WRITTEN BY PRODUCED BY

Celeste Conowitch 2CGaming

©Venture Maidens, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Venture Maidens Campaign Guide v1.0 printed October 2022 by 2CGaming, LLC.
The Venture Maidens logos and name and the book name (Venture Maidens Campaign Guide) are protected by copyright
and trademark. Other logos and names remain property of appropriate parties and are protected by similar protections.
Any reproduction or unauthorized use of material contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of
Venture Maidens, LLC or its authorized representatives.
 WRITTEN BY
Celeste Conowitch

PRODUCED BY

Standard Print ISBN: 978-1-946678-27-0

Deluxe Print ISBN: 978-1-946678-29-4
Digital ISBN: 978-1-946678-28-7

©Venture Maidens, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Venture Maidens Campaign Guide v1.0 printed October 2022 by 2CGaming, LLC.
The Venture Maidens logos and name and the book name (Venture Maidens Campaign Guide) are protected by copyright
and trademark. Other logos and names remain property of appropriate parties and are protected by similar protections.
Any reproduction or unauthorized use of material contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of
Venture Maidens, LLC or its authorized representatives.

Printed in China.
 STORY CREATOR AND LEAD WRITER
Celeste Conowitch

WRITING
Willy Abeel, Katie Budabin, Celeste Conowitch, Ady Veisz Draghia, Naseem Etemad,
Kat Kruger, J.B. Little, Gwendolyn Marshall, Ryan Servis, Sage Stafford

STORY CONSULTANTS
Katie Budabin, Naseem Etemad, Brittany Quintero, Sage Stafford

EDITING
Misty Bourne

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Misty Bourne, Celeste Conowitch, Jon Kelly

ART
Juan Arrabal (Illustration), Katie Budabin (Illustration), Ambrose Hoilman (Illustration),
Adrián Ibarra Lugo (Illustration), Aleta Perez (Illustration), Brittany Quintero (Map), Jason Strutz (Illustration),
Johanna Taylor (Illustration), Kii Weatherton (Cover, Illustration), BNE Design (Graphic Design, Typesetting)

SPECIAL THANKS
Joseph Dye, Mike Evans, Paul Harpring, Ben Joah, Carlee Johnson, SketchMRE, Mark Turner,
and all the other Venturers who have made this magic possible

This book is dedicated to the Venture Maidens community. Without your support, this book wouldn’t be in
your hands today. Venture Maidens has become so much more than a show. It is a family of kind-hearted
dreamers who make all things possible. Venturers, we are so lucky to have you in our party.

OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc (“Wizards”).
All Rights Reserved. 1. Definitions: (a)”Contributors” means the copyright and/or trademark owners who have contributed Open Game Content; (b)”Derivative
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2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome to the Planes.......................................................................... 4 Heavenly Court....................................................................................... 114
How to Use This Book................................................................................... 5 Sleeping Court......................................................................................... 114
World in Flux................................................................................................. 6 Slithering Court...................................................................................... 116
History of the Planes.................................................................................... 7 Withered Court.......................................................................................118
Heroic Roleplaying........................................................................................8
Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes......................120
Chapter 1: Character Creation ......................................................... 10 Adventure Themes..................................................................................... 121
Races............................................................................................................... 11 Faction-Based Adventures...................................................................... 122
New Playable Race: Eldrin..................................................................... 11 Carillon Order........................................................................................ 122
Race Variant: Grove Elf...........................................................................12 Eldrin Empire......................................................................................... 123
Other Races...............................................................................................13 Gods......................................................................................................... 126
Backgrounds.................................................................................................15 Sovereign Courts................................................................................... 128
Dabbler.......................................................................................................15 Traveling the Realms................................................................................130
Farrier.........................................................................................................17 General Wisdom........................................................................................ 132
Fortune-Teller........................................................................................... 18
Harlequin.................................................................................................. 19 Chapter 5: Treasures........................................................................... 146
Herbalist.................................................................................................. 20 Buying and Selling Magic Items............................................................. 146
Judge...........................................................................................................21 Magic Items................................................................................................ 148
Reluctant Successor...............................................................................22 Storied Treasures.................................................................................. 148
Wildes Survivor.......................................................................................24 Sample Magic Items.................................................................................. 148
Subclasses....................................................................................................25 Relics of Faerie............................................................................................157
Barbarian: Path of Legacy....................................................................25 Sample Relics of Faerie............................................................................ 158
Bard: College of Bells.............................................................................. 27 Magical Rewards........................................................................................ 164
Cleric: Fate Domain................................................................................28 Blessings ................................................................................................. 164
Druid: Circle of the Grove.....................................................................29 Marks of the Sisters of Sorrow.......................................................... 164
Fighter: Legionnaire Archetype............................................................31 Boons....................................................................................................... 165
Monk: Way of the Chronicle.................................................................32 Charms.................................................................................................... 165
Paladin: Oath of Blood..........................................................................33
Ranger: Fringe Warden Archetype......................................................35 Chapter 6: Friends and Foes............................................................ 166
Rogue: Covert Operative Archetype...................................................36 Sovereign Court Monster Templates.................................................... 167
Sorcerer: Wildeheart Sorcerous Origin..............................................38 Blossom Court Templates.................................................................... 167
Warlock: Titan Otherworldly Patron.................................................39 Court of the Winds Templates............................................................ 171
Wizard: School of Kinetomancy.......................................................... 41 Forest Court Templates.........................................................................174
Heroic Destinies..........................................................................................42 Heavenly Court Templates...................................................................177
Avenger.....................................................................................................44 Sleeping Court Templates....................................................................180
Celebrity....................................................................................................46 Slithering Court Templates ................................................................ 184
Explorer.....................................................................................................47 Withered Court Templates.................................................................. 187
Fortune-Seeker........................................................................................49 Native Bestiary........................................................................................... 191
Immortal....................................................................................................51 Arnaki....................................................................................................... 191
Scholar.......................................................................................................52 Deathless................................................................................................. 193
Symbiosis..................................................................................................54 Empire soldiers (legionnaire, warmage)......................................... 194
Teacher...................................................................................................... 57 Faerie guardian..................................................................................... 195
Virtuoso.....................................................................................................59 Fancy........................................................................................................ 196
Wielder..................................................................................................... 60 Feather witch......................................................................................... 197
Spells.............................................................................................................62 Figment................................................................................................... 198
Sound Spells.................................................................................................68 Living spellbook..................................................................................... 199
Magnophyta (caster, warrior)..........................................................200
Chapter 2: Mortal Realm .................................................................... 73 Marionettist.......................................................................................... 202
History of the Eldrin Empire.................................................................... 73 Mindsie (mindsie, mender mindsie, master mindsie).................204
Life in the Empire........................................................................................ 75 Nogog...................................................................................................... 206
Exploring the Eldrin Empire.................................................................... 80 Nuska (nuska, nuska swarm)........................................................... 207
Faelyn....................................................................................................... 80 Passenger................................................................................................210
Jade Isles....................................................................................................82 Phocidae................................................................................................... 211
Kronos Desert..........................................................................................84 Tachinid................................................................................................... 212
The Mother’s Delta..................................................................................87 Wickerbeast........................................................................................... 213
Plateau of Andorra.................................................................................89 NPC Wanted List....................................................................................... 214
Shifting Plains.......................................................................................... 91 Demigods����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 214
Exploring the Independent Lands...........................................................93 Chess................................................................................................... 214
Borderlands..............................................................................................93 Stat block....................................................................................... 215
Valley of Yalanthanil..............................................................................95 Rem����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 214
Lands Beyond...............................................................................................97 Stat block�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 216
Venture Maidens....................................................................................217
Chapter 3: Faerie Realm......................................................................98 Arrnodel Ithil......................................................................................217
Nature of the Wildes..................................................................................99 Stat block....................................................................................... 219
Creatures of the Wildes............................................................................101 Fera Velen............................................................................................217
Life in the Faerie Realm...........................................................................103 Stat block...................................................................................... 220
Exploring Neutral Ground.......................................................................105 Kara Brynehilde................................................................................ 218
Exploring the Sovereign Courts.............................................................109 Stat block....................................................................................... 221
Court Hierarchy......................................................................................110 Sawyeh Noor..................................................................................... 218
Blossom Court.........................................................................................110 Stat block.......................................................................................222
Court of the Winds................................................................................ 112
Forest Court............................................................................................. 113 Index..........................................................................................................223
3
Arrnodel, Kara, Sawyeh, and Fera are ready for a fight.
 INTRODUCTION

