I hesitate to say there should be subclasses that have more potential to lean hard into evil... but I'm not NOT saying that. I'm excited to test the rogue.
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I like the idea that The Three can put you on that path without your knowledge, similar to being a Bhaalspawn. But yeah, this rogue is the closest we've gotten to an "evil subclass" in a long time!
I’m a little disappointed it’s only 8 subclasses. They made a big thing in the PHB publicity about giving each class the same number of subclasses so they were balanced so unless there’s another four they’ve not announced yet we’ve got four classes already falling behind
I’m a little disappointed it’s only 8 subclasses. They made a big thing in the PHB publicity about giving each class the same number of subclasses so they were balanced so unless there’s another four they’ve not announced yet we’ve got four classes already falling behind
Maybe they’re cooking something for Eberron. And regardless, cooking subclasses in sets of 12 every time probably isn’t a practical development model going forwards.
I’m a little disappointed it’s only 8 subclasses. They made a big thing in the PHB publicity about giving each class the same number of subclasses so they were balanced so unless there’s another four they’ve not announced yet we’ve got four classes already falling behind
Maybe they’re cooking something for Eberron. And regardless, cooking subclasses in sets of 12 every time probably isn’t a practical development model going forwards.
I’m a little disappointed it’s only 8 subclasses. They made a big thing in the PHB publicity about giving each class the same number of subclasses so they were balanced so unless there’s another four they’ve not announced yet we’ve got four classes already falling behind
Maybe they’re cooking something for Eberron. And regardless, cooking subclasses in sets of 12 every time probably isn’t a practical development model going forwards.
There is also the mystery book for October
Given the timing, I'd bet on that being something in the Ravenloft/spooky vibes vein.
I’m a little disappointed it’s only 8 subclasses. They made a big thing in the PHB publicity about giving each class the same number of subclasses so they were balanced so unless there’s another four they’ve not announced yet we’ve got four classes already falling behind
Maybe they’re cooking something for Eberron. And regardless, cooking subclasses in sets of 12 every time probably isn’t a practical development model going forwards.
No probably not practical but it’s a pity to see it dropped quite so quickly, especially when there’s plenty of subclasses they could update if they’re stuck for new ideas
All very interesting, but I have a few ... notes, not complaints, but minor issues that need to be solved.
1: Purple Dragon Knights are an order of Cormyr Knights named for the Coat of Arms of Cormyr and a Black Dragon whose Black Scales shone Purple. In Final Fantasy they would be Dragoons. They are Dragon Slayers, not Dragon Riders. But at the same time a Dragon Riding subclass is very cool, like I want this subclass, but can they not be linked to Cormyr, because this would be a massive retcon if they did this.
2: Scion of the Dead Three.... One of the things I love about modern D&D is the lack of Alignment requirements, not forcing a Paladin to be a Lawful Good Human is one of the best choices in D&D.
The Scion of the Dead Three, is by nature forced to play/RP as evil. Each of the Dead Three Represents an Evil Alignment, and as such a Scion of the Dead Three is sort of required to play off these Alignments.
Bane - Lawful Evil - Tyranny
Myrkul - Neutral Evil - Death
Bhaal - Chaotic Evil - Murder
While the Subclass looks awesome, and I want to see my Rogue player use it, it contradicts the No Evil Player Character rule we have at the Table.
Basically, I like these subclasses on first read, but in cases where the lore of the setting is either changed or forces a specific Alignment on a player, I take issue.
All very interesting, but I have a few ... notes, not complaints, but minor issues that need to be solved.
1: Purple Dragon Knights are an order of Cormyr Knights named for the Coat of Arms of Cormyr and a Black Dragon whose Black Scales shone Purple. In Final Fantasy they would be Dragoons. They are Dragon Slayers, not Dragon Riders. But at the same time a Dragon Riding subclass is very cool, like I want this subclass, but can they not be linked to Cormyr, because this would be a massive retcon if they did this.
2: Scion of the Dead Three.... One of the things I love about modern D&D is the lack of Alignment requirements, not forcing a Paladin to be a Lawful Good Human is one of the best choices in D&D.
The Scion of the Dead Three, is by nature forced to play/RP as evil. Each of the Dead Three Represents an Evil Alignment, and as such a Scion of the Dead Three is sort of required to play off these Alignments.
Bane - Lawful Evil - Tyranny
Myrkul - Neutral Evil - Death
Bhaal - Chaotic Evil - Murder
While the Subclass looks awesome, and I want to see my Rogue player use it, it contradicts the No Evil Player Character rule we have at the Table.
