Dungeons & Dragons is heading to the world of Azeroth in D&D: World of Warcraft, a book absolutely packed with new stuff to play with.
One of the most imminent of D&D’s big announcements at Gen Con is the crossover with World of Warcraft in a book, aptly titled D&D: World of Warcraft. Sure, it’s not the most evocative title in the history of the world. I’m surprised they didn’t put like Proudmoore’s Tome of Everything, or whatever.
But while the title might be to the point, the new book will be absolutely packed with new player options. From subclasses to “class skins,” which seems to be the new design word of the year for D&D (looking at Legend of Avantris’ Neon Odyssey, as well), to new spells and species and even subsystems, the WoW book will add a bunch to the game. Here’s what we know so far.
D&D: World of Warcraft – Six New Subclasses, Three Updated Favorites
What strikes me about the Universes Beyond books is that D&D seems to be treating them the same way you’d treat a core book in the set. Like the Forgotten Realms expansions, for instance. D&D: World of Warcraft will feature a host of new subclasses, and even update three 5E subclasses to the 5.5E ruleset. Which is an interesting move.
It seems to signal that even if these Universes Beyond books don’t have stuff you’re interested in setting-wise, you might still find mechanical tools that you do want. If, like me, you’ve been hoping for an update of the Swashbuckler Rogue, your hopes will be met in the WoW book.
Not to mention an update to the Warrior of Mystic Brews Monk (previously the Drunken Master) and the Path of the Spiritual Guardian Barbarian. Joining the three updated subclasses are six new ones:
- Oath of the Ebon Blade
- Oath of the Holy Paladins
- Demon Hunter Ranger
- Shadow Domain & Discipline Domain Clerics
- Path of the Elements Barbarian
Reading into that, it’s easy to see the bones of WoW at play. For instance, the Oath of the Ebon Blade is clearly a nod to Arthas’ liberated Death Knights, who broke free from the Lich King in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion. Funnily enough there’s also an experimental way to portray a Death Knight via Feats right now, too.
And it all fits both World of Warcraft and D&D somehow, too. I’m curious to see what the new rules are for reskinning the 13 World of Warcraft classes are in D&D. WotC says it will provide rules for playing all of them with “alterations, new options, and guidance” to make them fit D&D.
Some seem pretty obvious already. For instance, the Warrior of Mystic Brews fits right in as one specialization of the Monk out of WoW’s Mists of Panderia. Playing a Pandaren Brewmaster is back on the table. Especially since there are 11 new species, including the Pandaren.
Pandaren, And Tauran, And Dracthyr – Oh My!
D&D: World of Warcraft will also add a heap of new species to the rules. Besides new rules for translating five of the existing D&D species into WoW-form, the book adds 11 new species to the roster. As for the five existing ones, my guess is Elf, Gnome, Dwarf, Human, and Orc all get a coat of WoW paint.
But the new species are going to be absolutely where it’s at for many a WoW fan. They’re not just sticking to the hits, the new book is going for deep cuts. You’ll find Pandaren and Tauren and Trolls, sure. But also Dracthyr, Draenei, Earthen, Forsaken, Haranir, Mechagnomes, Vulpera, and especially Worgen.
Each will get the full D&D species treatment. But beyond that, you’ll also need to pick Horde or Alliance. Which leads into the new faction and renown reward. Because, hey, what is World of Warcraft without grinding for reputation with various factions so you can unlock rare or epic pieces of gear that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to get your hands on.
I don’t know that you’ll have to turn in crests. But D&D: World of Warcraft will introduce more than 20 factions with renown rules built atop the renown rules in the DMG so that you can get the full WoW experience.
New WoW Dungeons
Well. I don’t know if you’ll get the full “and then we got 25 people together to raid” experience, but then people playing WoW right now don’t even necessarily get that. What you will find are seven new dungeons pulled straight from your favorite zones in WoW:
- Azjol-Nerub
- Blackfathom Deeps
- Deadmines
- Dire Maul
- Onyxia’s Lair
- Scarlet Monastery
- Shadowfang Keep
So at the very least, you can get feared into the whelps, and you can cause an absolute meltdown as you earn a 50 DKP minus.
What would these dungeons be without new monsters and epic boss fights to play with? I’m excited to see what these are like. 5.5E monsters are punchier, but they are much more straightforward than some of WoW’s iconic boss fights. I want to see how they do something like Onyxia justice, if they’ll capture the feeling of having to coordinate, communicate, and then also be appropriately geared. Or like, needing to play ‘Safety Dance’ to get through the AoE’s safely.
Plus there’s a whole host of other subsystems. Including new magic items, mounts, and companion creatures (here’s hoping we get some pet battles), as well as new quests and a brand-new mechanic that will let you delve into the crafting side of Wow through Professions. I’m sure we’ll get a closer look as we draw nearer to November.
In the meantime, you can go brush up on your WoW Classic or favorite expansions!
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