Dungeons & Dragons Announces Horror Subclasses Unearthed Arcana

Dungeons & Dragons has announced a new Unearthed Arcana focused on horror subclasses. The new UA, available now on D&D Beyond, introduces a mix of new subclasses and thematic subclasses from 2014 5th Edition. The full list of subclasses are as follows:

• College of Spirits Bard
• Grave Domain Cletic
• Phantom Rogue
• Shadow Sorcerer
• Heblade Patron Warlock
• Undead Patron Warlock
• Reanimator Artificer
• Hollow Warden Ranger

The Reanimator Artificer is built around creating a reanimated companion that can act in combat and explodes when it dies. The Hollow Warden Ranger adds a Wrath of the Wild feature that activates when casting Hunter's Mark and adds various emanation effects while active.

No word on what this UA is related to, but there is a mystery product coming out in October and these horror subclasses could tie into a potential Ravenloft book.

You can check out the full Unearthed Arcana here.

 

[Sacrosanct]

Just started, and right away this stood out:

How often do they think players are using Spare the Dying? That seems really weak for something almost never used.

 

[Reynard]

I agree. A two book set though. Or two books out at the same time?

2026 is the 10 year anniversary for Strahd, arguably WotC's most succesful 5E adventure.

 

[KoolMoDaddy-O]

Summary of the video:

• Reanimator Artificer with modular Construct companion
• College of Spirits Bard rebooted from Van Richten's, spirit guardians at 6th level
• Grave Domain Cleric rebooted from Xanathar's
• Hollow Warden Ranger, based on folk horror and cryptid mythology, vampiric healing ability from successful attacks
• Phantom Rogue rebooted from Tasha's, can cast speak with dead
• Shadow Sorcerer rebooted from Xanathar's, expanded spell list
• Hexblade Warlock rebooted from Xanathar's, centered around hex powers
• Undead Warlock rebooted from Van Richten's

Two new subclasses, six remodels for 5.5e. Weird they didn't include a Necromancer Wizard.

So now we have a better idea of what the October book is. Maybe a Ravenloft setting guide to accompany Van Richten's but my money is on a 5.5e version of Liber Mortis as a Fizban's/Bigby's undead monster book with a player-facing first chapter.

 

[Sacrosanct]

Yeesh, the hexblade no longer grants armor or weapon proficiencies. So your "spectral blade" has to be a simple weapon?

 

[Remathilis]

Yeesh, the hexblade no longer grants armor or weapon proficiencies. So your "spectral blade" has to be a simple weapon?

You are always proficient in your pact weapon.

 

[Remathilis]

This SCREAMS Ravenloft book in 2026. My body is ready.

 

[Sacrosanct]

You are always proficient in your pact weapon.

But still super squishy because you're stuck in light armor?

 

[darjr]

Summary of the video:

• Reanimator Artificer with modular Construct companion
• College of Spirits Bard rebooted from Van Richten's, spirit guardians at 6th level
• Grave Domain Cleric rebooted from Xanathar's
• Hollow Warden Ranger, based on folk horror and cryptid mythology, vampiric healing ability from successful attacks
• Phantom Rogue rebooted from Tasha's, can cast speak with dead
• Shadow Sorcerer rebooted from Xanathar's, expanded spell list
• Hexblade Warlock rebooted from Xanathar's, centered around hex powers
• Undead Warlock rebooted from Van Richten's

Two new subclasses, six remodels for 5.5e. Weird they didn't include a Necromancer Wizard.

So now we have a better idea of what the October book is. Maybe a Ravenloft setting guide to accompany Van Richten's but my money is on a 5.5e version of Liber Mortis as a Fizban's/Bigby's undead monster book with a player-facing first chapter.

Quoted you in the OP! Thanks!

 

[Remathilis]

But still super squishy because you're stuck in light armor?

Yup. Multiclass or invest in feats.

 

[Remathilis]

So now we have a better idea of what the October book is. Maybe a Ravenloft setting guide to accompany Van Richten's but my money is on a 5.5e version of Liber Mortis as a Fizban's/Bigby's undead monster book with a player-facing first chapter.

I don't think there is enough time for October. I'm guessing 2026 early.

Although if they want to put it out in October, I'm not going to complain.