WELCOME
TO THE PLANES
Torrents of water crash down as the elemental raises one arm skyward, its unlocked shackle crashing to the floor.
The creature surges to incredible size, conjuring stretches of foam-capped waves to shatter windows and crumble
walls. Screams of panic echo as the primordial god’s wrath swallows the populace that dared to keep it bound.
Our heroes flee as the being they unleashed proceeds to drown an entire city—just another day in the Planes.

E nter a world of high fantasy where

denizens war against the binding threads of
fate. The Venture Maidens Campaign Guide
is a 5th Edition roleplaying resource born from the
with others. We suspect you’ll find many useful
items within, and it is our sincerest wish that you
have fun using them.

femme-forged actual-play stream and podcast of the

same name, which a crew of friends bring to life for
thousands of listeners.
This tome provides everything you need to craft
adventures set in the Planes, a fractured world
struggling to hold against the rising tides of chaos.
In this setting, mortal creatures teeter toward
extinction, locked in eternal combat with restless
fey and petulant gods who aim to redefine reality
for themselves. Here, heroes are all that stand
between potent villains and the erasure of the
Mortal Realm. These struggles set the stage for epic
stories centered on the power of choice when facing
astronomical odds.
Whether you set your adventures in the Planes or
elsewhere, you will find an arsenal of valuable tools
in this book. These pages contain evocative new
player options, DM tools, advice, and new mechanics
compatible with any 5E campaign.
Ultimately, this campaign guide is a love letter
to those who wish to craft extraordinary stories
How to Use This Book
This book is a robust toolkit that introduces new
game elements from the world of Venture Maidens
and allows you to craft fantastical, player-driven
campaigns. Here, you will find options for players
and DMs looking to elevate their games to something
truly extraordinary.
Chapter 1: Character Creation presents a wide array
of new character options to build heroes who reflect
the flavor of Venture Maidens. While these characters
are right at home in the Planes, players can easily use
the options in any other campaign setting.
Chapter 2: Mortal Realm provides an overview of
the locations where most adventures in the Planes
are set. Learn about the land’s history and tour
remarkable destinations that can form a backdrop for
your adventures.

WHO ARE THE VENTURE MAIDENS?

At the heart of Venture Maidens is a homebrew
5th Edition campaign brought to life as a live
stream and podcast. Once upon a time, a group
of lifelong friends came together to produce a
show that now boasts millions of downloads
and thousands of listeners across the globe.
However, Venture Maidens became so much
more than just a game somewhere along the way.
It grew into a passionate community of listeners
who champion friendship and creativity in
all things. Our venturers tell fun, fearless, and
unapologetically human stories (both at and
away from the table). By buying this book, you
get the keys to a campaign setting and have
contributed to the growth of vibrant new voices
in the tabletop roleplaying space.

5
Welcome to the Planes
Chapter 3: Faerie Realm features an overview of the
Wildes, the chaotic world of the fey and the sover-
eign courts who vie for control of it.
Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes is
jam-packed with advice for DMs building stories in
the Planes or crafting narrative-driven campaigns.
Chapter 5: Treasures introduces an arsenal of new
treasures to tempt and reward characters, including a
slew of fey-made items that grant tremendous power
(for a price).
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes details new monsters and
templates to transform any creature into a member of
a sovereign fey court. You’ll also find an appendix of
infamous villains and heroes ready to stir up trouble.
World in Flux
The Planes is a world in flux, suffering from a danger-
ously unstable cosmology. In most campaign settings,
the different dimensions (also called planes or realms)
are organized in a fixed pattern defined in relation
to a central material plane. There are no set borders
between the dimensions in the Planes, and realms
continually shift locations. Constant motion causes
these realms to collide, fuse, and overlap at different
points throughout history. Realms can also change in
size, growing large enough to consume their neighbors
or shrinking until they disappear altogether. Cosmic
shifts like these affect the geography of each realm,
and dramatic motion can reshape reality in dangerous
ways. Since the world is in continuous motion, it is
impossible to accurately map it. A world map may
need to be replaced once a millennium in periods of
gradual change. But tumultuous activity can render
maps useless within mere centuries.
Shaped by Will
The constant cosmic shuffling of the realms is not a re-
sult of natural phenomena. In the Planes, willpower is
a magical force that literally shapes the face of reality.
Changes to a realm’s size or location are directly tied
to the collective will of its denizens. Each individual
possesses a spark of willpower that allows them to
manifest small changes, but extraordinary change is
possible when groups of creatures share an intention.
A realm populated by millions of creatures collectively
invested in its survival expands. A realm inhabited by
millions of beings intent on warring with each other
shrinks. Realities with large populations possess
greater potential power but are prone to infighting
and division. Realms with few inhabitants have an
6
Gather round, travelers!
Welcome to the Planes. As resident adventuring
experts, we’re here to provide additional guidance
as you flip through this book. Whoever wrote this
didn’t take the time to point out the best taverns
and brunch spots—truly a grave oversight—so we
had to step in.
We can also give you insider information since
we’ve basically figured out everything the hard
way. Seriously, how many horrible monsters can
one place have? It’s sort of ridiculous. And that
doesn’t even cover the excessive number of gods
that just have it out for mortals. Oh, and the fey!
But despite all that, you’ll be okay if you take
our advice. We’re pretty sure.
So read up.
Love,
easier time focusing on collective intention but are in
constant peril of being consumed by larger realms.
Collective will causes existing dimensions to
fluctuate, but it is also responsible for creating
new dimensions. If enough creatures in the Planes
collectively believe in a reality, it eventually
manifests as a realm. Similarly, if no one continues to
will a realm to exist, it fades to nothingness.
Eternal Conflict
Creatures of the Planes can create an infinite number
of new dimensions, but there is a finite amount of
space available for these realms to occupy. When one
realm grows, it does so by consuming the space of
another. If all the space in a realm is swallowed up, it
collapses, and every creature within it is annihilated.
There is no known method to measure the total
amount of space in the world, but all beings possess
an instinctual awareness of their home realm’s
status. This subconscious awareness universally
influences the people of each realm, spurring
its inhabitants to react accordingly. In a rapidly
shrinking realm, this awareness can manifest as