Basically, I like these subclasses on first read, but in cases where the lore of the setting is either changed or forces a specific Alignment on a player, I take issue.
Regarding the Rogue, as the description says the link can be forged unwittingly; you don’t have to be a worshipper to get the power.
Regarding the Rogue, as the description says the link can be forged unwittingly; you don’t have to be a worshipper to get the power.
If you are going to say something say it correctly:
A Scion of the Three draws power from a group of malevolent gods known as the Dead Three: Bane, deity of tyranny; Bhaal, deity of violence and murder; and Myrkul, deity of death. While some Rogues of this subclass pledge themselves ardently to those three macabre gods, others find themselves thrust on this path by a curse. Either way, a scion’s power manifests as various occult gifts, as well as an uncanny talent for striking and terrifying foes.
This doesn't solve the subclass evil player character fantasy, which has been a bane of DMs since 1st edition. Rogue acts evil in RP "It's what my character would do". Is a problem that should be discouraged in DnD and that subclass encourages that kind of behavior.
Sure, you can play a Chaotic Good Scion of the Dead Three, and basically play the Bhaal Spawn trying hard to not be evil, and a good Role Player can make this work amazingly just like in VtM when a good Role Player plays a Lasombra as a heroic archetype.
But these are exceptions not the norm. Rogue Scion of the Dead Three will probably become one of the most banned Subclasses if they don't fix the RP before publishing.
College of The Moon Bard is fine. It follows the theme of allowing each subclass to use its bardic inspirations in new ways. Druid cantrip, druid skill, moonbeam at 6 as a bonus action(which is weird because it would compete with bardic inspiration use but whatever). All in, it's not very strong. It's not weak either.
Knowledge Cleric was BUSTED. Completely and unequivocally broken. 15 free spells by level 9 that are always prepared, 6 are combat oriented and all of those spells can be cast as a channel divinity magic action, which recharges on a short rest? A level 9 cleric getting 3 synaptic statics per day and regaining one every short rest? Oh and at level 6 all int checks can't be lower than their wisdom score? So if you have an 18 wisdom, for all Int based checks(which skill checks that use int are ability checks), you just get an 18 at the absolute lowest end. Potentially scaling higher with manuals. Whew buddy.
Purple Dragon Knight gets a complete overhaul, and is completely bad. You get a dragon companion with 8 HP at level 1 and gains 4 HP every time you level. So by the time you hit level 10 it has 48 HP and scaling based off your Int modifier.
I really, really liked Oath of the Noble Genies. I thought it added a lot of flavor potential, being able to bring back Dex based Paladins because of Genies Splendor(which I think should just be a variant of Unarmored Defense, allowing it to scale with light armor is VERY strong) with CHA/DEX seems very cool, the smite additions weren't strong but I think could have used a tiny bit of scaling around the level your aura came online. All in, very fun.
I really, really don't get why they think Ranger is this amazing class in 5e. Winter Walker feels hamstrung. 1d4 to one attack which ignores resistance, resistance to cold and some temp hp when you cast hunters mark which also prevents someone from taking the disengage action. A few bonus spells, but less than what Paladin got and they're on the same spell level scaling. Reaction to impose frightened by a lot of enemies by that level you get it have immunities to the frightened condition. Its final ability really emphasizes being very close to enemies, which is irony because it's bonus spells are all about being away from enemies. It feels disjointed.
Scion of the Three is interesting. I don't agree with the earlier talk about alignment because what they are doing is imposing their thought of alignment on the subclass. It says you are drawing power, either through worship or curse. "Oh no, an evil God gave me this power and I used it for good", great, done, next. If you have a player who wants to play this at your table as an evil ******* and the table isn't evil? Solve it before they start playing. This is a table discussion before RP even begins. There is no RP problem to solve from a mechanic standpoint. To the UA portion, it's fine. Extra weapon damage when a creature is half health or less INT mod times per day is fine. The L9 and 13 abilities are whatever because again, most creatures around this level start to have immunities to frighten and being able to give someone 2-5 damage if they are within 10 feet of you every turn is nothing. Murderous Intent is STRONG, but it's a L17 ability so I'm fine with it. Making 9d6 sneak die have a range of 27-45 instead of 9-45 actually makes the character feel extremely consistent and at that level they should.
