D&D: 5 Fighter Archetypes as Fictional Characters
Some fighter archetypes exclusively fight physically, while others have very specific magic abilities, but all of them can be found in fictional characters.
Arcane Archer
“An Arcane Archer studies a unique elven method of archery that weaves magic into attacks to produce supernatural effects. Arcane Archers are some of their most elite warriors among the elves. They stand watch over the fringes of elven domains, keeping a keen eye out for trespassers and using magic-infused arrows to defeat monsters and invaders before they can reach elven settlements. Over the centuries, the methods of these elf archers have been learned by members of other races who can also balance arcane aptitude with archery.”
Green Arrow: There are lots of fictional archers, but Arcane Archers don’t just make their trick shooting look like magic, it is to an extent. And sure, Oliver Queen may not literally be magic, but the specialized arrows he’s developed may as well be. Suction cup arrows, magnetic arrow, and regular pointy stab arrows may not be too interesting, but there are also boxing glove arrows and Phantom Zone arrows.
Echo Knight
“A mysterious and feared frontline warrior of the Kryn Dynasty, the Echo Knight has mastered the art of using dunamis to summon the fading shades of unrealized timelines to aid them in battle. Surrounded by echoes of their own might, they charge into the fray as a cycling swarm of shadows and strikes.”
Agent Smith: A swarm seems like a good way to describe the number of Agent Smiths encountered in The Matrix and consciousness can be transferred between echos, which is again spot on with Agent Smith. Usually a player wouldn’t be able to create countless duplicates, but Smith is probably a DM controlled NPC, so all bets are all when it come to this lawful evil Echo Knight.
Psi Warrior
“Awake to the psionic power within, a Psi Warrior is a fighter who augments their physical might with psi-infused weapon strikes, telekinetic lashes, and barriers of mental force. Many githyanki train to become such warriors, as do some of the most disciplined high elves. In the world of Eberron, many young kalashtar dream of becoming Psi Warriors.
As a Psi Warrior, you might have honed your psionic abilities through solo discipline, unlocked it under the tutelage of a master, or refined it at an academy dedicated to wielding the mind’s power as both weapon and shield.”
Jedi: Physical might with psi weapon strikes and honing abilities through discipline sounds like the Jedi’s ideal description of the Jedis. Additionally, this is a subclass that takes a massive amount of training and commitment to learn let alone master, which is the Jedi order and training plan to a T as is the concept that many dream of one day becoming Psi Warriors.
Banneret
“A banneret is a knight who inspires greatness in others by committing brave deeds in battle. The mere presence of one in a hamlet is enough to cause some orcs and bandits to seek easier prey. A lone banneret is a skilled warrior, but a banneret leading a band of allies can transform even the most poorly equipped militia into a ferocious war band.
A banneret prefers to lead through deeds, not words. As a banneret spearheads an attack, their actions can awaken reserves of courage and conviction in allies that they never suspected they had.“
Goku: He’s not particularly smart, but Goku is one of the most inspirationally powerful fighters in fictional character history. Could almost any anime protagonist fall into this same subclass? Yeah, but none as perfectly as Goku. His courage and conviction are so strong that he regularly turns enemies into friends and defies death while effortlessly rallying his friends into action.
Cavalier
“The archetypal cavalier excels at mounted combat. Usually born among the nobility and raised at court, a cavalier is equally at home leading a cavalry charge or exchanging repartee at a state dinner. Cavaliers also learn how to guard those in their charge from harm, often serving as the protectors of their superiors and of the weak. Compelled to right wrongs or earn prestige, many of these fighters leave their lives of comfort to embark on glorious adventure.”
Sir Didymus: Nobility? Protecting those in their charge from harm? Feeling compelled to right wrongs? Excelling at mounted combat? These all describe Sir Didymus from Labyrinth perfectly. There are many knights who prefer mounted combat, but this Muppet dog riding a real dog embody the Cavalier Fighter so well he may be a caricature.
Which fighter archetype is your favorite? Which fictional characters would you have chosen for these Fighter archetypes? Do you think any of our picks were 100% spot on or completely wrong? Let us know in the comments!
Happy Adventuring!