TRAVEL BETWEEN REALMS
Most of the established rules of planar travel
still hold true in the Planes. Though the Wildes
(the faerie realm) and the Mortal Realm are
next to each other, it is not always possible to
simply walk across that border and enter. As
dimensions shift and overlap, physical crossing
points do appear, allowing for such travel, but
global panic that drives a population to war against
or flee to neighboring realities. An expanding realm
will likely experience a golden age, where peace and
prosperity allow all its denizens to flourish.
History of the Planes
Because the various realms of existence constantly
slide across, intersect, and overlap one another,
the Planes and its people continually change. New
dimensions forged through sheer will regularly
upset the balance, and others crumble as they are
quietly forgotten. This campaign guide explores the
most current configuration of the Planes, where the
majority of the world is split between the mortal
and faerie realms.
Dreams in the Dark
Since realities rise and fall so quickly in the Planes,
thousands of stories have been invented to explain
its origins. Though few populations persist long
enough to understand the role willpower plays in
shaping the world, many of these stories intuit some-
thing quite near the truth. These stories speak of a
massive dragon drifting through the endless dark.
With nothing to do and no one to talk to, the great
creature lulled itself into a deep sleep. In that sleep,
the dragon dreamed of a world of possibility where
tides of chaos and order clashed. Creatures born wild
and creatures desperate to tame them sprang to life
from that dream and began to chase each other in an
eternal dance that amused the sleeping dragon. Those
first creatures were the ones who shaped all others,
and all their endless struggles continue to entertain
the lonely dragon to this day.
Some cultures replace the dragon with a different
being or claim multiple creatures contributed to the
dream that spawned the world. Despite cosmetic
differences, most agree that the world began when
creatures of chaos and creatures of order first appeared
and raced to build realities suited to their liking.
Welcome to the Planes
they are prone to suddenly disappear or change
locations. Using one of these unstable crossing
points (sometimes called “gates”) is always
risky and frequently leaves travelers stranded
far from their intended destination. This makes
spells like plane shift and gate the safest way to
move from one realm to another.
Rise of the Gods
Before the Planes of today existed, the world was
split between two realms. One was the Wildes, a
chaotic realm of imagination ruled by the fey. The
other was Ingenium, a realm of order inhabited by
a race of celestial engineers called titans. The two
realms kept each other in balance for an age until the
titans decided a deeper understanding of chaos was
necessary to finally turn the tides in their favor. They
combined elements of their power and that of the
Wildes to create children.
These hybrid children were the first gods and
altogether different from any being born from the
Wildes or Ingenium. Their potential for chaos made
the gods ambitious and emotional, like the fey from
the realms below. The titans were delighted with
the challenges of parenting their wild children and
acquiesced to the gods’ demands for realms of their
very own to rule. So, the titans taught the gods how
to channel their will to create their own celestial
realms to govern. Next, the gods demanded children
of their own to rule, so the titans built the Mortal
Realm and populated it with creatures. The titans
were so delighted by their children’s innovation
they failed to notice how mortal worship enhanced
the power of the ambitious gods. They also failed to
see the growing unrest among the fey, whose realm
was disappearing as more celestial realms peppered
the world, and the Mortal Realm swelled with each
generation.
Right under their parents’ noses, the gods coerced
mortalkind to join them in a decisive bloody act of
rebellion. Taken unaware, the titans were quickly
slaughtered en masse. This short conquest resulted
in the near extinction of the titans, and the collapse
of Ingenium, leaving the gods as sole stewards of
the celestial and mortal realms. For their part in the
betrayal, the gods let mortalkind have free reign of
the Mortal Realm, and they retreated to the safety of
their own pocket realities. Of course, this left mortals
to deal with the growing animosity of faeriekind,
which still seeks to recover all that was stolen from it.
7
Welcome to the Planes
Present Day
Though the gods no longer live in the Mortal Realm,
they still need mortalkind to worship them from afar
to sustain their own realms. Diverting willpower to
the celestial dimensions weakens the position of the
Mortal Realm, which is rapidly losing ground to the
ever-growing faerie Wildes. Even worse, the ongoing
struggle to survive while appeasing gods and fighting
off fey has divided mortalkind into factions that
disagree on how to make the best world.
This campaign guide focuses on the most
successful of these mortal factions, an empire under
the stewardship of fey-descendants called eldrin.
Dynasties of eldrin rulers have built prosperous
cities, discovered ways to combat the encroaching
Wildes, and improved the quality of life for its
citizens. At present, there is a tenuous peace
between the empire and the independent states
that border it, but such peace is built on the back
of centuries of war and political strife. The empire’s
rulers struggle daily to quell resistance from threats
through bureaucracy and strict control, which chafes
the nature of many creatures who also call the Mortal
Realm their home.
Heroic
Roleplaying
The Planes is a world rife with peril, where powerful
forces seek to manipulate those born with innate
talent and where adventurers who don’t forge their
own paths will invariably be swept up in the machi-
nations of others. There is rarely a right or wrong
choice in this world, but even so, choices must be
made. Whether you’re a DM building adventures in
the Planes or a player preparing to explore it, keep
the following elements in mind.
Everyone
Is Bound by Fate
Fate is an active force that binds the lives of all
creatures that live in the Planes. Creatures of each
realm depend on one another for survival, and it is
impossible to maintain a reality without collective
will. Whether that willpower is bought, borrowed,
or freely given, it must be generated somehow. The
web of fate demands that another must die for one
realm to flourish. A population is only as strong as
its weakest link, and the actions of most individu-
als have no hope of changing the fate of a realm.
Each creature is born a thread in this tapestry of
destiny, with no choice where they are born into it.
8
Most people spend their whole lives unaware they
are fulfilling a destiny already dictated by their
place in the web of fate. However, the tapestry isn’t
entirely fixed. Uniquely gifted individuals can force
fate to shift around their actions, weaving original
destinies for themselves. Adventurers are almost
always such individuals.
Destiny has always been a thing of convenience
for me. Yesterday my destiny was to drink all
night in a dusty corner of Caer Leona. Last month
it was my destiny to quit my job and travel. The
month before that, it was my destiny to blow all
my money on expensive leather pants and a new
ring, thus making me need the job in the first place .
Everything was written, and out of my control,
so all I needed to do was roll with the punches.
It was easy. So simple, and ultimately why I
started following the Sisters of Sorrow years ago.
However, today, I find myself tits deep in mortal
danger for the first time. To my right, little hungry
brains with legs. To my left, ghouls and so many
bugs. Don’t even get me started on this creepy
celestial. This is not my destiny, I think to myself.
It couldn’t be. But then I look down and there
they are, the Pins of Fate burnt into my hand,
and I know that for better or worse, this is where
I’m supposed to be. Sweet Sisters, what have you
gotten me into now?
Everyone
Wants Control
Little stays the same as realms clash and reshape the
Planes with each victory. Heroes are pivotal figures in
deciding the outcome of these struggles, and every
side hopes to use such adventurers to further their
agendas. The world notices heroes, and everywhere
they go, there is someone ready to coerce or convince
them to join their cause.
When developing your character, think about
the beings who have historically tried to influence
them. Even if a character is unaware of their own
importance, the creatures around them have likely
instinctually tried to shape the character’s future in a
way that benefits others.