Spellfire Sorcery really, really wants to make a Counterspell specialist. Use counterspell, which gives you back sorcery points, which you can use to fuel the other subclass features. Also gives it some utility healing spells? I like the idea of this class. It's fun and quirky. The L18 ability, again, very strong but it's L18 and it should be.
Bladesinger is fine, but it's still inherently flawed. More songs per long rest(good), you can use Int Mod for attack and damage rolls while singing(good). The reaction based damage reduction at level 10 is still bad because it competes with other reactions Wizard has, mainly Counterspell/Shield/Absorb Elements. It also doesn't solve the problem that Wizards by default are squishy. By the time you hit level 9, even when Bladesinging you're not going to want to get in Melee anymore since the spell options you have are just so much stronger.
Bladesinger is fine, but it's still inherently flawed. More songs per long rest(good), you can use Int Mod for attack and damage rolls while singing(good). The reaction based damage reduction at level 10 is still bad because it competes with other reactions Wizard has, mainly Counterspell/Shield/Absorb Elements. It also doesn't solve the problem that Wizards by default are squishy. By the time you hit level 9, even when Bladesinging you're not going to want to get in Melee anymore since the spell options you have are just so much stronger.
I wish we'd had this to playtest some months ago. I'm playing a bladesinger in a game where we're not too far off from high 2nd tier, and I'm intentionally planning on building for melee fighting with spell crowd control to see how that works. I'd have loved to try this with the newer build.
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While you have some interesting ideas, and I do agree with some of them. I take issue with a few things.
College of The Moon Bard is fine.
Mostly agree, have to see it play to be sure though, too soon to tell IMO.
Knowledge Cleric was BUSTED. Completely and unequivocally broken.
Strong, yes not busted, and the new version seems to match the current power level.
Purple Dragon Knight gets a complete overhaul, and is completely bad.
Disagree 150% it's a better Drakewarden then a Ranger could ever be in the current edition. The main issue with this subclass is forgetting Cormyr history and lore to make an Order of Black Dragon Slaying Knights into Gem Dragon Riders. I Think the subclass is good, but the name and lore needs to be adjusted.
I really, really liked Oath of the Noble Genies.
While flavorful, and refreshing to see thinking outside the box, this subclass will not survive the survey, and will get red commented to hades. The Dex based no Armor idea is why, people on other sites are already expressing anger on this and two other subclasses in this UA. With the most hate aimed at the Purple Dragon Knight and Oath of the Noble genies.
I really, really don't get why they think Ranger is this amazing class in 5e.
Agreed, Rangers in 5e have always been weak outside of specific builds, and with 5.5e they are nerfed to less useful than a 2014 Monk played by a new player. Oddly it would take one Homebrew change to them to fix most of their issues. Make Hunters mark not need concentration after level 6~8 for a Ranger.
Scion of the Three is interesting.
Interesting, and possible really good yes, but...
I don't agree with the earlier talk about alignment ...
You may disagree with it, but as a person who has been the Forever DM since 4th Edition 2010.
I have had to work hard to convince rogue players especially and warlock players at times, that their RP need not be evil, our table has a hard rule against playing evil. Because occasionally people conflict the idea of dark themes with jerkish evil behavior.
It's annoying to me as a long time Goth (since 1990) and as an avid Role Player who has successfully played Heroic Lawful Evil characters for years.
But as we have to adjust for the lowest common denominator, evil play is banned at my table, and this subclass encourages evil play. I'm not the only one saying this, as others on other forums have been commenting on this, and this is the third subclass I doubt will see the light of day due to current feedback I've been seeing. Although it is the most contentious. Most agree to hate the Purple Dragon & Genie Paladin. One for lore, the other for broken combos they have already worked out.
Spellfire Sorcery ...
Finally a subclass based on lore and books. I like it, hope players make Shandril Shessair at some point.
Bladesinger is fine, but it's still inherently flawed.
Not as much as you think, they fixed the one huddle keeping this from being playable. Does it need more, sure more is always good, but as it sits I would play it. Back in AD&D my main was an LE Bladesinger Valley Elf in Grey Hawk. Fun character, and would play her again.
Why is it not flawed you ask, spells are never flawed. Wizards are by nature the Strongest class in the game, and a melee wizard is hard to pull off, Bladesinger does this well. You shouldn't be hit if you play them correctly, and if you do get hit, you should be able to destroy almost anything as a reaction. You do still need a Tank and healer as a bladesinger as you are still a squishy caster, but dancing in and out of melee with sword, song, and spell should be fun and rewarding to play. Praise Eilistraee.
