Unearthed Arcana Unearthed Arcana: Arcane Subclasses Update

[Charlaquin]

Now this is a necromancer! The ability that lets you make your undead explode when they die is my favorite. I especially like how it synergizes with the raspier ability to kill one of your undead to regain hit points. Too bad that one only works when you become bloodied, but I guess being able to do it at will would be too much.

 

[WanderingMystic]

It’s an undead you control. So both the level 10 and second half the 14 features work with it.

But I agree it's inconsistent.

Adding "find familiar is a Necromancy spell" would fix that.

Yeah I would use a first level spell slot to gain the extra damage and hp. I do love how the harvest will also trigger the extinguish ability.

 

[mellored]

Yeah I would use a first level spell slot to gain the extra damage and hp. I do love how the harvest will also trigger the extinguish ability.

So something like...

"When you cast Find Familar with a spell slot you can modify so it is a Necromancer spell. Doing makes the creature you summon Undead and has it's appearance appropriately changed. You may also choose a Skeleton or Zombie".

 

[Zaukrie]

It’s an undead you control. So both the level 10 and second half the 14 features work with it.

But I agree it's inconsistent.

Adding "find familiar is a Necromancy spell" would fix that.

Level 10 or higher? Kind of a waste, imo, for enhancing one of the key features, given that 90% of campaigns don't make it that far. A real issue, IMO, with the current design of 5E (that isn't changing any time soon, I should give up commenting on it).

 

[Stalker0]

honestly....I'm not seeing that much improvement on the arcane archer. The arcane shot options still seem terribly balanced. Magical ammunition is one solid effect (the darkness) combined with two super niche effects....but that one is decent enough.

Arcane Burst is nothing for a 15th level ability.

 

[Kurotowa]

Adding "find familiar is a Necromancy spell" would fix that.

It's kind of a moot point. This Necromancer may be able to get an undead familiar, but they don't have any of the Warlock's Chain invocation enhancements. That means it works under the normal Find Familiar restrictions, which includes no attacks. So not qualifying for the minion combat enhancements isn't really a loss.

Really, this is a slightly beefy ribbon ability that gives you that zombie butler you always wanted to complete your look. Which is a good thing! Style points matter. But it's not really intended for combat. That's what Animate Undead and Summon Undead are for.

 

[Stalker0]

One small rules thing on the necromancer they may want to tighten up.

The Undead Thralls: Undead Fortitude ability. You get the bonuses off of the spell slot used....but you also get a +1 effective spell level with the ability overall.

By the book, since it says the spell slot you should use that without a +1 bump....but I could easily see a lot of tables missing that and giving it the +1 to that bonus as well.

 

[mellored]

It's kind of a moot point. This Necromancer may be able to get an undead familiar, but they don't have any of the Warlock's Chain invocation enhancements. That means it works under the normal Find Familiar restrictions, which includes no attacks. So not qualifying for the minion combat enhancements isn't really a loss.

Really, this is a slightly beefy ribbon ability that gives you that zombie butler you always wanted to complete your look. Which is a good thing! Style points matter. But it's not really intended for combat. That's what Animate Undead and Summon Undead are for.

You could still give it extra HP and THP if it was a "Undead you have created or summoned with a Necromancy spell", even if it can't attack.

It just feels better and more consistent to have your skeleton get the same buffs/rules as the rest of the Undead you summon.

Balance wise it may save you 10 gold here and there to not cast it again. So still just a beefier ribbon.

 

[Zaukrie]

Maybe instead of a familiar, the necromancer should get a minion (weak skellie or zombie that can fight) that levels up with her. I don't know. It seems like fluff at this point, for the most part (which as stated above, is fine). I get why it is how it is......

 

[Stalker0]

Maybe instead of a familiar, the necromancer should get a minion (weak skellie or zombie that can fight) that levels up with her. I don't know. It seems like fluff at this point, for the most part (which as stated above, is fine). I get why it is how it is......

It has all the capabilities of a normal familiar, which is easily one of the best features in the game in the hands of a creative player. I don't think it needs more buffs on top.