© 2CGaming, LLC. All Rights Reserved. GrymmWorld published March 2021 by 2CGaming, LLC.

The 2CGaming logos and name, and the book

name (GrymmWorld) are protected by copyright. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material herein is prohibited without the written
permission of 2CGaming, LLC. or its representatives.
 Grant Ellis & Ryan Servis

2CGaming

© 2CGaming, LLC. All Rights Reserved. GrymmWorld published March 2021 by 2CGaming, LLC.
The 2CGaming logos and name, and the book name (GrymmWorld) are protected by copyright.
Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material herein is prohibited without the written
permission of 2CGaming, LLC. or its representatives.
ISBN 978-1-946678-21-8
 AUTHORS
Grant Ellis, Ryan Servis

EDITOR
Paul Wright, Jon Kelly

ARTISTS
Matteo Marjoram (Cover, Art Director), John Stevenson (Map),
A.K.I., Ambrose Hoilman, Ethan Hudgens, Sam Darcy, BNE Design (Graphic Design, Page Layout)

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Table of ContentS
Preface
Acknowledgements.........................................................................4
What This Book Is..........................................................................4
How to Use This Book....................................................................5
Chapter One: Tales Told at Twilight
The Map of Prometerra and Beyond.........................................6
The Chapters of GrymmWorld’s History.................................9
The Thrust of the Campaign..................................................... 15
The Fabric of Fairy Tales........................................................... 16
The Narrador................................................................................ 17
The Magic of GrymmWorld....................................................... 18
Fell-Beyonders and Where to Find Them............................. 19
Chapter Two: Playing in GrymmWorld
Walking the Perious Path
Creating Characters: The Character Path........................... 31
Getting Started............................................................................ 31
Physical Identity.................................................................................. 34
Heritage................................................................................................. 35
Superlative Traits................................................................................ 38
Character Backgrounds..................................................................... 39
Class....................................................................................................... 42
GrymmWorld Character Class Options................................ 42
Barbarians............................................................................................. 42
Bards....................................................................................................... 43
Clerics..................................................................................................... 44
Druids.................................................................................................... 45
Fighters.................................................................................................. 46
Monks.................................................................................................... 47
Paladins................................................................................................. 48
Rangers.................................................................................................. 49
Rogues.................................................................................................... 50
Sorcerers.................................................................................................51
Warlocks................................................................................................51
Wizards................................................................................................. 52
Chapter Three: Outlandish Options
GrymmWorld Feats..................................................................... 54
101 Curios & Trinkets................................................................. 57
Equipment & Gear........................................................................ 60
Magical Items................................................................................ 62
Chapter Four: The Narrative & The Narrador
The Teller of Tales: Narrador Basics..................................... 66
Running Games as the Narrador............................................. 69
Getting into Character................................................................ 70
The Narrador’s Masks................................................................ 71
The Mask of Battle: Rustam Crimson-Snow,
The Record Keeper of Soldier Songs........................................ 73
The Mask of Intrigue: Eudoxia Night Storm,
The Lamenter of Forlorn Dreams.............................................. 75
The Mask of Compassion: Daphne Hallow-Field,
The Author of Blooming Love.................................................... 77
The Mask of Truth: Gangesha Falling-Leaf,
The Journal of One Long-Traveled............................................ 79
Conflict with the Narrador and Its Masks........................... 82
The Narrador’s Toolbox............................................................. 83
Duels.......................................................................................................... 84
Battles....................................................................................................... 86
Explorations........................................................................................... 91
Wanderings............................................................................................. 93
Reputations............................................................................................ 96
Chapter Five: Exploring Prometerra
Brilhago: The Light of Yesterday............................................. 99
The Ways of Brilhago........................................................................ 99
People to Meet...................................................................................103
Arcatechnology..................................................................................105
Places to See........................................................................................106
Cachoeira: The Ceaseless Bounty......................................... 107
The Ways of Cachoeira....................................................................107
People to Meet................................................................................... 110
Places to See........................................................................................113
Desaly: The Smouldering Trial.............................................. 114
The Ways of Desaly.......................................................................... 114
People to Meet................................................................................... 117
Places to See........................................................................................120
Fellmount: The Ascendant Stone.......................................... 121
The Ways of Fellmount...................................................................121
People to Meet...................................................................................124
Places to See........................................................................................127
Labirinto: The Lost And Found.............................................. 129
The Ways of Labirinto.....................................................................129
People to Meet...................................................................................132
Places to See........................................................................................134
Praia: The Freeborn Shore..................................................... 135
The Ways of Praia.............................................................................135
People to Meet...................................................................................138
Places to See........................................................................................140
Tadfen Bog: The Troubled Bubbling..................................... 141
The Ways of Tadfen Bog................................................................. 141
People to Meet................................................................................... 142
Places to See........................................................................................ 145
Witchwood: The Wicked Woad............................................. 147
The Ways of Witchwood................................................................ 147
People to Meet...................................................................................150
Places to See........................................................................................ 151
Chapter Six: The Questing Beasts
What Are Questing Beasts?................................................... 153
List of Questing Beasts............................................................. 153
Eliasor of the Thunderfare.............................................................. 153
Lucien, Sword of the Sky.................................................................156
Nyklas, the Duneshredder..............................................................159
Zelena, the Frozen Heaven............................................................. 161
Porche, the Sun-Slayer.....................................................................164
Oedipus Stonetongue....................................................................... 167
Colinopi, the Moist Love-Beast..................................................... 170
Willia Shadow-Cast......................................................................... 173
 PREFaCE
O NCE UPON A TIME is a magical moment.
Many children grow up hearing about “dangers
untold and hardships unnumbered.” During that
process of growing up, people are introduced to wolves in
grandmothers’ gowns, cowardly lions in search of courage,
dashing heroes, singing harps, and cunning villains. As we
become well acquainted with these fictional elements, we
reexamine and retell these stories from fresh perspectives.
Perhaps the queen must stop her beautiful undead daughter
from emerging from her glass casket to usurp the throne.
Maybe the misunderstood witch was not quite so wicked
after all. These retellings are as authentic as the first in that
they came from the same font and point of imagination as
the original tales. We carry these stories our whole lives,
and the elements find their way into music, movies, books,
and games.
2CGaming approached me and asked me if I would
like to do a book. I had to answer what that book would
look like. I decided I wanted to capture the magic of those
fantastical worlds of “once upon a time,” the echoes of my
forgotten dreams, and the fading memories of long ago
and far away. Once caught, I would shape these elements
into a setting for a roleplaying game that helped me forge
friendships that have lasted a lifetime. GrymmWorld is
the result.
Acknowledgments
This book is dedicated to my siblings: John, Sam, Sara,
Mitchell, and Ross. They are true authors of fairy tales,
and I love them.
This book would not be possible without acknowledg-
ing those who both inspired and befriended me along the
way. Without Ryan Servis and Jon Kelly of 2CGaming, I
would not have taken the dive. Ryan had to spend many
hours mentoring me in design and refining my original
thoughts. Jon had to make sure we stayed on time and on
task during a once-every-hundred-years global pandem-
ic. If James Introcaso, Shawn Merwin, James Haeck, and
Dan Dillon hadn’t suggested I take a stab at creation, I
wouldn’t have had the confidence. To my good friends
Jessica Osborne and Ethan Hudgens giving me an open
ear to explore my many dizzying design thoughts, and a
safe place to explore, thank you. Dan and Norm, my earli-
est patrons, play-testers, and good friends, should be com-
mended for their willingness to support the arts. I com-
mend Kai Antoni and Colin Valkenet for their friendship,
talent, and openness. To my friends Jim, Pruitt, and Emma
4
Most importantly, it serves as the point of inspiration
for campaign prep. It provides you with a world to
explore, people to meet, and things to do. It adds fairy-
tale adventuring mechanics to Fifth Edition fantasy.
The setting’s core fundamental ideas can be adapted to
other games in terms of theme and tone. The mechanics
are designed to supplement the 5e SRD.
GrymmWorld was a labor of love, and it came right
out of my heart. Writing it was difficult, and that is sort
of the message behind many of these stories: Life is
difficult, but we persevere and overcome. It would not
have been possible without 2CGaming ensuring that we
could complete the project every step of the process, and
I think this shares in an important part of GrymmWorld’s
premise: We don’t have to do these things alone.
The kinds of stories that emerge from playing in fairy-
tale worlds are those of perseverance, yearning, romance,
mystery, intrigue, and adventure. The worlds are surreal
and whimsical, and the tension is often broken by raucous
laughter. There are folk-style elements strewn about, and
we accept pure fiction as a temporary truth for the time
the tale is being told. We wanted to capture that in this
book and provide the opportunities for those types of
stories to manifest at the game table.
- Grant Ellis
at Web DM for being early supporters of everything I have
done. And to Jim Henson, Fred Rogers, and David Bowie
for being the first to inspire me to explore art. All my love
and appreciation expressed to Summer Job and Katy Faise
of Off the Table, where games become the building blocks
of community.
This book would not be possible without the Kickstarter
backers, who numbered over a thousand, who believed in
our ability to make this book happen.
What This Book Is
GrymmWorld has content for game masters and players.
It is a game about exploration, discovery, and excitement.
There are new options for characters, new locations to visit,
and adventure hooks to follow.
For Game Masters
The book itself is a campaign setting for when you want to
play a tabletop roleplaying game with your friends, you

want to go heavy on the whimsical fairy-tale genre, and
you need a world to explore. The book provides new nar-
rative tools, game mechanics, and designs to fill many
sessions of adventures. You should be able to port classic
modules and new products in and out of the world. The
campaign setting is more than people, places, and things:
it is a playground. Everything is set in the now. Also,
there are questing beasts, new gods waiting to ascend, and
nightmares lurking in the shadows. It is full of prompts
to jump-start a game filled with wonderful creatures. It
is all strange and beautiful. There are eight regions filled
with fantastic locations and people. Nothing in the book is
rooted in our reality; it is highly exaggerated and dramatic,
pushed to extreme fantastical ideas.
The book has been tailored to the fairy-tale genre. Think
about the genre as it is presented here like a toy chest.
Inside there are many splendid things that are fun to play
with. They are the result of years of imagining, dreaming,
and sharing. It is a completely fictitious work, and the
world is what you make of it. The frameworks, fictional
settings, and imaginary people presented within are meant
to inspire and enhance your game.
For Players
We introduce a new method of character creation root-
ed in mythological origins and non-canonical heritages.
GrymmWorld has no official canon, as research shows
fairy tales are perfectly fine disagreeing with each other.
We have added new class options, feats, equipment, and
more. We introduce the Narrador, a metacharacter that
helps frame the story and provide an in-game authorial
voice, but as joint-author with the players.
How to Use This Book
Game Masters
The introduction to the book gives an overview of the set-
ting, presents the driving idea and themes, and helps you
glimpse what you are about to get yourself into. The history
is discussed, and the core themes of the game are described.
The metacharacter of the Narrador unlocks new mechanics
and subsystems. Use these frameworks to explore themes
and ideas that enhance the game. While the rules of
GrymmWorld are optional, these components can create a
play experience that captures fairy-tale magic in a new and
exciting way. These rules are meant to shift your paradigm of
play and reward you for exploring new play spaces, adding a
touch of romance, whimsy, and daring to your game. These
optional rules are meant for groups who want to explore
themes and tonality beyond the traditional 5e framework.
They provide new “crunch,” that is to say mechanics, to layer
on top of the original game. GrymmWorld has new magic.
The artwork evokes a wide emotional palette and is inspired
by the written words. Feel free to show it to players so they
can imagine what it would be like to adventure in the world.
5
preface
Take time to familiarize yourself with the eight regions
of Prometerra, the continent described in the book. Think
about the people, cultures, and conflicts you learn about.
This is a world pierced by invasive nightmares, and what
that means will be defined through play. There is the ex-
trinsic conflict of these terrors manifesting an intrinsic
conflict of wrestling with how to pick up the shattered
dreams of the broken present.
The Questing Beasts are a special mechanic. They pres-
ent new challenges in the way of unique quests designed
to push the players. The beasts create opportunities for ex-
ploration. Players must overcome the many obstacles that
are found in GrymmWorld and will be rewarded for their
efforts.
Players
Creating characters in GrymmWorld is an exercise in
self-expression. You follow a sequence that lets you build
a unique fairy-tale entity that acts as your avatar in the
world. They will be instrumental in unlocking the secrets
revealed through play. Player options add new feats, spells,
and equipment rooted in the campaign setting. There are
new subclasses available for each class option. Players can
acquire new magic items, objects of power, features, and
abilities.
I would recommend coming to GrymmWorld with fresh
eyes. Take the time to explore the new systems and chase
after the elements that most suit your fancy.
Authorship
GrymmWorld exists as the game that is played at your
table. We who wrote these words share authorship in that
we have presented you the play material. Together with
you, we share authorship with the players and game mas-
ter. From a design perspective, Grant may have written the
initial drafts, then he shared his ideas with Ryan, who add-
ed to them as an expert author and designer. Their work
was passed through Jon, who has produced and published
many titles and supplemented the work. We then shared
them with the editors, like Paul, and it is laid out by John,
with illustrations by Ambrose, and so on.
But all that production doesn’t matter if we didn’t pro-
vide it to you, the readers, who will take the material and
plan game sessions and actually run them. You are an au-
thor of the work through the act of play. In the spirit of
collaboration, your players will share in authorship as they
contribute their unique voices to the chorus. That right
there is the real magic of games, and the reason we wrote
the book.
For this reason, I counsel you to consider the opportu-
nity before you to take ownership of the setting, tailor it to
your group and style, and run with it. It is acceptable for
there to be wide variations between groups. I encourage
you to share your stories with others you feel will enjoy
diving into this fantastical world of fairy-tale fiction.
 CHAPTER ONE
TALES TOLD AT
Twilight
G RYMMWORLD’S CONTINENT of Prometerra is
filled with whimsy and wonder: a realm full of strange
people, places, hopes, fears, dreams, and magic. There
are eight distinct regions each with its own beautiful
and striking geography, diverse ecosystems, and unique
folk which dwell there. Like a portrait by a mad artist,
GrymmWorld’s history is colorful, layered, and nigh im-
possible to fully comprehend, even after several lifetimes
of study. Everything about the continent of Prometerra is
informed by myth, legend, and speculation about the times
that were and the potential of what could be. Adventures
that take place in Prometerra are rooted in fairy tales. These
are stories of romance, long journeys, terrible conflict, and
mystery. The tales are meant to inspire and inform people
of their potential, what they can become, and teach them
about the world that once was. These stories have a steward
and a guardian, the enigmatic and ever-present Narrador,
who yearns for the stories to be discovered and shared
throughout the land. The Narrador is an influence and a
guide throughout the story. Prometerra possesses a unique
magic separate from the rest of GrymmWorld, as it was
the focal point of a great cataclysm which struck the plane
long ago. This is a land pierced and wounded by a great and
impossible spire, warping time and space and infecting the
realm with the dreaded corruption of the Fell-Beyonders.
These veins of chaos flow through Prometerra and Fell
creatures made of nightmare make their way through the
lands sowing the seeds of destruction. Despite these perils,
the people of Prometerra continue to flourish, making their
way through this weird and wondrous land with the help
of mighty champions, sinister villains, and unlikely heroes.
The Map of Prometerra
and Beyond
Prometerra flows from a large ocean in the east to a spa-
cious and impassable mountain in the west. The region
consists of eight major geopolitical regions, each with
their own peculiar culture. Brilhago, Coachoeira, Desaly,
Fellmount, Labirinto, Praia, Tadfen Bog, and Witchwood
are their names. These names have been carried since be-
fore GrymmWorld’s recorded history and are detailed in
6
summary in this section, as well as in Chapter 5. There
are a great many wonders found in these places, present-
ing diverse, supernatural biospheres that are bizarre even
to the people who live there. The eastern coast is made up
of beautiful white beaches, lush rainforests, and a hundred
small islands just offshore. To the north of the rainforests,
there is an intense shift to the deciduous regions of thick
woodlands leading to an ocean of foothills as far as the
horizon. Beyond the grassy nolls, one finds a shattered
The Ballad of Prometerra
The white sands of Praia reflect
a stalwart people that protect
the coast beloved by the serpent’s eyes
bathed in both blue water and in pirate lies
Southward leads us to a Tadfen Bog
Home to otter, tree, and frog
Brackish currents flow around
And wishing stars fall sadly to the ground
But to the desert westward looms
sunburned sands and the forbidden moon
knights bravely fight the undead legion
while merchants move throughout the region
Out of the fire and up the steep climb
Stares the tallest mountain of our time
Harsh wind blows and cave stones gleam
while miners work and trollkin dream
Northward rushes the rivers wild
Lands of gilded treasure and royal child
Vast bounties of harvest, kept in store
But haunted by memories of the ancient war
Back to the east and into the wood
The witches warden beneath cloak and hood
Townies bicker back and forth
As we stumble to the north
The final region is cloaked in night
Subtle flickers of sad starlight
Clockwork people in much distress
Hoping to hide their immortal Empress

and broken land of ancient metal, glass, and a forgotten
metropolis. Those that travel south will traverse the un-
cultivated water-filled swamps, bogs, and bayous. The river
systems feed into the great and shining lakes of the south,
bordered by the fierce mountain peaks that surround that
dreadful spire that remains piercing through Prometerra’s
heart. Westward bound leads to a vast arid dune-filled des-
ert, a land that burns with unholy fire but is blessed by a
poetic calmness beneath a deathly moon. In the far west
of the map, we come to the tallest mountain peaks in all
the world. They are cold, snowcapped, and treacherous in
the extreme. Northward from those mountains, we enter
the beautiful green country that contains over a thousand
waterfalls and rivers that flow back east.
Brilhago
Brilhago is home to a brilliant and impressive lake that is
often shrouded in heavy fogs. The lake provides sustenance
for the people that live here and goes deep into the world
below. The major port city is shrouded by the mountains
that surround the southern region. All things sit her in the
presence of the fierce and magnificent surreal spire, black
7
chapter one: tales told at twilight
as night. This baleful monument has pierced the land for
countless ages, infecting GrymmWorld with the terror of
the Fell-Beyonders since the day it arrived.
Cachoeira
Cachoeira is often called the land of a thousand water-
falls. Beautiful and quick flowing rivers coarse through the
green hilled countryside. This is a cultivated region of
farming, herding, and bountiful resources. There is also a
broken and inhospitable area in the most western part that
is dotted with its unique devil-trees, the broken craggy soil
is marked with arcane circles and supernatural portals to
dimensions beyond.
Desaly
Giant sun-scorched dunes are painted across the wind-
whipped sands of Desaly. This is a region influenced by
the low moon that permanently hangs in its sky. The earth
itself literally catches fire from time to time, with a few
small semi-permanent oases providing a respite and safe-
ty from the harsh climate and many dangers that abound.
chapter one: tales told at twilight
A few floating islands drift across the sky while the titanic
fossils of a forgotten time can be found when ancient earth
is washed away by the grinding sands.
Fellmount
The highest part of GrymmWorld is graced with snowy
peaks, perilous pathways, and thin air. This region is filled
with precious stone, metal, and the font of miracles. While
it is a cool and coniferous area in the lower altitudes, it
is freezing and barely habitable as one climbs higher. The
valleys are dotted with the memories of ancient wars that
were lost to time and change. The defining feature is the
Eldermount, the tallest mountain in all the world and
home to many of Prometerra’s most fearsome creatures.
Labirinto
Labirinto is always bathed in the light of the stars or the
draped in a cloak of night. The region is filled with the
remnants and artifacts of an ancient people long forgotten.
The cold and barren north is filled with the fragments of
magnificent cities that sit vacant, ruined, and lost to time.
There are towering structures that reach for the sky and
alien architecture fills every alleyway. Surrounding the des-
olate cityscapes is a cold wasteland that is only illuminated
by the small sources of light in the sky and the warm fires
of the people that live there.
Praia
Warm and saturated rainforests border the white sandy
beaches that line the endless ocean. The sun burns hot and
the air is humid, but an endless supply of natural fruits and
harvests fills the region of Praia. The islands themselves
that exist in the bright blue waters of the sea are small and
tall. This is a region filled with life, all things playing a part
in the ecosystem that abounds.
Tadfen Bog
The swamps are cool, brackish, and overgrown. The vegeta-
tion twists, gnarls, and finds its way up and down the colos-
sal trees that loom every which way. Waters rush through
the region, sometimes stopping flat in massive bogs that
collect all the aquatic elements of the area. The weather is
volatile here, with storm systems common, but also juxta-
posed to a tranquil rest period that occurs between the rains.
Witchwood
The woodlands of the north are crisp, dry, and pleasant. Tall
trees fill the land, as do the sweet and quiet homesteads of
those that live in the region. There are many marked roads,
thoroughfares, and trails found throughout the region, and
the Witchwood connects to many other lands. However,
despite the tameness of the Outerwood, the wild things
8
that grow and the wondrous magic within the Innerwood
are exceptionally difficult to navigate. Some call the wood
a land of confusion, and others avoid it all together.
And Beyond
Prometerra is not the only continent or area to be found in
GrymmWorld. Beyond the spire, across the endless sea, be-
neath the shining lake, and among the clouds above are the
outside world. The outer spaces of GrymmWorld contain
just as much magic and wonder. Are there other masks the
Narrador wears when they arrive in the great beyond? We
know that those from the ages of myth and legend once left
the localities that now exist, and perhaps they can be reached
through exploring the expanses that surround Prometerra.
For it is said that the things below in the deep blue waters
and the great castles that sit in the infinite zephyr clouds
above, are adventures waiting to happen. There are bronze
medusas with invincible armies, visitors from the unknown
world, and a great many people that are eager to be found.
But those are other stories for another time.
Outside GrymmWorld
While GrymmWorld is a plane of existence in the tradi-
tional 5th Edition sense, it has several properties that make
it wholly unique. Few planes directly connect to the realm,
making it alone in the cosmos and the ideal refuge from
many creatures seeking to emigrate from their home worlds.
GrymmWorld is also a cosmic oddity in this regard. Finding
it from another universe or cosmology is often an act of pure
chance. However, it is theorized those with Grymm-hearts,
suited for GrymmWorld’s peculiar lands can always find a
way if their desire for the new and strange eclipses all other
wants. The realm is blissfully unaware of any outside planes.
Even creatures traditionally not of material worlds, such as
fiends and celestials, have a place among GrymmWorld’s
lands and no need for special planes of their own.
Death & Afterlife
The being who created GrymmWorld saw death as simply
another stage of existence and did not construct a fitting
space for souls to rest after their mortal shells expire. As
the souls of GrymmWorld’s creatures were made from
the land, so to do they return when those beings expire.
While it is possible for creatures to be returned from the
dead, such incidences are exceedingly rare. These beings
are uniquely capable of retaining their soul’s cognizance
when slain, possessing a special trait known as a Mindful
Soul. Only creatures with Mindful Souls can truly return
from the dead to the lives they once lived. All others must
accept the finality of death and return to the strange lands
that helped shape their existence.
Mindful Souls at the Table
If you are a DM running a campaign in GrymmWorld, you
must decide whether to allow your PCs to possess Mindful
 chapter one: tales told at twilight

Souls or be among the more traditional Grymm. PCs with
this boon function like ordinary 5th Edition characters,
capable of being brough back from death with spells and
other miracles. Doing otherwise is a more dramatic and
tense style of storytelling, but one that can be good for
your table. Make sure any affected PCs are aware they do
not possess Mindful Souls. It would be a nasty, story ruin-
ing surprise for a Player to discover their character is lost
forever when they expected a raise dead spell to work.
The Chapters of
GrymmWorld’s History
Prometerra’s story is one of tragedy, romance, violence, in-
trigue, and a thousand other dramas that would take cen-
turies to tell. Much of the land’s past has been recorded
through artistic and oral tradition. Anthologies and ency-
clopedias are rare and unreliable. However, cultural tales,
statues, architecture, and other artistic mediums serve as
valuable resources to explore the continent’s past, albeit
in a far more allegorical manner than a history textbook.
This section provides a rough history of the continent,
but gives no specific dates for the events, and few con-
crete details. This presentation is reflective of how modern
Prometerrans view their history. It is a song to be sung,
tale to be told, play to performed, and a hundred other
artistic expressions, not some mere accounting of facts.
A DM wishing to inform their game about the history
of GrymmWorld and Prometerra will find lots of space
to squeeze in their own historical anecdotes and events,
as it should be. The history of Prometerra is divided up
into five ages: A Long Time Ago, The Good Old Days,
The Beginning of the End, The Darkest Hour, and The
Time of Tales.
A Long Time Ago
A Long Time Ago is an age of progenitor myth and cre-
ation, exploring what was before the world and how it
came into being. From whatever roiling ether predated
GrymmWorld, a combination of three powers emerged
to shape the realm: the awesome and idealistic primordi-
al beasts of creation, the miraculous divine pantheon of
gods, and the whimsical and wondrous workings of the
fey. The primordial beasts were instinctual beings without
sentience, consisting of raw magic and unstable matter, an
ultimately chaotic and unknowable power beyond the ken
of mortal minds. Next came the gods: refugees and out-
casts from other worlds who gathered to shape the cosmic
forces into a peculiar realm they could call home. Sensing
chaotic land suited for their illogical and mercurial sensi-
bilities, troupes of fey began to colonize the burgeoning
land of GrymmWorld. How long this process took, none
can say, but from it some of GrymmWorld’s strangest and
most enduring creations came into being. A brief sum-
mary of key events that occurred during this period are
provided below.
In the Beginning…
GrymmWorld began with the manifestation of three pri-
mordial forces: the Great Sea Serpent who reveled in wa-
ter, the Earthbound Buffalo who raced across earth, and
the All-Seeing Owl who soared the skies. Each desired
to build a land to explore, forging the earth, seas, skies,
and magics by channeling the cosmic forces through their
dreams and aspirations. They imagined a land of perfect
imbalance and harmonious chaos; an impossible place that
nonetheless existed and whose potential is still held in the
hearts of the Grymm to this day.
Trying New Things
Next came the gods, keen on testing the limits of their cre-
ative power in this new land. Among the many creations
of the divine gods, there was one place which served as
a proving ground for the many ambitious and outlandish
inventions of rampant deities: the continent of Prometerra.
Prometerra was destined to forever be a prototype for the
rest of GrymmWorld, full of half-baked ideas in pursuit of
perfection. From this glorious mess, many strange mon-
sters were molded, and even stranger lands forged to house
them. No concept, no matter how outlandish, deserved to

THE CHAPTERS OF GRYMMWORLD’S HISTORY

ERA EVENT DESCRIPTION
The enigmatic cosmic forces created, then formed a pantheon,
A Long Time Ago The Creation
and placed the fey into GrymmWorld.

The beautiful people reached the peak of their civilization

The Good Old Days The Peak
during a time of legends.

The Beginning of the End The Spire Comes The dreadful spire ripped through all reality.

The Darkest Hour The Advent of the Fell Fell-Beyonders terrorize the people.

The Time of Tales The Narrador Appears The Grymm begin to collaborate with the Narrador.

9
chapter one: tales told at twilight
be ignored, and many of Prometerra’s greatest mysteries
owe their existence to this strange time.
The First Settlers
The inventive nature of Prometerra appealed strongly to
the immigrating fey, who were eager to explore the po-
tential of what the gods wrought. Never ones to pass up
a good opportunity, the gods happily agreed, and so the
guiding hand of the Fey was felt in the growth and devel-
opment of Prometerra. But the minds of fey do not work
like mortals or gods, and their judgement was… question-
able. Many of the realm’s greatest dangers, from bizarre
magic to impossible landscapes are thanks to their ringing
endorsements. A strife those that followed them would be
forced to endure.
Finishing Touches
The rest of GrymmWorld was forged from the lessons
learned in Prometerra. While the knowledge of these
lands is mostly unknown, it is said that these realms are
mighty continents built upon the most compelling results
from the crucible of Prometerra. To determine the laws
and ordinances that would govern GrymmWorld, the
miraculous deific pantheon aligned all things according
to their appropriate temperament. Law, chaos, evil, good,
and balance would all have their place, for stars only shine
brightest on the darkest of nights. Lastly, ecological life
was blended into a harmonious existence by the arcane
workings of the Fey. The world was alive, ever changing,
and new, but still missing the spark in diversity of thought
to achieved greatness.
The First Folk
Wishing GrymmWorld to be filled with ambition and
artistry to rival their own, the gods sculpted the first sen-
tients from the many wonders of Prometerra. These people
were the first Grymm and were born from the land itself,
coaxed into existence by divine will. Some grew and fell
from the Naming Tree. Others are said to have swum out
of the ocean and began to move inland as far as they could
walk. Within the mountains, people woke up and found
their way out of the deep caves and onto the surface world
above. Others were shaped by sand and desert wind, col-
lecting at each oasis. No matter their source, these people
took quickly to the strange lands before them. Together
with their imaginations and will, these daring pioneers
forged the first civilizations, the echoes of which have en-
dured across the ages.
Those of This Time
The Enigmatic Cosmic Forces. There are individuals in the
cosmos that wield the chaotic powers of creation. Among
these, three such beings are believed to have led to the cre-
ation of GrymmWorld. The world was shaped by the Great
Sea Serpent who gathered the many waters and held them
in their coils to give them shape. The land was formed and
brought into existence by the Earthbound Buffalo, and the
10
story says the bones of which can be found today in the
land of Desaly. The time and seasons of GrymmWorld were
envisioned and set by the All-Seeing Owl, which set the
beginning and the end of all things pertaining to the earth
and the people that would live thereon. Within each was
creation was bound GrymmWorld’s magic, so that no place
would be without wonder and whimsy.
The Miraculous Deific Pantheon. The cosmic forces re-
lied upon various gods to hold domain over each aspect
of existence. Members of the pantheon were appointed
to set the world in alignment with its axis that was fore-
told by the All-Seeing Owl and to cultivate, beautify, and
build up all things in the world. These individuals were
those that blessed and challenged the original people of
GrymmWorld, becoming revered for their influence and
power. The faiths of this era promised glorious lives of
great purpose. The gods were loved for not only creating
life, but for filling it with color and vigor. The names of
these deities are forever lost, with only the barest hints as
to their dogma and faith’s remaining in Prometerra’s most
ancient places.
The Wondrous Fey. The first fey to wander GrymmWorld
were masters of the arcane arts. Their task was to find the
places where no logical explanation could occur and fill
the gaps of reason with magic. This peculiar process was
a source of great joy to the fey, who filled the land with
countless curious just so they could do their job more of-
ten. The result is the magical chaos that saturates all of
GrymmWorld, filling the land with baffling nonsense and
peculiar beauty.
The Anomalous Monsters of Consequences. Monstr-
osities and their kin were the results of reckless experimen-
tation and overambitious design. Monstrosities vary in their
intellectual abilities and they are the result of miscalculations,
rounding errors, and refactor disasters of the creative forces
behind GrymmWorld. Since a mistake cannot be learned
from if it destroyed, many of these creatures were permitted
to persist despite their flaws. The wisdom of this decision
has been a hotly contested topic through GrymmWorld’s
history, but the wisest have learned to appreciate the realm’s
strangest beings no matter their shape or mind.
The Good Old Days
A legendary period in GrymmWorld’s history, stories
of The Good Old Days are joyfully told in every home
on Prometerra. The stories of bright and shiny heroes,
impossibilities that were overcome by the stalwart, great
dangers that did not defeat the powerful, and an age of
mercies and harmony. Much of this period is romanti-
cized as only a handful have survived to the present day.
In this age the Grymm took to their new world with
vigor. Deeds of epic renown, romances of inconceiv-
able passion, and art of unfathomable beauty were said
to be commonplace. Many of GrymmWorld’s greatest
relics have survived from this age; artifacts, magic, sto-
ries, and art that has endured and inspired for countless

generations. Though they are exceedingly sparse, some
records of this time endure which go beyond fantastical
bedtime stories or bardic legends.
Beauty Within, Beauty Without
The Grymm of this era were known as the beautiful people.
This descriptor was more than just a physical assessment;
they led beautiful lives full of passion, accomplishment,
and drama. The people were not unified, but they were
viewed with grace and wonder by those that would later
learn of them. They had many differences: Opinions on
business and art, religious leanings, methods of worship,
styles of dress, and more. These differences were celebrated
at every turn. Conflicts and disagreements were crucibles
for greater art and accomplishment, and all sought to bet-
ter themselves through mutual exploration of others.
The First Battles
Alongside beauty, were monsters which threatened to up-
set the lives of the beautiful people. None could truly dis-
cern what motivation was behind the monstrosities, but
their power was formidable. Thankfully their appearanc-
es were exceedingly rare and newsworthy, inspiring some
of Prometerra’s greatest legends. It is said, the purpose of
these monsters was to test the beautiful people by pro-
viding a great source of adversity from which to grow. If
true, they undoubtedly succeeded. Tales such as Koshan
Unmakes the Dreambreaker, The Stone Dragon Returns,
and Dragonsbane all hail from this era, each more spectac-
ular than the last.
A Convergence of Culture
Unable to contain their curiosity, the fey would often visit
the beautiful people and provide opportunities for them to
grow. Devious puzzles, a bemusing test, or a quest to pur-
sue were common challenges. Fresh from their battles with
monsters, the heroes of the beautiful people took to these
tasks with vigor. Sometimes the Grymm were victorious,
other times the fey, cultivating a playful rivalry between
the two that persists in the fey’s attitude today. Those that
seized these opportunities are remembered for their deeds,
such as Boovin the Brilliant and his troupe of trained vio-
let fungi, or Sheika Shadowsong whose voice beguiled the
court of the Midnight Barons. The tokens and artifacts of
their adventures are examples that echo through the ages.
The Founding
It was during this time that the Grymm grew in prom-
inence. They began to construct lavish cities, exploring
both the skies above and the seas beyond. The majority of
those that stayed, made their way to the utmost north so
that they could dwell among the most beautiful of all, the
Court of a Thousand Stars. It was here that the beautiful
people achieved the pinnacle of their civilization. When
they had proven their beauty and majesty to be great, the
Court of a Thousand Stars used their power to ascend to
the pantheon above and call out to the cosmos for others
11
chapter one: tales told at twilight
to come and see their beauty. It was at this moment that
GrymmWorld came to the attention of the Visitors. They
descended from the sky above in their alien tower, unlike
any that had been seen in the world before, bringing
with them strange technology and peculiar mechanisms
to GrymmWorld.
Those of This Time
The Beautiful People. These are the people that reached
what current Grymm consider as the pinnacle of civiliza-
tion and achievement. They are viewed as legendary figures
of history and if there is something worth achieving, there
is a good chance that you can pattern yourself after a tale
that involves the Beautiful People achieving something
similar. 
The Court of a Thousand Stars. If the Beautiful People
represent the height of achievement for the Grymm, then
the House of the Court of a Thousand Stars represents the
zenith of their ambition. This body of scholars and sages
were the leaders of the people and established the largest
cities, monuments, and peaks of technology. They were the
ones that broadcasted to the universe and all planes that
they had reached an exemplary and nearly exalted status.
So great was their achievement even the gods honored
them. Many wonderous moments were shared as gods and
mortal mingled amongst the Court of a Thousand Stars, all
records of which are now lost to time.
Theodoren the Godslayer. Among the Grymm was a
great antagonist, one who sought only selfish advance-
ment at the expense of everything and everyone he en-
countered. This individual was known as Theodoren the
Godslayer, he was feared by both god and mortal alike. This
sinister soul would eventually turn to lichdom, so that he
might outlive his enemies and enact dark schemes which
would take centuries to come to fruition. It is rumored
that Theodoren was the one who called to the fell-beyon-
ders, though few believe this dreadful act went according
to plan. Theodoren survives today as the Moon Lich and
is currently imprisoned on the small celestial body which
hovers above Desaly with a pale malevolence.
Lemondew. Amongst the Grymm was a legendary count-
ess, renowned for her supernatural poise and unearthly
beauty. She was an enigma, beloved by the fey but rejected
by the gods. Her power was not of GrymmWorld, though
her skill in divining the future was undeniable. Many
Grymm sought her for advice. Her voice was like honeyed
water, dancing upon the minds of those she beguiled. The
adversarial monsters that roamed the land would harken
to her word and bind themselves to her desires. When the
world was rent, she would embrace new life as the vam-
pire-regnant, retaining her official title as countess, but
also holding dominion over earthbound undead outside of
the Moonlich’s domain.
The Visitors. Among those who came to GrymmWorld
was a curious sort by way of clockwork vessels that tra-
versed the voids between universes. This forgotten race was
known only as The Visitors, were masters of mechanical
chapter one: tales told at twilight
technology and engineering, bringing to GrymmWorld
astonishing advancements that revolutionized society.
While few in number, these beings forged powerful ob-
jects such as the Sun Tower and what is now known as
Labirinto. The impact of their genius was keenly felt,
bringing a technological and artistic revolution that
brought Prometerra to the height of its prestige.
The Beginning of the End
Like all good things, the golden era of GrymmWorld
would not last. Unfortunately, what could have been a
subtle decay over the centuries was instead a cataclys-
mic event that rent the world asunder. The labors of the
Grymm were reduced to ruin as the terrible fell-beyonders
descended upon GrymmWorld and the first place they
struck was Prometerra. It was a time of devastation that
ended an era of legends and left few survivors. Unlike all
others who had come before, the fell-beyonders saw noth-
ing in GrymmWorld worth preserving. They wished only
the worst for the realm and its people, inflicting tragedy
at every turn. Fear, despair, terror, and every other horrific
emotion the beautiful people sought to avoid were made
manifest, and many Grymm feel this is the one era of
GrymmWorld best left forgotten.
The Piercing
The dreamlike harmony of the Good Old Days ended
when reality itself was shattered by the physical force of
unearthly nightmares. A physical spear of torment, darker
than night and evil beyond conception was thrust through
GrymmWorld, piercing both time and space. This foul
assault made landfall in Prometerra, within the region
now known as Brilhago. The devastation was catastrophic.
Entire cities vanished overnight from the impact, with the
survivors being the first to experience the alien terror of
the fell-beyonders.
The Sacrifice
In order to prevent the world from falling to pieces, the
pantheon of the gods performed a ritual of such power
even they were unsure of its outcome. They could protect
their domain and seal GrymmWorld with their very es-
sence, ensuring the fell-beyonders would remain trapped,
but cutting off a seemingly endless wave of reinforce-
ments. In turn, the gods would sacrifice their thrones and
divine privileges, being reduced to lesser forms or fading
from existence entirely. While the mortals would be left
without their figures of worship, the gods believed their
followers would rediscover faith once the terror of the
fell-beyonders had passed and restore them to full divin-
ity. However, this was not to be. The mysterious magic
of GrymmWorld had other plans, binding their divine
essence to the physicality of earth-bound creatures that
resembled beasts of all sorts. And so, the Questing Beasts
came into the world, possessing only a sliver of memory
of their time as divine powers.
12
The Reaving
The landscape was torn asunder, as the fell-beyonders
cataclysmic assault exterminated entire groups of peo-
ple. Their alien infection began flowing through the
world, allowing the foul creatures to appear throughout
GrymmWorld with impunity. Rising from the earth, the
nightmares manifested with a vengeance. Idyllic paradis-
es were reduced to waking nightmares, with heroes over-
whelmed at every turn. The fell-beyonders didn’t just want
to destroy GrymmWorld, they sought to torture it; turn-
ing its every virtue into a twisted mockery before deliver-
ing a killing stroke. Despite this horror, the Grymm did
not give up. They fought to preserve everything they had
left, to avenge what was lost, and secure their future. With
passionate hearts and shining steel they threw themselves
into this new foe, trading blow for blow with their impla-
cable foe.
Opening of the Doors
With the spire ruining the world, an advent of outsiders
were able to work their way into GrymmWorld. Angels
descended from high heavens, while devils and demons
crawled fourth from inky abyssal planes. Manifestations
of sentient elements bled into GrymmWorld, curiously
exploring the stricken world. Even as the fell-beyonder
infection flowed through the realm, the essence of divin-
ity left by the god’s sacrifice ensured that these visitors
could never return to their homes, intertwining the fates
of the Grymm alongside these creatures. Unable to es-
cape and faced with the fell-beyonders, fiend, celestial,
fey, and elemental allied with the Grymm in a desperate
alliance.
Strife Abound
The battle between the invading fell and the coalition of
elementals, angels, devils, and Grymm was titanic in scope.
Each clash was nearly as destructive as the calamity of the
Spire, dealing catastrophic damage to Prometerra which
would take millennia to heal. Even then, there would al-
ways be scars. Every being was allied against the fell save
one, the enigmatic, problematic, font of arrogance that is
the Moon Lich, Theodoren Godslayer. This betrayal would
never be forgotten and is remembered as the greatest crime
ever committed by a Grymm in all of known history.
Those of This Time
The Dreadful Spire. The great and dreadful Spire that runs
through all reality is composed of surreal and divine an-
ti-matter that connects every plane of existence. It brought
the fell-beyonders and it consistently spawns reality-alter-
ing manifestations. No one quite knows what force in the
universe caused it to rent reality. It runs from high heaven
all the way down through the lowest hell.
The Frightening Fell-Beyonders. The fell-beyonders
ride the nightmare currents of chaos that flow from
the Spire and penetrate all of Prometerra. They are the
manifestations of nightmare incarnate and fueled by

the terror they cause. There were no fell-beyonders in
GrymmWorld before the world was pierced. While the
volume at which they manifest has fluctuated, there is a
clear delineation from what they are, compared to mon-
sters, villains, undead, and other creatures.
The Devils from the Lowest Hell. Some call them
infernals, others call them fiends or hellions. They don’t
care what they are called, but in the common tongue,
they are known as devils. They climbed out of the infer-
no and into GrymmWorld. At first, they were curious
about what ripped their hells in twain. Then they realized
that GrymmWorld was at risk of being compromised
to the Fell and figured to capitalize on the desperation
of the Grymm. They put aside their age-old differences
against the demons and their philosophical differences
with the angels. They entered the world with an optimis-
tic view that GrymmWorld is easy prey for their infernal
intentions.
The Angels from the Highest Heaven. When the Spire
shattered the heavens, the angels from on high descended
and entered the world. They came down as emissaries that
served no gods as they had either died or become beasts. It
was unknown to them what had happened, so they minis-
tered to the people to help them both endure and repel the
fell. The angels are for all intents and purposes homeless
until new gods ascend. They are also out of work, so most
are dormant or in hiding among the people.
The Elementals. Pouring out of the cosmic void and
planes beyond the material, the cognoscente elemental
forces of nature flowed into Prometerra. The world was
wounded, the elements exist to repair and shape the land.
An innate call to return to GrymmWorld and protect it
was answered. But maintaining the integrity of the planet
was but one duty they were called to do. The elementals
are neutral in any conflict, but they are prone to quick
and impactful decisions when they are swayed.   were established by those looking to forge a new world
The Demons from the Abyss. It is not angels that are
the opposite of devils, but rather demons. The chaotic de-
mons followed the devils up from the hells, largely because
they were curious where they were going. GrymmWorld,
to them, is a delicious banquet to devour. Their destruction
is somewhat needless, but it is debatable if they intend the
harm they cause or if it is just a consequence of their exis-
tence. Many demons have abandoned lives in the abyss to
wander the continent of Prometerra.  among them as the survivors of the great and dreadful
The Investigating Fey. The fey never truly left, they
just weren’t paying attention. Prometerra being pierced so
suddenly and violently by an outside force was viewed as
an invasive attack. No gods, no cosmic forces, just silence.
They peaked out of their realm and studied the changed
landscape. GrymmWorld was not the delightful, whimsi-
cal place they remembered. It had been altered. Corrupted.
The extent of the damage was theirs to survey, but they also
learned that they had a part to play in the new world that
was left when the old one was shattered.
13
chapter one: tales told at twilight
The Darkest Hour
The aptly named Darkest Hour is the era of GrymmWorld
in which all hope died. It is the period without legends,
without gods, and without heroes. All that remained were
the horrid degradations of the fell and the suffering of their
victims. This crucible was a period of cultural redefinitions
and loss. The fell were winning the fight and the advent
of the Moon Lich’s undead hordes pushed the Grymm to
the brink of defeat. From the darkness new alliances were
formed. Only by forsaking the past could the coalition
achieve victory. Therefore, fiend, celestial, fey, and Grymm
threw aside their stories, history, art, and culture in pursuit
of victory. This tragic but mighty strategy turned the tide,
allowing the people of Prometerra to reclaim the continent
and carve out a new world for themselves from the ashes
of the old. Never before had the Grymm possessed such
authority over their destiny.
Forsaking the Old
In the season of self-preservation, lines were drawn across
Prometerra. Each realm would be forced to account for
its own defense and abandon its history. The only concern
was victory. This was a time of many fears, where far too
many heroes fell, and few rose to take their place. Whether
they were native to Prometerra or had traveled from the
outside, those that remained worked together to fight
against the fell. They inspired others to stand where they
were, lift each other up, and endure. There will never be a
full accounting of what was lost during this time, but the
trauma of the experience haunts the survivors of this era
to the present day.
Reforging the Past
It was during this time the eight regions of Prometerra
from the ashes. There were stories shared from ancient
times, the eras of myth and legend that prompted peo-
ple to retake hold of the continent. The people made their
way into lands wracked by destruction and salvaged the
old to forge the new. The culture of the Beautiful People
was gone as the Grymm adapted to new environments.
From their remains, unique cultures and identities formed,
influenced by myth and legend. The land would be shared
time of apocalypse.
Enemies Abound
This was an unsafe time for all Grymm. As the coalition
went on the offensive, they left their homes and families
undefended. They fell-beyonders corrupted many of the
existing monstrosities and amplified their power, while
visiting untold horrors on the defenseless and vulnerable.
They received extra assistance from the seduced antagonist
of the world; the Moon Lich and his undead hoards, who
knew just where to strike to inflict critical damage.
chapter one: tales told at twilight
The Torturing
With the Grymm forsaking their history, the fell-beyon-
ders gleefully fell upon the undefended cities seeking to
break the spirits of the Grymm. They burned the beau-
tiful forests, drained freshwater lakes, and collapsed the
mountainsides. They sought to seduce and corrupt those
viewed as leaders with promises of power. They exposed
the individual fears of the people and inflicted this tor-
ment openly. The resolve of the Grymm was absolute, and
while the fell-beyonders reveled in their mayhem, the co-
alition marched ever forward. They took up old weapons,
forged new ones, and unleashed their experimental arcane
arts that proved that the invaders and the villains of their
age could be repelled and pushed back.  They were a new people and recognized themselves for
Those of This Time
Regional Founders. The adventurous folk fought against
the fell and established the eight regions of Prometerra.
They unified the survivors of the great world ending cat-
aclysm and forged a new land out of the reconfigured
landmass. They drew the invisible lines on the map that
determined the sovereign domains of the various Grymm.
Proclaimers of Faith. These people remembered the
time of gods before they all died to save the world (or at
least keep it from falling apart physically.) They identified
the new potential pantheon and deific creatures that exist-
ed. They established various religious practices, rites, and
methods of worship in order to promote the eventual as-
cension of the new gods that would come into the world.
The Time of Tales
With the defeat of the fell-beyonders, GrymmWorld re-
turned to an era of hope and artistry. This Time of Tales
walks hand in hand with the mysterious Narrador whose
stewardship of GrymmWorld has taken the realm in
strange and unexpected directions. New faiths are form-
ing and the Grymm look to the future with bright and
ambitious eyes. The Grymm have formed new nations
unbound by tradition, continuing the struggle against
the shadowy fell-beyonders that still lie in wait. However,
across Prometerra and beyond, the whimsical spirit of
GrymmWorld is revealed not to have died, but to have
transformed. It is now a realm of story and song, steeped
in the magic of myths and the power of legends.
New Beginnings
As the lines on the map were redefined, the people began
to recall a time that was before the shattering of the world.
There was a time of beautiful people, divine and miracu-
lous being known as gods, and fey that would both meddle
and instruct. Some sought to rebalance the world from the
current chaos and discover what happened to the gods or
to seek a new divinity that could be established. So religion
came to the people as nascent powers with divine potential
were discovered. The hope of law rallied many to take up
arms and protect the idea of a new pantheon.
14
Reclaiming the Past
Some regions repurposed the ancient weapons and tech-
nology to perform feats of devastation. Others established
gallant orders resolved to sacrifice their lives in a direct
confrontation. The trees themselves awoke and began to
push the fell back into the shadows as their roots sealed off
the chaotic veins they used to traverse the earth. Others
hid in the desolate areas, riding out the storm or sealing off
their communities from outside threats. 
A New Culture Rises
It was during this time that the people began to truly em-
brace their own identities, vanities, faults, and triumphs.
what they were; The Grymm. They realized that much of
their history had been lost during the time of nightmares,
the eras of war, and the discovery of new religion. While
they were new people, they were also lost people. It was
then that they began to silo in their regions as the threat
of the fell subsided. They still had an echo and remnant of
connection to each other, but they did not feel the need to
risk open travel with so many nightmares still among the
earth.
The End to Evil
Many of the anomalous monstrosities innate to the world,
the vainglorious self-serving undead, and the night-
mare-fueled fell were defeated, imprisoned, or contained
during this time. The world had been broken and now the
healing process could begin. Unfortunately, the veins of
chaos still flow from the Spire and monsters still live in the
shadows. The new religions have not created new gods, but
the time of ascension is nearing. 
The Arrival
A new ally arrives in GrymmWorld, bringing with it the
promise of finally exorcising the fell and forge a new future
for the people of Prometerra. The Narrador is a phoenix
from the past, forged from the spirits of heroes lost in the
conflict of the fell. Endowed with four incredibly per-
sonalities, the Narrador works together with burgeoning
adventurers to write the next chapter in GrymmWorld’s
history. One that will be more glorious than any that came
before.
Those of This Time
The Leaders of the Undead Belligerency. These individuals
claim dominion over Prometerra and a sovereign right to
rule the people. They work as an antagonistic force along-
side the fell-beyonders but with the intention to dominate
as opposed to terrorize.
The Eight States. The eight regions have existed for a
hundred years’ time. That is, according to the people that
have decided that the number seems right to them. Each
is set and defined with their own local policies and cul-
tures that have grown out of the times that came before
the present day. They Grymm have grown apart, proud of

their distinctions, but no longer reveling in each other’s
differences. There are also localized conflicts in each part of
the world, and more than a few between regions.
The Narrador’s Chosen. The people’s eyes have turned
to those that bear the marks of story. They know that these
individuals are operating outside of themselves and at-
tempting to answer the questions as to who they are as
Grymm, what the world was like before it was pierced and
broken, as well as to what direction it is currently headed
in.  of gods and new cosmology.
The Narrador. Placed by the enigmatic forces of creation,
the Narrador is the steward of stories. The Narrador has
marked Grymm as exemplary individuals to help piece to-
gether the new history and direct the future of Prometerra.
The Thrust of the Campaign
GrymmWorld and Prometerra are in the greatest transi-
tional period of their storied existence. There are a variety
of questions that a campaign in GrymmWorld can seek
to answer. How will the regions coexist? There are no uni-
fying governments and the regions are all dependent on
shared resources. The wonders of the past age can be found
in nearly any location and the threat of the fell has not
faded from memory. The old gods died and became beasts,
but there is the chance for a new pantheon to form and for
gods to return to their thrones. The nature of the Narrador
will attempt to direct the people, but where will it direct
them? There are many monsters other than the fell-beyon-
ders. Some creatures of great power might return to terror-
ize the people and how the players respond to these threats
influence the future of the world. What is the nature of the
Spire that pierced the world? Can it be removed? Detailed
below are a series of significant campaign hooks that can
help a DM get started on their first GrymmWorld cam-
paign and concern some of the most poignant issues facing
GrymmWorld today.
Prometerra is Peaceful,
but How Long Can It Last?
The fell-beyonders are currently in recession. There is no ac-
tive conflict between any of the eight regions. New discov-
eries after the world was shattered are tipping the balance
and leading to a general sense of civil strife. Revolution, in-
quisition, outside invasion? All of these potentialities create
unrest. Cachoeira is looking to unify the newfound faith of
the Grymm and to ensure their safety by preparing weapons
of war. Desaly stands on the brink of ruin should the Rose
Knights falter. Brilhago could explode into military action
or holy war at any moment.
Whether or not the peace remains is a question that
can be answered by the Player Characters. They may look
to preserve the peace or to instigate a conflict. There are
reasons to go in either direction, especially when truths,
facts, and situations are revealed. Answering this question
means a lasting peace or a season of war.
15
chapter one: tales told at twilight
Will New Gods Ascend?
There are many potential gods in the planes and the world
around us. Will they ascend and achieve an exalted state?
It is reliant on the faith of the people, the divine shape pre-
paring a spot in the pantheon, and the domain of ascension
being practiced. There are many who would rather not deal
with gods, alignment, and new axioms. Newfound faithful
will proselytize and attempt to restore the world to a time
Player Characters can play an active role in answering
the question of the gods. By actively participating in the
ascension domain, providing service to those that do, or
by thwarting the aggressively religious. Likewise, by meet-
ing and serving the local gods that could potentially as-
cend, they influence the state of the cosmology; be it the
sleeping goddess that floats above Desaly, the Empress
Impossible, or others.
Who Seeks the Questing Beasts?
The gods died and became the questing beasts. They roam
Prometerra and provoke a call to action and adventure.
Will they be free to walk the planet or will they be hunted
and slain? There is a quest for every beast and they are cen-
tral to the core mythos of the world. Could they reclaim
their thrones and be restored to the heavens?
Player Characters can engage the Questing Beasts. There
are special quests associated with each one. The Players can
determine their fates and either seek to understand or slay
them. They are the font of treasures and knowledge, but
not every beast is benign.
Where is the Narrador Taking Us?
The Narrador has appeared in Prometerra and is mark-
ing adventurers to embark on tales of romance, intrigue,
and valor. There are clear consequences to the adventuring
life that scale from individual impacts to the community,
to shaking the foundations of the continent. The Narrador
wears many masks, takes many shapes, and influences the
environment. 
The Narrador will engage the Player Characters routinely.
The players will use their agency to move toward or away
from the direction the Narrador leads and the impact will
be felt throughout all Prometerra.
Will the Moon Lich Return?
Desaly contains the most menacing villain native to Prom-
eterra. There is a legion of burning and bloody bones bent
on releasing the Moon Lich and bringing a highly intel-
ligent threat to the world below. Theodoren has bent his
entire will around the concept of freedom and will stop at
nothing until his dominion is successful.
The Player Characters will learn of the Moon Lich.
There is a defense held by the Rose Knights, but there are
chapter one: tales told at twilight
questions as to whether they uphold their oaths and pro-
tect the earthbound Grymm. This is no easy task and there
will come a time the Players either need to prevent the
Moon Lich’s escape or allow a new evil to rise to power
once again.
Can the Fell be Defeated?
The dreadful Spire that pierced the world caused the com-
ing of the fell and the infiltration of all the outside planar
visitors. Legend tells of an artifact that holds the Spire in
place and if removed the world could begin to heal. Will
the Player Characters learn of this legend or will it fade
into obscurity?
While the Spire pierces GrymmWorld, it is not the de-
fining feature. Rather, it is the mechanism by which the
current age was wrought. As with all things, the world can
be reshaped and perhaps through wondrous artifacts and a
new pantheon of gods, the world can be healed once more.
The Fabric of Fairy Tales
“Fairy tales are more than true, not because they teach us
that dragons exist, but because they teach us that dragons
can be beaten.”
- Attributed to GK Chesterton
by way of Neil Gaimon
“I have always felt that our stories were your stories.
Because you take them with you wherever you are.
The magic of our tales is that you might apply them to
yourself and remember that even when the world is a
scary place, you have it within you to be braver than you
think you are.”
- Daphne Hallowfield
Fairy tales, wonder stories, and fiction filled with mirac-
ulous magic, often fall into the category of folktale. They
are common in every part of the world. They are some of
the first stories that children learn and have been adapted
to every form of media since their invention. Fairy stories
have helped shape the campaign setting by providing the
precious touchstones that resonate with each player that
plays the game. While the fantastical backdrop is famil-
iar it is also filled with secrets to discover and delight in.
Blurring the line between fictional possibilities about what
can and cannot be is what makes this genre so enticing
to explore. As young children, we hear of a giant slayer,
a clever princess, or a soldier that achieves mastery over
death itself. Some of the stories end happily, others end in
tragedy. The stories stick with us and we carry them with
us. GrymmWorld gives us an opportunity to play out these
stories using a familiar ruleset and additional subsystems
that enhance the storytelling medium of tabletop roleplay-
ing games. Game masters and players are motivated to ex-
plore the vast setting and engage with the fiction at every
level, becoming joint authors of their own magical tale.
16
Everything Is Magical
In fairy tales, there is an assumption that unexplainable
forces defy the laws of the natural world as we know them.
These miraculous and arcane workings are the forces of
magic at play. Be it the power to grow a cloud-touching
stalk out of a bean that was traded for a cow, turning a
pumpkin into a carriage until the stroke of midnight, or
healing your true love’s affliction through curative tears,
magic is at work among us. GrymmWorld is meant to be
a place where magic plays a central part in the narrative.
This occurs in world-altering ways, but also to separate the
mundane backdrop of reality with fantasy playtime of the
gaming table.
The Wisdom of The Wild
GrymmWorld is home to many wonders, but one to re-
member is that animals often hold as much wisdom as
humanity. Animal stories and beast fables are cousins to
the fairy tale tradition, but not always excluded as part of
the genre. In the spirit of narrative inclusion, animals may
have more insight into the nature of the fiction than the
Players or background actors of a scene. This is empha-
sized more greatly with the introduction of the Playable
Character origin option of Feran. One of the aspects of
GrymmWorld to embrace is that beneath the surface of
everything, there could be surprises that create a sense of
wonder in the game.
A Little Romance Now & Then
The fairy tale theme of happily ever after is common.
Sometimes it is a story of love, family, friendship, or triumph
over adversity. Stories of the heart involve player buy-in and
consent when pursuing these narratives. GrymmWorld is
full of many possibilities for love; the land, the people, and
special significant others might appear in the game. When
exploring themes of fairy tale romance, there are two sides
of the coin, the happily ever after or sad tragedy. Romantic
tales can hurt, but sometimes what we are looking for is
the sweet tragedy that can be connected to a long slow-
burn romance or a brief but heated affair. Romance could
be found everywhere in the game, the same as many orig-
inal sources of fairy fiction, but it is sensitive ground best
explored with consent and care. 
Oral Tradition and Conversation
The original stories which inform GrymmWorld were
the parlor games of 17th-century aristocrats. It was not
uncommon for women to meet and share stories together
that included all these elements, and the stories they share
predate the written form. The Brothers Grimm originally
tried to capture the spoken word feel in their first collec-
tions, but they were later modernized for literary format.
While playing the game, remember that it starts, continues,

and finishes through the medium of conversation. Part of
the collaborative aspect is found in the source rules, but
the true collaboration occurs during playtime. This is part
of the system design and a key aspect of both the genre
and the game. These stories are shared with each other
through an oral tradition with the flexibility to be adapt-
ed into writing. Many of these stories are incomplete and
contradictory, but part of the fun is taking them, adding
our own unique authorial voice, and coming to our own
conclusions. The power of play allows us to do just that.
Fantastical Creatures and Wondrous Items
Most bestiaries, codices, and manuals that include many
different creatures found in these play experiences have
their roots in fairy tales. Many of the magical items and
objects of power are also rooted in the original fiction of
the genre. When exploring these campaigns, they should
be filled with things that the players have yet to experi-
ence or subvert their expectations. Purple trolls carrying
whistle-watches that sing you the time, orc farmers that
are proud of their giant crops that are blessed by the lo-
cal witches, and fish-folk that are in search of lost cities
around the world. Fairy tales include fantastic things that
inspire us to find them and reveal many secrets hidden
under the surface of the setting.
The Narrador
The Narrador is a meta-character and a defining feature
of modern day GrymmWorld. It is the guiding hand that
ensures Prometerra is always rife with adventure, battle,
exploration, intrigue, romance, and more. This impulsive
17
chapter one: tales told at twilight
behavior not only enriches the grand tale of GrymmWorld
that continues to unfold, but ensures the foul fell-beyon-
ders are kept at bay thanks to the magic of story telling.
The Narrador is the tool the Game Master uses to engage
with the Players. That engagement occurs with the intro-
duction of new game mechanics and playstyles to the
standard fifth edition framework. Like other games with
a meta representation of the facilitator, GrymmWorld
replicates this effect by introducing a personage that can
enter the game world itself. 
The Narrador is the result of the enigmatic primordi-
al forces, the remnants of ancient gods, and fey magic all
working together to forge something new. Like a new
character being revealed in a play, the Narrador has tak-
en center stage in GrymmWorld’s tale, taking Prometerra
on a strange and uncharted course. However, such a grand
endeavor is impossible without help. The Narrador is the
hand that guides and collaborates, seeking out the great-
est among the Grymm to aid in this task: Adventurers.
Together Narrador and Grymm pen new chapters in the
story of Grymmworld, full of violence, sadness, wonder,
love, and mystery.
Prometerra was the ideal starting point for this task
as its proximity to the Spire creates land in desperate
need of change. As one of the oldest and storied lands
of GrymmWorld, Prometerra’s tale is particularly grand,
and therefore inherently attractive to the Narrador. It is
the location where the Beautiful People once lived and the
point to where the realm’s greatest threats are on the brink
of returning. As the Narrador acts within GrymmWorld,
it takes on the personas found within its narrative
masks. These visages are echoes of famous figures from
Prometerra’s past, great figures whose stories are lost the
chapter one: tales told at twilight
ravages of time and the great calamities that have befallen
the realm. The Narrador’s use of their visage and person-
ality honors these heroes’ memories, ensuring some small
part of their story survives to this day.
Origins of Rustam
The Narrador crafted the Mask of Rustam from the bloody
past of the realm’s great wars. Amongst the great battles
was a warrior of unrivaled glory and untamed bloodlust,
whose strength on the battlefield was legendary. The per-
sona of Rustam is the embodiment of one who has seen
the horrors and atrocities on the field of battle, but also
the necessity of defending one’s home, family, and loves
from invasive forces. The Mask of battle was the first to be
worn by the Narrador to aid the Grymm as they emerged
from centuries of strife. Rustam is also the embodiment
of personal honor and the importance of tackling prob-
lems head on. When the Narrador chooses to present as
Rustam, it signifies a time for external physical conflict,
monster-hunting, and the coming of a new war.
Origins of Gangesha
As the Narrador traveled through the lands, it became nec-
essary to move swiftly and sensitively. This second Mask
embodies the persona of Gangesha, also known as the Mask
of Long Journeys. Exploration is a key pillar to discovering
the many wonders of Prometerra and the personage and
identity of Gangesha has studied and become one with each
and every culture that exists across the land. Gangesha is
known by many as a traveler that comes and goes. With
a trusty spyglass to spot any coming threats and a compass
to find the way north, the Narrador wearing the Mask of
Gangesha knows the best way to travel across the continent.
Origins of Eudoxia
After encountering many people across every land, the
Narrador learned that some things could not be clearly
answered. There were mysteries in the earth, secrets be-
ing shared by those that sought power and knowledge.
Thus, a third Mask, made of intrigues and mysteries, was
made and placed on the brow of the Narrador. Echoing
the spirit of the greatest investigator GrymmWorld had
ever known, the Mask of Eudoxia seeks to unearth hid-
den truths and reveal safeguarded secrets. The Narrador
is apart from the world, despite being in it, and Eudoxia
might not appear at every formal ball or aristocratic mas-
querade. There is a growing need to send adventurers into
the royal courts and listen closely to uncover the plots
being shaped by the ambitious and driven nobilities.  spells with the chaotic magic of GrymmWorld. When a
Origins of Daphne
Despite the many plots, schemes, conflicts, battles, and ardu-
ous journeys found throughout GrymmWorld, Prometerra
18
is still a place where relationships flourish and love blooms.
The people know, live, and love one another as if from
a story book. The Narrador understand the need for
such relationships in GrymmWorld if it is to continue.
Therefore, the Narrador dons a Mask that empowers
and explores what it means to share oneself with oth-
ers. Known as the Mask of Daphne, this persona is the
last vestige of a kind and generous soul who defeated her
enemies not through violence or trickery, but through
sincere affection and social bonds. Her memory lives on
through the Narrador’s actions, sharing her love for peo-
ple, emphasis on feelings, and empathic nature with all
who share her stories.
The Magic of GrymmWorld
Magic is a living fundamental part of the foundation of
GrymmWorld. It is connected to the cosmic forces shap-
ing the planet’s past, present, and future, flowing through
every being within it. The gods who sacrificed themselves
in ages past exercised magic to hold the world in its cos-
mic alignment, their arcane workings holding the world in
wonder and majesty. Through magic, the Narrador will re-
establish the chronology and future of GrymmWorld. The
power of storytelling is a magic all its own, and the two
mesh seamlessly together. Magic finds its roots in those
forces; the enigmatic, the deific, the wondrous, and the au-
thoritative. Likewise, the antithesis to these is the destruc-
tive forces that exist as anomalous errors in GrymmWorld’s
existence; the monsters, the villains, and the fell. Magic
is often looked upon with suspicion by those that do not
understand it, as it is seen as the source of most problems.
Magic can also be curative, divine, and provide salvation
to those in need. Thus, magic is an extremely complicat-
ed concept in Prometerra. It moves through everything,
yet without caution and care, could bring about disastrous
results. 
GrymmWorld oozes magic from its every pore. Much
of day-to-day life consists of extraordinary events we could
consider supernatural. Trees sing songs of power, river wa-
ters reflect eldritch visions, and stones answer questions
never asked. A DM wishing to facilitate this kind of magi-
cal experience in GrymmWorld can alter the properties of
spells and magical effects to make their power more spec-
tacular. This variant is known as wyld magic, which builds
upon the unique skills and talents of the spellcaster. The
wyld magic variant has the following properties.
Wyld Magic
A creature casting a spell using wyld magic can imbue their
creature casts a spell, which involves rolling dice, it can
declare that spell to be a wyld spell and gains one level of
exhaustion. Upon using wyld magic, when the spell’s dice
are rolled and for each of the highest possible values rolled
on the dice, the spell rolls an additional dice.
 chapter one: tales told at twilight

The Whimsical Winds of Magic

WHIMSY TABLE
Magic is common in fairy tales. A single miraculous use of
extraordinary power is often enough to turn the tide and D100 WHIMSY
make a moment memorable and spontaneous. Connecting  1–2 light
these abilities to the fonts of magic within the world as 3–4 bane
boons provides new solutions to the problems presented
5–6 bless
to the PCs and can provide an unexpected twist to an en-
7–8 cure wounds
counter. These moments are known as whimsies; when an
9–10 detect evil and good
ordinary Grymm is gifted a single opportunity to wield
11–12 detect magic
the strange magic of GrymmWorld itself.
When a PC is granted Inspiration, they can choose 13–14 guiding bolt
not to gain inspiration and instead roll a d100, gaining a 15–16 inflict wounds
whimsy according to the table below. A whimsy lasts until 17–18 shield of faith
it is used, or until an affected creature finishes a long rest. 19–20 blindness/deafness
A spell cast using a whimsy requires no components, and a 21–22 silence
creature uses its spell save DC and spell attack bonus when 23–24 bestow curse
casting a whimsy; all other elements of the spell remain 25–26 dispel magic
the same. If a creature does not have a spell save DC or 27–28 flame strike
spell attack bonus, those values for the whimsy are instead 29–30 insect plague
calculated as follows. 31–32 acid splash
33–34 shocking grasp
Spell Save DC 35–36 true strike
8 + proficiency bonus + Constitution Modifier 37–38 burning hands
39–40 charm person
Spell Attack Bonus 41–42 color spray
proficiency bonus + Constitution modifier
43–44 comprehend languages
45–46 detect magic

Fell-Beyonders and 47–48

49–50
fog cloud
jump
Where to Find Them 51–52 sleep
From the darkest reaches of space, between the realm of 53–54 thunderwave
dreams and the infinite void, there exists a race of beings 55–56 acid arrow
that seek only to break the hearts of the living—the fell-be- 57–58 invisibility
yonders. Their craving for pain and malice is beyond mea- 59–60 misty step
sure. Fell-beyonders have existed since time immemorial, 61–62 ray of enfeeblement
feeding on those who hold love and passion in their hearts. 63–64 scorching ray
Some say the first gods gathered them from the void to 65–66 shatter
shape the deep places of the earth so that terror would 67–68 web
always lurk below the realms of mortals. Others prophesy 69–70 fear
that the fell-beyonders are meant to scatter the stars across 71–72 fly
the sky, filling the world above with a vast, all-consuming 73–74 gaseous form
emptiness. The only thing that can be agreed upon is the 75–76 haste
fell-beyonders exist to remind mortals that between every 77–78 lightning bolt
moment of hope, happiness, or love is a vile shadow that 79–80 slow
threatens to reduce existence to ash. 81–82 stinking cloud
In truth, these nightmarish creatures are beings from the 83–84 banishment
unearthly twilight, a dark realm abandoned by the gods
85–86 black tentacles
since the end of the last age. Forsaken and abandoned,
87–88 blight
these creatures festered for millennia in a world devoid of
89–90 fire shield
all but the vilest emotions. Having discovered a pathway
91–92 ice storm
to the mortal realms through dreams, the fell-beyonders
are now unleashed to feed upon the hopes and passions of 93–94 stoneskin
all waking life. 95–96 cloudkill
97–98 cone of cold
99–100 disintegrate

19
chapter one: tales told at twilight
In GrymmWorld
The nightmarish fell-beyonders are the nemesis of all
beings that exist in GrymmWorld. They are the invasive
force of terror that is innately connected to the dreadful
Spire that pierced all reality. It is believed that they are
the remnants of long-dead gods, drifting across the cos-
mos like a wave of malevolent entropy. Many a scholar
has claimed their purpose is to scatter the stars across the
sky, burn the dreams of mortals, and prevent hope from
kindling. The fell-beyonders balance the cycle of hope
and fear while within GrymmWorld. Villains can be rea-
soned with, friends can be made with monsters, but the
fell are themselves the enemies of all. They are the antith-
esis of everything GrymmWorld stands for, unraveling
20
the realm’s stories and corrupting its people. If ever there
will be an end to GrymmWorld, it is certainly to be by
their hands.
There is no ecology to the fell-beyonders. Wherever stag-
nation and entropy can be found, so too can the fell-be-
yonders. The creatures appear as if from thin air, provided
access to the world whenever the Narrador’s stories fail
to hold cohesion. Their presence is marked by an unnat-
ural pallor that infests both creature and land alike. This
malaise gives off an overwhelming sense of wrongness. It
is an infectious scar that marks those the fell encounter,
threatening to eradicate all the beauty of GrymmWorld.
Even the most begrudging and stubborn creatures of
GrymmWorld will set aside their differences to face the
fell-beyonders, or aid those who seek to oppose them.

Fell-Beyonders & The Narrador
The fell-beyonders and the Narrador are implacable en-
emies. As one of the few godlike beings to survive the
coming of the fell-beyonders, the Narrador was well
placed to oppose them once they had come into existence.
This conflict takes place in story and song. So long as the
tales of GrymmWorld continue to be told, the entropic
decay of the fell-beyonders is held at bay. However, this
balance must be kept by the titanic efforts of both the
Narrador and the characters in its story. Those who break
down the patterns of storytelling and fail to collaborate
with the mysterious entity, provide an opportunity for
fell-beyonders to appear. While the Narrador hates the
creatures of the fell with an undying passion, they accept
their manifestation as a consequence of failed storytelling
and degradation of GrymmWorld’s narrative. This inter-
action is known as the Grymmening, the details of which
can be found in Chapter 4.
Fell-Beyonder Template
Those of twisted body and alien mind are easily suscep-
tible to the corruption of the fell, becoming unique and
dangerous fell-beyonders in their own right. The process
by which one becomes a fell-beyonder is not known, but
few doubt it to be one of the darkest fates to ever befall a
living being. When a creature’s body assumes the night-
mare form of a fell-beyonder, it gains the fell-beyonder
template. Only aberrations can become fell-beyonders,
which retain their statistics except as described below.
Damage Resistances. The creature becomes resistant
to psychic damage, as well as bludgeoning, slashing, and
piercing from nonmagical weapons.
21
chapter one: tales told at twilight
Condition Immunities. The creature becomes immune
to the charmed condition.
Languages. The creature learns the language Fell-Tongue
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating in-
creases by 2, and its proficiency bonus adjusts accordingly.
Traits
The creature gains the following traits.
Entropic Emotion. The fell-beyond is affiliated with
a specific emotion which it uses to influence other crea-
tures. These emotions are always highly destructive to
non-fell-beyonders and exude from the creature in a 60
ft. radius sphere. When the creature gains this template, it
chooses a single emotion from the options below, causing
the following effects within the area.
• Anguish. Creatures of the fell-beyonder’s choice
in the affected area cannot communicate verbally
or produce spells with verbal components, instead
emitting cries of anguish whenever they try to
speak.
• Dejection. Creatures of the fell-beyonder’s choice
in the affected area cannot be considered friendly
toward other creatures and cannot target creatures
other than the fell-beyonder with attacks, spells, or
abilities.
• Doubt. Creatures of the fell-beyonder’s choice
in the affected area doubt their every action and
movement. They move at half speed and cannot take
bonus actions or reactions.
• Indifference. When creatures of the fell-beyonder’s
choice in the affected area rolls a 16 or higher on an
attack roll, saving throw, or ability check, it instead
rolls a 15.
chapter one: tales told at twilight
Gift of the Fell. The creature no longer needs to eat,
drink, sleep, or breath to survive. Additionally, the creature
has advantage on saving throws against spells and magical
effects.
Actions na inspire madness of unparalleled depravity. Those afflict-
The creature gains the following actions:
Fell-Touch. If the creature has the Multiattack feature,
it can forgo making one or more of the attacks it makes
with that feature to instead make an attack with its Fell-
Touch. This attack is a melee weapon or spell attack with
a range equal to the creature’s farthest reach. On a suc-
cessful hit, this attack deals 3 (1d6) psychic damage, plus
an additional 3 (1d6) psychic damage equal to its profi-
ciency bonus. Additionally, on a successful hit, the tar-
get’s senses are reduced to 30 ft., and it is blinded beyond
that radius.
Known Fell-Beyonders
While the forms of the fell-beyonders are seemingly infinite,
a few notable specimens have made enough regular appear-
ances to be given a special name and title by the people
Fell-Murdona
Large aberration, neutral evil
Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 199 (21d10 + 84)
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 13 (+1) 19 (+4) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 26 (+8)
Saving Throws Dex +6, Wis +7, Cha +13
Skills Deception +13, Insight +7, Persuasion +13, Stealth +11
Damage Resistances psychic; bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical weapons
Condition Immunities charmed, unconscious
Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Fell-tongue, telepathy 120 ft.
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP)
TRAITS
Ecstasy of Agony. When a creature under the effects of a spell
produced by the fell-murdona deals damage to a creature other
than the fell-murdona, the fell-murdona regains hit points equal
to half the damage dealt (rounded down to a minimum of 1).
Innate Spellcasting (Psionics). The fell-murdona’s innate
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 21). It can
innately cast the following spells, requiring no components.
At will: dispel magic, sending, suggestion, telekinesis
3/day: dimension door, mass suggestion, pass without trace,
sleep (9th Level)
1/day: dominate monster, dream, plane shift (self only)
Manipulative Mind. The fell-murdona has advantage on
Constitution saving throws to maintain concentration and can
concentrate simultaneously on up to two effects at a time.
22
of GrymmWorld. These fearsome foes are among the
strongest of their kind, capable of wreaking titanic havoc.
Fell-Murdona
The discordant, umbral whispers of the twisted fell-murdo-
ed commit crimes against the order of all things, shattering
peace and prosperity and leading the world to chaos. Stories
are told of powerful beings who direct the fell-murdona
through the concourse of dreams and into the very hearts of
kings, turning their minds to volatile dust blown about by the
winds of impending change. Appearing as a dark, human-
oid-shaped cloud, the fell-murdona’s form contains a pair of
red eyes shining as bright as stars, burning with malice.
Fell-Tormentão
The Bull from Beyond the Abyss. Breaker of Souls. Heroes’
Bane. Legend tells of a creature of chaos wreathed in an
entanglement of shadow, light, ice, and fire. Standing on
four giant-sized, leg-like appendages, this fell-beyonder is
said to shatter cities with its mighty tread. Known as the
fell-tormentão, this juggernaut of hate and malice seeks
to break the strongholds, bastions, and safe havens of the
Whispers of Corruption. When the fell-murdona affects or
speaks to a creature with a spell it has cast, it can immediately
take a bonus action to force that creature to succeed on a
DC 21 Wisdom saving throw or have its mind become
infected with the fell. The fell-murdona can communicate
telepathically with the creature across any distance if it is on
the same plane of existence as the fell-murdona. At the end of
each month, the creature can repeat this saving throw, ending
the effect on a success.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The fell-murdona makes three claw attacks.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one creature.
Hit: 23 (4d8 + 5) psychic damage.
Entropic Word (Recharge 5–6). The fell-murdona speaks a
single word of pure entropy. Each creature that can hear the
fell-murdona within 120 feet cannot be immune to the charmed
condition and has disadvantage on Wisdom saving throws for
1 minute. A creature can end this effect early by choosing to
willingly act according to the fell-murdona’s desires until the
start of the fell-murdona’s next turn.
REACTIONS
Dream-Step. When the fell-murdona takes damage from a
creature, it can use its reaction to magically teleport itself to an
unoccupied space adjacent to a creature affected by a spell cast by
it, as long as that creature is on the same plane of existence.

free peoples. They exist to demolish hearth and home. They
appear on the horizon, charge down all before them, and
leave nothing but rubble in their wake.
Fell-Ordalius
A mineshaft full of withered corpses, their faces contorted
in abject terror. A vile cult torn apart by ferocious infight-
ing and violent paranoia. These scenes and similar events
of mass hysteria are the hallmark of the fell-ordalius, an
unseen force that drives souls into a self-destructive down-
ward spiral of fear and desperation. An invisible threat of
a diabolical nature, the fell-ordalius is the voice of doubt
in the back of one’s mind, the gnawing fear that eats at the
heart of every creature with hopes and dreams. A formless
being of smoke and fear, the fell-ordalius’s presence is felt
long before it is perceived as it stalks its victims. It never
makes a sound, a silent witness to the madness it inspires
in all who encounter it.
Fell-Tormentão
Gargantuan aberration, neutral evil
Armor Class 21 (natural armor)
Hit Points 292 (15d20 + 135)
Speed 60 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
28 (+9) 11 (+0) 28 (+9) 6 (-2) 18 (+4) 12 (+1)
Skills Perception +9
Saving Throws Str +14, Wis +9, Cha +6
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from
nonmagical weapons
Condition Immunities charmed, unconscious
Senses blindsight 120 ft., passive Perception 19
Languages Fell-tongue
Challenge 16 (15,000 XP)
TRAITS which lasts until the start of its next turn. When a creature or
Aura of Hopelessness. At the start of each of the fell-
tormentão’s turns, each creature within 120 feet of it must
succeed on a DC 17 Charisma saving throw or be unable to
experience any emotion other than hopelessness for 10 minutes.
An affected creature cannot act in a manner that would harm or
impede the fell-tormentão and cannot take reactions. At the end
of each affected creature’s turn, it can repeat the saving throw,
ending the effect on a success. If the fell-tormentão damages the
creature, the effect ends. If a creature’s saving throw is successful
or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the fell-
tormentão’s Aura of Hopelessness for the next 24 hours.
Charge. If the fell-tormentão moves at least 30 feet straight
toward a target and then hits it with a gore attack on the same
turn, the target takes an extra 45 (10d8) bludgeoning damage.
If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 22 Strength
saving throw or be knocked prone.
Demolisher. On each of its turns, the fell-tormentão can spend
20 feet of movement (no action required) to deal 40 points of
bludgeoning damage to an object not being worn or carried, or a
structure within 5 feet of it.
23
chapter one: tales told at twilight
Fell-Ahng’el
Guilt eaters, deathrattlers, and worldbenders are all names
that describe the fearsome entities known as the fell-ahng’els.
These creatures are the manifestations of an unknown
god dying an eternal death within the realms of the un-
earthly twilight. As this god’s mind rots and decays, the
death throes of its vast intelligence manifest in reality as
the fell-ahng’els. These creatures are beings of limited ex-
istence with short life spans, for which the mortal realms
should be immensely thankful. However, there are legends
of one who has always walked, the Ahng’el Prime, the first
thought of the unknown god. Ahng’els sculpt reality into
an unsolvable labyrinthian maze, locking creatures with-
in a prison of their own shame. Many an adventurer has
found themselves lost upon a path forged by a fell-ahng’el,
creating a disturbing and twisted echo of divine creation
once performed by its progenitor.
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If a fell-tormentão fails a
saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
ACTIONS
Rampage. The fell-tormentão takes the Dash action and makes
a single attack, or makes three attacks.
Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 45 (8d8 + 9) piercing damage.
Stomp. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 0 ft., each target
beneath the fell-tormentão. Hit: 25 (3d10 + 9) bludgeoning
damage.
Stone Cloud (Recharge 6). The fell-tormentão releases a cloud
of petrifying dust in a 15-foot-radius sphere centered on it,
objects not being worn or carried enters the area for the first
time on a turn or starts its turn there, it must succeed on a DC
17 Constitution saving throw or be turned to stone and petrified.
On a successful saving throw, a creature is instead restrained for
1 minute.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
The fell-tormentão can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from
the options below. The fell-tormentão regains spent legendary
actions at the start of its turn.
Antimagic Sheath (Costs 3 Actions). Until the end of its next
turn, the fell-tormentão is immune to spells and magical effects
of 7th level or lower.
Dash. The fell-tormentão takes the dash action.
Gore. The fell-tormentão makes a gore attack.
Stomp. The fell-tormentão makes a stomp attack.
chapter one: tales told at twilight
Regional Effects
The area around a fell-ahng’el is twisted into a labyrinthi-
an maze composed of the structures, objects, and terrain
within the area. This effect occurs within 1 mile of the
fell-ahng’el when it finishes a long rest, causes the follow-
ing effects, and the fell-ahng’el is immune to these effects.
• The area is a disorienting maze of twisting corners,
dead ends, and endless spirals. Creatures attempting
to travel through the area must succeed on a DC 22
Wisdom (Survival) ability check or become lost for
1 hour, making no progress and be unable to find
its bearings. Additionally, creatures flying above the
area cannot perceive any clear landmarks, creatures,
or other points of significance within the area;
everything appears as a maddening mass of twisted
shapes and impossible geometry. This effect does not
New Condition: Crippling Shame
A fell-ahng’el can inflict other creatures with
debilitating levels of shame, which is a unique
condition measured in six levels. An effect can give
a creature one or more levels of crippling shame as
specified in the effect’s description.
Level Effect
1 Disadvantage on attack rolls
Cannot willingly accept help or be targeted
2 ordalius and lasts until the fell-ordalius ends the effect as a
by spells, actions, or abilities from allies
3 Deals half damage
4 Cannot take reactions
5 Falls prone and cannot stand up
If the creature believes it is being seen by
another creature, it must take the Dash action
and move out of sight by the fastest possible
6
route on each of its turns. If there is nowhere
to move, the creature becomes incapacitated
until it believes it is no longer being seen.
If a creature suffering from crippling shame suffers
another effect that causes crippling shame, its current
level of crippling shame increases by the amount
specified in the effect’s description.
A creature suffers the effect of its current level of
crippling shame as well as all lower levels. For example,
a creature suffering two levels of crippling shame
cannot willingly accept help or be targeted by spells,
actions, or abilities from allies and has disadvantage on
attack rolls. attack roll or ability check, it instead rolls a 5.
Levels of crippling shame cannot be removed while
a creature is within an area affected by a fell-ahng’el’s
regional effects. Twenty-four hours after a creature
leaves an area affected by a fell-ahng’el, it loses all levels
of crippling shame and the condition ends.
24
interfere with the functionality of anything (such as
buildings or the properties of stone) within the area,
but it warps dimensional space and perception that
is impossible to rationalize.
Fell-Ordalius
Small aberration, neutral evil
Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 162 (25d6 + 75)
Speed fly 40 ft. (hover)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
1 (-5) 22 (+6) 16 (+3) 8 (-1) 25 (+7) 10 (+0)
Saving Throws Dex +12, Int +5, Wis +13
Skills Insight +13, Perception +13, Stealth +12
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained,
stunned, unconscious
Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 23
Languages Fell-tongue
Challenge 17 (18,000 XP)
TRAITS
Invisibility. The fell-ordalius is invisible.
Living Nightmare. As a bonus action, the fell-ordalius can
emit a cloud of hallucinogenic fumes in a 60-foot-radius
sphere centered on it. The sphere moves with the fell-
bonus action.
When a creature enters the area for the first time on
its turn or starts its turn there, it must succeed on a DC
21 Constitution saving throw or begin to hallucinate for
as long as it remains within the area. While hallucinating,
the creature is frightened of everything it can perceive
(including sounds, sensations, and objects). This lasts until
the effect ends for the creature or it ends its turn outside
the effect’s area. A creature that spends 1 continuous
minute frightened by this effect immediately dies of
fright. Once a creature has succeeded on a saving throw
against this effect, it is immune to the fell-ordalius’s Living
Nightmare for 24 hours.
Shroud Form. The fell-ordalius can enter a hostile
creature’s space and stop there. It can move through a space
as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.
ACTIONS
Instill Doubt. The fell-ordalius inflicts a creature it can see
within 60 feet with crippling doubt. Until the start of its
next turn, when the creature would roll a 6 or higher on an
Violent Paranoia. The fell-ordalius deals 21 (6d6) psychic
damage to each frightened creature within 120 feet of it. If
an affected creature is not aware of the fell-ordalius, it must
succeed on a DC 21 Wisdom saving throw or attribute the
effect to the nearest creature it can perceive.

