Dungeon A Day - Crypt of the Plaguebringers - Day 9

Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BYfKn3_nXc Transcription What if I told you that Dark Sun , the brutal, sun-scorched D&D campaign setting, might be making a serious comeback … not with a full book yet, but through new Unearthed Arcana subclasses? That’s exactly what’s happening — and today, we’re breaking down those four apocalyptic subclasses and what they might mean for the future of Athas.  First, some context. Dark Sun is one of D&D’s grimmest, most apocalyptic settings — magic is destructive, the world is a harsh desert wasteland, and mighty Sorcerer-Kings rule with an iron fist. That desolation comes from the fact that in Dark Sun, magic doesn’t just draw power — it devours life . That’s why many mages, called defilers, siphon life from the land or even from living beings to fuel their spells. Historically, Dark Sun has also leaned heavily into psionics , making it very distinct among D&D worlds. Now, Wizards of the Coast has dropped a new Unearthed Arcana (UA) called “Apocalyptic Subclasses” , and all four subclasses in it feel very Dark Sun-inspired. Fans are interpreting that as a possible signal that a full on 5.5E Dark Sun sourcebook could be coming. To understand these Apocalyptic Subclasses, picture yourself stepping onto the cracked earth of a dying world. The sun hangs low and cruel, magic scorches the life around you, and survival is never guaranteed. That’s the energy these four subclasses channel. So let’s break them down — not just what they do, but how each one captures a different piece of Dark Sun’s brutal legacy. 1.Circle of Preservation Druid These druids focus on restoring life. In an apocalyptic wasteland, they represent the fragile hope — trying to heal and revitalize what’s left. Their mechanics emphasize “purifying” conditions or restoring vitality, meaning that they actively reverse the environmental damage caused by defiling magic — turning dead ground fertile again, cleansing blighted areas, and preserving what little life remains. Roleplay-wise: these could be preservers in the classic Dark Sun sense, using magic to bring back life instead of destroying it. 2. Gladiator Fighter A charismatic, show-man-warrior. Gladiators are huge in Dark Sun lore — arenas, duels, brutal spectacles. Mechanically, this subclass leans into “performance + combat.” According to community feedback, it uses weapon mastery and charisma in interesting ways, intimidating foes, rousing allies, and performing daring maneuvers that blend martial prowess with theatrical flair. In a Dark Sun campaign, gladiators could be slaves, champions of sorcerer-kings, or rebels. 3. Defiled Sorcery (Sorcerer) Now this is very Dark Sun. These sorcerers draw life energy — either from the environment or even from other creatures (hit dice) — to fuel their magic. The risk/reward is huge: you get powerful magic, but at a terrible cost. Perfect for a wasteland where magic is taboo and destructive. 4. Sorcerer-King Patron (Warlock) Warlocks who’ve made a pact with a Sorcerer-King — those tyrannical, magically powerful rulers of Athas. The patron imbues them with fear, command, and the oppressive power of their masters. This is a really flavorful pick: warlocks aligned with Sorcerer-Kings could be enforcers, gladiator-lords, or even secret agents of tyranny. To be clear with all of this Dark Sun speculation though, nothing is confirmed by Wizards of the Coast, yet. Unearthed Arcana is playtest material. Just because these subclasses are Dark Sun–flavored doesn’t guarantee a full sourcebook. Still, for longtime Dark Sun fans, this could be the biggest hint yet that Athas is returning in 5.5E. Understanding these subclasses is one thing — but using them in your campaign is where they really come alive. These options have strong thematic identities tied to survival, corruption, and power. So, here’s how DMs and players can integrate them into their campaigns in meaningful, story-rich ways. As a DM: Consider running a campaign set in a Dark Sun–inspired wasteland , even if you don’t go full canonical Athas. These subclasses give you hooks: gladiator arenas, life-draining magic, tyrant warlocks, and more. Think about NPCs: Defilers (sorcerers) and Sorcerer-King warlocks make for excellent villains. The preservation druids can even be the rebels. As a Player: If you want flavor: pick one of these subclasses to lean into the “wasteland survivor” vibe. Think about backstory: why does your defiler steal life? which Sorcerer-King did you make a pact with? That will drive roleplay. Just remember with all of this though because it's not final : some features might change or be removed. Also, balance could be off, currently: some players in the community already think certain features are strong or need tweaking. So yeah — these four apocalyptic subclasses are awesome, and they are giving major Dark Sun vibes . While they don’t guarantee a full Dark Sun 5.5E book, they’re definitely a strong signal. Whether you’re a fan of Athas already or just love grim, high-stakes fantasy, these subclasses open up some very cool possibilities . Let me know in the comments: which subclass do you want to try first? And do you think Wizards of the Coast is actually building toward a Dark Sun comeback?

Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpPgFjr-hhg Transcription Want to take your character from just another face in the crowd to a legend whose name echoes through the halls of the Forgotten Realms? Today we’re diving into the brand-new sourcebook that gives players power, story, and world in one package: Heroes of Faerûn. It’s just out as of a couple days ago, and we’re here to show you why this one could change the way you play characters in the Realms. First up: what exactly is Heroes of Faerûn? The book is a 192-page hardcover sourcebook by Wizards of the Coast set in the Forgotten Realms for 5.5 edition D&D rules. What’s included? Eight new subclasses, a new Circle Magic system (for group spellcasting!), dozens of feats and backgrounds, regional equipment, a breakdown of the Realms’ regions, factions, deities — everything a player needs to plug their character into Faerûn. In short: this is a player-centric book — not just for DMs. Many Realms books lean DM-heavy, but this one is about you the player stepping into the legend. Why is this book a big deal? Here are three reasons:  1. Expanded Player Options — Eight new subclasses means fresh ways to play: you’re not just rehashing what everyone else plays. And when you pair that with new backgrounds, feats, and special “regional” equipment — that gives some serious customization. 2. Setting Integration — The Forgotten Realms has been around for decades, but sometimes the player options feel generic. This book leans into lore: it gives eight factions, a primer on 42 gods, and overviews on ten Realms’ regions. That depth gives your character a place and a story. 3. Innovation: Circle Magic & Group Play — One of the standout mechanics is what’s called “Circle Magic.” This isn’t just another spell list: it’s a system where casters can combine efforts for enhanced effects. It opens up group tactics, teamwork for roleplaying magic casting, and can shake up how your table views magic on the whole. So, if you’re a player who wants more than “I show up and roll dice” — this book gives you tools for story, mechanics and flavor. Let’s dig into the contents (and I’ll highlight the ones I’m most excited about): The 8 new subclasses are: College of the Moon (Bard), Knowledge Domain (Cleric), Banneret (Fighter), Oath of the Noble Genies (Paladin), Winter Walker (Ranger), Scion of the Three (Rogue), Spellfire (Sorcerer), and Bladesinger (Wizard) There are also 18 backgrounds, over 30 new feats, 19 new spells, 3 magic items, 12 mundane items, 2 monsters, 13 maps, and overviews for 10 regions of Faerûn. There’s also Faction membership for eight classic and emerging factions (like the Harpers, Zhentarim, and Purple Dragon Knights) that offer character hooks, renown, and special rewards. Now for Highlights that I’m particularly keen on trying, myself: The oath of the noble genies (Paladin). These paladins draw power from the Elemental Planes through pacts with powerful genies, wielding elemental abilities like Elemental Smite which enhances a Divine Smite with effects such as grappling enemies, dealing fire damage, or knocking foes away. The region overviews: these let you pick lesser-used Realms locales as your homeland, giving characters unique flavor rather than defaulting to the Sword Coast. Circle magic: I am very excited to see exactly how this pans out with my gaming group, but I think the potential here for spell casters to enhance each others’ effects, and create group casts, is amazing. If you pick up Heroes of Faerûn, here are some tips for how to get the most from it: Talk to your DM early. Especially regarding Circle Magic and faction mechanics — decide how renown works, and how group casting will work specifically for your group. Pick a region + faction combo. Let your background tie you to a place (say, Tethyr or Calimshan) and a faction (Harpers, Zhentarim) so your character has immediate hooks. Use the new subclasses to complement the setting. If you’re from the north-wastes of Faerûn, maybe the Winter Walker Ranger is a better fit than a typical forest-walking ranger. Be proactive with story. Since the book emphasizes lore, lean into it: pick a god early, pick your renown path, choose an equipment piece from your region. These add role-play texture. Don’t let the feast of options overwhelm. With 18 backgrounds, 34 feats, and many spells — pick a few you like, then build from there. No need to try everything at once. So: if you’re a player who wants more (mechanics, flavor, story) and you’re set in the Forgotten Realms, Heroes of Faerûn might be your next go-to book. If you give it a try or if you liked this breakdown, hit like, subscribe and ring the bell for future D&D news and breakdowns. In the comments: tell me which subclass from the book you’re most excited about, or which faction you’d join in Faerûn. Thanks for watching — and may your name echo through the Realms.