Retraining
Retraining lets a character replace earlier choices through focused time, money, and instruction. This optional subsystem is useful in campaigns that want structured rebuild rules rather than relying only on table discretion.
10 gp × character level × number of days required. Paid in full at the start of the retraining period.
The GM may adjust cost ±50% based on trainer availability, local economy, special materials, or similar campaign factors.
Many retraining options require a trainer. If none is available, the GM may allow self-training at double the time. A suitable training site such as a dojo, academy, temple, or library is normally required as well.
A character can retrain only one thing at a time. Abandoning a retraining attempt before completion loses all progress.
Quick Reference
| What you're retraining | Days | Trainer required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ability score increase | 5 | No | Move a level-up +1 bonus to a different score |
| Archetype (gain or abandon) | 5 per alternate class feature | No | Swapping archetypes takes two sessions |
| Class feature | 5 | Yes | Trainer must be same class and 1 level higher |
| Class level (standard) | 7 | Yes | NPC class to any class takes 3 days |
| Class level (synergy) | 5 | Yes | Applies when old and new classes have retraining synergy |
| Feat | 5 | Yes | Cannot break prerequisites |
| Hit points | 3 | Yes | Gain +1 max HP if below theoretical maximum |
| New language | 20 nonconsecutive | Yes / book | Limited total new languages based on Intelligence |
| Racial trait | 20 nonconsecutive | Yes | Old and new traits must replace the same standard trait |
| Skill ranks | 5 | No | Reassign up to Int bonus ranks, minimum 1 |
| Spells known | 2 per spell level | Yes | 1 day for cantrips or orisons; spontaneous casters only |
Ability Score Increase
A level-based ability score increase gained at levels 4, 8, 12, 16, or 20 can be moved to a different ability score by spending 5 days. If the old allocation was required for a feat, prestige class, or similar option, the character cannot use that benefit until they qualify again.
Archetype
Gaining or abandoning an archetype takes 5 days per alternate class feature affected. Swapping directly from one archetype to another requires two retraining periods.
Class Feature
Retraining a class feature takes 5 days with a trainer of the same class who is at least 1 level higher and already possesses the desired feature. A feature used as a prerequisite cannot be retrained until the dependent options are changed first.
Class Level
A character can retrain one class level into another class. This normally takes 7 days with a trainer at least one level higher in the new class. If the old and new classes have retraining synergy, the time drops to 5 days. Retraining an NPC class level into any class takes 3 days.
Retraining Synergies
| Class | Has Synergy With |
|---|---|
| Barbarian | Fighter, Ranger |
| Bard | Cleric, Rogue, Sorcerer |
| Cleric | Bard, Druid, Monk, Paladin |
| Druid | Cleric, Ranger |
| Fighter | Barbarian, Monk, Paladin, Ranger |
| Monk | Cleric, Fighter, Paladin |
| Paladin | Cleric, Fighter, Monk, Ranger |
| Ranger | Barbarian, Druid, Fighter, Paladin, Rogue |
| Rogue | Bard, Ranger |
| Sorcerer | Bard, Wizard |
| Wizard | Sorcerer |
Feat
Retraining a feat takes 5 days with a trainer who already possesses the target feat. The new feat must be one the character could have selected at that same level. Feats serving as prerequisites for other options cannot be retrained until the dependent options are addressed.
Hit Points
If a character's current maximum hit points are lower than the theoretical maximum from their class Hit Dice, they can spend 3 days training with a martial or endurance-focused instructor to increase their maximum hit points by 1. This can be repeated until they reach the best possible total.
New Language
Learning a new language takes 20 nonconsecutive days with a fluent teacher or suitable written source. A character can learn up to 1 + Intelligence bonus languages this way over their lifetime.
Racial Trait
Replacing one alternate racial trait with another takes 20 nonconsecutive days and usually a trainer or community example of the desired tradition. The old and new traits must both replace the same standard racial trait.
Skill Ranks
Retraining skill ranks takes 5 days and lets the character reassign a number of ranks up to their Intelligence bonus, minimum 1. No trainer is required, though a tutor or manual may justify the change in the fiction.
Spells Known
A spontaneous caster can replace one spell known by spending 2 days per spell level with a tutor capable of casting the desired spell. Cantrips and orisons take 1 day. This process does not apply to prepared spellbooks or prayer lists.