Base Class: Fighter
Support Combat Skills with Arcane Magic
Eldritch Knights combine the martial mastery common to all Fighters with a careful study of magic. Their spells both complement and extend their combat skills, providing additional protection to shore up their armor and also allowing them to engage many foes at once with explosive magic.
Level 3: Spellcasting
You have learned to cast spells.
Cantrips. You know two cantrips of your choice from the Wizard spell list. Whenever you gain a Fighter level, you can replace one of these cantrips with another cantrip of your choice from the Wizard spell list.
When you reach Fighter level 10, you learn another Wizard cantrip of your choice.
Spell Slots. The Eldritch Knight Spellcasting table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your level 1+ spells. You regain all expended slots when you finish a Long Rest.
| —Spell Slots per Spell Level— | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fighter Level | Spells Prepared | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 3 | 3 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 4 | 4 | 3 | — | — | — |
| 5 | 4 | 3 | — | — | — |
| 6 | 4 | 3 | — | — | — |
| 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | — | — |
| 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | — | — |
| 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 | — | — |
| 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 | — | — |
| 11 | 8 | 4 | 3 | — | — |
| 12 | 8 | 4 | 3 | — | — |
| 13 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | — |
| 14 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 2 | — |
| 15 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 2 | — |
| 16 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 3 | — |
| 17 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 3 | — |
| 18 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 3 | — |
| 19 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 20 | 13 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
Prepared Spells of Level 1+. You prepare the list of level 1+ spells that are available for you to cast with this feature. To start, choose three level 1 spells from the Wizard spell list.
The number of spells on your list increases as you gain Fighter levels, as shown in the Prepared Spells column of the Eldritch Knight Spellcasting table. Whenever that number increases, choose additional spells from the Wizard spell list until the number of spells on your list matches the number on the table. The chosen spells must be of a level for which you have spell slots. For example, if you’re a level 7 Fighter, your list of prepared spells can include five Wizard spells of levels 1 and 2 in any combination.
Changing Your Prepared Spells. Whenever you gain a Fighter level, you can replace one spell on your list with another Wizard spell for which you have spell slots.
Spellcasting Ability. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for your Wizard spells.
Spellcasting Focus. You can use an Arcane Focus as a Spellcasting Focus for your Wizard spells.
Level 3: War Bond
You learn a ritual that creates a magical bond between yourself and one weapon. You perform the ritual over the course of 1 hour, which can be done during a Short Rest. The weapon must be within your reach throughout the ritual, at the conclusion of which you touch the weapon and forge the bond. The bond fails if another Fighter is bonded to the weapon or if the weapon is a magic item to which someone else is attuned.
Once you have bonded a weapon to yourself, you can use the weapon as a spellcasting focus and you can’t be disarmed of that weapon unless you have the Incapacitated condition. If it is on the same plane of existence, you can summon that weapon as a Bonus Action, causing it to teleport instantly to your hand.
You can have up to two bonded weapons, but you can summon only one at a time with a Bonus Action. If you attempt to bond with a third weapon, you must break the bond with one of the other two.
Level 7: War Magic
When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can replace one of the attacks with a casting of one of your Wizard cantrips that has a casting time of an action.
Level 10: Eldritch Strike
You learn how to make your weapon strikes undercut a creature’s ability to withstand your spells. When you hit a creature with an attack using a weapon, that creature has Disadvantage on the next saving throw it makes against a spell you cast before the end of your next turn.
Level 15: Arcane Charge
When you use your Action Surge, you can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space you can see. You can teleport before or after the additional action.
Level 18: Improved War Magic
When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can replace two of the attacks with a casting of one of your Wizard spells that has a casting time of an action.
Level 3: Combat Superiority
Your experience on the battlefield has refined your fighting techniques. You learn maneuvers that are fueled by special dice called Superiority Dice.
Maneuvers. You learn two maneuvers of your choice. Many maneuvers enhance an attack in some way. You can use only one maneuver per attack. You learn one additional maneuver of your choice when you reach Fighter levels 7, 10, and 15. Each time you learn new maneuvers, you can also replace one maneuver you know with a different one.
Superiority Dice. You have four Superiority Dice, which are d8s. A Superiority Die is expended when you use it. You regain all expended Superiority Dice when you finish a Short or Long Rest. You gain an additional Superiority Die when you reach Fighter levels 7 (five dice total) and 15 (six dice total). Furthermore, your Superiority Dice increase by one die increment at level 10 and again at level 18, becoming d10's and then d12's respectively.
Saving Throws. If a maneuver requires a saving throw, the DC equals 8 plus your Strength or Dexterity modifier (your choice) and Proficiency Bonus.