• When a creature finishes a rest within the area, it
must succeed on a DC 22 Wisdom saving throw.
On a failure, it becomes increasingly ashamed of
its behavior, gaining a level of crippling shame (see
the sidebar of the same name for details).
If the fell-ahng’el is slain, these effects fade over the course
of 8 hours.
Fell-Entropia
The most terrible of the fell-beyonders and the primary
manifestation of their heinous infection, the being known
as a fell-entropia is the only fell-beyonder to display any
kind of personality alongside the hateful malevolence of
its kin. This being seeks to unmake GrymmWorld down
to its core, seeking to ensnare disaffected Grymm with
Fell-ahng’el
Medium aberration, neutral evil
Armor Class 16
Hit Points 221 (26d8 + 104)
Speed 30 ft., fly 30 ft. (hover)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 18 (+4) 19 (+4) 20 (+5) 17 (+3) 26 (+8)
Saving Throws Con +10, Int +11, Wis +9
Skills History +17, Perception +21
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical weapons
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened,
grappled, petrified, prone
Senses tremorsense 1 mile (blind beyond this radius),
passive Perception 31
Languages Fell-tongue, telepathy 1 mile
Challenge 18 (20,000 XP)
TRAITS ability check.
Immortal Essence. When the fell-ahng’el is reduced to 0 hit
points and there is a creature within range of its telepathy that
has one or more levels of crippling shame, it is instead reduced
to 1 hit point and a creature of the ahng’el’s choice within range
of its telepathy loses one level of crippling shame.
Innate Spellcasting1. The fell-ahng’el is a 20th-level spellcaster.
Its innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 22, +14
to hit on spell attacks). It can innately cast the following spells
requiring no components, and does not need to concentrate to
maintain a spell’s effects for the duration:
At will: arcane lock, knock, mind spike (5th level),
passwall, wall of stone
2/day each: guards and wards, glyph of warding,
mental prison, symbol
1/day each: imprisonment, maze
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). When the fell-ahng’el fails a
saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
1 Some of the spells presented here can be found in the official 5E supplement, XGE.
25
chapter one: tales told at twilight
promises of power and dark whispers. The fell entropia’s
body is a mass of roiling oil congealed into a humanoid
shape, its lower half forming a column reminiscent of a
noblewoman’s dress. Its limbs drip with foul corruption,
while were a face would be, only a void remains. When the
creature speaks, its words echo with overwhelming mal-
ice that chills the soul. The fell-entropia lairs in the fetid
depths beneath the great Spire. None have challenged it
and lived, with its existence being a dark secret held by
Prometerra’s most ancient and wise beings. It is said that
if one can court the favor of all GrymmWorld’s Questing
Beasts, then the fell-entropia’s annihilation will soon fol-
low. Until this great day comes, most of Prometerra sleeps
under a blessed veil of ignorance, unaware of the full scope
of the fell-beyonder’s horror lying below.
ACTIONS
Multispell. The ahng’el casts two spells, only one of which can
target an enemy creature.
Dispersion (1/Day). Each creature of the ahng’el’s choice
within 300 feet of it must succeed on a DC 22 Charisma saving
throw or be magically teleported to an unoccupied space of the
ahng’el’s choice within 1 mile of it. No two creatures teleported
in this manner may appear within 100 feet of each other.
Empathic Link. The fell-ahng’el establishes an empathic link
with a creature within range of its telepathy. Until the empathic
link ends, the ahng’el feels all the emotions the target feels, the
target is always considered within range of the ahng’el’s spells,
and the target has disadvantage on saving throws against the
ahng’el. The target can use an action on its turn to attempt to
break the link by succeeding on a DC 22 Wisdom (Insight)
The ahng’el can only have a single empathic link established
at a time, and the effect ends immediately if an affected target
leaves the range of the ahng’el’s telepathy.
Mercy Killing. Melee Spell Attack: +14 to hit, one creature with
six levels of crippling shame, reach 5 ft. Hit: the target dies.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
The fell-ahng’el can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at
a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The ahng’el
regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Empathic Link (Costs 2 Actions). The fell-ahng’el uses its
Empathic Link.
Mind Spike. The fell-ahng’el casts mind spike.
Passwall. The fell-ahng’el casts passwall and moves up to its speed.
chapter one: tales told at twilight

Fell-entropia
Huge aberration, neutral evil

Armor Class 23 (natural armor)
Hit Points 850 (63d12 + 441)
Speed 40 ft., swim 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
29 (+9) 11 (+0) 25 (+7) 21 (+5) 27 (+8) 19 (+4)
Saving Throws Dex +9, Con +16, Int +14, Cha +13
Skills History +14, Insight +17, Perception +17, Persuasion +22
Damage Resistances psychic; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, stunned,
unconscious
Senses truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 32
Languages Fell-tongue, telepathy 1 mile
Challenge 30 (155,000 XP)
TRAITS fell-entropia’s choice, equal to the amount expended. A target
Entropic Feedback. When the fell-entropia takes damage,
record that damage, which represents a pool of power the
creature gains from feeding on destructive force. This effect is
cumulative, allowing the fell-entropia to pool a maximum of
300 damage. Any pooled damage is lost when the fell-entropia
finishes a short or long rest.
Infesting Presence. The fell-entropia’s physical form extends
far beyond the realm of perception, which can be felt in a 60 ft.
radius sphere centered on it, passing through solid barriers. The
fell-entropia is considered to be occupying this space, though it
suffers no penalties for sharing this space with other creatures.
Creatures in the affected area cannot have cover from the fell-
entropia and are always considered to be within reach of the
creature.
Mythic Resistance. When the fell-entropia fails a saving throw,
it can expend an unspent legendary action to succeed instead.
ACTIONS Curse of the Fell (Costs 2 Actions). The fell-entropia afflicts
Multiattack. The entropia makes four attacks. It can forgo
making two attacks in this manner to instead take one other
action.
Antimagic Ray. Ranged Spell Attack: +17 to hit, range 300 ft.,
one creature. Hit: one spell or magical effect currently affecting
the target ends. If an affected spell is 7th level or higher, they can
attempt a DC 25 Charisma saving throw, preventing the spell
from ending on a success.
Nether Tendril. Melee Weapon Attack: +18 to hit, reach 60 ft.,
one target. Hit: 20 (2d10 + 9) bludgeoning damage and 14 (4d6)
necrotic damage. If the target was a creature, it must succeed
on a DC 25 Constitution saving throw or have it its hit point
maximum reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken.
Mantle of Fell Power (Recharge 5–6). The fell-entropia
shrouds itself in a shield of power for 1 minute, expending a
number of damage from its pool via its Entropic Feedback
feature. The fell-entropia gains a number of temporary hit
points equal to half the damage expended (rounded down)
and while it has temporary hit points in this manner, it gains
a fly speed equal to its walking speed and is immune to
critical hits.
Touch of Annihilation (Recharge 5–6). Melee Weapon Attack:
+18 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: the fell-entropia expends
a number of damage from its pool via its Entropic Feedback
feature and the target takes necrotic or psychic damage, the
reduced to zero hit points from this feature is reduced to ash.
Void Bomb. The fell-entropia hurls a blast of energy at a
point it can see within 120 ft., which then explodes in a 30 ft.
radius sphere. When it does so, the fell-entropia must expend
a number of damage from its pool via its Entropic Feedback
feature. Each creature in the affected area must succeed on
a DC 25 Dexterity saving throw or take necrotic or psychic
damage, the fell-entropia’s choice, equal to the amount
expended, or half as much on a success.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
The fell-entropia can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time
and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The fell-entropia
regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Strike. The fell-entropia makes a single Antimagic Ray or
Void Tendril Attack.
a creature it can see within 60 ft. with malevolent magic. The
target must succeed on a DC 25 Charisma saving throw or be
permanently cursed. While cursed, when a creature makes a
successful attack roll, or succeeds on a saving throw or ability
check, it takes 13 (3d8) force damage.
Traverse the Cosmos (Costs 2 Actions). The fell-entropia
magically teleports to an unoccupied space it has seen before on
any plane of existence.
Touch of Annihilation (Recharge 5–6). The fell-entropia uses
or recharges its Touch of Annihilation action.

26
 CHAPTER TWO
Playing IN
GrymmWorld Walking the Perilous Path
T O MAXIMIZE ENJOYMENT in a GrymmWorld
campaign, Players must first create their character.
Creating a character that belongs in this realm of whim-
sy and shadow is a different process than typical character
Player Characters & The Narrador
Unless a DM has chosen to forgo playing the role of
Narrador in your campaign, PCs will be exploring this
special relationship in both character creation and play.
creation. By creating a PC for this setting, Players open
themselves up to a new realm of possibilities. They are
unique, noticed and acted upon by the Narrador in a va-
riety of ways as detailed in Chapter 4. These story signif-
icant heroes have been selected to collaboratively uncov-
er, discover, and author the stories that will become their
GrymmWorld campaign – an experience wholly different
V eterans of 5th Edition are used to having
than standard 5th Edition play. GrymmWorld encourages
you to let your imagination run wild with an enormous
latitude given to character aesthetics and function. This
chapter exists to help Players do that and should be read by
anyone looking to get the most from their GrymmWorld
experience. Here you will find unique tools, new rules, and
helpful suggestions about how to take a character’s story to
the next level and write a new chapter in a dark fairy tale
all your own.
GrymmWorld & Standard Play
Character creation in GrymmWorld is an adventure of
both self-exploration and mutual enrichment. Rigid rules
about character creation are replaced with more personal
and creative methods of character design. This approach
allows Players to take ownership of the canon and my-
thology of GrymmWorld, which has been left deliberate-
ly malleable so to be sculpted through play. Despite the
originality found within GrymmWorld, the spirit of 5th
Edition is still found everywhere, it’s just taken a new form
appropriate for the setting. Characters still portray fantas-
tic and whimsical creatures based on touchstones from
many generations of stories. Likewise, Player Characters
will still have many familiar elements, such as character
class and Background. However, learning these additional
options specific to the setting will enrich play and embed
characters into the world, interfacing wondrously with its
many fictional aspects.
27
Behind The Curtain:
Why is the DM Influencing my Character?
almost complete autonomy over their character.
Depending on how much your DM is exploring the
Narrador rules and tools found within this book, you
may find the Player Character capacities somewhat
reduced in GrymmWorld. Wait! Before you write off
this change in dynamics as something you’d rather
avoid, consider its merits. Have you ever asked your
DM to do more with your character’s backstory?
Perhaps you’ve discussed the merits of writing your
character’s ambition into an upcoming session. Maybe
you’ve even dreamt of playing out a flamboyant
romance, but haven’t figured out how to broach the
topic with your DM. These new rules and tools are here
to help with that, all without leaving the in-character
narrative of the game. This campaign setting exists
to help tell more involved stories at the game table,
a process that is extremely difficult to do without
collaboration between the author of the narrative (the
DM), and the characters which explore it (the Players).
By baking this relationship into a set of mechanics and
tools, a social contract is created which allows both
parties to act with greater confidence and safety. That
isn’t to say there won’t be problems! Your DM likely
needs a few sessions to learn how to run the Narrador
effectively, and you in turn will probably need a session
or two to get used to the idea of the DM directly
nudging your character’s story. Give it a chance and
you may be surprised how well it goes! Even if it’s
not your style, most things are worth trying once, and
maybe you’ll feel equipped to recommend it to a friend
looking for those experiences.
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
In some regards, both are bound by the same rules of the
game and the physics of the fictional space they cohabi-
tate. More narrative control and authority is handed to the
Narrador as the steward of stories, which in turn allows
the DM greater influence over the PCs. However, it is the
duty of the Narrador to collaborate with Players and their
characters, not overrule their agency and seize control of
the narrative. A GrymmWorld adventure is a collaborative
effort – a mutual exploration of the story potential found
within characters brough to life by the Player’s imagination.
The Player must engage directly with the Narrador in
a dynamic which can take many forms. They may ply the
Narrador for guidance, as one would beseech a benefactor
for support. They could be confronted by the Narrador in
ways that explore their character’s darkest fears or deep-
est desires, a serious prospect with heavy implications.
28
The Narrador is not inherently cruel, but not all stories are
pleasant ones. Players may contend with adversarial, benev-
olent, mischievous, mournful, romantic, or inexplicable acts
from the Narrador, guided by a mutual interest in telling a
story they could never tell alone. Through conflict resolu-
tion, the Narrador provides opportunities for PCs to receive
new character features and enhancements, while leaning
away from these challenges can make for poor storytelling.
Getting into Character
Because of the meta nature of the Narrador, Players may
be unclear as to how to engage the DM’s Narrador charac-
ter. While it is rare the PCs will have a chance to converse
with the Narrador directly, they can still respond to its in-
fluences. All of GrymmWorld knows of the existence of

the Narrador and has accepted their role as characters in
its stories. As surely as the sun rises or the tide recedes, the
Narrador weaves tales, and all GrymmWorld plays a part.
The PCs serve a leading role in this narrative and there
is an expectation the Player Characters consent to this
role. They aren’t puppets dancing to the Narrador’s strings,
rather actors improvising a script.
Whenever the Narrador enters a story, it is under the
guise of a special narrative Mask the dictates what type
of story the day’s adventure will bring. The details of the
Narrador and the four Masks it can wear are detailed in
Chapter 4. The PCs should be aware of whatever Mask the
Narrador is wearing and the implications that may have
on the road ahead. Think of this interaction as a clear and
easily understood omen that sets the tone for that stage of
the campaign. This interaction can be explored in a variety
of in game scenarios. Each Mask has a list of features and
tools which influence play, as detailed in Chapter 4, which
the PCs will learn to anticipate and lean into when adven-
turing in GrymmWorld.
While in character, Players are encouraged to speak in
the first person as their characters (outside of outlining
mechanical actions such rolling dice). Players and DMs
tend to know when they are in character by either speak-
ing in a persona or explicitly describing their character’s
actions and dialogue. In turn, the Narrador can commu-
nicate in character through its many mediums, immersing
the entire table in the moment-to-moment play. The goal
is to surface from this narrative ocean as infrequently as
possible, an experience which will dramatically improve as
your group’s experience with GrymmWorld grows.
Out of Character
Because this is a game, Players may need to dissociate from
time to time and refrain from in-character conversations.
This is acceptable only so long as it is necessary. If a ques-
tion about the story or mechanics could have been an-
swered within the narrative of the game, then that is the
preferred way to do so. For example, if as a Player you are
unclear what a description of a room entailed, instead of
asking the DM to repeat the description, speak in-charac-
ter as though you were confused by what you heard! While
this breaks the fourth wall a bit, the Narrador exists to test
the limits of this boundary and is well equipped to handle
those situations.
The Meta-Game
It is important for Players and DMs to establish the intent
of actions taken by characters in the campaign are clear to
everyone and how these actions contribute to the collective
story. As mentioned above, there is a certain degree of me-
ta-knowledge that is exchanged back and forth between
the DM and the Players. The Narrador has the ability to
reveal elements and structures of the game (bending, or
even breaking the fourth wall) while also bringing Player-
driven story elements to life. The Narrador will adjust the
29
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
mechanics and systems of the adventure to facilitate an ex-
perience the Players are interested in exploring with their
characters. This ability to tailor to a group’s preferences
should not be seen as pandering or lacking in integrity,
as the goal is to explore the full potential of a narrative
by giving everyone at the table a chance to write a piece
of the script. The Narrador maintains the authority to ad-
just difficulty and design of combat, exploration, and so-
cial encounters based on the toolset provided in Chapter
4. Within these moments there is room for the meta to
shift by the Player’s hands, so long as they understand the
systems which govern them. The Players have the duty to
lean into these systems and make decisions that drive the
story to their desired outcome.
Examples of the Meta
T
here’s a number of ways the meta game can play
out in game; let’s explore a specific example.
Players are exploring a dangerous track of land in
GrymmWorld and know that there is potential for a
deadly combat ahead, thanks to their Narrador wearing
the persona of Rustam, the Mask of battle. The players
are feeling nervous about gambling their survival with
a 50-50 chance and so in character they inquire if
“Rustam expects them to risk everything without even
knowing what lies ahead?”, a not so subtle request for
the DM to provide an opportunity to learn more about
the prospective battle. The Narrador has many tools to
address this question and does so by introducing a hunt-
er NPC with knowledge of the road ahead. However,
this the Mask of Rustam we are talking to and combat
is that persona’s bread and butter. The hunter may re-
quest aid in putting down a dangerous, rabid animal in
return for their expertise, or challenge a member of the
party to a sporting duel. If the Players refuse to engage
with the Narrador’s creation or likewise lean away from
a tale of battle and hardship, the Narrador gains a drama
die, the implications of which are explored in Chapter
4. This symbolizes the Players consenting to negate the
current story direction in favor of drama further down
the line. Should the Players make the most of this story
driven opportunity, the Narrador paints a reasonable
portrait of the conflict ahead, facilitated by the Players
desire to shape and clarify the narrative.
Recognizing the Narrador’s Masks
While revealing all the Narrador’s tricks and tools is
undesirable, it is important to note how PCs know and
understand the Narrador within GrymmWorld. This un-
derstanding will grow and change over the course of a
campaign as the PCs are exposed to more and more of the
Narrador’s abilities, though everyone starts with some level
of understanding as to what this entity is and how it works.
The Narrador is an innate part of every great story within
GrymmWorld, and as adventurers destined for greatness,
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
the PCs would do well to learn all they can. PCs new to
GrymmWorld can be expected to understand the follow-
ing facets of the Narrador. This information will help the
Players better understand what kind of adventure they are
embarking upon and how to get into character in a way
which makes use of this knowledge.
Masks
The Narrador is a single entity divided into four different
personas, each of which is obsessed with crafting different
types of tales. Each Mask exerts powerful influences on the
people and places of GrymmWorld, the signs of which can
be observed by any caught up in their stories. The Narrador
can change Masks at any time according to its whims,
though it never does so without an interest of telling a story.
Like chapters in a book, the Narrador can dance between
scenarios, themes, and characters, influencing the land of
GrymmWorld with its reality warping powers. The four dif-
ferent Masks and their influences are explored below.
Rustam. Rustam, the Mask of battle, longs for tales of
blood, glory, and honor. When violence becomes the domi-
nant form of conflict resolution, it is Rustam’s hand that drives
that influences. PCs caught in a tale woven by Rustam can
expect hardship, glory, bloodshed, and honor to be themes
in their adventure. Rustam visits hardships upon those who
seek resolutions through peace, intrigue, or subtler means.
Eudoxia. The Mask of intrigue and mystery, Eudoxia
believes in tales of wonder, suspense, and the unknown.
When GrymmWorld is filled with the inexplicable and
fascinating, it is because the personality of Eudoxia has tak-
en center stage. PCs sharing in a story woven by Eudoxia
can expect many mysteries, puzzles, and conspiracies on
the road ahead. The burdens of Eudoxia come when PCs
fail to express curiosity or cleverness, or worse, engage in
acts of wanton destruction and violence.
Daphne. When compassion and empathy take center
stage with PCs, it is because the Narrador has donned the
Mask of Daphne. This facet of the Narrador’s personality
revels in drama that can only result from close personal
bonds. PCs feeling her influence find that starting rela-
tionships, understanding others, and dramatic social en-
counters are the best way to resolve conflict. Daphne in-
flicts burdens upon those who see no value in exploring the
joys of knowing others or forming meaningful connections
with the people around them.
Gangesha. When the journey outshines the destination,
it is because the Narrador wears the Mask of Gangesha.
Adventures across field and plain in search of realms un-
known are of fascination to this Mask. However, not every
journey finds one traveling to strange new lands. Some of
the greatest ventures are personal moments of self-discov-
ery; moments which Gangesha prizes for their building
of character and deepening of insight. PCs feeling his in-
fluence find their goals lurking behind nigh unassailable
peaks, across raging rivers, or between the very veils of
existence, their every limit tested in ways that defy imag-
ination. The burdens of Gangesha are felt by those who
30
take no joy in walking a strange road or see no value in the
wonders of exploration.
GrymmWorld
Player Code of Conduct
T his setting introduces new mechanics and
explores a fresh way to play. As a result, it
may create an unusual group dynamic, potentially
introducing unique problems which require clear
collaborative communication to succeed. To
help navigate these challenging situations, it is
recommended Players should adhere to a code of
conduct for as long as their game utilizes these unique
mechanics. A general code of conduct for Players is
provided below, which presents tenants in order or
priority.
1. Players before Characters. The people that are
playing the game with you are more important than
any work of fiction you craft together. While the story
is important and captures the magic of play, at the end
of the day it is not as real or important as the people
sitting next to you. Respect everyone that sits at the
table. We have different identities, cultures, personal-
ities, and are all very different. Don’t deprive yourself
the opportunity to tell tales together by failing to
respect this.
2. Share the spotlight. As a Player, make sure each
person has the opportunity to use their character, high-
lighting their part in the grand tale of GrymmWorld.
You are here to collaborate, not dominate.
3. Give the Narrador the benefit of the doubt. There
may come a time when we find ourselves at odds with
the DM. In order to persist and proceed through
the game, we must defer to their narrative authority
and allow them to set the pace. Their job is tough, so
assume the best of the DMs intentions.
4. Appropriately communicate issues. Talking about
problems is challenging, and not every session and
scene will play perfectly. While we might not be able
to discuss them in the moment, we want to make sure
that everyone has a voice and can try to adjust the
gameplay as needed, it is why we introduced alternate
mechanics to common encounters.
5. Accept the roots, the rose, and the thorns of every
session. Games are curious things. They give us the
ability to feel many different emotions, sensations,
and the play experience can carry on for a long time.
Some parts of the game are beautiful, others are a
messy foundation on which the future stands, and
some parts are difficult and painful. By accepting that
not every session need be wholly committed to fun, we
can explore other emotions such as sadness, anger, and
love through play. Commit to persisting through the
campaign until the time comes to close.

Creating Characters:
The Character Path
GrymmWorld is inspired by dark fairytale story aesthetics
and surreal fantasy characters. The campaign setting uses
innovative narrative-control mechanics that lead to peril-
ous tales told at twilight. This means a standard 5th Edition
character is ill-suited to make full use of GrymmWorld’s
many wonders. This section exists to help Players break
standard fantasy tropes and explore how to build charac-
ters that capture the essence of GrymmWorld. Known as
the Character Path, this character creation tool replaces
several elements found in 5th Edition character genera-
tion and is strongly recommended for those who wish to
explore the full potential lurking within the setting. The
Character Path features role-playing guidance for tack-
ling every pillar of play and how to engage with the story
types found in GrymmWorld. With it, a Player will be
empowered to create thematically appropriate adventurers
that possess wondrous and evocative descriptors impacting
in-game mechanics and abilities.
Getting Started
At the heart of GrymmWorld are its characters, center-
stage in tales woven by the Narrador. Creating a charac-
ter in Grymm-World is a unique process unlike any a 5th
Edition Player has experienced before. While the result
has the same mechanical characteristics of a traditional
character, the path you must walk to get there is unique.
GrymmWorld Player Characters possess the same game
statistics and motivations as traditional characters in 5th
Edition fantasy roleplaying, but the process is unique be-
cause it focuses on the discovery and individuality of your
creation. Following the character path provides the visu-
al characteristics, distinctive game features, and unique
31
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
superlatives that provide the mechanical edge during
encounters. The Character Path includes the following
ordered steps, discussed in more detail below:
1. Physical Identity
2. Heritage
3. Superlative Traits
4. Character Backgrounds
5. Class
The next sections define these mechanics in more detail.
The Path in Action: Part 1 – Over the course of this docu-
ment we are going to provide an example of a Player Character
created using the Character Path. These examples will provide
context and instruction for how the Path works. Follow along to
see how a character is built in GrymmWorld.
An example character being created via this system is Sir
Salvatore de Rolander. Salvatore is descended from the frog folk
of Tadfen Bog - a most peculiar sort. He served as a knight,
before he was designated a PC by the Narrador. He is lawful in
that he serves a code before serving himself or other individuals.
As part of this concept we need to capture his aesthetic as a
dashing frog knight, so we decide that he will be slightly rotund,
have a magnificent mustache, move in a graceful manner, pos-
sess a powerful voice, and can be generally considered by those
around him to be honorable. As we move through this chapter
we are going to select different options from our list to describe
exactly how we capture this character using the system at hand.
If the options don’t line up one to one with what we find on the
list, we can always converse with our DM and either make a
compromise or find the closest match. In these situations, gener-
ally take the rule of cool, while taking note of the consequences.
Behind The Curtain:
What Gets Replaced
G rymmWorld replaces the traditional method of
assigning a race as you would according to the
standard game of fifth edition. The first reason is a dis-
putation amongst the origin of fantastical creatures and
the conflicting myths that exist to the world. The second
reason is to break away from the restrictive design phi-
losophy that the capability of a character is limited by
race and that every member would have a shared, uni-
form culture. It is my personal philosophy that empow-
ering the player to describe and explore their identity in
game is paramount to achieving the intended experi-
ence. Modern media portrays diverse creatures in a kind
and compassionate light that celebrates their differences
as well as similarities. Authorship of GrymmWorld is
shared between me as designer and all those that play
in the world. To that end, some of what constitutes of
the people of GrymmWorld and their nature is left
deliberately ambiguous or unclear. My hope is that you
can fill these voids with your own vision of what these
peoples and cultures look and act like, informed by the
general guidelines in this section. The end result will be
a GrymmWorld all your own, facilitated by a collabora-
tive process between me and you.
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
Physical Identity
Physical Identity refers to a character’s body type, facial fea-
tures, vocal quality, and the mood you feel as you observe
their mannerisms. These qualities are purely cosmetic and
define the Player Character’s aesthetic through descriptive
language. Physical Identity impacts the player’s description
of your character and how they manifest in the world around
them, the details of which are found later in this section.
Physical Identity Example – We previously
described the physicality of Salvatore. The magic of
the game is that we are not limited to the tables, but
they act as a good starting point. I move through the
list and I pick the word that matches best on every
column of the table. I want to pick the word that
embodies the stature, motion, and general vibe that
my character gives off. Salvatore comes together by
finding the closest approximation.  diversity), Duenden (the Magic infused fey folk
Part of the power of this system is to allow you
to look aesthetically however you desire while
providing some direction and description to help
the other players imagine how you look in game.
Make decisions that help the other players imagine
how you look as accurately as possible. If role-
playing games are played out through the medium
of conversation, the physical qualities and aesthetic
chart help you communicate and articulate the
appearance and sound of your character.
Behind The Curtain: Family Lines
T here is no rule in GrymmWorld that one must
share a heritage in order to be members of the
same family. Siblings could come from different her-
itages, but everyone is a Grymm and Grymm do not
even fully understand the nature of their own history.
If you want to be a tree person and have a bunch of
frog babies, you may. This is a world of whimsical
magic and strange happenings, which has seen far
stranger than that. The important thing is that you are
consistent in this as well as accepting the opposite.
There could be a family of wolves. There could be a
tribe of mushrooms. There could be an entire nation
of tin soldiers. Consider your exploration of heritage
as an opportunity of collaborating with your DM, the
first step toward forming a strong storytelling bond.
Mixed parentage and families that break the norms
are completely okay in this setting. These are social
relationships, unbound from the restrictive elements
of concepts such as biology or genetics.
Heritage
Heritage is the ancestry and lineage of the character.
GrymmWorld is full of many unusual and strange peo-
ples who do not adhere to typical biological or fantasy
conventions. The traditions and blessings of these people
are made manifest within your Player Character through
32
the selection of traits, abilities, and powers associated with
your individual heritage. Heritage replaces the Racial
Traits that existed in the core 5th edition system. With
it you can tailor the bonuses to the type of character you
want to play, unlocking a huge diversity of character builds
that feel satisfying to play across a variety of story types.
The details of heritage are found later in this section.
Heritage Example – Out of the available heritage
options, I begin by ruling out the options that don’t
necessarily apply to my character or what I envision.
He is not an awakened object or automata, so I
would not select Máquin. Likewise, he is very clearly
made out of flesh and not vegetation so I would also
rule out Folhan. This leaves Espertan, those most
closely associated with humankind (folks that resem-
ble you and me, in all of our beautiful and wonderful
from fairy stories), or Feran (those similar to animal
wildlife that we find in nature, the other citizens of
our planet that come in all sorts of shapes ,sizes, and
biological diversity). There is no rule that says I have
to pick one over the other, but my feeling is Feran
would allow me to lean into the unique anatomy of a
frog person and all the charm that comes with that.
However, the other options are just as valid. Aesthet-
ic is typically non-mechanical, and it’s important to
consider that just because someone looks like a frog
doesn’t mean their parents are frogs.
Superlative Traits
Superlatives Traits are descriptive adjectives that identify
your character’s innate aptitude towards certain abilities.
These descriptors are an expression of the fantastical abilities
of Player Characters that separate them from the ordinary
and mundane. Superlative Traits manifest through an in-
crease in your Ability Scores that are associated with the trait.
Superlative Example – Superlatives answer how we
would describe the invisible qualities of your character
and more so what they are known for accomplishing.
In the case of our example character, we want to
choose both the word that describes him most
accurately, as well as what ability scores we want the
additional competency in.
Mechanically these boosts are going to raise your ability
scores. In the fiction, these are the qualities that are used
to describe what people know you for. We tie legendary
wisdom, speed, and charm to the individual. Consider
both the mechanical and fictional consequences of the
choices you make here in character creation.
Character Backgrounds
Character Background describes the community and role
that the Player Character played within that community
before they began the life of an adventurer. It determines
the geographical location the Player Character comes from.
These character aspects determine what Proficiencies will

be available to your Player Character as part of the char-
acter creation process and what background features will
be included. They also inform your Personality Trait, Ideal,
Bond, and Flaw.
Background Example – It is very easy to go with the
Rolander background for a character like Salvatore but
I think it’s important to discuss why we chose it as a
background and not as the foreground class. To be a
Rolander is to have been raised a knight, it is going to
shape Salvatore as far as mannerisms, culture, etiquette,
and social expectations. It may have a bearing on his
current alignment.
Your selection of background may reveal from which
region of GrymmWorld your character began to
acquire their foundation. Witches, wardens, knights,
merchants, and more all have shared locations
where these backgrounds are common. Consider the
geographical origin of your character and how they
may or may not have acquired their skills in that locale.
Class
Class refers to the traditional 5th Edition character class of
your Player Character. While other aspects of your charac-
ter will change, this is the aspect that is impacted through
Character Advancement over the course of play and often
informs the role you will be playing within a party.
GrymmWorld also contains a number of unique sub-
classes specific to the setting, the details of which are
found later in this chapter:
The Fell-Blade Primal Path Barbarian. Powerful war-
riors fueled by the nightmares that wander the veins of
chaos that course beneath the earth’s surface. A quiet and
silent rage is channeled into terrifying might.
The College of Romance Bard. The greatest storytell-
ers that weave performative fiction into reality through
song, dance, and story. The arcane infused romances and
epic poetry they perform preserves the record of the peo-
ple and their deeds.
The Ascension Domain Cleric. The harbingers of the
new pantheons, these divine servants seek to bring the
gods back to GrymmWorld. They can shape the divine
and to speak the languages found in heaven and hell.
The Circle of the Bones Druid. Interpreters of the an-
cient fate stones of the world, this order holds power over
fortune rocks and the stars themselves. They honor the
spirit of the earth and answer the call of adventure to
preserve, protect, and heal the planet.
The Iconslayer Fighter. Wherever there are tyrants and
hellions that need dispatching, an Iconslayer will rise to
attack and dethrone the gods themselves if called upon.
Iconslayers shift the balance of power away from the status
quo to a revolutionary force, for better or for worse.
The Way of the Hidden Doors Monk. Trained in the
sacred arts of heaven, hell, and the elemental magic of the
outer realms, this monastic order fights with the fury of
demons, the justice of angels, and with the raw power of
33
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
the fabric of the universe against the shadow. The monas-
tic tradition has been passed between the Grymm of the
planet and extraplanar visitors since the arrival of the Spire.
The Oath of Persistence Paladin. Exemplary and stead-
fast, these noble characters exist to see stories through
from start to finish, attempting to be the paragon of choice
throughout their lives. They take the hefty oath of endur-
ance, to bear the burden of the narratives through and
through.
The Fleetfoot Ranger. The eyes and ears of what hap-
pens on and off the road, these agents of industry make
their way across the continent sharing and spreading
the news of what is occurring around every region. The
Fleetfoot is an expert at closing the distance with a target,
as well as navigating the treacherous trails and perilous
pathways of Prometerra.
The Speculator Rogue. These scoundrels embrace li-
quidity in the market, the schemes of the learned and
foolish alike, and the attempt to seize every opportunity
and capitalize on it to make a fortune! A Speculator keeps
track of the market-rate for everything. They have insight
into the economy of every locale and can often find ways
to make every gamble a chance for enormous profit.
The Serpent-Seen Sorcerer. The Great Sea Serpent has
set its eyes upon your soul and has prepared you for your
part in the great tale of GrymmWorld. Harnessing innate
and strange magic, your naga heart has granted you gifts
beyond that of your peers and has separated you from so-
ciety. You are considered by many a natural genius and part
of a private fellowship should you choose.
Behind The Curtain:
Player Creativity Leads to Investment
W
hen Players are given the opportunity to
manifest their creativity, the real magic happens.
Over the years I’ve run games that featured golden orcs
practicing magic by day and pub crawling by night. I’ve
witnessed dwarves teaching monastic traditions to their
children over the course of many centuries and gallant
elves with blades flashing brightly as they ride their
steadfast horses gallantly through the desert sands. I
have seen a lowly goblin raise invincible armies all to
earn the love of their favorite medusa. These stories
were all beautiful in their own way, and they couldn’t
have happened without Players driving the story.
I am a fan of breaking traditional tropes and looking
at fiction through a new lens and a fresh perspective.
In GrymmWorld you are empowered to create the
character that you want to play. The Character Path
allows you to build your PC in alignment with your
unique and individual vision. You will discover a
wondrous soul that evokes the imagination. The guided
self-selecting approach to character creation facilitates
this process. Through play, you will watch the character
grow and develop over time through a variety of story
types; it all begins with the path.
chapter two: playing in grymmworld

The Pact of the Spire Warlock. The world has been
pierced and wounded by the fell-Spire, but you have heard
its call and embraced the power from beyond time and
space. The end of the world is the beginning of the surre-
al, and you are the tool by which all things can be made
known.
The Riddlemancy Tradition Wizard. The learned and
wise practitioners of magic hold the secrets to puzzles,
traps, and colossal conundrums! They are the riddlers,
with power and efficiency to solve any problem and cre-
ate a whole new set of mind traps to confound those that
would attempt to overthrow their plots and plans.
Physical Identity
Physical Identity distinguishes characters from one anoth-
er. It provides aid when describing your character, informs
roleplay opportunities, and it points directionally to the
mood your character establishes. There are four character-
istics that make up your Physical Identity: body type, facial
features, voice, and manner. During character creation, de-
scribe each of these aspects, choose from the list below, or
roll randomly. These descriptors are purely cosmetic but are
deliberately distinct to facilitate a more fairy-tale style form
of character where exaggerated traits are commonplace.

PHYSICAL IDENTITY
BODY TYPE FACIAL FEATURES VOICE MANNER
1 brawny elegant ears strong adventurous
2 lean bright eyes milquetoast affable
3 portly weathered-skin deep capable
4 wiry magnificent beard flowery charming
5 delicate tusked teeth pressed confident
6 plump bushy eyebrows melodious conscientious
7 statuesque thoroughly haggard raspy & quick cultured
8 petite dainty nose dead & toneless dependable
9 svelte gleaming white teeth brittle discreet
10 compact lush lips silvery dutiful
11 big bow lips raucous & croaky encouraging
12 portly narrow smoky & appealing exuberant
13 towering heart-shaped quiet & gentle fair
14 burly catlike wobbly fearless
15 willowy wolfish husky gregarious
16 barrel-chested high forehead penetrating helpful
17 heavy-set broad forehead grating humble
18 thick prominent brow hoarse imaginative
19 beefy sharp cheekbones shrill impartial
20 pot-bellied hollow cheeks flat independent
21 slender chiseled jaw honeyed keen
22 bulky sculpted cheeks nasal meticulous
23 stout luminous hair sonorous observant
24 brawny magnificent moustache wheezy optimistic
25 long-legged spiky hair rough persistent
26 gangling dimple in chin dulcet precise
27 chubby facial stubble full-tones reliable
28 lanky hawk-like nose airy sociable
29 coltish long eyelashes croaky trusting
30 lissome wide-eyed gravely valiant

34
 chapter two: playing in grymmworld

The Path in Action: Part 2 – Grant begins to make a maintained. Today he lives in Pigton, just south of the
GrymmWorld character. He envisions a stocky, but graceful, Witchwood. He works as a postal carrier both in town and
sword master. He chooses the stocky body type and a well-man- beyond, with an ear open for good stories. When asked
icured mustache – an iconic swashbuckler. He decides to give about his horns, he says it’s kind of funny none of his sib-
the character a honeyed voice, pleasing to the ear, like a great lings had them.
poet or orator He decides the manner his character projects to
the world is a valiant one, when his character shows up, people
know that he is a person of courage and resolve. He identifies
the character as masculine, chooses he/him/his pronouns, and
names the character Salvatore.

Heritage

Heritage connects the Player Character to a family lineage

and creates a connection to their ancestors. Player charac-
ters come from all realms of humanity, but the genealogy
is clear that there are five distinct branches that flow from
the tree:
• Espertan (humankind) • Folhan (arbor-kind)
• Duenden (faerie-folk) • Máquin (automata)
• Feran (beast-kin)

Espertan
Espertan consists of all human-shaped lifeforms in their
various heights, weights, genders, and cultures. They are in-
credibly diverse, even amongst the Grymm, and are by far its
most common people. Each possesses flesh, blood, and bone
that is consistent with a typical bipedal humanoid. Some
have pointed ears, others are bright green, a few sport mag-
nificent facial hair and small stature, but all are Espertan.
While an Espertan might resemble a race from other fan-
tasy worlds, this connection is merely a cosmic coincident.
Espertan, it is important to note that they are still Grymm,
and recognize their commonality with other Grymms re-
gardless of heritage, ancestry, lineage, or appearance.
History. The Espertan people are descended from the
shattered fragments of GrymmWorld’s olden gods. Their
looks, mannerisms, and culture are all that remains of these
ancient powers. However, each Espertan is said to carry a
divine potential within them, a chance to tap into their di-
vine potential and remind the realm of what it has forgot-
ten. As the youngest race on GrymmWorld’s surface, the
Espertan often have the most to prove. Their divine ances-
try is a heavy burden to bear and many Espertan struggle
to realize the extraordinary potential within them.
In 5th edition terms, all typical fantasy humanoids are
fitting as Espertan, so long as they are made of flesh and
bone. This category is based around skill and proficiency,
fabricating things, and adaption to the world rather than
accepting your part in it. Humans, elves, dwarves, halflings,
orcs, and more all might share similar creation myths that
would lead them to be an Espertan.
Example. Tobias is a blue-skinned pencil thin man with
a pair of goat horns on top of his head and the handsome
features of a professional actor. He spent most of his life
working as a grocer till a famine hit and he was forced to
pick up and move on from the desolate homestead he once
Duenden
Faerie-folk of GrymmWorld have grown from a differ-
ent branch. They have an innate connection to the natural
world and often adopt an elemental quality that reveals
their parentage. Some literally walked out of the stone, de-
scended from the sky, swam out of the water, or were born
from the fire. The Duenden are both part of the planet
and outside it, at least as far as the natural human mind is
able to comprehend. Their origin is GrymmWorld itself,
birthed from the plane by geological movements, growing
flora, or natural phenomena.
History. If Espertan are the natural humanoids of
GrymmWorld, Duenden would be considered the super-
natural. Aasimar, eladrin, gnomes, elementals, tieflings,
and more all share a similar pedigree that ties them to the
unique fabric of GrymmWorld. Some were pulled into
existence when the Spire pierced the world, while others
emerged from the ether by will of their own. Others are
visitors from beyond, having stepped through portals as
enigmatic immigrants searching for a new life.
Example. Oslo Stone would call himself a dwarf though
he does not like a lot of the connotations that come with
that word. His people are of the stone, literally, and it runs
through their veins and hardens their hands. Gifted in
earthen magic, Oslo views himself as an expert of both

35
chapter two: playing in grymmworld

the natural world and the supernatural beyond. He feels

that if the creation myth is to be believed, all folk are fey
even if they do not identify as such. Therefore, they should
be respected as a being of the Earth. He doesn’t disrespect
their own beliefs however he must live his own truth in his
own life for stone people are stubborn at least it is said of
them and he heard that once.

Feran
Beast-kin are people who resemble the animal creatures of
the world. They can often be found in their native habitats,
but some travel far and wide across GrymmWorld. Their
gifts are natural extensions to aid in wilderness survival, de-
fend themselves from predators, and hunt prey. Feran are no
more aggressive, wild, or unmannered in their behavior than
the other Grymm, and it should be balanced that they are
unique creatures despite the fantastical appearance.
History. Some animals just want to put on a pair of
pants and go to work. There are a few who know when
that first started happening, but as with all things, they
came into being after the Spire pierced the planet. Most
of the Feran came out of the swamp or walked out of the
woods. Some were found amongst the deserts or the caves.
We do know for a fact that despite their beast like biology
and appearance, that the Feran share the same tempera-
ment, grace, and beauty as all the other Grymm. Many
believe they did not come into being until the old gods
died. Others say that the Feran created the physical hosts
for the old gods and had been playing their game from the
shadows for a long while.
Example. Alvin Turnwheel is a handsome wolf carriage
driver who works for tips on top of his day rate. His wife,
Alicia Gastra is a lovely snail girl, with many antennae
probing about, she stares at the sky and dreams from her
home amongst the deserts of Desaly.
Folhan
Folhan are plant-like people, awakened flora that come in
all varieties. They are born from the literal earth and can
be found in any environment where flowers bloom, trees
stand tall, or shrubs rustle in the wind. The oldest records
that exist in the world were written by the Folhan and they
are among the few that hear the hidden tones of the earth.
Folhan are not unfeeling, are capable of deep passions, and
can be as sensitive as any creature. They are not made of
flesh; they are of the earth itself.
History. The plant people only awakened as far as we can
tell, at the end of the great war. It is they who protected the
planet from the fell. There is no history of them before, oth-
er than that they were planted, and they grew. They them-
selves do not speak many words about it. There aren’t many
direct 5th Edition equivalents, but it’s not uncommon to
find foliage folk in past editions of the game, let alone in
fairy tale history.
Example. Belladonna Bloodgood grew right out of the
ivy, the roses themselves coming to life to bring her into
existence. Her trunk is hardwood and she stands much
taller than the rest. Her willow branch gown touches the
floor of her home, the humid swamps of the Tadfen Bog.
She is the local schoolteacher, but most of her pupils skip
class. She is however quite fond of the few that attend.
You’ve heard it said she is courting Peter pumpkin head
but if you ask her, she is pretty emphatic that he is not her
type. She likes a plant with thick roots that run deep and
Peter is a gourd of ill repute.

Máquin
The Máquin are a people born of creativity, crafted and forg-
ed by intelligent minds and set out to determine their futures.

36

Each is a sentient being
that experiences emo-
tions as acute as any be-
ing of flesh and blood, and can
express themselves as artfully as any
poet. Máquin are unique and just a
bit different than the other Grymm
as they are intelligent constructs
that possess a life and sentience
of their own. They are not con-
sidered artificial though, and
it is important that they select
pronouns, identify as they please,
and possess personalities unique
to themselves.
History. These awakened ob-
jects and effigies of Grymm-
World are the eldest and quite
possibly the only true survivors of the
time before the Spire. They originat-
ed as far as north can go. It is in
the North that the great soci-
ety lived before the end times
brought by the Spire. Some of
the rumors and creation myths about
them surround the source of their intelligence; some claim
this source was those who fell when the Spire first crashed.
Example. Cog Tock is a clockwork street vendor who
was built entirely out of gears, metal, and what looks like
very clean pots and pans. His neighbor, Elvyra Corn, is
a loudmouthed scarecrow who travels from door to door
shouting the news each morning.
It is said there are other folk that journey through
GrymmWorld, strange travelers that have traveled from
beyond and have made their way to the land of fairy tales
and story books. It is likely that there are other lineages as
well, waiting for their tales to be told.
Heritage Traits
As part of the Character Path, you select two Heritage
Traits that are based on your Heritage, the benefits of
which are detailed below.
HERITAGE
ESPERTAN DUENDEN FERAN
Dead-eye Accuracy Darkness Darling Beast Friend
Iron-Fortitude Elemental Resistance Combat Instinct
Press the Attack Elemental Spindle Keen Sense
Shadow Friend Innate Glamour Natural Armor
Specialist Mischievous Mage Natural Weapons
Uncanny Arcanist Nimbleness Swiftness
37
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
Espertan
Dead Eye Accuracy. Once per turn, when you make a
ranged attack and have advantage on the attack roll, you
can add your proficiency bonus to the damage roll.
Iron-Fortitude. When you take the Dodge action while
in combat, you can expend and roll one of your Hit Dice.
When you do so, you regain hit points equal to the amount
rolled.
Press the Attack. As a bonus action, you can move up to
your speed toward an enemy of your choice that you can
see or hear. You must end this movement closer to the en-
emy than you started.
Shadow-Friend. You can attempt to hide from a crea-
ture while you are lightly obscured from it. Additionally,
dim light does not impose disadvantage on your Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Specialist. Choose a Skill in which you have proficiency,
your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you
make that uses that Skill.
Uncanny Arcanist. You learn two Wizard cantrips and
one 1st-level spell from the Wizard Spell list. Your
spellcasting modifier for these spells is Intelligence. Once
you have cast the 1st-level spell once, you cannot cast it
again until you finish a long rest.
Duenden
Darkness Darling. You gain Darkvision out to a range of
60 ft. and Blindsight out to 5 ft.
Elemental Resistance. Choose a damage type: acid, cold,
fire, lightning, or thunder. You gain resistance to the cho-
sen damage type.
Elemental Spindle. You can cast the druidcraft cantrip
at will. Additionally, choose one of the following cantrips:
control flames, gust, or mold earth. You can cast that cantrip
at will. Your spellcasting ability for these cantrips is either
Wisdom, Intelligence, or Charisma (your choice).
Glamour Weave. When a creature you can see attempts
a saving throw against a spell you cast from the divination,
enchantment, or illusion schools, you can use your reaction
to impose disadvantage on the saving throw.
Mischief Mage. As a reaction when you are attacked by
a creature you can see, you can cast a spell with a casting
time of an action that target’s only that creature. Once you
FOLHAN MÁQUIN
Durability Bulwark
Garden Walker Chaos Core
Grow Hidden Program
Nature’s Wrath Memory-Bank
Tol Prepared
World Essence Unblinking
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
have used this feature, you must finish a long rest before
you can use it again.
Nimbleness. You gain a climbing speed equal to half your
walking speed (rounded up). Additionally, your movement
is not impaired by non-magical difficult terrain.
Feran
Beast Friend. You can cast find familiar, animal messenger,
and animal friendship. Once you have cast a spell in this
manner, you cannot cast that spell again until you finish
a long rest. You use Wisdom, Intelligence, or Charisma
(your choice) as your spellcasting modifier for these spells.
Combat Instinct. Once per turn when you roll damage
for a melee weapon attack, you can reroll the weapon’s dam-
age dice and use either result.
Keen Senses. You gain advantage on Wisdom (Per-
ception) checks. Additionally, you can take the Search
action as a bonus action.
Natural Armor. Your skin is extra tough. When you would
add your Dexterity modifier to your AC and are not wear-
ing armor, you may instead add your Constitution modifier.
Natural Weapons. You have claws and teeth that can
be used to make ferocious unarmed strikes. An unarmed
strike made in this manner deals 1d4 piercing or slash-
ing damage (your choice) plus your Strength or Dexterity
modifier (your choice).
Swiftness. Your walking speed increases by 10 feet. Add-
itionally, when you take the Dash action, attacks against
you have disadvantage until the end of your turn.
Folhan
Durability. When you take damage, you can use your reac-
tion to brace yourself and reduce the damage by 3.
Garden-walker. You can move through living plant
creatures and objects as though they were difficult terrain.
You take 1d10 force damage if you end your turn inside
such an object.
Grow. As an action, you can increase your size by one
category for 1 minute. For the duration, any equipment you
are holding or wearing magically increases in size to accom-
modate your new form. While your size is increased in this
manner, you have advantage on attack rolls, Strength ability
checks, and Strength saving throws. Once you have used this
feature you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.
Nature’s Wrath. For one minute you deal an additional
1d4 damage on all weapon damage rolls.
Tol. You count as one size larger when determining your
carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
World Essence. As an action, you can touch a creature
and cause it to regain a number of hit points equal to your
level. Once you use this trait, you cannot use it again until
you finish a long rest.
Máquin
Bulwark. When you finish a long rest, you gain temporary
hit points equal to your character level. These hit points
last until you finish a short or long rest.
38
Chaos Core. When you deal acid, cold, fire, lightning,
radiant, or thunder damage, you roll 1d6. The damage you
dealt changes to the type determined by the roll, as de-
tailed in the Chaos Core table below.
CHAOS CORE DAMAGE
1D6 DAMAGE TYPE
1 Acid
2 Cold
3 Fire
4 Lightning
5 Radiant
6 Thunder
Hidden Programing. While you remain motionless you
are indistinguishable from an object resembling yourself
(such as a statue, scarecrow, tin man, etc), betraying no
signs of life.
Memory Bank. When you expend a spell slot of 8th level
or lower or use a class feature that has a limited number
of uses that can only be regained by finishing a long rest,
you can take a reaction to gain a special spell slot of that
level or an additional use of that feature. These benefits are
lost when you finish a long rest. Once you have used the
Memory Bank feature, you must finish a long rest before
you can use it again.
Prepared. You are proficient in the following tools:
Healing Kit, Forgery Kit, Climber’s Kit, and Thieves’ Tools.
Unblinking. You do not require sleep, food, water, and
are immune to disease.
The Path in Action: Part 3 – Grant thinks through the heri-
tage of the character he is building: Salvatore the valiant, stout,
honey-voiced sword master with the magnificent moustache. He
decides that Salvatore is a Feran and is descended from amphib-
ious frog-folk. He chooses Beast Friend and learns find familiar,
animal messenger, and animal friendship. He selects Charisma
as his spell casting modifier. For his second Feran trait he chooses
Combat Instincts, allowing him to reroll Salvatore’s melee
weapon damage dice and choose either result. Grant now pictures
Salvatore as having bulging eyes, slick green skin, but still a beau-
tiful voice and brilliant moustache. Salvatore makes full use of his
connection to the animal world, utilizing messengers and often
keeps a fox as a familiar. Salvatore also feels his way through
combat instinctually, landing precise and damaging blows.
Superlative Traits
No two creatures are identical in their ability. They are dis-
tinguished by their physical and mental Superlative Traits.
Superlative Traits ascribe to the Player Characters the abil-
ities in which they have a natural talent. Player Characters
choose one ability that has a Superior Trait and a different
ability that has an Improved Trait from the list below.

SUPERLATIVE TRAITS
ABILITY SUPERIOR TRAIT (+2) IMPROVED TRAIT (+1)
Strength Mighty Strong
Dexterity Nimble Dexterous
Constitution Iron-Willed Resolved
Intelligence Genius Intelligent
Wisdom Sagely Wise
Charisma Magnetic Charismatic
The Path in Action: Part 4 – Grant now gets to choose his
Superlative Traits for Salvatore, the valiant Feran. Grant selects
Charisma and Strength, deciding that Salvatore is known
for being Magnetic and Strong (his Superior and Improved
traits). Grant notes that Salvatore will gain +2 to his Charisma
Ability Score and +1 to his Strength Ability Score.
Behind The Curtain:
Breaking Tropes
I am a firm believer that we can break the idea of fan-
tasy tropes tied to Race as a Player Character element.
I believe we can replace this game element with a robust
and diverse system that celebrates unique culture and
character diversity. The removal of elements from the 5th
Edition SRD requires replacement with a system that
provides players with the same palette of traits that Race
provided. It is my goal to integrate a system that remains
faithful to the core game while leaning heavily into the
fairy tale genre. This system empowers game masters and
players to enhance the local mythology that is created
together at the table and do it under their own terms.
The idea of Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, and the like varies
greatly based on who is telling the story and I leave it to
the friends sitting around the table to use their agency to
frame their Player Characters’ place in the world.
Character Backgrounds
Player Characters had lives that helped shape them into
who they are. This was a preparatory state before they be-
came adventurers. They were members of communities,
they learned trades, they developed skills and proficiencies
that can be utilized in the exploration and discovery of the
wider world around them.
The Character Backgrounds of GrymmWorld provide
a foundation in the fantastic. These elements both inform
and identify the heart of a character. They answer questions
about what is close and dear to them. Backgrounds pro-
vide opportunities to characterize adventurers in line with
fairy tale themes and motifs. You can portray wandering
knights, wide-eyed youths, skillful artisans, and come to
sense the wondrous and extraordinary world around you.
39
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
Arborean
You know the secrets of the Witchwood. You were a keeper
of mysteries from the time before the world ended. You are
the lawgiver. You are the curse speaker. You know which trails
are safe to travel and which are completely forbidden. But
that was a past time. The future time involves guiding souls
that seek out stories. The Narrador has returned and only
a warden of the wood can be relied upon for such an task.
Proficiencies. Insight, Religion
Languages. Two of your choice
Equipment. Warden uniform and insignia of rank.
Warden whistle to alert others of your presence
Keeper of the Peace. You can locate what areas are more
peaceful and which are fraught with unrest. This is a gener-
al intuition and usually correct. You know the name of the
nearest location where people would gather to drink and
spots where they would lurk in order to avoid everyone.
Bayounne
You are from a simpler place in the world, the brackish
bayous of the Tadfen Bog. Navigating waterways and
identifying objects is your forte. You can repurpose any
discarded object that you find into something more use-
ful and practical. You perfectly understand the hidden
languages spoken by the still sleeping plants and one-
track mind of beasts of the fields. After mastering the
rivers, the time has come for you to see the world. Time
to take the stories that are found throughout it and col-
lect and help them be used to create something new.
Proficiencies. Navigator’s tools, vehicles (water)
Languages. Understands animals, though they cannot
understand you
Equipment. Net, water-resistant traveling suit, and a
crafting tool of your choice
Something Old, Something New. Provided you have
tools and adequate time, you can repurpose or refinish dis-
carded equipment into improvised weaponry or armor. You
can make a shield or a javelin. You may also create a work
of art or any other improvised object based on consulting
and conversing with your Dungeon Master but limited to
the quality and supply of debris available.
Clergy
Garbed simply in white linen and carrying blue fire lanterns
that ward away the unholy, Clergy of the shining lake look
to their leaders for advice and comfort in harrowing times.
They know what came before better than most and much
of what may yet come to pass. Every member of the clergy
learns lost languages and secrets that are best left unspoken.
Proficiencies. History, Religion
Languages. Brilhagan, Highspeak
Equipment. Ceremonial attire, sacred emblems
True to the Faith. You can find access to nearly any re-
ligious structure given your knowledge of various religious
practices and customs. You may not be accepted as a mem-
ber of the group, but they will give you admission in hopes
of either conversion or capture.
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
Composer
There are many composers and musicians, but you were the
virtuoso among your peers for a time. You learned to play,
either through formal training or self-education, and there
are people who are familiar with your music and lyrics.
Proficiencies. Performance, History, a musical instru-
ment of your choice
Languages. High Eastspeak
Equipment. An instrument of your choice, an object to
collect donations, a transcribed collection of finished
compositions, and performance attire
Life of the Party. The music you create is on the lips of
most fashion circles and when it isn’t, you are notorious for
introducing people to your strange new sounds. At social
gatherings you are a master of setting the mood. When
you perform ya song on an instrument, or in a method
in which you are proficient, people will gather, stop, and
listen. You will have the opportunity to hold the room’s
undivided attention for a few moments.
Courtier
To be a member of the court is a great honor in the land of
waterfalls, Cachoeira. It is a great place to be as you adorn
yourself with all the semblance of importance while trans-
porting the gossip of the day and correspondence between
many members of the Royal House. The politics Cachoeira
are well known by you as are the names of many important
individuals, many of whom may prove advantageous to be-
friend, especially those above your station.
Proficiencies. Insight, Persuasion
Languages. Two of your choice
Equipment. Fine clothing. Signet ring of function
Oh ho ho! You are an expert in courtly functions, bu-
reaucracies, and politics. You can assess and wheedle your
way into any governmental station as you understand how
these things work. Typically, those outside of Cachoeira
look up to the Royal Government and are willing to take
advice from someone distinguished and learned.
Delver
Alas, the great and abandoned north of Labirinto! Your
home forgotten, and your life lived under the infinite stars
and everlasting night. You are a keen friend of darkness
with an elegant eye for uncovering treasures. No path will
remain hidden from you for long and no door will remain
locked. How could one return to the sunlit South after
seeing such wonders and treasures in the Lost Labyrinth
above? But the time came when stories were needed. The
search for stories is the greatest scavenger hunt of all.  Proficiencies. Insight, Persuasion
Proficiencies. Investigation, Perception
Languages. Far North, Trade-talk
Equipment. Lantern. Emblem of allegiance
Known in the North. You are known and accepted by
the scavenger camps in and around Labirinto. You are ac-
customed to their ways, protocol, procedures, and they will
usually tolerate your presence and allow you to move in
and around them.
40
Gatekeeper
You were once a member of the Gate Guardians of Praia.
You know the names of every creature of the wilds, what
plants are safe to eat, how to become undetectable in the
natural world, and what weapons are most effective against
each creature. You need extraordinarily little sleep, and you
earned your place among your people. In time, story and
adventure called you by name. The guardians have prepared
you for whatever trials lay ahead.
Proficiencies. Nature, Survival
Languages. Slangerese
Equipment. Chitin-band Guardian armor to remember
your rank, natural repellant to keep parasites away, a sea-
shell from home, and a game of chance
The Earth’s Secrets. You can find your way through any
brush if given enough time. You know that nature forms a
natural path, and the trees will guide and direct you while
inside any thick wood, forest, or cave system. Only one
who has attuned to nature for great lengths of time learn
to move with the earth; guardians are masters of this.
Jack
For better or worse, you are the unlikely hero. Sometimes
more notorious and infamous, your name is spoken as both
good and ill among the people. The people know they can
trust to you to at least volunteer for any situation, whether
good or bad.
Proficiencies. Sleight of Hand, Deception, one game
of chance
Languages. Low Westspeak
Equipment. The tools of your trade, a game of chance,
a mundane object you traded too much money for, and
clothes with one distinct feature that everyone recognizes
Our Last Resort. People will turn to you when they feel
they have no other choice. Every person in town can name
at least one incident where you possibly gave offense, but
they can also name an instance where your clever ways
saved the day. This feature opens the possibility that you
will be considered as the solution to a problem.
Merchant
Those who live in the desert often have need of resources.
These resources are meant to be either stored or spent. It
is the duty of a merchant to figure out what is needed and
what it’s value. Merchants walk the sands and learn the
roads between the shifting settlements. You always know
where the next stop is and who is there, for the dunes
speak to you better than most.
Languages. Desalian, Trade-talk
Equipment. Book of standard appraisal, license to sell
How Much Does the Chicken Weigh? You are skilled
and talented in the art of approximating local values, ex-
change rates, and learning what people want. Within the
span of a few hours you will discern the supply and de-
mand of the local markets and could potentially set up
shop if you had not already left that life behind.

Miner
The highest part of the world where the air is thin, cold,
and brisk, brave souls delve against the shadows and seek
out the fabric by which the future is made. You were of
these people, it made you strong and it expanded your
lungs that the great words of the world might be sung
from the highest peaks.  Languages. Word of Law
Proficiencies. Athletics, Survival
Languages. Fell-tongue, Trade-talk
Equipment. Miner’s pick, candle
All Day, Every Day. You can travel twice the distance
or work twice as long each day before being subject to the
effects of a forced march or labor. You can fall asleep any-
where you choose, with no need for bed or pillow.
Outcast
You are the lost child, one who was born into emptiness.
The wilderness was your home and you are acquainted
with the grief of the world, but also the triumph of survival
against all odds. The earth reveals her secrets to you.
Proficiencies. Healer’s kit, Nature, Survival
Languages. Choose two
Equipment. Homemade clothes, trail
markers, compass, topographical map of
the surrounding landscape
A Light in Dark Places. When all hope
is lost, you have it within you to become
the hope that people need. You know what
it is like to be alone and have mastered dis-
ciplining your mind when times are dark and
spirits are low. You can break the morose of a
situation by telling a story, singing song, giving
a speech, or your presence.
Rolander
You are a bonded knight of the realm. You
are sworn to a code that reflects the great
and noble ideals of the world. The quest
often calls you to adventure, as there are
many stories that remain to be written.
Proficiencies. Persuasion, Religion,
Smith’s tools
Languages. Choose two, but you can
only speak in a formal and honorific
dialect
Equipment. Sign of nobility, tabard
of knighthood, and courtly clothes
Wandering Knight. You are the
subject of story, song, and legend. Your noble
mark leads others to look to you not just for
guidance but to lead the way. You are a font
of inspiration to the people and can move
them to action. You are often able
to inspire others to assist you in
daring deeds.
41
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
Sheriff
You are a peacekeeper, a servant of the people, and the line
between law and chaos. You are sometimes respected and
other times despised. You are sworn to protect and often
build relationships in every aspect of a community.
Proficiencies. Disguise kit, Investigation, Perception
Equipment. Mark of authority, uniform, lantern, and
one really cool hat
Keeper of the Peace. You are a respected authority figure
in troubled times. During great unrest, the voice of the
sheriff can either raise a mob or turn one away. Their arriv-
al will turn eyes and heads in their direction. 
Woodcutter
You are the builder of the frontier, walking the edge of law
and chaos. You know the world and the region, as well as
what it takes to keep the local economy running. These
days you may have traded your axe for armor or the arcane,
but you are more than at home when you are hard at work.
Proficiencies. Athletics, Nature, Woodcarver’s tools 
Languages. Lumberdrawl and one other
language
Equipment. Cutting blades, sharpener,
gloves, and flannel garments
All in a Day’s Work. You are a Guild Member
and Sibling of the Saw. You have access to
guild-houses and will always find a place to hang
your hat or obtain a meal assuming you are in the
boundaries of the guild.
Witch
You are wise. When you wander, the business
of your wandering is your own. You know
the mysteries above, below, and beyond this
earth. There are others like you that pos-
sess a knowledge of the hidden things. One
thing is for certain, the labels placed upon
you by outsiders mean nothing, you are only
impacted by self-imposed decisions and
those are often informed by the mysteries
that have only been revealed to a few.
Proficiencies. Alchemist’s tools ,
Arcana, Religion
Languages. Riddletongue and one
other language
Equipment. An item identifying
your coven (a hat, broom, cauldron, or
wand) and a journal
Not Good, Not Nice, But Just Right. When
a group of people come to an impasse, a witch
may always have the final say. Witches are
often asked for favors, and the payment
is those that deal with them.
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
The Path in Action: Part 5 – Grant decides that Salvatore
the frog-kin Feran is a Rolander, a wandering knight, bearing
marks of nobility. He accepts the equipment and dons the
tabard of knighthood. He recognizes that he is fluent in the
ways of the noble courts and marks that he is proficient in
Persuasion, Religion, and Smith’s tools. Grant notes that this is
a character that people will look to for guidance and leader-
ship, even if Salvatore travels the rotation of the earth and has
promises to keep.
Class
After you have completed the Character Path, choose a
character class and determine your ability scores accord-
ing to the information found in the 5th Edition Player’s
Handbook or 5th edition SRD. Once you have completed
this final step, your character is complete and ready to be-
gin adventuring!
The Path in Action: Part 6 – If you have been following the
examples in this document, together we have created Salvatore,
the stout frog-kin with the magnificent moustache and a voice
like honey. He is known for being valiant. He is descended from
the Feran beast-kin, looking completely at home in the untamed
wilderness of the game world.
He has an innate gift to commune with the beasts of the earth,
as well as enhanced melee combat abilities. He is known for his
Magnetic personality and strong build, giving him improved
Charisma and Strength. He is a noble Rolander, a wandering
knight, respected by the people of GrymmWorld who look to
him for guidance.
Grant decides to select the Paladin Class and takes the
standard equipment.
For Ability Scores Grant selects the Standard Array.
He assigns the standard array as follows:
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
15 13 12 8 10 14
Our Superlative Traits modify it to the following:
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 13 12 8 10 16
This creates potential for a strong and athletic melee attacker
who is extremely talented with social skills but might be lacking
in the sophistication of more schooled adventurers.
The Wandering Warriors
F ell-blade barbarians seldom travel in groups,
but there is a common bond between all who have
taken to stand against the shadow. A group of fell-
blades sometimes muster into a group known as a Claw.
Claws often work together to bring down larger fell
creatures or to clear out a region of other ill meaning
adversaries. Fell-blades have no homeland, but they
often leave Marks where they can communicate to
others where they have been.
42
GrymmWorld
Character Class Options
Character class embodies the tropes, archetypes, and core
game mechanics used by Player Characters within the
context of the GrymmWorld game setting. While each
traditional core character class is found within the setting,
here are some new options that are specific to this fiction-
al play space. These options are made available through a
series of new subclasses. Whether it is a divine oath, new
school of magic, martial archetype, or primal path, you are
encouraged to pursue these exciting new options.
Barbarians
While GrymmWorld does not embrace or contain the tra-
ditional sword-swinging rage infused Barbarian class you
find in sword and sorcery pulp, it does allow players to take
the role of a free person, who wanders outside the eight
regions of Prometerra, and lives by the sword and fights
against the shadow cast by the Spire. These brave souls
take it upon themselves to cleanse the planet by blade and
by flame. They are journey-folk. Barbarians, also known
as Free-Grymm, are armed and ready to stand on their
own if needed in the fight against the fell.
The Free-Grymm that stand against the fell-beyonders
walk the chaos veins that ripple throughout the earth be-
neath them. They have fused their might with the forbid-
den knowledge of the fell forces and have harnessed this
energy into a ferocious, effective, and frightening style of
combat. The Free-Grymm do not reside in any of the ma-
jor regions for too long, for they feel it is their cause to
take back the planet from the Spire that pierced the world.
Using fell-blade techniques, they have taken upon them-
selves the shadow that rises from below and use it to face
the new enemy.
“Lo, there, do the brave walk, though they do not consider
themselves brave. They consider themselves forgotten,
forsaken, and detached from this wounded earth. I
love them for who they are. They face the fell that these
bloodied lands might be healed. Their deeds shall be
remembered far beyond their living years. They may be
portrayed as ferocious, but they have a special part to play
in the stories. They are beloved by me always.”
- Rustam Crimson-Snow
Path of the Fell-Blade
Fell-blade barbarians follow the chaos veins that flow thr-
ough the earth. They let their lives and hearts become one
with the fight against the fell-beyonders. When a barbarian
who follows this path rages, the barbarian fuels their feroc-
ity with a quiet rage from the nightmares that live within
the earth and turns the nightmares against themselves.
Barbarians who draw power from the fell-beyonders
have a deeper understanding what lengths a warrior must
go to in the defense against the shadow. A fell-blade

barbarian wears tokens taken from fallen monsters so that
any villain that sees them will know the same fate may very
well follow them.
PATH OF THE FELL-BLADE
LEVEL FEATURE
3rd Darkest Heart, Fell-Infused Fury
6th Corrupt Fortitude
10th Terror from Beyond
14th Fate of the Fell-Touched
Fell-Infused Fury
At 3rd level, you unleash the power of the fell with the fury
in your soul. When you score a hit with a melee weapon
attack while raging, you can choose to channel the power
of the fell into your attack. When you do so, the target of
your attack takes an additional 1d12 necrotic damage from
the attack, and your rage immediately ends.
At 6th level, and again at 10th and 14th level, the dam-
age of this feature increases by 1d12, to a maximum of
4d12 at 14th level.
Darkest Heart
At 3rd level, the influence of the fell-beyonders can be felt
in every fiber of your being. When you roll a natural 1 on
an attack roll, saving throw, or ability check, this influence
takes hold until the start of your next turn. While influ-
enced , you can fluently speak the language of the fell-be-
yonders (Fell-Tongue), but cannot speak in any other lan-
guage. Additionally, creatures cannot consider you an ally
until the influence fades.
Corrupt Fortitude
At 6th level, when you use your Reckless Attack feature
while raging, you can choose to not gain advantage on at-
tack rolls from that feature and instead gain 1d6 tempo-
rary hit points. These temporary hit points last until your
rage ends or until you use this feature again.
At 10th level, and again at 14th level, the number of
temporary hit points you gain from this feature increases
by 1d6, to a maximum of 3d6 at 14th level.
Terror from Beyond
At 10th level, your anger is terrifying to other creatures
thanks to your close association with the fell. When you
enter a rage, each creature of your choice that you are aware
of within 30 ft. of you becomes frightened. As a reaction
when it is affected by this feature, A creature can choose to
be immune to this effect if it uses its reaction and moves as
far away from you at fastest speed by the most direct route.
Fate of the Fell-Touched
At 14th level, your blows can bestow the grim fate of
those who oppose the fell-beyonders. When you reduce a
43
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
creature or object to zero hit points, you can immediately
use a bonus action to channel the power of the fell into
the target. When you do so, the target’s form is completely
obliterated, and cannot be restored or returned to life un-
less you allow it.
Bards
GrymmWorld contains every manner of storyteller, but
those that would become true bards are marked and
taught to preserve (or create) the history of the world
through their craft. There is a renowned school of sto-
ry in the continent by which the bards are trained for-
mally, however many mentors pass this art from teacher
to pupil in apprenticeships, but some bards are natural
prodigies. The stories they create are known as romances.
While they consider themselves stewards of the fiction
of GrymmWorld, bards have also been known to meddle
with the affairs of others to bend realm’s story in a more
dramatic direction. They are the emissaries of embellish-
ment whose duty is to ensure that the story remains told
for generations to come.
Organization: The Company of Theaters
The highest order of bards in GrymmWorld will join
and become part of a grand organization known as the
Theater Company. Acceptance into such an order is the
greatest honor any bard within GrymmWorld can attain.
Troupes and bands of bards venture across the realm, hold-
ing and performing grand spectacles for entire seasons.
Membership in the company is a privilege that carries
with it certain prestige and status that other performers
may never attain. These bards are easily recognized by the
vibrant colors of their troupe. Their flamboyant patterns
are always displayed.
The Company of Theaters
Leadership: Venerable members
Membership: Huge (1,295 members): humanoids;
Duenden, Espertan, Feran, Folhan, Máquin
Alignment: Chaotic neutral
Motto: “The show must never stop!”
Resources: Costumes, instruments, scripts, playwrights
Creed: Putting on a good play requires the talents of
many artists. Craftsfolk to build the stage and props, tai-
lors to weave the costumes, musicians to orchestrate the
soundtrack, writers to pen the scrips, and actors to play the
parts. No single bard college can accommodate all these
demands, so each commit some of its finest members to
the Company of Theaters to create the greatest perfor-
mances in all of Prometerra.
The Company serves all peoples and cultures. The or-
ganization emphatically believes their arts enrich the soul
and educate the mind. Their troupes journey to the most
inaccessible, inhospitable communities in GrymmWorld
to deliver their performances. Enemies, friends, rivals, and
lovers all have a place in the audience of a Company show
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
and many a dramatic conflict has been ended thanks to
their timely performances.
Those of the College of Romance are the greatest sto-
rytellers of any age. They harness rhythm, poetry, music,
song, dance, puppetry, novels, pantomimes, theater, and all
forms of taletelling into an arcane force that runs through
the planet. These bards are either beloved or despised by
the Narrador, seen as both rival and kindred spirit. A bard
from the College of Romance is imbued with the ability
to impact chronology, memory, foreshadowing, hope, and
fear. The power of their words, whether spoken, implied, or
otherwise performed, is the very same magic that created
the world and brought all stories into being.
“Every pretty word they speak is filled with such pain,
pathos, and passion. They are the great ambassadors that
hear the call to adventure and chronicle the tales through
song and story. While some don’t trust their words, it’s
a pretty sorry storyteller that can’t tell it better than it
already happened, and no one tells it better than a bard.
Their college itself is an homage to the greatness of stories
and it might be the key to holding the world together after
it has been wounded so terribly many years ago.”
- Daphne Hallowfield
College of Romance
Bards of the College of Romance are actors and storytell-
ers without peer. They are often multi-disciplined in their
approach to performance, exhibiting mastery across many
different artistic mediums to better aid in their narratives.
These bards can be found in nearly any place they are like-
ly to obtain an audience. What good is a story without
someone to experience it? Their tales delight and enter-
tain the masses, while preserving the sanctity of story and
traditions both old and new. As a bard of the College of
Romance, it is your responsibility to craft new legends.
These stories will be told throughout the land; whispered
to children at bedtime, shared with heroes seeking hope
in their darkest hour, or lamented to heartbroken lovers in
need of commiseration.
COLLEGE OF ROMANCE
LEVEL FEATURE
3rd Sword of Story and Song
6th Teller of Tales
14th Weave the World
Sword of Story and Song
At 3rd level, you can magically infuse ordinary weapons
with dramatic purpose. As an action, you can roll one of
your bardic inspiration die and declare a weapon of your
choice within 60 ft. to be of legendary significance, granting
the weapon the following benefits for as long as you concen-
trate (as though concentrating on a spell), up to 1 minute.
44
• The weapon sheds bright light in a 20 ft. radius and
dim light 20 ft. beyond that.
• The weapon becomes magical
• When a hit is scored with the weapon, the attack
deals an additional damage die equal to your bardic
inspiration die.
Teller of Tales
At 6th level you can alter the narratives of other’s stories to
be more suitable to telling a grand tale. When a creature
you can see within 60 ft. succeeds or fails an ability check,
you can use your reaction to expend a spell slot of 1st level
of higher to imbue the result with greater story signifi-
cance. The ability check result gains the following benefits
according to the details below.
Success. The target gains a special bardic inspiration dice,
which lasts a number of hours according to the level of spell
slot expended. The die lasts 1 hour for a 1st level slot, plus
an additional hour for each spell slot level higher than 1st.
Failure. The target takes psychic damage from its failure.
The damage is equal to an amount rolled on one of your bar-
dic inspiration die for a 1st level slot, plus an additional bar-
dic inspiration die for each spell slot level higher than 1st.
Weave the World
At 14th level your performance can weave objects into ex-
istence, briefly transforming the world around you. As an
action, you can create one nonmagical item or object of
your choice in an unoccupied space on the ground within
60 feet of you, whose size cannot occupy a space larger
than a 20 ft. cube. The item must appear on a surface or in
a liquid that can support it. The object lasts until you finish
a long rest or until you dismiss it as an action.
Clerics
While the gods of GrymmWorld have fallen into obscuri-
ty, their divine power still permeates the plane, flowing into
those who still keep the faith. The clerics which remain are
the focal point of these godless cosmologies. Each possess-
es a special connection to both the gods of the past and
tomorrow. They act as preservers of what was, proliferating
faiths from an age few can remember. GrymmWorld’s cler-
ics hold deep convictions about the significance of not just
deities, but of the importance of faith as a cultural touch-
stone. In a GrymmWorld cleric’s eyes, their responsibility
is to divinely shape all that is, was, and will be. Notable
among their number is the might of clerics of the ascension
domain, who seek to bring new gods into existence and
restore GrymmWorld to its former glory.
“Those that deal in the divine are uncovering the secrets
that are designed to protect themselves. There are reasons
that the gods died and there are reasons that the new gods
are not yet born. These clerics are the bridge to bringing
them back. They are the holy warriors that would usher in
a new age of divinity if they only could uncover the truth.
 chapter two: playing in grymmworld

But why uncover the truth when you can control with a Divine Message
lie? I suppose it really only matters for your preference of At 1st level, you can invoke the power of Ascension to learn
which God you prefer to bring into existence.” the message cantrip, which does not count against your total
- Eudoxia Nightstorm cantrips known.

Ascension Domain Channel Divinity: Godspark

Ascension Domain clerics are those that have achieved a At 2nd level, as an action you can touch your holy sym-
special divine connection that grants the cleric the ability bol to a creature and use your Channel Divinity to instill
to shape the deific remnant of the forgotten cosmology that the spark of divinity within the target. The target gains
once held power over the realm. The domain also holds the divine empowerment in an ability score of your choice
key to creating new gods, aiding original deific powers to for 1 minute. During this time, when the target would
manifest across the realm. Ascension domain clerics under- roll a 9 or lower using the chosen ability score, it instead
stand the divine potential that exists in the atmosphere of rolls a 10.
the earth around them. Their purpose is to serve the new
gods, aiding in establishing new domains and portfolios in Divine Agent
GrymmWorld. Theirs is the unseen hand shaping the fu- At 6th level, your connection to the divine becomes more
ture of countless peoples. By their inscrutable judgement, acute, granting you the ability to prolong your magic.
new gods come into being; a task these clerics feel is best When you cast a cleric spell with a duration greater than
kept secret from the many who would attempt to abuse instantaneous that requires concentration, you can expend
such potential. They can be found traveling anywhere on an additional cleric spell slot equal to the spell’s level to
a mission of tremendous importance to the future of the increase the duration of the spell concentration up to 24
realm. Such a journey is long and winding, leading these hours.
clerics to adventure in search of the next god to birth.
Divine Strike
ASCENSION DOMAIN At 8th level, you gain the ability to infuse your weapon
strikes with the cosmic power of ascension. Once on each
LEVEL FEATURE of your turns when you hit a creature with a weapon at-
tack, you can cause the attack to deal an extra 1d8 radiant
Domain Spells, Bonus Proficiencies, damage to the target. When you reach 14th level, the extra
1st
Divine Message damage increases to 2d8.
2nd Channel Divinity: Godspark
Herald of a Thousand Gods
6th Divine Agent At 17th level, you gain a flying speed equal to your walking
14th Divine Strike speed whenever you are not underground or indoors.
17th Herald of a Thousand Gods
Druids
Domain Spells The natural world is a font of power that holds a special
You gain the following domain spells place with the ancient orders of Prometerra. The planet
itself is viewed as the source of living, primordial power
ASCENSION DOMAIN SPELLS wholly unique and sacred. All other beings, even deities,
are secondary to this. For this reason, those that might
CLERIC LEVEL SPELLS be called druid elsewhere are one with the essence that is
made manifest within the world. They are keen to com-
1st identify, unseen servant mand the elements, to find balance in the natural world,
3rd knock, phantasmal force and their orders contain deep knowledge and understand-
ing of the planet itself.
5th glyph of warding, magic circle These individuals form orders known as circles, with
7th banishment, locate creature the most prominent group on the plane being the Circle
of Bones. Out of the leviathan-chaos, the world was
9th creation, scrying shaped by story and the Narrador came into being. Those
that seek to preserve the bones of the old world before
1st Level Feature – Bonus Proficiencies the Narrador came and to make these bones manifest
At 1st level, you gain proficiency with Religion. If you are in the current age are part of this order. While divine
already proficient in Religion, you instead gain expertise. in nature, they worship no gods. They see themselves as
Additionally, you gain proficiency in your choice of either stewards of nature itself.
Performance or History.

