Unearthed Arcana makes an unexpected return (the last one was back in May) with a three-page PDF containing two subclasses -- Path of the Wild Soul for the barbarian, and Way of the Astral Self for the monk.
-So The Way of the Astral Self can attack 6 times in a round with Complete Astral Self (Astral Barrage) and Arms of the Astral Self?
-I like that there's the ability to regain Ki points in combat for the Astral Self, the option to regain Ki points is probably what the Way of the Element Monk needs.
-I like the idea of a Barbarian with Wild Surges, since it's connected to Rage instead of when the DM decides, it actually feels better than the Wild Mage Sorcerer itself.
-I picture the Wild Soul Barbarian becoming sort of Fey like when raging.
-I envision the Astral Self Monk sort of becoming like the Goddess Kali with those extra arms. My vision may also be influenced by that Borderlands 3 character Amara.
Ugh.
The Astral Monk ... whatever. fine.
But the Wild Soul Barbarian? A magic-infused Barbarian? Have we just given up on classes altogether? Did I miss that memo?
How about the Angry Wizard? You know, the Wizard subclass that specializes in melee and raging?
No?
How about the Smard? It's a Smug Bard, that takes an Oath to, um, Smite evildoers with his lute?
No?
How about the Healing Warlock, which ... oh, wait ....
Ugh.
The Astral Monk ... whatever. fine.
But the Wild Soul Barbarian? A magic-infused Barbarian? Have we just given up on classes altogether? Did I miss that memo?
How about the Angry Wizard? You know, the Wizard subclass that specializes in melee and raging?
No?
How about the Smard? It's a Smug Bard, that takes an Oath to, um, Smite evildoers with his lute?
No?
How about the Healing Warlock, which ... oh, wait ....
Eberron is a gonzo high magic setting, and it has strong planar elements: the flavor on these feels right. The timing is the main thing, though: they are perfectly situated for the Eberron book based on their publishing pattern.
Ok...the Wild Soul Barbarian...
WTAF??? What is this? This makes absolutely no sense to me. Granting allies an expended spell slot? Uh...no, don't like. It seems like they don't really have any clue as to what to do with this particular path.
I'll defer to your expertise on Eberron, though I had thought it was more 'plentiful magic' than 'high magic' setting. You have a great point about the timing. But I keep wondering about some of these various planar hints we've gotten over the years and wonder if there's another possibility. I recall that last year they announced both Wayfinders (Eberron pdf) and Ravnica (harcover book) together. So maybe there's an alternative? Just fun speculation though. I'm not that attached to the idea.
By the way, is it odd we haven't had an official Eberron announcement yet if the book is coming in November?
AD
Ugh.
The Astral Monk ... whatever. fine.
But the Wild Soul Barbarian? A magic-infused Barbarian? Have we just given up on classes altogether? Did I miss that memo?
How about the Angry Wizard? You know, the Wizard subclass that specializes in melee and raging?
No?
How about the Smard? It's a Smug Bard, that takes an Oath to, um, Smite evildoers with his lute?
No?
How about the Healing Warlock, which ... oh, wait ....
Yeah. The Barbarian is odd flavor-wise. I feel like they are trying to capture a particular concept and decided that the Barbarian chassis was the best fit. The 'rages' aren't really rages but they actually work pretty well as mechanics for a 'burst of power'.
I think this would all be a little clearer if I had a better idea of the archetype they are shooting for.
That said, the idea of a character who is so infused with magic that it 'bursts out' sometimes isn't a bad one if you let go of the name 'Barbarian'. It does remind me of some of the anime my son watches.
In fact, both of these subclasses do. Hm . . .
AD