Level 3: Maneuver Options
The maneuvers are presented here in alphabetical order.
Ambush
When you make a Dexterity (Stealth) check or an Initiative roll, you can expend one Superiority Die and add the die to the roll, unless you have the Incapacitated condition.
Bait and Switch
When you’re within 5 feet of a creature on your turn, you can expend one Superiority Die and switch places with that creature, provided you spend at least 5 feet of movement and the creature is willing and doesn’t have the Incapacitated condition. This movement doesn’t provoke Opportunity Attacks.
Roll the Superiority Die. Until the start of your next turn, you or the other creature (your choice) gains a bonus to AC equal to the number rolled.
Commander’s Strike
When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can replace one of your attacks to direct one of your companions to strike. When you do so, choose a willing creature who can see or hear you and expend one Superiority Die. That creature can immediately use its Reaction to make one attack with a weapon or an Unarmed Strike, adding the Superiority Die to the attack’s damage roll on a hit.
Commanding Presence
When you make a Charisma (Intimidation, Performance, or Persuasion) check, you can expend one Superiority Die and add that die to the roll.
Disarming Attack
When you hit a creature with an attack roll, you can expend one Superiority Die to attempt to disarm the target. Add the Superiority Die roll to the attack’s damage roll. The target must succeed on a Strength saving throw or drop one object of your choice that it’s holding, with the object landing in its space.
Distracting Strike
When you hit a creature with an attack roll, you can expend one Superiority Die to distract the target. Add the Superiority Die roll to the attack’s damage roll. The next attack roll against the target by an attacker other than you has Advantage if the attack is made before the start of your next turn.
Evasive Footwork
As a Bonus Action, you can expend one Superiority Die and take the Disengage action. You also roll the die and add the number rolled to your AC until the start of your next turn. This feature does not stack with Armor Class bonuses granted by Reaction spells or features that increase your Armor Class, such as the Shield spell.
Feinting Attack
As a Bonus Action, you can expend one Superiority Die to feint, choosing one creature within 5 feet of yourself as your target. You have Advantage on your next attack roll against that target this turn. If that attack hits, add the Superiority Die to the attack’s damage roll.
Goading Attack
When you hit a creature with an attack roll, you can expend one Superiority Die to attempt to goad the target into attacking you. Add the Superiority Die to the attack’s damage roll. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have Disadvantage on attack rolls against targets other than you until the end of your next turn.
Lunging Attack
As a Bonus Action, you can expend one Superiority Die and take the Dash action. If you move at least 5 feet in a straight line immediately before hitting with a melee attack as part of the Attack action on this turn, you can add the Superiority Die to the attack’s damage roll.
Maneuvering Attack
When you hit a creature with an attack roll, you can expend one Superiority Die to maneuver one of your comrades into another position. Add the Superiority Die roll to the attack’s damage roll, and choose a willing creature who can see or hear you. That creature can use its Reaction to move up to half its Speed without provoking an Opportunity Attack from the target of your attack.
Menacing Attack
When you hit a creature with an attack roll, you can expend one Superiority Die to attempt to frighten the target. Add the Superiority Die to the attack’s damage roll. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Frightened condition until the end of your next turn.
Parry
When another creature damages you with a melee attack roll, you can take a Reaction and expend one Superiority Die to reduce the damage by the number you roll on your Superiority Die plus your Strength or Dexterity modifier (your choice).
Precision Attack
When you miss with an attack roll, you can expend one Superiority Die, roll that die, and add it to the attack roll, potentially causing the attack to hit.
Pushing Attack
When you hit a creature with an attack roll using a weapon or an Unarmed Strike, you can expend one Superiority Die to attempt to drive the target back. Add the Superiority Die to the attack’s damage roll. If the target is Large or smaller, it must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be pushed up to 15 feet directly away from you.
Rally
As a Bonus Action, you can expend one Superiority Die to bolster the resolve of a companion. Choose an ally of yours within 30 feet of yourself who can see or hear you. That creature gains Temporary Hit Points equal to the Superiority Die roll plus half your Fighter level (round down).
Riposte
When a creature misses you with a melee attack roll, you can take a Reaction and expend one Superiority Die to make a melee attack roll with a weapon or an Unarmed Strike against the creature. If you hit, add the Superiority Die to the attack’s damage.
Sweeping Attack
When you hit a creature with a melee attack roll using a weapon or an Unarmed Strike, you can expend one Superiority Die to attempt to damage another creature. Choose another creature within 5 feet of the original target and within your reach. If the original attack roll would hit the second creature, it takes damage equal to the number you roll on your Superiority Die. The damage is of the same type dealt by the original attack.