45
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
“The bones are older than the world. Those that can read
the bones are part of a greater collection. To understand the
future more perfectly, we must have a mastery of the past.
The past is preserved in these ancient bones and by the bones
the future is foretold. Those that stand as part of the circle
and interpret the bones are unlocking ancient fates. They
bring history into a repetition and lead it to come full circle.”
- Gangesha Fallingleaf
Circle of Bones
Druids of the Circle of the Bones consult with the an-
cient stones, fossils, and chance rocks. They believe that
their power is derived by the sleeping stories of the earth
found within the natural artifacts of forgotten ages. They
are known as bone-readers: part archaeologist, part fortune
teller and all mysterious. They are familiar with the deep
places of GrymmWorld, many layers below the surface
where ancient terrors from forgotten eras wander.  additional bone die for each spell slot level higher than 1st.
These druids are intent on returning the world to its
natural order. They are not fond of society, seeing it as
but a footnote in the grand history of the realm. Many
say the order is tied to the bones of the world itself, their
fates and histories interwoven at every turn. These druids
know that the world itself is a living breathing organism
and possibly the only force required for GrymmWorld to
heal and overcome the Fel-Beyonder menace.
CIRCLE OF BONES
LEVEL FEATURE
2nd Ageless Might
6th Fate of the Ancients
10th Bones of Old
14th Invoke the Stone
Ageless Might
At 2nd level, you can bestow the durability of the ancients
to other creatures. You have a pool of bone dice represent-
ed by a number of d6s equal to your druid level.
As a bonus action, you can choose one creature you can
see within 120 feet of you and roll any number of your
bone dice, adding the result of the dice together. The tar-
get gains a number of temporary hit points equal to the
amount rolled, which last until either you or the target fin-
ishes a long rest (whichever comes first).
You regain all expended bone dice when you finish a
long rest.
Fate of the Ancients
At 6th level, your pool of fortune may be used to manipulate
the fate of your enemies. As a reaction, when a creature you
can see within 120 ft. takes damage, you can roll a number
of bone dice equal to half your druid level (rounded down),
adding the dice rolled together. The target number takes
additional necrotic damage equal to the amount rolled.
46
Bones of Old
At 10th level, your bones are as powerful and durable
as stone. You are immune to the paralyzed and petrified
conditions.
Additionally, when you are reduced to zero hit points
and are on the ground, you can choose to instead be re-
duced to 1 hit point and sink beneath the earth for 1 hour.
While in this state you are suspended safely 10 ft. beneath
the surface in a rocky cocoon and are incapacitated. At the
end of the duration you emerge onto the surface in the
nearest unoccupied space.
Invoke the Stone
At 14th level, as a bonus action on each of your turns you
can expend a druid spell slot of 1st level or higher to gen-
erate additional bone dice, up to your bone dice maximum.
You gain one bone die for a 1st level spell slot, plus an
Once you have used this feature a number of times equal
to your proficiency bonus, you cannot use it again until you
finish a long rest.
Fighters
Those trained in affairs of steel are honored and feared
throughout GrymmWorld. Their proficiency in weapon-
ry marks them as figures of action, violence, honor, and
ceremony. All fighters display a willingness to take up a
weapon and die gloriously in combat. What better way is
there to end up with a good story? Fighting folk became
common in realms of GrymmWorld where the people
must be defended or war waged. Even in times of peace,
their swords find purpose in culture: proliferating martial
discipline and performing acts of martial artistry to service
stories across the land.
Amongst the fighting folk are those renowned for end-
ing tyrannical reigns, defeating horrific monsters, and
standing tall against dragons. These individuals are known
as the Iconslayers, for their art is the craft of killing by
blade and by brain. They are made of the substance of leg-
ends, almost as if they are pushed to stand as both para-
gons and bane-marked in their ways.
“ You would think my counterpart who enjoys the ways
of war would speak of those that go into battle wielding
every armament imaginable. Those that wield weapons
are in fact my precious loved ones. For they stand so
diligently and watchfully. Warriors are willing to die for
those they love. I would rather they live, but the fighting
folk accept their fate as they live by the blade and are
prepared to die by its deadly edge. Many a night I have
watched a widow weep over their fallen loved ones, and
though I have no gods to pray to, I still cry out with all my
heart into the night that the fighting folk be safe and that
once again peace might come into the world.”
- Daphne Hollowfield

Iconslayer
The Iconslayer is trained to defeat the great enemies of
the earth. Such warriors are often young, reveling in the
ambition that comes with reckless youth. Others find
themselves thrust into the role by unfortunate circum-
stance, forced to defend their homes against terrific threats
with whatever means are available. To walk the path of an
Iconslayer, one must dedicate their life to the direct con-
frontation of one’s enemies. The courage to stand before
any foe, certain in one’s blade and skill, is the hallmark
of these honored fighters. With each victory their leg-
end grows, making them larger than life cultural figures
across Prometerra. Life of an Iconslayer is exceptionally
difficult. Not everyone can appreciate the call to honor-
able battle, polarizing these warriors as either heroes or
villains, depending on how one benefits from their great
deeds. Regardless of this perception, one thing is clear: an
Iconslayer is a great warrior. They may be terrible, honor-
able, glorious, or vicious, but always great.
ICONSLAYER
LEVEL FEATURE
3rd Deadly Menace, Sundering Blow
7th Spellbreaker
10th Iron Jaw
15th Undaunted and Unbowed
18th Glorious Victory
Deadly Menace
At 3rd level, you become skilled at menacing and threat-
ening your enemies. You gain proficiency in Intimidation
and if you are already proficient you instead gain expertise.
Sundering Blow
At 3rd level, you can deliver devastating strikes which
sunder the armor of your enemies. When you take the
Attack action, you can forgo making a melee weapon at-
tack to instead attempt to sunder the armor of creature
within reach, making a Strength (Athletics) check with
a DC equal to the target’s AC. On a success, the target’s
AC becomes 10 + its Dexterity modifier until the start of
your next turn.
Spellbreaker
At 7th level, your strikes can tear through the very fabric
of magic. When you take the Attack action, you can for-
go making a melee weapon attack to instead attempt to
disrupt the magic of a spell effect within reach, making a
Strength (Athletics) check with a DC equal to the spell
save DC. On a successful check, the effect becomes sup-
pressed until the end of your next turn, becoming unable
to affect any creatures until the suppression ends. On a
failure, you gain 1 level of exhaustion.
47
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
Iron Jaw
At 10th level, when you are struck by a critical hit, you
can use a reaction to take the hit with unrivaled stoicism,
transforming the hit into a normal hit.
Undaunted and Unbowed
At 15th level, you can charge gloriously into battle. In the
first round of combat you have advantage on attack rolls,
saving throws, and ability checks.
Glorious Victory
At 18th level, you can use your triumph in battle to push
you on to greater victory. When combat ends for you, you
can choose a number of creatures up to your proficiency
bonus that you can see within 60 feet. These creatures gain
tremendous strength from your victory and may choose to
instantly gain the benefits of a short rest. Once you have
used this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish
a long rest.
Monks
Monastic traditions of GrymmWorld embrace an ascetic
lifestyle in search of inner strength and a deeper under-
standing of the unusual realm. With this understanding
comes power in the form of mystical ki and deadly mar-
tial arts. The techniques and disciplines of these styles
within GrymmWorld are far more than forms of combat.
They are spiritual acts: a blending of body and mind that
can center oneself or obliterate one’s enemies. When a
monk walks amongst the people of GrymmWorld,
they are seen as a figure of balance, precision, and deter-
mination. Few dare disrespect their person, and fewer still
dare test their deadly skills.
“Those that are trained in the deep places are fiercer
than any monster that would attempt to destroy them.
They are prepared to turn their own bodies into perfect
and precise weapons that can be pushed beyond all
limitations, becoming one with the figures of legend.
Though they fight with the might of angels, demons,
devils, and the elemental forces, they are the advocates of
angels. All things are part of their ways. They know the
truth is often invisible to the eye.”
- Gangesha Fallingleaf
Way of the Hidden Doors
Monks of the Way of the Hidden Doors are masters of bat-
tlefield manipulation and cosmic forces. Their monastery is
located high on the Eldermount, where they master their
arts in frozen isolation. There they consort with extrapla-
nar visitors. From these conferences the monks learn how
to manipulate space and defend GrymmWorld against
threads from beyond, be they the high heavens or dark-
est hells. Their techniques can transport enemies instantly
between spaces, disrupting their bodies and hurling their
remains through unseen holes in the fabric of reality.
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
WAY OF THE HIDDEN DOORS
LEVEL FEATURE
3rd Dimensional Strikes
6th Hidden Doorway
11th Seven League Stride
17th Wordwarden
Dimensional Strikes
At 3rd level, your blows can send opponents reeling through
time and space. When you hit a creature with a melee
weapon attack, you can use a reaction to expend 2 ki points
and force the target to attempt a Charisma saving throw
against your Ki save DC. On a failed saving throw, the
target is magically teleported to an unoccupied space you
can see within 30 ft.
At 11th level, when you use this feature you can expend
an additional 2 ki points to increase the distance an affect-
ed creature can be magically teleported to 60 ft.
Hidden Doorway
At 6th level, as a bonus action you can expend 1 ki point to
open a magical portal in an unoccupied space you can see
within 120 ft, which lasts until the start of your next turn.
While the portal is in effect and within 120 ft. of you, you
can make melee weapon attacks that grant reach as though
you were in the space your portal occupies.
Seven League Stride
At 11th level, you gain the ability to pass between the
planes in the blink of an eye. On each of your turns, you
can expend your movement to attempt to magically tele-
port to an unoccupied space you can see. For each 5 ft.
of movement you expend in this manner, the maximum
distance of this teleportation increases by 5 ft.
Worldwarden
At 17th level, you are a master of dimensional space in a
120 ft. radius centered on you. As a reaction when a crea-
ture you can see within the affected area is magically tele-
ported, you can expend a number of ki points equal to your
proficiency bonus to deal force damage to the creature. The
target takes 1d6 force damage per ki point you expend.
Paladins
GrymmWorld’s paladins are a busy bunch. Their services
are in high demand across the realm, testing the convic-
tions of their oaths with shocking regularity. The needs of
the Grymm often extend far beyond the slaying of evil or
the smiting of foes. Paladins are called upon to serve as
cultural ambassadors, arbiters of disputes, and a semi-le-
gitimate legal authority wherever they travel. One is likely
to encounter a paladin on the road, often on their way to
48
another land in desperate need of one of their power and
conviction. Welcomed strangers and honored champions,
paladins of all shapes and sizes in GrymmWorld are ap-
preciated, even when their oath brings less than optimal
resolutions to Grymm problems.
“Of all those that live and die, it is the stories of
paladins which endure the longest. I suppose it is a
measure of their conviction to their to the oaths or the
weight of their deeds, but some folks just need a good
old fashioned hero who smites evil. A paladin never
fails to leave an impression, for better or for worse.
For you learn as much from a good example as from a
bad one. Their resolve makes them a paragon and the
fool, but they solider on as they have pledged to serve
a higher purpose. I don’t know whether to pity or
admire them.”
- Rustam Crimson-Snow
Oath of Epics
The Oath of Epics is for a paladin that wishes to stand not
for good or evil, but as the servant of story. They adhere
to the desire of the Narrador and intend to see the story
to the end. They are committed to enduring times of fear,
hope, happiness, and sorrow, in the name of story. Each is a
campaigner, questor, and a figure of legend. These paladins
garb themselves in the emblems of the Narrador, often as-
sociating with a specific Mask, or a combination thereof. It
is their desire to stand as an exemplar and live life based on
one of the iconic legends of ages past. Those that take this
oath become the subject of legends and are the embodi-
ment of dreams made real.
Tenets of Epics
The tenets of the Oath of Epics hold a paladin to a stan-
dard of commitment and steadfastness.
Tenacity. The quest must be followed at all times. You
will see each story to the end. The completion of this story
will act as a tradition that can be passed on from genera-
tion to generation.
Hope. Your successes will stand as a beacon of hope and
inspiration to others. You will become the light in dark
places.
Fear. Your defeats warn others of the perils of this world.
Your failures will stand as a reminder that all are fallible
and teach others to rise from the ashes of their defeats.
OATH OF EPICS
LEVEL FEATURE
3rd Channel Divinity, Oath Spells
7th Aura of Plot Armor
15th Epic Comeback
20th Final Chapter

Longsuffering. A paladin endures to the end. A paladin
becomes unbreakable and unflinching in the face of victo-
ry or defeat. A paladin is willing to die a thousand deaths
but for the chance to achieve the end of a story.
Oath Spells
You gain the following oath spells at the paladin level
listed.
OATH OF EPICS SPELLS
PALADIN LEVEL FEATURE
3rd Comprehend languages, silent image
5th detect thoughts, suggestion
9th clairvoyance, sending
13th fabricate, private sanctum
17th geas, seeming
Channel Divinity
At 3rd level, you gain the following two channel divinity
options:
Spirit of Freedom. You can use your channel divinity to
free creatures from confinement and restraint. As an ac-
tion, you can present your holy symbol to a creature you
can see within 30 ft. that is grappled, restrained, or para-
lyzed. Those conditions immediately end for that creature.
Invoke Heroism. As a bonus action, you present your
holy symbol to a friendly creature you can see within 30 ft.,
imbuing it with a heroic spirit for 1 minute. This creature
gains 1d4 temporary hit points each time it hits with an
attack or succeeds on a saving throw. These temporary hit
points last until the channel divinity effect ends.
Aura of Plot Armor
At 7th level, you exude an aura in a 10 ft. radius which
protects you and friendly creatures in the affected area
against harm. When you or a friendly creature in the aura
take damage, you can use a reaction to choose to have you
or another friendly creature in the aura take that damage
instead.
At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 ft.
Epic Comeback
At 15th level, as a reaction when a creature within your
reach is reduced to zero hit points, you can grant that crea-
ture the benefits of your Lay on Hands feature. When you
use your Lay on Hands feature in this way, you must grant
the affected creature all of the hit points within your pool
of healing power from that feature.
Final Chapter
At 20th level, you can pen the final chapter in your epic
tale of heroism. Using your action, you invoke your oath to
imbue yourself with tremendous power but at the cost of
49
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
your own life – a fitting conclusion to your epic tale. When
you do so, you gain the following benefits for 1 hour.
• When you would cast a paladin spell as an action,
you can instead cast it as a bonus action.
• At the start of each of your turns you regain 2d10 hit
points.
• You have advantage on saving throws against spells
and magical effects.
• The damage dice of your Divine Smite class feature
are maximized.
When this effect ends, you die instantly and cannot be re-
turned to life without the Narrador’s permission.
Rangers
In the north, just before the remnant is found, there are
calm and quiet folk that stand watch, patrolling the bor-
ders. They belong to the societies of the great nations, but
they live apart as the eyes and the ears that walk the earth.
It is their duty to be diligent, for there are more sinister
creatures than the foul fell from beyond.
“There are few who have walked as many steps as
I have, but I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the
many miles that have been tread beneath the swift gait
of the Wayfinder. They move like whispers on the wind
and their voices are heard in hushed hallways before
departing back into the wild unknown beneath the big
blue sky. As I have walked beside many of them, I know
that they consider themselves truly free when they are
about their trade and there are not many who have a love
for the world around them as they do.”
- Gangesha Fallingleaf
Wayfinders
The wayfinder rangers walk the many lands of Prometerra,
both on and off the beaten paths. They are expert travel-
ers, viewed by those outside of their conclave as brash and
foolhardy, but the wise know them as the skilled folk of the
outlands. Wayfinders travel confidently and with respect.
They are the greatest and most diligent messengers, while
also keen hunters. A wayfinder ranger travels fast through
dangerous lands with ease. They can expedite a journey or
lead to a careful search of a region far more skillfully than
any other individual. They are great at losing pursuers and
even better at apprehending prey.
WAYFINDER
LEVEL FEATURE
3rd Journeyfolk, Pathmaker
7th Special Delivery
11th Quickstep
15th Watched Roads
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
Journeyfolk
At 3rd level, you no longer suffer exhaustion when perform-
ing a forced march. Additionally, you learn two languages
of your choice.
Pathmaker
At 3rd level, when you move along the ground, you can
choose to leave behind a magical path, which lasts for up
to 1 minute. An area containing the path cannot be con-
sidered difficult terrain and friendly creatures on the path
are always considered in range of your ranger spells.
Special Delivery
At 7th level, on each of your turns you can perform the
Use an Object action by expending 10 ft. of movement.
Additionally, if you could use a magical item as an action,
you can instead use it as a bonus action.
Quickstep
At 11th level, on each of your turns you can take a bo-
nus action to take both the Dash and Disengage actions
simultaneously.
Watched Roads
At 15th level, when an enemy creature on the ground
moves into an area containing the magical path created by
your Pathmaker feature, the creature provokes an attack of
opportunity from any creatures within reach of it.
Rogues
It is said in GrymmWorld that everyone is a rogue in
some way, but that’s not entirely true. Those that skulk in
shadows are common enough, but true rogues are the lo-
cal legends and urban myths that can be found across the
continent. While it is not uncommon to find these folk
along the road or in a shady tavern, it is far more likely that
they are found undercover and engaged in all manners of
intrigue.
“My beautiful rascals. My darlings. My quick wits and
silver tongues. Do not mistake their ambition for malice,
the world has been unkind to my dear hearts. They are
dearly beloved by me, the same as the other Masks have
their favorites. Mine happen to be those that are friends
with the shadows and dance with the devils and darkness.
The rogues are slow dancers. Though their daggers search
for your most sensitive spots, it is simply because they must
do whatever it takes to make sure there is food tomorrow
and who can fault them for that?”
- Eudoxia Nightstorm
Speculator
A speculator hatches schemes, intrigues, and makes mis-
chief in charming ways. They place their wits in the first
order of things and are convinced that through cunning,
planning, and a proper forecast, they can reap profits with
50
minimal labor. Speculators need to keep informed. They
are often good sources of news and many might approach
them for financial advice. Speculators are a special breed
of ruffian that one might find in GrymmWorld. These in-
dividuals analyze social information with startling skill.
The moment to moment hubbub in a town, local gossip,
or political intrigue are more useful to a speculator than a
textbook on the subject. Speculators glean tremendous in-
sight into the goings on in any society and can be counted
on to know the juiciest details of any rumor or legend that
comes their way.
SPECULATOR
LEVEL FEATURE
3rd Dabbler, Fighting Dirty
9th Critical Eye
13th Mind Palace
17th Inscrutable
Dabbler
At 3rd level, you gain the knack for quickly picking things
up. Whenever you finish a short or long rest, you can gain
one skill or tool proficiency of your choice, so long as you
have seen another creature display proficiency in that tool
or skill. This proficiency lasts until you use this feature
again.
Fighting Dirty
At 3rd level, you are a master of hitting below the belt.
You are proficient in improvised weapons and can make a
single unarmed strike as a bonus action.
Critical Eye
At 9th level, when you take a Search action you can choose
to carefully study a creature you can see, rolling a Perception
check against a DC equal to the creature’s AC. On a suc-
cess, you gain insight into the target’s weaknesses for 1 min-
ute. You learn the target’s current hit points, along with any
damage resistance or immunities it may have. Additionally,
your attacks against the creature score a critical hit on a roll
of 18 – 20. Once you have studied a creature in this manner,
you cannot study it again until you finish a long rest.
Mind Palace
At 13th level, you can perfectly recall anything you have
ever seen, provided you are given enough time to recall it.
By spending 1 minute in concentration (as though con-
centrating on a spell) during which time you do not move
or take any actions, you can perfectly recall anything you
have observed, heard, or written, so long as its contents
would not exceed a single sheet of paper when presented in
written form. You retain the memory of what you recall in
this manner until you finish a Short or Long rest.

Inscrutable
At 17th level, you are immune to magical effects that
would force you to tell the truth. Additionally, you have
advantage on any ability or skill check to predict the out-
come of an event or course of action.
Sorcerers
Innate magic power is rare indeed, but there are those in
GrymmWorld who have inner magic made manifest. One
of the great gifts of the age is to be born with arcane gifts
and capabilities beyond that of any novice practitioner of
magic. Sorcerers are often viewed with suspicion as if their
families made deals with the devils in exchange for un-
fair advantages. Sorcerers are to be respected for the power
they wield, and the judgment exercised to ensure mastery
of their magic.
 “To be a font of magic and inspiration to others is such
a gift! Magic is everywhere and in all things. In these
individuals, it is particularly potent from the moment they
are born. Many live extremely hard lives because they are
outsiders - being born different is very hard; but when they
are loved and accepted by others it is the most beautiful
thing that could ever come into the world. Everyone
deserves a little love, romance, and affection, especially
when faced with such hardships in these trying times.
They are unique and different.”
- Daphne Hallowfield
Serpent-Seen
There are some that are born having been seen by an un-
knowable force that moves through the great seas around
Prometerra. When the eyes of this creature rest upon a
chosen soul, the power of the serpentine is made manifest
and a powerful sorcerer of the serpent-seen sorcerous ori-
gin is born. For what purpose this gift is bestowed is un-
known, but this ophidian-esque magic wielder possesses
bizarre talents that disturb even the open minded Grymm
of Prometerra. Serpent-Seen sorcerers are often initiated by
others that share the gift into a fellowship of magic-imbued
prodigies. Often, they mark themselves, wear similar jewel-
ry, and share the same anecdotal sayings so that they might
recognize each other abroad. They do not fear others in the
world recognizing them. While many have disdain and su-
perstitions about them, they know that to hide themselves
would possibly validate the false superstitions of others.
SERPENT-SEEN
LEVEL FEATURE
1st Aquatic Magic, Serpents Blood
6th Spirit Magic
14th Viper’s Patience
18th Eternal Spirit
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chapter two: playing in grymmworld
Aquatic Magic
At 1st level, you know the spell create or destroy water and
the cantrip shape water, which do not count against the
number of sorcerer spells you know.
Serpent’s Blood
At 1st level, when you would take poison damage, you can
use your reaction to instead take no damage and magically
regain a number of hit points equal to the poison damage
you would have taken. You can use this feature a number of
times equal to your proficiency bonus. You regain all uses
when you finish a long rest.
Spirit Magic
At 6th level, you can enhance your magic with strange
writhing movements reminiscent of a serpent. When you
cast a sorcerer spell of 1st level or higher, you can expend
an amount of movement equal to your base walking speed
to increase the level of the spell by 1, to a maximum of 9th
level.
Viper’s Patience
At 14th level, when you use the Ready action to cast a
spell, you do not need concentrate (as though concentrat-
ing on a spell) to hold the spell.
Eternal Spirit
At 18th level, if you are slain, you can expend 10 sorcery
points to destroy what remains of your body. You then re-
turn to life within 1 hour, appearing in the nearest unoc-
cupied space to the point of your demise at your hit point
maximum with your body fully restored.
Warlocks
Warlocks are individuals who have made a pact with the
Spire and the other worldly and unearthly energy that
holds it together. They may be powered by dead gods or
the questing beasts. Wherever they derive it from, their
pact is made with the surreal parts of the world and it
gives them uncanny abilities unlike the other practi-
tioners of magic.
There are many sources of power within GrymmWorld,
but few are as feared and avoided as the might of the fell-be-
yonders. These entropic creatures draw their strength from
the infinite nothingness between worlds and have wrought
catastrophe across the realm. Known as the Great Spire,
this literal knife in the heart of GrymmWorld shattered
more than just the plane’s physical form, but its magical
and dimensional ones as well. However, with this terrific
act, an opportunity for daring souls to discover what lies
beyond the veils of perception arose, and many warlocks
answered the call. Where other Grymm shy away from the
presence of the fell, some warlocks understand the truth.
It is inevitability. The infinite, all-encompassing end to the
story of existence.
chapter two: playing in grymmworld

“When one makes a deal with the Spire I have to wonder
just how trustworthy they are. That lack of fear in the search
for knowledge and power, that I do find a bit intriguing.
As they have searched up the high steps and beheld the
Spire which pierced our dear world I understand a little of
what draws them to it . I feel a special connection to these
warlocks. To wander in search of the unknown and gaze
upon the infinite requires terrific strength of character and
no small amount of daring. To go further and embrace one’s
own lock of understanding and to draw strength from that
is truly extraordinary.
- Gangesha Fallingleaf
subject. The specifics of this fact are left to the Narrador.
The fact is always true, though you may not understand
how or why it is true.
Destined Conflict
At 6th level, you can choose a single creature whose name
you know to be your fated foe, shaping destiny to draw you
both closer to conflict. You gain advantage on attack rolls,
saving throws, and ability checks against the target, and
vice versa. Whenever you gain a level in the Warlock class,
you can choose to either keep your fated foe or designate
a new one.

The Infinite Knowledge Beyond Truth

Your patron is the Spire itself, piercing infinity and the At 10th level, when you finish a long rest you can choose
whole world around you. You receive otherworldly strength to glimpse what lies ahead and gain insight into the future.
from its cataclysmic power and malevolent presence. These When you roll initiative, you can choose to grant yourself
unearthly gifts are but a glimpse into the terrific power immunity to a single condition and damage type of your
of the Infinite Spire, whose true nature few can even com- choice, both of which last for 1 hour. Once you have used
prehend. Your power is unnatural and disturbing to others, this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long
striking terror into mortal hearts and ordinary minds. This rest.
is a pact made with powers beyond comprehension: an
all-encompassing darkness that lies beyond fragile mortal Embraced Eternity
existence. At 14th level, you can plunge a creature’s mind through
the Spire, a traumatic experience in the extreme. As an
OTHERWORLDLY PATRON action, choose a creature you can see within 60 ft. of you.
The target must succeed on a Charisma saving throw or
LEVEL FEATURE become cursed for as long as you concentrate on the ef-
fect (as though concentrating on a spell). While cursed in
1st Expanded Spell List, Infinite Perception this manner, the target is vulnerable to all damage dealt
6th Destined Conflict by you.
10th Knowledge Beyond Truth
Wizards
14th Embraced Eternity
Wizards are common tropes in GrymmWorld, though
often used pejoratively for anyone who’s been around for
Expanded Spell List
a while and learned knowledge of magic. However, these
The infinite pact lets you choose from an expanded spell
Grymm are responsible for uncovering the ancient arcane
list when you learn a warlock spell. The following spells are
mysteries and understanding the peculiar forces that gov-
added to the warlock spell list for you.
ern the strange and mystical land. The fabric of the cosmos
is more scientific than the divine shape or the unearthly
THE INFINITE EXPANDED SPELLS Spire, there is true arcane power in everything and under-
standing it is to understand the universe itself.
SPELL LEVEL FEATURE
1st detect magic, identify “On the subject of wizards, I feel inclined to speak
to the expertise that I have. Battles are not won
2nd phantasmal force, suggestion
with blades, but they are won by brains. Wizards
3rd nondetection, slow often developed the most cunning strategies, the
4th arcane eye, phantasmal killer most elaborate schemes, and attempt to control the
5th mislead, telekinesis
powers of the very fabric of the universe. They can
cheat death. They can sustain life. It is a magic that
borders on perfect science, but with a misunderstood
Infinite Perception recklessness that propels the arcane arts forward.
At 1st level, your connection to the Spire will let you know There is no better asset for an adventure than
information beyond what any thought possible. When you wizards, though their curiosity will often lead to an
encounter a creature, object, or structure for the first time, unfortunate fate if it gets the best of them.”
you can choose to learn one fact of significance about the - Rustam Crimson-Snow

52

The School of Riddlemancy
The school of riddlemancy emphasizes cosmic conun-
drums that confound, befuddle, confuse, and bewilder.
Riddlemancers are in possession of the gnosis: the se-
cret knowledge and combinations that can best even the
wise. As a ridlemancer you are often looked at as an ex-
pert problem solver, while also being a font of troubles for
your adversaries. Riddlemancers are recruited to protect
and guard individuals, as well as to solve the great traps
and labyrinths that exist in the old places of the world.
Their unique perspective coupled with their formidable
intellect leaves few conundrums beyond their ability. The
great school of riddlemancy is taught in the royal courts
of Cachoeira and wherever one can find a wandering rid-
dle-tower. By following this path, your role is not just one
of magic wielder, but of trickster, puzzle maker, teacher,
and keeper of mysteries.
RIDDLEMANCER TRADITION
LEVEL FEATURE
2nd Labyrinthian Magic
6th Kinematic Geometries
10th Stroke of Genius
14th Impossible Enigma
53
chapter two: playing in grymmworld
Labyrinthian Magic
At 2nd level, when you affect a creature with a wizard spell
of 1st level or higher that forces the target to attempt an
Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma saving throw, you can
expend a wizard spell slot of the same level or higher to
imbue the spell with a magical puzzle that must be solved
before the spell can be broken. When a creature would at-
tempt an Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma saving throw
against the spell, it must instead attempt two saving throws
(each of which is made concurrently, the save DC remains
the same). If an affected creature fails either saving throw,
it suffers the effects of a failed saving throw from the spell.
Kinematic Geometries
At 6th level, when you cast a spell which affects an area,
you can twist the geometry of the area to bizarre, im-
possible proportions. Such a spell’s effect passes through
solid barriers, preventing any creatures in the area from
having cover from the spell.
Stroke of Genius
At 10th level, you can solve conundrums in an instant that
would take others a lifetime to unravel. When you are pre-
sented with a problem that has a single correct solution
(such as a math problem, a puzzle, or a legal case), you can
take an action to solve the problem instantly. Once you
have used this feature, you cannot use it again until 1 week
has passed.
Impossible Enigma
At 14th level, you can wrap your identity in a nigh im-
possible mystery that few can solve. You magically erase
the memory of your past and any knowledge of your ex-
istence from the minds, books, and lore of GrymmWorld,
with the exception of deities, similarly powerful entities,
or creatures of your choice. Additionally, to learn anything
about you, a creature must first succeed on an Intelligence
(Investigation) check versus your spell save DC, or the at-
tempt fails.
 CHAPTER THREE

Outlandish
Options
G RYMMWORLD IS filled with countless wonders
both dangerous and whimsical. Many of these curios
make for fantastical options to add to your 5th edition
role-playing game, helping characters and NPCs achieve
a more appropriate design befitting GrymmWorld. This
chapter contains numerous examples of such content.
Perhaps you search for dynamic feats that can be taken to
add iconic and traditional tropes to supplement your game.
If you seek additional spells that will find a special place
among the arcane arts featured in this campaign setting,
look no further. One can also discover magical equipment
found throughout the continent of Prometerra, ideal for
all styles of adventuring. These options and many more
are the perfect addition to any campaign and are balanced
around the kind of experiences often encountered with-
in the realm of GrymmWorld. While they can be used
in standard 5th Edition play, keep in mind their efficacy
may be diminished in a traditional game. When exploring
these options, consider their value not just in combat, but
in what kind of experiences they will bring to your charac-
ter, and by extension the table.
patterned after iconic fairy tale lore, folk stories, and more
modern interpretations found in inspirational media.
They are perfect for exploring GrymmWorld by further
customizing your character to fit its style of play.
Larger than Life
You are muscular, corn-fed, and strong. You gain the follow-
ing benefits.
• Your Strength or Constitution score increases by 1, to
a maximum of 20.
• When you make a Charisma ability check, you
may use your physicality to instead use Strength or
Constitution instead of Charisma, keeping whatever
skill you would have ordinarily used to make the
check (if any).
• As a reaction to when you succeed on a Strength
or Constitution saving throw, you can revel in the
power of your body. When you do so, you gain 1d4
temporary hit points, which last until you finish a
short or long rest.

“The Grymm are exceptional specimens, for I am nothing

if not a being of good taste. Their strengths are as rare
as they are exceptional, built upon a nigh limitless well
of potential. Whether earned or given, their talents are
destined to shine even on the darkest of stages I dare set.
Their latest performance was most satisfactory. An entire
tribe of giants humbled, and a snowy mountain turned
crimson by the Grymm’s great works.
– Rustaam Crimson-Snow

GrymmWorld Feats
In 5th Edition, feats represent an opportunity for char-
acters to alter their standard class progression in favor of
more unique and specialized options. GrymmWorld sup-
ports and benefits greatly from this model, providing a
new list of feats for characters to explore. However, a DM
should note that like the feats in 5th Edition, these are
part of an optional ruleset, and can only be included in a
game with the DM’s explicit approval. These features are

54

Jack-be-Nimble
You have a knack for getting in and out of difficult situa-
tions, granting you the following benefits.
• Your Dexterity or Charisma score increases by 1, to a
maximum of 20.
• Attacks against you have disadvantage while you are
moving.
• You gain proficiency in any ability checks you
attempt while you are being chased.1
Privilege of the Wise
You have a keen and cunning intellect with matching wis-
dom, granting you the following benefits.
• When you succeed on a Wisdom saving throw and
would suffer an effect on the success, you instead
suffer no effect.
• When you make an Intelligence or Charisma ability
check, you can leverage your will to use Wisdom in-
stead of Charisma, keeping whatever skill you would
have ordinarily used to make the check (if any).
• If you are asked a question to which you do not
know the answer, you recall a substantiated rumor
as to where the answer can be found (if it exists).
A Mirror Darkly
You have looked deep inside yourself and conquered your
inner fears, granting you the following benefits.
• When a creature you can see attempts to give
you the frightened or charmed condition, you
can use your reaction to deal psychic damage
equal to your character level to that creature.
1 This condition can be found on pg 252-255 of the DMG.
55
chapter three: Outlandish Options
• Your inner voice is so loud it drowns out all other
forms of verbal or telepathic communication
unless you choose otherwise.
• You remember any nightmares you experience with
perfect clarity.
Fairest of them All
Your attractiveness is beyond compare, causing creatures
of all types and creeds to be attracted to you. You gain the
following benefits.
• When you impose the charmed condition on a
creature, you can choose to also impose the smitten
condition for as long as the target is charmed by you,
the details of which can be found below. A creature
immune to the charmed condition is also immune to
the smitten condition.
• You can groom yourself in 1 minute with as little as a
gallon of water, a bar of soap, and a stone.
• You always smell appealing to other creatures.
New Condition: Smitten
A smitten creature is extremely attracted to the creature
responsible for its condition and seeks to have those
feelings reciprocated. It cannot behave in a manner that
it believes would make it less attractive to the target of
its affections. This condition immediately ends if the
creature responsible for this condition does anything to
harm the smitten creature.
chapter three: Outlandish Options

• You have advantage on Charisma ability checks

Behind the Curtain: against creatures behaving disrespectfully toward you.
Gamifying Affection • You always know the correct cultural greeting to
politely introduce yourself.

M any fairy tales feature characters falling

head over heels in love at first sight. Because
GrymmWorld seeks to explore these stories, I have
chosen to support them with rigid mechanics to
facilitate responsible practice at the game table. While
overwhelming love with little justification is a common
trope, note that consent and comfort at the game table
is paramount when exploring this concept in play.
Remember, we are not our characters and there is a
separation between us and the fiction. However, this
is a sensitive theme and we should use it respectfully
and with appropriate judgment. After all no one likes
abusing the whispers of the heart.
Seeker of the Seven Songs
Knight of Desaly
You practice the dutiful culture of the people of Desaly,
granting you the following benefits.
• You gain proficiency in the cultural arms and armor
of Desaly, as detailed later in this section.
• As a reaction to when you slay a creature you can
see, you can choose to honor its passing and salute
it as a worthy opponent. When you do so, if the
target’s soul is free and willing, it can choose to have
its remains vanish in a flash of flame and you gain
inspiration.
• You gain a formal title (such as sir, ma’am, or chev)
which others are instinctively compelled to use.

You belong to the ancient order of the Seven Songs, grant-

ing you the following benefits.
• You gain proficiency in Performance. If you
are already proficient, you instead double your
proficiency bonus when making ability checks
using Performance. Additionally, when you make
a Charisma ability check using Performance, you
can instead use an ability of your choice (such as
Strength, or Dexterity).  
• When you gain a level, you can choose to write
a song about the experiences you endured to
accomplish such a feat. When you do so, you gain
inspiration.2
• When the DM awards a character other than you
inspiration, you are also awarded inspiration.

Brawler of Brilhago

You have mastered the ways of the people of Brilhago,

granting you the following benefits.
• You gain proficiency in the cultural arms, armor, and
equipment of Brilhago, as detailed later in this section.
• When you fall below half your hit point maximum
and are not incapacitated, you can choose to gain
resistance to one damage type of your choice for 1
minute. Once you have used this benefit, you cannot
use it again until you finish a long rest.
• Pain gives you the urge to laugh.

Regal of Cachoeira

You follow the noble traditions of the people of Cachoeira,

granting you the following benefits.
• You gain proficiency in the arms, armor, and
equipment of Cachoeira, as detailed later in this
section.
2 The details of inspiration can be found in the DMG of the 5th Edition
core rules.

56

Warden of Fellmount
You have assumed the resilient culture of Fellmount,
granting you the following benefits.
• You gain proficiency in the cultural arms, armor,
and equipment of Fellmount, as detailed later
in this section.
• When you touch a natural object (such as
a stone or tree), you can learn its current hit
points and AC.
• You can stay perfectly still, unmoving, without any
discomfort for up to 24 consecutive hours.
Wanderer of Labirinto
You are practiced in the artificial practices of Labirinto,
granting you the following benefits.
• You gain proficiency in the arms, armor, and
equipment of Labirinto, as detailed later in this
section.
• You have advantage on Intelligence ability
checks to solve puzzles, riddles, or other
intellectual challenges.
• You always know the exact location of where
you have been within the last 8 hours, provided
you were not incapacitated at the time.
Child of Praia
You are affiliated with the vital traditions of Praia, granting
you the following benefits.
• You gain proficiency in the arms, armor, and
equipment of Praia, as detailed later in this
section.
• Unless you are wearing heavy armor or
choose otherwise, your body always floats
to the surface of any body of water at a rate
of 40 ft. on each of your turns.
• You can drink salt water to gain the benefits as
though you had drunk an equivalent amount of
fresh water.
Spawn of Tadfen
You are blessed with the secrets of Tadfen, granting you
the following benefits.
• You gain proficiency in the arms, armor, and
equipment of Tadfen, as detailed later in this
section.
• While you are hidden, you also have half cover
unless you already have half cover, three-quarters
cover, or total cover.
• You can walk upon naturally occurring mud
without sinking or slipping.
57
chapter three: Outlandish Options
Witchwood Adept
You are comfortable with the shadowy whimsy of the
Witchwood, granting you the following benefits.
• You gain proficiency in the arms, armor, and
equipment of the Witchwood, as detailed later in
this section.
• A mundane source of light (such as a torch,
candle, or lantern) can float in the air alongside
you instead of being held. Such a source moves
with you and shares your space, floating for as
long as you will it. You can only have a single
source of light float alongside you in this manner.
• Unless you choose otherwise, your body is
home to a small colony of vermin which live
symbiotically with you.
101 Curios & Trinkets
GrymmWorld is a land of flavor and style. As a DM,
you may find yourself in need of many strange and pe-
culiar items to serve as story hooks, odd treasure, or just
something fun to explore alongside your Players. This sec-
tion details a selection of curios and trinkets; useful story
prompts, set dressing, and intriguing objects that can be
placed within the campaign. While there is nothing in-
herently special about these knick knacks, both DM and
Players are invited to make something more out of them.
Remember, much of GrymmWorld is deliberately left un-
defined so that your entire table can make the world your
own. Perhaps a bag of undelivered letters from the last
generation sparks a curious attitude that will lead down
an unexpected road to adventure. The fingerprints of the
gods that died are found within the legacy of the world,
and these curious touchstones might just open the pos-
sibility to additional adventures to embark upon. Who
knows what stories you can build together off of just a sin-
gle hook, so be sure to use this section whenever you are
running short on ideas.
chapter three: Outlandish Options

CURIOS & TRINKETS

1 Hand-fans made from the gossamer wing of a giant shadow fly.
2 A dried out and tattered sailing vest of a sea dog.
3 A breathing leaf that cools the air as it oxygenates the world.
4 A cracked chitin helm made from a slain forest creature.
5 A refurbished Praiolin that has been restrung more times than can be remembered.
6 A heart-shaped seashell that makes a kissing sound when you hold it to your ear.
8 A Beehive birdhouse with a flock of piranha-keets inside.
9 A small lungstone in a woven sack made of sponge-like branches.
10 A giant-sized hand hook made from whale baleen and a ship’s hull.
11 A small serpent shaped idol, carved from wax; it’s head follows you around.
12 A ghost-apple pie served with a side of swamp sardine salad.
13 A flask filled with raindrops mixed with the residue of wishing well water.
14 A set of wind-chimes made from the bones of a musician.
15 A branch with leaves that contain names written in many languages.
16 A clock that never tells the time correctly as it is turned by the insects that live inside it.
17 Parts of a map for an otter-john cleanup route in a far part of the bayou.
18 A wallet made out of a lethal venom-fish.
19 A mysterious pair of shoes that have skull-head fasteners and seem to fog the floor around them.
20 A serving plate made out of a shield dating back to the armies of the first recorded war.
21 A ship mast from a vessel most likely destroyed in the port of Brilhago.
22 A calico micro-cat that follows you wherever you go but is never there when you need it.
23 A magnificent high-quality wooden washboard that resonates loudly when used.
24 A pair of owl feather mittens for keeping warm in the winter.
25 A half-finished wooden puppet that isn’t really much use for anything.
26 A vial of strong medicine that has been overly diluted instilling doubts its curative properties.
27 A jewel necklace made of replica swine teeth, best saved for a fancy festival.
28 A large basket filled with delectable spider eggs, that have been carefully hand painted.
29 A cool pitcher of sunrise lemonade with just enough for everyone.
30 A postal bag with a bunch of old and undelivered mail.
31 A perfumed jewelry box with a single golden arrowhead inside.
32 A rusty helmet of a slain rose knight, with a promise written on the inside plate.
33 A single bloody bone that burns when touched and speaks of a great wrong.
34 A small book of would-be scripture written through prophecy.
35 Several strings of beads used to track favors owed and money borrowed.
36 A rose-colored medallion of the knightly order of the sleeping goddess.
37 A menacing moon orb that aggressively pursues the nearest individual.
38 A loose rock with a half formed religious circle etched onto it.
39 A magnificent sun cape that parachutes around you.
40 A mask with a veiled portion, tied to a family order with strict guidelines.
41 A scale for weighing objects against each other at a market value and suggests whether a trade is fair.
42 A set of high-end climbing spikes and shoulder back mounted lantern kit.
43 The shoulder plate of a suit of armor with a poem tucked inside.
44 Troll sized set of eating utensils with initials carved into them.
45 A large body perfectly frozen in time that may or may not be alive.
46 A rubber like suit with bronze emblems and an unrecognized military insignia.
47 Deed to a mine shaft located in a lesser known region of the Fellmount high hills.
48 A fell-touched dagger that functions as a writing utensil.
49 An analysis of the flora found in the high parts of the world and their many uses.
50 A set of misplaced gambling dice and drinking cups that probably spilled out of someone’s purse.
51 A full head mask made from a mega-beefalo that is used to protect oneself from the harsh cold.
52 A beautiful dressing gown that has a letter proving a treacherous affair on the inside.

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CURIOS & TRINKETS

53 Sheep-fur blankets that are extra warm and cozy and look like a sheep is right next to you.
54 A scabbard with the crest of a royal house that speaks a random sequence of numbers once per day.
55 The rusted and decommissioned legs of an old spider-climb craft.
56 A magnificently decorated umbrella, large enough for a troll, but quite collapsible.
57 A crate filled with beautiful corn stalks neatly bundled and the seal of a farming union on each cob.
58 An election token for voting in an upcoming guild hall meeting.
59 A small parchment with an infernal script, useful for summoning a Local Devil.
60 An ornate and sophisticated puzzle cube with a Palacio vault key on the inside.
61 A broken shepherd’s staff that has mended and tangled itself back together with grasping vines.
62 The porcelain hands removed from a distant statue, roped together for safe carrying.
63 A vial filled with liquid-fell that manifests nightmares visibly and audibly for a few moments.
64 A collection of unfinished prayers, bound on metal plates, and preserved from a different time.
65 A bundle of aromatic toasted lake kelp that never made its way to market.
66 Instruments used to measure the gait and speed of a bipedal subject as it summits a mountain.
67 Gloves used for handling dangerous fish with poison-covered scales.
68 A ceremonial candle that has been set apart and consecrated for lighting the hallowed halls of a holy building.
69 A collection of sturdy casting rods and sharpoon launchers left unattended in a public place.
70 The forgotten diary of a data collector that may have traveled up the cliff-face to the scientific spire observatory.
71 A collection of color-coded ropes to make rigging the great sailing ships easier to prepare.
72 A poly-body cog doggie, that alerts an unseen master when it detects a nearby presence.
73 A marble sized purple cube that grows to the size of a beer barrel if thrown hard into the ground.
74 A torch that produces still light, that does not flicker, casts no heat, and lasts for ten days.
A set of blades attached to an axel that rotate when pushed, cutting anything it is pushed over; a set of wheels help the
75
contraption roll more easily.
76 A small metallic cylinder that explodes if set on fire.
77 A cartridge that seems to contain sweet smelling fragrances but no practical way to release them.
78 A single cylinder phonographic collection of words that are spoken when spun and touched by needle point.
79 A book of unfinished theoretical spells that contain no magic, but full marks for effort and attempt.
A collection of sea shanties written in the common tongue of all peoples everywhere and taught to many a child from the day
80
they were born.
81 A secret handshake is passed to you which grants access to a location you have never heard of.
82 The faceless void of your deepest fear lurking in your ignored thoughts.
83 The memory of your greatest failure and the shame of those you have wronged.
84 A ridiculous thought that manifests at an inopportune time.
85 An upsetting fantasy that just escapes your grasp and leaves you feeling disappointment.
86 An unmendable friendship that is beyond reconciliation.
87 A complete and total loss.
88 The agony of aloneness in a wide world with so many people who cannot truly be close.
89 An unrequited feeling and longing that escapes your grasp.
90 The shame of a mistake that you could never own up to and if it were revealed you would not persist.
91 The nagging needs of sycophantic followers that pry and probe for every private detail of your life.
92 Bread and butterflies fill your thoughts with nonsensical wonder.
93 A yet unwritten song produces a melody within your heart.
94 You are filled with indescribable determination that lets you persist.
95 The feeling of love and friendship that is told about in legends enters your mind.
96 No matter the problem, you are certain that the solution will present itself to you.
97 The twinkle in your eye returns and everyone can see it.
98 A cheerful demeanor in every weather and the inability to shirk a chore.
99 Your favorite memory gives you inner strength to draw upon.
100 You are reassured of your part to play in the story.
101 Your name will be told in the stories for generations to come.

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chapter three: Outlandish Options

their respective societies (as detailed in Chapter 5), but also

Equipment & Gear
The strange and dangerous land of GrymmWorld has
birthed astonishing creations from its people so that they
may better thrive in its peculiarities. This section details
many such examples of this ingenuity, pulled from the
many places and peoples of Prometerra. From elegant falls
of Brilhago to the sinister shadows of the Witchwood, the
people of GrymmWorld have crafted some truly spectac-
ular pieces of equipment any adventurer would gladly add
to their arsenal.
However, due to the unique and specialized nature of
these items, they are not readily usable by most folk, even
adventurers. Attaining proficiency in their use is not easily
done. Extraordinary training, dedication, or magical meth-
ods are required to gain their use, and can be a fitting re-
ward to those Grymm who please the Narrador.
Cultural Armor
Cultural armors are fashioned specifically for people who
adhere to a particular way of life. In GrymmWorld this
dedicated is often much more work than one would ex-
pect, and consequently these armors are both tools and
significant symbols of the cultures they hail from. Due to
their unusual nature, many of these armors have strange
and potent properties which make them both exceptional
and more difficult to use.
Proficiency. In addition to their traditional categories of
Light, Medium, and Heavy, cultural armors are also affil-
iated with a specific social group on Prometerra. To gain
the benefits of these armors, one must have proficiency in
both their armor type and the culture the armor hails from,
the details of which can be found in its description.
Ability Score. Some armors require a wearer have a cer-
tain ability score to wear effectively. A wearer who lacks that
ability score or higher has disadvantage on attack rolls while
wearing the armor, in addition to any of the usual penalties.
Price. Cultural armors do not have a listed gold price.
This is partly because the people of GrymmWorld are far
less inclined to deal in gold, preferring the economies of
because these armors are special. They are not bought and
traded like a common good. They are works of art and dedi-
cation and should be treated as such. Adventurers seeking to
acquire these pieces should expect to work for them or pay a
very handsome price indeed.
Chitin. This armor is fashioned from alchemically treat-
ed chitin harvested from the giant insects ever-present
throughout Tadfen Bog. The chitin is taken from the col-
orful, if ferocious, gorger beetles. Each set is as unique as
the insect from which the armor is harvested, changing its
metallic sheen according to the mood of its wearer.
Coral. Grown over the course of half a decade from a
species of incredibly durable coral, this armor is designed
to fit only a single wearer. Each set is a masterwork piece.
The coral which forms the armor is of a brilliant purple
mixed with pastel yellows and inky blacks. Once dried
the armor can withstand nearly any blow and are prized
heirlooms in many a Praian family.
Gladeleather. Carved from the hides of alpha heard-
beasts shepherded by the people of Brilhago, gladeleather
is a flexible suit of armor renowned for both its durability
and near silence when maneuvering about while wearing
one. Each suit spends nearly a decade soaking in an al-
chemical mix of vegetable oils to become so sound absor-
bent, making them expensive and rare outside of Brilhago.
Glass. The crimson sands of Desaly can be blown into
a formidable glass. This versatile material can even be
forged into a robust armor, commonly worn by the knights
of Desaly. This beautiful armor is made all the more mag-
nificent when struck by the light; its many graceful curves
and whorls casting crimson hues all around. It is from
this armor, the Rose-Knights of Desaly take their name,
and few would dare wear such an armor without their
permission.
Ironwood. The people of Cachoeira love their land and
its bounties, but no floral specimen is more beloved than
the ironwood tree. From its silver limbs, ironwood armor
is whittled. The wood’s stubborn durability means each set
must be carved from adamantine tools - a process which of-
ten takes several months for even the most ordinary of sets.

ARMOR
NAME TYPE CULTURE ARMOR CLASS ABILITY SCORE STEALTH WEIGHT
Chitin Medium Tadfen-Bog 14 + Dex modifier (Max 4) Str 13 - 8 lbs
Coral Heavy Praia 17 + Dex modifier (Max 3) Str 15 Disadvantage 55 lbs
Gladeleather Light Brilhago 14 + Dex modifier Str 13 Advantage 3 lbs
Glass Heavy Desaly 18 + Dex modifier (Max 2) Str 17 Impossible 80 lbs
Ironwood Medium Cachoeira 14 + Dex modifier (Max 5) Str 15 - 30 lbs
Night-Ivy Light Witchwood 13 + Dex modifier Con 13 - 1 lb
Oldstone Heavy Fellmount 20 Str 19 Impossible 100 lbs
Tick-Tock Heavy Labirinto 19 - Impossible 50 lbs

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 chapter three: Outlandish Options

Night Ivy. Like all things from the Witchwood, night ivy
armor is strange. Each piece is grown from a small collec-
tion of seeds which must be implanted in the wearer’s skin
(a harmless but profoundly uncomfortable procedure). If
the armor is not being worn, a set of night ivy
will grow over the wearer’s body at midnight
each night, circumventing any need for the
wearer to don the armor. When worn,
the armor appears like a thin layer
of black leaves covering the wearer,
twitching constantly with their
every movement. Doffing the
armor is as simple as pruning
the ivy.
Oldstone. Cut from the most
ancient of stones upon Fellmount,
oldstone armor is among the
mightiest in all of GrymmWorld.
Each set is a simple suit of grey
stone plates, befitting the prag-
matic culture of Fellmount’s people.
Deposits of oldstone are rare, and
rarer still are those daring enough to
climb the mountain and hew a set of
the armor from the frozen rock.
Tick-Tock. Labirinto’s affinity for all
things mechanical extends to even their
armor. The bizarre creations known as
tick-tock armor are as much machine
as they are equipment. Each piece
comes with an oversized key which
must be used to wind-up the armor,
empowering it with the ability to
move as its wearer wills. For every
hour the armor is wound, it pro-
vides two hours of operation. Unless
wound, the armor is unusable and
provides no benefits.
Cultural Weapons
Each of Prometerra’s eight regions has faced its share of
troubles. When weapons of war are called for, their peo-
ples have taken up arms. They have gradually refined their
instruments of death into ones suited for their culture
and temperament. Today these weapons stand as both
vicious dealers of death and cultural touchstones of their
respective regions. Like the cultural armor cousins,
these items are more than just adventuring equipment.
They are unique, difficult to use, and highly prized.
Proficiency. In addition to the usual weapon pro-
ficiencies of simple and martial, these weapons also
possess an affiliated culture that grants expertise in
their use. To gain the benefits of one of these weap-
ons, a wielder must be proficient in both the weap-
on type and the culture the weapon hails from.
Special Weapons
Weapons with special rules are described here.
Dire Flail. The chain holding the head of
this flail is able to extend and retract with the
push of a button. This benefit adds 10 feet of
reach to your range when you attack with it.
Harpoon. The butt of this weapon is fixed
with a heavy rope or cord. Immediately after you
make an attack with this weapon, you can use your
bonus action to return the weapon to your hand.
Greatbow. This oversized bow is terrifically diffi-
cult to use. You cannot draw this bow if your Strength
score is 14 or less, preventing you from attacking with
it.
Titanblade. This monstrously large blade wouldn’t
look out of place when held by a giant. When
you make an attack with this weapon, it is so
unbalanced your attack provokes an attack of
opportunity from any creatures within reach.

CULTURAL WEAPONS
NAME TYPE CULTURE DAMAGE PROPERTIES WEIGHT
Dire Flail Martial Labirinto 1d10 bludgeoning Reach, special 8 lbs
Harpoon Simple Praia 1d6 piercing Thrown (range 20/60), special 5 lbs
Ammunition (range 150/600), heavy,
Greatbow Martial Desaly 1d12 piercing 15 lbs
two handed, special
Dueling Blade Martial Cachoeira 1d8 slashing Finesse, light 1 lb
Fleshcarver Simple Witchwood 1d6 slashing Finesse, light 2 lbs
Lampspear Simple Tadfen Bag 1d8 piercing Versatile, reach 6 lbs
Razor Thrower Simple Brilhago 1d8 Ammunition (range 30/60), loading 2 lbs
Titanblade Martial Fellmount 2d10 slashing Heavy, two-handed, special 40 lbs

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chapter three: Outlandish Options

Magical Items
GrymmWorld is filled with wondrous items, powerful
weaponry, arcane armor, and hundreds of curios from
both the current age of story and the time before the
fell-beyonders. This section details but a handful of these
miraculous pieces and should serve as a tool to start a
DM on crafting appropriately thematic items of their
own. Each item listed here is part of Prometerra’s rich
history, as is every magical item to be found within its
realms and should be treated as such. In a GrymmWorld
campaign, magic items should be used in conjunction
with the Narrador and in collaboration with the Players.
They are not just loot to hand out as a standard reward.
Each possesses the potential to begin a new story worth
telling. They must be something the PCs have a use
for in both story and gameplay, changing the course of
GrymmWorld’s future through their use.

Blade of the Sitting Steward

Weapon (glaive), Rare (requires attunement)
This smooth, primeval glaive is forged of a metal that no
longer exists on GrymmWorld; from a time before the
fell-beyonders. These blades were used to protect the peo-
ple from countless horrors whose names have been lost to
time, but still the blades stand, ready to do their duty. It
is said an ancient order of warriors known as the Sitting
Stewards once wielded these weapons, but their time has
passed. While you hold the glaive, you exude an aura of
vigilance in a 30 ft. radius sphere centered on you. You are
aware of any creatures within the aura, and creatures in the
affected area cannot be hidden from you.

Blight Fang
Weapon (pike), Legendary (requires attunement)
This sinister pike is capped with a blade as red as fresh
blood atop a shaft the color of hell’s heart. The spear is
unclean, oozing a vile substance from dimensions best left
unnamed. When you score a critical hit with the weapon,
the target becomes cursed for as long as you are attuned to
the weapon. A cursed creature is vulnerable to all damage
dealt by you, and when slain, the cursed creature’s body is
reduced to necrotic sludge.
Bowl of Darkened Divinity
Wondrous item, Uncommon
These plain clay bowls are all that remains of blasphemers
who plundered the sacred sites of now long dead gods.
A creature who eats a meal out of one of these bowls
becomes endowed with profane power for 8 hours. While
empowered, when a creature scores a hit with an attack
it may add its proficiency bonus to that attack’s damage.
This effect cannot occur more than once in a single turn.
When the profane power fades, a creature cannot benefit
from a long rest until 1 week has passed.
Death Mask of Unspeakable Sorrow
Wondrous item, Very Rare (requires attunement)
This ivory mask is shaped to be the tormented face of a
dead Espertan of great import. The name of this figure was
stricken from all historical record, but legends persist of an
oral history being passed down through a select few with
the mental fortitude to withstand such a burden. Written
across the face of the mask are the forbidden words no
creature upon GrymmWorld dares to speak on pain of suf-
fering dire consequences. While you wear the mask, when
a flesh and blood creature that can see starts its turn within
30 ft. of you and you are not incapacitated, you can force
it to make a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed
save, the creature becomes wracked with mournful sorrow,
becoming incapacitated for 1 hour, until it takes damage,
or is otherwise harmed.
Unless surprised, a creature can avert its eyes to avoid
the saving throw at the start of its turn. If a creature does
so, it cannot see you until the start of its next turn, when it
can choose to avert its eyes again. If the creature looks at
you in the meantime and is within 30 ft., it must immedi-
ately attempt the saving throw.

62

Deep Core Lantern
Wondrous item, Very Rare  cannot be cursed by any gremlin hammer ever again.
Those that emerged from stone and call this world their
own, the mountain dwelling Duenden, carried these black
metal lamps in the old times. Deeply cut runes in dwar-
vish cover the lanterns every surface. As an action, you can
light the lantern, which burns for up to 1 hour or until
you extinguish it as an action. While the lantern burns,
it sheds bright light in a 60 ft. radius and dim light 60 ft.
beyond that. Additionally, when you touch an object or
creature illuminated by the lantern, you immediately learn
the targets current and maximum hit points, as well as its
saving throw and skill proficiencies. Once the lantern has
been lit for a total of 1 hour, it cannot be lit again until 1
week has passed.
Divine Daggers of Banishment
Weapon (dagger), Rare (requires attunement)
This pair of shining, golden daggers were once great weap-
ons used to turn away GrymmWorld’s invaders. Over mil-
lennia and after several shifts in the fundamental currents
of magic suffusing the plane, their magic has become mut-
ed. When you score a hit with both daggers against a crea-
ture on a turn, you may use your bonus action to attempt
to banish the target. The target must succeed on a DC 18
Charisma saving throw or be magically banished back to
its home plane of existence, appearing in an unoccupied
space that is not harmful to it. If the target is already on its
home plane, it is immune to this effect.
Ghoul Dust Morningstar
Weapon (Morningstar), Very Rare
Grave-dust-covered, unholy, and rippling with necrotic
power, this morningstar floats in the air when it is not be-
ing held. Designed for the sole purpose of slaying those
who would defy the inevitability of the grave, this weapon
is rightly feared across GrymmWorld for its sinister, but
necessary power. While you hold the weapon, the sound of
chains and the subtle cries of the damned can be heard in
a 30 ft. radius centered on you.
Additionally, this weapon grants a +2 bonus to attack and
damage rolls made with it. When you reduce a creature to
zero hit points with this weapon, you can choose to slay it
instantly and claim its remains. When you do so, the target
cannot be restored to life until the weapon is destroyed.
Gremlin Hammer
Weapon (warhammer), Uncommon (requires attunement)
This wide, flat hammer always glistens with an oily shine.
First wielded by gremlins as a deterrent against those who
would disrupt their mischief, the hammer inflicts peculiar
curses on those it strikes. When you hit a creature with
the hammer, it must succeed on a DC 13 Charisma sav-
ing throw or be cursed with one of the following options.
The target rolls a d6 and suffers the corresponding curse
detailed below. The curse lasts until the creature tells you
an embarrassing secret about itself. Once a creature has
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chapter three: Outlandish Options
succeeded on the saving throw or the curse ends for it, it
GREMLIN HAMMER CURSES
D6 CURSE
The target cannot remember its name, no matter
1
how many times it may hear or read it.
2 The target becomes charmed by any bird it sees.
The target refuses to wear shoes and does
3 everything in its power to remove any footwear
it is wearing.
4 The target becomes allergic to daylight.
5 The target cannot spell anything correctly.
The target’s bowels emit perfectly toned
6
notes at inconvenient moments.
Link of the Forest Kin
Wondrous item, Very Rare (requires attunement)
This fey-woven bracelet is said to be made by the gnomes
found in the fairy forests long since vanished from the
surface of GrymmWorld. It is said they are given to those
who are destined to be good friends. While you wear the
bracelet, when you successfully charm a creature, you may
immediately use a bonus action to increase the duration
of the charm to up to 8 hours (other factors that may af-
fect its duration, such as concentration, remain in effect).
If a creature remains charmed by you for 8 hours while
you wear the bracelet, you and the target become the best
of friends.
Ornaments of The Ghost Apple Queen
Wondrous item, Rare (requires attunement)
This pair of ethereal and ornate earrings look as if they were
lost by a ghostly noble of high standing. While you wear the
earrings, your flesh becomes ghostly and transparent as you
take on a visage of yourself at the time of your inevitable
death. While in this state, you can move through other crea-
tures, objects, and structures as though they were difficult
terrain, but take 4d10 force damage if you end your turn
inside a solid object.
Additionally, if you die while wearing the earrings you
immediately rise as a ghost in the nearest unoccupied
space to the site of your death.
Rainments of Duenden Moonlight
Armors (Studded leather), Rare (requires attunement)
This set of black and white leather armor shimmers with
the vibrant light of the moon. This armor is said to be a
gift from the moon lich itself, granted only to those who
pledge their eternal loyalty. While you wear the armor, a
15 ft. radius 100 ft. high cylinder of moonlight appears
chapter three: Outlandish Options
centered on you. The cylinder follows you wherever you
move and sheds bright light in the affected area and dim
light 30 ft. beyond that. When damage other than blud-
geoning, piercing, or slashing damage is dealt within the
affected area, you can choose for that damage to be radiant
damage instead.
Rod of Shattering
Rod, Uncommon (requires attunement)
This roughhewn rod was brought to GrymmWorld by de-
monic beings and now infests the land with its very pres-
ence. These rods were used against the fell-beyonders when
they first arrived, and as such are tools of destruction all of
GrymmWorld would happily forget. As an action while
you hold the rod, you can touch the rod to an unattended
object or structure within reach and attempt to destroy it.
If the target has 50 or less hit points, it is reduced to dust
and the rod cannot be used again until 1 week has passed.
If the target has 50 or more hit points, it takes 50 points of
force damage and the rod of shattering is destroyed.
Scaled Shirt of Sharang
Half plate, Legendary (requires attunement)
This magnificent half-suit of plated armor is adorned
with a dozen unknown jewels, each of which sparkles
as if lit from within. The artwork that adorns it tells of
the creation of the universe, and the plate is forged from
the scales of the dragon that defeated the fell-beyonders
when they came to GrymmWorld. While you wear this
armor, you sprout dragon wings which grant you a fly
speed equal to your base walking speed.
Additionally, your attacks deal an additional 1d6 fire
damage on a hit.
Finally, while you wear the armor you instinctively know
the full draconic name of any dragon you encounter, a fact
to which few mortals are ever privileged.
Shield of Elemental Fury
Shield, Very Rare (requires attunement)
This strangely shaped shield looks more like an oversized
throwing star. It was forged from the chaotic aftermath of
GrymmWorld’s clash with the fell-beyonders. While you
hold the shield, it becomes wreathed in flame, shedding
bright light in a 20 ft. radius and dim light 20 ft. beyond
that.
Additionally, when you take acid, cold, fire, or lightning
damage while holding the shield, you can use your reaction
to send a bolt of elemental power at a creature you can see
within 60 ft, making a ranged spell attack (using Wisdom
if you do not have a spellcasting ability). On a successful
attack, the target takes half the triggering damage of the
same damage type.
Skull of Khellithm
Wondrous item, Legendary (requires attunement)
These blackened skulls are scalding to the touch and crack-
les as if smoldering from a recent fire. Known as a Skull
64
of Kehllithm, these items are believed to be the physi-
cal remains of a great warrior who mysteriously survived
many dozens of beheadings, only to regrow a new head
and continue his conquest. Today, the skulls are endowed
with powerful magic, with no compelling evidence as to
the veracity of the legend. While you hold the skull, if you
would take fire damage, you instead take no fire damage
and regain a number of hit points equal to the fire damage
you would have taken.
Additionally, while you are attuned to the skull, it will
routinely scream in a voice that can be heard up to 300 ft.
away, declaring your name and offering the challenge of
honorable combat to any who are willing.
Void-Tipped Quill
Wondrous item, Rare
These chipped and jagged quills are made from the spiny-
scaled feathers of a fell-beyonder. How such a dreadful
feat was accomplished is unknown, but the results are
appropriately terrifying. As an action while you hold the
quill, you may sketch the silhouette of a creature you can
see on a surface within reach. When you do so, the sketch
and the target is consumed in a swirling void of inky
blackness, vanishing from existence. At the start of your
next turn, the target appears in the nearest unoccupied
space from where it vanished and takes 5d10 necrotic
damage. Once the quill has been used in this manner, it
crumbles to dust.
Watchful Statue of Brittlebean
Wondrous Item, Uncommon 
A small and scaled maquette, fashioned in the form of a
dragon, and crumbles like an old cookie. The statue of
Brittlebean, named after a cantankerous dragon, known for
his judgmental disposition, reacts strangely in the presence
of certain creatures. When an evil creature comes within 30
ft. of the statute, the statue crumbles to dust until there are
no evil creatures within 30 ft. of it, at which point the stat-
ue will magically reform. These figurines are highly prized
for their ability to safeguard against deceptive and sinister
forces that would avoid a direct confrontation.
Wedding Band of Countess Lemondew
Ring, Rare (requires attunement)
This wedding ring once belonged to the Lemondew fam-
ily of vampires but has since been burned and scorched
by the fires of vengeance. As an action, while you wear
the ring you can condemn a creature you can see within
120 ft. to suffer, sending forth a torrent of hellfire from
the ring to scorch your target. The target must succeed
on a DC 20 Constitution saving throw or take 10d10
fire damage and 10d10 necrotic damage, or half as
much on a success. If the target survives this damage,
you also take this damage. Once you have used this fea-
ture, you cannot use it again until you drink a goblet of
humanoid blood.
 CHAPTER FOUR

THE Narrative &

THE
Narrador
“Water can exist as a flowing river, frigid ice, or supple vapor. Each form is different in countless ways and yet all are water.
Such is the nature of our existence. Four peoples, each with their own dreams, goals, desires, loves, fears, hates, and oh
so much more. Dancing together in a grand performance, each of us assuming a different role. One day it may be loving
Daphne who takes center stage, signing songs of compassion and joy. Another the bloody Rustam, screaming his triumphs
over the corpses of fallen foes. All different, yet all the same. A living contradiction are we. A puzzle with no solution.
A play with no curtain call.”
The Narrador, speaking as one

T HE REALM OF GrymmWorld is home to a

most peculiar, dangerous, powerful, romantic, and cre-
ative being known as the Narrador. This metaphysical
entity fulfills many game roles in a game of 5th Edition.
However, its most important job is as a vehicle for the DM
to engage with the Player Characters. A campaign set in
GrymmWorld assumes the DM takes on the mantle of
Narrador, becoming both a manager of the game and an
enduring character within it.
A DM putting on the Mask of the Narrador unlocks
new game systems and tools to explore often neglected ar-
eas in 5th Edition games. This experience is possible thanks
The Nature of DMing
The Mythology of Stories:
The Grand Tale of GrymmWorld
G rymmWorld is a diverse and unique place.
Every corner is filled with interesting ideas about
all facets of life, but ubiquitous across all cultures
and peoples of GrymmWorld is the belief that story
and legend are the purpose of all life. Stories allow
life to endure past death. Stories share experiences
with those who have yet to understand. Stories teach
powerful lessons one could never learn in a classroom.
From mighty dragon to lowly kobold, the people of
GrymmWorld see their actions as contributing toward
a truly epic narrative. Each moment is recorded in the
tale of GrymmWorld, every life a chapter in a grand

I n tabletop roleplaying games, Players come together

at a table to participate in the act of assuming the
roles of fictional characters in the unreal and fantastical
space of play, known as the game world. Engaging in
the mechanics of the system and participating in the
game world often elicits powerful emotional responses.
The Players in turn, share their experience of play back
with the DM, weaving together the story and narrative
of the game. This cycle of play, game experience, and
storytelling is what powers the magic of the game space
and entices individuals to invite others to play. The
depth of the story is managed by the group together,
with one individual acting as the arbiter, referee, and
adjudicator of the game world. In GrymmWorld, you
must become more than a DM, as you will discover by
exploring this chapter. Your goal is to collaborate with
your Players to create extraordinary tales. Stories you
will reflect fondly on for years to come.
epic in the process of being written.
A common mythology of GrymmWorld is that
before the old gods shaped the realm, there was
perception. A divine presence which noticed, observed,
and recorded all that is and was. Unfortunately, without
a world to witness this, it proved to be a whole lot of
nothing - endless, dreary tedium across space and time.
When the gods of old created GrymmWorld, this
perception jumped at the chance to explore something
new. Even gods fall, so when the cataclysm broke upon
the land, this observer became activist, taking an active
approach to the realm’s future in the fourfold form of
the Narrador. The Narrador is no deity, but a recognized
symbol of the flow of story through all the ages of the
world, manifesting and collecting the happenings of
GrymmWorld. With each new arc of GrymmWorld’s
story, its hand is felt, empowering mortals to ensure the
greatest stories of GrymmWorld are yet to come.