I don't care when talking about lore as it relates to mechanics. I'm 39, I've played D&D for 25 years. We're past the lore and alignment limitations of subclasses and I was relieved to see that Bladesinging didn't require being an Elf similar to being a Purple Dragon Knight didn't require a Cormyr based backstory. Lore is table discussion and the DM should absolutely be in charge of that and if they want to impose lore restrictions on things for their table, go for it. I'm down. I'm glad source material isn't doing it though because it removes a barrier of "WELL THE BOOK SAID NOT TO". I'm also not going to talk about a specific player and their playstyle as the "lowest common denominator" because that's just demeaning. If someone isn't a fit for your table, dismiss them from your table. You can talk about it all you want but being extremely blunt I'm not going to entertain the discussion. You're of course more than welcome to offer whatever criticisms you want of these takes. Just don't expect a reply.
The reason I called Bladesinging flawed is because it doesn't do what it feels it should do. That goes back to when Bladesinging was a thing in The Complete Book of Elves or in 3rd as a prestige class, which was it was a Fighter first and a Wizard second. Bladesinging is now Wizard first and Fighting second, but the Fighter already has a magic subclass in the form of the Eldritch Knight and 5e seems to have a philosophy of trying not to step on the footsteps of "Only one magical subclass allowed for martial characters". So now instead of layering magic onto a martial, we're layering a martial onto a caster. It doesn't get any weapon masteries which was a core feature of 5e for martials, it doesn't let you get a shield, it doesn't let you use two handed weapons, etc. So now my weapon is a part of my magic focus, but I didn't need a magic focus because my other hand was basically ALWAYS free unless I was doing a two weapon fighting build. It's feels like they didn't want to go far with the martial abilities because they didn't want Fighters to feel underwhelming and put more tools in the already stuffed box of Wizard.
Change the Paladin to be Dex/Cha Unarmored Defense and it's right on par with all barbarians and monks. It's too strong but the rest the abilities are fine.
PDK is just not good. Int scaling for companion armor class for a base class that doesn't want to scale on Int whereas 2014 Drakewarden is PB scaling. Damage resistances as a capstone when you can overcome that with magic items LONG before that point. No scaling on it's natural attack unlike Drakewarden and limitations on its breath weapon being twice a day with very small damage scaling compared to Drakewarden. Just have your DM sell you a Griffon and tell your Cleric to be prepared to bring it back from the dead and pick a better subclass.
This is a reply to the people who follow after you. Since you do not feel the need to have a discussion about a valid issue with
Forgotten Realms Subclasses
You see it's in the title, it's not More Subclasses, it's "Forgotten Realms Subclasses" ininit? This means that the lore and story of "The Forgotten Realms" should be considered.
Calling a Dragon Riding Fighter a Purple Dragon Knight is an issue as that flies in the face of their story so far. Now if they published a Novel and/or a comic book ahead of the new Forgotten Realms book, establishing this change in a way that doesn't feel forced, no big.
As to the mechanics, I seldom play a pet class, as I'm the DM usually and when I do have a chance to play I usually go Spellsword. So I will take that under consideration at the appropriate time, I do feel for Rangers as 5.5 has been really bad for them all-around.
The Dead Three and the new Baldur's Gate rogue. How a class or subclass builds it's class fantasy deeply effects the subconscious and how someone roleplays a character based on the story beats given. I'm sure you remember the 2nd ed era, and how people who played tieflings tended to make Damien spawn of the devil, a cute little human who would do evil murderous things behind everyone's back. Or how in 3rd edition Warlocks were evil manipulators trying to seduce and destroy things.
5th edition walked back those built in roleplays and gave us new ways to play not attached to an alignment. Warlocks can now be the Heroic Face of the Party, the tiefling now looks like the devil but has the heart of gold, and aasimar can be evil, and paladins can be chaos incarnation. I see these changes as good. So tying a rogue subclass to something as overtly evil as the Dead Three is a step backwards, they need to give that subclass a plot hook that doesn't always lead to evil.
Because yes you have to always consider the Lowest Common denominator, which was a problem past editions didn't do and 5th has done a great job doing.
Lore and Player behavior are important issues to discus when dealing with this UA.
So I didn't go too deep into the mechanics of the various classes or balance thereof because honestly that's second to the lore given how these are supposed to be thematic to Forgotten realms and show how cosmopolitan they are and like @gothicshark has said the Purple Dragon Knight's being interpreted this way is honestly baffling.