Everyone
Wants to Survive
There is no objective morality in the Planes. A realm
may have strict definitions of what “good” and
“evil” mean, but those definitions mean little to the
millions of other beings in the world. Regardless of
their inherent power, every creature in the Planes is
at risk of fading into nothingness. Every creature in
the Planes must advocate for itself to survive. When
everyone is fighting equally hard to exist, there are
rarely right or wrong choices to be made. Instead,
every problem is a matter of choosing sides or taking
a personal moral stance.
Welcome to the Planes
Everything
Is on the Table
The changeable nature of the Planes makes all
things possible, and it does not insist on limiting
the setting lore to one point of view. If a player
gets excited about a god, creature, plane, race, or
any other component from a different campaign
setting, there is no reason why it shouldn’t appear
in the Planes. Realms are summoned into reality by
willpower, and the players’ collective will should
influence the shape of the world as much as their
characters’ desires do.
9
A carillon commands a faerie tree to take root.
 CHAPTER ONE
CHARACTER
CREATION
T his chapter presents an array of new
options to create characters shaped by the
ever-shifting influence of the Planes. While
the Venture Maidens setting inspires these options,
they work seamlessly in any campaign setting. Here
are the types of options featured in this chapter:
Races. Details the new playable race options and
presents deviations from the race origins and
expectations established in other 5E sourcebooks.
Backgrounds. Presents eight new backgrounds.
Subclasses. Provides new subclasses for every
class in the PHB.
Heroic Destinies. Introduces the unique Heroic
Destinies ruleset, which provides a way for
characters to embark on personal journeys that
enhance gameplay experience beyond standard
leveling.
Spells. Expands spellcaster options with new spells.
Races
The Planes are populated by all manner of different
races, and all options presented in 5E books are well
suited for adventuring in this setting. However, some
of those races have developed differently in the
Planes due to cultures unique to this setting. This sec-
tion presents new playable race options and cultural
information about the other PHB races commonly
found in the Mortal Realm (specifically in or near the
Eldrin Empire).
New Race Options
This section presents the new eldrin playable race
and variant elf racial traits. It also presents cultural
information about these two races that can affect
characters created using these options in a Venture
Maidens–inspired game.
New Playable Race: Eldrin
Eldrin are a mortal race with fey ancestry, gifted with
an innate affinity for arcane magic.
WHY “ELDRIN?”
While the eldrin of the Planes share
similarities with an existing 5E fey-themed
elf subrace, they are intentionally distinct
from any existing mechanics or lore. Eldrin
of the Planes are not born or beholden
to the faerie realm, and they do not have
any inherent connections to nature or the
seasons.
Players who choose to use the 5E season-
shifting elf subrace in a Venture Maidens–
style campaign are welcome to do so, but
the eldrin of the Eldrin Empire would
not recognize them as blood or cultural
relatives.
ELDRIN IN THE PLANES
Eldrin are a relatively young species in the Mortal
Realm, but they have accomplished much in the short
time they have walked the land. Using their innate
magical gifts, they have built an empire that encom-
passes an entire continent, and their ambitions are
far from sated.
Extensive information about the Eldrin Empire and
eldrin culture can be found in chapter 2.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Though eldrin are mortal, they have physical character-
istics commonly found among fey who favor human-
oid forms. They tend to be slight of build, rarely stand-
ing above five foot six, with androgynous features.
Eldrin have larger eyes than humans that are primarily
black without a visible sclera (white of the eyes) and
short, pointed ears that usually angle directly upward.
Their skin tones can manifest as a huge variety of
pastel colors ranging from pink to green to lavender,
and their hair can be any vivid rainbow shade.
11
Chapter 1: Character Creation

ELDRIN TRAITS Race Variant: Grove Elf

As an eldrin, you have the following racial traits.
Ability Score Increase. Increase one ability score of
your choice by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or
increase three different scores by 1. An ability score
cannot be increased above 20 using this feature.
Age. Eldrin reach adulthood in their late teens and
can live to be 300 years old.
Creature Type. Your creature type is humanoid.
Size. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Grove elves are an ancient mortal race born with an
instinctual connection to the natural world.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Grove elves have a wide array of body types, but
they tend toward tall frames, rarely standing under
six feet tall. Like humans, grove elves’ facial features
and body mass can vary wildly. Their eyes tend to
be black, brown, green, hazel, or gold, and they have
long, pointed ears that usually angle horizontally
away from the skull. Typical skin tones and hair
colors range from light brown to black.

Magic Manifest. Choose a school of magic for which

you have a natural affinity. You learn a cantrip of
your choice from that school of magic. When you
reach 3rd level, choose a 1st-level spell from that same
school of magic, and when you reach 5th level,
choose a 3rd-level spell from that same school.
You learn these spells and can cast them at
their lowest level. Once you cast one of
these spells, you must finish a long rest
before you can cast that spell again using
this feature. Your spellcasting ability for
these spells is Charisma.

Spell Ward. Once per long rest, when

you fail a saving throw against a
spell or other magical effect, you
can use your reaction to reroll the
saving throw and use the higher
result. You can choose to use this
feature once you know you have
failed the saving throw but
before the consequences of
failure are declared.
Starting at 10th level, you
no longer have to reroll
when you use this feature.
When you fail a saving
throw against a spell or
other magical effect, you
can use your reaction to
succeed instead.

Languages. You can speak,

read, and write Common
and one other language that
you and your DM agree is
appropriate for your character.
If your eldrin grew up in the Eldrin
Empire, you learn Common Sign in
addition to Common.
More information about Common
Sign can be found in the “Languages”
section of chapter 2.
12

