D&D (2024) Upcoming One D&D: Unearthed Arcana 'Expert' Classes (Bard, Ranger, Rogue)

WotC has posted a video describing the upcoming Unearthed Arcana playtest document which will feature three of the core character classes, each with a single subclass.

This document is the second in a series of Unearthed Arcana articles that present material designed for the next version of the Player's Handbook. The material here uses the rules in the

2014 Player's Handbook, except where noted. Providing feedback on this document is one way you can help shape the next generation of D&D!

Inside you'll find the following content:

Expert Classes. Three Classes appear in this document, each one a member of the Expert Group: the Bard, the Ranger, and the Rogue. Each Class appears with one Subclass. More Subclasses will appear in Unearthed Arcana in the months ahead.

Feats. Feats follow the Class descriptions, particularly feats available to the classes in this document.

Spell Lists. Three Spell lists-the Arcane, Divine, and Primal lists-are featured here. The Ranger uses the Primal list, and the Bard potentially uses all three, thanks to the Magical Secrets feature.

Rules Glossary. In this document, any term in the body text that is underlined appears in a glossary at the end. The glossary defines game terms that have been clarified or redefined for this playtest or that don't appear in the 2014 Player's Handbook.

 

[Zaukrie]

Because skill checks do not exist. It's a dexterity check and, if you are proficient in stealth, you get to add your bonus.

It is almost like my point was that skill checks should exist.....it is clunky and complex to read as is. IMO.

 

[Micah Sweet]

It is almost like my point was that skill checks should exist.....it is clunky and complex to read as is. IMO.

I prefer ability checks to skill checks. Let the DM or the rules decide if the PC can apply a skill.

 

[Vael]

I didn't think they'd standardize subclass progression, I'm now eager to see the Sorcerer, Warlock and Cleric ... as they had compelling reasons to get their subclass at 1st level.

 

[Nikosandros]

It is almost like my point was that skill checks should exist.....it is clunky and complex to read as is. IMO

OK, but the rule has been the same since 2014. It's not like it's a novelty of the playtest. I agree that many groups in play actually use a "skill check terminology".

 

[Parmandur]

LOL it's exactly what I predicted. One vague paragraph.

Not vague at all, very specific yet simple: all 2014 Subclasses will work with 2024 Base Classes by design. Just like the last packet made it clear all 2024 Races are compatible with 2024. That means that Xanathar's, Tasha's and every single Setting book remain completely viable.

 

[Parmandur]

@Ruin Explorer honestly not sure what's funny about that...? This is the final major clarification in what WotC means by Backwards compatibility: everything is Backwards compatible.

 

[Ruin Explorer]

Not vague at all, very specific yet sinple: all 2014 Subclasses will work with 2024 Base Classes by design.

LOL dude this is King Cnute levels of denial on your part.

They're already incompatible with what we have here. What the vague paragraph says is "Errr just follow the old subclass progression I guess". There are already features even in the three classes we have which are incompatible with older subclasses. Like you can't use a whole lot of the Colleges because Inspiration doesn't sit around anymore, it's used instantaneously.

The idea that they "work by design" is just false. They're incompatible, but that one paragraph addresses a SINGLE issue with using older subclasses, not the other issues created by design differences.

This isn't an opinion. This is a demonstrable fact.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Multiclassing with the new groups thing doesn't mean that Alice's sorcerer 5 who picks up warlock 2 is going to get all of the sane warlock abilities as Bob when he started warlock at level one. Likewise in reverse if Bob starts dipping into sorcerer at warlock 5.

Never said that. Don't know how you read that into my statement.

 

[Ruin Explorer]

This is the final major clarification in what WotC means by Backwards compatibility: everything is Backwards compatible.

That's literally meaningless. You have made a statement, that in English at least, has no meaning.

 

[Parmandur]

LOL dude this is King Cnute levels of denial on your part.

They're already incompatible with what we have here. What the vague paragraph says is "Errr just follow the old subclass progression I guess". There are already features even in the three classes we have which are incompatible with older subclasses. Like you can't use a whole lot of the Colleges because Inspiration doesn't sit around anymore, it's used instantaneously.

The idea that they "work by design" is just false. They're incompatible, but that one paragraph addresses a SINGLE issue with using older subclasses, not the other issues created by design differences.

This isn't an opinion. This is a demonstrable fact.

The overall conservative nature of the design means that the new definitions should work with the older Subclasses, which are usually modifying the abilities. Sounds like a job for playtesting.