65
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
to the Narrador acting with greater agency than a typical
DM. The Narrador has goals, plots, schemes, and desires
that matter in GrymmWorld, and they will not be ignored.
This isn’t to say the PCs are subject to the Narrador’s whims
and will without recourse - quite the opposite. This influ-
ence is limited by the Narrador’s four Masks: personalities
each possessing an affinity for a different type of story. A
group of GrymmWorld adventurers learn to work with the
Narrador, collaboratively crafting a story of legendary pro-
portions. Whether its intrigue, romance, violence, curiosi-
ty, or any of a dozen other narrative themes, the Narrador
sets the stage but the Players write the script. Think of the
Narrador as a trickster god with a particular interest in he-
roic adventurers, who arbitrates the game without breaking
character. The Narrador is both a producer and an actor,
the land of GrymmWorld a stage, and the PCs the leading
roles in a perilous tale yearning to unfold.
In GrymmWorld, you are the Narrador and the
Narrador is you. Want to run tactical duels designed for
drama and one on one combat? Don the Mask of Rustam
and signal to your Players battle will soon be joined.
Seeking tales of romance and rivalry at your game table?
Assume the persona of Daphne and implement relation-
ship tools to inspire romance and drama. In need of a
journey just as exciting as the destination? The mask of
Gangesha facilitates stories that occur during long ardu-
ous travel. Perhaps your campaign could benefit from a
daring mystery full of guile and intrigue. Then the Mask
of Eudoxia awaits. With such tools and many more
66
within this chapter, your performance as the Narrador
will empower you to explore fresh and heartfelt experi-
ences found only in GrymmWorld. What are you waiting
for? The role of a lifetime awaits!
The Teller of Tales:
Narrador Basics
Every session of GrymmWorld begins with the Game
Master assuming the role of the Narrador and donning
one of its narrative Masks. This act communicates the
tone, feel, and type of adventure the Players will engage
with that session. This role is more than just a persona, it is
also a character in the game world that has influence over
the actions and behaviors of others. The Narrador can hop
in and out of a story, interact with other characters, and
has a special role in the fiction of the world as a tangible
force. Unlike other NPCs, the Narrador is not defined by
collection of statistics, but instead by a mechanical move-
set which rewards Players with in-game benefits or bur-
dens them with twists of fate. This process emphasizes the
theme and genre of adventure the party is participating in,
working cooperatively with the PCs to establish a clear
narrative. There are four distinct personas of the Narrador
and each has their own personality and unique in-game
manifestations, called a Mask. As a DM runs a game in
GrymmWorld, they will frequently don and swap between
these Masks in an artful dance known as the Masquerade.
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
A full 1st through 20th level campaign of 5th Edition using
this system will be a legendary tale indeed, with the DM
having assumed the Narrador’s persona dozens of times
across hundreds of hours of gameplay. A gamemastering
feat worthy of legend. This section details everything you
need to know about how to utilize the Narrador’s many
diverse tools to collaborate with your Players.
The Masquerade
The Masquerade is the game mechanism that signals the
Players that the DM will adopt themes, content, and situa-
tions appropriate to a specific type of story. As the GM and
Narrador, you have four different Masks you can don when
running a GrymmWorld campaign - Rustam, the Mask of
battle, Eudoxia, the Mask of intrigue, Daphne, the Mask
of compassion, and Gangesha, the Mask of truth. Each of
Behind the Curtain:
DM Constraint & Social Contracts
H aving learned of the Narrador’s Masks, you
may be concerned about the restrictions such
a system places upon you as a GM. That’s absolutely
fair, as the Masquerade’s more rigid gameplay is
a limiting factor on your game’s story. Like most
rules however, there are pros as well as cons. In this
case, we felt the clear communication to the Players
that the game was moving in a distinct thematic
direction or gameplay mode had many benefits.
One theory of game design is that unsatisfactory
experiences in RPGs arise from a failure to match
Player expectations to their experiences. A group of
Players may be more open and ready to engage with
an intrigue arc of a campaign if the beginning, middle,
and end of that arc is communicated clearly. This is
where the Masquerade comes in. The donning of the
mask of Eudoxia clearly indicates to everyone at the
table that the game is transitioning to one of intrigue
and subterfuge. It is time for the PCs to sheath their
swords and curb those murderous instincts, as the road
ahead will not facilitate or reward that style of play. If
you’ve ever had a PC start assassinating nobles in the
political arc of your traditional 5th Edition campaign,
you can understand why it can be good to make such
transitions and expectations clear. This is the basis of
the social contract between the Narrador and the PCs.
Some veterans of 5th Edition may chafe at this
experience initially. This is okay, it’s an adjustment for
everyone. Give it time. It takes everyone a few sessions
to learn the rules of a new game, and GrymmWorld
is a major flip of the script from traditional 5th
Edition. Don’t expect your Players to understand the
relationship between the Narrador and their characters
immediately, and certainly don’t expect perfection
from yourself. You will need practice and experience to
maximize the Narrador’s full potential.
67
these masks are characters as well as tools, the details of
which can be found later in this chapter.
The Narrador is a fluid individual that delights in being
the embodiment of stories. The Masks represent, in their
simplest forms, tales of battle, romance, intrigue, and ex-
ploration. When presented through play, each Mask signals
to the party a certain type of adventure is about to begin.
To aid in this transition of game modes, the Mask informs
the Players they are likely to experience certain mechani-
cal subsystems (though they might dip into others) which
support stories befitting of the Mask’s theme. Throughout
this book you will discover content tied to specific Masks
and are encouraged to use these tools to better explore the
gameplay potential behind each persona. Later sections of
this chapter further explore what this means for each re-
spective Mask, and a DM should familiarize themselves
with those personas to get the most mileage out of this
dramatic gameplay tool.
Story Arcs
A campaign or adventure in GrymmWorld is broken up
into story arcs. This breakup better facilitates the fairy tale-
like storytelling of the campaign setting as well as inte-
grating with the Masquerade system. A story arc is the set-
ting component that identifies what starts, progresses, and
ends an adventure, much like a beginning, climax, and end
of a fictional narrative. A story arc contains key questions
about the game world and the Player Characters that the
Narrador needs to have answered. As this is a role-playing
game, the ending of a story arc is not pre-determined; it
is discovered through play. The Narrador can continue to
wear the same Mask or to select a new one when appropri-
ate at the end of a story arc.
A story arc greatly benefits from the Narrador narrating
its elements in character, framing the experience as a living
story in the process of being told. This will take some cre-
ative writing on the Narrador’s part, but only just enough to
facilitate the Players exploring the story ahead of them, not
railroading them into a story they want nothing to do with.
The simple pattern of a story arc is as follows, the rough
details of what should be prepared prior to a game session
involving each element. It is advisable that a DM have
each of these aspects lightly detailed before beginning a
new story arc, to both serve as a guide for developing story
focused encounters and a frame of reference if things start
getting off track.
The Hook. A new chapter in the story of the PCs is de-
clared. The Narrador delivers a strong opening statement
declaring the core objective of the session and dons an
appropriate narrative Mask. This narration hints at what
is to come, without spoiling plots twists and other details
best left to the PCs to discover. The story arc also sets the
stage by introducing the starting environment and the ini-
tial hook of the adventure, finalized by the donning of the
narrative Mask through the Masquerade before the PCs
begin their journey.
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
The Problem. The core conflict of the story arc is nar-
ratively introduced. This should be the focus of the PC’s
efforts. This is an issue only they can resolve, whether it’s a
monster to slay, paramour to romance, or place to discov-
er. The Narrador should provide only as much detail as is
necessary to pique the PC’s interest, withholding the most
exciting elements for the PCs to discover themselves.
The Drama. In this section of the story arc, the PC’s clash,
collide, and engage The Problem directly. The Drama should
challenge the Players to answer a difficult question with their
characters. Are they daring enough to explore a dungeon?
Are they courting their true love? Is this the great battle of
the age? The result of the drama has yet to be determined by
the PC’s actions, but the path forward should be clear.
The Resolution. After the Drama is resolved, any loose
ends should be tied up by the PCs with the aid of the
Narrador. Any plot threads left hanging can be used to
pivot into new story arcs or carefully preserved to appear at
a later date. Note a resolution does not necessitate success
on the part of the PCs. The characters could still resolve
their Drama through failure or defeat, which in the eyes of
the Narrador are just as valuable as victory when it comes
to telling an interesting story.
Sample Story Arc
The Hook. The Moonlich haunts the Eldermount. Unless
the Song of Starlight is sung before the next full moon, the
foul creature will descend upon Prometerra and unleash
a plague of vile death. The DM declares this story arc
will coincide with the donning of the mask of Rustam,
indicating conflict, violence, and battle will be common
themes for encounters throughout the arc.
The Problem. The players begin in the Fellmount
region of Prometerra. They know that there are two
major mountain villages that often trade back and forth.
Trade has stopped because of the undead influence in
the area thanks to the rogue moon appearing in the
sky above Fellmount, from which descend a troupe of
undead performers signing songs that beguile the living.
From his lunar throne, the Moonlich watches as his
forces lure the people of Fellmount ever higher and join
in his eternal court where no life can endure. During
this chapter, the story will introduce the first village,
locals under threat by the Moonlich’s malevolence, and
the dangers of the undead troubadours patrolling the
region.
The Drama. During this chapter, the Player Characters
are going to come into direct contact with undead forces
and are going to be challenged with how they respond
to the undead blight. They will have the opportunity to
learn that the lich can be banished by the singing of the
Starlight Song, a mystical melody written each year by
elusive Starling birds. In order to defeat the Moonlich and
his schemes, the PCs must escape from Fellmount to the
Tadfen Bog where they can find the Starlings who have
68
The Epilogue. Once the PCs have completed their role
in the story arc, they may not realize the impact they’ve
had on the world around them. The Epilogue is the
Narrador’s chance to demonstrate this impact, illustrat-
ing the consequences felt by the people, environment, and
fiction of GrymmWorld thanks to the PC’s actions. The
Epilogue is the character’s legacy and should be reflective
of the morality and severity of their actions taken over the
course of the arc.
STORY ARC TEMPLATE
ARC BEAT DESCRIPTION OUTCOME
The Hook
The Problem
The Drama
The Resolution
The Epilogue
written this year’s song. Only then will they be ready to face
the Moonlich and sing of his defeat.
With the Starlight Song in hand, the PCs must summit
Fellmount and begin a grand performance to send the
undead menace back to where it came from. The Moonlich
has called forth his greatest bard to challenge the heroes in
a musical duel of epic proportions. Should the voice of the
dead prove too powerful for the PCs, Fellmount will surely
fall under the Moonlich’s sway, the horror of all good and
decent folk.
The Resolution. Should the PCs prove victorious, those
beguiled by the Moonlich’s troupes will descend back to
Prometerra. Life will return to normal, while gifts are given
and songs sung to honor the heroes and their prodigious
vocal ability. A ballad is composed in the PCs honor; a
celebration of their deeds and achievement. If the Moonlich
proves victorious, many of Fellmount’s people ascend to the
eternal court, never to be seen alive again. With new subjects
in hand, the Moonlich departs as mysteriously as he arrived,
leaving the survivors under a cloak of perpetual dread at the
inevitable return of such a terrific foe.
The Epilogue. Depending on how the conflict of the
story was resolved, the people of Fellmount develop a
greater affinity for musical arts and the power of song (if
the PCs are victorious), or become a dour, bitter people
devoid of hope and joy (if the PCs are defeated). In
either case, the summit of Fellmount is adorned with a
monument to the Moonlich, detailing his many crimes
against the region’s people, as well as the names of those
lost to his evil.
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
To develop your own story arc, consider using the for-
mat below and keep it available at all times during both
play and preparation. That way your narrative will feel fo-
cused, consistent, and interactive with what is going on at
the table. Follow along as your Players complete the story
arc, using their in-game achievements to detail the Player’s
outcome or response to each story beat, neatly summariz-
ing what has transpired over the course of the arc.
Running Games
as the Narrador
Playing the Narrador in GrymmWorld requires embody-
ing the personality of its four narrative Masks both inside
and outside of play. This is not a simple task, but that is
why this chapter exists! There are many tools, strategies,
and techniques a DM can use to make full use of the
Narrador through this section and this book as a whole, so
don’t be intimidated.
As the Narrador, you are now a Player and a DM. Your
character has a set of parameters defined by their Mask,
which you are obligated (and expected) to adhere to. This
limiting factor on your power is necessary, for the Players
need to feel like they are not subjected to the inscruta-
ble whims of an entity who they cannot defy or negotiate
with. This asymmetrical relationship should never be ex-
ploitative and aspiring Narradors are well advised to ad-
here to the code of conduct outlined below.
Interacting with Characters
The Narrador will interact with Player Characters in a va-
riety of ways, ranging from almost direct confrontation to
far subtler influences. The many ways these actions can be
performed are discussed later in this chapter, but it is im-
portant to frame our purposes in doing so. Ask the players,
inside the game as their characters, and outside the game
as Players, what they desire to achieve from playing in your
campaign. Their answers will help shape your designs and
narrow down your tools when creating adventures with-
in GrymmWorld. Balancing the goals and desires of each
individual is a challenging task. This task can be handled
through conversation and discussion to help players figure
out what to sacrifice, what to fight for, and what sort of
game they find most engaging.
Another function of this unique relationship with
Players is experiencing their perspective on the game
world. GrymmWorld has little official canon. Instead, its
mythology and lore are left deliberately vague in many ar-
eas, to be filled by the collaborative efforts of your cam-
paign. A successful Narrador experience is one where
together you and the Players have enacted deep and mean-
ingful change on the continent of Prometerra. Asking
Players about their characters’ families, hometowns, past
loves, old rivals, and what life was like before adventuring,
is a great way to build hooks for future play. Lastly, it is a
69
The Narrador Code of Conduct
A s a great man once said, “With great power
comes great responsibility”. As the Narrador
you have become the most powerful character at
your game table and your obligation to use that role
responsibly expands accordingly. Your responsibilities
as DM remain in place, but instead of being the
driving force behind the story at your table, you can
now collaborate with your Players to create a more
compelling and diverse narrative. The more effectively
you utilize the role of the Narrador, the better these
experiences will be, especially when guided by the
following tenets.
1. Don’t Play God. The Narrador is a being of
world-shaping potential, but power is not a measure
of what one can do. It is a measure of what one is
willing to do. Temper your power by accepting nar-
ratively appropriate limitations as detailed in this
chapter and beyond.
2. Listen Actively. Deeper and more personal
stories have the potential to resonate strongly
with Players. This can be a delightfully wonderful
moment or frustrating, upsetting experience.
Keep your ear out for how your Players (and their
characters) are feeling about what is happening in
the story. Remember, not everyone separates their
personal feelings from those of their character.
Keep your narrative tools handy to manage
troubling situations. Problems are always easiest
to solve when addressed early, so try to hear them
coming!
3. Communicate Effectively. What sounds great
in your head may not have the same effect when
presented at the table. Be mindful to speak in a
manner that best communicates your ideas and
story directions to the table. A story only you can
fully understand is a story no one else wants to be a
part of.
4. Share Responsibility. Campaigns in GrymmWorld
ask the Players to take on greater responsibility in
regard to the story. It’s no longer your job to ensure
their every action becomes woven into the narrative,
so be sure to provide the Players an opportunity
to step up. The more moments your Players get to
define the narrative, the richer and more detailed
your campaign will become.
5. Embrace Adversity. An endless parade of
rewards and validation does not make for diverse
storytelling. GrymmWorld is about more than
acquiring loot and winning the day. Moments
of sadness, defeat, struggle, and other aspects of
adversity are not only possible, but desirable. So
long as such things are explored responsibly, they
will make for a far more dynamic and memorable
campaign.
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
useful practice for players to provide their own descrip-
tions as to how they respond to the world. Don’t dictate
to them how their character responds, ask them directly.
“What do you do? How do you respond? What are your
thoughts on that?” Their responses can carry far greater
weight than you may be used to, so be ready to turn even
the most mundane conversation into the next great arc of
your campaign’s story.
Behind the Curtain:
Steward of the Fiction
T he Narrador is the ultimate guardian and
steward of the fiction, meaning they need to
keep track of all the elements that are passing through
GrymmWorld. Some game masters do this through
the use of notetaking, journaling, session recaps, or
plot radar. The plot radar is a technique developed by
Tom Lommel and involves tracking fictional elements
that are directly in front of the character, items that
are adjacent to the current scenes, and things that are
further out on the horizons. Other gamemasters might
use Mike Shea’s Lazy Dungeon Master series. There are
many tools and we will provide some hints here in this
chapter. Whatever technique is utilized, it is important
that you think of the following aspects:  The character of the Narrador is an essential part of
• Be a fan of the Players by knowing the characters
they are playing and what they are capable of.
• Think about the clues and context of the adventuring
environments and location the Players find
themselves in.
• Think about what hooks they will encounter and
how they might find themselves persisting in the
adventure.
• Consider the opposition, their activities, and what
they do to come into friction with the Players.
• Encourage ingenuity, thinking outside of the box,
and overcoming adversity in unforeseen ways.
• Reward according to the challenge and be consistent
in those rulings but consider what it would take to
ensure the players feel satisfied.
The Narrador has a responsibility to spotlight and
emphasize elements that carry special importance in
the world and making the importance known to the
players. Players won’t necessarily pick up on hidden,
secret, or invisible information. Puzzles might remove
accessibility to story elements. That doesn’t mean
avoid using them, but implement them in a way that
presents clues, solutions, and character specific meth-
ods of solving. If you have players learning how to
play, you might make suggestions, not directions, that
help inspire them to solve the problems they encoun-
ter. Consider how you convey information and what
activities of play warrant rewarding the players with
deeper story experiences.
70
Stakes and Consequences
When setting up scenes during play, each encounter
should have the stakes and consequences of the situation
clearly articulated to all concerned, unless doing so would
spoil a particularly juicy mystery. This helps Players to act
confidently with their characters, facilitating trust in a
game where the average Player has reasonable cause to be
worried their treasured character may be obliterated for
the smallest of mistakes.
Part of setting up the scenes also involves the Narrador
finding opportunities to reward every Player for engaging
in the character-specific details they chose during charac-
ter creation. Personality Traits, Ideals, Flaws, and Bonds
should be examined and utilized by the Narrador to pro-
vide opportunities for Players to be rewarded with story
beats, scenes, and other benefits found throughout this
chapter. The Narrador needs to be prepared to challenge
the characters through careful and considerate use of dra-
ma and conflict. Find out what gets a character excited,
nervous, intrigued, and interested in the game. It will be
time well spent.
The Narrador and the Meta Game
Grymm-World and exists as a fourth-wall breaking enti-
ty that is aware of its existence as a vehicle for storytelling.
The guiding principle is that a Player’s character informs
the DM how to steer a session, while prompting Players
with types of actions that advance the in-game narrative.
This character type is common in many fairy stories from
a variety of cultures and is inspired by other tabletop role-
playing games. It is important for Player Characters to be
aware of the meta-game nature of the Narrador and for
the group to develop an attitude of appreciation for their
role in the game. Respecting the Narrador leads to rewards
both wondrous and exciting, while fighting the fictional
direction of the game can produce terrific hardship. It is
important that the Narrador honor agency of characters as
often as possible. Think of the meta conversation about the
game as the script for a play, and the game of 5th Edition
as the actual performance. Allow your Players to peek at,
rewrite, and modify the script in ways that interest them,
so long as at the end of the day you are the one ensuring its
key story beats and structure remain intact.
Getting into Character
Becoming the Narrador is a process every DM utilizing
GrymmWorld should master. Divided into four sub-per-
sonalities, the character of the Narrador provides you with
an opportunity to explore a diverse array of personas both
in game, and at your table. These personalities, or Masks,
are designed to be as unique and diverse as our own human
experiences, but not all encompassing. Their themes and
interests are just vague enough to be adapted to your own
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
interpretations. It is both encouraged and expected that
you find a unique understanding of each of the Narrador’s
personas to better facilitate your table’s play, as well as your
own comfort. A beautifully executed Narrador perfor-
mance will combine acting, game mastering, and playing
into one spectacular whole. Getting there takes work but
detailed below is a basic list of resources you can use to
begin exploring what it means to the Narrador.
Ambience and Music. If you have ever read a fairy tale
and heard the sounds of creaking wood or whispering
wind in your head as you read along, then you understand
how powerful a simple note of ambience can play in an
imaginative experience. Utilizing thematically appropriate
music and ambience at your table will go a long way. Make
the utilization of music and ambience a part of your game
preparation and reap spectacular rewards as your Players
dive headfirst into your story with but a sound.
Props. Specific to the Narrador are the ideas of masks,
patterns, textures, and materials that relate to the tone of
each Narrador persona. Detailed later in this chapter, each
of these Masks makes use of specific color combinations,
artistry, and other aesthetics to reinforce their presence.
Visually define what it means for you to play the Narrador
at your game table. You might be surprised just how far
donning a simple red cloak goes when preparing to run
a climactic battle. If you are referencing iconic objects or
a persona in the game, consider what visual prompt (ei-
ther graphically or physically) could be used to connect
Behind the Curtain:
The DM As A Character?
T he entire concept of stories is built from the
knowledge told by an outsider, written by an
observer, or dreamt up while we are sleeping. As
a child, I often watched the Dungeons & Dragons
animated series, where a character named “dungeon
master” would pop in and out of episodes. Likewise,
Jim Henson’s Storyteller was narrated by the wonderful
John Hurt, who often would interject as if he were part
of the scene, while sitting apart from it. In the earlier
parts of this decade, I became interested in a Ryuutama
campaign that featured Story Dragons which were both
part of the game world and the role the game master
would play. The goal of introducing this set of ideas
into 5th Edition roleplaying is to capture the magic of
the storyteller tradition and provide clear meaningful
mechanics that facilitate play. Rather than rely on DM
fiat, you can apply clear and precise procedures while
you adjudicate the game. A major challenge can be
that players must agree to the influence the Narrador
wields, and the inability to shake it from the world.
This is something some players may struggle with. My
hope is that the collaborative story-telling experience
is improved by engaging with the existing game
mechanics through this new set of rules.
71
the players to the game space. Digital mediums are won-
derfully effective in this regard, allowing you to provide
a plethora of high-quality art that can perfectly fit your
game’s tone.
Voices. How one speaks is important when playing as
the Narrador. Tone, turn of phrase, and intonation all play
into both effective communication and dramatic gravitas.
Unique and colorful voices are compelling, but under that,
your own voice is the most powerful tool in your narra-
tive arsenal. Consider what key phrases and tonal quality
the Narrador uses when you speak. Each mask has its own
inflections, ticks, and mannerisms that you can lean on to
reinforce your table’s themes without ever having to per-
form a funny voice of questionable quality.
Gameplay. The Narrador has control over how encoun-
ters play out and what rulesets are present at your table. This
book, especially this chapter, detail many fantastical tools
for expanding your game in previously unexplored direc-
tions. The right combination of newness and collaborative
mechanics are essential to high quality GrymmWorld en-
counters but learning how to use a new toy takes time. Give
yourself a chance to master whatever mechanics you wish
to explore and define in character. Over time you will accli-
mate these rule sets to the Players and your group, exploring
them together as both Narrador and PCs. Enjoy this pro-
cess and don’t fuss too much about mistakes you make along
the way. Serve the story first, and the rules second.
The Narrador’s Masks
The Narrador is four distinct personalities inhabiting one
being, each of which takes the form of a narrative Mask be-
tween which the Narrador swaps like changing costumes.
These Masks are Rustam Crimson-Snow, Eudoxia Night-
Storm, Daphne Hallow-Field, and Gangesha Falling-
Leaf. From where these identities hail is a subject of much
speculation, but the prevailing theory is that the Narrador
has chosen to adopt the personas of four adventures from
GrymmWorld’s past. Together these dear friends wrought
deeds worthy of story, song, and legend like no other. That
was, until the fell-beyonders came and rent asunder their
world. It is said the love of these heroes for their home was
so great, their spirits endured to ensure those that came
after would know the joy of being a part of a wonderous
tale, and so became one with the Narrador. Whatever
their origins, the Masks now exist as potent forces shaping
GrymmWorld’s very foundations.
Good stories show as much as they tell, and your games
must be no different. When you need to communicate to
the Players the tone of the campaign is shifting to a new
style of play, all you must do is don a new narrative Mask.
This act signals the Players that you are going to adopt
themes, content, and situations appropriate to a specific
type of story appropriate for that Mask.
Donning a Mask can be both a narrative and physical
act. The Players should be made keenly aware when the
game is experiencing an introduction or change in Masks.
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
This act should be executed in a suitably dramatic man-
ner, akin to a scene change at a play or the start of a new
chapter in a nail-biting novel. Accompanying this change
in the meta comes a shift in the land of GrymmWorld
itself. Remember, the Narrador is an entity with fourth-
wall breaking (and entering) properties, and the creatures
of GrymmWorld are accustomed to their world changing
to accommodate the latest story arc. A sudden change in
the seasons, a peculiar change in the common folk’s mood,
and many other omens can signal the Narrador’s donning
of a new Mask.
The Mask of the Narrador is more than just a tool for
narrative story telling. Each is equipped with a selection
of tools and resources which facilitate the DM exploring
their themes and character with the PCs. This chapter not
only shares the capacities of each narrative Mask, but a
wider array of tools and their uniquely effective interac-
tions with the Masks which you can explore. Before you
can begin to fully utilize those resources however, you must
learn the details of each Narrador Mask, which is detailed
in this section. The four narrative Masks and a summary of
their features are as follows:
• Rustam: The Mask of Battle
Stories of warfare, monster slaying, and
dungeon delving
• Eudoxia: The Mask of Intrigue
Stories of sedition, betrayal, and solving mysteries
• Daphne: The Mask of Compassion
Stories of romance, friendship, and personal drama
• Gangesha: The Mask of Truth
Stories of hope, exploration, and long journeys
Season. Each Mask is tied to a Season, a literal atmospher-
ic representation of spring, summer, winter, and fall. When
the Narrador dons a Mask, all of GrymmWorld responds
by mystically aligning its season to those of the Mask. As
GrymmWorld is fairy tale fantasy, seasonality is not tied
to science, it is tied to the Narrador and their desire to
control the sights, sounds, smell, and feel of the world
around them. Why this occurs none can say. Some believe
it to be the Narrador exercising its godlike power, while
the more educated opinion postulates that the life cycle of
the Narrador and GrymmWorld are intertwined, with
the life of one reflecting the other, and vice versa.
Social Statistics. Each section below provides the per-
sonality traits of the Mask which are dominant during
play. These traits are a basic overview of how the Narrador
is likely to behave in a social encounter while wearing
the mask. This interaction is likely to occur when the
Narrador is speaking through one of its keepers but can
also be used to interpret how the Narrador thinks and
feels about the actions of the PCs. This assessment is vital
for determining whether the characters are collaborating
with the Narrador or working to derail the story the en-
tity so desperately wishes to tell.
72
Influences. A detailed description of influences and
how to use them. These influences, as described through-
out this chapter, can impact the game world. Influences
are the impacts that the Narrador has over NPCs, the
game environment, and the overarching fictional narra-
tive of GrymmWorld. After revealing an influence of the
Narrador, you should ask the Player Characters how they
respond to the influence and what it means to them.
Keepers. Throughout GrymmWorld there are those with
a close affinity to the Narrador, the Keepers. Keepers are
those that know the words the Narrador has spoken and
preserve the tales through oral tradition. A Keeper is a
master of discerning the nature of the Narrador’s desires
and may be able to offer valuable insight into what lays
ahead. Keepers are functional NPCs that can become in-
tertwined with the Player Characters thanks to their as-
sociation with the Narrador, but are more akin to guides
or supporting characters in a story, letting the Players lead
the way.
Behind the Curtain:
The Magic of Theater
I t is said by Alexi Siegel, that in traditional theater
the ritual of putting on a mask is extremely
tender. It is transformative and is one of the most
magical moments of mask work. This is also true in
GrymmWorld. When the Narrador dons the Mask,
they are assuming the face, identity, and properties of
an avatar of story. In the fiction of the game world,
this is viewed as the magic time, The Masquerade.
Keepers share tales of miraculous beings that
transcend religious experience, extraplanar
encounters, and the day to day of the mortal coil.
The Masquerade is a period of personal growth for
the Grymm, a time to be tested and face trials of the
heart. The timeless tales of fairy song are heard when
the Narrador dons a Mask and the music changes
when the Mask is exchanged.
The Dramatic Influence of Masks
The Narrador can reveal their influence in a campaign
through a multitude of mystical and potent ways via de-
scription alone. The cold wind that blows before the pitched
battle, the gently falling summer rain that hides the tear-
drops of a lover scorned, or the crisp kaleidoscope of colors
the autumn leaves create as they fall to the ground are all
examples of the Narrador’s connection to GrymmWorld.
The Narrador’s touch can be shared through evocative de-
scriptions of the environment, objects, and locations in the
game space. Think of the words that best suit your inter-
pretation of the Narrador and how they relate to the story
elements that tie to the tonality of the tales that are set to
come. The Narrador can also impact the game through di-
rect manifestation by one of its keepers, mysterious agents
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador

of the mercurial entity, which act as both its avatar and The Mask of Battle: Rustam Crimson-Snow,
messenger. The appearance of such a creature is an act one The Record Keeper of Soldier Songs
should not take lightly and be performed only when the
Narrador feels the need to steer things in a direct and dra- Rustam Crimson-Snow is the embodiment of tales of
matic direction. The Narrador has influence over creatures, hardship, strife, and danger. Often appearing as a bat-
locations, environments, and objects. Narrador influence tle-hardened military leader with eyes narrowed in a
might prompt the NPCs to specific story-relevant actions, shrewd analysis of all that stand before him, Rustam is
might let the Player Characters receive leniency as a result a paragon of physical strength and martial virtue. When
of their actions, or cause a societal shake-up. Regardless of the problems of GrymmWorld are best solved by acts of
the outcome or effect, the goal of using this influence is to great violence, affairs of honor, or devastating sacrifice,
add to the ambiance, atmosphere, and overall tone of the the Mask of Rustam is donned. It is said, those that have
game. fought with Rustam have been bathed in blood, possessing
a grim strength one only earns through tortuous trials of
mind and body. Deadly and resolute, the coming of winter
RUSTAM signals all of GrymmWorld that great conflict is nigh. His
The Mask of Battle presence inspires more than a few Prometerrans to sleep
with one eye open and a sword in hand. Rustam’s tales are
Season. Winter stored in battle hymns, ancient legends of heroes past, and
Personality Traits. Rustam believes in the certainty of in the confessions made with a warrior’s final breath.
steel and the finality of death. His mind is a bastion of
grim determination, full of pain from ancient wounds
and a hunger for glory that transcends any notion of
self-preservation.
• Ideals – Violence. Rustam sees the world as
inherently violent, best navigated blade in hand.
An honorable solution to almost any problem is
the direct and uncompromising application of
force.
• Bonds – Honor. Those who fight without honor
are mere butchers in the eyes of Rustam,
disgracing themselves by putting victory before
integrity. It is better to die with dignity, then live
with shame.
• Flaws – Short-Sighted. Rustam rarely sees value in
exploring the deeper repercussions his violence can
cause. To this aspect of the Narrador, in the long run
all are fated for oblivion, so best to make the most of
the short run.
Do’s. Rustam holds great affinity for displays of deadly
skill, be it magical or martial. Using the threat of force
to get one’s way is a procedure Rustam always respects,
provided it is done so honorably. Invoking conflict
and confrontation brings a rare smile to Rustam’s face,
particularly if it’s against those who have yet to taste
the bitter bite of hardship.
Don’ts. Subterfuge and deception are anathema to
Rustam. Compromising one’s principles to justify
a course of action is enough to drive the entity to
a rage.
Keepers. Rustam prefers creatures of great violence
and strength to serve as his Keepers. Mighty dragons,
fearsome beasts, or similarly unsubtle beings are worthy
voices to speak for this facet of the Narrador. To create
a Keeper of Rustam, use the template provided in this
section to invoke a fitting persona.

73
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador

Keeper of Rustam Template
The Keepers of Rustam speak of the challenges of both
past and future. They often wear armor, be it meticulously
crafted and extravagant work or makeshift and quixotic
in design. They travel with the tales of battle and valor,
singing them out in a hymn or military march. These songs
tell of the tragedies of battle - glorious conflicts against
unstoppable odds which always end in a noble death.
When a creature becomes a Keeper of Rustam its traits
and statistics remain the same but gain the following:
Skills. The creature gains proficiency in the following
skills: Athletics, History, Intimidation, and Performance.
If it would gain a skill in which it is already proficient, its
proficiency bonus is instead doubled for any ability check
it makes using that skill.
Damage Resistances. The creature is resistant to blud-
geoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical
weapons.
Condition Immunities. The creature becomes immune
to the charmed and frightened conditions.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating increas-
es by 1, and its proficiency bonus is adjusted accordingly.
Traits
The creature gains the following traits.
Battlesworn. When the Keeper rolls initiative, it can
grant a number of creatures of its choice within 60 ft. the
gift of a desire for battle for 1 minute. These creatures have
advantage on attack rolls made on turns where they moved
at least 20 ft. toward an enemy creature.
Rustam’s Violence. The creature cannot have disadvan-
tage on attack rolls, saving throws, and ability checks made
against enemy creatures.
Additionally, as a bonus action, the creature can grant
itself a single additional action on its turn other than the
Multiattack action, and then gains 1 level of exhaustion at
the end of that turn.
Voice of the Narrador. The Keeper’s voice always pro-
duces sound (even in areas of magical silence) and can be
understood by all creatures which can hear it.

RUSTAM INFLUENCES
D10 DESCRIPTION
The blood within each creature in the story stirs, a hunger that violence satisfies far better than any meal. If influenced,
1 creatures engaged in combat for at least 1 continuous minute, gain benefits as if they had consumed 1 pound of food and
1 gallon of water.

The light in the realm shines a blood-red, heralding battle yet to come. Attacks rolls made in areas of influenced bright
2
light cannot have disadvantage.

Weapons and armor shine brighter, always being fit for conflict and more potent while in use. Influenced weapons
3 become magical and grant a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls, while influenced armor becomes magical and grants a
+1 bonus to AC while worn.

Wounds are more severe and leave significant (but not ugly) scars. When influenced creatures would roll damage dice,
4
they instead roll the maximum value on those dice.

A fog of war rolls across the land, forcing creatures to engage in close quarters combat. The influenced area is heavily
5
obscured, except for an area in a 20 ft. radius sphere around each creature in the influenced area.

A harsh wind blows throughout the land, ensuring those who would find rest and respite are instead driven ever onward.
6 When creatures in the influenced area would attempt to benefit from a short or long rest, they must first succeed on a
DC 15 Constitution ability check or instead gain no benefit from the rest.

Those who fought with honor and fell in battle are blessed with a noble fate. If an influenced creature slays an honorable
7 opponent and does not attend to their remains with honor within 1 hour of slaying it, that creature becomes cursed until
it does so. A creature so cursed cannot regain hit points.

A particular object or structure develops a supernatural affinity for blood. Until the influenced object or structure is
8 adorned with blood taken from an enemy in honorable combat, it emits supernatural battle cries which drown out all
other sound in the influenced area.

Influenced creatures feel compelled to address each other with formal honorifics and titles. An influenced creature that
9
fails to do so, becomes cursed. While cursed, it is unable to verbally communicate with other creatures for 24 hours.

Pathways and trails emerge in the influenced area, leading dire enemies toward each other. Creatures in the influenced
10 area have advantage on ability checks to track down their enemies and such creatures are immune to difficult terrain
when moving toward their enemies.

74
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
Actions The Mask of Intrigue: Eudoxia Night Storm,
The creature gains the following actions.
Gift of Rustam (1/Rest). The Keeper bestows a magical
gift on a creature within reach, imbuing it with a penchant
for honorable violence for up to 1 week. On each of its
turns, the creature can use a bonus action to grant itself a
single additional action on its turn, and then gains 1 level
of exhaustion at the end of that turn.
Influences
Rustam’s stories are tales of valor, monsters being defeated,
comradery found in combat, and delving the dark places of
the world. Player Characters will engage with these tales
using their combat abilities, working as a team, and man-
aging finite resources that dwindle over time. The Narrador
can reinforce this gameplay style by creating the following
influences in GrymmWorld, as detailed in the table below.
You can roll randomly on the table in the event an imme-
diate influence is required. These effects remain for as long
as the Narrador chooses or until it changes its Mask to one
other than Rustam.
75
The Lamenter of Forlorn Dreams
Eudoxia Night-Storm is the essence of whispers in the
dark, secrets shared by lamplight, and ciphers cryptical-
ly concealed in the hidden places of the universe. In the
deepest dens of burglars, thieves, and scoundrels are the
tales and stories of the keen fey-lady and her many secrets.
Eudoxia is often depicted as a strong woman, garbed in
the colors of the night, her hair flowing like a warm and
mysterious wind. She is associated with tales of tricksters,
EUDOXIA
The Mask of Intrigue
Season. Summer
Personality Traits. Eudoxia sees guile, deception, and
trickery as the finest expressions of mortal existence.
Where else can one find amusement, danger, and
immense satisfaction than the court of intrigue? Her
every desire is to spin webs of mystery, immersing
herself and others in an endless complex network of
plot threads and deceptions.
• Ideals – Supremacy. Eudoxia feels that victory
through one’s wits and will is the greatest virtue.
To attain supremacy over all opposition in such a
manner is the highest category of achievement, and
plenty of fun as well!
• Bonds – Organization. Eudoxia hates to act alone.
The more people involved in her webs of intrigue, the
more interesting the result. Her every scheme aspires
to include as many beings as possible, including
friends, enemies, and everyone in between.
• Flaws – Deceptive. Eudoxia has a difficult time
telling the truth, even when there is no reason to lie.
So layered are her deceptions that it is difficult for
her rare moments of sincerity to ever be believed.
Do’s. Eudoxia loves to see problems solved with a
subtle hand and careful planning. Creatures that display
daring wit, clever strategy, and cunning discretion
impress her. Any problem that can be solved with the
mind, should be, and those that can’t are still worth
testing oneself against anyway; no matter the outcome.
Don’ts. Direct confrontation and simplistic thinking
are anathema to Eudoxia. Creatures which try to cut
through intricately woven plots using force earn her
ire, as do any who have no respect for formidable
intellect.
Keepers. Eudoxia loves Keepers with a clever tongue
and quick wit. Fey beings and their unique perspective
on life are particularly desirable, as are those who keep
to the shadows while avoiding the spotlight. To create
a Keeper of Eudoxia, use the template provided in this
section to invoke a fitting persona.
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador

cunning, and conceit; telling tales full of subterfuge, skull-
duggery, and things that go bump in the night. Eudoxia’s
influence is felt whenever there is political turmoil or
social conflict. Her ways are that of shadow and subter-
fuge, with her Mask being donned whenever a problem
facing GrymmWorld cannot be solved with brute force.
Eudoxia’s adventures glorify mind over matter, plans com-
ing together, and unconditional victory.
proficiency bonus is instead doubled for any ability check
it makes using that skill.
Damage Resistances. The creature is resistant to psy-
chic damage.
Condition Immunities. The creature becomes immune
to the charmed and frightened conditions.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating in-
creases by 1, and its proficiency bonus adjusts accordingly.

Keeper of Eudoxia Template Traits

The Keepers of Eudoxia enjoy pitching carnival tents
where they put on puppet shows and passion plays that
tell tales of intrigue and morality. They often dress flashier
than they can afford, hinting that every bit of attire had a
former owner, and every piece of jewelry might be linked
to a tragic tale. They keep to the shadows, revealing them-
selves only when no other intermediary would suffice.
Skills. The creature gains proficiency in the following
skills: Deception, Insight, Performance, and Stealth. If
it would gain a skill in which it is already proficient, its
The creature gains the following traits.
Web of Intrigue. When the Keeper socially interacts
with a creature for 1 continuous minute, it can choose to
implant a subtle, reasonable suggestion in the creature’s
mind for 24 hours. This suggestion takes the form of a spe-
cific activity the creature can take. When presented with
the first opportunity to do so, the creature must succeed
on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or be forced to take
that course of action. A creature immune to the charmed
condition has advantage on this saving throw.

EUDOXIA INFLUENCES
D10 DESCRIPTION
Night falls across the realm, bathing the influenced area within a magical darkness. Dawn never arises within the
1
influenced area until a secret chosen by Eudoxia is uncovered.

Creatures of Eudoxia’s choice in the affected area forget who they were along with their past, taking on a new,
2 mysterious personality and memories. Creatures influenced in this manner remain this way until their true past can be
revealed through compelling evidence or persuasion.

An object or structure of Eudoxia’s choice vanishes, reappearing in the possession of a creature of her choosing.
3 This object or structure cannot be found except by creatures that already know where it is, becoming heavily
obscured to all other creatures.

A soft wind blows across the realm, whispering a name of Eudoxia’s choice, which is the hidden identity of a creature
4 living under an assumed name. This wind never ceases to blow nor whisper until influenced creatures discover the
named creature and reveal its true identity.

Creatures of Eudoxia’s choice become involved in a conspiracy, working to accomplish a mysterious objective not even
5 they fully understand. Creatures influenced in this manner view the secrecy of this conspiracy to be more important
than even their own lives and will not reveal its secrets under any circumstances.

The specter of death haunts a creature of Eudoxia’s choice. When this creature would be reduced to zero hit points,
6
it is slain instantly and cannot be restored to life unless Eudoxia allows it.

The identities of creatures of Eudoxia’s choice become shrouded in mystery. Influenced creatures have advantage on
7
Charisma ability checks made to conceal their identity and cannot have their thoughts read unless they allow it.

A horn sounds across the realm, which can only be heard by creatures of Eudoxia’s choice. Influenced creatures have
24 hours to arrive at the source of the horn’s sound or become cursed. While cursed in this manner, a creature cannot
8
have advantage on attack rolls, saving throw, or ability checks. This curse only ends when the creature spends 24 hours
in complete isolation, speaking to or being seen by no other creatures.

The shadows of creatures of Eudoxia’s choice develop a mind of their own, seeking to undermine and foil their
9
influenced owners at every opportunity. This effect only ends if a creature can befriend its shadow.

The deepest darkest secret belonging to a creature of Eudoxia’s choice becomes widely known by creatures with an
10
Intelligence of 13 or higher throughout an influenced area of her choice.

76
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador

Eudoxia’s Guile. The Keeper is invisible while in dim forest of dear friends, saucy lovers, and nefarious enemies.
light or darkness unless it chooses not to be. Wherever a Keeper of Daphne is found, one can count on
Voice of the Narrador. The Keeper’s voice always pro- trouble to be close by. Their presence is marked by bright
duces sound (even in areas of magical silence) and can be colors, musical voices, and a general aura of heightened
understood by all creatures which can hear it. emotions.
Skills. The creature gains proficiency in the following
Actions skills: Insight, Medicine, Performance and Persuasion. If
The creature gains the following actions. it would gain a skill in which it is already proficient, its
Gift of Eudoxia (1/Rest). The Keeper bestows a magical proficiency bonus is instead doubled for any ability check
gift on a creature within reach, imbuing it with the capac- it makes using that skill.
ity for stealth for 1 week. This creature is invisible in dim Damage Resistances. The creature is resistant to radiant
light or darkness unless it chooses not to be. damage.
Condition Immunities. The creature becomes immune
Influences to the charmed and frightened conditions.
Eudoxia’s tales are complex, multilayered affairs. Their plots Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating in-
are always intricate, facilitating the expression of one’s creases by 1, and its proficiency bonus adjusts accordingly.
intellect and insight, while discouraging acts of brutish-
ness or force. Player Characters who
think before acting, look for un-
conventional solutions, and put high
value on the power of the spoken word
find themselves thriving in her tales.
The Narrador can reinforce this gameplay
style by creating the following influences in
GrymmWorld, as detailed in the table below.
You can roll randomly on the table in the event an
immediate influence is required. The effects last for
as long as the Narrador chooses or until
it changes its Mask to one other than
Eudoxia.

The Mask of Compassion:

Daphne Hallow-Field,
The Author of Blooming Love

Daphne Hallow-Field is the peaceful calm one feels

at the sight of a blooming flower, the fluttering
of the heart when it experiences a first love, and
all the tender moments that are shared between
friends, family, and lovers. These stories are not with-
out trial and hardship, as no relationship is complete with-
out its share of drama. Daphne is associated with floral
colors, bare feet walking along freshly cut grass, and care-
fully laced valentines. They are often depicted in gowns of
daffodil yellow, lyre in hand and a back graced by gossa-
mer wings. When others speak with Daphne’s voice, it re-
sounds deeply in the souls of all who hear. Daphne’s influ-
ence appears wherever the bonds of friendship are formed,
colorful rivalries founded, or passionate hearts fall in love.
When an adventure falls under their mask, it will not be
strength of arms or might of spell that sees heroes through,
but the quality of spirit.

Keeper of Daphne Template

The Keepers of Daphne are cultured,
suave, and diverse. In honor of their
namesake, each is surrounded by a

77
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
Traits
The creature gains the following traits.
Magnetic Personality. As a bonus action on each of its
turns, the Keeper can attempt to form a bond with a crea-
ture of its choice that can hear it. The Keeper attempts
a Charisma (Persuasion) check contested by the target’s
Wisdom (Insight). On a success, the Keeper gains one of
the following benefits until the end of that turn.
• The Keeper has advantage on attack rolls against
the target.
• The target has disadvantage on saving throws
against the Keeper.
• The target’s social attitude becomes one of the
Keeper’s choice.
Daphne’s Light. The keeper can choose to magically shed
dim light in a 60 ft. radius (no action required). When a
creature in the affected area that the Keeper can see at-
tempts a Charisma ability check or saving throw, Daphne
can choose to grant advantage or disadvantage on the roll
(no action required).
Voice of the Narrador. The Keeper’s voice always pro-
duces sound (even in areas of magical silence) and can be
understood by all creatures which can hear it.
Actions
The creature gains the following actions.
Gift of Daphne (1/Rest). The keeper bestows a magical
gift on a creature within reach, imbuing it with greater in-
fluence over social dynamics for 1 week. As a bonus action
on each of its turns, the gifted creature can attempt to form
a bond with another creature of its choice that can hear
it. The affected creature attempts a Charisma (Persuasion)
check contested by the target’s Wisdom (Insight). On a
success, the gifted creature gains one of the following
benefits until the end of that turn.
• The affected creature has advantage on attack rolls
against the target.
• The target has disadvantage on saving throws against
the gifted creature.
• The target’s social attitude becomes one of the gifted
creature’s choice.
Influences
Daphne’s stories are tender and pure, but with a hint of
sorrow behind every pretty word. Characters will experi-
ence growth as they focus on personal sociality with all the
people of GrymmWorld, experiencing emotions such as
friendship, rivalry, romance, and heartbreak. These stories
involve building relationships, providing service to others,
and not only exploring the very personal nature of who
the characters are, but also who they dream of becoming.
The DM should advise players to be willing to explore
their characters personal history and plan and prepare for
their eventual future. Make them aware that the way they
treat other people determines their success and failure.
The Narrador can reinforce this gameplay style by creating
the following influences in GrymmWorld, as detailed in
78
DAPHNE
The Mask of Compassion
Season. Spring
Personality Traits. Considerate, balanced, passionate,
love-filled, and thoughtful; Daphne is a social butterfly
in every sense of the term. They see each emotion
as uniquely beautiful and significant. Daphne sees
the people as the most important part of every place
- a chance to discover new relationships and start
delightful drama. Trouble follows them at every turn,
though rarely is a battle fought with blades or guile.
• Ideals – Drama. To Daphne, self-expression
and the dynamic relationships which form from
sharing one’s true self are the highest expressions
of art, to be celebrated and explored at every
opportunity. The ensuing social drama is a
feast for the soul, bringing color and life to all
GrymmWorld.
• Bonds – Relationships. Whether its endearing
lovers engaged in romance or dire enemies trading
barbs, Daphne loves to see relationships play out.
They will go to tremendous lengths to ensure
new bonds are formed, and only aspires to end
relationships when doing so can be done with
deserving gravitas.
• Flaws – Melodramatic. Daphne’s love of
interpersonal affairs can be taken to startling
extremes. Their desire for melodrama tends to
bring out the brightest passions and darkest desires
of those Daphne influences, often to the detriment
of those caught in the crossfire.
Do’s. Daphne is delighted by artistic and enthusiastic
behavior. Those which share their thoughts and feelings
freely are seen as virtuous, deserving of attention, and
favorable. When a creature solves a problem with words
and feelings, they are acting as Daphne would in their
place. The more drama that ensues along the way, the
better.
Don’ts. Those who betray themselves and those closest
to them garner no love from Daphne. While not all
relationships end the way one wants, to reject them
entirely is to spit in the face of GrymmWorld’s most
important facet, its people.
Keepers. The Keepers are Daphne are creatures of
great charisma and colorful character. They immerse
themselves in the communities and societies of
other creatures, centering themselves as community
figureheads and cultural icons. Keepers of Daphne are
the great poets and the humble farmers. They reside in
the lofty courts or in the small communities, keeping
tabs on the juiciest gossip. To create a Keeper of
Daphne, use the template provided in this section to
invoke a fitting persona.
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador

the table below. You can roll randomly on the table in the
event an immediate influence is required. The effects last as
long as the Narrador chooses or until it changes its Mask
to one other than Daphne.
The Mask of Truth: Gangesha Falling-Leaf,
The Journal of One Long-Traveled
Gangesha represents the call to adventure. When a trav-
eler is met on the road, or an unrecognized face stops in a
tavern for a brief meal before setting out on a road, it
is often said “Gangesha rides with you.” The hope for the
future, the diplomacy shared between lands, and a strong
connection to the natural world embody tales told by the
Mask of truth. The stories of Gangesha are some of the
oldest as well as among the first taught to the youth of
GrymmWorld at bedtime. Their voice is stern but kind,
befitting their portrayal as a diligent teacher burdened
with countless educational tools ready to be applied at a
moment’s notice. Gangesha’s influence occurs whenever
the hidden becomes the revealed, the ignorant becomes
enlightened, and the unknown becomes known.

DAPHNE INFLUENCES
D10 DESCRIPTION
Daphne musically influences creatures of her choice, granting them a musical theme that accompanies their every action.
These creatures are always accompanied by music that sounds thematically appropriate to whatever action(s) they are
1
performing at the time, which can be heard in a 30 ft. radius centered on the creature. This effect ends if a creature
interacts socially to discover a new friend, lover, or enemy.

Mystical flowers bloom in an area Daphne chooses to influence. A creature which presents these flowers as a gift when
2
interacting socially makes the gifted creature’s starting attitude friendly.

A mysterious letter is delivered to a creature of Daphne’s choice. The letter is either from a secret admirer, family member,
3 or enemy (Daphne’s choice). If the influenced creature does not socially interact with the writer of the letter within 1
week, they become cursed for 1 month. While cursed, the creature cannot succeed on Charisma ability checks.

A ballad is composed about a creature of Daphne’s choice. When the ballad is performed, the influenced creature’s exact
4
location becomes known by each creature which hears the ballad.

Daphne alters the light in an area of her choice, adapting it to fit the mood of the creatures nearby. Creatures within
the influenced area are surrounded by a nimbus of dim light in a 5 ft. radius sphere that correlates to their mood, as
5 detailed below.
Angry. Red Avaricious. Orange Fearful. Yellow Calm. Green 
Inspired. Blue  Compassionate. Purple Affectionate. Pink

Creatures of Daphne’s choice experience prophetic dreams whenever they take a long rest. During these dreams the
creatures encounter a fictional creature of Daphne’s design that is either a friend, an enemy, or a paramour and the
6
creature must succeed on a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or gains no benefit from the rest. This effect ends once
an influenced creature socially interacts with the creature in its dreams on three separate instances.

Daphne chooses an object to become of great personal significance to another creature. If the object is delivered to
7 the creature, the deliverer can choose to become a loyal and trusted friend to the influenced creature. If this occurs,
the creature will never betray or act against those who delivered the object unless it becomes an enemy.

Rosy clouds fill the sky over an area, casting magical shadows over those below which ensures any relationships
8 are authentic and free from outside influence. Creatures in an area of shadow cast by the cloud are immune to the
charmed condition and cannot have their behavior magically influenced.

A creature of Daphne’s choice experiences a dramatic change of heart in its personal relationships. The creature
9 either considers a number of creatures it once called friends to be its enemies, or vice versa. This influence lasts until
the creature has socially interacted with those whom it changed its heart about.

A creature of Daphne’s choice becomes marked for great dramatic significance. If the creature is slain, those
10 responsible for its death become cursed. While cursed, a creature cannot be considered friendly or an ally to other
creatures for 1 week.

79
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
Keeper of Gangesha Template
The Keepers of Gangesha are haughty and dignified, but
frightfully intelligent. They carry themselves with an air of
well-deserved wisdom, capable of seeing past almost any
deception and cutting straight to the truth of any matter.
Skills. The creature gains proficiency in the following
skills: History, Insight, Perception, and Performance. If
it would gain a skill in which it is already proficient, its
proficiency bonus is instead doubled for any ability check
it makes using that skill.
Damage Resistances. The creature is resistant to psychic
damage.
Condition Immunities. The creature becomes immune
to the charmed and frightened conditions.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating in-
creases by 1, and its proficiency bonus adjusts accordingly.
80
GANGESHA
The Mask of Truth
Season. Autumn
Personality Traits. Insightful, poignant, and superior,
Gangesha is the great teacher who spreads truth and
enlightenment wherever their stories are told. If beauty
were truth, then Gangesha would be the most beautiful
in all GrymmWorld. Their words are never tainted
by lies and their every influence contributes toward a
greater understanding of all who fall under its sway.
• Ideals – Truth. Gangesha believes you cannot put
a price on the truth, be it personal truth, scientific
truth, or any other truth. In their eyes, accuracy
is the first step to understanding, and through
understanding one can better share truth with others.
All other concerns are secondary.
• Bonds – Education. A fact grows more useful the
more people you share it with, or so Gangesha
believes. At every opportunity Gangesha seeks to
further the understanding of others and the world
around them. It is often said by Keepers of Gangesha
“you don’t really know something until you can
explain it to someone else.”
• Flaws – Uncompromising. The search for truth does
not always lead to a pleasant place. Too often the
scarred or sensitive are dashed aside in the mad dash
for what is true. Gangesha and their Keepers often
fail to understand that how you say something is just
as important as what you are saying.
Do’s. Gangesha delights in the sharing of knowledge
and personal experience. Those who engage in rigorous
debate and civil discussion fill them with joy, showcas-
ing a passion for truth and understanding that looks
past one’s own narrow perspective. Even more impres-
sive are those who explore acts of self-actualization.
Such delves into one’s own soul in search of personal
enlightenment is a feat deserving of Gangesha’s praise.
Don’ts. Deception and arrogance are as vile to Gangesha
as a rancid sewer and as contemptable as those who
steal from babies. Those who peddle scams and schemes
are their enemies who should be opposed at every
opportunity. Their greatest ire is deserved for those who
destroy knowledge, for not only have they shown great
disregard for the importance of education, but they have
deprived others of knowing the great joys they so prize.
Keepers. The Keepers of Gangesha are beings who
exemplify the world they inhabit. Those that hide behind
facades or deceptions are not worthy, leaving only the
purest expressions of powerful ideals. Fiends, celestials,
and other uncompromisingly aligned creatures appeal to
Gangesha’s nature, no matter how severe or dangerous
their personal truths may be. Considerable wisdom is
the hallmark of Gangesha’s Keepers, as great insight is
required to fully understand almost every truth.
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador

Traits Actions
The creature gains the following traits.
Clarity of Thought. When the Keeper attempts an Int-
elligence or Charisma saving throw, it many instead
attempt a Wisdom saving throw (the saving throw DC
remains the same).
Gangesha’s Insight. The Keeper has truesight out to a
range of 60 ft. If it already has truesight, the range of its
truesight increases by 60 ft.
Additionally, as a bonus action on each of its turns the
keeper can take the search action, and any hidden crea-
tures it detects with this action immediately provoke an
attack of opportunity from the Keeper.
Voice of the Narrador. The Keeper’s voice always pro-
duces sound (even in areas of magical silence) and can be
understood by all creatures which can hear it.
The creature gains the following actions.
Gift of Gangesha (1/Rest). The Keeper bestows a mag-
ical gift on a creature within reach, imbuing it with great-
er influence over social dynamics for 1 week. The gains
truesight out to a range of 60 ft. If it already has true-
sight, the range of its truesight increases by 60 ft.
Additionally, as a bonus action on each of its turns the
creature can take the search action, and any hidden crea-
tures it detects with this action immediately provoke an
attack of opportunity from the creature.
Influences
Gangesha’s tales are the stories of long-suffering, the road
less traveled, and the path not taken. Characters will expe-
rience growth as they discover the world, its inhabitants,

GANGESHA INFLUENCES
D10 DESCRIPTION
A trail, road, or pathway of Gangesha’s choice becomes favorable to travelers for a period of 1 week. While creatures
1 travel along the influenced path, they move at three times their normal traveling speed, so long as they are traveling
toward a location they have never visited.
A creature of Gangesha’s choice becomes endowed with prophetic knowledge of the future. When a creature becomes
influenced in this manner, it immediately rolls a d20 and records the result. For the next 24 hours, whenever the
creature rolls a d20, it may substitute the roll with the result of its recorded roll. If an influenced creature fails an
2
attack roll, saving throw, or ability check using its substituted roll, it may immediately roll a second d20 and replace its
previously recorded roll with the new result. If this creature succeeds on an attack roll, saving throw, or ability check
with this feature, the effect ends.

A location of Gangesha’s choice becomes hidden from all creatures not local to the area, which lasts until the location is
discovered by a creature that does not already know where it is. To be hidden in this manner, dimensions and space twist
3
to conceal its presence, preventing a creature from discovering it by accident or even magic. This effect ends when the
location is found.
A structure of Gangesha’s choice becomes a homely house for a period of one month. Any creature that finishes a long
4 rest within the structure recovers from all levels of exhaustion, regains hit dice up to its maximum, and is cured of any
poison and disease. Once a creature has finished a long rest in the structure, it cannot benefit from this feature again.
A mysterious star shines every night, casting a beam of bright light in a 10 ft. radius cylinder of infinite height. When a
5 creature of Gangesha’s choice enters the area for the first time, it may change its proficiency in a single skill to another of
its choice, and the light fades.
A creature of Gangesha’s choice can choose to reinvent a personality for itself, changing its background (including its
6 personality traits) to another of the creature’s choice, replacing its current benefits from that background with those of its
new background. The creature can only regain its former background if Gangesha allows it.
A magical item of Gangesha’s choice becomes imbued with ancient magic. While a creature holds the object, it can
7
instinctively sense where the object was made, along with the most direct route to that location.
A spell of Gangesha’s choice becomes enhanced with the power of truth for 1 week. When creatures casts the influenced
8
spell, it can be cast using only verbal components provided the caster has not spoken a lie within the last 24 hours.
A non-magical torch of Gangesha’s choice becomes endowed with the power to reveal what is hidden, which lasts for
9 24 hours. Under the light of the torch, creatures and objects cannot be hidden and creatures have advantage on Wisdom
(Perception) checks to find anything within the area of light created by the torch.
Up to five creatures of Gangesha’s choice become magically linked, sharing each other’s senses and perceptions for 24
hours. These creatures perceive everything that their fellow linked creatures perceive, no matter the distance or planar
10
boundary. However, a creature influenced in this manner cannot be harmed by perceiving something through the senses
of others with whom it shares the link.

81
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
and all the fictional elements that await them in this land
of wonder. Those within their stories can expect to live off
the road, engage in environments that are new to them,
and encounter creatures that will challenge their precon-
ceived notions of the world. There will be new magics, old
magics, and an opportunity to learn about the setting and
establish a personal history. The Narrador can reinforce
this gameplay style by creating the following influences in
GrymmWorld, as detailed in the table below. You can roll
randomly on the table in the event an immediate influence
is required. The effects of these influences last as long as
the Narrador chooses or until it changes its Mask to one
other than Gangesha.
Conflict with the
Narrador and Its Masks
Sometimes your Players take a good look at the epic game
session you spend eight hours preparing, only to march
in the completely opposite direction. This is…frustrating.
While in the land of GrymmWorld the collaborative na-
ture of the Narrador helps the Players become more in-
vested in a story they help define, they still may be having
trouble getting on board. When the Narrador’s leading
cast decides they don’t like where the story is heading,
conflict can arise. The Players may not feel the story beats
are appropriate for their characters, or that the direction
of the narrative is one they are excited to go in. They may
even be in a bad mood and not interested in taking on the
responsibility of collaborative storytelling. Whatever the
issue, don’t worry. This is a natural part of storytelling, but
one that needs to be course corrected for the narrative to
continue. Solving this problem is tricky, and this section
details a selection of tools, both in and outside of game,
by which the Narrador can help get things back on track.
1. Bargaining with a Keeper. If the Players are taking
umbrage with a particular course of action taken by the
Narrador, their characters can call upon a Keeper to ar-
bitrate the situation. The details of Keepers are discussed
later in this section, but in all cases the creatures are per-
fectly capable of speaking as the in-world voice of the
Narrador. This may be a strange practice to us, but to the
people of GrymmWorld the prospect of speaking with
an entity such as the Narrador, which holds such reality
altering power, is not unheard of. Nevertheless, meeting
with a Keeper should not be taken likely. The Narrador
should select a creature to represent it that befits the situ-
ation and best represents its interests. Tremendous might,
a silver tongue, sagacious wisdom, or brilliant intellect all
have merit in the Narradors eyes and can be used to spice
up a scene with the PCs.
As the Narrador, you should use this opportunity to
hear the PCs in-character concerns without stepping away
from the table. Arbitrating disputes at the table has a nas-
ty habit of dispelling gameplay immersion, so this vehicle
82
can allow you to explore everyone’s perspectives while still
acting within the boundaries of the game. However, it falls
to the PCs to make a single, formal request for a change
to the story. They may seek to introduce or reintroduce an
NPC, alter a recent or imminent event, or even twist the
hand of fate in their favor to ensure catastrophe does not
befall them. Once you have heard the PCs concerns and
considered them carefully, it is time for the Keeper to make
a counteroffer. To honor the collaborative nature of the sto-
ry, the PCs must agree to a change in the story you dictate
to coincide with theirs. This change should not attempt
to undo their request, but rather serve as a mechanism by
which to limit the Player’s authority over what comes next.
For example, if the Players wish to have their character
discover a potent magical item to face the Moonlich, your
Keeper may demand that to do so the Players must first
break the bonds of friendship with a trusted ally by intro-
ducing an interpersonal conflict. While it may take some
negotiating to come to a reasonable compromise, the idea
here is that everything, even changes to the story, come at a
price. That is the nature of compromise.
The ability to influence a scene is spectacular and pow-
erful. These interactions should not be taken lightly and
treated by all parties concerned with a great deal of rev-
erence and respect. It is advised that you do not allow the
PCs to bargain with a Keeper more than once a session.
Excessive negotiation can derail a session faster than a
timely pizza delivery. When running such a scene with
a Keeper, be sure to emphasize the Narrador’s Mask in
conjunction with the creature’s personality. A particularly
wonderful interaction involves championing an existing
NPC or villain as a Keeper, forcing the Players to share
a peculiar moment with a character with which they are
intimately familiar.
2. Invoking the Grymmening. If things are going very
badly or you have a strong desire to negatively reinforce
either the Player’s or PC’s behavior with a dread event, you
can use an event known as the Grymmening. The Narrador
has an incredibly hostile relationship with the beings
known as the fell-beyonders. The Narrador’s obsession with
telling stories and creating narrative arcs for GrymmWorld
is an ongoing attempt to stave off their dread infection.
This structured and artistic process is anathema to the en-
tropic powers of the fell-beyonders, but when the process
breaks down, the depredations of the fell rear their malevo-
lent heads. A dramatic conflict between the Narrador’s sto-
ry and its favored characters can provide an opening for the
fell-beyonders to corrupt creatures, environments, and even
magic. Such an event is catastrophic for GrymmWorld,
greatly feared by all who call it home. The properties of
the fell-beyonders and how to use them are detailed in
Chapter 1, but unless the PCs have nothing but ire for all
of GrymmWorld, they will likely oppose the fell at every
opportunity. This is where the Grymmening comes in.
When you invoke the Grymmening as the Narrador, you
are declaring the story has been fundamentally damaged by
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
the actions of the PCs. Such an event is difficult to achieve,
but it does happen. Murdering a crucial NPC, dramatically
acting out of character, or playing a style of game contrary to
the current Mask are all good examples of events worthy of
invoking the Grymmening. The introduction of the fell-be-
yonders is a dark turn for any story and should be strategi-
cally deployed to force the PCs hand. Beware, the Players
will rarely enjoy this process. Their characters may be forced
to flee from a fell hoard, surrender a magical item that has
been corrupted by the fell-beyonder’s influence, or take the
fight to enemies who have become even more dangerous
thanks to the fell’s profane gifts. No matter the influence
of the Grymmening, it serves as a blunt, if effective instru-
ment to influence PC behavior. As universal antagonists
to GrymmWorld who desire nothing but to obliterate the
PCs and all they hold dear, it is difficult to justify not acting
against such creatures.
Punishments or Consequences?
N egatively reinforcing a behavior with the
Grymmening is not an act of cruelty or malice,
but rather a lore-appropriate consequence for failing
to engage with the Narrador. Seeking to retributively
punish the Players and their characters is wrong and
not conducive toward getting the story back on track.
However, there are consequences to actions. When a
group of players consent and agree to play the game,
they are accepting the assumptions and default rules
of the setting. Guidelines such as working together as
a team to achieve an outcome. Agreeing to share space
at the table and pass the spotlight and microphone
from player to player amplifying and bringing attention
to each other’s individual goals and desires as needed.
The Narrador helps facilitate this. Whether it is a dire
tiding, the advent of a fell-beyonder, or an offer to
raise the stakes, the goal here is to draw attention to
the behavior of the Players and demonstrate that the
condition and state of the world is balanced against
their behavior. That said, that does not mean Players
that demonstrate exemplary behavior will not be
challenged, it’s actually quite the opposite. Exemplary
Players can handle the greater challenges of play
because they know how to work together and share
space at the table. Contentious Players have difficulties
and are going to struggle against the more dangerous
aspects of the world. Use the Grymmening and other
forms of negative reinforcement to teach, not to harm.
3. Gifting Narrative Dice. The negative reinforcement
tool of the Grymmening is counterbalanced by the more
positive mechanic known as narrative dice. This inter-
action replaces the inspiration mechanic from the 5th
Edition core rules, but with the bonus of synergizing with
the properties of a GrymmWorld campaign. When a PC
behaves in a manner that is particularly in character or
inspired, the Narrador can award that character a special
83
d20 known as a narrative dice. However, this is not the
only circumstance in which this dice can be gifted. Should
the PCs engage wholeheartedly and enthusiastically with
the story, particularly if they collaboratively craft story el-
ements alongside the Narrador, they can also be granted
narrative dice. This is an exciting prospect and one you
should use often when assuming the role of the Narrador
to encourage PCs to lean into some of the stranger fairy
tale elements of GrymmWorld. If you are playing in a
physical space, it is recommended you hand out narrative
dice as physical d20s, to serve as a reminder to the PCs
about what resources they have on hand.
Unlike inspiration, narrative dice are cumulative. A
character can store any number of narrative dice, however
doing so may not always be wise. When a PC rolls any d20
in-game, such as when making an attack roll, saving throw,
ability check, or other instance, they can choose to roll all
their narrative dice, choosing any result from amongst their
results (even if they rolled with disadvantage). This mo-
ment is fictionally exercised as the PC being empowered
by the magic of storytelling inherent to GrymmWorld -
one that can twist the very hand of fate in a heroes favor.
Depending on how many dice your Players have amassed,
this event can be spectacularly epic, so be sure to describe
the game appropriately. Celebrate the rolling of narrative
dice as a collaborative exercise, putting special emphasis
on the actions used in association with dice to make the
Player excited about the result. Such a result will lead to
greater engagement and interaction down the line.
The Narrador’s Toolbox
Encounter building is the backbone of any 5th Edition
GM, and the Narrador is no different. However, the typ-
ical presentations of the combat, social, and exploration
pillars of 5th Edition, while serviceable, are ill-suited to
encompass every aspect of the collaborative storytelling
GrymmWorld wishes to explore. Certain scenarios of fan-
tasy storytelling, especially those which appear in tradi-
tional fairytales, can benefit from a different approach to
encounter design. To help the Narrador tell these stories,
this section provides a plethora of encounter building tools
and systems designed to interface with both the mechan-
ics of 5th Edition and the Narrador. From skirmishers, to
wandering treks, to relationships, this section is well worth
the time it takes to explore by any prospective Narrador.
Be warned. These systems are wholly new tools that can
spell serious consequences for an adventuring party. Just
like traditional encounters, they possess the capacity to
completely change the direction of your game’s narrative,
deciding the outcome of key events, presenting unique
challenges, and even killing Player Characters. It is ad-
vised you familiarize yourself with these rulesets and in-
troduce them gradually. The last thing anyone wants is for
your group’s fairytale adventure to turn into their worst
nightmare because you introduced too many new game-
play rules and tools all at once.
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
Duels
“His name was Inigo Montaya. They killed his father.
So they died.”
– Rustam retelling his favorite consequences, or even death. The Narrador decides what
part of a famous fairytale
Some of the world’s greatest problems have been solved
by a simple crossing of blades. When honor must be sat-
isfied and scores settled, sometimes only a fearsome duel
between two mighty opponents will do. Duels are ubiq-
uitous across many cultures and societies, especially in
GrymmWorld. They can be to the death, to the pain, or
even just for fun, testing each combatant’s skill at arms and
tactics. Some duels can even be magical in nature, bringing
spellcasters into conflict with titanic clashes of magic. The
duel encounter tools exists to facilitate these experiences,
bringing a personalized, violent conflict to the forefront of
your storytelling.
Running A Duel
Every duel begins with a challenge, typically over some
type of personal or political stakes. While one on one
fights certainly exist in the realm of 5th Edition, duels
are far more than that. They are honorable, ceremonial
affairs governed by a strict code of conduct. Those issu-
ing a challenge must specify the following details to the
challenge, whether the duel is one of steel or spell. This
identifies whether the duel will be martial or magical in
nature. Additionally, the challenger must specify a time
and place for the duel. All of these elements are negotiable,
though excessive quibbling over such details is often seen
as dishonorable cowardice. However, a standard duel is al-
most always a respectable affair. Outside influence, mag-
ical equipment, and enhancing spells are highly frowned
upon unless agreed upon in advance. Once a duel has
been accepted and the participants ready, the true contest
can begin.
A duel is broken up into rounds, much like a traditional
combat, each of which represents 20 seconds of conflict
between the two participants. Duels take place exclusively
in the theater of the mind; a tactical grid layout detracts
from the dramatic tension and style which makes a duel
so exciting. It is expected that the participants will move
about the combat area over the course of the duel, their ac-
tions being narrated by both the Player and the Narrador
with dramatic flair. Before the conflict can begin, at the
start of each round both duelists must roll for initiative to
determine who has priority in that round. Priority allows
a duelist to set the terms of the engagement which occur
that round. Depending on whether the duel is martial or
magical in nature will determine how an engagement plays
out, the details of which can be found below.
The outcome of an engagement can result in grievous,
even deadly injuries in the form of wounds. A creature can
suffer a number of wounds in a duel equal to its proficiency
84
bonus plus its Constitution modifier. When a creature suf-
fers its wound maximum, it is defeated and cannot con-
tinue the duel. Depending on the terms of the duel, this
defeat can result in dishonor, pain, grievous injury, magical
consequences arise from the duel, but a general model for
such consequences is detailed below.
DUEL CONSEQUENCES
ENGAGEMENT RESULT
OUTCOME
Defeat 5 levels of exhaustion or death
10 or more 4 levels of exhaustion or lose 80% of
wounds hit point maximum (rounded down)
7 or more 3 levels of exhaustion or lose 60% of
wounds hit point maximum (rounded down)
4 or more 2 levels of exhaustion or lose 40% of
wounds hit point maximum (rounded down)
2 or more 1 level of exhaustion or lose 20% of
wounds hit point maximum (rounded down)
Brief shortness of breath and light
No wounds
sweating
Martial Duels
When creatures engage in a martial duel, it is not only a
test of the body, but also the mind. The duelist with pri-
ority in a given round dictates the terms of the engage-
ment with their enemy by choosing three different ability
scores. These scores represent the nature of techniques and
strategies applied by the duelist with priority. Ones their
opponent must match. Both duelists then make a single
ability check with each score, matching the corresponding
results with each other in a mighty clash. Strength match-
es Strength, Intelligence matches Intelligence, and so on.
The winner of these contests gains the upper hand in the
duel, with each participant suffering a number of wounds
equal to its rolled failures.
Every step of the duel should be narrated by its partic-
ipants, with an aim toward inspiring drama and suspense.
The Narrador should reward such behavior in a PC by
awarding them inspiration on specific ability checks.
Magical Duels
When two creatures engage in a magical duel, the mysteri-
ous and dangerous conflux of energies is hazardous to both
parties. In these cataclysms, the spellcaster with priority
must play a dangerous game of skill and chance, wager-
ing their own magical power and commitment to the duel
against that of their opponent. This interaction is akin to
the famous game of liar’s dice, but with a few twists to
make it synergize with the 5th Edition ruleset.
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
At the start of each round, each spellcaster rolls a num-
ber of d6s equal to their spellcasting ability modifier plus
the their proficiency bonus. These rolls are made secret-
ly, hidden from whoever is controlling the opponent. The
contestant dueling with priority then makes a wager by
guessing two numbers; the first is the number of dice they
wish to name, following by a single number that could ap-
pear on those dice (1 – 6). This guess is a wager, betting
that if both duelist’s dice were revealed, the number of dice
showing the number named would be of a count equal to
or higher than the wager.
Optional Dueling Rule: Wild Magic
I f you wish to introduce even more random chance
and chaos into a magical duel, you can use the
Wild Magic variant rule. This rule means that when
rolling d6s in secret in a magical duel, that any 1s
rolled are wild when considering a wager of any dice
showing a number other than 1. Using the example
below, this would mean that when Archmagister King
makes a wager of eleven 2s, he is actually saying that
between him and his opponent, there is at least eleven
2s and 1s showing on their combined dice rolled.
This option makes the duel even more unpredictable
and challenging, but also more fun! Fictionally this
interaction represents the chaos and randomness of
magic taking effect over the course of the duel.
Example. Archmagister King is engaged in a magical
duel, has an Intelligence modifier of +4 and his proficiency
bonus is +3. He rolls seven d6s secretly, while his opponent
rolls 8. Because Archmagister King has priority, he wagers
that between him and his opponent there is at least seven 2s
and declares that to his enemy. This declaration represents
the first blow of the magical conflict - an opening salvo of
energy and power to which his enemy must respond.
Once an initial wager has been made, an opposing du-
elist can choose to either call a potential bluff or respond
with a wager of their own. This choice represents the deci-
sion between countering with one’s own power or allowing
an opponent to overextend and exhaust themselves. If the
wager is called, both duelists reveal their d6’s and deter-
mine if the wager was correct. If so, the duelist who called
suffers a number of wounds equal to their opponent’s
spellcasting ability. Regardless of the outcome, once a wa-
ger has been called, the round ends and if both opponents
are still standing, new dice are rolled, priority determined,
and combat begins again. Otherwise, a victor is declared
and the duel ends.
Example. Archmagister King’s opponent chooses to call
the wager of eleven 2s, believing that statement to be ab-
surd. Unfortunately, King’s opponent is wrong, and when
the dice are revealed, there are in fact twelve 2s between
the pair. This poor exercise in judgement represents the
opponent’s belief that King’s magical assault was a barely
controlled, desperate gambit that could be safely ignored.
85
This was not the case, and the opponent suffers four wounds
due to King’s Intelligence modifier being +4.
If a duelist wishes to counter a magical assault instead
of calling a bluff, they must make a counter-wager of their
own. To do so, the defender must either make a wager that
is greater in number of dice, greater in value shown on
the dice, or both. This wager carries the same speculative
weight as the initial one, which in turn can be countered
again from the opponent in a similar manner. This ex-
change can pass back and forth between the two duelists
until their claims become so outrageous that one side is
forced to call.
Example. Archmagister King’s opponent counters his
wager of seven 2s either with a claim of eight 2s, seven 3s,
or potentially a dangerous risk along the lines of seventeen
sixes. Whatever the case, Archmagister King must choose
either to call the wager, or counter with another wager of
his own.
Every step of the duel should be narrated by its par-
ticipants, with an aim toward inspiring drama and sus-
pense, but with an added flair of magic that distinguishes
the event from martial duels. The Narrador should reward
such behavior in a PC by allowing them to reroll one or
more of their d6s after making a wager.
Rewarding Duels
Winning a duel is a tremendous victory. There are few con-
tests as culturally and personally significant than one-on-
one conflict, and any duel should reflect that according-
ly. The nature of the conflict and the Mask worn by the
Narrador at the time of the duel should always play a role
in how the PCs benefit (or are harmed by) the outcome
of a duel. In addition to whatever story advancements are
befitting of a duel, it is an exceptional opportunity to pro-
vide the PCs with meaningful rewards for their characters.
If the opponent of the duel has a CR, its experience value
should be divided amongst the party as though they had
defeated it in combat. Many creatures (especially dead
ones) can provide meaningful treasure if defeated or spared.
Additionally, if you are using the reputation tool de-
tailed later in this chapter, a duel is a perfect opportuni-
ty to earn some Ire or Favor with an organization with-
in GrymmWorld. Blood feuds, wars, life debts, and even
more mysterious consequences can be a fitting way to fol-
low up a duel into the next major story arc of a campaign.
The Narrative Masks and Duels
The four Masks each have a special relationship with duels.
Their preferences and personalities ensure certain types of
conflict are befitting their playstyle, while others may cause
the Grymmening should the PCs fail to orchestrate a duel
appropriately. The preferences of each Mask when it comes
to duels and their corresponding details are found below.
• Rustam: The Mask of Battle. Duels under the
Mask of battle are always bloody, visceral affairs.
This aspect of the Narrador prizes honor and glory,
seeing the victor of a duel as the one conducting
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
themselves in a manner befitting the most noble of
warriors. Mercy, cowardice, and weakness have place
on Rustam’s piste. When honor must be satisfied
and blood spilt, Rustam sees no finer vehicle than
a good old-fashioned duel to the death. Those that
engage in trickery or dishonor while dueling invoke
the Grymmening within Rustam’s stories.
• Eudoxia: The Mask of Intrigue. Not every battle
need be settled with bloodshed or mayhem. For the
subtle hand and silken mind, duels under the Mask
of Eudoxia are a precise instrument to settle affairs
that would ordinarily require wasteful effort and
resources. Assassinating a warmongering general,
eliminating a political provocateur, or provoking an
impulsive enemy are examples of conflicts Eudoxia
loves to see settled by duels. Those within her stories
need not fight honorably or even slay their enemies.
Victory at any cost, especially when won through
guile and trickery is a spectacle Eudoxia longs to
see. Blunt and bloody duels which cause far more
problems than they solve invoke the Grymmening
under Eudoxia.
• Daphne: The Mask of Compassion. Some duels are
not fought for honor, prestige, politics, or principle.
A climactic affair of the heart can best be resolved
through a healthy expression of violence. Duels under
Daphne are about solving social problems and are
only lethal in the most passionate of circumstances.
When dignity, love, or respect must be upheld, a
duel within stories told by Daphne is a fine solution.
Those that duel for selfish or impersonal reasons
invoke the Grymmening within Daphne’s stories.
• Gangesha: The Mask of Truth. The greatest conflicts
are often terrific teachers. Such is the dogma of
duels fought under Gangesha, who views these
conflicts as opportunities for personal growth and
tests of character. Only when confronted with a
terrific threat, alone and unaided, can a being truly
understand the measure of their strength. The lessons
may be harsh, even deadly, but are always ferociously
poignant. Those that duel for victory or when success
is nigh guaranteed invoke the Grymmening within
Gangesha’s tales.
Battles
“No one ever won a battle by dying for their cause.
You win by making the other fool die for theirs”
– Eudoxia on how to strategize for victory
Not every battle need be fought in the traditional style of
5th Edition combat. Some conflicts lend themselves to
more narrative focused engagements. Such encounters are
less reliant on individual turns, tactical battle maps, and
finicky mechanics. In GrymmWorld these encounters are
known as battles and can serve as an effective encounter
building tool for larger, more dynamic conflicts. In contrast
86
to traditional combats, a battle is a climatic encounter where
forces clash on a scale which transcends the limitations of
the traditional 5th Edition combat model. The emphasis is
on combined arms, rather than intricate turn by turn tactical
play. The forces involved can range from a small band (such
as an adventuring party) to a fully-fledged army with thou-
sands of warriors.
These fast and flavorful rules-light combat encounters
are ideal for streamlining an encounter that would other-
wise take hours (or even multiple sessions) to run. There
are clear victory conditions and goals that must be met to
attain victory. These should be understood by all parties
concerned prior to starting. Players will get to engage with
both familiar abilities and fictional elements while remov-
ing the burden of bookkeeping at scale. For the DM, there
is an opportunity to weave a more grandiose sense of scale
into the world and its conflicts. The goal is not to replace
or redesign the combat system, but rather to supplement
it with familiar feelings of play while adventuring through
GrymmWorld. 
Each battle is divided up into four phases of play.
• Preparation. The participating forces of the
battle make their preparations for the coming
conflict. Weapons must be sharpened, spells
memorized, and prayers whispered to ensure
victory in the struggle ahead.
• Address. The leaders of the battle address their
forces. Strategies are devised, inspirational
speeches spoken, and riveting music
performed.
• Clash. The physical conflict of the battle. This
is where the glory of battle is determined.
• Aftermath. The result of the clash has been
determined. Victory or failure shall be
declared. The outcome may have ramifications
for years to come.
Running a Battle
A battle is not the kind of conflict one bumbles into to;
they are conflicts that all parties concerned see coming.
Whether it is a band of orcs raiding a fortified village or
a squadron of flying monkeys invading a wizard school,
all battles are built around a selection of key components.
Before a battle can begin, the DM must determine who is
involved in the conflict and what form their forces take.
Each participating force in a battle is divided up into a
single affiliated squad. For example, an adventuring party
looking to ambush a band of ogre raiders would form one
squad, while the ogre raiders would form another. These
squads then have their sizes determined by the DM, ac-
cording to the table below, which helps accounts for the
squad’s numbers and provides bonuses to be discussed lat-
er in this section.
Each battle is dived up into four phases of play: prepa-
ration, address, conflict, and aftermath. These sections can
take considerable periods of in-game time depending on
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador

the nature of a battle. Gigantic melees make take hours

to prepare properly, with clashes which last an entire af- BATTLE PREPARATION
ternoon. These details are determined by the DM and can
be influenced by the PCs and their abilities. Each of these BATTLE DICE
DC BENEFIT
phases is explored in greater detail down below. BONUS
The squad gains a number of bonus
BATTLE SIZE 10 Battle Dice equal to the preparation -
leader’s proficiency bonus.
BATTLE DICE
SQUAD SIZE DESCRIPTION BONUS When the battle phase begins,
but before battle dice are rolled,
4–10 battleworthy the squad learns whether
Tiny - 15 +1 battle dice
creatures opposing squads have less, more,
or an equal number of battle dice
11–25 battleworthy
Small +1 battle dice to the squad.
creatures
The squad’s hit points increase by
26–50 battleworthy an amount equal to the preparation
Medium +3 battle dice 20 +3 battle dice
creatures leader’s character level or CR
(whichever is greater).
51–100 battleworthy
Large +6 battle dice
creatures If the squad rolls a 1 on its battle
25 +6 battle dice
dice, it instead rolls a 2.
101–200 battleworthy
Huge +10 battle dice
creatures The squad has advantage on all
30 +10 battle dice
battle dice rolls.
Gargantuan 201+ +15 battle dice

Preparation Surprise Battles

Unless unlikely enough to be caught by surprise, all squads
participating in a battle must prepare. The sharpening of
weapons, casting of spells, planning of strategies, praying
to deities, and many other practices can help grant a squad
an edge in the coming conflict. Additionally, each squad
must determine their goal in the coming battle. For NPCs
and monsters, the DM determines these objectives in se-
cret. The Players in turn must make their goals known the
DM. These objectives can range from benevolent, such as a
choir of kobolds looking to serenade their opponents into
giving up the fight, to horrific, such as a legion of skeletons
looking to peel the flesh from the bones of every living
soul. This objective will frame the results of the conflict,
as well as whether the actions of the PCs align with the
current Mask worn by the Narrador.
While preparing, a single leader amongst the squad takes
charge of efforts. This leadership is represented by the fig-
ure making a single Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma
ability check (leader’s choice, no associated skill), which
determines degree of their success. The DC of this check
and the benefits of this success are detailed in the prepa-
ration table below. The squad gains the benefits according
to the DC, along with the benefits of all lower DCs. A
character organizing the preparations for battle should de-
scribe in detail how they are accomplishing this feat. If the
Narrador feels this description is in line with their Mask,
as well as being suitably descriptive, they can (and should)
award a narrative dice to be used on the roll.
T
hough exceedingly difficult to pull off, it is possible
a squad is ambushed by a force that took great pains
to conceal their assault. To gain such an advantage, a
squad must meet the following criteria according to
what type of surprise battle they wish to perform.
Surprise Attack. To surprise an opposing squad, a
squad must have made its preparations for battle and
completed its address all without being detected. Doing
so requires both the preparation leader and address
leader make Stealth ability checks, using an associated
ability score of their choice (such as Strength,
Constitution, etc). If the squad’s size is Huge or larger,
both leaders have disadvantage on this roll. This roll
is contested by a Perception check from both the
opposing squad’s preparation leader and address leader.
If either Stealth roll fails, the attack fails to surprise
the enemy. If both Stealth rolls succeed, the enemy
squad is surprised and gains no benefit from either its
preparation or address phase (squad’s choice).
Ambush. To ambush an opposing squad, all the
criteria for a surprise attack must be met, as well as
the opposing squad being completely unaware of the
enemy force’s presence in the area. The DM determines
if the enemy is aware of an ambush because most
hosts of creatures large enough to form a squad are
difficult to conceal entirely without extraordinary effort.
An ambushed squad gains no benefits from both its
preparation and address phases.

87
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador

Address which are used to determine the result of the conflict. A

Once the preparations have been made, the battle is on
the brink of being joined. However, one last task remains;
to give a rousing speech that inspires the squad’s warriors
and prepares them for the struggles of the conflict ahead.
An inspiring speech can be the difference between a dev-
astating rout or crushing victory on the battlefield, so any
squad would do well to place great emphasis on the prac-
tice. A single leader amongst the squad is chosen to give
the address. If the leader is a PC, they can choose to ei-
ther roleplay the address, roll an ability check to represent
their character performing the address, or both. When
rolling an ability check, the addresser can choose to make
a Deception, Intimidation, or Persuasion check using an
associated ability score of their choice, the results of which
are detailed in the table below. If the addresser chooses to
roleplay their speech in lieu of rolling, the DM determines
the quality of the result according to the table below. If the
addresser chooses to do both, they could gain advantage
on the roll, as well as a narrative dice if they honored the
sensibilities of the Narrador’s current Mask.
Clash
Everything has led to this. The climactic conflict for which
both sides have prepared. As battle is joined, each squad
gains a collection of special d6s known as battle dice,
squad has a number of base battle dice equal to either its
CR, or the PC’s average character level (when applicable).
The squad then accounts for any additional battle dice it
may have gained through its size, as well as its preparation
and address phases. Additionally, if the PCs performed ac-
tions leading up to the battle the Narrador feels warrant
additional bonus battle dice, those benefits should be pro-
vided now. Once all pools of battle dice are accounted for,
the PC’s squad divides their battle dice evenly amongst the
Players, which represents their character’s contributions to
the battle. Once the Players are ready, the clash can begin.
Before rolling their battle dice, all squads must deter-
mine how many of their dice are dedicated to offense or
defense. Offensive dice are used to deal damage to enemy
squads, while defensive dice are used to shield one’s squad
from harm. Once these determinations have been made, all
squads roll their dice simultaneously, and the total rolled
for each squad’s offensive and defensive dice is added to-
gether. Any benefits gained from the preparation phase
that apply to battle dice rolls should be accounted for at
this moment. The total rolled by a squad’s offensive dice
indicates how much damage it can choose to do to ene-
my squads, dividing its damage up between any number of
squads. The total rolled by a squad’s defensive dice indicate
how much incoming damage that squad is able to reduce.

ADDRESS RESULT
ROLL
RESULT ROLEPLAY RESULT BENEFIT
The address is counterproductive, failing to stir the hearts of those who hear it, The squad becomes demoralized,
9 or
let alone inspire them to risk their lives. A resounding flop that could lead to losing a number of battle dice equal
lower
disaster on the battlefield. to the addresser’s proficiency bonus.

The address is enough to steel the spirits of those who hear it. While fear and
The squad gains two additional
10–14 doubt remain, they are concealed beneath the emotions brought forth by the
battle dice.
addresser. Nothing to write ballads about, but serviceable.

The address is compelling, forceful, and most importantly, inspiring. The

squad sets aside all concerns that would prove unhelpful in the battle ahead, The squad gains four additional
15–19
determinedly focusing on what must be done. A speech sure to inspire tales battle dice.
around the campfire.

The address is a speech for the ages. Those who hear it have their hearts filled
with the desired emotions of the addresser, believing on a deep, personal level The squad gains six additional
20–24
everything that was said. A speech that will be remembered and recorded by battle dice.
those lucky enough to witness it.

The address is legendary in both its artistry and effectiveness. Every word rings
with terrific power and personal truth which resonates with all who hear it. The squad gains eight additional
25–29
No force that witnesses such an event can doubt their course nor consider the battle dice.
possibility of failure. A speech that will be remembered for generations.

The address assures each and every listener that the course of action that lies
ahead, no matter the outcome, is not only desirable, it is destiny made manifest.
The squad gains ten additional
30+ Each member of the squad is instilled with beautiful, unshakable conviction that
battle dice.
knows no equal A speech so spectacular as to be inspire future leaders in the true
meaning of leadership.

88
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador

Players should be mindful as to how their offensive and
defensive dice are strategically distributed, with an aim to-
ward completing their battle’s objective as determined in
their preparation phase.
When Players are rolling their character’s battle dice,
they should indicate what their character is doing which
warrants the rolling of their dice. Perhaps their wizard is
slinging fireballs while mounted atop a shining Pegasus, or
their rogue strategically eliminating enemy commanders on
the battlefield. The Narrador should ensure each PC has a
chance to articulate how their character handles themselves
in the conflict and consider awarding narrative dice accord-
ingly. Regardless of how the battle plays out, the results of
the conflict are detailed in the aftermath phase.
NPCs and monster squads are unique challenges with
their own category of statistics that can be used to cre-
ate challenging encounters. While it falls to the DM to
devise what constitutes a number of creatures befitting a
squad, the table below can aid in providing a basic array
of statistics for easy to run battles. This system works sim-
ilarly to the challenge rating system detailed in the 5th
Edition core rules, with the notable additions to allow for
integration into the battle encounter ruleset. Additionally,
in place of using the squad’s ability check bonus to made
checks for the squad, a DM may use a specific creature
filling a leadership role within the squad.
Aftermath
The consequences of a battle are often felt long after the
fight’s conclusion. The aftermath phase of a battle is an
accounting of how well a battle went for participating
squads. To begin this process each squad must determine
how much damage they received after accounting for
their defensive dice result and damage taken in the battle.