GROVE ELVES DO
NOT HAVE FEY ANCESTRY
In the Mortal Realm, grove elves (the
only elves native to the regions in and
around the Eldrin Empire) do not have any
ancestral connection to the fey. Grove elves
have an innate connection to the natural
landscape of the Mortal Realm, not the
magical environments found in the faerie
Wildes or in any other realm.
While fey and the faerie realm manifest
aspects of nature, it is all driven by
primal environmental magic that has
little similarity to the fragile ecosystems
of the mortal world. A grove elf in the
Wildes would feel as out of place in the
turbulent landscape as any other mortal
creature.
ELVES IN THE PLANES
Grove elves (just called “elves” in the empire) are
the oldest species in the Mortal Realm and the only
surviving mortal species created by the titans (as
opposed to gods or other extraplanar creatures).
The titans created the elves to care for the newborn
earth, imbuing them with an intuitive link to the
Mortal Realm’s environment. Grove elves carry this
instinctual awareness to this day, and many still
dedicate their lives to safeguarding the natural
world.
More information about elven politics and culture
can be found in the “Valley of Yalanthanil” section in
chapter 2.
GROVE ELF TRAITS
Players can use the grove elf variant presented in this
section instead of the elf racial traits presented in the
PHB. Note that using this variant means that you do
not choose a subrace.
As a grove elf, you have the following racial traits.
Ability Score Increase. Increase one ability score
of your choice by 2 and increase a different score by
1, or increase three different scores by 1. An ability
score cannot be increased above 20 using this
feature.
Age. A grove elf reaches adulthood around the age of
100 and can live to be 750 years old.
Creature Type. Your creature type is humanoid.
Size. Your size is Medium.
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet
of yourself as if it were bright light and in darkness as
if it were dim light. You discern colors in that dark-
ness only as shades of gray.
Keen Senses. You have proficiency in the Perception
skill.
Beast Affinity. Using gestures and sounds, you
can communicate simple ideas with beasts, and
you have advantage on Wisdom (Animal Handling)
checks made to interact with nonhostile beasts.
Deep Roots. Whenever you take damage from a spell
or spell-like ability while standing on natural ground
or unworked stone, you can use your reaction to
halve the damage.
Nature’s Child. You automatically succeed on saving
throws against being charmed.
Trance. Elves cannot be magically put to sleep, and
they don’t naturally need to sleep. Instead of sleep-
ing, they meditate deeply, remaining semiconscious,
for 4 hours a day. (The Common word for such
meditation is “trance.”) While meditating, you can
dream in a fashion; such dreams are actually mental
exercises that have become reflexive through years of
practice. After resting in this way, you gain the same
benefit that a human does from 8 hours of sleep.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common
and one another language that you and your DM
agree is appropriate for your character. If you grew up
in the Valley of Yalanthanil or a community of elves
in the Eldrin Empire, this additional language is likely
Elvish.
Other Races
This section provides cultural information about the
common races of the Mortal Realm (specifically the
region in and around the Eldrin Empire), though any
5E race is suitable for adventuring in this setting.
You can use the information in this section to inform
details about a character from the empire, or ignore it
as suits your purposes.
Dragonborn
Before construction of the Veil blocked the moun-
tain passes to the northwest, a steady influx of
dragonborn migrated from distant lands to settle in
the empire. These dragonborn banded together in
tight-knit clans, founding several communities on
the outskirts of the empire.
These communities exist today as frontier
towns mostly populated by self-reliant families
13
Chapter 1: Character Creation
of dragonborn, content to interact with empire
government and culture as infrequently as possible.
While border defenses have made it impossible for
new dragonborn to migrate into the empire, clans
routinely pitch in to sponsor the immigration costs of
friends and relatives.
While most dragonborn prefer to stay close to
home, the ones that venture out into the world
often utilize their frontier experience to sell their
services as wilderness guides, hunters, or scouts.
The best and brightest young dragonborn are
encouraged to leave home to study law, medicine,
or other community-forward fields in the empire’s
major metropolises.
Dwarves
Dwarven civilization has thrived below the moun-
tains of the Teeth since long before the first eldrin
ever stepped foot in the Mortal Realm, but the empire
only recently become aware of them. Historically,
the dwarves have seen little reason to leave their
magnificent subterranean cities, so few have traveled
into the empire, and still fewer have permanently
settled there.
Because there are so few mountain dwarves in
the empire, their culture and customs are largely a
mystery to the average empire citizen. However, as
maritime trade has made travel to the empire easier, a
hearty population of hill dwarves have settled in the
port city of Faelyn.
Gnomes
Like the dwarves, gnomish society existed in the
subterranean caverns of the earth long before the
empire was founded. Unlike the dwarves, however,
a huge portion of the gnomish population has
migrated from their original homesteads since
first contact was made with the eldrin. Cultural
traditions centered on curiosity and innovation
made the prospect of an expanding magical empire
an attractive prospect to most gnomish families,
which led to a mass migration into Faelyn, Ashtar,
and Chasiana.
In present day, few gnomish colonies still
remain in the mountains, and most of those have
abandoned their original burrows to live in the more
prosperous dwarven cities. Gnomish populations
inside the empire have boomed, making gnomes
almost as common as eldrin. Most of this growth
is concentrated in metropolitan areas, where
gnomish-led industry has become a cornerstone of
the empire’s success. Eldrin and gnomish cultures
share a wide array of attitudes and values that have
allowed for continued prosperous cross-pollination
to this day.
14
Half-Elves
Since humans are not native to the lands now
claimed by the empire, half-elves only began to
appear in earnest a few centuries ago when eldrin
and elves first began to war with one another. When
the tides of battle began to turn against them, the
elves sought help from distant lands and forged
several alliances. One of these alliances was with
a kingdom of humans from across the northern
mountains. Many of these humans were eager to
leave the frozen wastes of the Valerian Reach to
assist the elves and settle in gentler climates. The
first half-elves born into the empire appeared after
this alliance.
As more humans have immigrated to the empire
from distant corners of the world, the half-elf
population has steadily increased, but they are
still a rare sight within the confines of the empire.
Slightly more half-elves are found in the elven cities
of the Valley of Yalanthanil, where ancestors of
those original human settlers still live to this day.
Ultimately, most human cultures have more in
common with the lifestyle of the empire than they
do with the valley, and as long as the two societies
refuse to mesh, half-elves will remain a small portion
of the realm’s population.
Half-Orcs
While there are no written records to verify when
they first appeared, nomadic clans of orcs and
other goblinoids were already living on the land
when the Eldrin Empire first began. Since the for-
ested eastern half of the continent has always been
under the control of elves or eldrin, these nomads
have established migration patterns throughout
the Shifting Planes and parts of the Kronos Desert.
The magical hazards of these lands have continued
to thwart all the empire’s expansion efforts, so
little about the clans’ lifestyles have changed in
modern times.
Like half-elves, half-orcs didn’t appear in
earnest until the last few centuries, when human
migration to the empire become more common.
Half-orcs are much more common than half-elves,
however, since many orc families enjoy lucrative
trade with the empire. Communities of orcs and
half-orcs particularly in the Shifting Plains are the
main supplier of horses and game to the empire,
and they routinely visit the capital city of Faelyn
for trade. Regular traffic between the two cultures
means most citizens of the empire have casual
knowledge of orc customs, and a hearty percentage
of immigrants prefer to build lives with these
nomadic peoples than in the metropolitan regions
of the empire.

Halflings
When the eldrin first expanded southward, they
discovered a smattering of halfling farming and fish-
ing villages along the southern coasts of the Mother’s
Delta. These halflings rapidly embraced the new
settlers and made themselves instrumental in the
agricultural economic boom that followed expansion
into the region.
None of the original villages remain, but the
descendants of those halflings became some of the
richest merchant families in the empire. There are
not nearly as many halflings as eldrin in the empire,
but they control a huge network of farms, docks,
vineyards, ships, and other franchises across the
Mother’s Delta.
Humans
Humans have only begun to settle in the empire
in the last few centuries, but their rapidly growing
numbers already account for a significant portion
of the population. Most human families have only
been in the empire for a couple generations, follow-
ing the immigration of their grandparents or great
grandparents. The majority arrive by ship from lands
to the east, but a small percentage come through the
northern mountain passes each year.
In present day, humans can be found all over the
empire. Their ability to adapt to a wide range of
environments and cultures has driven them to settle
in eldrin cities as well as the far-flung edges of the
continent.
Tieflings
Tieflings have always been incredibly rare in the
empire and the Mortal Realm at large. Tieflings (and
other races with extraplanar blood) who settle in
the Mortal Realm usually do so after arriving from
another reality, which is rarely easy and never done
without a good reason.
FIENDS IN THE PLANES
In the Planes, fiends are nowhere near as
prevalent as they are in other campaign settings.
There is no universal belief that souls must go
somewhere upon death, and certainly no belief
that wicked souls are eternally tortured in any
kind of hell. Realms ruled by fiends certainly
exist, but they have little interest in going head
to head with the celestial gods who have laid a
strong claim to mortalkind.
Similar to gods, fiends possess the ability to
draw power from the will of other beings, but
Chapter 1: Character Creation
While there are no known tiefling-only communities
in the empire, there are individuals and families scat-
tered across the continent. Most citizens have heard
of tieflings, even if they’ve never met one, and since
magic is so prevalent in eldrin society, tieflings are as
welcome as any other race to settle in the empire.
Backgrounds
While all the backgrounds presented in the core rules
fit easily into the Planes, this section presents eight
additional background options specifically inspired
by the Venture Maidens setting.
Dabbler
Many adventurers are shaped by their employment
prior to their travels, but your skills have been crafted
by a lifelong need to try your hand at a wide variety
of hobbies and occupations. On a given day, there is
no telling what peculiar activity you’ll find yourself
embroiled in if left to your own devices: cooking,
gardening, goat training—only the fates can guess.
The benefit of a lifetime occupying yourself with
“this and that” is an approximate knowledge of
almost everything. It’s rare for you find a topic you’ve
never heard of or a job you have never attempted.
Though your wealth of experience comes in handy,
things that you are unfamiliar with can surprise,
haunt, and vex you, sometimes driving you to rash
action in an effort to show you are not out of your
depth.
Skill Proficiencies: Three skills of your choice, each
of which must use different ability scores
Tool Proficiencies: Two sets of artisan’s tools, one
type of gaming set, and one musical instrument
in a more limited capacity. Due to their own
limitations, many fiends forgo the hassle of
drawing enough power to feed their own realms
and establish themselves in the realities of other
beings. Once there, these fiends take physical
forms and use whatever means necessary to feed
on the willpower of the realm’s native popula-
tion. Creating cults, making warlock pacts, and
brokering power for service are just a few of the
tactics fiends living in the Mortal Realm com-
monly employ to sustain themselves.
15
Chapter 1: Character Creation