The OG "purple" Dragon was an incomprehensibly old black dragon, one so ancient that his Scales were discoloring and was for ages the undisputed ruler over everything that would eventually become Cormyr until he (and his draconic allies) was forced to cede his claim by the elves and they in turn would eventually be forced to Cede it to Humans centuries later. Eventually Thauglor would return during a Dragon Rage, wreaking havoc in a berserker fury and ultimately being put down by the combined might of Prince Azoun II, the Mage Royal's apprentice and a plethora of soldiers. After his death at the hands of the prince, the Obarskyr Dynasty took the heraldry of the purple dragon as their heraldry and recognized their most elite knights as being members of that order with equal standing to the legendary war mages order that cormyr had fostered.
Now, how you go and take them riding around on a specific sub-category of gem dragon and having psionics is utterly baffling to me and wreaks of someone not bothering to do any research into the setting at all... and beyond *that* you have the fact that there's already a subcategory of ranger that was basically already doing this and in a way that felt way more organic and logical... or How something like this would have actually been a really good concept for Dragonlance when it was released a few years ago and whiffed as a setting.
Instead of this bizzare mess, what I would have done for the purple dragon knight is made it so that the class was either focused towards being a counter mage/bodyguard type fighter to reflect their history of partnership with the War Mages and their role as the elite protectors of the realm OR I would have taken the original idea for them from SCAG and boosted it to make them the current edition's equivalent of the Warlord class from 4e; a martial character that uses a combination of inspiring words, tactical thought and martial might to lead others to victory.
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D&D StaffHappy UA day! Test out five brand-new subclasses and three revised subclasses with the new playtest material, available RIGHT NOW!
Reminder: Playtest material will not be available for use in the DDB character builder.
Listen to Todd, Jeremy, and Mackenzie speak on the subclasses they chose for this:
Update (2/4/25): feedback survey is live!
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I think they all look pretty good at least at first read. I look forward to testing them out!
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A Rogue subclass that dares to ask the question: what if you really, really wanted to be Orin from Baldur's Gate 3
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D&D StaffI hesitate to say there should be subclasses that have more potential to lean hard into evil... but I'm not NOT saying that. I'm excited to test the rogue.
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I like the idea that The Three can put you on that path without your knowledge, similar to being a Bhaalspawn. But yeah, this rogue is the closest we've gotten to an "evil subclass" in a long time!
I’m a little disappointed it’s only 8 subclasses. They made a big thing in the PHB publicity about giving each class the same number of subclasses so they were balanced so unless there’s another four they’ve not announced yet we’ve got four classes already falling behind
Maybe they’re cooking something for Eberron. And regardless, cooking subclasses in sets of 12 every time probably isn’t a practical development model going forwards.
There is also the mystery book for October
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Given the timing, I'd bet on that being something in the Ravenloft/spooky vibes vein.
No probably not practical but it’s a pity to see it dropped quite so quickly, especially when there’s plenty of subclasses they could update if they’re stuck for new ideas
By all that is (un)holy I hope so!
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All very interesting, but I have a few ... notes, not complaints, but minor issues that need to be solved.
1: Purple Dragon Knights are an order of Cormyr Knights named for the Coat of Arms of Cormyr and a Black Dragon whose Black Scales shone Purple. In Final Fantasy they would be Dragoons. They are Dragon Slayers, not Dragon Riders. But at the same time a Dragon Riding subclass is very cool, like I want this subclass, but can they not be linked to Cormyr, because this would be a massive retcon if they did this.
2: Scion of the Dead Three.... One of the things I love about modern D&D is the lack of Alignment requirements, not forcing a Paladin to be a Lawful Good Human is one of the best choices in D&D.
The Scion of the Dead Three, is by nature forced to play/RP as evil. Each of the Dead Three Represents an Evil Alignment, and as such a Scion of the Dead Three is sort of required to play off these Alignments.
Bane - Lawful Evil - Tyranny
Myrkul - Neutral Evil - Death
Bhaal - Chaotic Evil - Murder
While the Subclass looks awesome, and I want to see my Rogue player use it, it contradicts the No Evil Player Character rule we have at the Table.
Basically, I like these subclasses on first read, but in cases where the lore of the setting is either changed or forces a specific Alignment on a player, I take issue.
