The latest One D&D playtest has introduced some significant changes to the paladin and druid classes in Dungeons & Dragons. The D&D design team recently released their latest Unearthed Arcana playtest, which focuses on revamping the core abilities of these two classes. Both classes fall under the “priest” class group, but they possess different abilities.
The druid class is known for its Channel Nature ability, which unlocks Wild Shape and the ability to summon animal companions or magically heal other players at higher levels. The concept of Wild Shape, which allows players to transform into animals, remains unchanged. However, the mechanics have been altered significantly. Players are now required to use one of three standardized Wild Shape statblocks, namely “Animal of Land,” “Animal of Sea,” and “Animal of Air.” The standardized statblocks use the druid’s Hit Points and core ability scores, allowing the animal to scale as the druid levels up. This simplifies the game and makes the druid class more approachable, as it was previously the least used among all core classes. Players can now Wild Shape into any creature of their choice, not necessarily limited to specific animals.
The paladin’s Divine Smite ability has also undergone significant changes. In the current version, paladins can use Divine Smite multiple times a turn, stacking it with various secondary smites cast as spells. In the One D&D playtest, paladins can only use Divine Smite once per turn and cannot use it while casting a spell. The various smite spells used by a paladin are now cast as a bonus attack immediately after an attack hits, making them more versatile and likely to be used. The new rules also allow players to smite with unarmed attacks, fulfilling a popular request.
The playtest also includes changes to the “Spare the Dying” cantrip, which has received a significant upgrade. Spare the Dying now provides a dying player with 1 HP, making it a valuable situational healing spell. Additionally, players can choose to make an attack a non-lethal blow when an enemy would otherwise be killed. If a character makes three successful saving throws, they receive 1 HP but remain unconscious until they receive additional healing.
The One D&D playtest has introduced some significant changes to the paladin and druid classes in Dungeons & Dragons, aimed at simplifying the game and making it more approachable to players. These changes are currently being tested, and it remains to be seen if they will be included in the official release.
Another significant change being tested in the playtest is an overhaul to the Ranger’s Favored Enemy and Natural Explorer abilities. The Favored Enemy ability now allows a Ranger to choose from a list of common enemy types, such as undead, fiends, or dragons, and gain bonuses to damage, tracking, and other abilities against those enemies. The Natural Explorer ability has been similarly revamped, allowing a Ranger to choose a favored terrain type and gain bonuses when tracking or navigating through that terrain.
In addition to these changes, the playtest also includes a new subclass for the Sorcerer class, called the “Clockwork Soul.” This subclass is themed around time and mechanical devices, and includes new abilities such as the “Restore Balance” feature, which allows the sorcerer to heal allies and damage enemies with a wave of temporal energy.
Overall, the One D&D playtest represents a significant effort by the D&D design team to update and refine some of the core abilities of the game’s most iconic classes. By soliciting feedback from players and testing these changes in the context of actual play, the team hopes to improve the overall balance and playability of the game, while maintaining the unique flavor and style that has made Dungeons & Dragons one of the most popular tabletop RPGs in the world.
