D&D: Do New Dragonlance ‘Heroes of Krynn’ Backgrounds Hint At Future Edition Plans?
The Heroes of Krynn Unearthed Arcana introduces a spate of new rules to play with. Including two new backgrounds that show the future.
A brand new “evolution” (not edition) of D&D is coming in 2024. And with it come big changes. But many are wondering if we’re already seeing a glimpse of where WotC is headed with their new edition. Recent changes from books like Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything show changes in the design philosophy of D&D 5E. Things like class features working more off of proficiency bonus than off of short rests, or once per long rest. Or changes to the way player races are constructed.
Unearthed Arcana has been a big testing ground. In recent years we’ve seen mechanics rolled out well ahead of their inclusion in any books. This is why the community is wondering if backgrounds are going to see a level up in the future of D&D. The Heroes of Krynn backgrounds, in particular, expand the role of what was originally more of an, ahem, background feature.
Heroes of Krynn – Backgrounds
There are two backgrounds included in the Unearthed Arcana. The Knight of Solamnia and the Mage of High Sorcery. Knights of Solamnia are an important part of the lore of Dragonlance. But the background is also a little more complex than just a reimagining of the noble background, which is how “knights” were handled before.
The Knight of Solamnia, in the Unearthed Arcana, comes with a free feat, Squire of Solamnia. It also gives you the standard array of skill proficiencies, tool proficiencies, starting gear, and a language.
Meanwhile the Mage of High Sorcery also gives you a feat. And all the usual stuff. You get the Initiate of High Sorcery feat, and here’s where we should talk about the fact that these backgrounds give players a free feat.
Because with player races changing to be in line with the guidelines set out by Tasha’s Cauldron, this looks to be where WotC is headed. So. WotC increasing power feels like a good counterbalance. Especially since feats might take another role in the future “evolution.”
New Feats
Both of the new feats serve as prerequisites too. The Initiate of High Sorcery feat acts as the gateway into Dragonlance’s signature magic. It gives you bonus spells and lets you take a 4th level feat that adds different spells and powers to your character. Meanwhile the Squire feat opens up a trio of Knight feats: Knight of the Sword, Knight of the Rose, or Knight of the Crown.
This technique is a handy way to increase player customizability. You can define your character outside of the subclass they take. A Knight of the Crown plays very different than a Knight of the Rose. But all are Knights.
This might just be Dragonlance only design, too. But between Heroes of Krynn and Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos, more powerful backgrounds appear to be getting more common.
What do you think?