Regarding the Rogue, as the description says the link can be forged unwittingly; you don’t have to be a worshipper to get the power.
If you are going to say something say it correctly:
This doesn't solve the subclass evil player character fantasy, which has been a bane of DMs since 1st edition. Rogue acts evil in RP "It's what my character would do". Is a problem that should be discouraged in DnD and that subclass encourages that kind of behavior.
Sure, you can play a Chaotic Good Scion of the Dead Three, and basically play the Bhaal Spawn trying hard to not be evil, and a good Role Player can make this work amazingly just like in VtM when a good Role Player plays a Lasombra as a heroic archetype.
But these are exceptions not the norm. Rogue Scion of the Dead Three will probably become one of the most banned Subclasses if they don't fix the RP before publishing.
My initial thoughts when reading them.
College of The Moon Bard is fine. It follows the theme of allowing each subclass to use its bardic inspirations in new ways. Druid cantrip, druid skill, moonbeam at 6 as a bonus action(which is weird because it would compete with bardic inspiration use but whatever). All in, it's not very strong. It's not weak either.
Knowledge Cleric was BUSTED. Completely and unequivocally broken. 15 free spells by level 9 that are always prepared, 6 are combat oriented and all of those spells can be cast as a channel divinity magic action, which recharges on a short rest? A level 9 cleric getting 3 synaptic statics per day and regaining one every short rest? Oh and at level 6 all int checks can't be lower than their wisdom score? So if you have an 18 wisdom, for all Int based checks(which skill checks that use int are ability checks), you just get an 18 at the absolute lowest end. Potentially scaling higher with manuals. Whew buddy.
Purple Dragon Knight gets a complete overhaul, and is completely bad. You get a dragon companion with 8 HP at level 1 and gains 4 HP every time you level. So by the time you hit level 10 it has 48 HP and scaling based off your Int modifier.
I really, really liked Oath of the Noble Genies. I thought it added a lot of flavor potential, being able to bring back Dex based Paladins because of Genies Splendor(which I think should just be a variant of Unarmored Defense, allowing it to scale with light armor is VERY strong) with CHA/DEX seems very cool, the smite additions weren't strong but I think could have used a tiny bit of scaling around the level your aura came online. All in, very fun.
I really, really don't get why they think Ranger is this amazing class in 5e. Winter Walker feels hamstrung. 1d4 to one attack which ignores resistance, resistance to cold and some temp hp when you cast hunters mark which also prevents someone from taking the disengage action. A few bonus spells, but less than what Paladin got and they're on the same spell level scaling. Reaction to impose frightened by a lot of enemies by that level you get it have immunities to the frightened condition. Its final ability really emphasizes being very close to enemies, which is irony because it's bonus spells are all about being away from enemies. It feels disjointed.
Scion of the Three is interesting. I don't agree with the earlier talk about alignment because what they are doing is imposing their thought of alignment on the subclass. It says you are drawing power, either through worship or curse. "Oh no, an evil God gave me this power and I used it for good", great, done, next. If you have a player who wants to play this at your table as an evil ******* and the table isn't evil? Solve it before they start playing. This is a table discussion before RP even begins. There is no RP problem to solve from a mechanic standpoint. To the UA portion, it's fine. Extra weapon damage when a creature is half health or less INT mod times per day is fine. The L9 and 13 abilities are whatever because again, most creatures around this level start to have immunities to frighten and being able to give someone 2-5 damage if they are within 10 feet of you every turn is nothing. Murderous Intent is STRONG, but it's a L17 ability so I'm fine with it. Making 9d6 sneak die have a range of 27-45 instead of 9-45 actually makes the character feel extremely consistent and at that level they should.
Spellfire Sorcery really, really wants to make a Counterspell specialist. Use counterspell, which gives you back sorcery points, which you can use to fuel the other subclass features. Also gives it some utility healing spells? I like the idea of this class. It's fun and quirky. The L18 ability, again, very strong but it's L18 and it should be.
Bladesinger is fine, but it's still inherently flawed. More songs per long rest(good), you can use Int Mod for attack and damage rolls while singing(good). The reaction based damage reduction at level 10 is still bad because it competes with other reactions Wizard has, mainly Counterspell/Shield/Absorb Elements. It also doesn't solve the problem that Wizards by default are squishy. By the time you hit level 9, even when Bladesinging you're not going to want to get in Melee anymore since the spell options you have are just so much stronger.