Equipment: A set of artisan’s tools or a musical

d8 Personality Trait
instrument of your choice, an iron pot, a set of
common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 4 gp 1 I’m aloof and enigmatic to strangers.

Background Feature: 2
I bottle up my emotions and pour that
energy into hobbies.
Peculiar Interests
Every dabbler has a remarkable talent or two—a 3 Nothing holds my attention for long.
weird infatuation, a rare skill, or a niche area of
expertise. Choose one or two interests or roll on the In a fight, I seldom know what I should be
4
doing.
following table to define what draws your attention
the most. I want to share my wealth of experiences
5
with the world.

d10 Peculiar Interest Hearing about people’s interests or jobs

6
elates me.
1 Cross-pollinating plants
I do my best to keep people from asking me
2 Sharpening knives 7
questions.

3 Writing or taking surveys No one understands that the things I buy or

8
collect are part of who I am.
4 Blending exotic teas

5 Making toys or figurines

d6 Ideal
6 Collecting interesting stones or crystals
Creativity. Finding new ways to express
1
7 Investigating ghost sightings yourself is as important as air. (Chaotic)

8 Brewing wild-sourced beer or mead Structure. When things are tidy and in their
2 proper place, the world is much improved.
9 Crafting soap or flower oil (Lawful)

10 Burying treasure for others to find Encouragement. Only by supporting those

3
around you can they learn or change. (Any)

Loyalty. I will upend my life to help a friend,

Background Feature: Chameleon 4
even if we haven’t spoken in years. (Good)
Your experiences allow you to blend in with any
crowd, from priests to pirates. Usually, you can Respect. With enough power and influence,
5
find gainful employment for any number of jobs in no one will question me ever again. (Evil)
cities, towns, or caravans. In return for your labor,
Autonomy. I will prove that my way is
you may get daily wages, food and lodging, passage, 6 the best way, even if I must do it alone.
or preferential treatment from your employers (Chaotic)
even after the job has concluded. In addition, most
people—from nobles to beggars—are likely to accept
your presence if you engross them in conversation d6 Bond
or impress them with your skills.
I will protect those who support me, no
1
matter the cost.
Suggested Characteristics
Dabblers may be flighty or difficult to pin down, but One of my skills was taught to me by
2
they take on a wide array of responsibilities that someone I love dearly.
intertwine with their varied interests. While others
My past teachers still command my
can keenly focus their attention on a single task, dab- 3
obedience, even if they don’t deserve it.
blers may find themselves pulled in several directions
at once, unable to make enough time to keep up with I ruined a previous relationship with
4
the demands of their lifestyle. Having close relation- inattention. It won’t happen a second time.
ships with those who support their enigmatic tastes I hope to preserve my skills by passing them
is important. However, finding time to maintain such 5
on to an apprentice.
friendships in the turmoil of their lives is a constant
I crave approval from those more skilled
struggle for dabblers. 6
than I.

16

d6 Flaw
1 I am horrible at keeping secrets of any kind.
I’m convinced that everyone I know thinks
2
I’m inept.
If I cannot afford to buy a trinket or stop to
3 collect a bauble, it will sour my mood for
days.
4 As long as I try, there is nothing I cannot do.
I cannot trust the skills of others, not when
5
I could have done it better.
Hiding my opinions and emotions is
6
impossible—I wear my heart on my sleeve.
Farrier
You have always had a natural affinity with horses
and a knack for ironwork. As a farrier you are
part blacksmith, part veterinarian and have met
your share of adventurers seeking your services.
Whether you were born with a spark of adventure
or enticed by stories, you now call the open road
your home.
Were you in the employ of a noble family or did you
have a shop of your own? Perhaps you worked at a
racetrack and cared for the horses there. Depending
on where you worked in the past, you likely have
some interesting connections that you can explore
with your DM.
Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling, History
Tool Proficiencies: Farrier's tools, smith's tools
Equipment: Farrier’s tools (hoof trimmer, nails, hoof
knife, rasp), smith’s tools, a set of common clothes,
and a pouch containing 5 gp
Background Feature:
Horse Whisperer
When it comes to horses, you’re able to communicate
with and calm even the unruliest of them. You have
advantage on Wisdom (Animal Handling) checks
made to deal with equines or creatures with equine
features, like unicorns and hippogriffs.
Suggested Characteristics
A farrier works closely with horses and their people.
You’ve met all sorts in your line of work.
Chapter 1: Character Creation
d8 Personality Trait
1 The scent of horses often accompanies me.
Everything I need to know about a person
2 can be determined by the way they treat
animals.
3 I always greet horses before their riders.
Those closest to me are treated like we’re part
4
of a team of horses.
5 I carry a lucky horseshoe with me.
6 Country life is superior to city life.
7 I judge people by their footwear.
I’ve always got an apple, carrot, or other treat
8
in a pocket or pouch.
d6 Ideal
Respect. People and horses deserve to be
1
treated with equal respect. (Lawful)
Ambition. My craft is inextricably tied to my
2
identity. (Any)
Mercy. I cannot abide the suffering of others
3 and will do what I can to ease it, no matter
the cost to me. (Good)
Conviction. Anything worth doing is worth
4
doing right. (Lawful)
5 Independence. I am a free spirit. (Chaotic)
Freedom. Everyone is entitled to earn a living.
6
(Any)
d6 Bond
My mentor gave me the tools of my trade
1 when they passed on. Losing my skills would
devastate me.
I have a keen interest in learning about all
2
equine and similar creatures.
I wish I could forge my life as easily as I forge
3
iron.
My life’s goal is to find a set of horseshoes
4
rumored to have magical properties.
In my youth I committed a crime and have
5 been hiding from the consequences ever
since.
6 I strive to prove my superiority over a rival.
17
Chapter 1: Character Creation

Background Feature:
d6 Flaw
Second Sight
I become restless if I’m away from horses Having unlocked a natural talent for premonition,
1
for too long. you have gained an uncanny ability of extrasensory
If I witness mistreatment toward a horse, perception. Through fleeting and oftentimes hazy
2
I answer it in kind. visions, you can catch glimpses of things to come.
As a result, you have advantage on all Wisdom
3 I always see flaws in the items I forge.
(Insight) checks.
I can hold better conversations with horses
4
than people. Suggested Characteristics
5 I lose my temper quickly with people. Your powers of foresight are inseparable from your
everyday life. They have shaped who you are and
6 I’d rather be at my forge or tending to horses.
how your interact with the world around you.

