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It’s not often that we get as big of an update to D&D as we have in 2024 – and there’s plenty in this new handbook to get excited about! Not only does 2024 bring us a new Weapon Mastery system, but we’ve got updates to the primary classes as well as three brand new subclasses:

  • Barbarian: Path of the World Tree
  • Druid: Circle of the Sea
  • Bard: College of Dance

These brand-new subclasses are giving creative players even more options to customize their characters and dive into the rich world of D&D. So, let's take a closer look at what each subclass has to offer – and how you can start trying them out yourself right now on Roll20.

Path of the World Tree

Barbarians will love this new subclass update. The Path of the World Tree subclass taps into the power of Yggdrasil, the cosmic tree that connects all realms. 

Now, this isn't your average "smash everything" barbarian – but don't worry, you'll still get to do plenty of smashing. 

Instead, you're becoming a force of nature itself – and with it comes abilities that blend offense, defense, and even a touch of support for your allies.

  • Vitality of the Tree (3rd level): Your rage now grants you temporary hit points equal to your barbarian level. Plus, you can share the love by granting temp HP to nearby allies!
  • Branches of the Tree (6th level): While raging, you can use your reaction to teleport creatures within 30 feet right to your side. Perfect for bringing the fight to you or saving a squishy wizard from danger!
  • Battering Roots (10th level): Your reach with heavy or versatile weapons increases by 10 feet. Time to cosplay as Groot with that greataxe!
  • Travel Along the Tree (14th level): Teleport up to 60 feet as a bonus action while raging. Once per rage, extend that to 150 feet and bring up to six friends along for the ride!

This makes how you play barbarian builds even more exciting. You could be the barbarian who pulls enemies away from your allies, only to pummel them with your extended reach. Or perhaps you'll use your newfound mobility to be exactly where you need to be, whether that's in the thick of battle or whisking your party to safety.

Circle of the Sea

Druids, get ready to explore a brand new subclass build that’s focused on the power of the sea.

The Circle of the Sea subclass lets you channel the raw power of oceans and storms. Whether you're creating whirlpools of destruction or soaring through the air on storm winds, this subclass turns you into a veritable force of nature.

  • Sea Druid Spells: Gain access to a unique list of water and storm-themed spells, perfect for controlling the battlefield or unleashing elemental fury.
  • Wrath of the Sea (2nd level): Create an aura of ocean spray around you that can damage and push enemies. It's like having your own portable tsunami!
  • Aquatic Infinity (6th level): Your watery aura grows larger, and you gain a swim speed equal to your walking speed. Fish-folk beware!
  • Stormborn (10th level): Gain the ability to fly while your ocean aura is active, plus resistance to cold, lightning, and thunder damage. Storm giant, eat your heart out!
  • Oceanic Gift (14th level): Share your Wrath of the Sea aura with allies, turning your whole party into a rolling tidal wave of destruction.

The Circle of the Sea druid is perfect for coastal campaigns, underwater adventures, or any situation where you want to bring the power of the elements into your gameplay. Throw in your flying and swimming capabilities, and you’ll love how many options open up to you.

College of Dance

Bards, have you ever wanted to try out a life of dance? You don’t have to apply to Juliard to experience the magic of movement. The College of Dance is all about incorporating dance into your spellcasting and combat abilities. (Who says you can't pirouette and punch at the same time?)

  • Dazzling Footwork (3rd level): Gain advantage on dance-related performance checks, add your Charisma modifier to your AC while unarmored, and make your unarmed strikes more potent. It's like Bardic Capoeira!
  • Inspiring Movement (6th level): When you grant Bardic Inspiration, you can make an unarmed strike and move without provoking opportunity attacks. Dance circles around your enemies – literally!
  • Tandem Footwork (6th level): Grant an initiative bonus to your entire party equal to your Bardic Inspiration die. Get ready to monopolize those surprise rounds!
  • Leading Evasion (14th level): Gain an improved version of the Evasion feature, because the best dancers know how to dodge!

The College of Dance bard is an incredibly versatile subclass that can fill multiple party roles. Need a front-line fighter? You've got the AC and the punches to hold your own. Support caster? Your enhanced mobility lets you be wherever you're needed most.

New Subclasses Mean New Ways To Play

These new subclasses aren't just about adding cool powers to your character sheet – they're about opening up new realms of storytelling and roleplaying opportunities. Now you can expand your storytelling potential with a variety of new options that open up new possibilities for character development and interaction:

  • The World Tree Barbarian, drawing upon cosmic power to protect and transport the group
  • The Sea Druid, controlling the elements and adapting to any environment
  • The Dance Bard, weaving through combat with grace and inspiring the team to greater heights

Ready to Try Them Out? Roll20 Has You Covered

The best part? You can experience all of these amazing new subclasses right here on Roll20

Our digital toolset makes it easy to incorporate these new options into your games, whether you're a player eager to try out a new character concept or a DM ready to challenge your party with NPCs wielding these incredible abilities.

Don't forget – if you preorder the D&D 2024 core rulebooks on Roll20, you'll get instant access to the Player's Handbook content, including these subclasses. Plus, you'll receive exclusive digital bonuses to enhance your gaming experience.

Why wait? Log on now and take your D&D adventures into 2024 with these three brand-new subclasses – as well as resources on many other new and exciting updates!