BATTLE ENCOUNTERS BY CR
SQUAD CHALLENGE RATING MAXIMUM SIZE BATTLE DICE (BEFORE BONUSES) SQUAD ABILITY CHECK BONUS XP
½ Tiny 1d6 +2 50
1 Tiny 1d6 +2 200
2 Tiny 2d6 +3 450
3 Small 3d6 +3 700
4 Small 4d6 +4 1,100
5 Small 5d6 +4 1,800
6 Small 6d6 +5 2,300
7 Medium 7d6 +5 2,900
8 Medium 8d6 +6 3,900
9 Medium 9d6 +6 5,000
10 Medium 10d6 +7 5,900
11 Large 11d6 +7 7,200
12 Large 12d6 +8 8,400
13 Large 13d6 +8 10,000
14 Large 14d6 +9 11,500
15 Huge 15d6 +9 13,000
16 Huge 16d6 +10 15,000
17 Huge 17d6 +10 18,000
18 Huge 18d6 +11 20,000
19 Gargantuan 19d6 +11 22,000
20 Gargantuan 20d6 +12 25,000
21 Gargantuan 21d6 +12 33,000
22 Gargantuan 22d6 +13 41,000
23 Gargantuan 23d6 +13 50,000
24 Gargantuan 24d6 +14 62,000
25 Gargantuan 25d6 +14 75,000
26 Gargantuan 26d6 +15 90,000
27 Gargantuan 27d6 +15 105,000
28 Gargantuan 28d6 +16 120,000
29 Gargantuan 29d6 +17 135,000
30 Gargantuan 30d6 +17 155,000

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chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
The details of how a squad is affected based on damage re-
ceived is detailed in the table below.
AFTERMATH
DAMAGE DESCRIPTION
TAKEN
The squad suffers minor damage. A few
serious injuries, but nothing that cannot be
10 or walked off in a few hours. A few of its weakest
less members may be casualties, but few would call
this a bad outcome considering what was at
stake.
The squad suffers moderate damage. There are
tragic casualties, but with the majority of its
11–20 members better the worse for wear. Many will
never be the same, but it could have been far
worse.
The squad suffers serious damage. Nearly half
of its members are casualties of the conflict,
21–30 struck down by the efforts of the enemy.
The battle was fierce, but the cost is far from
overwhelming.
The squad suffers terrific damage. Its casu-
alties count at nearly three quarters of its
31–40 number subjected to the objectives of the
enemy force. One can only hope the enemy
fared worse in the conflict.
The squad suffers devastating damage.
The majority of its members are casualties,
completely overcome by the opposing force.
41–50
Those few who are still able bodied are lucky,
spared by fate or fortune from the fate that
befell so many of their comrades.
The squad suffers catastrophic damage.
Casualties among its members are nearly
absolute, with many suffering total,
51+
irrecoverable defeat. Few could look at this
outcome and call it a victory, unless of course
the opposition looked just as bad, or worse.
The Narrador determines the specific consequences suf-
fered by a squad based on the objectives of its enemy. For ex-
ample, a squad of sentient gingerbread men seeking to coat
the enemy in viscous, sticky frosting may deal a tremendous
amount of damage to the enemy, but the result may simply
be the defeated PCs must spend hours extricating them
from the colossal mess. The Narrador is encouraged to ex-
pend spell slots, provided levels of exhaustion, deal damage,
destroy equipment, or similarly punish the PCs in a variety
of ways for damage received during a battle.
Additionally, the Narrador must determine who won
the battle. This judgement should take place after detailing
the results in character. The Narrador should summarize
90
what transpired in the battle, converting the results of the
PCs actions, the damage dealt, and damage received by
respective squads into a story befitting the battle. When
determining who won a battle, the Narrador should con-
sider which squad best accomplished its desired objectives.
For example, the PCs may suffer catastrophic damage to
fell an army of marching oak trees looking to root in fertile
farmland, but so long as the enemy objective is denied it is
safe to call that a win for the Players.
Finally, battles are an excellent place to distribute a vast
array of rewards. Treasure, equipment, and many other
goodies are easily scavenged from the site of a battle, par-
ticularly if the PCs are among the victorious left standing
to claim it.
The Narrative Masks and Battles
Each of the four Masks have a special relationship with
battles. Their preferences and personalities ensure certain
types of conflicts are befitting their playstyle, while others
may cause the Grymmening should the PCs fail to orches-
trate a battle appropriately. The preferences of each Mask
when it comes to battles and their corresponding details
are found below.
Rustam: The Mask of Battle. As befitting of its title,
battles are a glorious and violent under Rustam. This Mask
sees these conflicts as the ultimate expression of drama,
full of acts of heroism, dire struggles, vicious wounds, and
plenty of glory for all. The more bodies that pile up, the
more worthwhile the struggle. Such epic struggles are al-
ways hard fought, leaving scars and bloody stories in their
wake. Fighting a battle openly and honorably delights
Rustam, while acts of deceit, overtures of peace, or trickery
on the battlefield invoke the Grymmening.
Eudoxia: The Mask of Intrigue. Not every battle is won
by the stronger army. When a great conflict can be resolved
through guile, cunning, and deceit, it is likely because the
influence of Eudoxia is being felt. A sudden ambush to
cripple an enemies defences, an orchestrated defection
through persuasive bribery, or even the sabotaging of a
foe’s equipment and weapons are all worthy of applause in
Eudoxia’s eyes. A battle that is over before it has even be-
gun is the finest expression of Eudoxia’s ideals, particularly
if it involves not an ounce of bloodshed while resulting
in overwhelming victory. Those that prefer brutish tactics
or unnecessary bloodshed bring forth the Grymmening
when battling under Eudoxia’s influence, even when there
may be no other choice.
Daphne: The Mask of Compassion. Battles are con-
stantly waged for land, justice, or conquest. But every so
often, an affair of the heart sparks a war of its own. Such
conflicts under the mask of Daphne are not fought with
sword or spell, but with poetic artistry, diplomacy, and
philanthropy. To Daphne, such barbaric clashes are indic-
ative of a failure of the heart. Even the most implacable
of enemies can be made to allies if both sides are willing
to change. Those seeking to battle while under Daphne’s
influence would do well to lead with their hearts. Their
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
enemies are not foes to be destroyed, but friends one has
not yet made. Why strike with a sword when one could
recite romantic poetry that stirs affection in others? A suc-
cessful battle under Daphne is one where instead of bod-
ies, one finds lovers. Instead of wounded, one finds friends.
Those that would rather see their enemies dead or maimed
invoke the Grymmening under Daphne, damning them-
selves and their enemies simultaneously.
Gangesha: The Mask of Truth. It is said as warrior is
fortunate to die for a cause they believe in. if true, this per-
spective undoubtably came from the mask of Gangesha,
who advocates fighting battles not for victory. Only truth
is work risking so much on the field of war. Battling for a
cause not one’s own, or striking down undeserving foes in-
voke the Grymmening while Gangesha’s influence is felt.
Nothing is more glorious than to see an army fight for a
cause near and dear to every participant. A conflict not
only between blades, but between deep convictions and
principles. Defending one’s home and family, delivering
justice to a vile enemy, or honoring a grand alliance are ex-
amples of such battles Gangesha finds worthy or approval.
Explorations
Heroes must be more than slayers of dragons. No matter
their quest, an adventuring party must journey far and wide,
encountering extraordinary obstacles that stand in their
way. These are explorations, both a pillar of 5th Edition ad-
venture design and an important gameplay experience in
the land of GrymmWorld. Detailed below is a simple and
effective solution for constructing exploration encounters
as they are described in the 5th Edition core rules, reward-
ing Player decision making and strategy while penalizing
failure.
Running an Exploration
When a challenge is encountered, a single character in the
adventuring party must take the lead on the challenge, be-
coming the primary factor as to whether the obstacle is
overcome or failed. The DM describes the nature of the
challenge, using the parameters detailed below to outline
the obstacle. The party then decides, based on that descrip-
tion, which character will take the lead on the challenge.
The Player of that character then describes the way they
will attempt the challenge in reasonable detail. These de-
tails should include specific aspects of their character other
than skills, including class features, spells, and other el-
ements. The DM then decides based on that description
what skill and associated ability score is most appropri-
ate for engaging with the challenge and asks the Player to
make an appropriate ability check against the challenge.
As a part of making an ability check in this manner, a
character can expend their hit dice, which represents the
amount of effort they put into the challenge, to gain a bo-
nus to the roll. The benefits of expending hit dice for an
effort bonus to the ability check are detailed below.
91
Effort Bonus
To gain an effort bonus on an exploration ability check,
you may expend your characters hit dice when you attempt
the roll. For every two hit dice you expend in this manner,
you gain a +1 bonus to the roll.
The DM may award advantage on the check if the
Player uses character resources, receives significant assis-
tance from the party, or is particularly descriptive as to
how they encounter the challenge. The results of the abil-
ity check determine whether the attempt results in disas-
ter, failure, success, or triumph, the details of which can be
found below. Each exploration encounter has a CR which
determines the ability check DC of its challenges, as de-
tailed in the Exploration Encounters by CR table. Once
the adventuring party has navigated the exploration, the
encounter ends and the rewards and/or penalties are de-
scribed by the DM.
Perils
Any challenging exploration encounter involves the un-
expected. At some point during the parties’ exploration
encounter, they will experience a peril. The nature of the
peril is specific to the setting of the encounter. A volcano
may erupt, spewing lava toward the group, or a river may
suddenly flood which threatens to wash the PCs down-
stream. Perils are exceptionally dangerous and carry with
them special penalties based on the result of the ability
check, as detailed below and in the Peril Effects column of
the Exploration Encounters by CR table.
• Triumph. If the character succeeds on the ability
check by 5 or more, the party navigates the peril with
such efficacy they suffer no harmful peril effects.
• Success. If the character succeeds on the ability
check, the party navigates the peril and suffers one
of the possible peril options while navigating the
encounter.
• Failure. If the character fails the ability check, the
party suffers two of the three perils made possible by
the encounter (chosen by the DM).
• Disaster. If the character fails the ability check by
5 or more, the party suffers all three perils of the
encounter.
The Narrative Masks and Explorations
Each of the four Masks have a special relationship with
explorations. Their preferences and personalities ensure
certain types of conflicts are befitting their playstyle, while
others may cause the Grymmening should the PCs fail
to manage an exploration appropriately. The preferences of
each Mask when it comes to explorations and their corre-
sponding details are found below.
Rustam: The Mask of Battle. Rustam sees explorations
as terrific challenges to test one’s mettle. Like many great
explorers, Rustam sees value in merely attempting an ex-
ploration, no matter the outcome. The more hazardous and
untested the environmental challenge, the better. Those
that push themselves to the limit during explorations are
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador

heroes in Rustam’s eyes, while those who play it safe are
missing the point. Shying away from conflict or look-
ing for the easiest path through a problem invoke the
Grymmening with exploring under the mask of Rustam,
while facing challenges head on earn the entities’ approval.
Eudoxia: The Mask of Intrigue. Sometimes an explora-
tion calls for a subtler hand. When an exploration encoun-
ter can be navigated without excessive risk or through a
cunning strategy, Eudoxia wholeheartedly applauds. In her
eyes there is no finer example of a quality exploration as
when every plan goes off without a hitch and every precau-
tion is taken to ensure success. Pointless or risky practices
are anathema to Eudoxia’s ideal exploration, invoking the
Grymmening in her presence. Taking the time to consider
every possible path, discovering a hidden course, or even
avoiding a problem entirely earn her approval.
Daphne: The Mask of Compassion. Where others see
an exploration as a test of strength or guile, Daphne sees
it as a test of leadership and teamwork. Creatures who
emphasize working together and sharing in the emotion-
al challenges of the exploration are seen as virtuous to
Daphne, particularly if those involved grow even closer as
a result of their trial.
Gangesha: The Mask of Truth. An exploration is a
chance to experience the adverse and dangerous aspects
of GrymmWorld; something which Gangesha believes
should be embraced without question. Appreciating the
unique facets of exploration and learning all there is to
know is a practice Gangesha endorses. Those who glean
understanding, knowledge, and personal truth from their
experiences are seen as embodying Gangesha to the high-
est degree.

EXPLORATION ENCOUNTERS BY CR
CHALLENGE RATING DC PERILS XP
½ 8 1d4 environment damage, 1 level of exhaustion, or encounters a CR ½ creature 50
1 11 1d6 environment damage, 1 level of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 1 creature 200
2 12 2d6 environment damage, 1 level of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 2 creature 450
3 13 3d6 environment damage, 1 level of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 3 creature 700
4 14 4d8 environment damage, 1 level of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 4 creature 1,100
5 15 6d6 environment damage, 2 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 5 creature 1,800
6 16 7d6 environment damage, 2 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 6 creature 2,300
7 17 8d6 environment damage, 2 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 7 creature 2,900
8 18 9d6 environment damage, 2 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 8 creature 3,900
9 19 10d6 environment damage, 2 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 9 creature 5,000
10 20 12d6 environment damage, 2 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 10 creature 5,900
11 21 13d6 environment damage, 2 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 11 creature 7,200
12 22 14d6 environment damage, 2 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 12 creature 8,400
13 23 15d6 environment damage, 3 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 13 creature 10,000
14 24 16d6 environment damage, 3 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 14 creature 11,500
15 25 18d6 environment damage, 3 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 15 creature 13,000
16 26 19d6 environment damage, 3 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 16 creature 15,000
17 27 20d6 environment damage, 3 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 17 creature 18,000
18 28 21d6 environment damage, 3 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 18 creature 20,000
19 29 22d6 environment damage, 3 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 19 creature 22,000
20 30 24d6 environment damage, 4 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 20 creature 25,000
21 31 25d6 environment damage, 4 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 21 creature 33,000
22 32 26d6 environment damage, 4 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 22 creature 41,000
23 33 27d6 environment damage, 4 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 23 creature 50,000
24 34 28d6 environment damage, 4 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 24 creature 62,000
25 35 30d6 environment damage, 5 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 25 creature 75,000
26 36 31d6 environment damage, 5 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 26 creature 90,000
27 37 32d6 environment damage, 5 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 27 creature 105,000
28 38 33d6 environment damage, 5 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 28 creature 120,000
29 39 34d6 environment damage, 5 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 29 creature 135,000
30 40 40d6 environment damage, 6 levels of exhaustion, or encounters a CR 30 creature 155,000

92
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador

activities, a creature cannot gain any bonuses or advantage

Wanderings on these checks, other than the use of Narrative Dice by
A wandering is an exploration encounter involving trav- any means other than narrating how their character per-
eling across great distances, often to new and mysterious forms their helpful activity. When making the check, if a
lands. This system intends to capture the feel of going on a Player describes how their character is preparing for the
long journey as their characters explore the world around wandering to the DM’s satisfaction or suitably in charac-
them. GrymmWorld is an ever-changing realm not en- ter, they may gain advantage on the check. For example, a
tirely grounded in proper space or comprehensible physics, ranger that describes how their character will hunt for the
making it a land constantly challenging those who walk its party’s food during the wandering may make a Wisdom
paths. It can be quite the trial for a party of adventurers to (Survival) check, gaining advantage if they speak to the
journey across even the continent of Prometerra, making exact nature of how their character will go about doing so.
for a dynamic encounter which offers a party many valu- The DC of this check is detailed below.
able experiences. Wanderings can take many forms. From A creature that succeeds on this check helps the party
PCs blazing an off-trail route through perilous mountains, adequately prepare for the journey. For each failure, the
to sailing the high seas to forbidden islands. As long as the incurred by the party, the journey phase experiences five
journey is long and difficult, a wandering can be a choice additional misfortunes, the details of which are discussed
encounter for any campaign. Whenever a DM wishes to later in this section.
make the traveling part of their game’s story a dynamic
encounter, the system provided below will serve them well. PREPARATION PHASE
Running a Wandering CHALLENGE PHASE LOGISTICAL PREPARATION
RATING DC MATERIALS COST TIME
A wandering consists of three gameplay phases, prepa- ½ 8 3 gp 2 hours
ration, journey, and arrival, each of which the PCs must 1 11 10 gp 4 hours
complete before the wandering is concluded. The details of 2 12 15 gp 8 hours
each of these facets are found below, but in summary the
3 13 25 gp 1 day
preparation phase involves setting the initial stakes, des-
tination, and provisions the Player Characters can access. 4 14 50 gp 1 day
The following Journey phase lets the PCs participate in a 5 15 100 gp 2 days
series of social, exploration, and combat encounters during 6 16 200 gp 2 days
each segment of their travels. At the end of a wandering 7 17 300 gp 3 days
the PCs must complete their Arrival, where they conclude 8 18 400 gp 3 days
their travel and reach their destination. A wandering is 9 19 500 gp 4 days
completed when the PCs either arrive at their destination 10 20 750 gp 4 days
or abandon the journey. 11 21 1,000 gp 5 days
Preparation Phase 12 22 1,250 gp 5 days
Every great journey begins as a plan; a scheme around 13 23 1,500 gp 6 days
which eager adventurers devise, scope, and speculate as to 14 24 2,000 gp 6 days
what is required to complete such a daring deed. When 15 25 2,500 gp 1 week
the PCs decide to embark upon a wandering, they must 16 26 3,000 gp 1 week
dedicate considerable time and effort toward planning the 17 27 3,500 gp 1 week
trip. Such details include means of travel, provisions, navi- 18 28 4,000 gp 1 week
gation, and other logistical factors determined by the DM. 19 29 4,500 gp 1 week
To represent this challenge, each wandering is assigned a
20 30 5,000 gp 2 weeks
preparation check with a DC according to its challenge,
21 31 5,500 gp 2 weeks
determined by the DM. The more dangerous, logistically
challenging, or mysterious the wandering, the more diffi- 22 32 6,00 gp 2 weeks
cult it is likely to be. Additionally, each preparation phase 23 33 6,500 gp 2 weeks
requires time to adequately plan the journey, which in- 24 34 7,000 gp 2 weeks
creases according to the wandering’s CR as detailed in the 25 35 7,500 gp 2 weeks
Preparation phase table. 26 36 8,000 gp 2 weeks
Each PC that wishes to participate in the preparation 27 37 8,500 gp 2 weeks
phase on a wandering must make an ability check us- 28 38 9,000 gp 3 weeks
ing a skill in which they are proficient, which represents
29 39 9,500 gp 3 weeks
that character’s logistical contribution to the preparation.
Due to the extensive and time-consuming nature of these 30 40 10,000 gp 3 weeks

93
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador

Additionally, each preparation phase requires special
materials that will be needed during the wandering. In
most cases, these materials are nothing more than some
bedrolls and a few rations, but as the challenge of wander-
ing increases, these items can become more elaborate, bi-
zarre, and expensive. These costs can cover ritualistic items
to protect against misfortune or strange devices required to
breath the air found within the area. Ultimately it is up the
DM to determine the exact nature of these components
and their cost based on the PCs status and location in the
world, but generally the mystical nature of GrymmWorld
demands a logistical cost be paid to successfully complete
a wandering, as detailed in the logistical cost column of the
preparation phase table.

JOURNEY PHASE
CARD EFFECT
2 –10 The journey gains an amount of fortune equal to the number displayed on the card.
J The PCs encounter a safe landmark along their journey where they can rest and recuperate without fear of any harm.
The PCs encounter a mystical landmark that has never been discovered by the public, affording them the opportunity
Q
to name the landmark and catalogue its properties, which are determined by the DM.
The PCs encounter a historical landmark lost to time, from which ancient artifacts and relics can be recovered, the
K
nature and value of which are determined by the DM.
The PCs encounter a hidden landmark in which a forgotten magical item lies. The item’s nature and rarity are
A
determined by the DM.
2 –10 The journey gains an amount of misfortune equal to the number displayed on the card
The PCs encounter a dangerous landmark, the hostile nature of which prevents them from gaining the benefits of a
J
long rest up to half the total days of spend on their journey.
The PCs encounter a cursed landmark that hexes them with a foul magic. For the remainder of the journey when the
Q
journey would gain fortune, they instead gain half as much fortune (rounded down).
The PCs encounter the landmark of an ancient tragedy best left forgotten, the nature of which is determined by the
K DM. The disturbing and unfortunate nature of this incident causes the current amount of accumulated misfortune to
double.
The PCs discover a hidden cache containing a cursed magical item, the rarity of which is determined by the DM.
A
If a PC does not attune to the magical item within 3 traveling days, the journey immediately gains 10 misfortune.
2 –10 The journey gains an amount of fortune equal to the number displayed on the card.
J The PCs encounter a friendly humanoid NPC who offers trade, advice, information, or other useful services.
The PCs encounter a friendly monster who offers services or interactions according to its nature. The monster can be
Q
of a CR equal to the wandering’s CR or lower.
The PCs encounter a creature that wishes to join them on their wandering, aiding them in completing the journey.
K
The creature can be of a CR equal to the wandering’s CR or lower.
The PCs encounter a benevolent entity of near-godlike power who offers them assistance. The PCs must describe the
assistance they seek and roll percentile dice. If they roll a number equal to or lower than their character level, the entity
A
grants their request. The DM chooses the nature of the assistance, though the effect of any spell of 7th level or lower is
typically a suitable reward.
2 –10 The journey gains an amount of misfortune equal to the number displayed on the card.
The PCs encounter a hostile humanoid NPC who does everything in its power to trick, deceive, lead the PCs astray,
J
or otherwise disrupt the journey.
The PCs encounter a hostile monster who threatens, attacks, or otherwise attempts to inhibit the journey. The monster
Q
can be of a CR equal to the wandering’s CR or lower.
The PCs encounter a creature seeks their death and attacks immediately. The creature can be of a CR equal to the
K
wandering’s CR or lower.
The PCs encounter a malevolent entity of near-godlike power who overwhelms them with hostile magic. The entire
A party is subjected to the effects of a spell of 7th level or lower of the DMs choice. The spell save DC for this effect is
always 23, and the spell attack bonus is +15 to hit.

94
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador

Journey Phase
The journey phase is the heart of a wandering, embodying
the idea that the road traveled is sometimes more interesting
than the destination. This phase of the wandering is the most
significant, affording PCs a chance to test their characters
skills, engage in different types of encounters, and learn more
about the environment through which they are venturing.
Performing a journey phase requires a DM draw from a
set of fifty-two traditional playing cards, which determine
what happens over the course of the phase based on inter-
pretations of the drawn cards. Doing so helps evoke a sense
of unpredictability and newness common to those who em-
bark on long expeditions. When drawing these cards, the
DM pulls seven cards from a freshly shuffled deck, placing
each card face down so the result is hidden from the Players.
Once all of the cards have been drawn, each Player choos-
es to reveal a single card, with their character making an
ability check with a DC equal to the wandering phase DC
using a skill of their choice. This ability check represents the
character’s contributions over the course of the wandering
and if successful, the Player can request the DM deal them
a second card and can then pick their result between the
two options. For example, Salvatore the froggy Feran, while
journeying through a CR 8 wandering, decides to flip his
card and chooses one of the face down options. Grant, the
Player running Salvatore, chooses to have his character use
his formidable might to make a Strength (Athletics) check
which represents Salvatore’s physical prowess at clearing the
way for the party during the journey. The phase DC of this
check is 18, which Salvatore passes. This allows Grant to
request a second card from the DM and choose which op-
tion occurs during the wandering. The details of each card,
revealed during each character’s interaction during a wan-
dering phase, are found in the journey phase table below.
Once all of the cards drawn for a journey phase have been
revealed and their interactions resolved, the journey phase is
concluded and the arrival phase begins.
Arrival Phase
Once the journey phase has been concluded, the PCs must
take account of their wandering and determine the results.
While they may have experienced several encounters over
the course of the journey, the full measure of its experiences
can be accounted for in the fortune or misfortune accumu-
lated from the cards drawn during the journey phase. To
do so, the party tallies up how much fortune or misfortune
they gain over the course of the journey, which represents
a general summary of how well the wandering went from
the PC’s perspective. For every fortune the party earned, its
total fortune increases by one point, while the inverse is true
for each misfortune. If the amount of misfortune accumu-
lated in the journey exceeds the amount of fortune accumu-
lated, the wandering went very poorly, some representations
of which can be found in the table below. While the PCs
may have travelled to their intended destination, the process
of doing so was excruciating, difficult, and not as planned.
If the inverse is true, the wandering went well for the PCs.
They effectively overcame hardships, discovered new won-
ders, and maybe even had a little fun. The general details of
how to measure the severity or benefits of misfortune and
fortune are detailed in the arrival phase table below.
The results of fortune and misfortune are narrated retro-
actively. The DM describes what occurred over the course
of the wandering to account for these results, factoring in
the environment, the nature of the wandering, and other
appropriate challenges. This summary has already account-
ed for the actions of the PCs and cannot be altered or in-
fluenced unless the DM allows it.

FORTUNE/MISFORTUNE DIFFERENCE RESULT
20 or more fortune
10–19 more fortune
5–9 more fortune
0 fortune
5–9 misfortune
10–19 misfortune
20 or more misfortune
ARRIVAL PHASE
Triumphant Success. The PCs suffer no adverse long-term consequences from the
wandering and reap significant rewards, such as treasure or other resources.
Tremendous Feat. The PCs suffer few adverse long-term consequences from the
wandering, gaining a small collection of rewards from their wandering, such as treasure
and other useful items for adventuring.
Solid Accomplishment. The PCs suffer expected consequences from the wandering and
gain little beyond the satisfaction of a successful journey.
We Made It. The PCs suffer reasonably from the events of the wandering, but nothing
a warm meal and a comfy bed will not cure.
Minor Disaster. The PCs suffer arduous consequences from the wandering, losing
additional resources and useful equipment along the way.
Serious Calamity. The PCs suffer terrific consequences from the wandering, including
debilitating injures and the loss of treasure or key equipment.
Total Failure. The PCs barely made it, suffering consequences they will likely need
considerable time recovery.

95
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
The Narrative Masks and Wanderings
Each of the four Masks each have a special relationship
with wanderings. Their preferences and personalities en-
sure certain types of conflicts are befitting their playstyle,
while others may cause the Grymmening should the PCs
fail to manage a wandering appropriately. The preferences
of each Mask when it comes to wanderings and their cor-
responding details are found below.
Rustam: The Mask of Battle. What is a journey but a
march to the next great battlefield? Rustam views wan-
derings as an opportunity to take one’s thirst for violence
on the road, looking for new challenges to crush and foes
to defeat. Those who march as if going to war on their
wanderings are enthusiastically endorsed by Rustam, par-
ticularly if they bring others along to join the fray. A wan-
dering in which no injuries occur, no blades are drawn, or
no scars are earned invokes the Gyrmmening, while such a
journey that leaves a trail of bodies, blood, and conquered
foes is just the kind of story the entity loves to see.
Eudoxia: The Mask of Intrigue. To Eudoxia, a wander-
ing is like a great puzzle begging to be solved. Its many
complicated logistics are perfect for a cunning mind to
navigate, particularly one that overcomes its obstacles
through elaborate planning and forethought. Whats more,
those that use what they discover over a wandering to
advance their agenda and expand their influence please
Eudoxia greatly. A successful wandering in her eyes is one
where additional tools and advantages are gleaned for fur-
ther use down the road. A failed wandering involves learn-
ing the bare minimum about the places one visits or pass-
ing through as quickly as possible. Such disappointments
will surely invoke the Grymmening from the despondent
mask.
Daphne: The Mask of Compassion. A long walk has
done wonders for many a relationship, and what is a
wandering if not one long journey to be enjoyed with
pleasant company? Daphne revels in the camaraderie
of wanderings. The necessity of teamwork, the drama of
survival scenarios, and the intimacy of isolation all make
for a tremendously compelling experience when enjoyed
correctly. Those that deepen relationships or forge new
bonds over the course of wanderings earn Daphne’s ap-
proval, irrespective of the successfulness the actual wan-
dering. Those that shirk the opportunities to make new
friends and discover new peoples will swifly invoke the
Grymmening.
Gangesha: The Mask of Truth. There is always some-
thing new to discover when traveling. Gangesha views
every wandering as an opportunity to unearth forgotten
lore or catalogue new phenomena. What is even more
impressive in Gangesha’s eyes is when wanderers discover
truths about themselves. Few challenges test one’s charac-
ter like an extended journey, changing many souls forever
in dynamic and interesting ways. Those that embrace the
hardships of travel and grow from them earn Gangesha’s
approval, while those that seek to overcome all obstacles
with dull efficiency bring forth the Grymmening.
96
Reputations
Players enjoy roleplaying with a purpose. The mechanical
benefits of engaging in fictional scenes while working to-
wards a goal is at the core of every roleplaying game. To
aid in this interaction in roleplaying scenarios, this section
details a system by which PCs can interact with individ-
uals and groups to gain meaningful in game rewards (or
consequences) from those interactions. Collected generally
under the field of reputations, this section overviews how
NPCs and groups of fantasy beings can formulate strong
opinions about the actions of PCs, and then turn those ac-
tions into low maintenance interactions in a campaign.
Using Reputations
The role reputation plays in a campaign is up to the
Narrador, but it is always an important one. Powerful crea-
tures and groups can exert their influence in tremendous
ways, and their opinions matter greatly. A DM should only
use reputation when it can provide a compelling, interac-
tive experience which befits the current Narrador mask.
Banal or mundane social interactions are for lesser groups
or insignificant individuals, not entire organizations or
major NPCs aiming to accomplish big things. The na-
ture of the characters’ interactions with an organization
or NPC depends on their reputation with them. Getting
someone to care about a party is not easy. It takes a sig-
nificant achievement that greatly benefits or frustratingly
foils the target(s) to develop such a reputation. Performing
an act that greatly benefits an organization or NPC earns
their gratitude grants the party a favorable reputation and
special favors. Meanwhile greatly antagonizing an orga-
nization earns a negative reputation and considerable ire,
which can take the form of the mechanics detailed below.
Reputation Favor
A favor is a token of gratitude an organization or NPC
gives to the characters. When the characters need a favor,
they can redem this token and gain assistance from whom
they received it. The nature of the assistance will always be
appropriate for the group or individual’s nature. It is proba-
bly unreasonable for an organization of old scholars to join
the characters on the front lines of a war in the hells, but
a grateful archmage providing a handy teleport spell, that
would be completely reasonable. This assistance should
also be significant and something the characters could not
accomplish themselves without a significant detour from
the adventuring lifestyle. Providing a magic item, access to
special knowledge, or removal of an aggravating obstacle
are all good examples of useful favors.
Favor can be both conceptual and literal. The DM is en-
couraged to give out a physical representation of favor that
is thematic to the organization or NPC. For example, a
legion of holy warriors may give the party a holy symbol
of their order or a tribe of dragons could bequeath a fang
from their fallen.
 chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
Reputation Ire
When the characters anger or make an enemy of an orga-
nization or NPC, the DM gains a special token called an
ire. The inverse of favor, ire is a weapon the DM can use to
strike at the characters, and the organization is the delivery
method. Assassination attempts, new enemies, traps, and
other dastardly deeds are all methods by which an organi-
zation can make the adventuring life even more stressful.
Like favor, ire should always be thematic to the organization
or NPC. An angry group of nature wardens can collapse a
dungeon the characters are exploring or an indignant church
can mystically block the group’s cleric from casting spells.
A DM in possession of ire should be a cause for concern.
The players should always know their DM has it and what
organization the ire is from. The DM should keep the ire
visible both narratively and physically. Signs of the orga-
nization’s presence in the characters’ adventures coupled
with an ominous token of ire at the table, will increase the
tension and make the players feel antagonized.
Once a favor or ire has been expended, the PC’s rep-
utation with that organization or group may return to a
neutral state at the DM’s discretion, allowing them to earn
that individual’s ire or favor again. The Players should be
made aware of when this occurs either in character or di-
rectly from the DM, to better understand their PC’s place
in the world and their relationship to the other beings in it.
Individual Reputation Example: Salvatore the Frog Knight
Description. Salvatore is a noble knight from Tadfen Bog,
short in stature, slimy in skin, but stout of heart. As a Feran,
Salvatore takes on the appearance of an anthropomorphized
frog, prone to punctuating his speech with endearing ribbits
and flicks from his long tongue. His armor is rusty from
frequent exposure to the water Salvatore so loves, but his
foes would do well not to mistake this lack of quality of
arms for quality of skill.
Personality Traits. Bravery comes as easily to Salvatore as
breathing. Those who fail to respect the peaceful are swift
to feel the bite of his greatsword. His ferocity is tempered
with mercy against those who act in ignorance out of a
misguided perspective. One could not ask for a better friend
or companion, so long as you don’t mind insects as an entrée
at the dinner table.
Ideals: Virtue. Strength and achievement are meaningless
to Salvatore when not tempered by the fires of virtue. One
cannot find success in battle only by results. Instead, each
violent act must be measured by the quality of character and
integrity of spirit behind it. It is not enough to fight for the
right cause. One must also be a good person.
Bonds: Peace. While a warrior at heart, Salvatore fights
so that others can live in peace. While his heart races at
the thought of battle, the Frog Knight is always saddened
when such conflicts do not result in a more peaceful world.
Violence is a fickle tool after all, but the only one Salvatore
knows how to use.
97
Individuals
In order to understand how the PCs can have a positive or
negative reputation with an NPC, it is important to have a
sense of that NPC’s personality and characteristics. While
you may know the general temperament and preferences
of most red dragons, it can go a long way toward making
your specimen more interesting by defining a selection of
personality traits for the PCs to explore. If the DM feels
an NPC is important enough to warrant parameters for
determining how NPCs may gain a reputation with it,
they can develop a selection of social statistics as presented
below.
The following example represents a notable figure with-
in GrymmWorld that the PCs may encounter and with
whom they can earn a reputation.
Organizations
Fantasy organizations are awesome. They put a face to po-
litical, social, and economical interests that can leverage
the characters for support or be a party’s worst nightmare.
In GrymmWorld, such groups are far more common and
can be classified as organizations when led by figures of great
significance. How characters interact with these groups can
be a pivotal moment in your campaign, allowing the party
Flaws: Short-Sightedness. Eager to make a difference,
Salvatore has fanned the flames of conflict on more than
one occasion, instead of putting them out. His enthusiasm
for the thrill of battle and deep convictions about the
importance of moral action often lead to unintended
consequences, particularly amongst those hold a grudge.
Do’s. Salvatore loves to fight for fun, feast with friends, and
frolic freely. His happy go-lucky attitude makes the Frog
Knight quite sociable, so long as one does not mind settling
the occasional dispute with blades instead of words. To
Salvatore, the sword is not a tool of death, but just another
form of communication that others fail to appreciate. After
all, what is a little blood spilt between friends?
Don’ts. Cruelty and malice cannot coexist with Salvatore.
The Frog Knight is uncompromising in his conviction that
moral philosophy and a virtuous outlook are essential to life
and guide every action. Those that express arbitrary contempt
for others are as despicable as thugs and as vile as assassins.
His worst opinions are of those who cloak their malicious na-
ture behind a mantle of virtue; fighting for noble causes while
being a villain is a crime punishable by a blade to the gut.
Social Challenge DC. The following ability check DCs are
appropriate when interacting socially with Salvatore.
Easy DC: 16 Medium DC: 19
Hard DC: 22 Social CR: 13 (10,000 XP)
chapter four: the narrative and the narrador
to gain valuable allies or provoke lethal enemies. With such
powerful incentives for players to engage these groups, you
will find organizations a compelling force.
A well-crafted organization provides unique opportuni-
ties for characters to gather exclusive loot, meet interesting
characters, discover adventure hooks, battle foes, and play
an important role in some of the most significant forces
in their world. Organizations in GrymmWorld are an ex-
ample of this design tool in play. They aid the Narrador
in detailing the major players in its dynamic world along
with what they have to offer. Detailed below is a system
for building organizations. This tool will help your play-
ers engage with the organization without demanding you
develop every detail—that comes later according to the
needs of your campaign. Organizations are divided into
the following components.
• Name. Every organization needs a name and organi-
zations often have impressive ones.
A solid name should give some hint as to what the
organization stands for without revealing too much.
• Leadership. Who oversees the organization?
It can be an authoritarian overlord or an anarchic
collection of like-minded colleagues. Detailing an
organization’s leadership helps the players figure out
Behind the Curtain:
Building Organizations
Y ou probably noticed the details in this section do
not explore the full potential within an organization.
That is by design and for a particularly good reason. One
of the worst DM experiences you can have comes from
overdeveloping content that will not see play. Sure, you
could expand an organization to include fourteen unique
member stat blocks, a detailed system for managing their
resources, and a laundry list of rewards for the character
to earn, but all that is pointless unless the players care
enough to engage with it. We propose an alternative
strategy. Use the model provided in this chapter when
introducing your players to an organization. There are
enough details for them to potentially get hooked. If it
seems like the party wants to get more involved with the
group, then you have a green light to create more content
with a good chance it will see play. This holds true for
villainous organizations as well. If the players find the
idea of a collection of villains interesting after an initial
encounter, chances are they will be looking forward to
discovering more next session.
It is not recommended that characters join an
organization unless the organization is dedicated to
adventuring. The methods by which an organization
accomplishes their goals are complex and rarely
compatible with the lifestyle of an adventurer. Political
intrigue, recruitment, and managing huge numbers of
minions may be interesting for a session or two, but
that will not feel fun for long. It is better to provide the
party with routine opportunities to gain favor.
98
how to socially engage the group and can introduce
NPCs of great significance.
• Membership. This section will provide the gist of
who would join this group— scoundrels, warriors,
spellcasters, and even monsters can be part of an
organization.
How many members should it have? An
organization can be small (10–30 members),
medium (31–100 members), large (101–500
members), or huge (500+).
• Alignment. This section details the average align-
ment of the organization as well as its morals when it
acts collectively. Even an organization of mostly evil
creatures may behave in a more neutral manner when
working together to accomplish the organization’s goals.
• Motto. This section details a saying by the organiza-
tion that illustrates their disposition and ideals.
• Resources. Organizations have considerable resourc-
es at their disposal. Their membership can consist of
artisans, thieves, spellcasters, explorers, politicians,
and far more, all of which are willing to contribute to
the group’s collective capital.
• Creed. The values and goals of an organization are
what binds the group together. This section gives a
summary of the group’s creed and sets its general
expectation.
An example of an organization within GrymmWorld is
detailed below.
Sample Organization
Fellclimbers Expedition Society (FES)
Leadership: Elected council of five senior climbers
Membership: Large (241 members): humanoids;
Duenden, Espertan
Alignment: Chaotic neutral
Motto: “Onward and upward and onward again!”
Resources: Climbing equipment, geographical
expertise, topographical maps
Creed: The Fellclimber’s Expedition Society has two
goals, to map and catalogue the impossibly huge moun-
tain range of Fellmount and to summit every peak with-
out the aid of magic. This is a daunting and exceedingly
dangerous task, earning the organization a well-deserved
reputation for being full of daredevils and risk takers.
The FES enjoys this notoriety, taking great pride in their
ability to accomplish what others would not even dare
attempt without the aid of magical protections.
The affinity of the Fellclimbers for the mountains they
ascend borders on the religious. Each peak has a secret
name known only to members of the society. They guard
the routes to the top carefully against all those who
would seek to gain a shortcut to the glorious mountain-
tops. However, the FES is always in need of resources
and equipment and will happily accept the aid of others
who prove themselves friends of the mountains.
 CHAPTER FIVE
Exploring
Prometerra
P ROMETERRA IS a continent of diverse, magical
regions and even more diverse, magical people. In
a state of rediscovery and renaissance following the
degradations of the fell-beyonders, Prometerra is very
much a land in flux. Every locale is styled to invite explora-
tion and inspire curiosity. From ancient ruins of the beau-
tiful past to strange local anomalies born of wyld magic,
Prometerra is begging for adventurers to explore her se-
crets. While detailing the countless wonders of Prometerra
could fill volumes, this chapter does its level best to illus-
trate some of the most significant and intriguing aspects of
the continent. From the mist shrouded lakes encircling a
city of light, to the ashen sands patrolled by weather worn
knights, there is much to discover and build a thrilling
GrymmWorld campaign around.
While these details are indeed fascinating and fun, one
must remember GrymmWorld is not about clearly de-
fined borders and impeccable details. It is a land shaped
by memory, intention, magic, and heart; unbound by the
laws of nature we typically enjoy. Your GrymmWorld can
and should be entirely different than the GrymmWorld’s
of other campaigns. Remember, this uniqueness does
not just come from the DM. It is intended that your
GrymmWorld is forged through collaboration with the
Players as a campaign unfolds. Together you will shape
and define the continent, forging a world all your own
with each passing session. While you can certainly treat
Prometerra like another 5th Edition campaign setting,
choosing to forgo tools like the Narrador and other
means of collaboration takes some of the magic out of
GrymmWorld. It may not be what you are used to, but
your campaign will be brighter for it.
Each of Prometerra’s main regions are presented here:
Brilhago, Cachoeira, Desaly, Fellmount, Labirinto, Praia,
Tadfen Bog, and Witchwood. These fantastical regions
have countless wonders in store for any 5th Edition cam-
paign. Within each section you will learn about the people,
places, cultures, landmarks, organizations, environments,
heroes, villains, and much more. Revel in the unrivaled
weirdness of the Witchwood, get lost in the murky dark-
ness of Tadfen Bog, or bask in the glorious majesty of
Brilhago’s waterfalls. The lands of Prometerra are itching
99
to be enjoyed, so what are you waiting for? Time to dive in
and begin writing the first chapter of your GrymmWorld’s
story.
Brilhago 
The Light of Yesterday
There is a shining city, set apart from the rest of Prometerra
by an immense lake shrouded in silver fog. This noble
metropolis stands proud amidst a wounded land, rent
asunder by the Spire, which pierced reality itself and brought
the fell nightmares into this world. It is here that pilgrims
come to learn the story of how they came to be, to share in
song and feast. If their heart is pure, these noble souls may
ascend the Spire to the heavens, from which none have ever
returned. Brilhago is a center for art and culture, but it is
out of place and from a different time. An ancient relic of
GrymmWorld’s past, preserved by the hard working hands
and sturdy souls of its people, Brilhago is called the Light of
Yesterday, for its city shines with ancient magic and divine
power from an era of legend and myth.
POPULATION: 525,123 Grymm
GOVERNMENT: Theocracy
LEADERSHIP: Ruling Council (Eleven high priests)
RESOURCES: Technology, Religion, Fish, Mithril
ALIGNMENT: Lawful Neutral
FAVORED CLASSES: Clerics, Paladins, Wizards
The Ways of Brilhago
Mountainous, beautiful, and ancient, Brilhago is a shin-
ing beacon from GrymmWorld’s history which endured
dire catastrophe and ruin. The land is scarred but strong,
a testament to the strength of its ancient defenders who
fought in ages past. Signs of ancient battle are every-
where. Magical craters, warped landscape, and ancient
structures long abandoned are the marks emblazoned
upon Brilhago, but even here there is great beauty. Nature
has reclaimed much of what was lost. Despite its trauma,
the realm is as pure as the day mortal eyes first gazed
upon it. Craggy cold mountains in the north slope steeply
downward, feeding countless springs into a lake of terrific
size. Here the works haul great catches of mithril scaled
fish aboard silvery longboats to be brought to market
within a shining ancient metropolis. To the south lies a
cold artic ocean, overshadowed by a dark Spire of impos-
sible height. This literal wound in the world marks where
the fell-beyonders first came to GrymmWorld. It serves as
a reminder to all of Brilhago what was lost and why they
must continue to fight to preserve what remains.
Culture
One of the last remaining cultures to survive the com-
ing of the fell-beyonders, Brilhago is a pragmatic and
resilient society. Its people follow the olden ways of
GrymmWorld. They strive to better themselves and usher
in a restoration of the Old Time, reviving the culture of
The Beautiful People and all their arcane wonders. Split
into distinct guilds of industry, religion, and science, each
100
works tirelessly to rebuild Brilhago into the cultural bea-
con of days past. However, there is hardly a consensus of
how best to do so. Every citizen, faction, and guild possess-
es strong opinions about what is best and how to accom-
plish it. The infighting within the realm is fierce, but rarely
violent. The people are simply passionate about bettering
themselves and society, often to the point of excess.
While all Brilhago idolizes the past, there are three dis-
tinct subcultures which proliferate three distinct ideolo-
gies: the fisherfolk, the faithful, and the finders.
The Fisherfolk are the industrialists of Brilhago, always
seeking the simplest solution to any problem. There is no
reason for them to change anything or expand their vo-
cabulary. There’s fish in the lake, the fish means food, and
with food comes growth. Their opinion is that the nation
is best served by an expansion of industry. They work tire-
lessly to ensure the people of Brilhago have enough food
to eat, so that many may grow strong and provide for the
next generation.

The Faithful are practitioners of ancient, now defunct,
religions. Their ways deal in myth and legend. From with-
in their ancient libraries and shadowy schools the divine
gods are studied. They are constantly searching for some
way to restore the greatest beings of GrymmWorld’s his-
tory. Some of their collected stories within their citadels
are true while others are false apocryphal writings. This
leads to a belief that the faithful are contradictory and lost
amidst the impossible puzzle that is the past. Nevertheless,
The Faithful press on, tirelessly praying to silent gods in
hopes of one day receiving an answer.
The Finders are people of science and progress. Guided
by the past, they aim to restore magic, technology, and
power to Brilhago. They plumb ancient ruins in search of
obscure secrets, fiddling with obtuse arcana and danger-
ous technology in hopes of rediscovering ancient weapons
or useful knowledge. These risky endeavors are known to
unearth ancient horrors and lore best left forgotten, rou-
tinely placing the people of Brilhago at risk, though a
worthwhile one if one were to ask the Finder’s opinion
on the matter.
Brilhago-Grymm spend so much time looking to the past,
they forget the present. Of course the future is important,
but one cannot escape this simple truth: In the long run, all
are dead. One cannot forsake the promise of today for the
chance of tomorrow.
- Gangesha on Brilhago culture
Technology
Science of the surreal is prevalent in Shining City. The
wonders it has unearthed and preserved feel out of place
even within the strangeness of GrymmWorld. Mithral
cast ships sail silently whilst there is no wind, while whirl-
ing gyroplanes streak across the sky in defiance of physics.
Curiously, many of these fantastical contraptions cease
to function outside the region, devoid of some key spark
which can only be found within Brilhago. With each pass-
ing day the Grymm discover more curios from the time
AIRBORNE AND WATERBORNE VEHICLES
SHIP COST SPEED CREW PASSSENGERS CARGO (TONS)
Mithral
Shroud Skiff 5,000 gp 15 mph 3 7
(Waterborne)
Mithral
Windrunner 30,000 gp 25 mph 14
(Waterborne)
Gyro – Plane
15,000 gp 60 mph 2 0
(Airborne)
Gyro – Cruiser
50,000 gp 100 mph 7 30
(Airborne)
101
chapter five: exploring prometerra
of the Beautiful People. Getting these devices to work
is another matter. Much of what is recovered is beyond
the Brilhago-Grymm’s capacity to understand, leading to
much trial and catastrophic error as they attempt to un-
ravel these ancient mysteries. In some rare circumstanc-
es, the Brilhago-Grymm have employed ancient weap-
ons powered by the fell-beyonders. While it is theorized
these loathsome tools were an attempt to turn the fiend’s
strength against them, the riskiness of their use is a source
of fierce debate within the courts of the Shining City.
Some examples of the wonderous vehicles created by
Brilhago based on ancient technology and magic are pro-
vided below.
Magic
While the gods of GrymmWorld are dead or have since
assumed new modes of existence, a fragment of their pow-
er yet remains within the mystical lake of Brilhago. From
within its crystalline depths sparks an invisible divine es-
sence, imbuing the people and places of Brilhago with an-
cient power. This mystic force is instinctively felt by the
locals, who call the effect a divine echo. Many take great
comfort in the continued presence of this force, believing
it to be a sign that the restoration of GrymmWorld is not
only possible, but also imminent.
With the looming threat of the fell-beyonders hanging
over Brilhago, there are those who believe there is anoth-
er magic worth exploring. Scientific research into the fell
magic that harnesses the raw and dangerous power of the
beyonders is a hotly debated, but not forbidden practice
among the people of Brilhago. The powers of the fell are
very controversial and carefully a guarded secret by the
highest of the order. Rumor has it that the nobles of the
Shining City and the Faithful are seeding this fell energy
into the population to strengthen and advance the inhab-
itants. While the wisdom of this course of action may be
dubious, the results are formidable. Fell influenced weap-
ons and magic have proven mighty indeed, promising a
permanent solution to the horror of the fell-beyonders.
DAMAGE
AC HP THRESHOLD
10 16 180 13
40 60 18 360 15
1/2 8 30 5
2 10 100 10
chapter five: exploring prometerra
An example of a spell developed by the people of Brilhago
is provided below.
New Spell: Purifying Light
This is a class spell for clerics and wizards.
6th level evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self (60 ft. radius sphere)
Components: V, S, M (a glass candle)
Duration: Instantaneous
You hold your hand aloft and unleash a blast of
mystical light in a 60-foot radius sphere centered on
you. Each other creature of your choice in the affected
area may end one 5th level spell or lower currently
affecting it. When a creature ends a spell effect in this
manner, it may regain 1d6 hit points, plus an additional
1d6 hit points for each level of the spell effect ended.
At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 7th level or higher, the maximum level of a
spell effect an affected creature is able to end increases
by one spell level, to a maximum of an 8th level spell
effect if cast using a 9th level spell slot.
Cosmology
All those within Brilhago acknowledge the divinity of an-
cient gods, but that is far from paying homage. Instead, local
102
legends and superstitions play a more significant role in
the faith of an average Brilhago-Grymm. Even then, most
of the realm’s population are atheist, placing their faith in
their own hands and strength. This personal conviction is
well justified. The ancient ways of Brilhago have endured
longer than any other Prometerran culture, surviving even
the death of its gods and near extinction of its people.
Unfortunately, the proximity to the fell-beyonders has
birthed a cult which believes the strange invaders to be di-
vine in nature. These misguided Brilhago-Grymm are few
in number and secretive in the extreme, but their cult is
growing. Other faiths include that of the Silverfish. With
the abundance of mithril scaled fish, the Fisherfolk have
developed a humble faith believing the strange animals to
be the progeny of a great spirit which inhabits the lake’s
darkest depths. Known as the Silverfish, this entity’s ex-
istence is unconfirmed, but you’ll never find a Fisherfolk
setting sail without paying homage to the deep dark by
throwing a sack of gold overboard as tribute.
May my ship sail silent and true
May day’s waters stay clear and blue
May my catch be whole and fair
May my nets ner sink nor tear
May my boots hold fast
Beneath the sail and my mast
And may I come home to you
- Common Fisherfolk Prayer

Ecology
The closer you get to the Spire, the more intense the dan-
ger. It is the source of fell and planer monstrosities that are
difficult to keep at bay. Were it not for the menagerie the
scientists constructed, many threats might venture into the
world. There is a reason why the military might of the lake-
side city pits itself toward the Spire as opposed to the out-
side world, they have a lake that provides natural resources
and a natural form of defense.
The lake itself appears to pose natural dangers. Primarily,
beasts from within that threaten the surface above.
Within the city proper, one must be careful with agents
of the night who seek to protect the secrets of the city from
the outside world.
Adventuring in Brilhago
The shining lake of Brilhago is a clash of science, religion,
and industry. The people enjoy things that make them feel
good in life and the benefits of an open community that
the religion allows. The scientists present the facts and re-
ality that the world they live in is volatile and potentially
unstable. Thus, you have factions forming within factions
as the heretical scientists collide with the holy church.
Not only that, the fell-beyonders of the Spire make their
way out into the world, striking first against the people of
Brilhago. Adventurers here find the conflict between dis-
senting opinions. The mysteries of the lake and the moun-
tain pose exciting challenges, with the lake suitable for low-
er and mid-tiers. The mountain and Spire are best reserved
for the highest levels of play with an early and frightening
foray useful for introducing the near infinite power that has
pierced the world itself. Brilhago introduces the dangers of
truth, either by those that pursue it or those that proclaim
it. This region should provide context for the fragility of the
world and the reason for the existence of heroes.
People to Meet
The people of Brilhago are a determined, driven lot. They
make friends with those who share their goals and beliefs,
while making rivals and enemies out of those who chal-
lenge their way of life or perspectives. Such conflict is not
one of malice, but of healthy rivalry. Brilhago-Grymm are
used to having to fight for what they want; be it their way
of life, point of view, or their very survival. Their heroes are
great warriors, politicians, and inventors. The spectacle of
a political speech can be just as inspiring to a Brilhago-
Grymm as a climactic battle against impossible odds.
Demeanor
The people of the Shining City are living contradictions.
They fight for the future by looking at the past. While their
methods are undoubtably effective, it makes for a curious
culture. The conflux of faith, science, and good old fash-
ioned hard work put them at odds with just about everyone,
and that is just the way they like it. The proximity to the
Fellspire does not help matters. Many Brilhago-Grymm
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
have learned to live on edge, always ready to defend against
forces that would tear down a lifetime of hard work. To
other Grymm they seem zealous and overworked. In turn,
the people of Brilhago view others as feckless and whim-
sical, a privileged point of view only possible thanks to the
heroic efforts of generations of Brilhago-Grymm. The old-
er and wiser among them tend to be non-confrontational,
carefully guarding their true motives and goals until they
require the help of others in safeguarding their dealings.
Politics
Political power in Brilhago is centered around faith. While
its religious leaders pay homage to dead gods, their signifi-
cance in society has endured since ancient times. Using the
diverse teachings of these old religions, a council of elev-
en high priests apply their wisdom to restore Brilhago to
its former glory. Unfortunately, when a priest receives no
guidance from their gods, the fallibility of mortals rears its
ugly head. There is tremendous disagreement among the
priests, each jostling to enforce the religious order they feel
best serves Brilhago’s interests. Intrigue, backstabbing, and
even the occasional act of violence are not uncommon re-
sults of political disputes. Between the political backbiting
of the theocracy, there is a balance between the Fisherfolk,
the Faithful, and the Finders that must be maintained.
The Fisherfolk tolerate no disruption in their mission to
feed and supply Brilhago. When they venture out into the
world, they serve as a ferry and as traders on behalf of their
nation. While they have their ship, these individuals are also
the gate to cross the lake and make it back to the shore.
The Faithful holds many secrets and are comfortable in
their position that they have built upon in The Shining
City. They are able to shape the divine to their benefit and
do so to preserve the many histories of the world. However,
they object entirely to any scrutiny that comes from the
outside, the lake dwellers, or their scientific neighbors.
The Society of Finders is at odds with the plodding
practices of the Fisherfolk and the pedantic mutters of the
Faithful. In their opinion, anyone that would prevent their
progress towards understanding the fell-beyonders is an
enemy and anything that distracts from this goal is a mas-
sive waste of time.
Factions & Organizations
The following factions are the major players within Brilhago,
influencing its politics, cultural practices, and relationships.
Fisherfolk
Leadership: Elected Leader
Membership: Gargantuan (10,000+ members):
humanoids (druids, rangers, rogues)
Alignment: Chaotic good
Motto: “Fish for friends, family, and the future”
Resources: Food (fish), mithril, watercraft
Creed: Fisherfolk work the harbor, the lake, and ferry trav-
elers from the far-land, to any marked island, within the
realm of Brilhago. They are keenly dressed for protection,
chapter five: exploring prometerra

ADVENTURING IN BRILHAGO
D10 RESULT
A deadly ghost fleet forms on the fog. The undead raiders open fire on the harbor. Repel the attackers and assist
the church in turning them! The fleet of the dead is a curse upon the lake and every few years they rise up to
1 attack the harbor, reliving the horrors of the first war. The best way to eliminate them is to return them back to
their watery graves, but that would require the use of a powerful clergy. Ferry members of the church out onto
the waters avoiding damage. Turn the undead fleet and protect the harbor.

The scientists of the Spire are looking for the recovery of fell-remnants near the Spire. This surreal and arcane
dream like wonderland of the High Rock is extremely dangerous. A new creature has emerged from the Spire
2
and has infested the poor traveler. The individual will befriend the party and works to slowly bring them under
the influence of the symbiote he hosts. Remove the symbiote and recover the fell remains from the world above.

There is dissension among the religious practitioners. Two rival priests of the church have begun preaching out
3 of sacred literature. However, their doctrine does not agree with itself and it has caused great tension among the
people. Determine which priest is teaching the truth and which is fabricating their own fantasy. 

Three fisherfolk have gone missing. They set sail onto the shining lake and into the fog, but they’ve gone missing.
There is no sign of their vessel, but a bottle was found floating in the water that contained a small stone. When
4
the stone was touched it conjured an image of the three sailors being held in a watery prison. Uncover the
mystery by delving deep into the shining lake and seeking out the kidnapper.

The scientists of the Spire have come under the gun of the church! The church has named all high scientists as
apostates and enemies of the faith. They are launching an assault on the observatory. Either join the church or
5
the scientists, but you are going to be forced to pick aside. The scientists are currently studying an ancient artifact
that could remove the Spire from the world itself, but the church is prepared to destroy all their research.

A powerful beast has risen from the water and is said to be granting wishes to all those that can catch it.
However, it appears to be a ruse and the mischievous trickster is using the illusory monster to obtain the secrets
6
of all those that beseech it, later blackmailing the people. Find out where the trickster is hiding and bring them
to justice for their crimes of extortion. 

The church has been robbed in the middle of the night. Angry fisherfolk that were promised a bountiful catch for
honoring tithes have disgruntledly stormed the church and taken back what is theirs. Unfortunately, the balance
7 of the tithe has shifted and a specter of woeful distress has been released among the people causing a plague to
spread. Enough gold must be recovered, and the scales set back into balance to cause the plague to go away. If it
does not happen then the curse will remain indefinitely and continue to spread among the people.

Two priests have gone missing and they are needed to officiate the upcoming holy day. Rumors say they were seen
climbing up the mountain armed to the teeth. All signs point to them in pursuit of a unicorn that was seen in the
8
region, but the mountain is not forgiving and the question remains what two priests would need with a unicorn.
Summit the mountain and track down the priests. Either assist them on their hunt or bring them back to safety.

The Great Sea Race is set to begin, but an old friend’s gambling debts have finally caught up with them. The only
9 way to save your friend’s life is to set sail in their stead and win enough to bargain for their freedom. Find a ship
and a crew to participate in the highest stakes sea chase to ever take place on the shining sea.

It is a difficult and dangerous road up the mountain, and it has gotten worse. Fell-beyonders are preventing
anyone from bringing supplies to the science facility and they have completely locked down any chance of the
10
scientists escaping. Who can explain their sudden mustering? Remove the fell from the path to save the lives of
the gallant scientists trapped in the observatory above.

104

with water repellant garb, wide hats to keep the sunlight
off of their sensitive skin, and strong arms from the per-
sistent rowing and reeling. They try hard to avoid any poli-
tics with the church and while they don’t judge the Finders
they seem awfully fearful of them. Fisherfolk embrace the
bountiful feasts of their sparkling water and try to main-
tain a certain ritual reverence around the acts bespoke to
their trade. Their leader is elected yearly, with the winners
often chosen based on their high quality performance in
the arts of fishing and sailing.
Finders
Leadership: Unknown
Membership: Large (434 members): humanoids; bards,
clerics, warlocks, wizards
Alignment: Neutral evil
Motto: “No knowledge worth not knowing”
Resources: Arcatechnology, history, magic (conjuration,
divination)
Creed: The Finders sit high above the Shining City in
their Spirescopes, toiling away to unearth ancient secrets.
They perform strange science upon the surreal findings
from the great Fellspire. They hope to glean new arts and
technologies by which the fell-beyonders can be destroyed
and GrymmWorld saved. Garbed in ebon-colored cloth-
ing, they venture into the darkest corners of Prometerra in
search of new lore. They are secretive, devious, and dedi-
cated, willing to risk much in pursuit of their goals. Their
magic and technological prowess ranks among the might-
iest in all Prometerra, earned through tragic sacrifice and
reckless experimentation.
Arcatechnology
The secret to the Finder’s success is arcatechnology—the
wondrous fusion of magic and machine that revolution-
ized society in ancient GrymmWorld, few of which sur-
vive today. These devices are intricate, complicated, and
powerful. Grymm have come to describe such devices as
arcatech, and many consider it to be dangerous science
best left forgotten. Arcatech is rare in GrymmWorld.
Complex arcatech telescopes allow researchers to peer
into unexplored dimensions, while arcatech bathrooms
augment homes with flushable toilets. Grymm have
learned to appreciate the overcomplicated and some-
times untrustworthy devices. How arcatech is present-
ed in GrymmWorld is up to you. It can be elegant and
organic, industrial and noisy, steampunk, magicpunk, or
somewhere in between. The point of arcatechnology is to
demonstrate just how advanced ancient Prometerran soci-
ety was and why some fight so hard to restore it.
At the heart of arcatechnology is power. All machines
need it and arcatech consumes raw magic as a power
source. This is much more complicated than it sounds, for
magic is not so easily controlled. Those constructing arcat-
echnology must take great care to properly stabilize and
integrate magical power sources into their devices as well
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
as ensure such power sources cannot be easily destroyed.
In gameplay terms, arcatechnology is just another way
to showcase the power of magic. Functionally there may
be no difference between an ordinary flametongue sword
and an arcatech version of the same item. However, at the
DM’s discretion, arcatech can be more than just a different
way to experience magic. The following options can apply
to arcatech items, objects, and structures at the DM’s dis-
cretion. These options need not be exclusively applied.
Option 1: Arcatech Power Source
Arcatech items, objects, and structures must be magical-
ly recharged to replenish their power sources. Once a week
an arcatech item must be recharged or its magic becomes
inert and the item becomes useless. To recharge a depleted
item, a creature must sacrifice some of its own magic in
the form of spell slots to recharge the item. Whenever a
creature finishes a short or long rest while in contact with
the arcatech item, it can choose to expend a spell slot to
restore the item to full functionality. The rarity of the item
determines the minimum spell slot required to recharge
the item, as detailed in the Arcatech Recharge table.
ARCATECH RECHARGE
MINIMUM SPELL SLOT LEVEL ITEM RARITY
1st common
3rd uncommon
5th rare
7th very rare
9th legendary
Option 2: Perfect Synergy
Arcatechnology’s perfect fusion of magic and machine con-
fers considerable benefits over traditional magical items. An
arcatech version of a magical item functions in areas of anti-
magic. Creatures cannot attune to or use arcatech items un-
less they have the necessary Intelligence (as detailed in the
Arcatech Intelligence table), or are taught how by another
creature with the necessary Intelligence. Once a creature
learns how to use an arcatech item, it is always considered
proficient with that item (where applicable).
ARCATECH INTELLIGENCE
MINIMUM INTELLIGENCE REQUIRED ITEM RARITY
9 common
11 uncommon
13 rare
15 very rare
17 legendary
chapter five: exploring prometerra
Option 3: Major Malfunction
When an arcatech item is destroyed, but the majority of
its structure remains, catastrophe can ensue. This can oc-
cur due to a major mechanical malfunction, an exploding
power source, or a bizarre magical phenomenon. It is at
the DM’s discretion what happens when an arcatech item
is destroyed, though generally the rarer an item the more
dangerous the malfunction. The Major Malfunctions table
provides some examples of major malfunctions that can
occur, which the DM can expand upon or limit according
to the needs of the game. The save DC for effects on the
table is 11 for common magic items, 13 for uncommon, 16
for rare, 20 for very rare, and 25 for legendary.
MAJOR MALFUNCTIONS
D6 RESULT
The power source for the item detonates. Each
creature within a 15-foot-radius sphere when the
1 item is destroyed must attempt a Constitution
saving throw, taking 6d10 fire damage on a failure,
or half as much on a success.
The item flashes out of existence, disrupting magic
in an area around it. When the item is destroyed, it
generates a 30-foot-radius burst of antimagic.
2 seaside community and stronghold. The magnificent and
Magical items in the area have their effects sup-
pressed for 1 minute and spells and magical effects
of 5th level or lower in the area immediately end.
The item catches on fire and burns for 1 minute.
Creatures holding or touching the item when it
catches fire must attempt a Dexterity saving throw.
On a failure, the creature takes 6d6 fire damage
and catches on fire. A creature who is on fire in this
3 manner takes 6d6 fire damage at the start of each of
its turns and can repeat the saving throw at the end
of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
On a successful saving throw, the creature takes half
as much damage, does not catch on fire, and drops
or removes the destroyed item.
A powerful fiend is called from across the planes,
appearing in the nearest unoccupied space to the item.
4 If the item was common the fiend is CR 2 or lower, if
uncommon CR 4 or lower, if rare CR 7 or lower, if very
rare CR 11 or lower, and if legendary CR 16 or lower.
The item attempts to banish its user to another plane.
A creature holding or wearing the item when it is
5
destroyed must succeed on a Charisma saving throw or
become banished to a plane it has never visited.
The item emits a dazzling flash of light. Each creature
within 60 feet of the item that can see it must attempt
6 a Constitution saving throw. On a failure they become
permanently blinded. On a success they become
blinded for 1 round.
106
Places to See
Brilhago is full of interesting places to visit. From a crystal
clear lake of tremendous size, to ancient war-torn battle-
fields, to hidden ruins full of ancient power, there is always
something to find by ambitious adventurers looking for
trouble.
Environment
The shimmering lake is shrouded in fog. It glistens and
gives off an eerie light from a hidden sun and the three
rival moons. It is difficult to build settlements on the many
rock covered islands in the lake. A collection of high and
mysterious monuments sit upon a few of them. The big-
gest island, Shining City proper, is a collection of splendid
monuments, magnificent spiraling towers, and a shining
city that rests upon the most significant island. The waters
are filled with a variety of dangers, though you can avoid
them if you stay on the surface. There are many pockets
of ebon colored tides that pass through the mirky parts of
the lake.
Landmarks
Sparkling Harbor
The brilliant water meets the polished rock of a magnificent
majestic Navy is docked alongside brightly colored pleasure
vessels. Everyone seems to know their duty here in the harbor.
Holy clergy-folk watch and inspect what is shipped in and
out. This is the central tourist hub and liveliest part outside of
the cloistered towers of those that live in the Shining City.
The sparkling harbor is the central hub of activity in the
Shining City. It sits outside of the holy quarters of the
Church of the Unborn God and is an active blend of
working folk, naval fleets, religious watchdogs, and vis-
iting scientists. There is much to see, hear, and acquire.
Generations of storefronts have been built on top of each
other here in the shining harbor. There’s attention in the
air as the church has a strong interest to control what goes
in and out of the community and will often arrest people
for suspected contraband. There is an access point in the
harbor to the inner city, both the surreal scientific wing as
well as the religious buildings used by the church. Access
to each of these areas is heavily controlled.
Island of Forgotten Saints
The misty island soil gives way under your feet, the
silhouettes of towering and imposing figures in solemn poses
stand perfectly still in the distance. An uncanny peace fills
your heart as you reside here. The headless and handless
statues that were placed here before time immemorial
channel the energies of the divine to shape and create a
focal point of power around you. The design of the clothing
is unknown, the scripts unreadable, but the intense peace
projected by the statues is almost intoxicating.

The island of Forgotten Saints is a bit of a mystery to the
inhabitants of the region. No one is quite sure how these
statues got here, what language their runes and scriptures
are inscribed in, and why so much divine energy is chan-
neled to this place. There are many wild theories about why
they are here, but the church denies its very existence. There
are about 50 headless and handless statues posed through-
out the island. Archeologists believe they were sculpted by
a master crafts person, but for what reason is unknown.
Many of the statues on various marbled platforms have
weathered the centuries in perfect condition. People often
come here to see the sites and to feel the divine energy, but
others come here to give silent prayer and seek guidance
from unknowable deity.
Library of the Everlasting Mind
Shelves of books reach up to the greatest heights, here resides
the core of all knowledge that is known or can be known
by Grymm. The record of the world, the stories of gods, the
invention of language, and the art of conflict are all collected
here in the great works of written word and composed
illustrations. Small creatures bustle about, crawling, flying,
teleporting, all around as they assist the librarians of this
great chamber of knowledge.
The church has amassed an enormous archive of books,
scrolls, and records. They often send pilgrims out into the
world to collect these works and bring them back. The
Library of the Everlasting Mind is the key to the church’s
power. For the records placed within their most sacred of
temples, seems to generate the material plane as we know
it. The very function of time and space are regulated by the
works that are contained within, or so their doctrine says.
Removal of any of these works would cause a major col-
lapse to all reality and they argue this is the counterweight
to the damage done by the Spire that pierced the world.
Spirescope
Sitting at the top of the steepest hill, I am pointed away from
the shining light of the city below. A massive instrument
focuses the cosmic terror generated by the impossibly tall Spire
that breaks reality itself. This is the realm of surreal science,
where the very end of the world has reached and the light of
the planes beyond is examined by those in pursuit of truth.
The Spirescope sits at the end of the world. It is the obser-
vatory responsible for watching the world wound and alert-
ing the Shining City when the fell-horrors pierce reality
through rifts rent by the Spire to invade the surrounding
world. It is here these scientists study the deep importance
and impact of fell-magic and seek to harness and trans-
form the energy into a benign use. Many of these exper-
iments are considered completely unethical, highly dan-
gerous, and have resulted in the countless deaths of brave
souls in the pursuit of truth and knowledge. A Spirescope
is the most powerful focusing lens in the world. It has the
ability to discern the various planes across the cosmos, on
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
both the macro and microscopic scales. The scientists here
are bold and forthright but completely untrusting of out-
siders that have not proven themselves. They have forsaken
the Great Guild Hall in the north and attempt to fabricate
their own tools and wares to pursue the knowledge they
seek.
Cachoeira
The Ceaseless Bounty
A hundred waterfalls feed a thousand river dragons
across the lush and beautiful country of Cachoeira. The
vast hill country is the royal land of thriving trade and
bustling productivity. The people dress brightly, the
earth provides for many, and there is a persistent har-
mony. There is a strong military presence that was built
specifically to defend the region against the fell, but they
are mostly inactive. Cachoeira provides safe and quick
access to many other regions.
POPULATION: 1,248,115 Grymm
GOVERNMENT: Kingdom
LEADERSHIP: Oligarchy
RESOURCES: Craftsfolk, Food, Land
ALIGNMENT: Lawful Good
FAVORED CLASSES: Bards, Rangers, Wizards
The Ways of Cachoeira
Cachoeira is a rigid society of tradition, laws, and progress.
Its people have forged a new and wondrous life for them-
selves from Promterra’s troubled past and vigorously de-
fend it against any who would violently threaten their idyl-
lic society. As the most populous of Promterra’s region, the
beautiful hills and falls of Cachoeira are teeming with life.
Farmers, city folk, adventurers and more have a place in
Cachoeira. The region is fraught with political, economic,
and social turmoil brought about by this vast melting pot.
chapter five: exploring prometerra
Despite all this, Cachoeira is a nation in ascension. Its peo-
ple can be found through Promterra, making their mark
upon GrymmWorld in new and wondrous ways. These
Grymm are respected for their accomplishments, but there
are many who feel the Cachoeiran’s have failed to appre-
ciate things outside themselves and accomplishments.
A silly notion to any respectable Cachoeiran Grymm.
Technology
Cachoeirans have used their ingenuity and expert crafts-
manship to develop superior transportation methods to
travel through river, road, or trail rapidly. The Rainbow
Dragon-Tear river system is dominated by their boat craft
which can mobilize and move in either direction, traveling
with or against the water currents. They have manufactured
spider-climbing vehicles to the summit and cross moun-
tain ranges. Cachoeiran technology represents mastery
over the elements and manipulation of the natural world.
Spiderclimb Construct
The spider climb transportation devices can carry one
to four people inside them. They have hard metallic ex-
teriors and are powered by a combustible mineral that
is ignited within. Those who travel in them carry a rare
AIRBORNE AND WATERBORNE VEHICLES
SHIP COST SPEED CREW
Spiderclimb
15,000 gp 5 mph 4 0
Construct
Mithral Windrunner
2,000 gp 15 mph 3 10
(Waterborne)
mineral used as fuel. These devices typically are not found
in the open, rather they are transported via wagon or boat
to where they are needed. The burden of transporting the
fuel, as well as having enough for the return journey,
should weigh heavily on any using these constructs. It
requires precise calculations and it is not uncommon to
find the remains of a destroyed contraption that was not
properly taken care of. 
River Runner
The wind propelled rivercraft of the Dragon-Tier river
system are a beauty and wonder to behold. Far sleeker
and more dynamic than any watercraft, one will find on
the great lake to the south or in the brackish water of the
bayou’s to the east. These sleek and elegant vessels travel
quickly and are powered by the elements, able to navi-
gate trechurous rivers with dexterous ease, all at a bargain
price.
Magic
Magic is a science to be studied and mastered, or so say
the great wizards of Cachoeira. The Royal Government
believes magic is a force to display and through which to
show authority. Magic has been used to accelerate farming
to feed the people, reduce the construction time of guild
projects, communicate across vast distances, and to be used
as a terrible weapon should the need arise. These great
weapons sleep inside a deep arsenal vault built after the
Old War. There are rumors that some wish to bring them
out as a warning to any that would seek to threaten the
Cachoeiran way of life.
Cosmology
Cachoeirans worship no gods, for in their eyes none are
worthy. It is said the Hill-folk used to have a god, until
the pollution caused by the Trades Guilds killed him. Or
so they say. Cachaoeirans would rather deal with beings of
flesh and blood anyway. Much easier to track down and
pummel when they don’t live up to their obligations. As
the Royals feel religion is important, they have opened a
multi-denominational mission where those that speak of
gods can come and share what they know about them. This
exercise is typically observed by dismissive Cachoeirans
looking to confirm their suspicions as to why gods are far
greater trouble than they are worth.
PASSSENGERS CARGO (TONS) AC HP DAMAGE THRESHOLD
1/2 19 100 10
5 14 80 12
108

The Golden Heart of the Waterfalls
Wondrous Item, legendary (requires attunement)
This beautiful instrument is roughly the size of a full-
grown Grymm. It is both sentient and well-studied,
carrying with it the most beautiful voice that was ever
heard in all the world. The harp knows a song of healing,
a song of love, a song of battle, and a secret song. The harp
has a sincere love for whoever is attuned to it, but she’s
often very shy about it.  Wisdom of 14, and a Charisma of 21. It has hearing and
Bardic Talent. While you hold this harp, you are
proficient in the performance skill and with the
instrument. If are already proficient in performance, you
instead double your proficiency bonus when attempting
Charisma (Performance) checks.
Song of Golden Talent. As an action you begin playing
on the harp and make a Charisma (Performance) check,
during which time you cannot take any actions as you
focus all your efforts on performing the music. You
immediately cease playing on the harp if you become
incapacitated or if you choose to stop (no action required).
While you are playing on the harp in this manner, when a
creature that can hear the harp attempts an ability check,
you can choose to replace the result of the check with the
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
result of the Charisma (Performance) check you made
when you began playing the harp. Once a creature has
been affected in this manner, it cannot be affected again
until 24 hours have passed.
Sentience. The golden heart of the waterfalls is a sentient,
neutral good wonderous item with an Intelligence of 12, a
truesight out to a range of 60 ft.
Personality. The golden heart of the waterfalls speaks with
a flowery voice full of joy and excitement. It is eager to
be played at every opportunity, emulating the Narrador’s
mask of Daphne to the best of its ability. Its purpose is
to spread joy and mirth through its collection of uniquely
beautiful songs, which it teaches to any who wield it
responsibly. These compositions are legendarily beautiful,
with a single performance able to instantly make a bard’s
career. Curiously, the music appears to be un-transcribable
by pen or ear. Those who attempt to play the music
without the harp’s tutelage forever earn the instrument’s
ire, which in turn seeks to punish these “pretenders” at
every opportunity.
chapter five: exploring prometerra
Ecology
The biggest challenge to Cachoeira is there are dangerous
storms in Devil-Tree and the occasional devil summon-
ing that goes awry, other things sometimes come through
the portals that open. There are Tall-Folk, the giants of the
world, that often dwell in the hills that dislike the noise
Cachoeira brings about. The river is home to many fantasti-
cal creatures, such as comet-eels, bear-sharks, and rocktopi.
Adventuring in Cachoeira
Cachoeira is a region of classic delights and adventuring
should reflect this. There is a grandeur and excitement, the
introduction of concepts such as rulers, royalty, lineage, and
disagreements on a large scale. Cachoeira is meant to reflect
the danger that comes with unregulated advancement and
the philosophies of dead minds mingled with modern needs.
Cachoeira has simple stretches of fiefdoms, trade unions,
and power exchanges. Cachoeira is good for adventurers of
any level, but they certainly need some marks of prestige if
they want to gain access to the courts. Introductory adven-
tures might involve them being recruited to carry out tasks
for minor graces of the court, or they arrive as diplomats
from afar. Cachoeira should let adventurers know that there
110
is a depth to the people, these are representatives of every-
one, and the reason we collect and tell stories. They need to
know what dangerous positions are associated with misuse
of power.
People to Meet
The temperament of the people of Cachoeira is exception-
ally pragmatic, overly cordial, and puts a high emphasis
on social rules and norms. The Cachoeirans feel the way
a person carries themselves, and what they present out-
wardly says a great deal about who they are. People learn
social rules through observation and practice. It is rare for
anyone to teach the social norms, making it difficult for an
outsider to be taken seriously or accepted. The Cachoeirans
are prone to forgive this lack of grace as they are reliant on
trade and commerce with the outside world to function. 
Politics
The Royal Court of Cachoeira pronounces law and over-
sees all the operations and activities in this region. They
maintain power through the command of the army, which
is loyal to them since the Old War, and through their
generous financing of the Wizard College. Their revenue
comes mainly through taxation and granting estates and
lands to those that use them. The most considerable push-
back to the Royal Court comes from the Great Guild Hall.
The guild controls the Great Wonderworks of Prometerra.
The guild leadership has considered moving their head-
quarters if the Royals continue to press the citizens with
increased taxes. The Royals also have inner dissent since
five families within the court all claim the right to rule
due to complicated genealogy and succession manipula-
tion. An additional political force are those that live in the
hills. They are responsible for the vast farms of the region.
They are interested in preserving their culture and peace-
ful traditions without interruption from river traffic, guild
technologies, or interference from the courts. They are es-
sential for food and trade, but also fear that the wheels of
machines might leave them displaced from their homes.
Factions & Organizations
The following factions are the major players within
Cachoeira, influencing its politics, cultural practices, and
relationships.
Court of Royals
Leadership: Eleven kings and queens
Membership: Small (22 members): humanoids; bards,
clerics, paladins
Alignment: Lawful good
Motto: “Chosen by blood, proven by virtue”
Resources: Artisans (calligraphers and painters),
manpower (thugs, warriors), territory (Steel Streets),
weaponry (melee weapons)
Creed: The Royal Court oversees the affairs of all the peo-
ple in the land of waterfalls. They claim a noble heritage
 chapter five: exploring prometerra

ADVENTURING IN CACHOEIRA
D10 RESULT
The Local Devil has made a bad deal that has gone sour. Assist them in getting out of the non-sustainable bargain
and he will owe you a great favor. The deal he made was with a local tavern owner that pulled a malicious prank on
the devil. The payment involved requires the devil tricking the locals into all going to the same pub. However, this is
1
killing the competition, and local businesses are suffering not only from the excessive parties that are occurring at the
tavern, but also because there is no income for the competitors. The devil needs someone to convince the tavern owner
to let him off the hook but giving up this much success is a tough order.

Some royals have called for a tournament of adventurers. Each house is required to sponsor a team of champions, and
your group is being recruited heavily for the contest. Now every house is playing by the rules, and the competition
2 is looking fierce and unfriendly. Monsters, mutants, aliens, and automata have all been recruited to go up against the
adventurers. Beyond fame and fortune, a Story Stone of Wonder containing one of the founding secrets of the world
is up as a prize for the winner.

There has been a murder at the masquerade! A great ball has been held, but a distinguished guest of honor has been
3 poisoned by a dastardly villain. Follow the trail of secrets and uncover the evidence to help you determine the motive
and the method behind the murder. Capture the villain before more fall victim to the fiend.

The sheepherders have been having more difficulty defending their flocks as threats have increased. The large folk from
the hills have been showing aggressive action against the ranchers, they need increased defenses as well as assistance
4
determining the reason for the threat. Defend the homestead, then track down the giant menace to uncover the
reasons for the aggression.

A guild has been lacking the resources needed to manufacture and fabricate their latest designs. They are looking
for brave souls that can collect and gather a laundry list of items. They’re going to need a wagon full of devil sand,
5
a truckload of witch lumber, a large vat of wishing well water, and a cart of troll stone. Scour the region, get paid
handsomely, and earn yourself favors with the guild for everything that is delivered.

The cactus army marches on Castle Cachoeira! Out of the desert sands comes an infernal force of folhans that are
bent on revenge. They claim a major offense has been committed against their kind and they are willing to spread
6
havoc throughout the kingdom. The army is willing to stop their march if their demands are met. Assess the situation
by learning what they want and who is responsible for the sudden uprising within the court.

The Countess Lemondew has married into the Royal House and is quickly seizing power! The renowned vampire
has beguiled and tricked the royals into a hasty marriage to one of the low princes. She has quickly used her
immortal experience to play the political game of chess found within the court, increasing her influence rapidly.
7
Determine her motives and if there is any foul play. Likewise, there seems to be something suspicious about the
prince who has not been himself since he met the vampire. Uncover the truth behind these secrets to restore order
to the court.

A secret weapon from the military labs has gone missing. You are being called upon to discreetly track what has
8
happened to it and to uncover it before the weapons of war are unleashed once more.

A group of unknown travelers that don’t seem like Prometerran-Grymm, have all appeared at Devil Tree. They are
moving into the hills disrupting the sheep herding cycle. The newcomers are not inherently hostile, but they are
9
creating an added burden on everyone in the region. Find a suitable settlement site for the new travelers. Ensure a
balance between the sheep herders, the Great Guild Hall, the royal family, and the newcomers.

Agents of the Church of Brilhago need you to extradite their representative of the church. Religious tension is high
in the land of waterfalls and the advocates of the new gods are coming under fierce persecution and direct danger. You
10
must gain entrance to the Grand Palace and find a way and the means of pulling the religious leader from the palace
and relocating them back to the shining sea in the far south.

