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.

 

[GarrettKP]

Death domain and spores druid also didn't get in the mix. I guess we're going to have to wait for yet another spooky subclass book.

I like Spore and Necromancer are probably being saved for a more generic book like the Tasha’s and Xan revamp book. They likely didn’t want to “lock” these behind a setting book (since that seems like this is going to be that).

 

[LuisCarlos17f]

---

The artificer is going to enjoy a new subclass beyond one sourcebook. This should mean a sign this class will be supported by WotC.
Will we watch UA about PC species? Somebody could say they Van Ritchen's Guiden don't need an update.

Maybe we will see the Ravenloft logo but the crunch will be designed to be useful in other horror settings, for example Innistrad or Duskmourn (Duskmourn could enjoy a crossover spin-off within Ravenloft, like Dark-Sun), or 3PPs.

WotC should publish something about Dark Sun or some 3PP will create a spiritual succesor like "Dragon Kings".

Other option could be an update edition of "Libris Noctis". This had got an intersting undead bestiary. Grimm but that was the intention.

"Heroes of Shadow" for 5e? Maybe some crunch element.

* Are there female dusk half-elves in Ravenloft? Could be "adopted by Vistani" a background?

* If the sales of "Curse of Strand" were good maybe we could see a reimagination of the "House of the Gryphon Hill" and that third adventure "Bleak House: Death of van Ritchen".

* Ravenloft is perfect for crossovers and collabs with horror franchises. I have read the videogame studio of "Dead by Daylight" are working in a spin-off focused into survival (I guess something style gathering, crafting and building).

* Ravenloft needs no-undead monsters to avoid too specialized undead-slayer build by players. For example choosing living-contruct PC species with second-skin dark-gift (warforged, autognome, glitchling, Weschling, shardmind)

 

[TwoSix]

The Vampire concept is so big, it merits an entire class with subclasses.

Vampire was in my top 3 favorite 4e classes, so 100% agree.

 

[Parmandur]

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

I think an Undead/Shadowfell Fizban-style book would be pretty awesome.

 

[Parmandur]

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.

May to October us about right for UA: same month period as the Eberron tests.

 

[Yaarel]

Vampire was in my top 3 favorite 4e classes, so 100% agree.

Heh, by contrast, the Werewolf concept is so small, a single feat can cover it, even a background feat albeit minimally.

 

[Remathilis]

May to October us about right for UA: same month period as the Eberron tests.

Don't give me hope.

Though Eberron and Ravenloft updates in the same year is a dream schedule.

 

[Parmandur]

I wouldn't stare too hard into the tea leaves because I doubt all of these options are sincere. There were three subclasses for Bigby's in the Unearthed Arcana but only one made into the final book.

That wasn't them being "insincre", only 1 of the 3 Subclasses passed through UA. They would have been willing to put all 3 in, as they intended to do with the Mystic and Artificer for Xanathar's back in the day...

 

[Parmandur]

My guess, in the other thread, is a remastered, updated, expanded Curse of Strahd.

Keep milking that cash cow.

They don't need to update it, it still works and sells.

 

[Parmandur]

Don't give me hope.

Though Eberron and Ravenloft updates in the same year is a dream schedule.

The closest we have seen for UA is September for a November print release, with Ravnica: there is plenty of time here.