Unearthed Arcana Unearthed Arcana: Arcane Subclasses Update

[Stalker0]

In my head cannon, transmuter's are the rarest of wizard specialists.

Not because they are the least taught....but because they are hunted for their precious stones!

 

[Kurotowa]

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......

The commentary on this release called out that the community feedback around the Necromancer was that people wanted an undead horde. Not to be an undead reskin of the Beast Master Ranger. The disposability of undead minions seems to be an important thematic point for a lot of people.

That said, what you're describing is pretty close to the Reanimator Artificer back in the Horror Subclasses UA last May. Which means you'll mostly get your wish, just on a different class that's maybe more suitable for it.

 

[mellored]

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.

Well...

If you could spend your action you let them attack, that would be on par with a cantrip, but fit the theme and lot better.

Skeleton: 1d6+3 = 6.5
Toll the dead 1d12 = 6.5

Level 6
Skeleton: 1d6+3+4 = 10.5
Toll the dead 2d12 = 11.5

Skeleton falls off as you go up, but you won't be using cantrips much at that point.

 

[occam]

In my head cannon, transmuter's are the rarest of wizard specialists.

Not because they are the least taught....but because they are hunted for their precious stones!

If someone wants to get their hands on my precious stones, they're going to have to take me to dinner first.


I'll see myself out...

 

[Leatherhead]

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.

Part of what makes a normal familiar so good is the fact they are inconspicuous disposable spy drones that can fit and/or fly into areas that your normal PCs cant enter.
Skeletons and Zombies are not quite inconspicuous, are the same size as a PC, and most notably cant fly.

I'm not saying there aren't uses cases for them (Dressing one up as your body double to fool would-be assassins, for instance) but they most certainly do not have all the capabilities of a normal familiar.