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chapter five: exploring prometerra
that was bequeathed upon them by the divine forces that
inhabited world first. The court formed at the end of an
ancient war that occurred so long ago, most people have
forgotten what it was about. They are dressed in finery and
bright colors, and at night it appears as if the stars them-
selves had come down to the world below and walked the
streets. The members of the court are comprised of a single
large house, an extended family who claims royal lineage.
The truth is all Grymm can claim the same descent, but
the royals claim to have been chosen above others.
The royals are the great decision-makers of the land of
waterfalls. They own most of the property and they reg-
ulate commerce. They establish agreements with nearby
regions and occasionally venture and treat with those far
away. They also command a powerful military; it is their
job to assist in any military conflict that arises. The royals
don’t believe in securing borders, as they think the land
should be traveled by everyone.  Creed: Hill herders are dressed plainly in clothing to stay
Trade Guilds
Leadership: Elected Council of Masters
Membership: Gargantuan (2000+ members): humanoids
(bards, clerics, wizards)
Alignment: lawful netural
Motto: “From our hands cities rise”
Resources: Construction, Craftmanship, Metal, Stone,
Wood
Creed: The trade guilds are the most exceptional crafts-
people of this or any age. They are responsible for all the
high technologies and constructions that fill the continent.
They build bridges, construct buildings, craft boats, and
design items for daily use. All of these are masterworks in
every field. They can be found all over the continent, not
just local to the land of waterfalls, but were founded in
Cachoeira. They typically wear the uniform and insignia of
their chosen craft and are some of the most generous and
forthright folks you will find.
Not every guild member shares the same trade, though
they have it within them to perform as generalists if called
upon. However, they will typically direct you to the right
individual for specialty work. For this reason, when you
request assistance from the guild, you need to specify pre-
cisely what type of help you need, and the best way to do
that is by telling them the problem you are trying to solve.
The guild is run by a master. Each master earns the
position through longevity. They are the senior members
and enjoy all the privileges that come with age and endur-
ance. However, they may not be the most skilled member,
but their job is to know who that individual is. There is a
dues collector that makes sure every member of the guild
has paid their dues so that all might prosper and enjoy a
good life.
Guild members travel the entire continent, planning the
future and fixing the past. They hold a great deal of power
that is often unspoken because allying with them often en-
ables you to take advantage of their ever-improving tech-
nologies. Rivers can be crossed, mountains can be climbed,
112
and monuments can be constructed, all to serve the goals
of the community. The risk is what the guild asks in return?
They have considerable holdings and they might ask for
favors and privileges in return. After all, they have spent
their entire lives seeking to master certain traits. 
Anything that exists, needs to be built, made, maintained,
constructed, repaired, or assessed, the guild is the one who
should be called upon.
Hill Herders
Leadership: Tripartite (The Wrangler, The Ranger,
and the Shepard)
Membership: Huge (923 members): humanoids
(barbarians, druids, rangers)
Alignment: chaotic good
Motto: “Where the herd roams, we follow”
Resources: Leather, Meat, Wool
warm at night and cool during the day. They are not no-
madic, but they are often found roaming far from home.
They protect the animals of the region and are keen story-
tellers and travelers. They know the hills very well and the
names of all the animals, not just the types of animals, but
each animal as a unique distinct individual creature. The
organization is overseen by three key figures: the Wrangler,
the Ranger, and the Shepard. The Wrangler is responsi-
ble for keeping track of every member of the herd, while
the Ranger moves the herd safely from place to place. The
Shepard is responsible for all the herds in the hills and
making sure that their needs are met and listen to their
concerns.
Hill herders are primarily responsible for feeding all
the members of the region. More than that, they also pro-
tect and maintain the hills. They are the first voice of warn-
ing to the Royal Court or the guild when there is danger
coming into the region. Their lives in the hills allow them
the first glimpse of coming dangers. Animals live prosper-
ous and happy lives under the care of the shepherds. Often
they act as guides to travelers who are coming to and from
the region. They know the way and can be relied upon to
give accurate information.
Devilish
Leadership: The Local Devil (Elected leader)
Membership: Huge (787 members): Fiends (devils)
Alignment: lawful evil
Motto: “Better the devil you know”
Resources: Political influence, fiendish power
Creed: These sharp dressed fiends are born of Devil-Tree.
They are crafty, sly, careful in speech, and immensely artic-
ulate if not overly so. While clearly not native to Cachoeira,
they have take a keen interest in its political affairs. The
devilish often drive hard bargains and introduce negative
aspects into society either for their own amusement or
because they have a different perspective on things. For
example, the devilish would prefer there to be no Royal
Court not because they pose political rivals (which they

certainly do), but because they find the notion of inherited
title and power ridiculous. The uniquely fiendish perspec-
tive gives the Devilish tremendous insight and power over
ordinary Grymm, often to dark and mysterious ends.
Places to See
Environment
Cachoeira is a lush green country of rolling hills, coursing
rivers, and vibrant trees. While the ground is not perfectly
flat, many well-traveled trails make it reasonably easy to
traverse. Cachoeira paints the map with picture-perfect
farmland and a thousand graceful waterfalls. There is, in the
far west-region, a red-soil area where the Devil-Trees grow. 
Travelers can come through the south by descending the
steep side of Fellmount and entering the Devil-Tree region
or by sailing against or walking along the Blue Dragon-
Tear River. There are often Great Guild Hall caravans that
take this route and end up in the Herd-hills.  politely, during this time of great peace, almost as if they
Landmarks
Devil Trees
The red clay earth cracks harshly as dark low hanging clouds
gather in the region. Sparse thistles come forth from the soil
and the sound of rolling thunder is heard, meanwhile the air
becomes dry and stale. Dark burgundy trees twist up towards
the sky calling to the lightning that dances violently across the
clouds. The smell of brimstone fills your nostrils as you breathe.
A sulfurous hint of the beings which dwell here.
Devil-Tree is found at the southwestern tip of Cachoeira. It
is a very empty region but has a direct connection to fiend-
ish realms beyond Promterra. Devil-Tree is where people
go to appeal to powers that are not bound by pre-existing
oaths, pacts, and covenants. The beings that can be found
here are authors of new contracts. While Devil-Tree is the
origin point for these devils, they make their way into the
world and settle wherever they wish. Devil-Tree is one
of the few connections to worlds beyond this one. While
it might appear to be a one-way gate, there are rumors
that certain rituals and hidden gates can be opened in the
region. 
The Great Guild Hall
Emanating a golden light and carved out of the most beau-
tiful woods, the Great Guild Hall shines like a jewel in the
northwestern region of the continent. The craftsmanship is the
finest to be found in the world, intricate carvings telling the
story of the people cover every part of the outside. Carefully
crafted statues line the entryway; it is here that the great
artists of the age are gathered to discuss their business and the
work to be done across the continent.
The Great Guild Hall in the land of waterfalls is a mar-
velous work and a sight to behold. The most beautiful
wood and the finest metals adorn the building inside
and out. Every archway is leafed, every table, elegantly
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crafted, and all things are kept in their proper order. This
is where the working folk master their trade and discover
their place in the world. There are stables, craft stations
of every sort, and massive sleeping quarters for any guild
member that needs a place rest or reside. The Great Guild
Hall receives audiences from all over the world to nego-
tiate price payment and scheduling of the major projects
they are to undertake. They’re the bridge builders, master
architects, and the driving force behind industry in the
world. They are also home to fabulous inventors who are
experts at dealing with adversity and figuring out how to
overcome every obstacle.
Palacio
You have never seen a sight so beautiful as what you
lay your eyes on now. The sun shines upon the beautiful
castle palace whose banners fly high in the air, waving
in the gentle breeze. Rows of soldiers march in formation
were a in parade celebrating the most significant age
known to the Grymm. Trumpets can be heard announcing
the arrival of royals at some event in the vicinity.
To live in the palace! It is genuinely one of the great works
of the age and has withstood many generations. There is a
family of royals that dwell within. They oversee the many
affairs of the region of waterfalls. It is said, among these
people in the magnificent palace, they prepare for the great
trials of the age ceaselessly. They retain vast stores of food,
wine, and weaponry. Within they house ambassadors from
every significant faith found on the continent. The palace
is in an excellent defensive position and can withstand
an attack from any direction, including the sky. It is well
maintained under select contracts with the Great Guild
Hall, and they tend to commission their own Great Guild
leaders to oversee the operations.
The estate is home to seven palaces, each shared by a dif-
ferent division of the royal family line. Due to rotations in
who has set on the high throne, seated in the central pal-
ace, it has been said that there might be conflicts between
the royals because of their political maneuvering.
Woolland
Rolling green grass hills, clear rushing silver rivers, guild
houses lining the way, and beautiful pathways moving
through the region mark the areas of the Woolland. These hills
are home to hluffy flocks of carefully tended creatures, skillful
shepherds protecting every herd, and the occasional giant
walking down from the mountain and poking about.
Far away from the palace, the guild, and the river rail sta-
tion are the settlements of the Woolland. This is where the
shepherds of old practice their trade and tend to the flocks.
This tradition has been passed down each line and shared
with neighboring regions. The hills roll with the rivers and
the flocks feed many in the continent. Life out here is sim-
ple, save for the occasional devil wandering into the moun-
tains, or adventurer that finds their way to the local land.
chapter five: exploring prometerra
Desaly
The Smouldering Trial
Stiff winds blow across the bone-dry and sun-bleached sands.
There is something sad, tragic, and romantic about Desaly,
the Rose of the Desert. The Seat of Knighthood is in its heart,
and the Rolanders wander from here to the rest of the world.
Desaly is a land both blessed from on-high and cursed from
below. They are the subject of stories and songs, but they have
none of their own. The people are sparse and far apart, but a
single castle floats gracefully above the scorching sand, and
that is where the regent sits beside a sleeping being of high
power. A roaming horde of burning undead rises and falls,
commanded by a force of supreme evil.
– Traditional Desalian Poem
POPULATION: 173,881 Grymm
GOVERNMENT: Anarchy
LEADERSHIP: None
RESOURCES: Warriors
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic Good
FAVORED CLASSES: Clerics, Paladins, Warlocks
The Ways of Desaly
If Desaly was merely a desert, it would be an already harsh
land. However, thanks to a multitude of natural and mystical
hazards, a sinister moon inhabited by a nefarious lich, and
ancient ruins teeming with Fel-Beyonders, Desaly is easily
114
one of the most perilous regions in all of Promterra. While
other Grymm may be dissuaded or frightened off by these
harsh living conditions, the Desalian’s have wholeheartedly
embraced it. There ways are brutal, efficient, and disciplined.
One cannot survive on frivolous notions or thoughtless ac-
tions. Anything Desalian’s do, they will do well. They com-
mit themselves fully and wholeheartedly to the task at hand,
sparing no time for laughter, sadness, or relaxation until
their goal is met. Those unaccustomed to such grim deter-
mination find Desalian’s to be a dour lot. However, those
who have spent many moons learning their ways know their
hearts to be as passionate as any Grymm. They just only
choose to express themselves so when the time is right.
There is a gentle poetry to Desalian existence. Rose-
Knights travel the sands in a constant search on an un-
spoken errand. The great Desalian love ballads chronicle
the hidden meaning to all this Their ways are old, ancient,
and unknowable. Desalian-Grymm are hesitant to wel-
come outsiders into their fold unless those outsiders are
seeking to become knights. They often also mistake those
that are traveling through the desert for being a native
danger to the land. They prepare themselves for the worst
with every encounter, though one can circumvent the
threat through the use of a ceremonial greeting involving
a series of elaborate bows.
Technology
The technology of Desaly emphasizes practicality and effi-
ciency in all things. For example, the Rose-Knights wield
long polearms to keep the threat of the burning hordes

at bay. They wear vented armor that has been forged in
the Silent Citadel and passed down through generations.
Armor is passed from knight to squire ritually, typically at
the time of the knight’s death. The deserts are traversed via
sturdy riding beasts, with large obsidian monolithic path
markers placed by the Rose-Knights of the Silent Citadel.
The monoliths also act as a scrying stone. One can view
what is occurring near another if you speak the rune placed
upon it. The runic script is High-Desalian, making it diffi-
cult to decipher by anyone from the outside.
At night, ley trails are visible through arcane-enhanced
viewing glasses. It reveals the sorcerer marked paths that
the Unseen Order of the Arcane created. The sands may
shift, and the desert may change, but the spell-woven walk-
ways remain constant.  before the collapse. Rose-Knights hold a divine connec-
Desalian-Grymm live in elaborate and mobile camps
as the threats found in the desert pose a danger to most
permanent settlements. The Rose Court is the exception to
this rule. Desalian-Grymm who assume the mantle of a
Rolander venture across the sands in search of new places
to settle, clearing out any threats which would pose a threat
to the people and their future.
Desalian cuisine is intricate, sophisticated, and dynamic.
According to Desalian tradition, the person who prepares the
food manages the morale of the community. Desalian food
exists only in the desert. The ingredients are local to the re-
gion and have the requisite freshness for proper preparation.
There are several mounts that are available to the Rose
Knights. Among these are the desert steed, a mighty horse
that exists between worlds. It is a shadow and a thought of
a horse that manifests only in Desaly. There are also rac-
ing snails that prowl the desert quickly in their heavy and
armored homes. The least common mount is a scavenger
bird. These massive winged beasts are capable of carrying
at knight to great heights. There are very few since taming
them has proven too treacherous and the roosts where they
were once raised have fallen.
The wheelhouses and homes of the desert slide along the
sand in graceful fashion. A home must be quickly collapsed
and transported as the sand shifts and the movements of
the enemy occur. The portable homes are designed to drop
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
to the ground and be loaded quickly. These homes are de-
signed to quickly load personal belongings and allows one
to pull their home across the burning earth. 
Magic
Desalian magic is life-sustaining. The Sorcerers of the
Citadel have cast their Water Fonts of Endless Drinking,
where Oa have gathered to stay safe. They tax the Oa and
demand their loyalty, which the Oa give relatively freely.
Without the water, they wander the desert. The Unseen
Order of the Arcane is driven obsessively towards the
deepest magics. They have access to vaults of wizardry un-
like any other in the known world, rivaling the magic of
Labirinto and Atlantis at the heights of their civilizations
tion to their beliefs and are the recipients and practitioners
of miracles. They believe magic is a means by which to add
a certain measure of grace to the world.
Cosmology
Desalians worship the Fourth Moon, the Bones of the
World, the Suzerain Blossom, and some have belief in the
strength of the Godslayer. The Fourth Moon hangs low
in the sky and this moon belongs to Desaly. The Bones
of the World are the ancient remains of a titanic creature
that was slain very long ago and even in death commands
respect. The Suzerain Blossom is the divine source of the
Rose-Knights power, she sits in dreaming sleep upon her
throne with the caretakers within the Silent Citadel over-
seeing the affairs of the region. The Godslayer is a device
that contains the power and might with the potential of
ending deific existence. Many view the lich who once held
it as the ultimate authority of all that is.
Ecology
The desert is dangerous. Between the burning horde and
the natural predators that walk the dunes, it is entirely
unsafe to travel. Unless you know the arcane walkways or
the command words to scry the great stone monoliths that
mark the sands, those who wander the them are doomed
to remain there.
chapter five: exploring prometerra

Desalian-Grymm trod quietly among the sun-burned Adventuring in Desaly

sands of the desert state of Desaly. One would hardly re-
alize they were there most of the time. They seem to be
a part of the landscape. Garbed in tight wrappings and
casting a long or no shadow at all, the Desalian-Grymm
are locked in a struggle to balance and keep peace among
the sands.
Desaly has a clash of powers between an undying horde
of undead and sorrow-soaked knights. Adventures here
should highlight fragments from time that are buried in
the sand, the nobility and self-sacrifice of the knights, and
the joy and gladness of the merchant villages. There are
also the faint shadows of religious overtones cast down
from the sky. There are gods and devils in the air above and

ADVENTURING IN DESALY
D10 RESULT
Establish a permanent trade route between the villages of Balm and the Basin. Two permanent villages have existed
in the desert region, though they have had difficulty interacting due to the perilous environment. They need intrepid
1 explorers to establish a permanent route that can be used for caravans between the two towns. Travel from one village
to the other across the desert marking the way. Learn the geography of the land to create a safe pathway away from
the harm of the unstoppable legion of burning and bloody bones.

The Rose-Knights have come under assault. Assassins from the moon have infiltrated their stronghold and unleashed a
vile plague upon the knights. Thankfully, the assassins have left several clues that can be pursued. Find the antidote to
2
the plague and heal the knights. Hunt down the source of the assassins and prevent them from infiltrating the knight’s
stronghold in the future.

A mysterious artifact has been found in the desert near the Bones of the World. It has been causing villagers in the town
of Payson to have strange visions while they sleep. Among the villagers, a prophet of the sleeping goddess has risen.
3
Members of the holy order do not approve of prophets rising from among the people. Discover the source of the visions
and interpret the dreams. Protect the people from religious oppression or take up the cause and stamp out apostasy.

The Silent Citadel has been attacked by lunar assassins. You must hold the line and defend the sleeping goddess at all
4 costs. Journey to the Silent Citadel and prepare the defenses. Make your stand to protect the goddess of the people that
keeps the peace in the desert below. 

Sandstorms have hit the desert villages fiercely. They are short on guides to lead migrations through the perilous weather
patterns. If the villages fall, it will throw the region into complete and total chaos. The Rose-Knights are unable to
5
complete the task as they are currently fighting on the front lines against the undead legion. Help the villages find a new
haven to establish as a residence.

An entire village has been abandoned. The trail leads deep into the desert to the Bones of the World. There a village is
being forced to participate in arcane rituals that are tipping the balance between law and chaos. As none of the villagers
6
arrived according to their will, a rescue is needed lest they succumb to the arcane forces. It is a fight against the masters
of magic, and the stakes are exceedingly high.

The Rose-Knights are preparing an assault against the mustering legion of burning and bloody bones. They have been
7 having a difficult time tracking the movements of the legion due to interference from the Moonlich. Perform recon for
the Knights and report the movements of the opposing force, but be mindful of the dangers of the desert!

The Sand Griffin’s Roost needs fresh Sand Griffins! The giant avian mounts need to be caught and brought to the roost
8 for training. The Rose-Knights are understaffed due to recent casualties and losses in their fight against the forces of the
Moonlich. They have reached out to adventurers to help procure the new creatures and assist in their training.

A palace has fallen from the moon and crashed among the desert. The site must be secured and investigated, meanwhile
9 the dangers that lie within remain a mystery to the outside. Enter the palace and face the dangers inside, determining
the cause of the fall and what valuables and secrets can be uncovered by investigating the ruins.

A convoy from Cachoeira has become disoriented after an attack by wild predators. Dangerous weather abounds and you
are left to face the elements. The convoy is carrying volatile materials that are to be used by the Rose-Knights in their
10
fight against the Moonlich and his army. Survive the intense heat, sandstorms, and monster attacks as you try to make
your way back to civilization.

116

true monsters roaming the desert below. Desaly is where
heroes are born, and ancient magic reveals itself. The land
is in a permanent sunset. The stillness beneath the myste-
rious moon above should be reflected in the sad and epic
poems that are recited among the people. Desaly is a rep-
resentation of the natural beauty of the planet and the soul
searching the people do. Adventures here are an opportu-
nity to soak that in.
People To Meet
The desert is a land of forgotten order and quiet dignity. The
Desalian-Grymm will not turn blades on each other unless
ordered by superiors, then they will fight without hesita-
tion or issue. Above all, they are disciplined to protect one
another from the harsh and cruel way of life. For they live
in a land that faces a inexhaustible threat of endless foes
that can rise and march on their society at any moment. For
this cause, the Desalian-Grymm ready to master the harsh
natural world. The Rose-Knights are the epitome of these
ways. The Oa are juxtaposed to the Rose-Knights because
they speak of a more lenient philosophy compared to the
strict behavior of the Rose-Knights. The Oa are proud of
their Rose-Knight protectors and inspire their children to
be like them, however since they have taken no oaths, they
are not strict practitioners. All of this is different than the
Sky Court which has detached and removed itself from the
world below. The real dangers that surround Desalian set-
tlements, the valiant knights who will lay down their lives, a
silent citadel drifting alone in the sky, all of these are things
that make-up the Desalian way of life.
Politics
All of Desaly is at war with the lich Theodoren the Godslayer.
In ages past, Theodoren ascended to the throne of judgment
in the heavens with the aid of the Fel-Beyonders, murdered
the gods, and ruled all Prometerra until he was confronted
and cast out by Prometerra’s greatest legends. That may all
be wise tales. Still, a burning horde of undead blights the
land and makes the desert almost unpassable. The Silent
Citadel holds dominion over the Oa. It is the Silent Citadel
that gives the Oa the protection of the Rose-Knights. In
return, the Oa must offer their love and prayers to keep the
regent of the Silent Citadel alive. To complicate things fur-
ther, the Unseen Order of the Arcane believes they have an
ancient claim to these lands and all that dwell on them do
so at the behest of their goodwill.
Factions & Organizations
The following factions are the major players within Desaly,
influencing its politics, cultural practices, and relationships.
The Rose Knights
Leadership: The Knight Commander
Membership: Gargantuan (2,341 members): humanoids;
fighters, paladins, rangers
Alignment: Chaotic Good
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
Motto: “Honor beauty. Respect freedom. Defend Life.”
Resources: Armor, Manpower, Weapons
Creed: The Rose-Knights are the crimson armored, watch-
ful protectors of Desaly. They proclaim and hold a firm be-
lief that all Grymm deserve peace from the nightmare forc-
es of the world. It is their sworn duty to protect those that
fall under their charge, be they in the desolate desert regions
or elsewhere throughout the continent. These brave souls are
viewed as gallant heroes and known for their accomplished
at arms. Some knights were born here in the desert sands
while others traveled from far away and were ordained to
the order after taking oaths and passing trials.
Rose-Knights earn the right to be called such by train-
ing under another knight. There are no requirements other
than desire and consent by both individuals. Members of
the order receive no title and no patents of nobility. A knight
holds no land and earns no income. Their poverty is nearly
as legendary as their fighting prowess. they will stand and
defend even in the face of inevitable defeat, fighting to the
last Grymm no matter the cause. 
In their organization, the Knight Commander commis-
sions every member and gives them their charge and orders
for duty. Typically, the Knight Commander assigns the Rose-
Knights to teach martial combat skills, wilderness survival,
or beast riding. Others are charged with forming combat
squadrons and facing the burning horde en-masse. Some are
commissioned to be a Rolander, a wandering knight seeking
objects of power and recruiting others to join the cause.
Rose-Knights are quick to aid anyone caught against
the burning horde found in the desert, for they know that
the burning and bloody bones harvest the energy of those
whose souls they claim. The burning horde consumes the
slain spirits. The spirits are removed from existence entirely,
a fate the Seat of Knighthood is committed to fight.
Rose-Knights cursed by the burning horde have con-
tracted a lich-plague. Marked for death, they are excom-
municated from the order and sent into the world to face
evil head-on. They are the holy knights of vengeance,
they ride alone, but are still loved by their former com-
rades.  Rose-Knights exist to stand against the agents of
evil in the world. A Rose-Knight makes an excellent guide
across the desert sands. They can be found roaming or on
patrol and will often accept travel companions, so long as
they do not interfere with their duty. They are the sword,
the spear, and the shield of Desaly.
Skyborne
Leadership: Tripartite (The Prophet, The Record Keeper,
The Astronomer)
Membership: Large (214 members): humanoids; clerics,
sorcerers, warlocks
Alignment: Neutral Good
Motto: “Pray for a new dawn.”
Resources: Foresight, Magic, Religion
Creed: The Skyborne protect a strange and powerful en-
tity, the sleeping Suzerain Blossom Domine. The organi-
zation seeks to inspire the Desalians to worship and love
chapter five: exploring prometerra
her, hoping to birth a new deity to assume dominion over
Promterra. In exchange for this worship, the Skyborne
share the Suzerain’s great dreams, provide clean water, and
arm the Rose-Knights in defense of the desert lands.
The Skyborne are the closest thing to religious clergy
within Desaly. They are story keepers and fortune-tellers.
They interpret the living dreams of the sleeping sovereign
and speak the meaning of each divine vision in secret to
one another. Most Skyborne live in the Silent Citadel
floating above the crimson earth, but some are known to
dwell in the deserts and travel between the oases. These
Skyborne ensure that the settlers within have not given up
faith in the Suzerain Blossom Domine.
The Prophet is the interpreter of the great dreams of the
sleeping sovereign. They can be found in the sacred plac-
es of the citadel and are the most revered and respected
Skyborne, often elevated and exalted to a position equal
to the Suzerain. The Oa look to the Prophet as a religious
leader, the Rose-Knights view them as a visionary.  the teachers of religion and philosophy, facilitating cere-
The Record Keeper records the dreams of the sovereign,
the deeds of the Rose-Knights, and the devotion of the
Oa. They keep a record of all that has occurred in the des-
erts of Desaly going back to the time before the Suzerain
slept, before the Fourth Moon appeared in the sky, and be-
fore the Oa first tasted the living water sent from heaven.
The Astronomer of the Citadel keeps track of the Fourth
Moon’s movements in the sky. They control a secretive
that track down and eliminate internal corruption within
the Silent Citadel. This corruption stems from those that
would seek to infiltrate the Silent Citadel in hopes of ob-
taining the secrets kept within the hallowed halls.
The Oa
Leadership: Elected caravan leaders
Membership: Gargantuan (14,290 members):
humanoids; druids, rangers
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Motto: “Endure to survive, give to live”
Resources: Culture, Food, Water
Creed: The Oa cultivate the rich culture of the desert and
delight in its natural beauty. They establish small commu-
nities across the hot sands and are the keepers of the great
water wells that were given by the Silent Citadel. Oa view
the desert as their ancestral home, believing that before
the burning horde rose, it was the most beautiful place in
the entire world. The Oa are relatively harmonious, but not
without their squabbles. They rotate which communities
get to dwell at each water well every season and sometimes
moving and migration is complicated.
The Oa have a vast knowledge of the sand and a pas-
sion for living that you won’t find elsewhere in the world.
They love hearing things and seeing things. They delight in
cooking delicious food for one another while listening to
stories from those that travel the world. They are relatively
defenseless though and have relied on the Rose-Knights
for protection since the threats of the desert are uncom-
monly severe and lethal.  princess, or a corrupt official are all likely be members of
118
The Oa provide rest, respite, relaxation, and sustainabil-
ity in the desert. Without an anchor such as them, the
Rose-Knights would all perish alone in the sands fighting
until they fainted or they would barricade themselves in
their fortress home. The belief of the Oa keeps the sleep-
ing sovereign dreaming sweet dreams without giving in to
the temptations of nightmares. Thus, the Oa are a critical
component to Desalian society. 
When present in communities, the Oa makes sure ev-
ery deal is fair and fixes the price of all the resources that
are traded, bartered, and moved through the desert region.
Additionally, they act as a de facto tie-breaking vote when
deciding the affairs of every oasis village.  Additionally,
they may act as supplicants for protection, resources, and
aid within their villages. They adjudicate the cases between
community members that have developed grievances. In
some cases they even serve as the liaison with the Skyborne
that dwell in the Silent Citadel. Together these leaders are
monial duties with great pomp and circumstance.
Fourth Mooners
Leadership: Theodred the Moon Lich
Membership: Large (191 members): undead, humanoids;
clerics, warlocks, wizards (school of necromancy)
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Motto: “Embrace the inevitable and know true peace”
Resources: Monsters (undead), magic (necromancy)
Creed: The Fourth Mooners believe the end-times never
cased and the only salvation is to join with the fourth moon
above Desaly and well within the Moon Lich’s Radiant
Court. The malevolent power of Theodoren has corrupted
the minds and hearts of many individuals. These wretched
souls have turned their eyes and focused their thoughts on
serving his dark desires and bring evil to Promterra. These
poor souls are work on expanding the reach of the burning
horde with hopes to extend their domain to other regions
of Prometerra. The only thing standing against them has
been the Rose-Knights’ resolve. The Fourth-Mooners have
two goals. They want to capture the Sky Citadel and use it
to free Theodoren from the lunar prison or find the arcane
means to bring the moon out of the sky and into the earth
below. 
The Apostate speaks plain evil. They spread dissent
among believers and question the motives of the Skyborne.
They do not challenge Rose-Knights openly but can poi-
son the well and turn the Oa against them. 
The Anti-Dreamer provides a counter philosophy and
new interpretation of the divine dreams of the Suzerain
Blossom Domine. They view the Prophet as a deceitful
dictator and leader of unnecessary inquisition. They are
willing to prove their point by openly combating sup-
porters of the faith.
Fourth Mooners infiltrate all aspects of society across
the continent and are bent on freeing the Theodoren. They
are spies, thieves, murderers, and liars. A false guide, a false

the lunar cult of Fourth Mooners. Fourth Mooners want a
mass desert exodus and a march of terror upon the rest of
the continent before claiming it as their own. Their motive
for this conquest is the belief that Theodoren was wrongly
imprisoned. They intend to send a powerful and volatile
message to the rest of Prometerra.
The Radiant Court
While most liches are solitary beings, Theodoren lairs with
his found “family” of sycophants within his fortress upon
Theodoren the Moon Lich
Medium undead, chaotic evil
Armor Class 21 (natural amor)
Hit Points 667 (58d8 + 406)
Speed 30 ft., 40 ft. (hover)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
7 (-2) 19 (+4) 24 (+7) 30 (+10) 14 (+2) 30 (+10)
Saving Throws Str +7, Con +16, Int +19, Wis +11
Skills Arcana +19, Deception +19, History +28, Insight +11,
Perception +11, Persuasion +19
Damage Resistances cold
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison, radiant; bludgeoning,
piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
poisoned, stunned, unconscious
Senses truesight 120 ft. passive Perception 21
Languages All
Challenge 30 (155,000 XP)
TRAITS immunities apply).
Eternal Evil. If Theodoren is slain, he magically regains a new
body within 1 month. When this effect occurs, Theodoren’s
body appears on Desaly’s fourth moon, regaining all of his hit
points and becoming cured of any harmful effects. The new body
appears in an unoccupied space within the Radiant Court.
Mythic Resistance. When Theodoren fails a saving throw, he
can expend one of his unspent legendary actions to succeed
instead.
Profane Metamagic (1/Round). When Theodoren casts
a spell, he can choose to improve the effects of the spell
(when applicable) by applying one of the options below.
• Distant Spell. The range of the spell is doubled.
• Expand Spell. The affected area of the spell is doubled.
• Heighten Spell. Affected creatures attempt their first saving
throw against the spell with disadvantage.
• Intensify Spell. The spell is cast as though it were cast using
a spell slot four levels higher, to a maximum of 9th level.
• Maximize Spell. The spell deals maximum damage on its
damage dice.
Spellcasting1. Theodoren is a 20th-level spellcaster. His
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 25, +19 to hit
with spell attacks). Theodoren has the following spells prepared.
Cantrips (at will): chill touch, mage hand, message, toll the dead
1st level (6 slots): charm person, magic missile, shield,
unseen servant, witch bolt
1 Some of the spells presented here can be found in the official 5E supplement, XGE.
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
the surface of Desaly’s fourth moon. Here one can find a
bizarre society composed of thousands of undead beings.
Each being is a part of Theodoren’s deathly court, fash-
ioning a disturbing mockery of the high societies found
across Promterra. Within the Radiant Court’s crystal halls
one can find vampire barons, ghostly courtiers, lich politi-
cians, and other malevolent figures drawn to Theodoren’s
magnetic personality or bound by his necromantic mag-
ic. When not menacing Desaly or Promterra at large, the
Moon Lich entertains his courts with elegant balls and
2nd level (5 slots): darkness, hold person, mind spike, suggestion
3rd level (5 slots): animate dead, bestow curse, counterspell,
dispel magic
4th level (4 slots): black tentacles, blight, charm monster,
dimension door
5th level (4 slots): cloudkill, enervation, far step,
negative energy flood
6th level (3 slots): circle of death, create undead, soul cage/
7th level (3 slots): forcecage, sequester, teleport
8th level (2 slots): maddening darkness, mind blank
9th level (2 slots): invulnerability, psychic scream
Unholy Light. Theodoren is imbued with the deathly radiance
of the moon and sheds bright light in a 60 ft. radius, and dim
light 60 ft. beyond that.
Additionally, when Theodoren would take radiant or necrotic
damage he instead takes no damage and regains a number of
hit points equal to the damage he would have taken (before his
ACTIONS
Antimagic Sheath (Recharge 5–6). Theodoren becomes
immune to spells and magical effects for 1 minute and
suppresses any magical effects with which he is in contact, but
cannot cast spells while the sheath is in effect. At the start of
each of its turns, Theodoren can choose to end this effect.
Multispell. Theodoren casts three cantrips, or a spell of 8th level
or lower and one cantrip.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Theodoren can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at
a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Theodoren
regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.
Cantrip. Theodoren casts a cantrip.
Ready. Theodoren gains an additional reaction, which lasts until
the end of his next turn or until he uses it (whichever comes first).
Cast a Spell (Costs 2 Actions). Theodoren casts a spell of
5th level or lower).
Power Overwhelming (Costs 3 Actions). Until the end of
Theodoren’s next turn, whenever he deals damage he instead
deals double damage.
chapter five: exploring prometerra
bizarre sporting events upon the lunar surface. Few living
beings have ever dared approach Theodoren’s court in its
cold, airless isolation, and that is likely for the best.
Lair Actions
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Theodoren
can take a lair action to cause one of the following magical
effects; Theodoren can’t use the same effect two rounds in
a row:
• Ties That Bind. Theodoren binds two creatures he
can see within 60 feet of each other together with an
empathic link. When one of the creatures is affected
by an attack or hostile effect that does not affect the
other, the linked creature is then also affected. This
effect ends if the creatures are ever more than 60 feet
apart.
• Life Suppression. Theodoren fills a 30-foot cube with
life-suppressing magic for 1 minute. Creatures in the
area of the effect cannot regain hit points.
• Consume Magic. Theodoren expends a spell slot
and regains 5 (1d10) hit points plus an additional 5
(1d10) per level of the spell slot expended.
Places to See
Desaly is entered by coming down the Fellmount’s south
eastern foothills and crossing the steppes until they turn to
sand. When the sky changes and the Fourth Moon hangs
low in the sky, you know that you have entered Desaly.
The other way into the desert region is by sailing up the
Shining Lake and traveling through the perilous Northern
Pass and entering through the Low Mounds. It is also pos-
sible to come from the east and follow the Red Dragon-
Tear River into the west until you hit the first dunes of
Balm, the last village of Desaly.  larger than any could conceive. An intense and deep
Environment
The landscape is a vast burning desert of dark crimson
sand. The dunes create low-valley passages throughout
the region and an orange and violet sky seems caught in
near-perpetual sunset much of the day. Small floating is-
lands hang in the air, drifting with the air currents, casting
soft shadows about the desert below. There are buttes, pla-
teaus, and low mountains that are not suitable for climb-
ing due to the sharpness of the rocks and instability of
the formations. Enormous expanses of broken lands cry
out from the earth, releasing dark mists from their cracks
and chasms. The occasional reflective pond can be found
luring travelers to approach, often concealing deep-dwell-
ing predators. Several large-scale rock gardens, with native
floral blooms, can be found among the harsh and lonely
environment.
Landmarks
The following landmarks are some examples of the fantas-
tical places that can be found in Desaly.
120
The Silent Citadel
A deep green shadow falls from the cloudy sky, land-
ing upon the sun-burned sands, turning their natural
crimson hue an eerie grey. The wind carries the distant
sound of gentle lullabies upon the breeze. Upon the face
of the translucent green rock is a massive seal, bearing a
mark of unknown origin. A beautiful crystalline citadel
sits atop the floating rock, making no sound, save for the
gentle lullaby that seems to follow in the air. 
The Silent Citadel is the home of a god-like sleeping be-
ing, the Suzerain Blossom Domine. She is the source of
divine power and the central figure of the Desalian reli-
gion. The edifice is full of loyal protectors, prophets, and
idealistic dreamers that make up the Skyborne. Though
the building itself exists for a divine purpose; its inhabi-
tants seem highly skilled in arcane sciences. They monitor
the world outside, the skies above, and any who come into
the citadel. The building itself glows an otherworldly white
and seems to be self-illuminated by the unseen dreams of
the sleeping sovereign. The Silent Citadel is accessible by
any of the seven teleportation circles that can be found in
the desert below, the locations of which are kept secret by
the Skyborne and the Rose-Knights. Each teleportation
circle brings you to an entrance threshold where a sentinel
will either allow you entrance or turn you away.
The Bones of the Beast that Built the World
This place is the site of an otherworldly formation of
remains. Bones of a creature of impossible size. Setting
one’s eyes upon a towering mountain of impenetrable
marrow and bone, one begin to understand the scale of
a creature that would have been the size of a mountain
range. Massive teeth, claws, talons, and vertebrae are
spiritual power resonates along the bones. Unknown
carvings come into view as if to warn trespassers they are
not welcome.
Geometric patterns drawn in the sand around the bones.
Silhouettes of creatures appear on the horizon and never
seem to draw closer, always a fixed distance from viewer.
Words of power that cannot be spoken are collected along
each disc of the gargantuan vertebrae that remains a left-
over from an ancient time.
The Bones of the Beast that Built the World are a
great mystery to all who inhabit the entire continent of
Prometerra. Legend says that they are either the bones of
a god, the bones of many gods, bones of a chaos-creature
that was slain by a god, or the result of a forbidden cosmic
summoning that ended in apocalyptic fashion creating the
desert. 
This place is the site of the Unseen Order of the Arcane.
The order has both blessed and cursed this place using their
secret arts. The bones themselves are a potential resource
of potent arcane components. Many superstitions relate to
those that seek this power and what will become of them.

The Valley of the Fourth Moon
As you leave the fog-shrouded shores of Brilhago or the bram-
bly marshes of the Tadfen Bog, your eyes focus on the ebon orb
that hangs low in the sky above. All things seem to narrow
in perspective as all color seems to fade from the mind and the
world turns to a scale of gray, black, and white.
There is a sharp magnetic pull that seems to take hold of all
who enter this valley and you can feel the rivets in your ar-
mor, the steel of your blade, and what courage you carry with
you pull towards the moon in the sky above.
The Fourth Moon is only visible when one enters the des-
ert region of Desaly. It is visible as one passes through the
foothills of Fellmount into the desert or as one comes up
from Brilhago and enters the Valley of the Fourth Moon
proper. Some people say that this moon was cast out of
Prometerra by the three other moons and is cursed to
dwell in the desert in a state of perpetual agony.
Balm
On the border of the Tadfen Bog where the marsh meets
the dry grass and the sun begins to set in the sky, there
is the bright village of Balm. People pull carts, stalls are
being set-up, and villagers distribute fresh water for all to
drink. One can hear the sound of working animals noisily
grunting throughout the small town. Builders construct
homes out of clay, stone, and grass in various shapes.
Occasionally these houses seem to slide from their positions
along the sand as some homes need to be transportable!”
Balm is an oasis and entry point into the greater region
of Desaly. It is not an enormously large community, but
it gives off a sense of pride and grandeur because it will
be the largest settlement travelers will see for some dis-
tance. The Oa that live here are friendly and diligent.
Community members are attentive to the needs of those
that pass through, pricing things sensibly.
The Seat of Knighthood
At the center of the elaborate rock garden sits a single-story
structure with a small shack on top. A lone rider in the
distance makes their way towards the gate, brandishing
a polearm and steadying on towards the mark. A second
traveler wanders on foot and cautiously observes the serene
surroundings of rock and roses. The Seat of Knighthood,
where oaths are taken, and the brave sit in worship.
The Seat of Knighthood is where the Rose-Knights make
their home. Rose-Knights are not an official army. Instead,
they are a collection of individuals that have committed to
a sacred and divine quest to protect Desaly from the threat
of the dark forces of the Burning Horde. Occasionally,
members of the order go beyond the desert region, but this
is uncommon. While they can repair armor and weapons,
they do not fashion any of their own. Their equipment
is a gift from above. The Silent Citadel, and the Seat of
Knighthood houses a map of the seven teleportation cir-
cles of Desaly. The Seat of Knighthood is where people
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
come to commit themselves to a higher cause and to stand
as an exemplar to others. It is a home, a fortress, a univer-
sity, and a key to the Silent Citadel.
Devil-Lich Wastes 
The earth opens up and a dark noxious fume emanates from
the fissure below. Fire bursts in the open air, combusting
spontaneously as if gaseous fumes were present. Burned,
broken, and bloody bones clad in dark crimson armor rise
from the dust. They begin to walk with new life before
bursting in ochre flames. They are unfeeling and undying.
They march with a sinister cause to destroy the world of the
living.
The Devil-Lich Wastes was once the largest mass graveyard
in all Prometerra. This has made it critical to the machina-
tions of the diabolical Theodoren, the undead dictator who
fell long ago. He is the enemy of the Rose-Knights, the
Oa, and the Skyborne. He pours his malice into the task of
seeking out and then slaying the sleeping Sovereign, end-
ing the divine dreams. To break the faith of the people, he
punishes them with an endless march of undead that seek
to claim as many souls as possible. He also sends agents of
deceit from this region into the outside world. 
This desolate land is where criminals come to die. The
wasteland is where the Rose-Knights’ hearts are prone
to failing them. This place is the greatest mistake the world
ever made and is evidence of a betrayal of the people by
a higher power.
Fellmount
The Ascendant Stone
High above the world, where towering stone shapes
touch the sky, nightmares find their way into the
world. The Fellmount was not always here. It rose out
of the earth in retaliation and defiance to the gods that
laiddown their lives to save this reality. Brave souls
dwell upon it, for it is rich and plentiful in many great
resources. Mountain towns assist those who wish to
overcome any of the six mountain passes that lead from
the low-land to the summit that touches the sky. 
POPULATION: 139,671 Grymm
GOVERNMENT: Republic
LEADERSHIP: Ritualistically selected governors
RESOURCES: Herbs, Ice, Metals
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic Neutral
FAVORED CLASSES: Barbarians, Druids, Rangers
The Ways of Fellmount
Towering above the rest of Promterra, the stone pillars
of Fellmount form a peculiar mountainrange full of ice, snow,
stone, and no shortage of peril. Here one can find hard-
ened Grymm mining precious metals, stone, and gems.
chapter five: exploring prometerra
Any who live within this harsh realm are proven survivors.
The mountains are not known for the kindness or conve-
nience, forcing each denizen into a life or death struggle
on a frequent basis. No matter what fury the mountains
bring down upon them, the creatures of Fellmount view
it all as a worthy test of their commitment and endurance.
Those that dwell upon Fellmount’s tallest peaks are among
the hardiest creatures on Promterra.
At the center of Fellmount is a titanic peak, piercing
the clouds to an near inconceivable altitude. This is the
Eldermount, and all of Fellmount kneels before it’s su-
premacy. Only the mightiest creatures of GrymmWorld
dare lair upon this peak, which tests any and all who dare
attempt to ascend its windswept ridges. For those seeking
a life of perpetual challenge and personal growth, there is
no finer land in all of Promterra.
Technology
Fellmount’s technology is related to extracting precious
ores from the mountain. To live there, most other tech-
nology is life-sustaining and protective. While outside
might be torrential storms, frigid cold, and deadly beasts
the mountaintop villages of Fellmount are cozy places.
Kept warm by magical furnaces powered, here one can
find pleasant saunas, underground greenhouses, and other
comforts as extravagant as any lowland city. This wondrous
lifestyle is funded by the tremendous wealth reaped from
Fellmount’s stone. Miners routinely unearth tremendous
fortunes in precious materials which are in turn exchanged
for the vast resources required to keep their communities
122
running. These materials are legendary in their own right
and the examples provided below are just a handful of
some of the riches drawn fourth from the mountain’s flesh.
Magic
Mountain magic is old magic. It finds its power in the ore
itself. The arcane components of the metal, imbue people
and objects with intense energy. This energy heightens the
senses, adds extra weight to spoken words, and enhances
the ability of those it touches. Speaking these words in the
presence of others is often forbidden. This magic is a mys-
tery and often considered the most powerful magic of all.
Cosmology
The mountain is the god, so say the folks who live in
Fellmount. The god brought forth the six children for
whom the pathways through the peaks are named. The
gods suffered a great wound when the Spire pierced the
world and have fallen into a deep sleep. The children must
bring those that would seek to wake the god up the moun-
tains. You can wake the god by releasing it from its prison.
This requires the removal of the rock pinning it down.
Ecology
Nightmares are born on the mountain, falling from the
broken skies above, and escaping into the world below.
Likewise, the ancient enemies of the world spawn forth
from the hills. The process of their spontaneous generation
is enigmatic. Ancient evil seems to collect and gather into
the mountain and then finds its way back into the world.
 chapter five: exploring prometerra

PRECIOUS FELLMOUNT MATERIALS

NAME DESCRIPTION VALUE MODIFIER
A crystalized version of its famous namesake, known for its beauty and Objects made of
Adamantine durability. Cutting this crystal requires a tool that can deal arcane damage. adamantine crystal are
Crystal Objects made of adamantine crystal have their hit point maximum increased worth ten times their
by 200. normal value.

Famous for its ability to retain heat, corium is naturally found in a molten
state and must be cooled and solidified before properly forged. In a solid Objects made of corium
Corium state, corium glows with a soft red light and is highly prized for its ability are worth twice their
to withstand hot temperatures. Objects made of corium are immune to fire normal value.
damage.

Living crystal harvested from the dendritic tree, dendrite can be coerced
into growing into the shape of various objects. Cutting dendrite requires
Objects made of dendrite
necromancy magic to ensure the crystal does not grow into undesired
Dendrite are worth four times their
shapes. When an object made of dendrite is reduced to 0 hit points, if at
normal value.
least one fragment of the object remains it will regrow and be restored to its
hit point maximum after 24 hours.

Doomstone is a gray, unassuming stone that can only be found at the site
where the last of a species went extinct. Chiseling the stone must be done Objects made of
with one’s bare limbs to be of use to artisans. Additionally, such objects doomstone are worth
Doomstone
are destined to be destroyed on a date of their creator’s choosing. On that three times their normal
date the object crumbles to dust and cannot be repaired by any known value.
means.

When pure elements are compressed by godlike forces, elementium is

formed. This material appears as a light-purple metal that resonates with
Objects made of
musical tones when struck. Forging elementium requires a system that
Elementium elementium are worth six
stabilizes the metal’s composition, as any impurities introduced instantly
times their normal value.
ruin the material. Objects made of elementium are always artifacts and have
only beneficial magical properties (when applicable).

This unusual ceramic is famous for being completely indestructible once Objects made of everslate
fired and its inability to be created by even deities. The ceramic is drawn are difficult to price and
Everslate from a dark clay that forms around the grave of a dead deity or titan. Firing have no established value
this clay requires dragonfire. Objects made of everslate cannot be destroyed due to their extreme
or even damaged by any known means. rarity.

This glowing green stone is especially useful in creating arcana, particularly

those related to necromancy. When a creature within 15 ft. sees at least 1
lb. of unworked grimstone for the first time in a day, it must succeed on
Objects made of
a DC 20 Constitution saving throw or become addicted to its light for 1
Grimstone grimstone are worth
year. A creature so addicted must spend at least 1 hour a day in at least 1
twice their normal value.
lb. of the stone’s presence or gain three levels of exhaustion. Objects made
from grimstone shed dim green light in a 15 ft. radius but lose the cursed
property of the raw material.

Imperial gold is a heavenly material possessing the benefits of gold

without any of the drawbacks. The metal is as hard as forged steel; to Objects made of imperial
Imperial
work it requires a system that crushes the metal beneath a titanic weight. gold are worth four times
Gold
Objects made with imperial gold cannot have their appearance altered by their normal value.
illusions.

123
chapter five: exploring prometerra

PRECIOUS FELLMOUNT MATERIALS

NAME DESCRIPTION VALUE MODIFIER
The most poorly understood metal in Promterra, mysterium can only
be found in realms devoid of living creatures. The metal is an ever-
Objects made of mysterium
changing array of colors, and if it contacts any other metal, it instantly
are difficult to price and
Mysterium transforms into that metal. Forging mysterium is only possible through
have no established value
an alchemical system that magically locks it in its current state. Objects
due to their extreme rarity.
made of mysterium cannot be named, visually replicated on any medium,
or verbally described.

A pink metal notorious for its ability to retain magical power. Forging the
metal must be done without the assistance of any magic, including that Objects made of orichalcum
Orichalcum found in tools and equipment. Objects made of orichalcum are immune are worth three times their
to spells or magical effects, and creatures holding or wearing objects of normal value.
orichalcum cannot cast spells.

A highly volatile and deadly material, plutgnomium is prized for its

great weight and density. The material deals 10d6 necrotic damage and
Objects made of
10d6 poison damage to any creature that stays within 10 ft. of at least
plutgnomium are worth
Plutgnomium 1 lb. of the material every minute. Processing plutgnomium into a safe
four times their normal
state requires a complex magical system that can “deplete” the material.
value.
Objects made of plutgnomium weigh twice their normal weight but have
resistance to all damage.

Ideal for runic inscriptions and magical engravings, runerock is a bluish

stone that responds well to carving. When a spell or magical effect that Objects made of runerock
Runerock involves a magical inscription or rune (such as a glyph of warding or symbol are worth three times their
spell) is placed upon a section of runerock, it cannot be dispelled or normal value.
removed.

Starmetal is one of the rarest known materials and used in crafting the
finest equipment. The metal is silvery in color with a green sheen. Forging Objects made of starmetal
Starmetal starmetal requires a system that subjects the metal to blinding daylight are worth twenty times
and intense heat. Objects made from starmetal can be used to fashion their normal value.
items of legendary quality in one tenth the usual time.

Voidstone is the raw material upon which items like a sphere of

annihilation are based. The material absorbs all light it comes into contact Objects made of voidstone
Voidstone with, appearing as a hole in reality. Chiseling voidstone can only be done are worth ten times their
with magical force. Objects made from voidstone are immune to any normal value.
effect that would harm it.

Some say removing the rocks causes theses evils to come
forth. Others say, fell energies are more powerful here than
elsewhere. All know the mountains are not safe to travel,
not just because of poor weather, but rather it is from where
the forces from the ancient times return to the world.
Adventuring in Fellmount
Fellmount is perilous to adventure in. Adventures in this
region are about showing the scale of the continent and
what can be reached by performing feats of astonishing en-
durance. Communication and tough decisions should be
the theme, as well as the resistance of the people against
the land itself. This is their home, and they are masters of it.
Introduce Fellmount as a goal to reach, a summit to climb,
and a true test of adventuring skills. Middle and high tier
adventurers are best suited for venturing in the mountains,
with the higher altitudes reserved for matching levels.
Whether adventurers are delving deep within the moun-
tain caves or climbing the high peaks, Fellmount should
strike them with awe and wonder, demonstrating the heart
of the world itself.  
People to Meet
The people of Fellmount, known as the Grymmer-Mond,
are genuinely interested in visitors from the world below.
The higher you go, the more they assume that you are
an angelic messenger on a great quest, or are seeking to

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ADVENTURING IN FELLMOUNT
D10 RESULT
A master of magic is being held in the high prison deep within the mountain range. They hold information as to the
whereabouts of a forbidden spell book that is being hunted down by agents of the Moonlich. Gain access to the prison and
1
an audience with the prisoner. Solve the riddles that are presented and recover the lost spell book before it falls into the
hands of the agents of shadow!

The heart of the mountain calls to brave adventurers. Find the artifact and bring it back to its rightful location. A legendary
item of power has become lost within the heart of the mountain range. The recovery of this item would provide the
2 sustainability that the village of Miod would need to continue mining operations. The dimly lit caverns and complete and
utter darkness of the natural dungeon environment prove to be a treacherous trail to tread. Despite this, the heart calls to
nearby creatures and would allow the village to wield miraculous power in their pursuit of happiness.

There are dangers at the Dragon Scales as a rebellious lot have taken control of the pass. They refer to themselves as the
Siblings of Sovereignty and claim a distinct royal lineage. Chase the lot from the mountain and either drive them to the
3 desert or deliver them to the prison for judgment. This group will not allow individuals free travel through the region and
are demanding tribute. The people of South mountain have always considered themselves a free people and don’t take lightly
to these usurpers. 

Troll-folk have overrun and sacked the heavenly palace of Vol. Organize an assault and liberate the town or deliver them
out of the mountain. The trolls are not taking kindly to the locals and have spoiled much of the wondrous paradise, but if
4
they are removed peace can be restored and beauty can return. Gather your allies and resources to stand your ground against
the high dwellers.

Winter has fallen upon the mountain and deadly beasts are rising from every crevice. Defend the settlements from the
fell invaders. It will take cunning to set traps, use misdirection, and defend areas where the creatures can be faced in single
5 combat. The question remains, who is hunting who? When the fell wind blows, it means the chaos that stirs within the
earth below has begun a hunt all on its own. It is hunter versus hunter as the players must protect the citizens of the
mountain against the seasonal threat.

The mountain god stirs and is summoning its children to judge those on the mountain. The player characters must endure
the trials of the five Elemental Graces which will test their tenacity and devotion. After each elemental test, the mountain
6
will grant its blessing and strengthen the characters allowing them to unlock hidden potentials that have remained
untapped.

A dangerous prisoner has broken free from the Wraithwalk and is taking revenge on the mountain folk. Hunt down and
capture the prisoner. A former lieutenant of the Moonlich is sewing destruction on the mountain and must be tracked
down and captured. Locate their hideout and either apprehend them or defeat them in combat. Years ago, they were a great
7
plague both in the desert below and on the mountain above. Eventually were captured and placed in the prison. Recently a
treacherous agent saw to their escape. If a lieutenant of the lich is set free, it is only a matter of time before they bring the
moon crashing down to the planet. They must be stopped.

Deliver masterwork mining supplies to Mond. A fancy new mining company has emerged and commissioned masterwork
tools to be fabricated in the land of waterfalls and brought to the high colds of the mountains above. However, they don’t
trust the shipment with just any shipping company, and they need to recruit powerful adventurers to protect the goods.
8
All is not what it seems as there appears to be more to the story. It may all be a ruse to impress a royal princess found
in the palace of Cachoeira, just as well as it could be an attempt to impress a rival mining company. However, the pay is
extraordinary and all signs point to a secret the Narrator will soon reveal.

The paradise engine of Vol has malfunctioned and the high village needs raw components to repair it. There is an abundance
of rare crystals deep within the mountain that power the city. Getting there is treacherous and involves delving deeper
9
standard mining operations. Apart from that, alien secrets are hidden within the mountainside. Gather your belongings and
muster your courage. Obtain these rare crystals less the people at the top of the world be lost and their great town desolate.

A mysterious weather pattern of red clouds has appeared on the mountainside. The clouds radiate violence and pain. The
vortex of the fell storm moves across the ridge. The source of the storm is a powerful wizard who sits in the eye of the storm
10
and is scouring the land in search of a powerful artifact. The wizard must be confronted and the artifact needs to be removed
or destroyed before the wizard recovers it and destroys everything.

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chapter five: exploring prometerra
converse with the gods. They often tell tall tales of how
the people that live below the mountain peaks are not so
far away. They are just microscopic, which is why they ap-
pear so small from the high vantage point of the mountain
dwellers.
The Grymmer-Mond are hard-working people. They
have been described as weathered through and through,
as sharp and resolved as the rocks. The towering moun-
tain of Fellmount and the harsh climate has shaped them
to endure numerous challenges. They live and thrive not
just in the storm and snow that falls upon the rocks, but
the inner-press that works against the heart and soul as
well. Grymmer-Mond often faces a genuine threat from
the deep shadows that are cast upon the world. They seek
to bring light to the darkness and to obtain the precious
resources to benefit the rest of society.
The people here often seem underdressed, given the
harsh environment, but that’s because they need to make
use of their limbs incase of a fall or be overtaken by the
threats in the area. They have developed protective salves
and lotions that guard the flesh and skin from subzero and
perilous climates, as well as the sharpness of the rocks. The
disposition of those that live here is often described as
stoic by outsiders. Everything about Grymmer-mond is
very nuanced and understated. For Grymmer-Mond have
learned to trust each other, it is said there is no selfishness
among them. The Grymmer-mond convey much in only a
few words. They often laugh at the same joke simultane-
ously, but not for very long, and the general societal rule is
you never explain the humor.  Resources: Manpower, precious metals, transportation
If one were to examine their social structures, you would
find them living in large group complexes that are built
into the natural walls of the mountains and the high hills
where they reside. The individual abodes are relatively
small compared to low-land estates. Dwellings contain
elaborate homemade decorations that explain each fam-
ily’s story from the time they arrived in Fellmount. These
form records that tell the stories of the people that can be
traced across generations. These stories spiral through each
home, as the family builds upon their predecessors.
Most people who meet a Grymmer-mond respect
them for their hardiness and fortitude. One aspect of
their culture not often complimented is their food. Many
described it as bland beyond belief, almost as if they were
eating rocks . To the Grymmer-mond, living so high above
the world where extraordinarily little grows , the luxuries of
life are foreign to them. Given the opportunity, Grymmer-
mond have very astute tastes, often describing the food of
the other regions in great detail and poetic language. It is
said the stories shared by Grymmer-mond are often of the
food they have eaten in their travels. Only in private will
they talk about their favorites.
Politics
One of the significant challenges to the mountain people
is communicating with each other. Travel is slow, hard, and
dangerous. Due to the geographic difficulties, each small
126
community on the mountain tends to be isolationist. Each
district contains an commander chief, chosen through rit-
ualistic tests of strength and endurance. Their job is to co-
ordinate the work needs within the community. There are
two communities in addition to the prison of Wraithhood
that comprise the population of Fellmount. The free com-
munities outside of the prison are Mond and Vol. Mond
is on the south pass and Vol is on the north. Wraithhood
faces the desert.
The most significant conflicts within Fellmount are over
resources. The southern pass wants to entice travelers en-
ter through the south and make their community worth
the visit. The northern pass works very hard to keep their
pass as safe as possible, but the number of resources it takes
is detrimental as their community itself suffers. Anyone
coming from the east does not want to stay long because
of the danger of Wraithhood.
Factions & Organizations
The following factions are the major players within
Fellmount, influencing its politics, cultural practices, and
relationships.
Vol Mining Company
Leadership: Elected CEO
Membership: Huge (891 members): giants, humanoids;
barbarians, rogues
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Motto: “Rock and stone, to the bone!”
Creed: The Vol Mining Company understands that high
power is kept within the rocks of the mountain. Many
solutions to the problems of the world can be solved with
the magnificent creations made from the powerful arcane
and divine substances found within the rock. They view
the mountain as a great resource and they have enlisted
people from all over the continent to seek out, obtain, and
then deliver the most precious ores.
They are divided into three groups: rock-seekers, rock-
shapers, and rock senders. Ore can only be obtained by
those who seek it. The shapers process and refine the found
materials. Lastly, the senders deliver it out into the world. 
The Mining Company is often at odds with the lo-
cal Grymm and the academic faction among them. The
Company see problems in the world and view their trade
as the solution. The powerful and precious stones that
make up these mountains can be harvested and crafted
into materials that would solve these problems. They have
applied many technologies to mastering the mountain
and overcoming the adversities found thereon. They’re
viewed by many as profiteers and robber barons, but they
see themselves as saviors on the mountain who bring
life-sustaining magic and technology to those that live
below. It is important to note that they have the most
efficient and organized delivery systems out of all people
in the land.

The Wraithwalk
Leadership: Unknown
Membership: Large (228 members): undead, humanoids:
fighters, monks, paladins
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Motto: “A cell for every evil”
Resources: Law enforcement, prison
Creed: The Wraithwalk is charged with keeping those
found guilty of high crimes imprisoned within the prison
simply known as The Catacomb. They are steadfast in their
duty, which is associated with an oath that they have taken
to keep the worst of Promterra’s Grymm incarcerated at
any cost. They always seek to contain those that have been
found guilty of the highest crimes from across the realm.
Each day they patrol the mountain ranges to gather re-
sources to sustain those they have imprisoned and to ward
off the ancient threats of the mountain range.
This organization is the closest thing to law enforcement
in the area and attempt to remain neutral on all matters
outsider their area of expertise. They exist to carry out
their duty, which has been charged to them by the outside
world. They have no recruiting process and the origins of
the organization are relatively mysterious. Some say they
were initially a group of Desalian knights, others say that
a Cachoeiran prince commissioned them. Unfortunately,
the Wraithfulk are often overworked, understaffed, and
under-resourced.
They are split up into three categories: the wardens, the
patrol, and the guard. Inside The Catacomb, wardens over-
see all operations. The patrol walks the mountain pass and
secures the area. The guard ensures no prisoners escape.
They maintain locations of hidden caches or resources
stocked, so that others might find aid along their journey.
They use a complicated system of marks and puzzles to
protect and direct each other to these supply havens.
Scale-Singers
Leadership: The Damsel
Membership: Medium (79 members): humanoids;
bards, clerics
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Motto: “The mountain sings to all who listen”
Resources: Music, religion
Creed: The Scale-Singers are a religious organization that
seeks to uncover all the mysteries of the old gods who cre-
ated the mountain and are sleeping within the mountain
range. They view these mountains as sacred and feel it as
their duty to prevent the ruination of the region. They
move from mountain town to mountain town, singing
their songs of the old ways and warning the people not to
provoke the wrath of the old gods.
This group is known for its religious philosophy. They
work as an environmentalist organization that protects
the mountains. It is unusual for them to sabotage expe-
ditions or mining operations to defend their mountain
home. They feel it is their duty given to them by the old
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
mountain gods, and they will protect the mountain with
great religious fervor.
Among the Scale-Singers are singing groups that speak
a strange tongue. This strange language can be understood
by every Grymm but cannot be replicated in turn. All these
songs draw come from the heart and seek a closer under-
standing of the whispers and hymns of the mountain.
Their leader is known as the Damsel. The Damsel is
an unseen leader, more of a spiritual idea rather than a
physical person. To them, she is mother of all life, born
of the stone they so revere. Prayers to her glory involve
the carving of beautiful runestones, the process of which
can take days of constant singing and ritual. These stones
can be found all over Fellmount, some of which date back
to ancient times. A testament to just how long the Scale
Singers have been keeping their traditions.
Places to See
While the natural, savage beauty of Fellmount is diffi-
cult to overstate, it is not a place for tourists. Most of
the realms days are shrouded in darkness from storm
clouds or from the shadows cast by its titanic peaks. To
find places of significance and meaning one must jour-
ney far and risk much. Those that are willing to be tested
by the mountains can find wondrous lands untouched by
the hands of Grymm. Strange valleys full of icy beasts,
volcanic fissures bristling with hidden life, or glistening
mountaintops blooming with gemstones. Every journey
is a vertical exercise, with climbing skills and equipment a
necessity. Even flight cannot be relied upon, for the hur-
ricane winds of the mountain can dash foolish Grymm
against the stones with little effort. Those that brave all
these perils and triumphed are blessed with the knowl-
edge and experience few other Grymm are capable of
ever knowing. A true treasure that justifies the risk.
Environment
Dangerous mountain passes, snow-covered peaks, sud-
den storms, and dramatic temperature shifts fill the region.
Shadows fall from the sky to the world below. The moun-
tain range is hostile to all those who dwell upon it. There
are only two months out of the year that makes traveling
in the Fellmount easier. Most people make their way up
the mountain during this short window of time, known as
the Dimmer Days. For the rest of the year Fellmount is as
brutal as can be. The temperature is never above freezing,
the monsters are always hungry, and the ice eats away at
any exposed material like a slow burning flame.
There are six major routes through the mountain pass,
which bear the names of creatures found throughout the
various mountains of Fellmount: Goblin, Troll, Gorgon,
Wraith, Giant, and Dragon.
Each route contains its own unique challenges to over-
come to summit the Fellmount. The most common rea-
son people pass through is visiting family who live on the
mountain. The second most common reason is that they
chapter five: exploring prometerra
are escorting guilty parties that have been sentenced to the
prison of Wraithwalk. The least common reason for tra-
versing Fellmount is those who are out seeking adventure.
The Goblin-route is taken through the North pass. It
received this name because it is the shortest route, but
also because in the legends of Fellmount, it is the route
a father goblin created to return home to the mountain
god. The Troll-route is another northern pass, it once had
a different name, but was conquered by an invading force
and renamed it after they abandoned it. In the south lies
Giant-pass and Dragon-pass. Giant is one of the steepest
climbs, and Dragon is one of the most challenging areas to
navigate. To the east is the Gorgon-pass, which is known
for its petrified forests and collapsing trails.
Landmarks
The following landmarks are some examples of the fantas-
tical places that can be found in Fellmount.
Barrowfell
The gray land sits at the bottom of a valley surrounded by
snow-capped spires of rock. Fortifications of an unknown design
are covered in the religious iconography of an unknown people.
Those who breathe, create white clouds in front of their face as
the temperature drops below any that can be safely inhabited.
You cannot be entirely sure one way or another, but the bones on
display around the ritual mount may very well be moving.
Scavengers search the area for tools and treasure. Ancient
records are kept in a simple script and provide the key to
translation between many tongues. Travelers often create
a base camp here in preparation to summit the mountain.
Supermassive stones laid upon each other to create walls
and fortifications, the hostile wind blows in the open, and
tight clusters of tents and lanterns are hung for those that
seek to travel upwards.
The Barrowfell is one of the gateways to summit the
Fellmount. It was an ancient fortress used by troll-folk
who sought to fight and claim the mountain for their own.
Although the trolls were able to take the region, they
found this point less defensable and did more to hinder
their way of life than it cultivated. After many hard years,
they abandoned their fortress. Today it is used as a base
camp for those that seek to summit the mountain.
Dragon’s Scales Corridor
The tall peaks stare down upon you as you enter the long
and low overhang resembling the massive wings of a
titanic creature. The stone appears as a rainbow-colored
rock, its formations protruding from the earth like
talons. This is a place of giants, with the bones, claw marks,
and other evidence of gigantic monsters found everywhere.
The Dragon’s Scale Corridor is named for its miraculous
rock formation that resembles the wings of a dragon, pro-
viding a sheltered pathway to the summit. Rainbow-colored
scaly rock is omnipresent throughout the area, forming
beautiful patterns that shift when the rare instance of
128
daylight falls upon them. The stone forms broad inclined
pathways winding through the side of the mountain shad-
owed by overhanging cliffs. Dragon’s Scales considered a
sacred site for many who hold a reverence and sanctity for
dragons. There is a philosophical conflict between miners
seeking to collect ore and scales from this region, and those
that believe the hills are sacred. One faction holds the area
holy, and the other sees it as the key to the industry. The
two sides disagree profoundly about the treatment of the
region. However, both sides agree the local dragons are to
be respected. Tribute is offered to the great beasts by all
who pass through this land, and those who do not pay the
toll from their pockets instead pay with their lives.
Mond
In the high peaks lies a garden paradise where the great
enchantments of the age have created a small respite from
the harsh nature of the region. This village and settlement
is home to the mining guild. Mond is a popular launching
point for those that wish to climb the mountain. The hang-
ing gardens, reflection ponds, and the museum of science
and art are all found in this small and strange settlement.
Mond is the antithesis of standard mountain life. It is
an elaborate and wondrous settlement in a high place of
the world. It relies on magic derived from the core of the
mountain to sustain its beauty and wonder. The people
work very hard to maintain the settlement and make it
inviting for any that arrive. It is home to one of the larg-
est mining guilds and mountaineering communities in
the world. People come here to study and learn about
various mountain monsters and how to defeat them.
The workers who bustle though the streets are a strong
and stoic type. The drab colors of the buildings stand in
stark contrast to the myriad of colorful ores and stones
that are moved throughout the town. A hidden gem with-
in Fellmount, Mond is protected by a powerful dome that
helps regulate the temperature. The dome grants an atmo-
sphere of ephemerality that stands in contrast against the
harsh backdrop of the mountain.
The Eldermount
The sky loses its colors and the stars reveal themselves, as
the highest peak of the Eldermount pierces the heavens.
From this point you can see all the continents and speak
directly to the gods. This is the highest point of the natural
world, where the old gods meet the new, and wishes are
spoken to the whole of the universe.
The Eldermount kisses the stars and is the highest point in
the entire continent. It is said that here the old god came
to sleep and gave birth to the Grymm. Very few people
have reached this point, though its magic and mystery are
unparalleled in all Promterra. This location cannot sustain
life for very long, and those up here will surely die if they
dawdle. The sky turns to stars that crown the world. In the
distance, the great and dreadful Spire can be seen stretch-
ing even higher into infinity.

There is ancient and potent magic that can be easily
accessed here, a primordial source powerful that spreads
throughout the world and empowers the realm. The great
height of the summit casts shadows from this high point
that touch the ground far below, which at certain angles
can cover vast swathes of Promterra.
The Catacomb
The dimly lit trail leads to a frightening cliff that takes
the form of a cage. Cries can be heard, the weeping and
wailing of those inside calling forth to any that might
passing by. A grey cloud hangs low over the entire
area. On the steep cliff face stands the gate to the prison
known as the Catacomb.
Carved into the side of a sheer cliff and accessible only by
a narrow bridge of wrought iron, the Catacomb is home
to criminals, murderers, thieves, villains, and monsters that
cannot be slain. No one is quite sure what to do with these
troublesome beings, and so they are sent to this magical
prison from which there can be no escape. Unsleeping,
undead guards watch over its gates, ensuring the malev-
olent forces contained within are always under lock and
key. Magical winds ensure no flying creature can assail the
Catacomb, while powerful runes coat its every cell and
corridor, inscribed with spells of sealing and confinement.
All of Promterra pays tribute to the Catacomb in some
fashion, as each has an interest in ensuring those contained
within never again see the light of day. Once a month this
tribute is brought and accepted, along with any new pris-
oners deserving of such a grim fate.
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
Labirinto
The Lost And Found
If one were to witness this realm in another time, a different
age, it would be a land of impossible machines and endless
wonder. Today, however, all that is left are the endless mazes
sprawling across a dead metropolis. The sky is starless, and
what sunlight can be found is shed from an artificial sun
emitting pallid light. There are few beings of flesh and blood
found here, and fewer still dare brave its clockwork corridors.
Some say the land is cursed. Others say it may not even exist
at all. A single undying sovereign is all that remains of a
once great and royal house. An ancient queen of metal and
wheels, bound to serve a protocol lost to time.
POPULATION: 767,222 Grymm
GOVERNMENT: Monarchy
LEADERSHIP: The Empress Impossible
RESOURCES: Artifice, Metal, Technology
ALIGNMENT: Lawful Evil
FAVORED CLASSES: Artificer, Monk, Wizard
The Ways of Labirinto
In the northeastern land of Promterra lies a silent realm
of metal, science, and death. Named Labirinto for the
mazelike metropolis that fills most of the region, this
bizarre land is all that remains of an ancient kingdom of
artificial beings. Like a gigantic, rusted machine in disrepair,
one can clearly observe an original plan and grand design
to Labirinto. It is as if the entire realm were once a well
oiled machine of inconceivable complexity and genius.
chapter five: exploring prometerra
From within its shadowy ruins the autonomous machine
residents of Labirinto still toil, acting out the echoes of
a life that no longer functions in the ruins of their once
beautiful home. Here ancient technologies beyond repair
rot away, with what little that still functions jealously
guarded by ancient machines desperate to preserve what
little remains of this grand design. Labirinto is a failed
science experiment, broken machine, and defunct work of
art all rolled into one. No where else in Promterra can one
find such a fitting symbol of the horror’s suffered by the
realm at the hands of the Fell-Beyonders.
Technology
Most of the technology of Labirinto is ancient and de-
funct. What little survives is either precious beyond mea-
sure or worked into the construction of its people. Its
components are always a bamboozling mixture of clock-
work and magical components, fashioned together by ar-
tisan hands and obvious genius. The skill and knowledge
required to maintain these wonderous devices has long
since been lost, meaning each object has a fixed shelf life
before it inevitably breaks down and falls to ruin. A pro-
phetic symbol of Labirinto’s inevitable fate.
The most exciting aspect of life in Labirinto’s sprawling
maze-land metropolis is the star-fueled automobile. Sleek
in design, the vehicles operate during the hours of star-
light. These machines are said to be highly dangerous if
not piloted with great skill. Uniquely, these machines have
interchange parts and can be repaired easily, due to their
once abundant number, should they break down.  groups and caravans are often at odds with each other, but
Magic
Regional magic is tied to both the existence of the clock-
work kingdom as well as its history. It is said that a school
of great wizards sought immortality, but fear of lichdom
caused them to find an alternative path towards eternal
life. They were able to channel their memories into the
core of carefully constructed automata. They could trans-
fer their essence and memory into it. There were a limited
number of their types to start with, but expanded over
time. Factories and workshops where they developed
their metal bodies of brass and iron were shut down after
the last of their order transferred his life into a clockwork
core.
Transferring into a core had a major consequence, a
limited capacity for new learning and information. This
drawback required the need to suppress their memories
LAND VEHICLES
VEHICLE COST SPEED CREW
Star Fueled Dragster 50,000 gp 65 mph 1 1
Star Fueled Big Rig 100,000 gp 55 mph 4 20
Star Fueled Landship 1,000,000 40 20
130
to make room for new ones. Since this transfer they have
to choose which memories to keep and which memories
to dispose of, leading to a race of people which has selec-
tively curated its consciousness over hundreds of genera-
tions, much to its detriment. 
Cosmology
The clockwork court worships the empress, meanwhile the
empress holds reverent remembrance of her former em-
pire. She holds a particular fondness for her former family
and remembers them often. Her abilities within the rem-
nant are highly formidable and appear deific. One would
need to meet her to determine whether she a lost or shat-
tered deity, or simply a being of incredible power. It is said
that her power comes from the perfect shape, that is, the
ability to shape the divine that flows through the world
and was shattered the day the Spire pierced the earth. The
old histories say that the world was shattered once before.
New histories says that it has always been broken.
Ecology
The ruins of Labirinto hold many dangers. At the down-
fall of the empire, the streets became brutal and lawless.
Protections were put into place to ensure that material
possessions and homes would be safe, leading to a ecology
of nefarious traps and magical hazards. There is all man-
ner of bizarre creatures infesting these ruins. Some are the
result of failed experiments, others crept up from the dark
places in the world after the Spire appeared. Exploring
will hold a truce when the Court of Effigies make their
presence known.
The frosty trails that lead between each stead are also
home to creatures of the barren waste. Explorers and car-
avans believe that there is no food here, but for the dan-
gerous creatures who hide in the ruins, the Grymm are
perfectly suitable for eating.
Adventuring in Labirinto
When setting up an adventure in Labirinto, the empha-
sis is on the danger inside the remnant and the isolation
outside. There is an alien power that exists in the center.
Labirinto is filled with technology and instrumentation
that is not like the other regions. Demonstrate the cold
twilight realm for what it is: an echo of what once was and
the shadow of things to come. The sparse lack of humanity
in the metropolis is a stark contrast to the warm firelights
CARGO DAMAGE
PASSSENGERS AC HP
(TONS) THRESHOLD
1/2 18 150 15
20 19 300 20
200 100 21 1,000 30
 chapter five: exploring prometerra

ADVENTURING IN LABIRINTO
D10 RESULT
The Empress Impossible has invited the party to the Clockwork Court. Each party member must prepare a gift an
associated story. Entertaining the Empress will convince her to open up about the things that she has been pondering in
1 her heart. Thing such as where the moon goes when it disappears from the sky, which new stars have appeared, or which
stars are soon to fall from the heavens. Understanding this astronomy is the key to unlocking new arcane knowledge
which would benefit everyone in their fight against the fell.

A rival group of adventurers has headed to the Sun Core and gone missing. This is not abnormal, but their families have
2 reached out to you specifically. You must delve into the Sun Core and find the missing party. Bring them back safely and
learn the things they have seen for yourselves.

The scavenger camps are being looted! Stop the looters in the act! The northern most scavenger camp has been braving
the dangers of of Labirinto but have not been able to recover the stolen item from their ventures. They are constantly
3 finding themselves robbed in the night. There have always tensions between scavenger camps, but it is hard to tell
whether this is a rivalry or the result of some other sabotage. Observe the camp and determine the cause of the looting.
The camp will add rewards if any of the precious goods can be recovered.

A creature unlike any other Grymm, has been spotted lurking near the scavenger camps. The spoken language does not
appear to be of GrymmWorld. The presence of the creature has been causing increased anxiety among the scavengers
4 due to their lack of understanding in what the creature wants. Make contact and see if you can discern the desires of the
creature, initial contact points toward it returning to its kind after accomplishing a task. Evidence points toward the Sun
Core as the source of the alien being.

A famine has struck the region and a curse that rots fresh food has made it nearly impossible to import any life
sustaining resources. Scavengers hope an artifact in the region of the Labirinto metropolis could be used to replace
5
meals. This would sustain the people for a time until the famine and curse can be resolved. Delve into the lost metropolis
and seek out the meal replacement device and an energy source to power it for the duration of the famine.

A promising sector in the lost metropolis is inaccessible due to the arrival of large and dangerous predators. The
6 predators need to be relocated or eliminated. Either find a suitable habitat for them and drive them towards that area or
find a way to eliminate them. Once the region is cleared, a library of the ancient arcana is can be uncovered.

The Clockwork Court is experimenting with the concept of religion. They are looking for missionaries to be brought to
their court and explain their doctrine. Collect and gather religious representatives and escort them to the Court of the
7 Empress. Help translate and express the religious teachings of the missionaries in a way that the clockwork people will
understand and can relate to. Performing this task will greatly improve relations between the court and the rest of the
world possibly leading to a reduction in hostilities among the court.

Raiders from an unknown group have driven the scavenger camps off their lands and they’ve no choice but to hide in the
region of Labirinto. The royal army has named all scavengers outlaws and are hunting them down and persecuting them.
8
Whether you side with the army or the scavengers, a choice must be made to help either the oppressor or a member of
the resistance. Help the scavengers repel the invading force or capture them in the name of an unjust law.

The Clockwork Court has uncovered ancient memory cores that belong to unknown members of their order. The
memory cores have revealed the locations of several cogs thought to have been lost. These cogs can be found in several
locations on the southern region of Labirinto and provide access to a great power that had been locked away. Each core
9
matches a corresponding location within the metropolis. Find the cogs that are located at each site around the continent
and return them to the matching location within the metropolis. Doing so will open the heavens and unlock the Lost
Palace of the Gods within the region of Labirinto, allowing Grymm to worship new gods once more.
A new order of mages referring to themselves as the Starlight Whispers have declared themselves to be a new scavenger
faction. Unfortunately, the wizards delved irresponsibly and activated a long sleeping construct, a terrifying Colossus
capable of leveling entire city blocks with its might. Uncover the true nature of this new order. Seek out the Colossus
10
and see if it can be deactivated. The region of Labirinto is already too dangerous without the concern an unmanned
construct wreaking havoc. Additionally, the new order is upsetting the balance of power that was maintained by the
other factions in the region.

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chapter five: exploring prometerra

of the scavenger camps. The noise of metal scraping
against stone, or the melodic music boxes of the Empress
Impossible can be heard in the distance. Labirinto is all
about discovery and experiencing things you have never
seen before. For seasoned adventurers seeking to learn
what is beyond the horizon, Labirinto is an ideal location.
It is for those that have learned a deep understanding of
the other regions and are ready to begin their trek into a
realm lost in time and space. Labirinto demonstrates the
tragic failure of those that have failed to exercise power
properly. It is also an emblem of hope. Adventures here
are meant to inspire others to succeed where others have
failed.
People to Meet
Labirinto is a solemn part of the world. Many consider
it a dead land, cut off from the rest of the continent. The
people that live in the north look to each other and speak
with words of forlorn hope and carry a somber manner
about them. The marvelous clockwork metropolis was
once a wonder of the world, but the gears have stopped
turning, and the nation no longer serves the people as it
once intended.
All that remains of this once great land is the Empress
and the Court of Effigies. There are still a few small scav-
enger camps that caravan between the ruins. The Grymm
here are ambitious and inquisitive, seeking to uncover
the legacy of May’s land. Still, they are cautious as the
Clockwork Court will do what it must to guard its secrets
and protect their liege.
Factions & Organizations
The following factions are the major players within
Labirinto, influencing its politics, cultural practices, and
relationships.
Court of Effigies
Leadership: Eternal Triumvarate (Tok, Tik & Cog)
Membership: Small (49 members): constructs,
humanoids; (artificers, wizards)
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Motto: “ Your purpose is our command”
Resources: Knowledge (engineering), magical equipment,
technology
Creed: The Court of Effigies are the de facto rulers of
all the labyrinth. They maintain control of the region by
keeping the difficult Empress Impossible occupied and
comfortable. They are utterly paranoid of the world be-
yond their twilight domain and are mainly concerned
with their functions and processes failing. To prevent
that from happening, they have decided to stop the pro-
gression of time. They achieve this by utilizing their local
deity to prevent the days from passing. That is their great
secret, the labyrinth is kept in a perpetual twilight to pre-
vent the days from advancing; this is the core tenant of
their belief. Accordingly, they rule the remnant and keep
it in eternal night, hoping it will slow down their decay.
The truth of the matter is, there are many forces at work
in this world, and manipulating just one factor may not
achieve their goals. 

Politics
The Court of the Empress Impossible has the final say over
all things in May’s land. They try to persuade the Empress
into acting in a way they feel is her best interest. The Court
believes this is to stay in the capital at the palace and not
to venture outside, for all of her needs are taken of care
within.
The truth of the court is that it is not extensive. They
have storerooms full of replacement heads and faces
equipped with voice modulators. This is done to deceive
the Empress into believing there is a larger number of
members that exists. It is unknown whether she aware
this is a fraud. The Court believes the only way they
can protect the Empress is safeguarding her within the
Court. They knows they can’t keep her confused forever,
so occasionally outsiders are granted an audience under
stringent guidelines.
The explorers outside the center of the maze tend to
have loose coalitions with each other. Exploring the maze-
like land is perilous, and those that brave its twisting pas-
sages are often competing for resources and discovery of
ancient artifacts. Some groups have firm alliances. Others
have no coalition. They tend to carry banners that indicate
allegiances to other groups, but at the risk of drawing the
attention of the Clockwork Court. 

132

One member of the court oversees the tracking of time,
making sure that it moves a slowly as possible to prolong
their life. Each court member has a purpose, and the sec-
ond leader ensures their duty is fulfilled. The last chief
member of the court regulates inventory supplies, making
sure that whatever replacement parts are needed can be
procured from within the ruins. This triumvirate also di-
rectly engages and interacts with the Empress Impossible.
This is only done as a last resort when their needs exceed
their means. Through these occasional meetings, they hope
to convince her to assist with their needs.
The Clockwork Court knows the way around the rem-
nant better than anyone else. They know it better than any
explorers or any rogue automaton that might live here.
They are unfailingly loyal and faithful to the Empress and
will do whatever they must to protect her as well as pro-
long their life. 
The truth is, many members of this court were once high
wizards and archmages that imbued their intelligence into
the life core of their creations, in an attempt to prolong
their life into immortality. Occasionally, echoes of their
former consciousness work their way into the heart, and
the old wizard’s powers manifests. Not every wizard agreed
with this approach, and this outcome caused a schism be-
tween them and the tower dwellers.
Ancient Explorers
Leadership: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta
Membership: Huge (526 members): humanoids; bards,
rangers, rogues
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Motto: “It belongs in a museum!”
Resources: Cartography, knowledge (historical),
manpower
Creed: The Ancient Explorers make camps throughout
Labirinto. They seek to learn about the civilization that
once lived here before it fell. They all have different mo-
tives and methodologies for moving through the ruined
cityscape of the labyrinth. The first group are archaeolo-
gists, they are trying to determine everything about the
past civilization that lived there and understand its history.
The second group are anthropologists. They are attempting
to understand the people that lived here at the height of
civilization. The most sought after aspect of this culture is
discovering what led to their downfall. The third group are
treasure hunters who are seeking out the valuable remains,
components, and technology of the fallen remnant.  The
final group of explorers are the bounty hunters. Many peo-
ple flee into the labyrinth and hide, in an attempt to evade
the law. This creates prime conditions for the bounty hunt-
ers to come seeking those that are laying-low and bring
them back.
Each group carries a unique banner that distinguishes
each faction. There can be conflict between these various
groups because their goals and intentions are in direct
competition with each other. The archaeologists view
the treasure hunters as thieves. Anthropologists feel the
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
bounty hunters should respect the amnesty of those that
come into the labyrinth. The treasure hunters see the ar-
chaeologists as imperial colonizers that are more manip-
ulative in their research and studies. No single group can
claim to be indigenous to the area, save for a few rogue
automatons that have decided to join the outsiders.
Each of the explorers have a distinctive protocol and
code of conduct. Their existence is very controversial,
as they are often viewed as little more than grave rob-
bers, revisionists, highfalutin intellectuals, and evasive
criminals.
Many of the explorers are decent guides through the
remnants and tend to be far more trusting about outsiders
than the Clockwork Court. The Court would rather seek
to capture and/or eliminate those that travel up from the
south. 
Tower Dwellers
Leadership: None
Membership: Medium (263 Members): constructs,
humanoids; artificers, warlocks, wizards
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Motto: “Leave us alone”
Resources: Knowledge (history), magic (enchantment,
transmutation)
Creed: Those that dwell in the tower are cryptic, para-
noid, and extremely driven towards one goal: Power the
machine in which live. They tap into the core energies of
the earth, unleashing frightfully powerful magic that is
almost unfathomable in its operation. They are tall, lean,
and garbed in twilight robes and astral armor. They have
drawn up vast plans about how to repair and power the
machine in which they dwell. They will not leave the tow-
er, for they believe it is the only thing that sustains life.
It is rumored that long ago, they were wizards that broke
off from the precursor of the Clockwork Court. This sep-
aration caused them to fall out of grace and favor of the
Empress Impossible. Post separation, the group would
still like to dispose of the Empress. This would require
powering the machine because it is capable of tremendous
and unimaginable feats, which only the tower dwellers
understand.
The tower dwellers are collecting all the cosmic ener-
gy and arcane devices that they can and feeding it into
their ever-growing tower. Each year they build upon it,
getting closer and closer to the heavens. They are a mys-
terious sect of a forgotten age. This piece of society which
is incomplete and total conflict with the rest of society.
They have a core belief that once they power the ma-
chine, it will separate them from the rest of the world,
and they will journey to a new destination. But what will
happen to the world when the massive machine uncorks
itself from its roots in the earth? None can truly say, but
it is clear the Tower Dwellers are unconcerned with such
questions.
chapter five: exploring prometerra
Places to See
Environment
The northern remnant of Labirinto is barren and bathed
in the twilight of twinkling stars. Immense urban struc-
tures tower over the cities below, all of which have been
abandoned for many years. The buildings were made from
a material not found anywhere else in Prometerra. It is
hard and malleable. There are four large ruins of ancient
metropolises, in the remnant of which long, cold, and oc-
casionally snowy trails snake between them with twinkling
stars high above. Nothing can grow here. There is no agri-
culture or livestock. The landscape, for the most part, is flat
though there is some variety. In the center of it all sits the
palace of the Empress Impossible, but it is an exhaustive
and challenging journey to navigate the labyrinthian maz-
escape to reach it.
Landmarks
The following landmarks are some examples of the fantas-
tical places that can be found in Labirinto.
Palace of the Stars
Rotating staircases spin upwards towards a starless sky.
Everything about the structure reaches towards heaven
and what it means to be perfect. Every step taken on
every stone seems to reveal a silent note of a forgotten
song. This is the Palace of the Stars, where the Court of
Effigies lives, and the Empress Impossible dwells in the
space between day and night.
The Palace of Stars is the home of the Empress Impossible.
She is a deific individual that has always lived here in
the remnant of the labyrinth. She holds power over the
heavens and has named each star in the sky. The clock-
work Court of Effigies works diligently to maintain the
palace. The palace is filled with beautiful escalators, auto-
matic walkways, elevators, transportation circles, and vast
archives of a world that once was, but is no more. There are
many automated defenses designed to keep out intruders,
and the palace is almost entirely inaccessible due to its ex-
treme level of security. However, it is not uncommon for
the Court of Effigies to invite guests or for their convoys to
leave small openings for outsiders to gain entrance.
Factory 47
At the end of the long street and behind tall foreboding
walls stands a massive building that seems to hang
comepletely still. It is broken, run-down, and looks to be
in a complete state of ruin and disarray. Every now and
then, dim lights flicker and project outwards from the
dark holes that riddle the surface of the building. A nearby
pointing in the direction of the edifice reads, “factory 47,
closed.”
Factory 47 is a decommissioned and closed clockwork cre-
ation facility that was once the primary industrial force
of the remnant. It has since fallen into complete disarray.
134
The records hint at rumors of a massive accident, but
the information seems to be edited, redacted, and other-
wise shrouded in mystery. Some claim this facility as the
source of the Court of Effigies. Others say that it was an
arms facility, and a coup was staged against the Empress
Impossible by members of the funding organization. What
we do know is this is a favorite site for treasure hunters and
looters to. It is however hazardous to do so because, like
most significant sites here in the remnant, there are potent
defenses at work to protect the secrets that lie within.
The Sun Spire
Reaching high into the heavens is what can only be
described as a colossal heaven piercing tower. It rotates
slowly and occasionally projects bolts of prismatic colors
into the distance, giving the gift of life to previously
inanimate objects. There are no guards. There are no roads
to get there. One cannot even be sure of the true nature
of this building, which is separate from the palace and all
other parts of the city.
Over three hundred stories of towering black and silver
metal create the cold frame of the dark tower. Enchanted
cannons fire at random from unknown sources within the
tower. Unbearable heat radiates from beneath the build-
ing. A ring of impassable fire seems to circle the tower
like a protective moat. It is from this ring that it received
it name, the sun mote. Strange and alien creatures live
inside that are not the clockwork beings or the travelers
that venture into the city. Deep magic is practiced here.
The sun’s core sits beneath the sky-piercing tower. Truth
be told, this place is the reason why no stars shine in the
sky or sun brings daylight to the region. The tower itself
has absorbed all light and feeds it into the core of the
world. This feeds the cosmos directly into the earth below.
If this sounds frightening, it should be. The towers in-
habited by the enigmatic remnant of the labyrinth, which
may or may not have once been members of the Royal
Court, may not even be from this world at all. The 300
stories stand tall, a false mountain of creation and com-
mitment to industry. It rotates slowly and in the oppo-
site direction of the planet’s rotation. It projects powerful
points of multi-colored light which seem to awaken and
animate objects found throughout the city. Some say that
the tower can leave the world, and it is gathering and col-
lecting strength to do so. Getting to the tower appears
impossible. There are rumors of teleportation points with-
in the labyrinth, as well as secret passageways that would
allow one to enter. Still, the only sure way to proceed to
the tower is to fly over the labyrinth. Few people have that
ability to fly, and even less are willing to do so as taking to
the skies in the remnant is not always safe.

