Infernal Art every level.