Unearthed Arcana Unearthed Arcana Takes on Modern Magic

This month's edition of Unearthed Arcana from WotC's Dan Helmick takes on the topic of Modern Magic! Following on from an earlier column about d20 Modern items using 5E rules, this article "presents new rules for expanding the repertoire of spellcasting characters in a modern setting."

"A few months ago, Daniel Helmick described his adaptation for d20 Modern in a Behind the Screens article. He expanded on the rules for using firearms and explosives in the Dungeon Master’s Guide. Now, what if we extended the D&D rules to cover a campaign not only touched by, but actually set in a modern era? The newest iteration of D&D features various archetypes, traditions, domains, and other options for the base classes, all of which present opportunities for customization. With that in mind, this article presents new rules for expanding the repertoire of spellcasting characters in a modern setting."

Find it here!

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[SkidAce]

This is perfect for my..."lost spaceship crashes and humans populate world forgetting most of the tech and reverting to magic until they start discovering ancient organizations and ruins from the ancestors" plotline.

 

[ppaladin123]

This is also useful because it gives me some idea what the developers are thinking regarding: (1) a civilization/cities domain and (2) how to handle ranged pact-weapons (apparently worth an invocation with no level requirement). And I am sure some of the spells could be adapted for a fantasy setting too (i.e. commune with city). So useful even if I'd rather not play d&d modern.

 

[Psikerlord#]

Personally i have no interest in d20 modern. There are other systems for that. Back to fantasy - or generic rules - please devs.

 

[steeldragons]

Personally i have no interest in d20 modern. There are other systems for that. Back to fantasy - or generic rules - please devs.

THANK YOU! Finally!

Saved me the post.

 

[Vael]

Personally i have no interest in d20 modern. There are other systems for that. Back to fantasy - or generic rules - please devs.

I didn't really before ... but this is kinda cool. I'm seeing a Shadowrun-esque setting with current level tech. Dunno, it's good to see non-Realms material. Plus, I'm glad that DnD support isn't being all pigeon-holed.

 

[Herobizkit]

Especially for the modern setting, with modern spiritual traditions, it is necessary to remove gods from D&D.

Not necessarily. Either the D&D Gods can still exist in a modern setting, or there are a wealth of world religions/faiths/philosophies that can model Cleric-like abilities.

the Original d20 Modern had Acolyte as an expert ("prestige") class as well.

5e Modern hype!

 

[SilentWolf]

THANK YOU! Finally!

I Quote! THANK YOU FINALLY!!!

Finally Wizards shows D&D 5e true Modularity potetial!!
I know a lot of people like the traditional Fantasy D&D's Flavors. Fantasy is good and no one today can take Fantasy away from D&D. But why not explore the modular potential of the new Edition, experimenting with unusual flavors? Why not allowing players to play Steam Punk (or Steam Fantasy), Urban Fantasy, Science Fantasy, Sci Fi, Cyberpunk or Gothic/Horror Punk D&D Campaigns?
Why not allow players to play setting like Shadowrun or the Zero Down Horizon's one? Look at this video and ask yourself if you would like to play in a D&D campaign like this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajfudOr23E4

 

[Patrick McGill]

I really enjoyed this UA. I think a modern D&D take is perfect for playing a post SNES Final Fantasy-esque setting, if your players are into that.

I'm perfectly fine with developers spending time on these experimental sorts of things. This is what UA is all about: content that isn't really for complete public consumption. I'm betting a lot of this stuff was created on Daniel Helmick's off time anyway.

 

[SilentWolf]

This is what UA is all about: content that isn't really for complete public consumption. I'm betting a lot of this stuff was created on Daniel Helmick's off time anyway.

This is not completly true: UA Articles shows what designers hope to release in future supplements. If UA rules receive enough positive feedback, designers will release them in books at some point.
So, if you players have even a little interest in a D&D 5e Modern supplement, it is crucial that you give your feedback in Wizards Surveys and on WotC Social Network accounts (Twitter, Facebook, etc.).

More you show the designers your interest in Modern rules, more the designer will consider them.
More players will show the designers that they have interest in Modern rules, more this kind of rules will have high probability to become significant for the D&D designers.

 

[EthanSental]

I Quote! THANK YOU FINALLY!!!

Finally Wizards shows D&D 5e true Modularity potetial!!
I know a lot of people like the traditional Fantasy D&D's Flavors. Fantasy is good and no one today can take Fantasy away from D&D. But why not explore the modular potential of the new Edition, experimenting with unusual flavors? Why not allowing players to play Steam Punk (or Steam Fantasy), Urban Fantasy, Science Fantasy, Sci Fi, Cyberpunk or Gothic/Horror Punk D&D Campaigns?
Why not allow players to play setting like Shadowrun or the Zero Down Horizon's one? Look at this video and ask yourself if you would like to play in a D&D campaign like this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajfudOr23E4

I agree with the modularity potential you mention and watch the vid for zero down but to answer your question, would I like to play in a campaign like that robot dinosaur setting...not really my cup of tea.