Praia
The Freeborn Shore
A Traditional Folk Tale of Praia
“After spending the entire morning fighting their way
through the hot and foggy bramble in the rainforest beyond
the Witchwood, four siblings emerged from the brush as the
sun prepared to hit its apex. They found themselves on a high
road at the top of a hill looking down on the beautiful and
brilliant white sands stretched out before them.
 So it was that the four siblings Beaver, Tortoise, Snake, and
Stork had set their eyes upon the shore for the very first time.
They saw the great and spacious sea that seemed to go on forev-
er and ever. After they had stared for several hours, the Great
Sea Serpent rose from the ocean and beseeched the siblings,
wishing to know their desires.
Beaver asked to keep the beach safe, for it was beautiful
and because the path they traveled had been so very danger-
ous. The Serpent put into place a Great Gate at the edge of the
forest to keep danger out and loved ones safe. Beaver learned
that an eye must always face the gate, as not everything that
approaches is dangerous. The ocean is for friends, after all.
Tortoise asked to come to know the sea better, and the
Serpent lifted him. They traveled to the furthest isle from the
shore, so that he might take a better look from far out at sea.
Tortoise was afraid, but the Serpent let him know that if he
swam towards the shore, he would find his way home. The
Great Sea Serpent pointed to the deeps below and let Tortoise
know that there are a great many treasures above and below
where the water meets the air, and all it takes is patience.
Stork waited for the Serpent to return, and when they did,
Stork asked the Serpent to set a beacon that Tortoise might
find his way home. The Serpent nodded and dove deep into
the sea. A few hours later and after suffering a great wound,
the serpent placed a majestic sized pearl, larger than a house,
upon the sand, in a gentle cove. The sun would cast its light
upon the pearl and create an enchanted glow that would
signal to Tortoise the way back home.
 The Serpent looked upon Snake and asked her what she de-
sired. “To look upon your greatness forever more and to never
forget our meeting with the Great Serpent of the Sea.”
The Serpent kissed her on her mouth and looked her in the
eyes. She turned to stone and until this day, she stands at that
spot looking upon the ocean, forever entranced in the Great
Sea Serpent’s gaze.
The remaining siblings spent the rest of their days here,
inviting Grymm to live in peace. Some stayed in the forest to
watch the gate that was placed by the Serpent. Others took to
the isles where Tortoise found the hidden treasures of the deep.
Stork was responsible for ensuring everyone stayed rested, safe,
and with plenty of food to eat. 
But Snake still stands at the top of the hill looking upon the
Great Eastern Ocean, counting the steps of every ghost that
passes along the shore. She remains trapped in a kiss, with a
single eye to the Great Sea Serpent, the being that brought
peace, clarity, and protection to the Grymm of Praia. It
remains that way even now.”
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
POPULATION: 522,131 Grymm
GOVERNMENT: Confederation
LEADERSHIP: Elected City State Leaders
RESOURCES: Agriculture (Tropical Fruit),
Natural Resources (Coral, Fishing, Lumber)
ALIGNMENT: Lawful Good
FAVORED CLASSES: Fighters, Rogues, Sorcerers
The Ways of Praia
Beautiful sands, the smell of fresh blossoms blooming, the
crashing sound of ocean waves, all these wonderful things
fill the region of Praia. So many have gathered here to
share life where the rivers meet the sea. Art, music, and ex-
pression are all prominent in this coastal community. The
denizens of Praia enjoy a feeling of relative peace, but it is
not uncommon for nearby regions to bring their problems
to Praia’s beaches.
Technology
Grymm-Prai rely on piercing instruments made from
Wonder-Wasps  and expandable flasks made from ani-
mal bladders to collect clean water from the forest. They
create protective-clothing and armor out of the hard-
ened trees and chitin found in the forest. The people of
Praia also make use and repurpose the shells and me-
ga-crustaceans as needed. Their naval vessels are craft-
ed out of a combination of natural resources and a
material they say comes from Outside. There are few
specific designs regarding these vessels, but they are
considered miraculous and revered for their grand
appearance. Most sailors use smaller sailing vessels
rather than the grand designs of the proudest ships.
A typical Grymm-Prai home focuses on equal-
ity amongst the residents. These domaciles are
round in shape and typically single-story, though
the ceilings can be very high. At the center of the
home sits a Breath Stone, which regulates the
temperature. The stones are a sacred gift from the
Great Sea Serpent, acquired from the Coastal
Cove’s cave network. They function based on the
harmony of the household; less harmo-
ny means worse regulation. Friends
tend to live together and settle their
differences out of the home. Round
tables use for eating are made of pol-
ished rocks that have been smoothed
by the crafts folk of the community.
The homes are illuminated by biolumines-
cent sea life encased in glass. The individuals of
the household are responsible for caring for the
plants. The sea life is often rotated out and returned to
the sea to make sure they do not spend too long in cap-
tivity. Of course, the home can exchange and collect fresh
Light Fish from the market in Pier-town or take to the
seas to collect them straightaway.
chapter five: exploring prometerra
As mentioned above, Praian homes are temperature reg-
ulated by Breath Stones gathered from nearby caves. To
locate these stones, a device known as the Eaters Eye is
used. These Breath Stones are harvested eyes of a Praian
Stone-Biter. These eyes operate based on heat, to navigate
the dark caves, which were not formed by water, but by
centuries of stone biting.  gods. For this reason, the Praians seem somewhat skepti-
Magic
The Grymm-Prai source all magic back to their ancestral
lineage. All magic is born of dragons and serpents, and if
not there, then it comes from the sea directly. While many
Grymm view magic as a balance between the divine and
the arcane, Grymm-Prai view it as an internal manifesta-
tion of the individual. After all, they say, “Who nnows the
gods? And who has time for school?” Grymm-Prai teach
Sea Serpent magic forms to anyone who wants to learn.
Magical practices are only taught in the Glass Castle,
where arcane practices are taught, or at the Coastal Cove,
where divine practices occur. The Grymm-Prai do not
view magic in that manner though, they view all things
as a balance of the individual, and it is all serpent-centric.
Because they consider all perspectives of magic users, even
if Grymm-Prai consider it an incorrect and potentially
false position, it is entertaining to pursue the philosophical
discussions to learn what they can from outsiders.
Cosmology
The Sea Serpent is the divine representative and god
that is recognized by all Grymm-Prai. The majestic and
remarkable sea deity gave magic to the Grymm-Prai, set
136
the Stone-Biting Golems into their rotation, and built
the Great Gate as a gift to protect Praia from the outside.
However, as the story goes, this was for selfish reasons, as
the Sea Serpent was misunderstood by others in the di-
vine pantheon. It felt the needed to bless these people with
peace, prosperity, and great bounty to impress the other
cal of outside religions, because they seem formalized with
distinct hierarchies. The Sea Serpent wants to bless the
people of Praia and punish piracy. This has led to pirates
that seek to abolish the faith and ostracize its believers as a
means of protecting themselves.
Ecology
While the Bright Sands of central Praia are fairly safe, the
rain forest and the high seas are another matter. Monsters
that are native to this region are typically seeking food in
the sea, protecting the vegetation and bounties of the rain-
forest, or are loose spirits that make their way onto the
beach proper. A variety of poisonous saps and venomous
oozes fill the forest, while other dangerous predators rely
on their highly developed sense of smell to find prey. The
sea creatures often mistake the shadows of sea vessels on
the surface for prey and have been known to attack sailing
craft while seeking food. 
Local legends tell of ghosts and specters that walk
the shores of Praia from time to time. These are spirits
bound by the Sea Serpent and forbidden to pass the gate
into the rest of Prometerra, but rumored to be tied to
lands far across the great eastern ocean on the far side
of the world.
 chapter five: exploring prometerra

ADVENTURING IN PRAIA
D10 RESULT
The enchanted Praiolin of the Glass Castle orchestra has been stolen! You must recover and return it so that the royal
1 wedding procession of Cachoeira can continue. Obtain passage on a Pier-town privateer vessel and set sail out to the
turtle harbor in the far reach of the sea. There you must track down the pirates that stole the item and serve justice.

The horrible storm of the endless sea approaches! You must prepare the locals and ensure that they are safe for the
2 oncoming devastation. Gather need things, convince the folks to move to safety, and assess the damage after the storm.
For the village to survive, it must endure the wrath of the elements amidst political strife and turmoil.

To ensure bountiful fishing, the Great Sea Serpent must be appeased. Complete the sailor ritual across seven pirate
isles before a week passes. You must journey to the seven major islands off the coast of Praia and place the sacred idols
3
onto the Altars of Remembrance. The Great Sea Serpent will be pleased by this and bless the Grymm-Prai with a great
catch to feed many, while famine currently burdens the community.

The Witch warden’s wonder-cat of spying has been abducted and must be released! Infiltrate the Gate Guardians
stronghold and free the miraculous creature. A misbehaving spy cat journeyed from the north and found itself
4 captured by the Gate Guardian’s defenses. Journey into their stronghold and free the creature so that it might return
to the wardens of the north. It was monitoring the movements of the legendary questing beast and may have valuable
information as to its whereabouts.

The legendary Glass Castle orchestra has finished performing a wedding ceremony in Cachoeira, the land of waterfalls,
and must return home to Praia! Help them make their way to the Glass Castle opera house on the white sands of the
5
beach across the continent. They have never journeyed across the continent and they need guides to see that they make
it home. This debt is owed due to a family connection to honor your family, it must be seen through.

The stronghold of the villainous pirate, Toxic Jack, has been found! The riches of the region await inside. Assault the
stronghold and retrieve the stolen plunder! Sail out on the high seas past pirate town and breach the world fortress of
6
Toxic Jack. Inside, many riches are being stored, but have been illegally acquired. There is a bounty on Jack’s head, and
an opportunity to either seize the riches for yourself, or return them to the people of Praia.

The Gate Guardians are on strike and the region is threatened by monsters! Convince the guardians to return to their
position. Upset at the lack of respect and mistreatment they have received, the Gate Guardians have abandoned their
posts. Rumor has it, they have retreated into the nearby foothills. Monsters openly attacked the beach community and
7
spirits move through the rainforest and across the gate, leading to a horrible ghost plague in the area. You must journey
into the nearby mountains and convince the guardians to return, lest the region fall to the fury of the supernatural
forces that abound within.

The mythical mega fish has returned, and the great beast must be hunted on the high seas! Capture or kill the majestic
creature once and for all. The mega fish is a legendary aquatic animal that has plagued Grymm-Prai and pirates alike on
8 the high seas for many years. Find yourself a vessel, journey through the waters, and hunt the creature down. You may
try to contain the specimen, or make sure that it never plagues the region again by destroying it. The choice is yours as
you commandeer a vessel, and take to the waters in pursuit of the great fish.

Madame Mermaid is missing! Find Madame Mermaid and return her to the tavern in pirate Town. Local folk hero
and legend Madame Mermaid was seen at the docks one evening when a fog rolled in. When the fog left, she was
9 missing with only a clue as to what became of her. Tracks lead to the West, in the direction of the caves of intrigue. She
must be found and returned for the business to return to normal. There are signs of foul play, and a mysterious religious
organization that has taken an uncommon interest in the hero.

The Praia Ghost Plague is upon us once again! While attempting to exit the beach region, a ghost plague has come into
the area and prevented everyone from traveling out. The Great Gate has shut and turned to stone. The clouds hang low
in the sky and have turned dark. Phantasmal creatures prowl around every corner, and you must lay low for a time. No
10
one can say how long the Ghost Plague will last. Survive the duration of the Ghost Plague by making sure that you
have resources to survive and a safe place to stay. The spirits of the forest are strong and vengeful and don’t take likely to
those that come close.

137
chapter five: exploring prometerra
Adventuring in Praia
Praia is filled with steamy hot jungles, sunbaked home-
steads, and sea breeze blown voyages. When framing
your adventures in Praia, it is important to juxtapose the
tranquility of the sandy beach community, which is full
of laughter, high fives, and an upbeat sociality, against the
harsh natural toil of life defending the great gate. The sec-
ond aspect is the high seas adventures of pirates and priva-
teers sailing the great and spacious sea. The factions are not
typically at odds with each other in Praia, so if there is con-
flict between them, the disruption is intense! Consider that
Pier-town and the Pirate Isles work well for intrigue and
mysteries. Meanwhile the Great Gate and the surrounding
rainforest tend to work better for more dangerous combats
and military themed settings. Praia is a fairly fragile com-
munity beyond the gate, so large catastrophes don’t fit in
as well as smaller scale conflicts. Consider setting up your
sessions in Praia for lower-level player characters.
People to Meet
The Grymm-Prai are viewed by the outside Grymm as a
joyous folk who possess unique martial skills and have a
deep bond to both the world and each other. They admire
the vibrant community of artists and the commitment to
their ways. While that feeling might not be rampant across
all Prometerra, there are certainly sects that consider wor-
shipping the Sea Serpent reprehensible and foolish. Other
Grymm are curious to know more about the many blessings
offered by the god of the Grymm-Prai and seek to live and
study among them. The Grymm-Prai typically view oth-
er Grymm from beyond the Great Gate as uptight, over-
dressed, underfed, and overworked. They prioritize getting
to know each other, understand why they are here, and
how they can make life easier for each other. Grymm-Prai
usually do not seek conflict with any other region found on
the continent. They find their strength in having open arms
to outsiders and enforcing the importance of family. The
Grymm-Prai believe they all share a natural connection
between all members of Grymm society.
Praian society is a balance of those that live at the Great
Gate, upon The Bright Sands, and the among the Outer
Isles. The Praian way of life is one of celebrating the beauty
of life, while establishing community trust and fellowship.
There is a strong core belief in the extension of an invita-
tion giving consent to become family. Many Grymm-Prai
give each other the title of cousin. As you move away from
the beach and into the rain forest, the Grymm-Prai have a
playful nature. This is a coping technique to deal with the
threat of the imminent natural dangers of the forest, and
the potential of outsiders seeking to take advantage of the
Grymm-Prai who live on the beach. As we move out onto
the islands and set sail upon the seas, we find the fearless
and adventuring sailors who inspire young Grymm-Prai
and old, to imagine the world in its totality and beyond.
They value individual freedom and are the most receptive
to outside Grymm visiting the community.
138
Politics
The political balance of Praia is simple. The forest dwell-
ers are required to watch the Great Gate, and the sail-
ors are required to bring the Sea Seperent’s blessing
along with the bountiful food for the people. The central
Grymm-Prai beach dwellers are necessary for maintain-
ing a safe and peaceful community, where Grymm-Prai
can learn, grow, and prepare for everyday life. There is a
community gathering of representatives that discusses
the various needs, ensuring each group has the resourc-
es needed. The forest-dwelling Great Gate Guardians
often need relief from their watch, or entertainment to
reduce stress. The sea sailing Islers need better resources
from the shore as their vessels and island outposts do not
self-replenish. Grymm-Prai on the Bright Sand beach-
es need to secure opportunities for their people to learn
the ways of the outside, ensuring they have enough re-
sources to care for the larger community. If the sailors
stop sailing, then the population would need to take to
the great eastern ocean themselves and begin to fish. An
easy enough task, but perilous, and prone to sinister pi-
racy. If the Great Gate Guardians forsake the gate, then
all the fell-creatures from beyond, and the natural pred-
ators of the forest, would make their way onto the beach.
This would require the Grymm-Prai to defend themselves
without the aid of their appointed protectors.
Factions & Organizations
The following factions are the major players within Praia,
influencing its politics, cultural practices, and relationships.
Great Gate Guardians
Leadership: The Commander, The Colonel,
The Three Captains
Membership: Medium (423 Members): humanoids;
fighters, monks, sorcerers
Alignment: Lawful Good
Motto: “Our watch never ends”
Resources: Manpower, information gathering,
military training
Creed: The Great Gate Guardians are conscripted from
the Bright Sand population and pledged to protect their
community from any threats. They begin training at a
young age and start by venturing through the surrounding
rainforest trails with a guide. Overtime, the guide delves
deeper and deeper into the rainforest. At the end of four
years, recruits journey to a nest of wonder-wasps and bat-
tle beetles. The recruit must defend themselves and claim
the wasp’s stinger and the beetle’s shell. If the recruit is
defeated, the guide will step in and protect them. They tell
them to return to the beach and teach others what they
have learned, until they are confident that the group will be
able to defeat the wasps and beetles. After the recruit re-
turns with reinforcements, the group of them can attempt
to pass the test. The guide asks the recruit to put on the
beetle shell and wield the massive stinger of the slain wasp.
Then, they fill a flask with pure water and bring it back to

the beach and wash with it. From that point on, they are to
report to the Great Gate for any assignments that relate to
the protection of Praia.
While not a formal military force and restricted to the lo-
cal region of their oceanic home, the Great Gate Guardians
are diligent in their watch. They reverently guard the Great
Gate that their serpent deity placed at the request of their
ancient ancestors.
The general attitude of the Great Gate Guardians is typ-
ically described as playful, casual, and mostly non-serious.
The reality is they are much closer to a skilled and disci-
plined demeanor. This is attributed to the fact that they are
completely acclimated and comfortable in their position
as watchers of the region. Some have expressed that they
feel these sentinel protectors are lazy, but the truth is they
rely on uncommon movements and manners to catch any
predators off guard. This nonconformity has led the ene-
mies of the gate watchers to have a difficult time adapting
and preparing for their approach.
Bright-Sanders
Leadership: The Storykeeper, The Choir Leader,
The Compassion Committee  Creed: The Islers are the skilled explorers, handy-folk,
Membership: Gargantuan (50,000+ members); fey,
humanoids; druids, rangers, rogues
Alignment: Lawful Good
Motto: “We make the world better”
Resources: Art (performance and writing), cultural
influence
Creed: The Bright-Sanders of central Praia are at the
heart of the community. They are the artists, storytellers,
dancers, and philanthropists of charity and compassion
to all that live in the region. Their goal is to make pro-
vide everyone in the community with love, support, and
relief from the hardships of the world. The Compassion
Committee can often come off as nosy, overbearing, and an
invasion of privacy to outsiders, but the intent comes from
the best place. The exception being, if an outsider has infil-
trated the Grymm-Prai and is using this as an opportunity
to collect secrets and information for their own devious
purposes.  The Prometerra Pirate Captains view themselves as su-
The Bright-Sanders tend to either spend their time
propagating new art in the vibrant and bustling area of
Pier-town or basking in the great art of the Glass Castle.
Many trek to the Coastal Cove to seek deeper philosophi-
cal and religious meaning in their lives.  continent. It is not uncommon for them to sneak into
Grymm-Prai tend to respect their Storytellers, who
achieve that status having been asked to deliver a story
at the Glass Castle to all the community. In the end,
if people are still seated, the community names you a
Storyteller. If not, well, you have been found boring
and risk being forever relegated to a cultural position
of mediocrity. The Grymm-Prai also have several Choir
Leaders who train the Bright-Sanders to sing together.
This is one of the preferred ways they cultivate communal
harmony, with an emphasis on singing. All who sing are
singers, and those who teach others to sing are leaders.
139
chapter five: exploring prometerra
The Compassion Committee rotates monthly and is re-
sponsible for the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritu-
al wellness of the community. With some, they schedule
appointments, with others they casually stop by. If they
find a member of the community lacking, they seek to
fulfill that need. Sometimes the fulfillment is not what
the participant expects. “You need more labor in your life.
You need to learn a new skill. You need to spend a month
in the rainforest to gain a deeper appreciation for what
you have.” The processes can be intense, but they always
try to orchestrate it so the individual can safely engage in
their recommendation. 
Islers
Leadership: The Commodore Tortoisaur,
Prometerra Pirate Captains, The Upkeepers 
Membership: Large (899 members): humanoids;
barbarians, fighters, rogues
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Motto: “Sail for gold! Sail for glory! Sail for Song!”
Resources: Criminality (Piracy), Seafaring Vessels,
Treasure
and daring sailors of Praia. They spend most of their time
searching the great eastern ocean for food, treasure, and
newsworthy information. They consider themselves the
freest individuals in the whole world, and feel their nau-
tical skills give them an advantage in all aspects of life.
Islers tend to fall under the command of the Commodore
Tortoisaur; a position appointed every ten years to the
senior-most sea captain in honor of their ancestors. They
meet annually to organize and resolve any concerns about
the sea voyage and fishing they intend to perform. They
add to their annual map all the new islands and potential
dangers of the sea. They report what outposts need upkeep
and call upon a group known as the Upkeepers to repairs
on the outposts, to ensure the havens remain in habitable
condition. The lifecycle of the Islers is typically all well and
good, but there is another group of Islers that upset this
harmony, the Prometerra Pirate Captains.
perior to all who live in Praia. They know that through
force, subterfuge, deceit, and theft, a life of piracy can
be very profitable. The profits are split between the crew
where they can funnel the riches into other parts of the
town, don costumes they stashed in the Coastal Cove, dis-
guise themselves, pillage the town, and hastily make their
getaway. The Great Gate Guardians are astute to look for
these scallywags and seadogs, but they can be quite crafty
in their ways. 
The Great Sea Serpent is said to favor the daring Islers,
but also to curse those who commit heinous acts of piracy.
The sailors under Commodore Tortoisaur must monitor
their stress levels to avoid the temptation of turning to the
life of pillaging and plundering, but the danger is always
there.
chapter five: exploring prometerra
Places to See
Environment
Praia is a gorgeous coastal region that runs down the
eastern beaches of Prometerra. There is also a small col-
lection of several islands located on the high seas within
this region. The seas themselves are treacherous, requiring
great skills to sail and navigate. The beaches are brilliant,
clean, and where communities are built and gather, while
the western rainforest is dense, humid, and a treacherous
slog. The temperature is pleasant on the beach, with a
short rainy season, while the rainforest has intense daily
downpours of warm rain. The steam from the evaporating
rain obfuscates vision in the forest, while the bright skies
make everything on the beach appear in beautiful clarity.
To first enter Praia, most Grymm encounter the Great
Gate just east of the southern tip of the Witchwood. From
there, they enter the Praian Rainforest, which is a series
of rain-soaked, narrow, and obfuscated trails through the
densest slog on the continent. The rainforest breaks into
a small clearing known as Stone Snake Lookout, where a
magnificent statue stands facing the sea. This lookout rolls
right into the Bright Sands of central Praia. These are a
series of beautiful beach communities. If you head north
along the high ridge road, you will end up in Pier-Town,
which is a port community. Pier-town has a dock which
allows people to sail out into the Outer Isles upon the
great eastern ocean. The isles can access any of the beaches
in Praia. If from the rainforest, you continue down the hills
from the Lookout, you’ll come across the heart of central
Praia where the majority of the Grymm-Prai live. Under
the presence of the Glass Castle, the largest collection of
Grymm-Prai reside. From there, you can walk south down
the shoreline about a day’s trip to the Coastal Cove. The
Coastal Cove can also be entered from the sea, by way of
the Outer Isles, making it an occasional spot for smug-
gling. If you head west from the Coastal cove and go back
inland, you will find yourself entering the Tadfen Bog. 
Landmarks
The following landmarks are some examples of the fantas-
tical places that can be found in Praia.
The Coastal Cove
“At the edge of the coastal region sits a tranquil and sheltered
bay that casts a wondrous glow across the shoreline. From
this place, beautiful and gentle melodies echo throughout the
southern tip of Praia. There sits a supermassive pearl, a titanic
god-like jewel upon a gentle seabed. The calm churning of the
tide meets the sound of crumbling rock. A cool frost escapes the
front of a nearby cave, refreshing your lungs and your spirits.”   The Great Gate
The Coastal Cove and its spiraling cave system are a site
of reverence, majesty, and reflection. The largest pearl in
all the planes sits here. Many see the entire cove as a sort
of non-denominational holy place. Stories say that the
pearl was a sacred gift from the Great Sea Serpent. The
140
locals credit the massive jewel to the god. The cave systems
spiral in tight and jagged loops. They contain rare Breath
Stones and other fantastic materials, but also contain many
threats and hazards. The caves offer shelter from any ill
weather or exposure. The rainbow song-fish of the cove
are plentiful and would be an adequate source of food, but
local customs forbid the eating of rainbow song-fish. The
Grymm-Prai say that their peaceful songs are responsible
for the tranquility of the region, and the Sea Serpent asks
that the harmonies continues without interruption.
The Outer Isles
“Green and grey dots lie scattered upon the sea, covered in
small cabins and stone watchtowers erected upon them.
Tied to a pier are several vessels, and the silhouette of
an unused Turtleship bounces lightly with the waves.
An Outer Isle is where many sailors make port and take
rest during the long voyages at sea. Within these harbors
they keep both their cargo and themselves safe.”
The Outer lsles are where the Islers, both sailor and pirate,
make small havens to escape the perils of the ocean. These
ramshackle, sparse, and unruly outposts are never in good
shape and they often are indefensible against threats. The
philosophy held by many on the seas is that if one aban-
dons an outpost as opposed to claiming it, they have not
made a home, but rather an outpost for pirates. It is not
uncommon for Islers to borrow each other’s supplies and
drop them off at a nearby Outer Isle. Often the inhabitants
you encounter at each isle are not the same with every visit.
The only way to know who has docked at an isle is to check
the vessel and their colors. Unfortunately, there is always a
chance they have stolen the sailing ship and are passing as
the previous owners instead.
The Citadel of Glass
“A palace of glass reaching the sky glows from within,
filling all of the beaches with the most wondrous music.
The Grymm-Prai gather in special dress and waltz in
reverence as they approach the magnificent structure.”
The Glass Castle is an artistic nexus of wonder, beauty, and
romance. The monument to peace and love stands just over
six stories tall and is brimming with light and life. When
the seasonal concerts are in session, they foster a sensation
of deep unity to all that hear them, though the caretakers
seem to exclude those that are not permanent residents of
the Bright Sands. This location is often a favorite locale of
honeymooners and romantic partners. Soft-eyed Grymm
take advantage of the enchanted flying carpet dinner
rooms for quiet and intimate evenings alone.
“Amidst the foggy mists of the overbearing rainforest, a
towering wall of jade and bronze stands resolute, its gate
a magnificent sight to behold. It marks the path to central
Praia if you head deeper into the forest or sends you out to
the world beyond.”

The Great Gate stands as the ultimate defense the Grymm-
Prai have to protect their way of life. There is a strong mili-
taristic feel, but the armed guards seem to blend in with the
surrounding foliage and fauna. Garbed in heavy chitin plate
and wielding weapons acquired from slain swarms of beasts,
these guards form an imposing figure. They would prefer to
remain invisible, but you can hear the noises they make out
of intense boredom during their watch. The gate itself is a
wonder of the world, forged and placed into being by a deity.
The towering gate, which stands three stories high, has stood
strong and protected all those who live behind it. Combined
with the diligent efforts of the Great Gate Guards, the
Grymm-Prai have enjoyed a long period of peace.
Pier-town
“Sun-soaked streets of grey-brick are surrounded by
sandstone structures of all sorts, each inviting every passerby
to join the celebration of life at the town-center. You can find
many of the circular family homes are clay that is shaped to
resemble spaciously spread shells. All who enter are considered
family, all who leave are remembered as kin.”
The streets of Pier-town are bursting with life. The com-
munity is in a constant flow of frenetic movement and
seasonal festivals. Pier-town is where the Bright Sands of
central Praia meet the great eastern ocean, and the sea sail-
ing Islers mingle with the beach dwelling Bright Sanders.
Off duty Great Gate Guards from the surrounding rain-
forest relieve stress at the local watering holes. People
fill the streets with dance, sport, and spectacle. While it
might look like a bewildering display to outsiders, this is
where the Grymm-Prai are seizing life and sharpening
their abilities. The pier leading out to the sea is where the
Islers port, and where believers of the Sea Serpent give
their worship offerings as part of the tenants of their faith.
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
Tadfen Bog
The Troubled Bubbling
Warespliching through the Tadfen Bog
Four merry jected Travelers trod
Modest and dynent was their way
Beneath them swam the knotherd whales
Whispering quiet gutexter tales
As the riptiers flowed from night to day
- A Tadfen Tale, famous local poem
POPULATION: 522,131 Grymm
GOVERNMENT: Confederation
LEADERSHIP: Elected City State Leaders
RESOURCES: Agriculture (Tropical Fruit),
Natural Resources (Coral, Fishing, Lumber)
ALIGNMENT: Lawful Good
FAVORED CLASSES: Fighters, Rogues, Sorcerers
The Ways of Tadfen
Slow-moving, brackish, and full of the creeping things of
this world, the Tadfen Bog has a mind all its own. Many
of the great and ancient trees have reached sentience, ma-
turing into the Folhan-people. The largest communities
of tree people are found here in the deep dark swamps.
Likewise, many animal-kin, called Feran, belong to the
larger bayou community. Folhan and Feran possess intrin-
sic characteristics that aid in their survival within the un-
tamed swamps of Tadfen. Apart from the inherent danger,
many of the great medicinal magics of the world are found
here. Grymm come from all over to learn their lineage
and history. Meanwhile, lovers chase down the fleeting
chapter five: exploring prometerra
romantic moments of a thousand wishing stars raining
from the sky at night. ricated out of serpent skins, animal hides, beast bones, and
Tadfen-Grymm usually emphasize lineage, ancestry,
and tradition while continually adding to their own. It is
the goal for every member of society to both impact, yet
sustain, their way of life. The balance of preserving tradi-
tion while creating powerful impacts is almost paradoxical,
but it has led to innovation amongst the culture as they try
to build a better world.
Technology
Tadfen-Grymm build home structures that start above
the surface, but then are fully capable of surviving sub-
mersed, so the water below the abode can be observed.
They are masters of repurposing, recycling, and apply-
ing their precise artisan tools to reshape and repurpose
discarded goods, materials, and objects found within the
bog. The Tadfen Bog is full of clever and resourceful bay-
ou dwellers. They are clever because to have survived this
long in the haunted, ghost-filled, and dangerous swamps
of the southeast. Through their resourcefulness, they can
fabricate every tool, article, and item they need, out of
the abundant resources found within the dank and deep
flowing waters of their hallowed marshlands.
Magic
The Tadfen-Grymm tend to use magic as a way of explain-
ing things that are difficult to understand. Magic is used
to define the aspects of life and death, how old the world
is, where names origins come from, and how the Naming
Tree came to grow so large. Magic here is used to pro-
tect communities, communicate with outsiders, cultivate
beasts, and accomplish hard tasks.
Cosmology
The folk of the bayou honor two things, their ancestors
and the great naming tree that tracks their lineage and sto-
ries throughout the years. These two components of their
society comprise a sort of religious philosophy, but also
provide the source for the divine power that flows through
the region.
Ecology
The bayou of Tadfen Bog is extremely dangerous. It is very
easy to get lost in the twisting and winding water passage-
ways throughout the swamp. Additionally, the creatures
within the bog are some of the deadliest in Prometerra; they
intend to kill and consume.  Like any respectable swamp,
Tadfen Bog is overflowing with insects. Those who are unac-
customed to the fretful buzzing, biting, and crawling have a
difficult time traveling through the muddy waters of Tadfen.
Most Grymm who live in the Tadfen Bog region of
Prometerra, reside in small family communities that adopt
and incorporate a variety of members beyond their direct
lineage. Tadfen-Grymm select those with whom they
choose to maintain a close sociality with and those they
enjoy working and spending time with.  farming, and controlling the flow of any traffic through
142
The clothing worn by these swamp dwellers is often fab-
native vegetation. Occasionally, the Tadfen-Grymm re-
purpose the garments or possessions of those whose lives
were claimed by the brackish waters of the swamp, largely
to prevent an abundance of pollution from forming within
their lands.
The attitude and disposition the Tadfen-Grymm have
towards outsiders could be described as playful, but also
generally untrusting. Most outsiders who come to Tadfen
Bog seek to claim vital resources, something the Tadfen-
Grymm work extremely hard to curate and monitor.
It is not uncommon for those in the more populated
areas to ridicule the simplicity of the Tadfen-Grymm, but
there is also a deep respect for the openness and general
cordiality they have with one another.
Adventuring in Tadfen Bog
Bayou-bound adventures are spent between two worlds,
the dark and cold waters that run through the region and
the soft but challenging flora biome above ground. The ad-
ventures that take place in the Tadfen Bog deal with the
balance of community comfort when facing the threat of
dangerous natural predators, difficult to understand reli-
gious practices, and haunting outsiders that lurk about the
fringe. There is a romantic quality and hopefulness found
in the wishing stars that fall here, combined an ingenui-
ty that is unique and bespoke to the area. The bog is still
filled with peril and danger, there are many unknowns that
abound. Tadfen factions are not cordial with each other, so
there remains a higher level of tension. The Tadfen Bog is
for adventurers to master the lower and mid-tiers of play.
Learning how to survive the wilderness, engage with the
unknown, and demonstrate ingenuity among the mun-
dane, make up the learnings of the swamp. 
People to Meet
The people of Tadfen Bog, known as the Tadfen-Grymm,
are extremely set in their ways. This is not to be confused
with stubbornness, they simply feel they have found the
secret to a long and happy life among the great dangers
of the world. While they are appreciative of innovations
from the outside world, they are keen to uphold their
long-standing traditions. This is a way of life they have cel-
ebrated over many centuries. To the Tadfen-Grymm, life
is a river to follow that takes you in one direction. There is
a saying among them that all water has a variety of depths
that are worth exploring. 
Politics
Tadfen-Grymm form small community groups known as
pools. These are strong, self-selected alliances that tend to
consist of four to fifty individuals. They lay claim to vari-
ous turf in the bayou and look out for each other. The turf
is used for establishing a home, hunting grounds, aquatic
 chapter five: exploring prometerra

ADVENTURING IN TADFEN BOG

D10 DESCRIPTION
Carnivorous predators pursue the party of adventures across the Tadfen Bog! You must escape the perilous swamp or
slay the beast. A group of sharp-toothed and violent creatures has picked up on your presence in the swamp. They have
1
decided you will make a very tasty meal. They are setting a trap to lure you into dire straits. Using your own cunning and
wits, you must survive against the pursuit of your would-be captors or make a stand and fight from a defensible position.

The Otter-john elections need a resolution and you have been called upon to assist! Determine which candidate should
be supported and endorsed during the union vote. Two candidates are up for the office of the union commissioner. The
2 elected official will determine the fate of the swamp’s cleanliness. There are many character witnesses inside the bayou
that can reveal the motives of each candidate. Gather evidence and present your case to the Otter-john union and make a
recommendation as to who should lead the group.

Something deep within the ancient peat of Tadfen Bog stirs. From the murky depths of the swamp emerge zombified
Grymm from an era long forgotten, mummified from centuries and sealed away beneath the water. The troupe of
3 peculiar undead harm none who do not stand in their way, instead seeking out a patch of solid ground to begin preparing
a grand stage play. The citizens of the Tadfen Bog received mysterious invitations to the event, called the “Torpid Tale of
Under Some”, which is set to premier in two weeks’ time.

A wishing star has fallen from the heavens and has landed in a nearby region. Retrieve the wishing star from the point
where it fell. The heavens have opened, and grace has fallen from the sky. This grace will have a clear mandate and
4 instruct the party to climb the Naming Tree. They will be given a clear view of the lineage of a celestial visitor. The
naming tree will reveal the name of a new god ready to manifest in the continent and the party will be the first to learn
their name and intent.

Fires rage throughout the swamp! A conflict between an investigating witch warden bounty hunter and a Ghost Apple
warlock escalated to dangerous spell usage. Flammable gas has ignited as misplaced spells have set the swamp ablaze.
5 Rescue the bayou dwellers and wildlife and get them out of the dangerous inferno! Quench the flames of the region to
prevent the spread of devastation throughout the swamp. Tough decisions must be made regarding what can be salvaged,
what risks must be undertaken, as the fate of the swamp hangs in the balance.

A Ghost Apple elder lies dying. She is responsible for maintaining the peace between the river folk and the outsiders.
It is said that the Otter-john’s have a remedy that could treat the ailment, but they are not willing to share their
medicine with anyone from the outside. The party must infiltrate the Otter-john headquarters and find the tincture and
6
return to the Ghost Apple Tribe and administer the medicine. The river folk do not take kindly to thieves, so discretion
is the name of the game as the supplies must be boosted from the Otter-john stronghold and snuck into the swamp to
aid the elder.

The Ghost Apple Tribe has surrounded the Naming Tree and are intent on burning it to the ground. The keepers of the
tree are having a difficult time mustering a defense. The party must choose whether to join the Ghost Apple invasion or
7 stand in defense of the sacred site. The fighting will be fierce on both sides and the root cause seems to stem from a curse
that has seeped into the roots of all the local wildlife. The Ghost Apple Tribe members believe the curse must be purged.
Meanwhile, the keepers of the tree are diligent about protecting their charge.

A group of Otter-john’s has gone missing. They were journeying to the wishing spot and all signs of them have vanished.
Return the Otter-johns to safety. The bayou is treacherous and there are signs of foul play and misdeeds afoot. Track
8
down the Otter-johns, find evidence of what happened to them, and discover their whereabouts. There were eyewitnesses
in the small river steading of a retired swamp knight, and clues may point how to get the river cleaners back.
The stormy season has hit and you are far from any settlement in the heart of the swamp. You are going to need to find
shelter, food, water, and fight for survival during the hell that has been let loose for this season. You are not alone in the
9
storm. Something in the swamp has awakened. It is hunting you down. Make it through the storm season and live to tell
the tale.

A legendary blade has been rumored to be buried in the swamp. Find the sword and learn its secrets. Legend tells of a
Rose-Knight hero who was banished from the desert and cast her legendary sword into the swamp. The sword is said to
10 be the key to restoring the dreams of the goddess that sleeps above the sandsThe bayou is full of many perils and you are
not the only one who has heard of the miraculous blade. Agents of the Moonlich have headed into the swamp and seek
its power. It is a race to find the treasure while avoiding the inherent danger of the region.

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chapter five: exploring prometerra
the area. The pool is responsible for housing, feeding, and
caring for each other. They sometimes conflict and dis-
pute territory, which is always a difficult negotiation. The
Tadfen-Grymm are not violent people, but they are highly
efficient killers within the swamps of the bog because it is
a necessity for survival. They tend to have a hierarchy that
is based on age. This comes from a long tradition that as
pools raise and teach their own, young folk often look up
to their elders who taught them.
Factions & Organizations
The following factions are the major players within
Tadfen Bog, influencing its politics, cultural practices, and
relationships.
Eyes Upon The Shore
Leadership: The Tall One, No Teeth, Soul-Bearer.
Membership: Huge (Unknown Number of Members):
aberrations, humanoids; (druids, warlocks)
Alignment: Neutral
Motto: “To each their own and live alone”
Resources: Knowledge (local, nature), Secrecy
Creed: While racing down the river roads, one often finds
themselves ensnared by unseen elements among the drift.
The Tadfen Bog is filled with treacherous traps and many
are set by the Eyes Upon the Shore. This faction resides
deep in the interior of the swamp lands. Rumors tell of the
Ghost Apple houses and the ritual dances illuminated by
the captured souls, held in the cast iron lanterns they build
out of salvaged parts. The Eyes Upon the Shore do not
associate with the other Grymm in the Tadfen Bog, they
see no benefit in a shared sociality with the outside world.
Rather, they remain steadfast upon the shadow-filled
shores that line the ramshackle river systems of the swamp. 
The goals of this group is to survive in solitude, though
they act in a predatory fashion. Legend tells that this group
once belonged to the fabled halls of the Baton Bayou, but
those are just stories. Others say that they were allied with
the fell in the Last War. As punishment, they were forced
into the deep swamp. It is known is that they shun histo-
ry in complete antithesis of the core beliefs of the other
swamp dwellers. 
The Eyes Upon the Shore keep their total number mys-
terious and obscure. They have outlawed counting and
arithmetic and adhere to the mantra, “use what you need,
when you need it, and if you don’t have it, go to the river
and catch it.” This has led them to prey upon all those that
would travel the river systems found deep within the fauna
filled bog.  Motto: “Dirty job? clean conscience!”
There are several members of note that have been report-
ed by Grymm who live in the swamp. First there is the Tall
One. The Tall One attempts to lure people towards their
favorite trapping spot by letting loose the most pure and
wholesome whistle in all the world. They say the whistle
itself was stolen from a mythic bard that once sang to the
gods in the heavens above, but now it resides in the rot-
filled lungs of a river bandit. The Tall One stands higher
144
than all the other members of the faction. The Tall One
always lets the others know when they near, by sounding
the pure whistle to break the silence of the empty places
in the swamp. 
No Teeth got his name because it is rumored that he lost
all his teeth. The truth is, his teeth are kept at the end of an
animated chain., he lets loose upon unsuspecting victims
in the bayou. The chattering mandibles bite and gnash all
on their own. The stories claim he stole fruit from a Witch
Warden up north and was cursed for his thievery. No Teeth
is responsible for ensuring all members of the Eyes Upon
the Shore have enough food to eat, and he often does that
by making sure they are out ensnaring would-be rafters by
the shoreline. 
The Soul-Bearer journeys through the bayou, placing
wards and barriers around the land her faction claims as
their own. She keeps the soul of a cloud giant in a massive
cold-iron cage at the end of a long-crooked staff. The light
of the soul leads the way through the swamp. Her purpose
is to secure the lands and keep the homes of her people
secret from outsiders. She leaves absolutely no tracks, and
it is rumored that she has a special love and allegiance with
the entity known as Death, though it is said she is the only
thing Death itself fears.
Otter-Johns
Leadership: The Salvagers, The Refactors, Ferry Folk
Membership: Gargantuan (10,000+ members): fey,
humanoids; bards, druids, rangers
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Resources: River fairing vessels, Philosophy
Creed: Out of the Baton Bayou, comes the hearty river
riding, swamp swimming, wreckage clearing, Otter-john
Brigade. The purpose of the brigade is three-fold. First,
they are to keep the Tadfen Bog tidy. The perilous water-
ways often lay waste to those traveling through them. The
Tadfen-Grymm rely on their stalwart Otter-johns to jour-
ney to and fro, clearing out the debris and bringing it back

to safe harbors. The second duty of the Otter-john Brigade
is to recycle the recovered remains. They transform these
found fragments into tools, shelter, and even weapons for
hunting. Often the Otter-johns uncover objects of mys-
terious origin and power. These objects are offer to their
leadership, elected Otter Officials that understand the old
ways and the arcane. Their third purpose is to serve as riv-
er-rafting guides and ferry operators. They know their way
around the swamp, and what dangers lay in the shadows
beyond the shoreline. Each ferry is individually unique and
custom-crafted by the salvage otters. They can take travel-
ers as far south as Brilhago, to the borders of Desaly, or up
north to the Witchwood, but they are most likely to take
folks to the various landmarks found inside the swamp.
There is one exception, the Otter-johns will not go to the
Getin place. The reason for this self-imposed travel restric-
tion is they do not agree with the practice of absconding
wishing stars that fall to the ground below. They believe
the stars are meant to stay in the heavens and those that
find their way down here ought to be treated as if they
remain in the sky above.
Otter-john philosophy is the topic of much discussion
in the circles that surround the Tadfen Bog. The academ-
ic articles of the Otter-johns undergo many revisions and
these often occur through spoken discourse. While no
Otter-john has received widespread attention, their in-
sight into the realities of the world have been noticed by
the wise.
Otter-johns often wear wide brimmed, circular hats,
and water-repellent homemade bib overalls. This cloth-
ing is crafted within their homes and the coloring of each
item denotes the family and lineage of the Otter-john that
wears them.  easily, the river is wide and spacious, with relatively
While the inventiveness of the Otter-johns might not
match the technical precision of the Great Guild Halls
of Cachoeira, the efficacy of their creations impresses all
that witness their function. Their underwater workshops
are powered through mysterious electrical currents that
they have harnessed and mastered. The secret of the circuit
is something they have not shared with any beyond the
bayous deepest depths.
Orderly
Leadership: Academic Council (17 members)
Membership: Medium (99 members): dragons, fey,
humanoids; bards, druids, wizards
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Motto: “We know everything ‘cept the things we don’t know yet”
Resources: Books, knowledge (obscure trivia),
Creed: The Orderlies ponder not only the great mysteries
of the world, but rather all that has been found. They pre-
serve the history of this world, track the names of all things
that come into being with an obsessive attention to detail.
Orderlies often leave their families, journey to the Naming
Tree, and learn the word that can only be whispered. Once
they learn the meaning of this whispered word, they dedi-
cated their life to the explanation of all that has come into
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
being. They make their own clothing, follow a daily rou-
tine, and take their time to do absolutely everything with
an emphatic and rigorous discipline.
The Orderlies also have a position of power. Because
they are so knowledgeable, they often learn That Which
Should Not be Repeated. Thus, they must discern what
can be shared and what must be put away. If there is em-
barrassment, shame, dishonor, or scandal, then the order-
lies have either an oral or written record of it.
Orderlies typically take one of three roles. Most speak
knowledge that has been heard in the world. If the knowl-
edge becomes obsolete, they tend to say, “We don’t discuss
that any more” or “I do not recall.” That which is known,
they preamble with a “I say, I say” or “Round these parts,
here’s how that story goes down…” They move around the
bayou and teach the young and old Grymm alike, at least
if the are Grymm willing to listen. The Namers stay at the
Naming Tree and never leave. Their job is to receive all the
records and through their rituals, transfer the knowledge
into the Naming Tree. A Tender must tend to the things
that need to be taken care of. They make sure the fish can
spawn, the rivers that need cleaned are reported to the
Otter-johns, and by ensuring that their way is preserved.
Traveling Through the Tadfen Bog
T he easiest way to traverse the bog is by hiring an
Otter-john ferry in the Batons, using those skilled
navigators to get around. The challenge with this is
initially getting to the Batons. The northern trail is less
a trail and more a faint unmarked path, narrow and
tangled. From the west, you can take to the waterways
flat water that feeds straight to the Batons. Traversing
from the east requires fighting the currents and pushing
through the river-system coming from the legendary
Naming Tree. From the south, you would need to take
the marshland trails up into the higher ground and
avoid the dangerous Eyes Upon the Shore faction that
stalks the lands.
Places to See
Environment
The Tadfen Bog is a swampy bayou of a thousand tangled
waterways. The temperature is humid and muggy, with lit-
tle breeze. The area is prone to torrential downpours and
sudden floods that cause the water to rise to drastically el-
evated levels. The tree branches droop and sway across the
water currents and grassy pathways. An exorbitant amount
of vegetation grows upon every living surface. Navigating
the many waterways takes skill, patience, and practice. 
Landmarks
The following landmarks are some examples of the fantas-
tical places that can be found in Tadfen Bog.
chapter five: exploring prometerra
The Naming Tree
“The impressive plants grow more greenly here, and the water
flows upon carefully groomed grass. Your eyes reach upwards,
all life feeds into the colossal trunk of a green-barked and lively
tree unlike any you have ever seen. It is as if the world itself
had extended its leaf-covered arms and stretched them towards
the sky above. People gather at the foot of the tree and speak to
solemn individuals who direct them where to begin their climb,
that they might seek out their lineage and learn the true names
of their people.”
The Naming Tree holds the records of every family line
that has been born into this world. It is the largest tree in
Promterra: a gigantic willow whose snake-like branches ex-
tend nearly a quarter of a mile in all directions. As one of
the most significant cultural sites in all of Tadfen Bog, The
Naming Tree is visited frequently by Grymm on a pilgrim-
age of self-discovery and tradition. Here parents come to
find the perfect name for their children, avengers seek the
names of those who have wronged them, and others pour
over their lineage in search of hidden truths.
River-switch Rapids
The water rushes quickly and tumultuously bending to and
fro. Dangerous waters invite you to journey in and raft or
sail your way to anywhere within the bog proper. Beware
the tangles of the rapids and be careful not to overestimate
your chances, for the river system is treacherous and many
a Grymm has met their end beneath the brackish streams.
Wide narrow dips and dives of rushing water currents
race through the bulk of the bog. Grabbing Vines swoop
and dip all over the waterways. Shallow rocks hide just
beneath the surface of the water without breaking it but
damage many vessels that float past.
The River-switch Rapids course through the Tadfen Bogs
like chaotic veins in a sleeping beast. They allow Tadfen-
Grymm to quickly get around and are essential for resup-
plying every part of the bayou with fresh food, clean water,
and recovered resources from around the Bog.  However,
many Grymm are fond of saying “’aint no need to get any-
where quickly, for it will probably still be there when you
arrive and if it ’ain’t then you would’ve surely succumbed
to the same dreadful fate.” as a cautionary euphemism. The
brave few that do in fact explore the system, are the stal-
wart Otter-johns who keep the system clean and guide
travelers through it. The shores are often populated by the
ominous presence of the The Eyes Upon the Shore, who
survive off the things they retrieve from the river. This in-
cludes adventurers. 
The water in the River-switch Rapids is murky and vi-
olent. The rocks that breach the surface of the water are
sharp and savage. The system is fiercer on the eastern end
than the other areas, and the local legends say that is due
to arcane forces manipulating the water. The Tadfen Bog’s
river system has many fishing holes, swimming spots, and
connects to every key settlement here in the bayou.  is both perilous and paradisaical. The beautiful evening sky
146
The Baton Bayous
The song of the swamp rings out loudest in these parts.
Beautiful organic shaped homes dot the shore, dim lights
hanging low. The homes reach high like trees, but the most
miraculous portions are found under the water, while the
rest of the house stays afloat. Clusters of communities fill the
area, each with their own code, integrated family lines, and
philosophies, living together here in the swamp.
Mysteriously powered interconnected lantern systems
light the swamp. The Song of the Swamp rings most
powerfully here. This is a place of two worlds, life above
the water and life below it. Dwelling are carefully crafted
out of every material found here in the swamp. The inhab-
itants expertly conform the materials into secure and solid
dwellings.
The Batons are the largest and longest lasting settle-
ment here in the Bog. There are a large number of fami-
lies that live here, each with their own constructed homes,
built their way. To make life as practical as possible each
family designs and builds their home to fit their unique
needs. The families tend to get along, but there are occa-
sionally small disagreements between them. The Under-
folk that live beneath the waterline, are secretive and tend
to alert the surface of the things they learn through the
whispers of the water. The water speaks a language and
the Under-folk understand it. The Batons are a hub of
hospitality, there is always someone here that knows how
to find their way around the bog. Need to learn what
your Name means? They can direct you to the Naming
Tree. Looking to elope with your lover? They know how
to head to the Getin Place. The Otter-Johns are centrally
located here.
The leadership of the Batons is a council of the five larg-
est families and a mediator selected from the group. The
community decides as a group, making concessions, and
compromising, to do whatever is necessary to sustain and
preserve their way of life.
The Getin Place
A pair of silhouettes watch the low-hanging and
azure-colored midnight moon. The two bodies stand
unaware of any earth-dwelling presence around them.
They tilt their heads and begin to focus on an uncountable
number of stars in the sky above. Just then, a pillar of
brilliant light falls and illuminates a spot in the field afar.
The would-be lovers run hand in hand, chasing their hopes
and dreams as they fall from the sky in a fierce but fleeting
burning passion.
Each night, a clear and unclouded starlit sky fills the ex-
panse of the heavens above. Star-like objects fall to the
earth below, infused with divine energies that alter the fate
of those that touch them. Not a single structure stands in
this area. It is held sacred and special by the locals, for it
represents their hopes, dreams, and wishes. The Getin Place

can fill the heart with euphoria, wonderment, and fantasy
for tender moments and long-lasting friendship. The dan-
gers posed by those that have fallen to the fates of wishes
gone wrong, is an ever-present peril. For while the star-
like spheres that fill the sky are imbued with divine magic
and powerful blessings, there are fate-fallen boney crea-
tures that sneak about the high grass of the Getin Place
looking to take lives and bring sorrow to all. These folks,
the Star-crossed, only act out at night. Despite the danger,
fancy-free hearts adore and hold this place special among
all the spots in the Tadfen Bog. In the daytime, it is but a
mere field, often rain-covered or scorching in the sun, but
each night, no cloud may touch the sky and it fills with
wonder.  able. The Grymmitch have done a good job of passing their
Witchwood
The Wicked Woad
The creaking of ancient trees, the hooting of hidden owls, and
cackling of distant mischief makers are telltale signs one has
just entered the Witchwood; Promterra’s realm of supreme
strangeness and peculiarity. Here one can converse with
cats, swaps stories with hags, argue with one’s own shadow,
or make friends with a pumpkin patch. These curios and
a thousand more are commonplace in the chaos that is the
witchwood. Between blackened boughs in eternal autumn one
can find candied houses home to nefarious witches, ancient
wells full of mystical water, or a creature you have never met
which understands you perfectly. For those in search of the
different and strange, one will not only find this in spades
within the shadowy Witchwood, one will find something
even more wondrous. True and all-encompassing acceptance
for who you are and how you choose to express yourself.
POPULATION: 777,777 Grymm
GOVERNMENT: Anarchic
LEADERSHIP: None
RESOURCES: Chaos, Lumber, Magic (Transmutation),
Pumpkins
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic Neutral
FAVORED CLASSES: Druids, Sorcerers, Warlocks
The Ways of Witchwood
The Witchwood-Grymm, call themselves the Grymmitch.
They have an almost comical and cartoonlike manner to
their dress, but rarely would someone have the guts to tell
them to their face. They dwell in the dark and dense forest
region of the Eastern part of Prometerra. Their manner of
dress is largely arcane, but more pseudo-magic as opposed
to the traditional understanding of the arcane.
The Grimmitch live in small communal villages, often
forming communities that are centered around each member
performing their part. A collection of these villages forms
a town, but these communities take great care to give their
neighbors considerate distance and privacy.
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
The people of the Witchwood view outsiders as a new
friend ready to be made and most certainly able to find and
fulfill unfinished tasks within the wood. It is important to
the Grymmitch that every Grymm find their job, learn
their duty, and make the absolute best use of their time.
The Grymmitch would like to see each Grymm fulfill this
part of themselves, so they are willing to take in outsid-
ers and question them about their interests and abilities.
This applies to the general Grymmitch, not necessarily the
Wood Wardens, who are waiting for outsiders to make a
mistake and be fined for their faults.
Outsiders view the Grymmitch as a tad overbearing,
forthright, direct, but also jovial, healthy, and knowledge-
superstitions and common sayings throughout Prometerra.
These sayings are often viewed as standard values, but most
would tell you that those are just old tales, and you prob-
ably should not believe everything you hear. They often
are annoyed by the fixation on jurisprudence held by the
Wood Wardens.
Technology
The people who live here have mastered agriculture and
entertainment. The best theaters are found here in the
Witchwood. The excellence in theatre has a lot to do with
the way they craft their instruments and design the theater
spaces. Likewise, the farmlands outside of the wood itself
are very well organized. They have developed many con-
traptions to facilitate and expedite their chores and tasks.
Mechanical scarecrows, carriages drawn by magic, and
appliances which run themselves are all commonplace. A
particular favorite of the Witchwood is the flying broom.
Every household is likely to have at least one of these
wonders, used for all manner of mischief, convenience, and
entertainment.
Magic
Of deep interest to the people who live in the Witchwood,
are the strange and wondrous ways of the Witch Wardens
that live here. They are masters of brewing, as well as iden-
tifying boons, blessings, and curses. Within the wood, the
tree people tend to focus on the art of illusion, growth, and
communication. The town’s folk are want to practice mag-
ic, but concentrate on the miracles of the divine. 
Cosmology
The religious schism that is found in the Witchwood is the
gnostic viewpoint of the Witch Wardens, and knowledge-
able of all the deep and secret things of the universe. There
are the Grymmitch that worship the four gods. The four
gods are related to the environment that surrounds them.
Each of the four gods hold dominion over the River, the
Northstar, the Beast, and the Sun, respectively.
The Grymm would tell you that they very much know
these gods and have seen them. They understand the influ-
ence of these gods in all things. The Witch Wardens would
tell you that while they might seem like deific creatures,
chapter five: exploring prometerra
they are in fact, something else altogether. The tree-folk
believe that the world itself is the only god, and it is the
god of life. There is no point in arguing with them about it
because who would believe them anyway? They are made
of wood.
Ecology
The enchanted forest expands across the continent. It is
filled with faerie-magic, extraordinary creatures, and is the
point where law and chaos collide. It is place of relentless
weirdness, contradiction, and impulse. The Wardens of the
Wood try to keep track of things, but they are either using
outdated ordinances or are posing as having authority that
was never theirs to claim. The woods include many settle-
ments and villages, but even more wilderness for would-be
heroes to explore.
148
Adventuring in Witchwood
The Witchwood demonstrates unique adventuring chal-
lenges. There is an intrinsic and extrinsic political strife
in Pigton, small hamlet that it is. Likewise there is the
wondrous and unique social structure of Tremorleaf. These
two towns must coexist for both to thrive, but they need
advocates and diplomats that can be trusted, such as play-
er characters. Throwing a wrench into all of this are the
enigmatic Witchwardens who are the acting authority,
but don’t have the same investment as the townies. The
towns are fairly safe for low level excursions but the woods
themselves require more mature magic to manage. Small
dangerous treks into the front of the wood or sticking close
to an established trail can be handled, but the wood itself
should evoke danger, wonder, peril, and the miraculous.
Witchwood and the surrounding towns are small time
 chapter five: exploring prometerra

ADVENTURING IN WITCHWOOD
D10 RESULT
The mayor has gone on vacation and Pigton is leaderless! Steward the village for a week and resolve their concerns. The
local mayor has gone missing and the desperate townsfolk eagerly appoint the party to sit as a council of leaders to act in
1 his place. You will need hear out the concerns of the town and make legally binding negotiations with the nearby Witch
Wardens and citizens of Tremorleaf. Improve the areas satisfaction rating and make sure the town stays thriving during this
period of interim rule.

The village of Tremorleaf has discovered that it sits on top of a massive cave system. All signs point to a group of horned
infernals that have been planning a negotiation with the tree folk of the forest. The dilemma is that the infernals are
tempting the free folk to make deals that only benefit the devils and would jeopardize the balance of the wood. The devil’s
2
either need to be asked to go or convinced to stop conniving beneath the earth. If they are to go, then they need to be given
a new home. Convincing them would take a hard bargain. Search out the devils in the night below the soil and find out
what deals can be made.

Rescue the dairy princess! A local Pigton dairy princess, an award given as part of the annual festival, has been taken into
the Tremorleaf settlement. You must journey through the dangerous woodland region and face the perils within. Upon
3 entering the village, you will need to negotiate with the leaders of Tremorleaf to determine why the dairy princess was
taken, and how to get her back. The clock is ticking as her family reveals that the princess is in fact a disguised elemental
creature, a being that can command the four winds could shift the balance of power in the region.
Delve deep into the murky waters of the Duskpond! Uncover the secrets of the water kingdom below the world! Several
4 Witch Wardens have gone missing. A foul presence has been located in the Duskpond, meanwhile a monstrous watcher has
begun making sure none enter the waters. The creature must be dealt with and the waters must be searched.
The great Witchwood scavenger hunt is underway! Wardens have dropped fake magic items throughout the Witchwood and
have invited members of Tremorleaf and Pigton to see if they can uncover the arcane objects. While typically this annual
5 tradition is a ruse and all in good fun, it appears that actual artifacts have been slipped in with the goods; no doubt intending
for a prank to be pulled on the citizens of the two towns. It is a good opportunity for adventurers to obtain some rare finds
and it looks like some of these artifacts are quite precious to the Narrador and their desires.

Gather everything in Tremorleaf that is needed to complete the spidering ceremony. The blind prophet of the village of spi-
ders is preparing for the annual vision quest. Fell-beyonders have made this exceedingly difficult as the requisite components
6 have not been procured for the event. The village has requested your help so the religious ceremony can be completed, allow-
ing the spider folk to participate in their sacred and holy ordinances. Journey to Tremorleaf and learn the requisite objects.
Seek them out in the Witchwood and surrounding area. Return them to Tremorleaf so that the ceremony might proceed.

Someone has been silencing Folhan while they sleep. Murderous axes have been taken to their trunks, and the mighty
tree people have been left to rot where they once stood. These are not common axes; they appear to be celestial in nature.
7
Seek out the owners of the axes and uncover the mystery of who is coming into the woods and targeting Folhan with
their murderous deeds.

The Witch Wardens have arrested both the mayor of Pigton and the blind prophetess of Tremorleaf, holding both captive.
Both towns are descending into chaos and anarchy as tensions are growing between them. Seek out the Wardens and learn
8
why the leaders of both villages are being held prisoner. Negotiate for their freedom and safety or make an exchange. As a
last resort you can attempt a jailbreak against the powerful practitioners of magic.

An unusual automaton from Labirinto has arrived in Pigton as an unusual guest. He has taken up residence in a tall tower
that used to serve as a watch, back in the time of the Old War. Strange arcane energies emanate from the tower every
evening. The automaton does not allow anyone entrance into the tower, nor do they socialize with much of the town.
9 When asked what purpose they serve, they have simply responded with “I serve my maker and follow their directive.” Who
is the maker of this creature? What sort of energies are being projected from the tower in the evening? Why do they keep
the door locked? The people of Pigton would very much like these questions answered and are looking for your adventuring
party to find those answers.

The blind prophetess of Tremorleaf has seen a vision of a burning hoard of bloody bones marching from the south towards
the north. The only way to stop the march is to travel southwest and attempt to destroy or protect the iron bridge that
connects the desert to the planes of the north. What has caused the prophetess to see such a horrible vision? The Moonlich
10
is not bound to keep his domain limited to the dusk of Desaly. What of The Rose Knights? Why are they not able to stop
the undead assault on the outside world? Embark on a quest to prevent the march of the invincible undead army against the
people of the north.

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chapter five: exploring prometerra
struggles. The drama of the day to day versus the drama of
the miraculous. Journey to Witchwood to bring everyone
in closer and find out what is important to the individual as
well as the whole.
People to Meet
Those that live in the wood have minimal choice but to
work hard to maintain their lives, as their positioning is
not the safest. The central conflict is against the natural
world which does not like to be dominated and mastered
by the Grymm that choose to live here. The creatures and
the plants that have belonged here for a long time under-
stand that Grymm will go and travel to wherever they
must. The Grymm must then rely on the Witch Wardens
to be their ambassadors and maintain the rules that allow
the wood to exist and its most perfect form.
Politics
The politics of the area break into four distinct groups.
First, there is the trade and feud between the two towns
of Pigton and Tremorleaf. They both have mayors and
decent size populations. They have two festivals that they
share together and two festivals that they celebrate sepa-
rately. They are two separate religious organizations that
worship the same four gods, but the doctrine is entirely
different.  Leadership: Archdruid (Sir Appleseed)
The Witch Wardens primarily concern themselves with
protecting the wood and making sure that the town folk
do not upset the inhabitants therein. They have the au-
thority to act as mediators for all Witchwood communi-
ties. There is a sort of reluctance to this responsibility. It
is as if there is a deeply hidden secret that weighs upon
them, calling them elsewhere. As wise arbiters, it is said
150
that a Warden will always have the final say. Lastly, the
Felbane are focused on the expansion and growth of the
Witchwood. They are responsible for keeping a record of
all that occurs inside the forest.
Factions & Organizations
The following factions are the major players within the
Witchwood, influencing its politics, cultural practices,
and relationships.
Witch Wardens
Leadership: Dusk-witch, Brew-witch, Dawn-witch,
Blue-Witch
Membership: Large (777 Members): aberrations,
fey, dragons, giants, humanoids; druids, sorcerers,
warlocks
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Motto: *Maniacal Cackling*
Resources: Alchemy, Medicine, Magic (Evocation,
Necromancy, Transmutation)
Creed: The Witch Wardens exist to watch over the wood,
resolve disputes between the townsfolk, and guard the
deep mysteries of the forest. They are divided into four ser-
vice groups: The Dusk-witches that patrol the night, wake
up the trees, and invite the animals to put on their clothes
and get to work. The Brew-witches, who harvest the flora
and prepare tinctures, tonics, potions, and more. They tend
to stay closer to the Dense-wood and the Duskpond. The
Dawn-witches who teach at the Small School and deliv-
er the mail between towns, auditing every step taken by
each traveler that passes through. Lastly the Blue-Witch,
that keep and remember the rules of the Witchwood and
shares them with all who will listen.
Witch Wardens are the principal authority figures in
the Witchwood. Their first duty is to watch over the for-
est and make sure that it is well taken care of. The sec-
ond duty is to ensure that those who travel around the
woods receive the requisite and proper education before
doing so. They are teachers and instructors in the natural
order of things, as well as the small mysteries of the world.
Deeper within the wood, other Wardens are responsible
for gathering, examining, evaluating, and processing the
raw components that are found. They are accountable for
processing medicine and uncovering the inner mysteries.
Lastly, some Wardens record the law. While there is no
formal hierarchy amongst the Wardens, these Blue-Witches
are viewed as in a supervisory capacity.
Felbane
Membership: Medium (117 Members): plants,
humanoids; druids, rangers
Alignment: Neutral
Motto: “A great forest from one seed sprouts”
Resources: Agriculture, cartography, medicine
Creed: The Felbane of the Witchwood are the great
messengers and storytellers of all tree folk within the

continent. Most tree folk dream of taking a pilgrimage
to the Witchwood and conversing with the bark that ex-
ists here. The trees here have been awakened by a great
many things, and no two trees can necessarily agree on
how they come into being. Some say the Wardens wake
them up, and others say that the life circles feed into their
roots. What is certain though, is the Felbane have a goal
of expanding the Witchwood. To do so, they spend an
awful lot of time planting sleepers, that is dormant trees
that are not sentient, and guarding them against harmful
axes.
Felbane are responsible for expanding the wood. They
create and cultivate life circles that breathe energy into
the planet. They view themselves as world-defenders. In
the last war, the Felbane rose out of the soil and protected
the Grymm.
The Felbane divide their leadership into three different
specialties, the tallest, the oldest, and the Wildwood. The
tallest tree can see the farthest and so reports news from
outside the wood. The oldest tree that has begun to rot,
collects the stories of the other trees that when they die,
they might pass it back into the life circle. The Wildwood
moves through the forest, twisting trees into new and
strange formations found only in the Witchwood. This
ensures that they mature along their own natural path and
are antagonistic towards the ideas of the Wardens claim-
ing dominion over the wood.
Piggies
Leadership: Elected Governor
Membership: Gargantuan (23,412 Members):
humanoids
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Motto: “Home, happy, and hungry!
Resources: Baked goods, neighborly dedication,
pumpkins
Creed: The people of Pigton are jovial and self-sustaining.
They do not live within the wood proper. They often journey
around it to find what they need or procure wood for their
crafts. Their journeys around the Witchwood have misled
some into the forest. They hold many kinds of jobs and
professions, practicing many various trades and crafts. They
view their religion as an integral part of their community.
The pride of Pigton’s inhabitants comes from the traditions
they have maintained from generation to generation.
The people of Pigton are excellent hosts and have built
a robust and vibrant community that gives the people the
region a safe place to live. They live on the border of dan-
ger with wild frontier on every side. Their farming com-
munities are a significant source of food in the east, and
those farms must remain protected from those that would
do them harm. No one would ever vacation here, but they
would probably build a home. There is a lot of gossip in the
community, and a lot of old grudges that are almost im-
possible to explain if you are not a member of that specific
family line.
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chapter five: exploring prometerra
Tremorkin
Leadership: Archdruid (Spinderella)
Membership: Gargantuan (5,266 Members): fey,
humanoids; (barbarians, druids, rangers)
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Motto: “Get out, and stay out!”
Resources: Lumber, monsters (beasts, plants)
Creed: Tremorleaf is run and ruled by the woodcutters.
They all serve directly under the High Facet, a steel covered
spider-oid that claims dominion over the easternmost part
of the wood. They are adamant about holding their domain
and maintaining their community. The key to retaining
their ground is their elite organization of the Eight Axes.
They are the most strange, skilled, and powerful woodcut-
ters in all the land. Among them is a prophetess, the lonely
Spinderella who discerns the old ways from the webs and
passes them on to people from the community. Her stories
carry with them the echo of a familiar spirit that can be
found in Pigton. Those that come into the town embrace
the burdens placed upon them. They are comfortable in the
wood, and they intend to keep it that way.
The Tremor-Grymm and their religion hold the forest
from pushing its way to the coastline. This stops the Witch
Wardens from pushing their authority into domains where
they have not been invited. They would probably be more
effective if they were not intensely at odds with the people
of Pigton. The main reason for this rivalry is disagreements
found within their religious doctrine.
Places to See
Environment
The Witchwood is a dense and unusual forest of ephem-
eral trees that seem to dance and weave their mytholo-
gy apart from the rest of the continent. There are tangles,
thorns, and angel blossoms that grow next to the devil-
wood, and mysterious vegetation that you won’t find
anywhere else. The grass is lush and inviting, almost like
a thick soft blanket that is comfortable to travel across.
There are well-worn trails that wind their way through the
Witchwood. Gargantuan fungal growths can be found,
and rivers of moon shower-sparkles that flow from high
branches direct the eye to where the fairies live.
The trees very much have eyes, ears, and pass messag-
es between each other. They gossip about who has passed
through, who they would like to stay, and who they think
should go from the wood that they call home.In the thick
wood, the densest part of the forest, are the Wise-dens. This
is where the Wardens live when they are not out patrolling
the wood, though some choose to live just outside of the
Witchwood proper in smaller hamlets. 
To enter the Witchwood, you can go across the Red
Dragon-Tear River until you come to the wood’s edge. You
can go directly out the Great Gate of Praia or raft north out
of the Tadfen Bog. If you are coming from the west, then
you will find yourself needing to enter the Dense-Wood.
chapter five: exploring prometerra

If you come from the south, then you will be in the hamlet Dense-wood
of Pigton. Coming from the east, you will find yourself in
The woods are dark, dangerous, and full of mystery.
Tremorleaf. Navigating the wood is not too difficult if you
The sounds of wolves and worse echo amongst the trees.
stick to the travelled paths. If you find yourself away from
The smoke grows strange as the fungal growth seems to
them, the trees tend to make identifying natural landmarks
peer in your direction, studying your every move. The wind
difficult, so one may need to locate a Warden and ask them
becomes colder and the symbol of a broomstick is discovered
for directions.
as your hand brushes a nearby branch.
Landmarks The Dense-wood is where the Witch Wardens have re-
The following landmarks are some examples of the fantas- treated to. They have cast every enchantment they know
tical places that can be found in The Witchwood. to keep the wood as uninviting as possible to outsiders.
It is pure fairy-tale madness within, as the world turns
Pigton
upside down on its head. Witch Wardens are very pro-
At the edge of the wood, there is a long-worn fence with tective of the things the Witchwood. They are committed
a few folks lazily keeping an eye on the woods beyond. to their sacred duties. Their function is to keep the wood
Their attention mainly seems to be focused upon each other. safe, ensure that the trees continue to grow, and that
Vast fields of crops lead into a small collection of homely the mysteries of the world are protected from inquiring
buildings, and the aroma of seasonal delights fills the air. minds that poke their noses where they should not.
Well-dressed folks freely travel the streets, and all seems to
Duskpond
be well.
If you look into the water and your reflection speaks to
Pigton is a center of commerce and agriculture in the east.
you, make sure you don’t answer back. It may seem like
The settlement benefs from the enchanted wood. Its lo-
your reflection, but ask yourself, are your lips moving?
cation makes it a hub of activity for all travelers. Pigton is
When you look deeper, do you see the shadow moving
known for its swine harvest, and it’s schoolteachers who
beneath the surface of the pond? Do you feel the breath
have taught many of the children of the continent their
on your neck of the creatures that are slowly gathering
earliest lessons. It is home to the four shrines, where each
behind you?
of the local gods are worshiped by their followers. Pigton
houses many families that pass on trades from generation Buried within the Witchwood is a point where very few
to generation. These trades are usually kept within the people go. The Duskpond sits as an otherworldly entrance
family line or shared among close friends. into the water kingdom below the world. The Wardens
consider this the font of all knowledge more than any
Tremorleaf 
book, tome, legend, or song. Only death waits beneath the
At the edge of the forest beyond the thick trees, the woods waters. Legends and myth tell of a vast water kingdom
begins to serve a new purpose altogether. Built within the below the world. Legends suggest to this spot as the point
massive structures of trees and adorned in the beautiful to get there.
autumn leaves that perpetually brown, is the humble
village of Tremorleaf. The trees themselves are hollow and
home to the many woodworkers that live here. 
Tremorleaf would be the most frightening place in the
world to an outsider if they did not know the people
that live there. Thick green tangled webs from enor-
mous spiders surround and wall of the village. Stretching
high up into the air are frighteningly majestic trees that
act as homes to the people that live here. The people of
Tremorleaf are adventurous and resourceful. They are the
key to all lumber production in Prometerra. The journey-
man and lumberjacks that live within, travel the wood and
harvest the enchanted trees. Those that remain within
the walls work to maintain the community and upkeep
its inner workings. The four gods are worshiped here. The
worship here is different than in Pigton. Each god is wor-
shipped according to the season it is associated with, and
each season invites a new deific creature to visit and be
glorified. This ties back to the creation myth held by the
old lumberjacks that lived here.

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 CHAPTER SIX

THE Questing
Beasts
T HE LANDS OF PROMETERRA are rich with
peculiar and wonderous life. Magical or mechanical,
disgusting or beautiful, peaceful or violent – all have
a place to belong and a role to play in the grand tale of
GrymmWorld. However, among this wonderful diversity
there exists a category of being whose significance to both
GrymmWorld’s history and present day cannot be under-
stated. These are the questing beasts: ancient beings from
when the realm was young, charged with great purpose
that affects the lives of all Prometerra’s citizens even to this
day. These creatures are legendary in power and story. They
ceaselessly challenge the heroes of GrymmWorld in ways no
other creature could, earning respect and ire from Grymm
and monster alike.
Questing Beasts test Player Characters’ patience, resolve,
and determination. Every skill that is essential to survive
a story-centric fairy tale world will be pushed to the ut-
most extremes in fantastical and far-fetched quests that
involve engaging in the surreal and whimsical landscape
of the outer reaches of GrymmWorld. Every Questing
Beast could be met in combat, but they would also be will-
ing to engage in unique social encounters or request long
exploration. Additionally, each beast is tied to a specific
region of Prometerra. From Brilhago to the Witchwood,
Questing Beasts stand ready to put heroes to the test.
List of Questing Beasts
The Questing Beasts are presented in regional order.

What Are Questing Beasts? Eliasor of the Thunderfare

Questing Beasts were once members of the great cosmic
pantheon that held stewardship over the planet know The spiral-shelled goliath of the gastropods, Eliasor is
known as GrymmWorld. When the realm was pierced by an elusive creature whose speed puts the wind to shame.
the fell-beyonders, the gods shielded GrymmWorld with The creature “stands” about eight feet high, with a length
every ounce of their divine strength. What little remained and width of a decent sized boat. Eliasor’s shell reflects
of their divinity found home in the forms of majestic all the colors of the rainbow, complimented by flesh
beasts of sky and earth. The Questing Beasts hold keys of a deep royal purple. As it zips about Cachoeira, its
to the greater mysteries of GrymmWorld and are consid- head tilts and turns with childlike
ered guardians of the time that came before. Ancient and
powerful, the spirits of the Questing Beasts predate even
the Narrador and are not to be underestimated.
Questing Beasts interact with the game by pre-
senting opportunities for adventurers to find deep-
er mysteries and hidden clues through elaborate
quests that challenge more than just their fight-
ing ability. Each Questing Beast is terrifically
unique, possessing a distinguished personality
and powerful narrative that can make up an
entire arc of an adventure’s story line, or even
be the focus of an entire campaign. If you
are looking for adventure hooks, challenges,
and story arcs to flesh out your GrymmWorld
experience, the Questing Beasts stand
ready to deliver.

