D&D (2024) One D&D Expert Classes Playtest Document Is Live

The One D&D Expert Class playest document is now available to download. You can access it by signing into your D&D Beyond account at the link below. It contains three classes -- bard, rogue, and ranger, along with three associated subclasses (College of Lore, Thief, and Hunter), plus a number of feats.

Unearthed Arcana Playtest

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[Weiley31]

Since Rangers get expertise, for Survival and Stealth should they choose, does that mean Wizards will get something for Arcane? Or will the Ranger(now), Bard, and Rogue still beat them out on that field?

 

[Rabulias]

There's no reason a non-caster Ranger couldn't provide some healing, Aragon/Katniss-style (they both heal people). Healing doesn't need to be finger-waggling and invocations to the gods. Just have them able to apply out-of-combat healing via herbs/salves etc.

Since AD&D days, I have thought Ranger spells could be interpreted as an approximation of some natural ability. Instead of creating a new system for these things, they (the designers) used the already existing spell framework to 1) limit uses so as to not be overpowered, 2) utilize existing rules mechanics, and 3) balance these abilities against existing abilities in the game.

I mean, does it really matter if the Ranger casts cure wounds twice a day for 1d8+wisdom mod each time, or uses a healing poultice twice per day for 1d8+wisdom mod each time? Flavor as you wish.

 

[WarDriveWorley]

I’m at work and can’t check the UA out yet, but does HM have a cast at higher levels effect? Longer duration maybe?

They don't actually have the spell spelled out in the UA.

 

[Weiley31]

Short Swords are simple weapons now.

 

[WarDriveWorley]

So Barkskin is basically the same as heroism is now. I wonder if either will change on finalization.

 

[Sir Brennen]

Short Swords are simple weapons now.

I mean, in some parts of history it was basically used as a pocket knife. So, yeah?

 

[Micah Sweet]

Since Rangers get expertise, for Survival and Stealth should they choose, does that mean Wizards will get something for Arcane? Or will the Ranger(now), Bard, and Rogue still beat them out on that field?

I don't think they'll give it to Wizards as a class feature; it would break their class group philosophy. They can take a feat that would give it to them at 1st level though as part of their background.

 

[CleverNickName]

Short Swords are simple weapons now.

I saw that...still scratching my head over it. What do you think the reason was for this change?

 

[Micah Sweet]

Since AD&D days, I have thought Ranger spells could be interpreted as an approximation of some natural ability. Instead of creating a new system for these things, they (the designers) used the already existing spell framework to 1) limit uses so as to not be overpowered, 2) utilize existing rules mechanics, and 3) balance these abilities against existing abilities in the game.

I mean, does it really matter if the Ranger casts cure wounds twice a day for 1d8+wisdom mod each time, or uses a healing poultice twice per day for 1d8+wisdom mod each time? Flavor as you wish.

Again, clearly whether or not an effect is considered magical (especially if it's a spell) DOES matter to a significant number of people here.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

I don't think they'll give it to Wizards as a class feature; it would break their class group philosophy. They can take a feat that would give it to them at 1st level though as part of their background.

I hope not