Fortune-Teller d8 Personality Trait

When visions come to me, I often lose sight
You have a connection to the weave of fate that 1
of what is happening around me.
allows you to glimpse the future. With this innate
ability, you glean useful hints about events yet In the past, cynics have disregarded my
to come. It’s a significant gift and one that you’ve 2 warnings which has made me wary of
sharing them now.
benefited from in one way or another.
Depending on your situation, some view you with I treat the tools of my trade with more
3
awe while others hold nothing but disdain for what respect than I do people.
they view as fraud. Whether celebrated or shunned,
I always have a backup plan because I know
your visions are part of who you are. 4
things will go wrong.

Skill Proficiencies: Insight, plus your choice of Fate doesn't care if you're rich or poor, and
5
either Arcana or Religion neither do I.

I live for the thrill of seeing people react to

6
Languages: Choose two, one of which must be my visions.
Abyssal, Celestial, Infernal, or Sylvan
Very little surprises me, and I frequently have
7
a sense of déjà vu.
Equipment: Fortune-telling tools of your choice (deck
of tarot cards, a crystal ball, a planchette, loose tea leaves, I see signs of things to come in all my
8
or a bag of small animal bones), one trinket of special surroundings.
significance (choose one or roll on the Trinkets table in
the PHB), a costume, and a pouch containing 10 gp
d6 Ideal
Technique 1
Altruism. My gifts must be used to prevent
To determine the means of your predictive technique, suffering. (Good)
roll a d8 or choose from the options in the following Knowledge. Providing people with hints of
table. 2 their future allows them to forge their own
destinies. (Chaotic)
d8 Technique Influence. My powers allow me to hold sway
3
1 Astrology: movements of celestial bodies over others. (Evil)

2 Cartomancy: playing cards or tarot cards
3 Palmistry: lines and mounds on the hand
4 Cleromancy: casting of bones or stones
5 Crystallomancy: crystal ball
Duty. To see the future is a responsibility
4
that I cannot take lightly. (Lawful)
Neutrality. No matter the nature of my
5 predictions, the future is not for me to
change. (Lawful)

6 Oneiromancy: dreams Ambition. With these gifts I have been

6 granted an opportunity to make my mark on
7 Spirit board: planchette or talking board the world. (Any)
8 Tasseography: tea leaves

18

d6 Bond
One of my visions foretold of me bringing
1 tragedy to those I care for most, so I never get
attached.
My forebears granted these gifts to me, and
2
I will do what I must to honor their legacy.
I have seen visions of a catastrophic event that
3 d8 Origin
I must stop.
The tools of my trade are my most valued
4
possessions.
5 I am at peace because I know how my story ends.
I lost everything when one of my visions was
6
misinterpreted.
d6 Flaw
1 I’m unable to resist embellishing my fortunes.
2 I cannot abide charlatans of my trade.
If it means getting my way, I will misread a
3
fortune.
Those who discount my warnings deserve
4 their fate, and I will do whatever I can to
ensure it.
5 I am unable to divine my own future.
6 I have nightmares about my visions.
Harlequin
You are a mirror that reflects the world around you.
Your actions are large and deliberate while your in-
tent remains enigmatic. Your parade of colors serves
to both welcome and threaten those who see it. You
are the harlequin, a clown of limitless potential.
Harlequins are physical artists that primarily
communicate through performance. Their routines
typically revolve around frank depictions of how
people behave to an uncomfortable degree of
accuracy.
Your mysterious nature generates an unnerving
presence no matter what you do. But while the
world might not know who you are, you’ll be sure
to show the world what it truly is.
Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Performance
Tool Proficiencies: Disguise kit, painter’s supplies
Equipment: A costume, a wooden sword or baton,
a mask depicting a face reminiscent of someone you
knew or idolize, and a pouch containing 15 gp
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Behind Your Mask
You might have a better idea of where you come
from compared to anyone else. In truth, many greater
powers use harlequins to learn more about modern
civilizations. Some even reincarnate themselves as
harlequins to experience life firsthand. But what
about you?
1 Infernal spy
2 Celestial guardian
3 Fey emissary
4 Manifestation of chaos
5 Disguised noble
6 Reincarnated god or dragon
7 Forgotten famous performer
8 Unknown, even to me
Background Feature:
Grotesque Approximation
You can impersonate people you meet with uncanny
accuracy. This skill can provide you with a means
of blending into a crowd, or it may be an offensive
mockery depending on who you approximate.
Suggested Characteristics
Harlequins can either be as exuberant as their per-
formance implies or have an understated presence as
they thoughtfully observe the world. Their character-
istics are intended to elicit a deliberate response from
their audience, which begs the question: is this all a
part of the act?
d8 Personality Trait
1 I’m fond of when people play into the act.
I adopt strange habits just to make people
2
wonder what I’m up to.
I’ll relay your points back to you without
3
subtlety to make sure that’s what you meant.
I treat everyone as my equal, whether they be
4
an ant or a god.
If I want someone to think carefully about a
5
decision, I’ll talk about it in riddles.
6 You will know it’s me from a mile away.
7 Each morning I take on a new persona.
I don’t care what people think about me as
8
long as they are thinking about me.
19
Chapter 1: Character Creation

d6 Ideal Herbalist
Reflection. My every action should make my Herbalists dedicate their lives to working with
1
audience reflect on theirs. (Any) medicinal plants. You use plants for healing by
creating teas, tinctures, and creams to help treat a
Composure. I see things through to their
2 wide range of ailments. Your vocational calling has
conclusion, logical or otherwise. (Any)
provided you with training in diagnostic skills as
Curiosity. I never hesitate to step into the well as the ability to create botanicals from leaves,
3
unknown. (Chaotic) flowers, roots, and plant bark.
As an adventurer, you can provide natural first aid
Fun. There’s always a way to introduce play
4 remedies like rubbing dock leaves onto nettle stings
into a situation. (Chaotic)
or using lavender oil to treat burns. Likewise, your
Drama. Keep your emotions high and knowledge of poisons comes in handy for harmful
5 your audience’s emotions even higher. intent.
(Chaotic)

Passion. I admire when people own up to Skill Proficiencies: Medicine, Nature

6
their true selves. (Any)
Tool Proficiencies: Herbalism kit or poisoner’s kit

d6 Bond Equipment: A leather-bound journal with field

notes, a bottle of ink, an ink pen, an herbalism kit or
1 I am committed to my act and nothing else. poisoner’s kit, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a pouch
My comrades are my toys, and I do not like containing 10 gp
2
to share.
Background Feature:
3
I will show the world the pain it’s caused Botanical Bounty
my people. You have extensive knowledge of flora through read-
No one is more dedicated to sowing discord ing books or time spent in the field. With such knowl-
4 edge, you can correctly identify any nonmagical plant
than I.
and determine its medicinal purposes, including
I wear my lost partner’s mask to keep their whether it is poisonous.
5
character alive.

My superiors will be pleased with the things Suggested Characteristics

6 Whether you’re a healer, researcher, or other
I’ve learned.
practitioner, your talents are inspired by a
fascination with the relationship between plants
d6 Flaw and people.

1 My intentions can be difficult to understand.

d8 Personality Trait
2 It’s hard to give up the act.
1 I talk to plants.
I won’t respect an audience who doesn't
3 When it comes to my field of study, I talk at
respect me. 2
length about it to anyone who listens.
4 I don’t like doing the same thing twice.
I often use plant terminology when referring to
3
5 Subtlety isn’t a part of my routine. the physiology of people I am treating.

4 Plants are more trustworthy than people.

6 “But it would be funny if this happened.”
I can spend hours taking field notes on a single
5
specimen or harvesting ingredients for my kit.