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chapter six: the questing beasts
curiosity, with its swiveling eyestalks taking in every inch
of its surroundings. He smells like the earth after rain on
a hot summer day. The heat and steam of its smooth and
slimy form alert all to Eliasor’s presence, unmistakable
even in the lush wilds of Cachoeira. Though a creature of
few words, Eliasor’s voice is like the sonorous chimes of a
majestic gong, accompanied by the reverberating echoes of
a heavenly chorus.
The Legend of Eliasor the Thunderfare
“A low fog rolled over the rain-soaked and river washed
hills of Cachoeira. The mist kissed every blade of grass and
the sun’s light refracted across the land, coming into focus
upon a great stone. The golden light graced its surface,
painting the stone with every color there ever was or
will be. From within, the great megalith began to stir,
cracking like an egg to reveal the great gastropod Eliasor.
All of Cachoeira knows this to be a creature of peace and
prosperity, a sign of the old times before the shadows fell.
Eliasor of the Thunderfare brings the end of war and
ushers in an era of peace. However, it is fickle beast, prone
to wanderlust and recklessness. When not imbuing its
shell with divine light, Eliasor can be found grazing upon
Cachoeira’s lush hills or bathing for days in it’s water-
falls. It is the crux upon which all war and peace hangs,
the cork on the bottle of chaos which threatens to erupt in
Eliasor’s absence."
The Quest for the Lost Light
The Quest of the Thunderfare is a perilous journey through
the heavenly skies above Cachoeira. Eliasor departs the
world below and journeys to the Solar Sanctum, a crys-
talline structure in the stratosphere that ensures Cachoeira
is never without radiant sunshine. It is there Eliasor rests
peacefully, recharging its shell with divine light, unaware
of the turmoil its absence causes in the lands below. Its de-
parture takes with it the fragile peace of Cachoeira and the
drums of war begin to sound. None know why this occurs,
whether the inherent aggression of Cachoeira’s people is
held in check by Eliasor, or the beast’s absence inspires acts
of violence. Regardless of the conflict’s source, those who
take up the quest to recover Eliasor must ascend into the
heavens and travel to the Solar Sanctum. There they will
find the elusive snail, unwilling to leave its comfortable
resting place and descend back to Cachoeira. Whether by
violence, coercion, or persuasion, Cachoeira will only know
peace if Eliasor returns.
The Sign of Eliasor
Indications of Eliasor’s departure from Cachoeira are dif-
ficult to miss. A bridge of many colors appears at the
first of a thousand falls. The Hill-Herders move to safer
pasture. The sky turns grey, the ever-brilliant sun dimmed
by the snail’s rejuvenation. The sound of drums, machines,
and industry begin to ring throughout the air and dim
smoke rises on the horizon. Everywhere conflict breaks
out: from dinner table to bandit-infested road, violence
154
Questing for Eliasor
W hen questing for Eliasor, the primary objective
is to locate the beast and return it to Cachoeira
by any means. Heroes who attempt to do so are likely
to encounter the following challenges which are
presented in a general chronological order.
Discovery. The heroes must learn of the history and
mythology of Eliasor from the people of Cachoeira,
made difficult by their violent and aggressive demeanor
due to the snail’s absence. However, the tale of Eliasor
is so well known even a child could tell it, given the
right incentive.
Exploration. The heroes must reach the Solar Sanctum,
where Eliasor has come to reside. The Sanctum is a
crystalline castle carved from a single gigantic diamond,
magically suspended eight miles in the sky above
Cachoeira. Such a place is well beyond the reach of
most beings in Cachoeira, let along GrymmWorld,
and is populated by celestial beings unaccustomed to
visitors.
Encounter. The heroes must return Eliasor to
Cachoeira by whatever means they see fit. The beast is
extremely content within the Solar Sanctum but has
a virtuous heart. It will only fight in its defense, and
never to the death. The details of Eliasor’s personality
can be found in Eliasor’s Social Statistics sidebar
detailed in this section.
Eliasor Social Statistics
Personality. Happy-go-lucky
• Ideals. Eliasor desires to retain its agency and
freedom above all else and values other creature’s
freedom just as much. Nothing can persuade it to act
in a manner contrary to this goal.
• Bonds. When confronted by those who live and revel
amongst the wilds, Eliasor experiences flashbacks of
its past life as a deity before the Shattering.
• Flaws. Eliasor has a crippling craving for the leaves
of the bacabbage, a massive leafy green vegetable
commonly found growing near colonies of shambling
mounds.
Social Challenge DC. Ability checks made against
Eliasor in social and roleplay encounters have the
following DCs, according to their difficulty.
• Easy DC (for friends and allies): 15
• Medium DC (for acquaintances
and benevolent strangers): 18
• Hard DC (for enemies and
threatening strangers): 21

becomes the main form of conflict resolution. These omi-
nous signs are more keenly felt the longer Eliasor’s remains
absent, threatening to consume the entire region within a
few short years. The entire region cries out for heroes to
take up the challenge and quest for Eliasor.
Challenges of the Quest
Finding and recovering Eliasor is fundamentally a mission
of peace. However, there are many obstacles between the
Players and their goal. Should the Players choose to quest
for Eliasor, you should consider carefully which Mask of
the Narrador to don. While finding Eliasor is altruistic,
that doesn’t mean that every action the Players perform
along the way will be virtuous. There will moments of
conflict along the way, which should synergize with your
Mask choice to ensure a compelling journey. A rough arc
outlining the challenge of the Quest for the Lost Light
can be found below.
Eliasor the Thunderfare
Large monstrosity, chaotic good
Armor Class 21 (natural armor)
Hit Points 172 (16d10 + 48)
Speed 50 ft. climb 50 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
12 (+1) 22 (+6) 17 (+3) 15 (+2) 8 (-1) 19 (+4)
Saving Throws Str +5, Dex +10, Con +7
Skills Athletics +9, Perception +3, Survival +7
Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire, lightning, radiant, thunder;
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, prone
Senses tremorsense 120 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages Ancient Cochoeiran, but understands all languages
Challenge 11 (7,200 XP)
TRAITS no damage from the movement, otherwise it takes 70 (20d6)
Lightning Speed. As a bonus action on each of its turns,
Eliasor can take the Dash, Disengage, or Dodge action.
Mythic Resistance. When Eliasor fails a saving throw, it can
expend one of its unspent legendary actions to succeed instead.
Prismatic Shell. Eliasor’s shell is infused with magical light.
When Eliasor is hit by an attack from a creature within 120 ft.,
it can make a Prismatic Bolt attack against the creature (no
action required).
Rejuvenation. If Eliasor is slain, it magically returns to life in
24 hours somewhere in the land of Cochoeira at maximum hit
points and under no harmful effects.
Sticky. While Eliasor is on the ground, it cannot be pushed,
pulled, or forcibly moved unless it allows itself to be. Additionally,
Eliasor can climb difficult surfaces, including vertical or horizontal
terrain without needing to make an ability check.
ACTIONS restrained, or stunned. If Eliasor would be unable to take this
Multiattack. Eliasor makes three Prismatic Bolt attacks, each of
which must be against a different target.
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chapter six: the questing beasts
Rewards
Eliasor’s return to Cachoeira will mark a new era of peace
and a change in the royal line. Those responsible will be-
come known as the peacemakers and looked to as trusted
guides by the people of Cachoeira. Whether friend or foe,
creatures of this region will always refer to such heroes by
the title of “lightener” when addressing them in any capac-
ity. Additionally, creatures who complete the quest have
the color of their eyes changed to an ever-changing array
of prismatic hues, as well as granting them the following
Epic Boon.
Epic Boon: Boon of Revealing Light
You are aware of the presence (but not the exact
location) of any fell-beyonder within 1 mile of you.
Bite. Melee weapon attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft. one target.
Hit: 38 (5d12 + 6) slashing damage.
Primastic Shell. Ranged spell attack: +8 to hit, range 120 ft. one
creature. Hit: 13 (2d8+4) prismatic damage.
Light Bomb (Recharge 5–6). Eliasor launches a globule of
light at a point it can see within 60 ft. which erupts in a blast
of radiant energy in a 15 ft. radius sphere. Each creature in the
affected area must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving
throw or be blinded for 1 hour.
Infinite Leap (Recharge on a Short or Long Rest). Eliasor
launches itself at a point it can see, leaping up to 10 miles toward
its target. Eliasor travels at a rate of 1,000 ft. a round, during
which time it can take no other actions. If Eliasor ends this
movement on a solid surface and is not incapacitated, it takes
bludgeoning damage.
REACTIONS
Scoot. As a reaction when Eliasor is hit by a weapon attack, it
can move up to 30 ft. in a straight line away from the source of
the attack.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Eliasor can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options
below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and
only at the end of another creature’s turn. Eliasor regains spent
legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Move. Eliasor moves up to its speed.
Bite (Costs 2 Actions). Eliasor makes a Bite attack.
Freedom of Movement (Costs 3 Actions). Eliasor ends one
of the following conditions on itself: grappled, paralyzed,
action, it can instead take this action.
chapter six: the questing beasts

Finally, the heroes will gain a fragment of understand- • Whoopsie-daisy. A creature of Eliasor’s choice
ing about the malevolent force lying within GrymmWorld within the lair must succeed on a DC 16 Charisma
known as the fell-beyonders. This fragment is incom- saving throw or be cursed for 24 hours. While so
plete, requiring the seven other fragments from the rest cursed, when the creature misses an attack roll, it
of GrymmWorld’s Questing Beasts. The details of what immediately falls prone.
this fragment confers can be found in the Fell-Entropia • Here comes the boom. Eliasor becomes super-
section in Chapter 1. charged with thunderous energy. Until the end of its
next turn, whenever Eliasor moves, it deals 2 (1d4)
Eliasor’s Lair thunder damage to each creature within 5 ft. of a
A relic of a bygone age, the Solar Sanctum was the ref- square that it enters for the first time on a turn.
uge of Eliasor before the being met oblivion at the hands
of the fell-beyonders. While the deity is long gone, the di- Lucien, Sword of the Sky
amond palace remains, a glistening beacon hovering above
the skies of Cochoeira. Here Eliasor comes to restore its With wings like swords, talons like spears, and a great
vitality. To the beast, the Sanctum is nothing more than hooked beak, Lucien strikes fear into all that journey in the
glorious place to relax and feel the wind on one’s shell, but mountains beyond the Shining City. The masked shrike is
to the ancient celestial guardians charged with its care, it is massive, with an impressive wingspan comparable to el-
a sacred artifact to be defended at all costs from desecra- der dragons and lightning-quick movements that defy
tors. Eliasor understands none of this however, preferring any preconceptions about its size. The shrieking call
to spend its days zipping about the resplendent sanctum, of Lucien is known as the death cry: a soul-piercing
drinking in every ounce of sunlight. scream that shatters hope and reaves will. Like
a shadow from the sky, Lucien strikes, snatch-
ing unprepared adversaries before impaling
Prismatic Damage them upon its bladed wingtips. Its passing
is marked by an inky residue that stains
E lisasor deals a special type of damage called
prismatic damage. When Elisasor would deal
this damage, it rolls a d8 and deals a type of damage
any organic surface it touches a shad-
owy black.
according to the result of the roll, which is determined
by the options below. If you are running Eliasor and
want to cut down on the number of times you must roll
to determine damage type, you may instead only roll on
the table once on each turn the Eliasor deals prismatic
damage, using the result for all instances of prismatic
damage for the remainder of the turn.
1. Red. Fire damage.
2. Orange. Acid damage.
3. Yellow. Lightning damage.
4. Green. Poison damage.
5. Blue. Cold damage.
6. Indigo. Thunder damage.
7. Violet. Necrotic damage.
8. Mysterious. Force damage.

Lair Actions
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties),
Eliasor takes a lair action to cause one of the
following effects.
• Stick-to-itiveness. The ground in
the lair in a 60 ft. line that is 10 ft.
wide becomes coated in slime for 1
minute. A creature that enters the
area for the first time on a turn or
starts its turn there must succeed
on a DC 16 Strength saving throw
or have its speed reduced to 0 until
the start of its next turn.

156

The Legend of Lucien, Sword of the Sky
“Long ago, when the world was pierced by the Spire from
the Fell-Beyond, the Divine Sword of the Sky rose to
protect the Shining City. And so that god fell, its black
blood raining upon Brilhago in a torrent of misery.
From its waters rose the shrike, defiant in death and
sentinel against the Fell-Beyond. We call it Lucien, the
Sword of the Sky, but like a blade, the beast cuts both
ways. Its hate for the ancient evil puts all at risk, for in
its eyes we are not to be trusted. Bone Sump is its home, a
fitting place for a being anathema to all life. To venture
there is to cross swords with death, a contest the great
shrike is not likely to lose.”
The Quest for the Spire’s Tears
The Quest for the Spire’s Tears is a harrowing one, taking
the players to the verge of death and self-destruction in
their desire to achieve victory. Knowledge is a dangerous
thing, and the brave heroes must enter the Bone Sump to
collect the divine sorrow from an erupting Fell-Wound.
However, the Sword of the Sky tolerates no intrusion upon
the grave of its past life. A deadly game of cat and mouse
ensues across the surreal dreamscape of the Bone Sump.
Those who manage to escape with their lives are lucky, but
to recover the tears as well is an act worthy of legend.
Recovering the Spire’s Tears
W hen questing for the Spire’s Tears, the
primary objective is making it to the Fell-
Wound, recover a barrel of the Spire’s Tears, and
return alive to the Shining City. Heroes who attempt
to do so are likely to encounter the following
challenges, which are presented in probable
chronological order.
Discovery. The heroes must learn of the existence
of the Spire’s Tears from the people of Brilhago. The
people of this region are terrifically frightened of
the Spire, refusing to speak with strangers about the
many horrors and evils said to surround it.
Exploration. The heroes must journey through the
Bone Sump, to the base of the Spire at the epicenter
of the Fell-Wound. This venture is harrowing
in the extreme, full of monstrous perils, noxious
environments, and corrupted magic. Once the Fell-
Wound has been reached, the fluid of the Spire’s Tears
must be collected, and the ire of Lucien awoken.
Encounter. The heroes must carry the Spire’s Tears
(the details of which can be found in Chapter 5)
to the Shining City. During this time, Lucien will
stalk the travelers, seeking every opportunity to
test, ambush, and slay them. However, once they are
behind the walls of the Shining City, the heroes are
safe and the quest is complete. The details of Lucien’s
personality can be found in the Lucien Social
Statistics sidebar detailed in this section.
157
chapter six: the questing beasts
The Sign of Lucien
The Quest for the Spire’s Tears always begins the same
way: with the eruption of the Fell-Wound. From within
the scarred crevasse a foul torrent spews fourth, the bloody
tears of GrymmWorld itself. These are the Spire’s Tears,
which must be harvested and taken from Brilhago lest
they fester. All light in Brilhago begins to fade. A black
wing appears on the face of the eastern moon and the peo-
ple cry out to dead gods for mercy. Most ominous of all,
the great Spire turns bone white, heralding a time of dread
for all of Brilhago.
Lucien’s Social Statistics
Personality. Bloodthirsty
• Ideals. Lucien seeks only to destroy every foul scrap
of the fell-beyonders taint upon GrymmWorld. He
knows he cannot do this alone but holds any who
would try to his absurdly high standards of strength.
• Bonds. Lucien holds a deep personal connection
to the Fell-Wound, where his past life was smitten
to ruin and impaled upon the Spire piercing
GrymmWorld. The very sight of it fills the beast
with inconceivable grief and grim determination.
• Flaws. Lucien fears compassion and benevolence
toward himself, with such acts making the beast
deeply uncomfortable and recalcitrant.
Social Challenge DC. Ability checks made against
Lucien in social and roleplay encounters have the
following DCs, according to their difficulty.
• Easy DC (for friends and allies): 18
• Medium DC (for acquaintances
and benevolent strangers): 21
• Hard DC (for enemies and
threatening strangers): 24
Challenges of the Quest
Retrieving the Spire’s Tears challenges a hero’s cunning
and tests their ingenuity, evasiveness, and fortitude. Lucien
tests not only one’s skill in combat, but their knowledge of
ancient lore and historical record. After all, how can one
who knows nothing of the world truly save it?  Lucien is
utterly merciless, testing one’s resolve to the absolute lim-
it before administering the finishing blow. Those that fail
become impaled on the sharp rocks of Bone Sump, their
bodies standing in grim testament to Lucien’s ferocity. A
rough arc outlining the challenge of the Quest for the
Spire’s Tears is found below.
Rewards
Defeating Lucien, the Sword of the Sky, endows the play-
ers with knowledge of what came before the Spire, what
lies beyond the Spire, and the true nature of all divine
creatures that inhabit GrymmWorld.
chapter six: the questing beasts
Surviving Lucian stains the limbs of the heroes an inky
black, which defies any attempt to remove or magically dis-
guise it, even when transforming into other beings. However,
a creature so stained gains a powerful Epic Boon, detailed
below. Those bearing this stain are greatly pitied throughout
Brilhago, for being destined to encounter the fell-beyon-
ders, a future no reasonable person would wish upon anyone.
To others throughout GrymmWorld such a work is disturb-
ing, eliciting superstitious prejudice from the populace.
Epic Boon: Boon of Fell-Resistance
You have advantage on saving throws against fell-
beyonders and other Fell effects within GrymmWorld.
Lucien, Sword of the Sky
Huge monstrosity, lawful evil
Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 304 (29d12 + 116)
Speed 20 ft., fly 90 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
15 (+2) 25 (+7) 24 (+7) 20 (+5) 12 (+1) 6 (-2)
Saving Throws Dex +13, Int +11, Wis +7
Skills Insight +7, Perception +13, Stealth +13
Damage Immunities piercing
Condition Immunities charmed, exhausted
Senses truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 23
Languages understands all languages, but cannot speak
Challenge 17 (18,000 XP)
TRAITS Shreadstorm (Recharges on a Short or Long Rest). Lucien
Fade into Nothingness. As a bonus action on each of its turns,
Lucien can turn itself invisible and immediately take the hide
action. This invisibility ends if Lucien deals damage, touches
another creature, or makes an attack.
Mythic Resistance. When Lucien fails a saving throw, he can
use one of his unspent legendary actions to succeed instead.
Overwhelming Assault. When Lucien scores a hit with a
weapon attack and exceeds his target’s AC by 10 or more, he
doubles the damage of the attack.
Rejuvenation. If Lucian is slain, he magically returns to life
somewhere in the Bone Sump within Brilhago in 24 hours.
Lucian returns at maximum hit points and under no harmful
effects.
ACTIONS whichever comes first.
Multiattack. Lucien makes three Bladefeather attacks.
Beak. Melee weapon attack, +13 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 40 (6d10+7) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it
must succeed on a DC 21 Dexterity saving throw or be impaled
upon its beak, becoming grappled and restrained. A creature
158
Finally, the heroes will gain a fragment of understand-
ing about the malevolent force lying within GrymmWorld
that is the fell-beyonders. This fragment is incomplete,
requiring the seven other fragments from the rest of
GrymmWorld’s Questing Beasts. The details of what this
fragment confers can be found in the Fell-Entropia sec-
tion in Chapter 1.
Regional Effects
The region of the Bone Sump where Lucien can be found
is augmented by his magic, which creates one or more of
the following effects within the area.
• Mindmire. The area becomes infused with clouds
of miasma. When a creature enters this cloud for
the first time in 24 hours, it experiences dreadful
may use its action to make a DC 21 Dexterity (Acrobatics) or
Strength (Athlectics) check to escape the grapple.
Bladefeather. Melee or Ranged weapon attack, +13 to hit, reach
5 ft. or range 60/240 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (4d6+7) slashing
damage.
Death Cry (Recharge 5–6). Lucien emits a shrieking cry that
can be heard by creatures up to 1 mile away. Creatures within
the affected area must succeed on a DC 19 Charisma saving
throw or be cursed with dread. When a creature cursed in this
way is critically hit by Lucien, it becomes frightened until the
end of its next turn, drops what it is holding, and immediately
use its reaction to move up to its speed away from Lucien in a
straight line.
makes a Bladefeather attack against each creature of its choice
that it can see within 120 ft. These attacks score a critical hit on
a roll of 16 – 20.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Lucien can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options
below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and
only at the end of another creature’s turn. Lucien regains spent
legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Bladefeather. Lucien makes a Bladefeather attack.
Sharpen (Costs 2 Actions). Lucien sharpens its beak and
feathers. The next successful weapon attack Lucien scores deals
an additional 35 (10d6) damage. This benefit lasts until the
end of Lucien’s next turn or until it scores a weapon attack,
Piercing Strike (Costs 3 Actions). Lucien magically teleports
to an unoccupied space it can see within 60 ft. that is also
within 5 ft. of an enemy creature. When Lucien appears, it may
immediately make a Beak attack.
 chapter six: the questing beasts

visions of the past. An affected creature that

succeeds on a DC 16 Intelligence (History) check
to recognize the events may pass unscathed. Those
that fail have their maximum hit points reduced
by 13 (2d12) until they leave the region.
• The Sharpening. Rocks and trees take on blad-
ed and pointed shapes. A creature that enters
or is forcibly moved into a space within 5 ft. of
such a rock or tree for the first time on a turn
takes 3 (1d6) piercing damage.
• Snuff Light. All nonmagical sources of light
are immediately extinguished, and the radius of
magical light is reduced to 10 ft.
If Lucian dies these effects fade until he returns to life.

Nyklas, the Duneshredder

A skull headed fiend from the pit, this quadrupedal crea-

ture is wreathed in swirling flames and burning embers.
Taking the form of a goat with tremendous horns, Nyklas
is muscular being of formidable strength. A pair of colossal
horns hang from his skull, encircling its entire body like a
great pair of wheels. While one might expect a sulfurous
odor, the scent of Nyklas is that of freshly cut vegetables
from a robust garden. His mighty yawp breaks the silence
of the Desalian dunes, upon which he rolls in an absurd,
but dangerous form of locomotion. Nyklas races about
with a powerful urgency, indelicate but determined to find
whatever he seeks as quickly as possible.

The Legend of Nyklas

“When the lost moon appeared above the land of Desaly, so
too did the horned silhouette of Nyklas, the Duneshredder.
With burning fury Nyklas wanders the endless dunes of
the Desalian Wastes. He is the counterweight to the Moon-
Lich, preventing all that fall from joining her silver legions
of the damned.  Hither and thon Nyklas rolls, gathering
fallen souls lost amongst the sun-soaked sands. However, not
all are ready to welcome final death, seeking to hide from
the Duneshredder. Any who cross Nyklas’ path are ground
beneath its burning horns, be they living or dead, for his
pursuit of the lost can afford no delay. Observe his journey
from afar and you shall live to continue your story.”
The Quest for the Wayward Souls
Every so often a few souls lost in the sands of Deslian Wastes
escape Nyklas’ gaze, becoming wayward spirits which men-
ace the land. Should enough of these spirits become pres-
ent, Nyklas will enter a furious rage becoming a threat to
all who travel the dunes, living or dead. Heroes who take
up this quest must gather the reluctant souls from their
hiding places and deliver them to Nyklas. However, the
beast is beyond reason by this point and will do everything
in its power to eliminate what it sees as the source of this
conundrum. Managing the rampaging Nyklas while locat-
ing the spirits is no mean feat, beyond all but the most
determined and dedicated heroes.
Nyklas’ Social Statistics
Personality. Dutiful
• Ideals. Nyklas honors the spirits of dead, shepherding
souls safely to what awaits beyond. Such an
honorable goal takes precedence over all others, a
duty Nyklas upholds with grim determination.
• Bonds. The Moon Lich lurking above Desaly is the
sworn enemy of Nyklas. Its silver legions constantly
attempt to usurp and foil the beast, stealing the
souls of its people to fuel the lich’s foul magics. No
argument can persuade Nyklas to cease its opposition
to such a nefarious foe.
• Flaws. Nyklas is prone to fits of blinding anger,
particularly when its duty is impeded. In such a state
the beast is nearly unreachable, attacking any being
that stands in its path.
Social Challenge DC. Ability checks made against
Nyklas in social and roleplay encounters have the
following DCs, according to their difficulty.
• Easy DC (for friends and allies): 16
• Medium DC (for acquaintances
and benevolent strangers): 19
• Hard DC (for enemies and
threatening strangers): 22

159
chapter six: the questing beasts
The Sign of Nyklas
The Quest for the Wayward Souls can begin at any time,
all that is required is an appropriate saturation of hidden
spirits. Nyklas’ rage is heralded by the Lost Moon turning
a foul shade of green as the endless sunset turns to cease-
less night. With this sign the moon lich capitalizes on this
distraction, readying his silver legions to infest the realm
and turn all that inhabit the sands to an invincible army
of blood and bone. Amidst it all, Nyklas roils and tears
across the dunes, desperately searching for those few souls
that have escaped his gaze. Those daring enough to enter
the fray risk not only their lives, but their very souls upon
Desaly’s sands.
Challenges of the Quest
Finding the Wayward Souls is a test of many facets. A
hero’s survival skills are tested by Desaly’s unforgiving
sands, their wits in finding the hidden spirits, and their
strength in surviving any encounter with Nyklas. The beast
Nyklas, the Duneshredder
Large fiend, lawful neutral
Armor Class 19 (natural armor)
Hit Points 220 (21d10 + 105)
Speed 60 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
23 (+6) 12 (+1) 21 (+5) 13 (+1) 17 (+3) 8 (-1)
Saving Throws Str +11, Con +10, Wis +8
Skills Athletics +16, Perception +8
Damage Resistances necrotic, poison
Damage Immunities fire
Condition Immunities charmed, grappled, paralyzed,
restrained, stunned
Senses darkvision 120 ft., truesight 60 ft.,
passive Perception 18
Languages Ancient Desaly, but understands all languages
Challenge 14 (11,500 XP)
TRAITS
Blurred Movement. While Nyklas is not incapacitated,
creatures have disadvantage on attack rolls against him.
Burning Wake. When Nyklas moves along the ground, it
leaves behind a trail of fire that burns until the start of its
next turn. A creature that enters an affected 5ft. space for
the first time on a turn or starts it’s there takes 4 (1d8) fire
damage.
Mythic Resistance. When Lucien fails a saving throw, he
can use one of his unspent legendary actions to succeed
instead.
Ramming Speed (1/turn). When Nyklas moves at least 10
ft. in a straight line toward a target and hits it with an attack
at the end of that movement, he increases the damage of the
attack by 5 (1d10) for every 10 ft. of movement he moved
toward the target in this manner.
160
is ferociously aggressive, but not suicidal. He will challenge
any he encounters with ferocious charges but will retreat if
unable to best those he encounters. As the quest progress-
es, the agents of the moon lich become more prevalent,
capitalizing on Nyklas’ distracted state to hinder the quest.
A rough arc outlining the challenge of the Quest for the
Wayward Souls is found below.
Rewards
After the souls have been set on their rightful path, the end-
less sunset of Desaly will return and the moon lich’s forc-
es beat a hasty retreat. The only sign of affirmation from
Nyklas is its joyous baying, which echoes about the wastes
for a week and a day. The brave few who completed the
quest are given no reward or recognition by the morose peo-
ple of Desaly who see the act as its own reward for a duty
well performed. Additionally, creatures who complete the
quest have their hair and cosmetic components bleached to
bone white, gaining the following Epic Boon in the process.
Rejuvenation. If Nylkas is slain, he magically returns to
life somewhere in the Desalian Wastes within Desaly in 24
hours. Nyklas returns at maximum hit points and under no
harmful effects.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. Nyklas makes a Horns attack and two Hoof
attacks. Nyklas can forgo making both Hoof attacks in this
manner to instead take the Dash action.
Hoof. Melee weapon attack, +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
Horns. Melee weapon attack, +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 17 (2d10 + 6) bludgeoning damage plus 7 (2d6) fire
damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 19
Constitution saving throw or be knocked unconscious until the
start of its next turn.
Burnout (Recharge 5–6). Nyklas wreathes himself in roiling
flames. Until the start of Nyklas’ next turn, he is immune to
spells and magical effects and the damage of his Burning Wake
feature is increased to 14 (4d6).
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Nyklas can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options
below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and
only at the end of another creature’s turn. Nyklas regains spent
legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Roll Out. Nyklas moves up to his speed.
Hoof. Nyklas makes a hoof attack.
Charge (Costs 3 Actions). Nyklas moves up to his speed and
makes a Horns attack.

Epic Boon: Boon of Grim Determination
When you make an attack roll against a fell-beyonder
and have advantage on the roll, you may roll three dice
instead of two and pick the highest result.
Finally, the heroes will gain a fragment of understand-
ing about the malevolent force lying within GrymmWorld
that is the fell-beyonders. This fragment is incomplete,
requiring the seven other fragments from the rest of
GrymmWorld’s Questing Beasts. The details of what this
fragment confers can be found in the Fell-Entropia sec-
tion in Chapter 1.
Finding the Wayward Souls
W hen questing for the Wayward Souls, the
primary objective is to locate all seven spirits
which have escaped Nyklas and hidden in the
Desalien sands. The spirits are harmless, having taken
up residence in ancient ruins, forgotten temples, and
other relics of GrymmWorld’s past where Nyklas
struggles to go. Once discovered, the spirits willingly
accompany any living mortal and can be delivered to
Nyklas (preferably all at the same time) so the beast
may return to his duties. Heroes who attempt to do so
are likely to encounter the following challenges, which
are presented in a general chronological order.
Discovery. The heroes must learn of the existence of the
Wayward Souls from the people of Desaly and how they
affect Nyklas. Much of this knowledge is known only by
veteran heroes who aided Nyklas in past quests but are
now retired. With the moon lich’s army on the horizon,
the rest of the populace is left stricken and afraid.
Exploration. The heroes must journey through the
Desalian Wastes in search of the seven Wayward
Souls, each of which is found in a geographically
distinct locale. These locations are always in areas
Nyklas struggles to reach, but often come with their
own hazards. Some spirits are likely to be discovered
by the moon lich’s silver legion, which will do
everything in its power to keep the souls hidden from
Nyklas while their master’s plans come to fruition.
Encounter. The heroes will likely encounter Nyklas
several times over the course of the quest. Until all sev-
en souls are back in the beast’s care, he is irreconcilable
and violent. Only when faced with undead does Nyklas
fight to the death, possessing an unrelenting hatred for
any who even resemble the moon lich’s agents. Once
all seven souls are in Nykas’ possession, the quest is
complete. Turning over the souls to Nyklas is no simple
matter. The beast is likely enraged and unwilling to set-
tle things in a nonviolent manner. The details of Nyklas’
personality can be found in Nyklas’ Social Statistics
sidebar detailed in this section.
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chapter six: the questing beasts
Regional Effects
The Desalian Wastes containing Nyklas are augmented by
his magic, which creates one or more of the following ef-
fects within the area.
• Embersand. The dunes of the waste turn an ebon
black and smolder like embers. The affected area
radiates Extreme Heat and ignites unattended
objects that come into contact with it.
• Desiccation. Water in the affected area instantly
evaporates 1 round after it is exposed to the
desert air.
• Bonegrinder. Undead in the affected area are
surrounded by swirling sands that erode its body.
An affected undead takes 6 (1d12) bludgeoning
damage at the start of each of turns until it leaves
the affected area.
If Nyklas is slain these effects fade immediately.
Zelena, the Frozen Heaven
Like a living sculpture carved from the purest ice, the
Questing Beast Zelena, the Frozen Heaven graces the
windswept mountaintops of Fellmount. Her ice encrusted
feathers shine like gemstones, made all the more glorious
by her tremendous visage. Any who turn their gaze sky-
ward on a clear day may witness Zelena in flight. With an
unearthly grace she swoops from peak to peak, dropping
her feathers about the realm for aspiring adventurers to re-
cover. Her presence is complimented by the scent of spring
flowers and her voice flows like rushing waters, crashing
waves, and low thunder.
The Legend of Zelena
“Atop the highest peak in all the world, where the wind is ever
cold and the sun always shines, lives the great Zelena, the
Frozen Heaven. From her lofty perch she watches us mortals, her
sapphire eye always searching for heroes in need of a challenge.
Her soul is ancient, wrapped in a coat of icy feathers as hard as
diamonds. Even the dragons bow and pay homage to wisdom
and strength, for before the cataclysm it was she who slew Fell-
Leviathan and saved our story. Now the Frozen Heaven lives
alone, seeking champions to safeguard our world’s next chapter.”
The Quest for Heaven’s Justice
Every so often on her flights across Fellmount, Zelena
will strategically drop one of her feathers before a band
of heroes she believes has the potential for extraordinary
greatness. Such (un)lucky beings begin the quest by re-
trieving the feather and returning it to Zelena, risking life
and limb in the process. Unfortunately, Zelena can only be
found atop the highest land point in all GrymmWorld, the
Eldermount, ensuring a perilous journey to say the least.
Throughout their journey Zelena will be watching and
judging the bravery and determination of the adventurers.
At the end, the great beast herself will challenge them. A
titanic battle where one is not expected to win, merely en-
dure to one’s last breath.
chapter six: the questing beasts

The Sign of Zelena

The Quest for Heaven’s Justice begins solely at Zelena’s
discretion. It is not often the great beast offers a compa-
ny of heroes a chance to impress her and most pass at the
opportunity. Zelena keenly scours Fellmount in search of
champions. Upon discovering worthy subjects she will drop
one of her great Frozen Feathers somewhere nearby. When
this feather is recovered by its intended recipients, a wind
howls across Fellmount and great storm clouds gather on
its highest peak. The Quest for Heaven’s Justice has begun.

Challenges of the Quest

The first step in the Quest of Heaven’s Justice is figuring
out what to do with the feather. Once the chosen he-
roes have discovered they must bring it to the top of the
Eldermount, the true test has begun. Zelena wishes to test

Returning the Feather

W hen questing for Heaven’s Justice, it is imperative

Zelena’s Social Statistics
Personality. Sagacious
• Ideals. Zelena knows she cannot cure GrymmWorld
of the fell-beyonder infestation, but that doesn’t stop
her from trying. She seeks a means by which this can
be accomplished and is willing to sacrifice herself and
more to do so.
• Bonds. Zelena has a profound sense regret over
her inability to fully defeat the fell-beyonders. This
sorrow is forever written on her face by frozen tears;
a constant reminder of her responsibility to correct
past failings.
• Flaws. Over the centuries Zelena has grown cold
and hard-hearted toward the other creatures of
GrymmWorld. She sees only the big picture and
never accounts for emotions except when absolutely
necessary.
Social Challenge DC. Ability checks made against
Zelena in social and roleplay encounters have the
following DCs, according to their difficulty.
• Easy DC (for friends and allies): 23
• Medium DC (for acquaintances
and benevolent strangers): 26
• Hard DC (for enemies and
threatening strangers): 29
that the feather dropped by Zelena be returned
in a timely manner. However, once the object has been
given over to the great beast, the worst is yet to come.
Zelena challenges any who summit Eldermount directly
in a test to determine whether they will die for a cause
greater than themselves. Heroes who attempt to do so
are likely to encounter the following challenges, which
are presented in a general chronological order.
Discovery. The heroes must gather the feather
dropped by Zelena and divine its purpose. The people
of Fellmount know better than to get involved in this
quest and will point only at the summit of Eldermount
when asked. The mountain itself is discussed in greater
detail in Chapter 5, but even the most experienced
party should prepare themselves for a rough road ahead.
Exploration. The heroes must begin their ascent to
the top of Eldermount. This titanic obstacle can be
experience in a variety of ways, but a DM running it
should note the mountain’s strange properties and the
terrifying dangers likely encountered along the way. The
number of Grymm who have summited Eldermount
in living memory can be counted on two hands, and for
good reason. Monsters, magic, and more await.
Encounter. The heroes must present the dropped feather
before Zelena, who gives them but a moment to catch
their breath before attacking mercilessly. During this
climactic conflict, the great beast asks deeply personal
questions of the heroes. What is their purpose? Why are
they doing this? What does their future hold? A DM
running Zelena should carefully craft these questions to
be poignant toward specific characters and Zelena will
stay her assault only to hear a meaningful answer to her
inquiries. No matter what is said however, Zelena fights
to the bitter end to better measure the heroes’ mettle. The
details of Zelena’s personality can be found in Zelena’s
Social Statistics sidebar detailed in this section.

162

one’s determination and resolve. Are the heroes deeply
committed to their beliefs that they would face the great-
est beast in the world and stand before it? Do they have
the strength to risk everything in service of a mighty deed,
despite no obvious reward or benefit? If found worthy, they
will be endowed with extensive power.
Rewards
Those who stand and deliver before Zelena earn her re-
spect. Those that critically wound (reduce her below
half her hit point maximum) or even defeat her are truly
Zelena, the Frozen Heaven
Gargantuan monstrosity, lawful good
Armor Class 20 (natural armor)
Hit Points 478 (29d20 + 174)
Speed 20 ft., fly 120 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
15 (+2) 17 (+3) 22 (+6) 19 (+4) 26 (+8) 21 (+5)
Saving Throws Dex +11, Wis +16, Cha +13
Skills History +20, Insight +16, Religion +12, Perception +16
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical weapons
Damage Immunities cold
Condition Immunities charmed
Senses truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 26
Languages all
Challenge 25 (75,000 XP)
TRAITS
Feathers of True Ice. Zelena’s feathers are coated in ice as hard
as diamonds. When Zelena takes 15 or less damage from a
single attack or effect, she instead takes no damage. Fickle Winds (Recharge 5–6). A fierce wind begins to blow in
Additionally, Zelana’s attacks are magical and when she hits
a creature with an attack, she deals an additional 21 (6d6) cold
damage (included in the attack).
Mantle of Radiant Winter. Zelena exudes an aura of staggering
cold in a 60 ft. radius sphere. At the start of each of her turns
Zelena can choose to unleash her freezing might upon creatures of
her choice in the affected area. An affected creature must succeed
on a DC 24 Constitution saving throw or be chilled for 1 minute.
A creature under the chilled condition is vulnerable to cold
damage and cannot regain hit points. At the end of each of its
turns, an affected creature can repeat the saving throw, ending the
effect on a success. Once a creature has made a successful saving
throw against this effect, it is immune to the effect for 24 hours.
Merciful. When Zelena reduces a creature to 0 hit points,
she can choose to instead reduce it to 1 hit point and knock
it unconscious for 1 hour. A creature knocked unconscious in
this manner can be awakened by another creature within 5 feet
taking an action to wake it.
Mythic Resistance. When Zelena fails a saving throw, she can
use one of her unspent legendary actions to succeed instead.
Rejuvenation. If Zelena is slain, she magically returns to life
atop the Eldermount within 24 hours. Zelena returns at maxi-
mum hit points and under no harmful effects.
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chapter six: the questing beasts
worthy and complete the quest. When this occurs, the
top of the Eldermount is split by lightning as the clouds
applaud the effort with raucous thunder. Zelena will then
grant her new champions the greatest power she can be-
stow. This anointment grants the Epic boon of Imminent
Justice, the details of which can be found below.
Finally, the heroes will gain a fragment of undestand-
ing about the malevolent force lying within GrymmWorld
that is the fell-beyonders. This fragment is incomplete,
requiring the seven other fragments from the rest of
GrymmWorld’s Questing Beasts. The details of what this
ACTIONS
Multiattack. Zelena makes four Ice Feather attacks, or two Ice
Feather attacks and either her Thunderous Screech or Fickle
Winds action.
Ice Feather. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range
120 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d10+3) piercing damage and 21
(6d6) cold damage.
Thunderous Screech. Ranged Spell Attack: +16 to hit, range
120 ft., each creature in a 20 ft. cube within range. Hit: 21 (6d6)
thunder and 21 (6d6) cold and the target(s) must succeed on a
DC 24 Constitution saving throw or be deafened until the end
of their next turn(s).
Deep Freeze (Recharges on a Short or Long Rest). Zelena
generates a maelstrom of frigid cold in a 20 ft. radius sphere
centered on a point within 120 ft. Creatures in the affected area
must succeed on a DC 24 Strength saving throw or become
frozen (as detailed in the unique condition below).
a 300 ft. radius sphere centered on a point Zelena can see within
60 ft., which blows in a direction of her choice and lasts for 1
minute or until she dismisses it using a bonus action. Creatures
other than Zelena moving against the wind must spend 2 ft. of
movement for every 1 ft. they move and ranged weapon attacks
made against targets upwind automatically miss.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Zelena can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options
below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and
only at the end of another creature’s turn. Zelena regains spent
legendary actions at the start of her turn.
Flutter. Zelena flies up to 30 ft.
Ice Feather. Zelena makes an Ice Feather attack.
Thunderous Screech (Costs 2 Actions). Zelena makes a
Thunderous Screech attack.
Freeze Magic (Costs 2 Actions). Zelena suppresses the effects of
up to three spells of her choice within 120 ft. of her for 1 minute.
Zelena must concentrate to maintain this effect (as though
concentrating on a spell), with the spells resuming their effects
when this effect ends (assuming their durations have ended).
chapter six: the questing beasts

fragment confers can be found in the Fell-Entropia sec- The people of Labirinto rightfully flee from her light,
tion in Chapter 1. while the ignorant are swiftly dispatched by the burning
power of the Sun-Slayer.

Epic Boon: Boon of Imminent Justice
When you roll initiative and are aware of the presence
of fell-beyonders within 120 ft. of you, you can choose
to decree a single fell-beyonder to be your sworn
enemy for 24 hours. The target cannot have resistance
or immunity to damage dealt by you and you have
resistance to damage dealt by it. This effect ends early if
you select another fell-beyonder as your target.
Regional Effects
The mountain of Eldermount is augmented by the Zelena’s
magic, which creates one or more of the following effects
within the area.
• Restless Winter. A creature that finishes a long
rest in the affected area must succeed on a DC 18
Constitution saving throw or instead gain no benefit
from that rest and gain 1 level of exhaustion.
• Uttercold. The temperature of the mountain’s envi-
ronment cannot exceed 0 degrees Fahrenheit
• Brittle Magic. The duration of any spells or magical
effects produced within the area have their durations
reduced to 1 minute.
If Zelena is slain, these effects fade immediately.
New Condition: Frozen
A frozen creature is encased in ice, which is an object
that surrounds the creature with an AC of 15 and has
100 hit points. When the creature is no longer encased
in ice, the condition ends. Creatures subjected to the
frozen condition suffer the following effects:
• The creature is immune to all damage except cold
and psychic damage.
• The creature’s speed is 0, and it cannot take actions
other than attempting to break free. A creature
attempting to break free from the ice must take an
action to attempt a DC 15 Strength (Athletics)
ability check ending the effect on a success.
The Legend of Porche, the Sun-Slayer
“The day the Clockwork Court imprisoned the Empress
Impossible was a time of change for Labirinto. Metal was
recast, machines broken, and brilliant inventions forged, but
between it all emerged a true wonder: Porche, the Sun-Slayer.
So extraordinary is her design and devious her power that
Porche draws light from our second sun. Each day Porche is
allowed to wander the glorious above our land dims. With her
stolen power she stalks the corridors of Labirinto, destroying all
who are cast in her light. The nefarious intention behind Porche’s
design is unknown. No matter how many times her body is
broken, and sunlight liberated, she always returns to menace
the land, an enduring plague upon all of GrymmWorld.”
The Quest for the Stolen Flame
Every day she roams Labirinto, Porche hungrily consumes
the light of the realm’s artificial sun. Normally this effect is
negligible, but should the Sun-Slayer venture too close,
she can drink deeply from the sun’s radiance and ingest
the primordial spark within. The immediate aftermath of
this event is catastrophic, causing the sun’s light to wane
and proliferating sinister darkness throughout the land.
When threatened, Porche turns her stolen power upon her
attackers. Few can withstand such an assault, so any would
be saviors of Labirinto must be prepared to withstand the
burning power of the sun itself. The first challenge of said
heroes is to find Porche. The beast is supernaturally adept
at navigating the winding lands of Labirinto, putting even
the most experienced local to shame.

Porche, the Sun-Slayer

A mechanical, pearl-brass scorpion built by

Grymm long forgotten, Porche sounds like an
old clock winding down; spinning, grinding,
and pinching every metal worn gear with her
rickety movements. Her sleek metallic plates reflect
the unearthly light cast by the miniature sun affixed
to the tip of her burnished tail. No matter where she
travels in Labirinto, the coming of Porche is heralded by
the sun’s light casting all in its burnt-amber hue. Despite
her fearsome power, Porche is only the size of a yard dog.

164

The Sign of Porche
The Quest for the Stolen Flame begins when Porche man-
ages to drink the wellspring of light within Labirinto’s ar-
tificial sun. The effects of this action are immediate and
severe. The light across the realm begins to fade, casting
dark shadows throughout the great labyrinth. The people
of Labirinto seek shelter, fearing the darkness to which
they are unaccustomed, filling their hearts with paranoia
and suspicion. All the while, Porche skitters about the lab-
yrinth in a cunning game of hide and seek, evading any
who dare to take up the Quest for the Stolen Flame.
Freeing the Flame
T racking Porche down is no mean feat. The beast
knows every corner of the great labyrinth and
can navigate it flawlessly, while those chasing her
must contend with its many perils (See Chapter 5 for
details). Despite her small size, Porche is formidable.
Gorged on magical light, the beast will turn her pilfered
fire on any who wish her harm and is frustratingly
difficult to negotiate with. There is no defined strategy
to recovering the flame; theft, violence, bribery, and
trickery have all worked in the past, though never
without great effort. Heroes who attempt to free the
flame are likely to encounter the following challenges,
which are presented in a general chronological order.
Discovery. Any aspiring heroes must determine that
Porche is responsible and determine how to find her. The
dimming of the sun is an apocalyptic omen for the peo-
ple of Labirinto. Many act with outright hostility when
approached, blaming anything, no matter how implausi-
ble, for their plight. What is worse, it is only a matter of
time (typically 3 weeks) before the artificial sun exhausts
its fuel, sending the entire region into complete panic.
Exploration. The heroes must venture into the farthest
reaches of the labyrinth in pursuit of Porche, who likely
has a considerable head start and knows the terrain. At
the best of times the abandoned sections of the labyrinth
are perilous, but now things have taken a turn for the
extremely hazardous. Most of these beings know better
than to mess with Porche, but intrepid heroes are another
story. Only the most experienced of adventurers have a
hope of tracking Porche down quickly, and never without
a few bumps and scrapes from encounters along the way.
Encounter. Porche acts like a cornered animal when
confronted, desperate to protect her endless supply
of delicious sunlight. This attitude is not grounded in
rationality, but rather a curious instinct or programming
imbued into her design. This isn’t to say Porche can’t be
reasoned with (a typical feeding is enough to sustain her
for at least a decade) but persuading her to part with her
favorite meal takes some serious negotiating skills. Most
prefer force of arms, but Porche is more than capable of
putting up a good fight. The details of Porche’s personal-
ity can be found in the Porche’s Social Statistics sidebar
detailed in this section.
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chapter six: the questing beasts
Challenges of the Quest
To embark upon the Quest for the Stolen Flame one
must simply seek to restore Labirinito to its usual radi-
ance. Saving the realm from this grim fate poses a vari-
ety of challenges, as Porche will never relinquish her prize
without a very compelling cause. The land of Labirinto is
already quite hostile to outsiders, particularly those of flesh
and blood, adding to the challenge of the quest. As the
realm darkens, the situation rapidly escalates, with count-
less malevolent beings moving into the shadowy labyrinth
with sinister intentions. All the while, Porche skitters
about evasively, content to digest the endless source of en-
ergy within her.
Porche’s Social Statistics
Personality. Gluttonous
• Ideals. Porche believes only in satiating her own
ravenous hunger. While she can feed on almost any
source of magical energy, it is the primordial flame
within the great Sun Spire of Labirinto which
satisfies her appetite like no other morsel can.
• Bonds. Porche has a peculiar affinity for the great
labyrinth within Labirinto, knowing its every
secret, shortcut, and architectural element. This
ability is entirely unique to Porche, with no other
known being upon GrymmWorld possessing
such a unique and powerful affinity for the locale.
• Flaws. Porche’s hunger leaves her short sighted
and impulsive, rarely thinking more than the next
step ahead. She can be easily tempted into reckless
action by the promise of potent magical power.
Social Challenge DC. Ability checks made against
Porche in social and roleplay encounters have the
following DCs, according to their difficulty.
• Easy DC (for friends and allies): 17
• Medium DC (for acquaintances
and benevolent strangers): 20
• Hard DC (for enemies and
threatening strangers): 23
Rewards
Whether it is obtained by force of arms or clever words,
the Primordial Flame instantly returns to the Sun Spire.
With a radiant burst of light all of Labirinto is illuminated
by the rekindled flame of the artificial sun, which shines in
a brilliant prismatic display for an entire month. Such an
event is a cause for great celebration throughout the realm,
with those responsible for staving off the darkness becom-
ing regional celebrities and honored guests in every house-
hold. Additionally, any heroes who took part in the quest
receive a powerful blessing when immersed in the light
of this sun, granting them the epic boon of Everburning
Hope, the details of which can be found below.
chapter six: the questing beasts
Epic Boon: Boon of Everburning Hope
When you succeed on a saving throw against an enemy
fell-beyonder, you magically regain 1d12 hit points.
Additionally, the heroes will gain a fragment of un-
derstanding about the malevolent force lying within
GrymmWorld that is the fell-beyonders. This fragment
is incomplete, requiring the seven other fragments from
the rest of GrymmWorld’s Questing Beasts. The details
Porche, the Sun-Slayer
Small construct, neutral evil
Armor Class 21 (natural armor)
Hit Points 202 (27d6 + 108)
Speed 20 ft., climb 20 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
17 (+3) 11 (+0) 19 (+4) 23 (+6) 15 (+2) 8 (-1)
Saving Throws Dex +5, Int +11, Wis +7
Skills Arcana +16, Perception +7
Damage Resistances fire, radiant; bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical weapons
Damage Immunities poison, psychic
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Senses passive Perception 17
Languages Labirinto, but understands all languages
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP)
TRAITS caught in the path of the beam take 30 fire damage and 30
Heavily Reinforced. When Porche takes 30 or more damage
in a single turn, she instead takes 25 damage.
Miniature Sun. The sun on Porche’s tail exudes daylight in
a 300 ft. radius sphere, and dim light for 300 ft. beyond that,
which suppresses any darkness (including magical darkness) it
meets. Porche is aware of any creatures in any area illuminated
by this light, and creatures illuminated by the light cannot be
hidden from her.
Mythic Resistance. When Porche fails a saving throw, she
can use one of her unspent legendary actions to succeed
instead.
Rejuvenation. If Porche is slain, she magically returns to life
within Labrinito within 24 hours. Porche returns at maximum
hit points and under no harmful effects.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. Porche makes two claw attacks and uses either
her Sunblast or Sunsting actions.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 11 (1d10 + 6) piercing damage.
Sunblast. Melee or Ranged Spell Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
range 300 ft., one target. Hit: 45 (6d12+6) radiant damage.
166
of what this fragment confers can be found in the Fell-
Entropia section in Chapter 1.
Regional Effects
The region around Porche is augmented by the Questing
Beast’s magic, which creates one or more of the following
effects within 10 miles of her location.
• Escape Routes. Tiny, Porche-sized apertures in
the walls of Labirinto appear, providing her with
efficient means of egress between the walls of the
great labyrinth.
Sunsting. Melee Spell Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Hit: the target must succeed on a DC 19 Constitution saving
throw or be poisoned permanently. While so poisoned, a creature
always suffers from Extreme Heat1 and is vulnerable to fire and
radiant damage.
Antimagic Protocol. Porche casts dispel magic without the need
for any components as a 5th level spell. If Porche succeeds in
dispelling a spell effect in this manner, she regains 6 (1d12) hit
points for each spell level of the spell dispelled (minimum of
1d12).
Radiant Beam (Recharge Short or Long Rest). Porche begins
projecting a beam of radiant energy in a 300 ft. long line that is
5 feet wide in a direction of her choice, which lasts for 1 minute.
A creature that starts its turn in the beam or enters the area
for the first time on a turn takes 16 (3d10) fire damage and
16 (3d10) radiant damage. Any unattended objects or structures
radiant damage at the end of each of Porche’s turns.
Additionally, at the start of each of her turns while projecting
the beam, Porche can change the orientation of the beam to
another orientation of her choice, sweeping the beam across
the space between both orientations by the shortest possible
distance. Creatures caught in the path of the beam as it changes
orientation must attempt a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw,
taking 10 (3d6) fire damage and 10 (3d6) radiant damage on a
failure, or half as much on a success.
This effect ends early if Porche is incapacitated or chooses to
end it by taking a bonus action.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Porche can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options
below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and
only at the end of another creature’s turn. Porche regains spent
legendary actions at the start of her turn.
Claw. Porche makes a claw attack.
Dig. Porche burrows up to her speed.
Sunstrike (Costs 2 Actions). Porche uses either her Sunblast or
Sunsting action.
Sweeping Blast (Costs 2 Actions). Porche changes the
orientation of her Radiant Beam.
1 The details of this effect can be found in the 5th Edition core rules.

• Air Cover. Porche and any effects she produces
are invisible to creatures 30 ft. or higher above the
ground.
• Repair Stations. Special repair stations appear
throughout the area. When Porche takes a Short
Rest in one of these stations, the time to complete
the rest is reduced to 10 minutes.
If Porche dies these effects fade immediately.
Oedipus Stonetongue
To look upon Oedipus Stonetongue is to know the gro-
tesque. The beast is large, lumbering, and packed tightly
with rough-hewn muscles that pulsate and flex with every
movement. There is a disgusting slurp and sucking noise
from every tentacle that slithers and crawls across every
surface they touch. Everything Oedipus touches is coated
in a fetid grey slime that offends every sense imaginable.
An observer who dares approach this beast can observe
his elephantine size, violently purple skin, and many seg-
mented eyes that glow a deep yellow. Each movement of
the creature is asymmetrical and indelicate, as if it were
wracked with crippling pain. From its gooey maw emits
overdramatic cries of anguish, like a melodramatic actor
taking center stage.
167
chapter six: the questing beasts
The Legend of Oedipus Stonetongue
For as long as there have been hearts, there has been sorrow.
All hearts ache when faced with loss, but for some the pain of
the past is never forgotten. Such is the fate of dear Oedipus,
the Stonetongue beast awash in its own tears. Rejected by
the world and sentenced to count all the stones of Praia, dear
Oedipus walks alone. This task is endless and impossible.
Every rock must be numbered, named, only to be forgotten
by the forlorn beast; an endless cycle of misery from which
Oedipus will never emerge. As he wanders, Oedipus cries out
for companionship. Those that can withstand his foul stench
and strange appearance are driven away by his cantankerous
demeanor. To be among these “fake friends” is to incur the
beast’s great wrath. With a sticky vengeance, Oedipus de-
scends from the treetops to punish those who dared toy with
his already shattered heart.
The Quest for the Slimy Crown
When the reign of the Rime King comes to end with-
in Praia, their coral crown vanishes in a flash of indigo
light. By unknown magics the sacred relic appears atop the
head of Oedipus Stonetongue, who experiences a rare flash
of true happiness at the prospect of being named king of
Praia. The people of the realm are duty bound to follow
the beast’s bizarre orders, flocking to its location to wait on
Oedipus’ every want and desire. Thanks to his foul mood,
Oedipus’s reign is not fit to last. The people of Praia suffer
under his self-aggrandizing rule, desperately awaiting ad-
venturers daring enough to reclaim the crown and bestow
it upon one who is worthy.
The Sign
The Quest for the Slimy Crown begins when Oedipus
comes into possessions of the Rime King’s coral crown.
However, rarely are mighty heroes on hand to immedi-
ately take up the challenge. Oedipus has been known to
rule for years before being dethroned, with one legendary
reign lasting well over a century during an era known
as the Fetid Dominion. More likely, heroes will be
compelled to embark upon the quest after witness-
ing the suffering of the Praian people. The beast’s
commands are bizarre, but rarely deadly, geared
toward mollifying his own ego and gleeful-
ly testing the limits of his authority. Armies
marching in reverse, feasts held for non-exis-
tent holidays, and other bizarre activities are
a clear sign something is dreadfully wrong
in Praia.
Challenges of the Quest
Confronting Oedipus and reclaiming the
crown is but the first step in the Quest for the
Slimy Crown. Even that seemingly simple
task is fraught with danger, as Grimm-
Prai are dutiful in their obligation to obey
the wearer of the coral crown. However,
Oedipus abhors blood and violence, and
chapter six: the questing beasts
will never escalate a confrontation to that level unless given
no other choice. The beast will not willingly hand over the
crown under any circumstances, requiring trickery, force,
or negotiation to recover the item. From there, it is the de-
ceptively simple matter of bestowing the crown upon the
head of a willing Grimm-Prai (see the details of the coral
crown in Chapter 5 for details). Such a decision must be
made quickly, for Oedipus will do everything in his power
to recover the crown, but a reckless choice can spell ca-
tastrophe for Praia in the decades ahead. More than a few
Rime Kings have been tyrannical despots thanks to a poor
decision made by foolhardy heroes.
Rewards
Stealing the coral crown and appointing a new Rime King
ends any conflict with Oedipus, causing the beast to retreat
deep into the Red-Rime Grove to brood. Meanwhile, the
people of Praia close a dark chapter in their lives and open
a new one – full of hopeful prospects and untapped poten-
tial. If the heroes chose well, the new Rime King will reign
long and well. Should they choose poorly…Well, no king
rules forever, and bad kings rarely for long. In either case
the heroes are lauded for their efforts, earning them the ti-
tle of Kingmaker and a page in Praia’s resplendent history.
Such dedication earns said heroes a powerful epic boon,
known as the Boon of Spiteful Retaliation, the details of
which can be found below.
Additionally, the heroes will gain a fragment of un-
derstanding about the malevolent force lying within
GrymmWorld that is the fell-beyonders. This fragment
is incomplete, requiring the seven other fragments from
Bestowing the Crown
W hen Oedipus acquires the coral crown, he typically
holds court in the Red Rime Grove of Praia, an
inhospitable location for most creatures, let alone the
average Praian. The constant coming and going of peoples
and goods pollutes the habitat, creating a truly hateful
cesspool of misery and resentment. The foul mood of
Oedipus is felt far and wide. Discerning heroes would do
well to notice community leaders stepping up in this time
of crisis, as they may make for fine future Rime Kings.
The coral crown is firmly stuck atop Oedipus’s head and is
the source of any fleeting happiness the beast experiences.
Parting the two is challenging in the extreme. Heroes
who attempt to obtain the crown are likely to encounter
the following challenges, which are presented in a general
chronological order.
Discovery. When Oedipus wears the coral crown, the signs
are obvious and ever present throughout Praia. The people
pray for a swift end to the Rime King’s rule, as grim tax
collectors gather food, currency, and even more bizarre
objects for the beast’s inscrutable desires. Agents of Oedipus
are always decorated in honor of their lord, wearing bizarre
costumes in his honor. Heroes have only to spend a few days
168
Oedipus’s Social Statistics
Personality. Egocentric
• Ideals. Oedipus believes himself to be a victim of
the universe (and may well be right), lamenting
his misfortune as dramatically as possible at every
opportunity. He believes this grievance to be an
adequate justification for almost any course of action
he chooses to take, so long as he does not directly
harm someone who has not harmed him.
• Bonds. Despite his cantankerous demeanor, Oedipus
revels in the presence of other beings. To be attended
to, waited on, and served gives the beast some small
amount of joy. Endearing oneself to the volatile
creature is difficult, but those favored few are nearly
as precious to Oedipus as anything can be.
• Flaws. Oedipus wears his extremely sensitive heart
on his shoulder. Forms of emotional stress evoke
extreme responses in the beast; insults, disrespect,
and a condescending attitude often elicit powerful
responses.
Social Challenge DC. Ability checks made against
Oedipus in social and roleplay encounters have the
following DCs, according to their difficulty.
• Easy DC (for friends and allies): 18
• Medium DC (for acquaintances and
benevolent strangers): 21
• Hard DC (for enemies and
threatening strangers): 24
in Praia to witness some of these bewildering incidents and
discern something is amiss.
Exploration. Tracking down Oedipus requires working
one’s way into his court. Bypassing the many innocent
Praians serving the beast is not easy, for most are caught in
an impossible dilemma thanks to their honorable nature.
However, dying for the Rime King is as noble a cause as
overthrowing a tyrant, allowing heroes multiple avenues of
approach. Audiences are rare, but security in the court is
inconsistent to say the least.
Encounter. Encounters with Oedipus are unpleasant
affairs. The beast does a poor job of communicating his true
desires, prone to drama and excessive airing of grievances.
If personally attacked or the coral crown removed without
his consent, Oedipus erupts in inconsolable, violent fury.
Any thieves or plunderers would do well to watch their
backs until the coral crown is safely delivered to the next
Rime King, for Oedipus will not relinquish his one mote
of happiness without a fight. The details of Oedipus’s
personality can be found in the Oedipus’s Social Statistics
sidebar detailed in this section.

the rest of GrymmWorld’s Questing Beasts. The details
of what this fragment confers can be found in the Fell-
Entropia section in Chapter 1.
Epic Boon: Boon of Spiteful Retalation
When you take damage from a fell-beyonder you can
see within 60 ft. of you, you can take a reaction to
deal psychic damage to the fell-beyonder equal to the
damage you took.
Oedipus Stonetongue
Huge monstrosity, neutral
Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 450 (36d12 + 216)
Speed 40 ft., climb 40 ft., swim 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
27 (+8) 8 (-1) 22 (+6) 15 (+2) 6 (-2) 22 (+6)
Saving Throws Str +14, Con +12, Wis +4
Skills Acrobatics +11, Perception +4, Sleight of Hand +11
Damage Resistances psychic; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical weapons
Damage Immunities acid
Condition Immunities charmed
Senses blindsense 30 ft., darkvision 120 ft.,
passive Perception 14
Languages Praian, but understands all languages
Challenge 17 (18,000 XP)
TRAITS
Crippling Melancholy. Oedipus exists in a constant state of
melancholy sadness, which exudes from him in a 30 ft. radius
sphere centered on him. When a creature enters the area for
the first time on a turn or starts its turn there, Oedipus can
force it to attempt a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw or become
overwhelmed with sadness for one minute. On each of its turns
a creature who is overwhelmed can either use its movement,
use a single action, or use its bonus action, but otherwise do
nothing else. At the end of each of its turns, an affected creature
can repeat the saving throw, ending the effect on a success.
A creature that succeeds on a saving throw against this effect
becomes immune to Crippling Melancholy for 24 hours.
Mythic Resistance. When Oedipus fails a saving throw, he can
use one of his unspent legendary actions to succeed instead.
Rejuvenation. If Oedipus is slain, he magically returns to life
within Praia within 24 hours. Oedipus returns at maximum hit
points and under no harmful effects.
Stick-to-itiveness. Oedipus is coated in layer of sticky slime.
When Oedipus touches or is touched by a creature or object, he
can choose to stick to that creature or object. Anything stuck to
Oedipus is considered held by him (if an object) or grappled by
him (if a creature), though this does not require Oedipus have
a free hand to interact with a target in this manner. Freeing a
stuck target requires a creature within reach to use an action to
169
chapter six: the questing beasts
Regional Effects
The region containing Oedipus is augmented by the
Questing Beast’s magic, which creates one or more of the
following effects within the area of Praia while he wears
the coral crown.
• Winds of Forgotten Horror. The winds whisper
of the crimes for which Oedipus was condemned
to count rocks for all eternity. The crimes are so
horrific and disturbing that if a creature hears the
winds for one continuous hour, it must succeed
on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or become
attempt a DC 20 Strength (Athletics) check, freeing the target
on a success.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. Oedipus makes four tentacle attacks. Oedipus
can forgo making two tentacle attacks to instead make a single
Constrict or Spit attack.
Constrict. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 25 ft., one
creature grappled by Oedipus. Hit: 36 (8d6 + 8) bludgeoning
damage and the target is restrained and cannot breathe and
begins suffocating for as long as it is restrained in this manner.
Spit. Ranged Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, range 60/120 ft.,
one target. Hit: 30 (4d10 + 8) acid damage.
Tentacle. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 25 ft.,
one target. Hit: 21 (2d12 + 8) bludgeoning damage.
Acid Sheath (Recharge on a Short or Long Rest). Oedipus
converts its slime into acid for 1 minute. When Oedipus affects
a creature or object with his Stick-to-itiveness feature, he deals
9 (2d8) acid damage to the target. Additionally, anything stuck
to Oedipus via this feature takes 9 (2d8) acid damage at the
end of each of Oedipus’s turns.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Oedipus can take three legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time
and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Oedipus regains
spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Move. Oedipus moves up to its speed.
Tentacle. Oedipus makes a tentacle attack.
Gelatinous Body (Costs 2 Actions). Oedipus’ body becomes more
fluid until the end of its next turn. While in this state, Oedipus
becomes immune to the grappled and restrained conditions, and
can squeeze through spaces as small as 2 feet in diameter.
Wail of Misery (Costs 3 Actions). Oedipus emits a wail
of misery that can be heard by creatures up to 120 ft. away.
Enemy creatures that hear the wail must succeed on a DC 20
Constitution saving throw or become blinded for 1 hour as they
begin crying profusely.
chapter six: the questing beasts

frightened of all other creatures until it can no

longer hear the winds.
• Liquifaction. Large swamps of foul-smell-
ing muck and mire form throughout the area.
Affected areas are considered difficult terrain
and creatures in the affected area cannot detect
anything via sense of smell.
• Cantankerous Locals. Natives to Praia always
awaken in a bad mood, becoming unfriendly to-
ward all other creatures at the end of each Long
Rest until something adjusts their attitude.
If Oedipus dies these effects fade immediately.
Colinopi, the Moist Love-Beast
Deep within the Tadfen Bog is a loving beast of infinite
proportions. This is Colinopi, a squishy, eye-encrusted sal-
amander whose presence literally stretches across all of
Tadfen. With a broad head, a face only a mother could
love, webbed feet, and flesh that squelches with every
movement, Colinopi snakes through the swamps, trailing
its endless tail behind it. Its countless pairs of eyes start at
its head and continue down to the hypothetical end of its
tail, granting Colinopi a view of all of Tadfen no matter
the circumstances. Prone to excessive napping, the beast’s
sedentary body is overgrown with moss. Though it rarely
speaks, the voice of Colinopi sounds of a guttural gagging,
punctuated by the tongued smacking of lips. Life in the
swamps of Tadfen is not clean, coating the Moist Love-
Beast in a healthy layer of earthy, but still pungent, mud.
The Legend of Colinopi
“Colinopi the Moist is also known as the Love-Beast. When
the idea of soft sweet words, secret songs, and wishing stars
came into being, it is said that they were first mentioned
by the swamp creature. They crawled into the bayou
where they could remain warm and wistful. The
legend says they came here when they were rejected by
the heavenly bird, and so sank into their sadness. Forlorn and
without true purpose, Colinopi slinks around the waterways
in search of would-be lovers that they might swallow
to feel their love or lead to the secret poem caves
they constructed many eons ago.”
Colinopi’s Social Statistics
Personality. Passionate
• Ideals. Colinopi believes in love. Nothing is more
wholesome or valuable to the Moist Love-Beast than
the pursuit and sharing of affections with others.
Though Colinopi always outlives its partners, it never
sees that as a reason to stop trying, honoring the
memory of its past paramours while seeking new
experiences in love.
• Bonds. Colinopi treats every potential paramour
with a respectful flirtatiousness that always seems to
push the right buttons. However, even when rejected
the Moist Love-Beast takes things in stride, still
considering such creatures as beautiful souls worth
knowing and appreciating.
• Flaws. Honoring the memory of its first lover,
Colinopi will never again date dragons. Even the
presence of such a creature is too much for the Moist
Love-Beast to bear, shattering its confidence and
reducing Colinopi to a sobbing ruin.
Social Challenge DC. Ability checks made against
Colinopi in social and roleplay encounters have the
following DCs, according to their difficulty.
• Easy DC (for friends and allies): 17
• Medium DC (for acquaintances
and benevolent strangers): 20
• Hard DC (for enemies and
threatening strangers): 23

The Quest of Unlikely

Matchmaking
Colinopi is a lover, not a fighter, but the
pursuit of true love can be as dangerous
as any battlefield. Taking up the Quest of
Unlikely Matchmaking involves tracking down
the Moist Love-Beast and helping it find its
next paramour. Unfortunately, this is not
nearly as easy as it sounds. Colinopi is a
sound sleeper, picky eater, shrewd lov-
er, and slow mover, all of which com-
bines to form a frightfully difficult quest.
Heroes seeking to aid the beast must navigate the

170

perils of Tadfen Bog while acting as intrepid matchmakers.
Colinopi does not awake ready to hit the dating scene, and
must be fed, watered, and washed thoroughly, testing even
the most dedicated hero’s patience and stoicism.
The Sign of Colinopi
The first sign of the beast is an encounter with its infinite
tail. Many a hero has stumbled across the strange append-
age, but not many have the dedication to follow it through
the bug infested swamps of Tadfen. It is clear from the
eyes lining the tail the beast is asleep, unresponsive to any
stimuli and severing instantly if damaged. Those who track
the tail to the Moist Love-Beast can begin the Quest of
the Unlikely Matchmaking in earnest.
Challenges of the Quest
Tracking the infinite tail to Colinopi can take weeks, de-
pending on how close the discovered section is to the main
body. Enduring the wandering path through Tadfen Bog
is a considerable challenge, but nothing compares to the
sheer absurdity of setting Colinopi up to find true love.
Many heroes have proven themselves heroic in battle, but
few are heroes in the affairs of the heart. Those upon the
Quest of Unlikely Matchmaking will be tested in patience,
creativity, and artistry. The Moist Love-Beast is not one
for taking dating advice, often attacking those who seek to
help it out of sheer frustration should things not go well.
Balancing the irritable salamander’s personality with the
goals of the quest is a tricky tightrope aspiring hero must
walk.
Rewards
Setting Colinopi up with an appropriate lover is a bizarre
but fulfilling task, earning such heroes the gratitude of the
Moist Love-Beast and its paramour. When such a match is
found, the flora and fauna of the Tadfen Bog erupt in cel-
ebration, heralding a new love story beginning to unfold.
The rest of Tadfen is content to leave the new couple alone,
but the matchmaking heroes are unceremoniously granted
a powerful epic boon known as the Boon of Unbreakable
Kinship, the details of which can be found below.
Epic Boon: Boon of Unbreakable Kinship
If you are reduced to zero hit points or slain by a fell-
beyonder, you instead survive and immediately roll
any number of your remaining hit dice and regain hit
points as though you had instantly finished a Short
Rest. Once you have used this feature, you cannot use it
again until 1 week has passed.
Additionally, the heroes will gain a fragment of un-
der-standing about the malevolent force lying within
GrymmWorld that is the fell-beyonders. This fragment
is incomplete, requiring the seven other fragments from
the rest of GrymmWorld’s Questing Beasts. The details
171
chapter six: the questing beasts
of what this fragment confers can be found in the Fell-
Entropia section in Chapter 1.
Making A Match
T he Quest of Unlikely Matchmaking can only
be completed by finding Colinopi another
being to love and be loved by. The salamander has
discerning standards, refusing to date non-sentient
creatures of any type and rarely dating those of a
type it has dated before. What is worse, the Moist
Love-Beast requires a lot of work to get presentable.
A proper makeover is advisable, particularly due to
Colinopi’s astonishingly low confidence, even for
a mud-encrusted salamander. Heroes who attempt
to do so are likely to encounter the following
challenges, which are presented in a general
chronological order.
• Discovery. Heroes upon the Quest of the
Unlikely Matchmaker must awaken Colinopi
from its deep slumber. The only way of doing so
short of overwhelming violence is an extravagant
love ballad to stir the Love-Beast’s heart. Bards
and performers of Tadfen know many such songs
that are rumored to be favorites of Colinopi,
though a quality improv session has been known
to do the trick.
• Exploration. Once awakened, Colinopi is eager
to begin the search for a partner. However, the
salamander needs all the help it can get, gaining
particular benefit from the following activities:
| A thorough washing in clean water.
| A hearty meal
| A fortifying, confidence boosting drink
| Some solid dating advice
| A thoughtful discussion about what Colinopi
is looking for in a partner this time.
Additionally, the salamander doesn’t travel well,
forcing helpful heroes to bring prospective
dates to the Moist Love-Beast to see if they are
compatible.
• Encounter. Unfortunately, things are not as
simple as they may appear. When Colinopi gets
frustrated with any matchmaking activities, it
quickly becomes violent. Rarely does this outburst
turn deadly, but it can prove quite dangerous to
ill-prepared heroes. Otherwise Colinopi is friendly
and deliberate. It speaks thoughtfully and has a
habit of asking just the right questions to spark
a pleasant conversation. Flirting is a common
practice, though only with creatures who would be
receptive. The Moist Love-Beast is loath to make
another creature uncomfortable and will never do
so willingly. The details of Colinopi’s personality
can be found in the Colinopi’s Social Statistics
sidebar detailed in this section.
chapter six: the questing beasts
Regional Effects
The region containing Colinopi is augmented by their
magic, which creates one or more of the following effects
within the area.
• Pleasant Vibes. When a creature finishes a long
rest in the affected area, its initial attitude toward
other creatures is friendly until it is given a reason
to feel otherwise.
Colinopi, the Moist Love-Beast
Huge monstrosity, neutral good
Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 283 (27d10 + 135)
Speed 40 ft. swim 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
17 (+3) 19 (+4) 21 (+5) 13 (+1) 17 (+3) 22 (+6)
Saving Throws Dex +9, Wis +8, Cha +11
Skills Nature +11, Perception +8, Persuasion +16
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical weapons
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities charmed
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 18
Languages Tadfen, but understands all languages
Challenge 13 (10,000 XP)
TRAITS that is slathered is blinded until it immerses its eyes in clean
Empathic Sensitivity. Colinopi can sense the emotions
and mood of any creature they are aware of within 120 ft.
Colinopi has advantage on Charisma ability checks against
such creatures and affected creatures have disadvantage on
attacks and Charisma ability checks against Colinopi.
Mythic Resistance. When Colinopi fails a saving throw,
they can use one of their unspent legendary actions to
succeed instead.
Rejuvenation. If Colinopi is slain, they magically return to
life within the Tadfen Bog within 24 hours. Colinopi returns
at their maximum hit points and under no harmful effects.
Infinite Tail. Colinopi’s tail extends from their body to a
seemingly infinite length, granting them vision through the
appendage thanks to its countless eyes. The tail possesses
Colinopi’s statistics, but none of their traits, and any damage
dealt to the tail deals no damage to the main body of
Colinopi. A section of the tail can be severed by dealing 30
points of damage to it.
ACTIONS
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 26 (4d10 + 4) bludgeoning damage. If the target is
a Large or smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 19
172
• Healing Mud. When a creature finishes a Short
Rest in the affected area, it can use the enriched
mud in the swamp to double the hit points it would
normally gain from expending its hit dice.
• Mating Calls. Creatures in this region looking for
prospective paramours can be heard by suitable
matches anywhere in the affected area.
If Colinopi dies these effects fade immediately.
Dexterity saving throw or be swallowed by Colinopi. A
swallowed creature is blinded and restrained, it has total
cover against attacks and other effects outside Colinopi,
and it takes 21 (6d6), acid damage at the start of each of
Colinopi’s turns.
Tongue. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 50 ft., one
target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage and 21 (6d6)
acid damage. If the target is a creature it is grappled and on its
turn can attempt a DC 17 Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity
(Acrobatics) check to escape. Colinopi can use a reaction to
pull the target to an unoccupied space within 5 ft. of them.
Mud Breath. Colinopi exhales a wave of mud in a 30 ft.
cone. Creatures in the affected area must succeed on a DC
19 Dexterity saving throw or take 9 (2d8) bludgeoning and
9 (2d8) cold damage and be slathered in mud. A creature
water or a creature within reach uses an action to wipe away
the mud.
Hypnotic Display (Recharge Short or Long Rest).
Colinopi’s body emits a hypnotic display of bioluminescent
light for 1 minute. When Colinopi begins the display, each
creature of their choice within 60 ft. that can see Colinopi
must succeed on a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw or become
charmed for the duration. While charmed, a creature is
incapacitated and has a speed of 0.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Colinopi can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time
and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Colinopi regains
spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Move. Colinopi moves up to their speed.
Mud Breath. Colinopi takes their mud breath action.
Attack (Costs 2 Actions). Calinopi takes either its Bite or
Tongue action.
 chapter six: the questing beasts

Willia Shadow-Cast
A creature of two dimensions, this jet-black cat glides
across any surface like a living shadow. Its body absorbs
all light, leaving no definition or contour. Wherever
it walks the sounds of sleigh bells gently jingle, herald-
ing its approach to all who dwell within the Witchwood.
Willia emits no odor and is cool to the touch. Her size is
comparable to the largest of lions, with eyes
glowing either a brilliant orange or ivory
white, depending on her own inscruta-
ble preferences. When speaking, the
beast is articulate and sharp, like a
schoolteacher speaking to an unruly
student.

The Legend of Willia

“It is said that within the dark of
the Witchwood there are orange eyes
that glow like flickering candles. To
and fro these eyes wander, searching
for signs of the normal in a realm of
weirdness. These are the ways of Willia
Shadow-Cast, a cat of dark dignity
and profound strangeness. With every
step she takes, the ground exalts in her
passing, springing up great gourds of
impossible size and peculiar shape.

Rescuing the Hostage

T he Witchwood is inhospitable to sensible creatures

at the best of times. Venturing into its gnarled groves
invites conflict of a staggering variety from creatures large
and small. The local flora and fauna are all in on Willia’s
game, eager to aid the beast in her endeavor to torment any
would be rescuers. Flocks of crows spy on the heroes at all
hours, while trees seek to trip clumsy intruders and move to
cover seemingly reliable trails. Should the would-be rescuers
turn back and surrender to her cunning, Willia considers
her efforts to have been a delightful success. Those who
overcome the perils of the antagonistic Witchwood and
the beast’s direct action are quick to earn her ire, which can
turn deadly at any moment. Heroes who attempt to do so
are likely to encounter the following challenges, which are
presented in a general chronological order.
• Discovery. Finding the location of Willia’s lair is a
frightful challenge, nearly equal to the act of getting
there. The Painted Shadows is seldom visited, even by
the locals, and is home to mysterious beings who have
yet to be properly named, let alone understood. One
could bumble about the Witchwood in hope of finding
Willia’s lair, but a far more pragmatic approach is to
befriend the monstrous denizens of the Witchwood,
an activity the locals always recommend with an
overenthusiastic smile. Such a prospect is dangerous,
but well worth the effort. Only nonsense reasoning is
compelling to the creatures of the Witchwood, a bizarre
and challenging prospect.
• Exploration. Assuming the heroes reach the Painted
Shadows, they must then walk between its two-
dimensional structures in search of the Birdhouse where
Willia makes her lair. The entire area is filled with
shadowy beasts from other dimensions, most of which
are openly hostile to the beings of Prometerra. The two-
dimensional nature of the Painted Shadows does not
help much, requiring a unique perspective to navigate
effectively and uncover where Willia has hidden her
Plaything.
• Encounter. Encounters with Willia are fraught with
danger and wit. The beast is just as likely to chat as it is
to strike, encircling mortals like a predator circling prey
it knows cannot escape. While the beast does not shy
away from killing, rarely is this an expedient affair. The
game is as important to Willia as victory and failing to
savor the moment drives her to fury. Those seeking to free
her prey would do well to note defeating Willia is not a
requirement for completing the quest, only liberating the
target from the bars of her Shadow Cage. The details of
Willia’s personality can be found in the Willia’s Social
Statistics sidebar detailed in this section.

173
chapter six: the questing beasts
To be of the Witchwood is to give thanks to Willia. She is
the echo of divinity, cursed to walk this world as a literal
shadow of her former self. She is now but a witness, feeding
on the weirdness of the Witchwood in a cycle beyond the
capacity of rational minds”
The Quest of the Pilfered Plaything
Under her whimsical charge of keeping the Witchwood
in a perpetual state of absurdity, Willia will occasional-
ly abduct a figure of great significance from somewhere
on Prometerra, holding them hostage within a shadowy
birdcage and toyed with for her amusement. Naturally
such an occurrence creates quite a stir, especially in the
region from which the figure was abducted. Political tur-
moil, geographic conflict, and general mayhem soon fol-
low, much to Willia’s delight. The cat eagerly awaits any
would be heroes who would attempt to rescue her new
favorite toy, ensuring their experience is as bizarre and
peculiar as possible.
The Sign
The Quest for the Pilfered Plaything begins when Willia
kidnaps her target. Often the cat has a strategic goal in
Willia’s Social Statistics
Personality. Mischievous
• Ideals. Willia passionately believes almost
everyone in GrymmWorld takes things way too
seriously. She desperately seeks usurp the status
quo and drive all of Prometerra closer to the most
extreme absurdities of the Witchwood. While
this is not a malevolent desire, it is undeniably
harmful.
• Bonds. Willia has a strange affection for the color
orange. Anyone sporting the color automatically
intrigues her, while those that harm anything
bearing the color antagonize her greatly.
• Flaws. The Shadow-Cast beast has a crippling
addiction to playful behavior. Even when every
logical perspective dictates she must finish off
her enemies, she desperately seeks to squeeze
jout one more moment of torment from her
enemies. This behavior has been her downfall on
more than one occasion, but the habit has proven
unchanging across millennia.
Social Challenge DC. Ability checks made against
Willia in social and roleplay encounters have the
following DCs, according to their difficulty.
• Easy DC (for friends and allies): 19
• Medium DC (for acquaintances
and benevolent strangers): 22
• Hard DC (for enemies and
threatening strangers): 25
174
mind when picking her target, preferring those whose
absence will cause the maximum amount of turmoil
and strife throughout Prometerra. While this act is
far from benevolent, Willia’s motivations are not sin-
ister, merely delusional, applying the inscrutable logic
of the Witchwood to the far more sensible realms of
Prometerra. Those close to the victim know Willia is re-
sponsible for the scratch marks left on nearly every sur-
face at the sight of the kidnapping; three deep cuts from
a clawed paw.
Challenges of the Quest
Tracking Willia down and freeing her hostage is but one
facet of the quest. The Shadow-Cast exists in a state of
two dimensions, and can inflict this condition upon oth-
ers, compounding the already befuddling nature of the
Witchwood. Her lair is the Painted Shadows (see Chapter
5 for details), a lair of contradictions and impossibilities
from which few can escape. Heroes who take up the Quest
of the Pilfered Plaything must not only content with
Willia’s devious trickery, but also unravel the puzzling
prison in which her hostage is being held. Life, limb, and
dignity are all on the line, for Willia is exceedingly catlike
in how she treats her toys.
Rewards
Rescuing Willia’s favored Plaything causes the beast to
forever consider the heroes that are responsible unfun and
vows never to antagonize them again. A path leading out
of the Witchwood mysteriously appears and for one week
the denizens of that realm will refrain from attacking the
heroes and their companions in honor of their victory. The
people from which the hostage was plucked are almost
guaranteed to provide handsome rewards, particularly due
to the significance of the hostage on a geo-political scale.
The people of the Witchwood are in awe of those who
defy Willia and will treat them with a level or reverence
befitting a noble. However, the true prize is the powerful
epic boon Willia bestows on those who best her, called the
Boon of Bottomless Cunning, the details of which can be
found below.
Epic Boon: Boon of Bottomless Cunning
As a bonus action on each of your turns, you can
magically teleport to an unoccupied space you can see
within 60 ft. that is within 5 ft. of a fell-beyonder.
Additionally, the heroes will gain a fragment of un-
derstanding about the malevolent force lying within
GrymmWorld that is the fell-beyonders. This fragment
is incomplete, requiring the seven other fragments from
the rest of GrymmWorld’s Questing Beasts. The details
of what this fragment confers can be found in the Fell-
Entropia section in Chapter 1.

Lair Actions
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Willia can
take a lair action to cause one of the following effects.
Willia can use the same action option twice in a row.
• Shadow Cage. Willia forms a 10 ft. cube of
shadows, which take the form of a hollow cage
with bars 1 inch apart. The cage is an object with
100 hit points and an AC of 15. It is immune to
Willia Shadow-Cast
Large monstrosity, chaotic neutral
Armor Class 19 (Half Cover)
Hit Points 294 (28d10 + 140)
Speed 50 ft., climb 50 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
1 (-5) 24 (+7) 21 (+5) 19 (+4) 17 (+3) 12 (+1)
Saving Throws Dex +9, Con +11, Wis +9, Cha +7
Skills Deception +7, Perception +9, Stealth +13
Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder;
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities necrotic
Condition Immunities charmed, grappled, paralyzed petrified,
prone, restrained, stunned, unconscious
Senses truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 19
Languages Witchen, but understands all languages
Challenge 19 (22,000 XP)
TRAITS number of hit points it would have regained.
Aura of Mischief (1/turn). When a creature within 60 ft.
of Willia that she can see makes an attack roll, ability check,
or saving throw, she can remove any advantage applied to the
roll and instead impose disadvantage on the roll.
Mythic Resistance. When Willia fails a saving throw, she
can use one of her unspent legendary actions to succeed
instead.
Rejuvenation. If Willia is slain, she magically returns
to life within the Witchwood within 24 hours. Willia
returns at maximum hit points and under no harmful
effects.
Living Shadow. Willia is a two dimensional being whose
form is cast upon objects, terrain, and structures no matter
where she moves. She typically occupies a 10 ft. square
upon a surface and is immune to any effect that would
move her to a space where she cannot cast a shadow on the
surface.
Because of her two-dimensional nature, Willia has half
cover (+2 to AC and Dexterity saving throws) against three
dimensional creatures.
175
chapter six: the questing beasts
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from
nonmagical weapons. The cage lasts until Willia
uses this action again or until it is destroyed.
• Living Darkness. Willia conjures 1d4 Shadows in
unoccupied spaces she can see within 60 ft.
• Dispel Light. Willia extinguishes any sources of
light in a 20 ft. radius sphere centered on a point
she can see within 120 ft.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. Willia makes two Claw attacks and one Bite
attack. Willia can forgo making a Bite attack in this manner to
instead make a Cursed Tail attack or take the Hide action.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 39 (5d12 + 7) piercing damage. If Willia was hidden from
the target when she made the attack, she deals an additional 35
(10d6) piercing damage on the attack.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 16 (2d8 + 7) slashing damage.
Cursed Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 15 ft., one
creature. Hit: the target must succeed on a DC 21 Charisma
saving throw or be cursed until it leaves the Witchwood. While
cursed, when the target would regain hit points, it instead
regains no hit points and takes necrotic damage equal to the
Banishing Pit (Recharge Short or Long Rest). Willia causes a
pit of two-dimensional space to appear in a 20 ft. space on the
ground within 120 ft, which lasts for 1 minute. Creatures in the
affected area when the pit appears must succeed on a DC 21
Dexterity saving throw or fall into the pit. On a success the crea-
ture is moved to the nearest unoccupied space outside the pit. A
creature that falls in the pit is banished to a shadowy dimension
for the effect’s duration. While so banished, a creature’s speed is
zero and becomes blinded. On each of its turns, a banished crea-
ture can attempt to escape by using an action to attempt a DC
15 Charisma ability check, appearing in an unoccupied space of
its choice within 10 ft. of the pit on a success.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Willia can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options
below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and
only at the end of another creature’s turn. Willia regains spent
legendary actions at the start of her turn.
Move. Willia moves up to her speed
Hide (Costs 2 Actions). Willia takes the Hide action.
Shadow Step (Costs 3 Actions). Willia magically teleports to a
space in darkness that she can see within 120 ft.
Quite possibly the greatest compilation
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humanoid, non-legendary creatures. Monster
information includes detailed descriptions,
lore, background, ecology, treasure, plot
hooks, and tactical suggestions and scaling.

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 $19.95
ISBN 978-1-946678-21-8
51995>

9 781946 678218