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.

 

[ersatzphil]

But a Ranger, per WotC findings, is a spellcaster.

In fairness, I played a ranger for two of the three years 3rd Ed was out - which they cite along with 2nd Ed as being the most liked formulation of the class - and I was already reflavoring the spells I got as nonmagical abilities in the late 90s. To refer to someone's example upthread: I don't care if it's mechanically identical to a spell, I want to feel like I'm good at setting alarms, not that I have a spell for that.

 

[Bill Zebub]

"Berserker"

Honestly, that's yet another one that should just be a subclass of Fighter.

 

[Zaukrie]

To back up my position.... Does anyone say... Give me a strength athletics check? Give me a wisdom perception check? No one says that.

 

[Micah Sweet]

To back up my position.... Does anyone say... Give me a strength athletics check? Give me a wisdom perception check? No one says that.

No, but they might say, "give me a Strength check".

"Can I add my Athletics?"

"Sure!"

Then they're off on another adventure!

 

[Bill Zebub]

To back up my position.... Does anyone say... Give me a strength athletics check? Give me a wisdom perception check? No one says that.

When they do say “give me a stealth check” (and you're right, they do!) it's a habit learned in previous editions. So, no, it doesn't back up your position.

 

[Charlaquin]

Yep, I'm not a class designer, but it seems the Fighter BM chassis could work. @Charlaquin, what about something like:

Strider​

You are skilled in exploring and surviving the dangers of the wild places of the world. Fighters that embrace this archtype are at home in the wilderness and scout ahead for your companions during expeditions.

​

Survivalist Superiority​

When you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you learn knacks that are fueled by special dice called superiority dice.

Knacks. You learn three knacks of your choice, which are detailed under “Knacks" below. Many knacks enhance an attack in some way. You can use only one knack per attack.

• Designer's note: survivalist knacks may be less attack dependent, who knows!

You learn two additional knacks of your choice at 7th, 10th, and 15th level. Each time you learn new knacks, you can also replace one knack you know with a different one.

Superiority Dice. You have four superiority dice, which are d8s. A superiority die is expended when you use it. You regain all of your expended superiority dice when you finish a short or long rest.

You gain another superiority die at 7th level and one more at 15th level.

Saving Throws. Some of your knacks require your target to make a saving throw to resist the knack’s effects. The saving throw DC is calculated as follows:

Knack save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Strength or Dexterity modifier (your choice)

Student of the Wild​

At 3rd level, you gain proficiency with one type of artisan’s tools of your choice.

• Designer's note: this might be replaced with skill proficiency or a more unique feature

Know Your Enemy​

Starting at 7th level, if you spend at least 1 minute observing or interacting with another creature outside combat, you can learn certain information about its capabilities compared to your own. The DM tells you if the creature is your equal, superior, or inferior in regard to two of the following characteristics of your choice:

• Strength score
• Dexterity score
• Constitution score
• Armor Class
• Current hit points
• Total class levels (if any)
• Fighter class levels (if any)
• Designer's note: this feels ranger-like to me, but you could revise to be a unique feature.

Improved Survivalist Superiority​

At 10th level, your superiority dice turn into d10s. At 18th level, they turn into d12s.

Relentless​

Starting at 15th level, when you roll initiative and have no superiority dice remaining, you regain one superiority die.

• Designer's note: this is OO but I would revise it to be a unique feature.

Knacks​

The knacks are presented in alphabetical order.

• Designer's note: this is where you could really give it a unique "ranger" feel IMO. I of course have no idea what those would be!

Design Analysis: This framework gives you the potential for 3-4 unique features to be make it a specialist in exploration and survival. Then you can add a dozen or so knacks to really emphasis that niche. It seems like a lot of design space to make a martial ranger. Now, if you need more, maybe you can swap out action surge or something too.

I don’t see it. Just looks like a Battlemaster with the vague suggestion that maybe it could have some non-combat maneuvers.

 

[Charlaquin]

I understand that, at I said above. There should be skill checks. It's bad syntax. And there is no reason not to have skill checks.

There’s plenty of reason not to have skill checks.

 

[ersatzphil]

To back up my position.... Does anyone say... Give me a strength athletics check? Give me a wisdom perception check? No one says that.

I actually do. It’s a habit I picked up watching Perkins run Dice, Camera, Action!, but I find it helpful for new players.

 

[Flamestrike]

Sometimes I wonder if I’m the only one who likes Rangers with spells. I’m actually really excited that they are getting the ability to prepare spells, gaining cantrips, and are getting a wider spell list.

Im OK with it, I'd just like an option for a Ranger without them.

And yeah, you can simply play a Scout/ Fighter and call yourself a Ranger I guess, but its not quite the same.

 

[Maxperson]

@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.

There's nothing in that paragraph that means backwards compatible at all, let alone a final major clarification. All it says is that while playtesting, you can go ahead and use the 2014 subclasses. That doesn't say or imply that they are backwards compatible, or what the final disposition is going to be.