Tactical Assessment
When you make an Intelligence (History or Investigation) check or a Wisdom (Insight) check, you can expend one Superiority Die and add that die to the ability check.
Trip Attack
When you hit a creature with an attack roll using a weapon or an Unarmed Strike, you can expend one Superiority Die and add the die to the attack’s damage roll. If the target is Large or smaller, it must succeed on a Strength saving throw or have the Prone condition.
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Posted Aug 8, 2026Thank you Holythunder1! Best of luck for the future, I wish you well :)
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Posted Aug 8, 2026I couldn't think of a Thunder based name so I kept it as Stormcaster haha. As for the remembering me side of things, when you select the subclass in the class builder I've put both of our dndbeyond profile names in there!
Below is the link to the Stormcaster and from one DM to another, I hope your game goes well and that your player enjoys the subclass!
https://www.dndbeyond.com/subclasses/2866684-stormcaster
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Posted Aug 8, 2026Hey again, first of all I just want to say THANK YOU for your assistance 😊 I came up with a short description:
The Stormcaster is a front-line Fighter subclass that seamlessly blends martial mastery with the devastating power of a raging tempest. Through shear will and undisciplined wrath, the magic of Stormbringers brings their volatile emotions bubbling to the surface. Abjuration and evocation magic, channel these raw emotions of the storm directly through their weapons and armor. Abjuration spells grant them ironclad protection in the heat of battle, while evocation spells unleash destructive elemental damage to strike multiple foes at once. Rather than relying on a spellbook, Stormcasters commit a select number of high-impact spells to muscle memory. Unleashing a flurry of devastating blows to any that stand in their way, controlling the battlefield and turning the smallest breeze into the perfect storm.
I think you should contribute to the name :) a little something to remember you by... maybe something with thunder in the name.
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Posted Aug 8, 2026Did you have anything written to add as the subclass description? Also what would you like the subclass to be named? (I have it currently set up as Stormcaster while i'm working on it but i'll change it to whatever you wanted it to be called before I share it)
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Posted Aug 7, 2026Thank you for the information! I have spoken with the player about either Paladin or Cleric and they are set on playing fighter :) so to that end would it be possible to get the the points you mentioned added or could you point me to a good resource to learn?
Could you please add the spells as free prepared spells in a subclass only up to the 4th level spells as you noted. If this version of eldritch knight can cast Destructive Wave and Circle of Power once a long rest as part of the subclasses as an 18th level feature is a great idea 💡
For the tempest domain could you please set these up as well.
Wrath of the Storm: correct we would like it to scale off of intelligence
Channel Divinity: Destructive Wrath. As you said the Fighter doesn't have CD but he does have manoeuvre dice that could be used instead? 👀
Thunderbolt Strike / Stormborn: Two easy ones👌
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Posted Aug 7, 2026Hey! I'm glad you like it!. I might be able to help you out but there is a few things to consider.
It is super easy to add the spells as free prepared spells in a subclass but you could only really add up to the 4th level spells on the list you shared, because it isn't possible on dndbeyond to make a fighter that gets 5th level spell slots due to how spellcasting on a fighter is coded on dndbeyond's end (you would have to multiclass to get 5th level spell slots). I could make a version of eldritch knight that can cast Destructive Wave and Circle of Power once a long rest as part of the subclasses 18th level feature. A thing to remember would be that if it was built using fighter then the spell slot progression would be the same as eldritch knights, i.e., your player would get a 4th level spell slot at fighter level 19 and they only get the one. If you want to have the spell scaling the cleric has then you would need to make the subclass using cleric as the base. If you just want up to 5th level spells then using paladin as a base might also be an option?
Otherwise the adding the rest of the tempest clerics features wouldn't be too difficult:
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Posted Aug 7, 2026Hi Holythunder1 love your work here! I have been trying to figure this out in homebrew and I am pulling my hair out! I have been trying to make one that is a fusion of Tempest Domain Cleric and Eldritch Knight for one of my players who is playing a Minotaur based of the MTG card Boros Reckoner. Would it be possible for you to make a subclass with what is here but add in the Tempest Domain Cleric subclass with the following access the these spells?
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Posted May 4, 2025Hello! Lovers of Homebrew!
You may be wondering why this version of Eldritch Knight has Battle Master Maneuvers, this is because myself and my gaming group have throughout 5th edition felt that this should be a core feature of Fighter generally, with the Battle Master being the best at it. If anyone would like a version without the Maneuvers let me know and I will get one uploaded for you. If you use the subclass and have any constructive feedback, then please let me know. I'd also love to hear any cool moments from your games using the subclass!
I intend to go through all the Fighter subclasses and give them a buff and maneuvers, so if you are wanting a certain subclass done first hit me up! Happy Gaming!