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D&D StaffI wish we'd had this to playtest some months ago. I'm playing a bladesinger in a game where we're not too far off from high 2nd tier, and I'm intentionally planning on building for melee fighting with spell crowd control to see how that works. I'd have loved to try this with the newer build.
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Ok, long reply
While you have some interesting ideas, and I do agree with some of them. I take issue with a few things.
Mostly agree, have to see it play to be sure though, too soon to tell IMO.
Strong, yes not busted, and the new version seems to match the current power level.
Disagree 150% it's a better Drakewarden then a Ranger could ever be in the current edition. The main issue with this subclass is forgetting Cormyr history and lore to make an Order of Black Dragon Slaying Knights into Gem Dragon Riders. I Think the subclass is good, but the name and lore needs to be adjusted.
While flavorful, and refreshing to see thinking outside the box, this subclass will not survive the survey, and will get red commented to hades. The Dex based no Armor idea is why, people on other sites are already expressing anger on this and two other subclasses in this UA. With the most hate aimed at the Purple Dragon Knight and Oath of the Noble genies.
Agreed, Rangers in 5e have always been weak outside of specific builds, and with 5.5e they are nerfed to less useful than a 2014 Monk played by a new player. Oddly it would take one Homebrew change to them to fix most of their issues. Make Hunters mark not need concentration after level 6~8 for a Ranger.
Interesting, and possible really good yes, but...
You may disagree with it, but as a person who has been the Forever DM since 4th Edition 2010.
I have had to work hard to convince rogue players especially and warlock players at times, that their RP need not be evil, our table has a hard rule against playing evil. Because occasionally people conflict the idea of dark themes with jerkish evil behavior.
It's annoying to me as a long time Goth (since 1990) and as an avid Role Player who has successfully played Heroic Lawful Evil characters for years.
But as we have to adjust for the lowest common denominator, evil play is banned at my table, and this subclass encourages evil play. I'm not the only one saying this, as others on other forums have been commenting on this, and this is the third subclass I doubt will see the light of day due to current feedback I've been seeing. Although it is the most contentious. Most agree to hate the Purple Dragon & Genie Paladin. One for lore, the other for broken combos they have already worked out.
Finally a subclass based on lore and books. I like it, hope players make Shandril Shessair at some point.
Not as much as you think, they fixed the one huddle keeping this from being playable. Does it need more, sure more is always good, but as it sits I would play it. Back in AD&D my main was an LE Bladesinger Valley Elf in Grey Hawk. Fun character, and would play her again.
Why is it not flawed you ask, spells are never flawed. Wizards are by nature the Strongest class in the game, and a melee wizard is hard to pull off, Bladesinger does this well. You shouldn't be hit if you play them correctly, and if you do get hit, you should be able to destroy almost anything as a reaction. You do still need a Tank and healer as a bladesinger as you are still a squishy caster, but dancing in and out of melee with sword, song, and spell should be fun and rewarding to play. Praise Eilistraee.
Gonna be real.
I don't care when talking about lore as it relates to mechanics. I'm 39, I've played D&D for 25 years. We're past the lore and alignment limitations of subclasses and I was relieved to see that Bladesinging didn't require being an Elf similar to being a Purple Dragon Knight didn't require a Cormyr based backstory. Lore is table discussion and the DM should absolutely be in charge of that and if they want to impose lore restrictions on things for their table, go for it. I'm down. I'm glad source material isn't doing it though because it removes a barrier of "WELL THE BOOK SAID NOT TO". I'm also not going to talk about a specific player and their playstyle as the "lowest common denominator" because that's just demeaning. If someone isn't a fit for your table, dismiss them from your table. You can talk about it all you want but being extremely blunt I'm not going to entertain the discussion. You're of course more than welcome to offer whatever criticisms you want of these takes. Just don't expect a reply.
The reason I called Bladesinging flawed is because it doesn't do what it feels it should do. That goes back to when Bladesinging was a thing in The Complete Book of Elves or in 3rd as a prestige class, which was it was a Fighter first and a Wizard second. Bladesinging is now Wizard first and Fighting second, but the Fighter already has a magic subclass in the form of the Eldritch Knight and 5e seems to have a philosophy of trying not to step on the footsteps of "Only one magical subclass allowed for martial characters". So now instead of layering magic onto a martial, we're layering a martial onto a caster. It doesn't get any weapon masteries which was a core feature of 5e for martials, it doesn't let you get a shield, it doesn't let you use two handed weapons, etc. So now my weapon is a part of my magic focus, but I didn't need a magic focus because my other hand was basically ALWAYS free unless I was doing a two weapon fighting build. It's feels like they didn't want to go far with the martial abilities because they didn't want Fighters to feel underwhelming and put more tools in the already stuffed box of Wizard.
