New Dungeons and Dragons Unearthed Arcana Playtest Introduces Eight Forgotten Realms Subclasses

Dungeons and Dragons just released an Unearthed Arcana detailing eight Forgotten Realms-themed subclasses, including new entries like the Spellfire Sorcerer and College of the Moon Bard, and revamped versions of existing favorites like the Knowledge Domain Cleric and Bladesinger Wizard. These Dungeons and Dragons playtest subclasses are the prototypes of those set to appear in the Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide releasing on November 11.

Recently, Dungeons and Dragons revealed the Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide and Adventure Guide, twin books that would revisit the iconic setting of Faerun featured in Baldur’s Gate 3. The book promised new backgrounds, subclasses, feats, factions, and even a powerful type of spell.

Now, players have finally gotten a first look at the new subclasses coming in this sourcebook via an Unearthed Arcana. This playtest material revealed all eight of these options, five of which are completely new. The College of the Moon Bard is a Fey-themed archetype inspired by the Moonshae Isles, while the Oath of the Noble Genies Paladin swears fealty to the elemental lords found in Calimshan. The Winter Walker is a frost-wielding Ranger that would fit well in Icewind Dale, while the murderous and tyrannical Scion of the Three Rogue could easily infiltrate the cults of the Dead Three – Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul – who often operate out of the iconic city of Baldur’s Gate. Lastly, the Spellfire Sorcerer manipulates the radiant energies of the Weave often associated with the Chosen of Mystra.

Dungeons and Dragons Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide Subclasses

• College Of The Moon Bard
• Knowledge Domain Cleric
• Purple Dragon Knight Fighter
• Oath Of The Noble Genies Paladin
• Winter Walker Ranger
• Scion Of The Three Rogue
• Spellfire Sorcery Sorcerer
• Bladesinger Wizard

The other three subclasses are revamped versions of those found in the Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide from 2015: the Knowledge Domain Cleric, Purple Dragon Knight Fighter, and Bladesinger Wizard. Knowledge Clerics gains access to more Domain spells, telepathy, and consistency buffs for many to D20 tests, while the Dungeons and Dragons fan-favorite Bladesinger Wizards can use their Intelligence for their attacks, and can strike an enemy after casting a spell. Purple Dragon Knights have been completely reworked, now gaining an Amethyst Dragon companion like the Drakewarden Ranger while retaining some of the battlefield support of its predecessor.

Though these subclasses introduce mechanics that fans have liked, they have also raised a few questions pertaining to the lore of the Forgotten Realms. In Faerun, the Purple Dragon Knights of Cormyr got their name from slaying dragons, not befriending them, and the Genies of Calimshan have long warred against the humanoid races. Additionally, Spellfire is an extremely rare gift that only powerful Chosen of Mystra like Elminster have been able to wield before. These new subclasses suggest there may be a few retcons in the history of the Forgotten Realms coming in these Dungeons and Dragons books.

Fans can expect to find out for sure in the Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide and Adventure Guide, both of which release on November 11. Meanwhile, feedback on this new Unearthed Arcana opens on February 4, so fans should be sure to test out the subclasses before then.

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Dungeons and Dragons

Created by Gary Gygax, Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop game in which players craft their own worlds and band together to take on adventures through mysterious realms outlined in companion materials. One of the best role-playing games ever made, it has been adapted into a variety of video games and other media.

Franchise

Dungeons & Dragons

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Original Release Date

1974

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Designer

E. Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson

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