Change the Paladin to be Dex/Cha Unarmored Defense and it's right on par with all barbarians and monks. It's too strong but the rest the abilities are fine.
PDK is just not good. Int scaling for companion armor class for a base class that doesn't want to scale on Int whereas 2014 Drakewarden is PB scaling. Damage resistances as a capstone when you can overcome that with magic items LONG before that point. No scaling on it's natural attack unlike Drakewarden and limitations on its breath weapon being twice a day with very small damage scaling compared to Drakewarden. Just have your DM sell you a Griffon and tell your Cleric to be prepared to bring it back from the dead and pick a better subclass.
This is a reply to the people who follow after you. Since you do not feel the need to have a discussion about a valid issue with
Forgotten Realms Subclasses
You see it's in the title, it's not More Subclasses, it's "Forgotten Realms Subclasses" ininit? This means that the lore and story of "The Forgotten Realms" should be considered.
Calling a Dragon Riding Fighter a Purple Dragon Knight is an issue as that flies in the face of their story so far. Now if they published a Novel and/or a comic book ahead of the new Forgotten Realms book, establishing this change in a way that doesn't feel forced, no big.
As to the mechanics, I seldom play a pet class, as I'm the DM usually and when I do have a chance to play I usually go Spellsword. So I will take that under consideration at the appropriate time, I do feel for Rangers as 5.5 has been really bad for them all-around.
The Dead Three and the new Baldur's Gate rogue. How a class or subclass builds it's class fantasy deeply effects the subconscious and how someone roleplays a character based on the story beats given. I'm sure you remember the 2nd ed era, and how people who played tieflings tended to make Damien spawn of the devil, a cute little human who would do evil murderous things behind everyone's back. Or how in 3rd edition Warlocks were evil manipulators trying to seduce and destroy things.
5th edition walked back those built in roleplays and gave us new ways to play not attached to an alignment. Warlocks can now be the Heroic Face of the Party, the tiefling now looks like the devil but has the heart of gold, and aasimar can be evil, and paladins can be chaos incarnation. I see these changes as good. So tying a rogue subclass to something as overtly evil as the Dead Three is a step backwards, they need to give that subclass a plot hook that doesn't always lead to evil.
Because yes you have to always consider the Lowest Common denominator, which was a problem past editions didn't do and 5th has done a great job doing.
Lore and Player behavior are important issues to discus when dealing with this UA.
So I didn't go too deep into the mechanics of the various classes or balance thereof because honestly that's second to the lore given how these are supposed to be thematic to Forgotten realms and show how cosmopolitan they are and like @gothicshark has said the Purple Dragon Knight's being interpreted this way is honestly baffling.
The OG "purple" Dragon was an incomprehensibly old black dragon, one so ancient that his Scales were discoloring and was for ages the undisputed ruler over everything that would eventually become Cormyr until he (and his draconic allies) was forced to cede his claim by the elves and they in turn would eventually be forced to Cede it to Humans centuries later. Eventually Thauglor would return during a Dragon Rage, wreaking havoc in a berserker fury and ultimately being put down by the combined might of Prince Azoun II, the Mage Royal's apprentice and a plethora of soldiers. After his death at the hands of the prince, the Obarskyr Dynasty took the heraldry of the purple dragon as their heraldry and recognized their most elite knights as being members of that order with equal standing to the legendary war mages order that cormyr had fostered.
Now, how you go and take them riding around on a specific sub-category of gem dragon and having psionics is utterly baffling to me and wreaks of someone not bothering to do any research into the setting at all... and beyond *that* you have the fact that there's already a subcategory of ranger that was basically already doing this and in a way that felt way more organic and logical... or How something like this would have actually been a really good concept for Dragonlance when it was released a few years ago and whiffed as a setting.
Instead of this bizzare mess, what I would have done for the purple dragon knight is made it so that the class was either focused towards being a counter mage/bodyguard type fighter to reflect their history of partnership with the War Mages and their role as the elite protectors of the realm OR I would have taken the original idea for them from SCAG and boosted it to make them the current edition's equivalent of the Warlord class from 4e; a martial character that uses a combination of inspiring words, tactical thought and martial might to lead others to victory.