I get so lost in my work that I sometimes forget

6
I need more than sunshine and water to survive.

I know more about the local flora than I do

7
about its people.

8 Getting dirty is part of my job.

20
 Chapter 1: Character Creation

d6 Ideal Judge
Redemption. There is good in everyone. You are a judge, a close student of the law and arbiter
1
(Good) of fair, measured justice. At any time, you may be
called upon to bear witness to testimony and pass
Adversity. One rotten apple spoils the
2 down sentences that range from a fine to jail time
bunch. (Evil)
to public execution. You came from a priesthood,
Tradition. The knowledge of the past must scholarly appointment, or law enforcement role in
3
be preserved. (Lawful) a region that offers “common law” practices upheld
as fair and acceptable by most of the civilized world.
Neutrality. Never meddle in the affairs of
4 Years of training and diligent preparation have given
others. (Neutral)
you a position of control far beyond the common
Change. Life is like the seasons: it’s in citizenry. You may have a history of impartial and
5
constant flux, and we must adapt. (Chaotic) warranted judgments or brutal and malicious
punishments. Regardless, both criminals and
Nature. The natural world is far more
6 innocents may find their lives in your hands.
important than civilization. (Any)
For more information about the role and
responsibilities of judges in the Eldrin Empire, see
chapter 2.
d6 Bond

As a child I accidentally fed deadly berries to Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Intimidation

1
someone close to me.
Languages: Two of your choice
2 I owe everything to my mentor.

3 Like a wildflower, I have flourished on my own. Equipment: A book of law from your homeland,
a writ of appointment, an hourglass, a bottle
I aim to prove my worth to my family of
4 of ink, an ink pen, three sheets of parchment,
magical healers.
official’s robes, sealing wax, and a belt pouch
Nothing is more important than preserving containing 12 gp
5
nature’s bounty.
Background Feature:
I seek to discover a cure for life’s greatest
6
ailment: death.
Presiding Authority
As a judge, you are afforded great respect and rever-
ence from constabulary and law-abiding citizens,
such as militia members, tax collectors, or military
d6 Flaw
veterans. You and your adventuring companions can
1 My personality is as thorny as a rose. make inconsequential demands or modest requests
of such people without fear of dismissal or need for
Uncovering the cure for an ailment is worth
2 bribery. Houses of justice, such as courts or city halls,
any price.
are lawfully open to you at all times, and staff in
I have more chemistry with plants than with such locations will supply you with food, lodging, or
3
people. documents if requested.
Should you or one of your companions be accused
I follow directions precisely, regardless of
4 of a crime, every possible courtesy and benefit of
how long it takes.
doubt is afforded to you. However, if you are found
5 Sometimes poison is the only solution. guilty of a crime, your position as a judge can be
revoked by the ruling body of whatever land you find
I’ll do anything to possess a rare plant with yourself in.
6
medicinal properties.
In addition, you have the power and authority
to immediately stay or overrule a sentence handed
out by any lawful appointee that is not a fellow
judge or a local ruler. Judges who abuse this power
become known for disrupting justice or draw the
ire of their fellow judges. In these cases, you may
find yourself sketched onto a bounty poster or
locked in a cell.
21
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Suggested Characteristics
Judges forgo a great a deal of their personal and
professional lives to see to the needs of the many
and to mediate justice. They experience a rigidly
structured life full of paperwork, writs, and letters
of bounty and execution. The title of judge comes
with a variety of responsibilities and bonds—to
other judges, to the law, to the downtrodden or
privileged, or even to the criminals who deserve a
fair and impartial ear.
d8 Personality Trait
I’m unbending in my strict adherence to
1
right and wrong.
I cite past judgments as cautionary tales to
2
friend and foe alike.
My companions can rely on me to never lead
3
them astray.
A lie, to me, is an assassin’s dagger at my
4 harm.
throat.
5 I speak in few words. Always.
6 I am proper and polite at all times.
I go to great lengths to improve the lives of
7
those around me.
I’d sooner die than let an innocent be
8
punished.
d6 Ideal
Forbearance. One should not lose control of
1
oneself, no matter the reason. (Lawful)
Forgiveness. If a debt is paid or an apology
2 accepted, any grievances should be buried.
(Good)
Integrity. When I say I will do a thing, not
3 even the gods can stop me from doing it.
(Any)
Rectitude. In even the most ambiguous
4 situations, I will see the truth of the matter
and never second guess it. (Any)
Vice. It is the little pleasures enjoyed in
5 the dark that make a strict life so enjoyable.
(Evil)
Justice. The laws set by civility and morality
6 must equally govern those in a gutter and
those in a palace. (Lawful)
22
d6 Bond
I am a bulwark of the common people
1
against those who would oppress them.
My promises to a fellow judge must never
2
be broken.
The sovereign ruler’s word is law, wherever
3
I may be.
The only criminal I ever set free is the love of
4
my life.
Noble houses command limitless respect.
5
Without them, civilization falls to chaos.
Only by understanding criminals can I pass
6
judgment on them.
d6 Flaw
I enjoy passing sentences that cause great
1
I have a secret, carnal desire to see the law
2
broken.
I am completely immovable in my adherence
3
to the letter of the law.
My need for respect outweighs my better
4
nature.
I am inescapably disparaging to those I
5
believe to be inferior to me.
I’m easily cowed into obedience by those
6 with higher social status or military
prowess.
Reluctant Successor
You are the next in line to lead your clan, family,
guild, or congregation. You’ve spent a great deal
of your life preparing to take your place but may
have never truly wanted it. Perhaps you never
expected to be chosen and have grown to resent such
responsibility. Though you may run and refuse your
predecessor, leadership is in your blood, whether you
embrace it or not.
Discuss the nature of your predecessor’s position
with your DM. Are they the chieftain of a barbarian
tribe, the head of a crime family, the leader of a
mercenary company or cult? How well-known is
your predecessor and their faction? How large is the
faction and how far does its reach extend?
Why were you chosen and prepared for the
position? What made you decide to leave? Did you
depart on good terms or are you being hunted?

What would convince you to go back? It may also be
a good idea to make a small list of enemies of your
faction or predecessor if your DM wishes to include
such things in your game.
Skill Proficiencies: Athletics or History, Insight
Languages: Two of your choice
Equipment: A symbol of your future position given
to you by your predecessor (for example, a figurine,
pendant, ring, broken axe blade, or a piece of torn
fabric), a set of common clothes, a set of fine clothes,
a flute, and a leather pouch containing 10 gp
VARIANT RELUCTANT
SUCCESSOR:
PROUD SUCCESSOR
Although you still carry baggage and have
not returned to take your place, you are
proud and enthusiastic about your future
leading your people. You may be proving
yourself, living life to the fullest before
you settle down, or finishing some test
that stands between you and your rightful
position as leader. You may even see your
adventuring party as a means to an end in
attaining your goals. Conflict arises due to
your stout and unbending devotion to your
predecessor, even if it is harmful to you.
Background Feature: Predecessor
You’ve been chosen to take the role of leadership
from someone important in your past. Consider what
your predecessor, living or dead, means to you and
how they have impacted your life. You can roll on the
following table to determine the type of relationship
you share or choose one that best fits your character.
d8 Predecessor
1 Competitive
2 Accommodating
3 Familial
4 Secure
5 Uncaring
6 Lenient
7 Romantic
8 Controlling
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Background Feature:
Proud Bearing
The years of your life spent preparing you to lead
has instilled an imposing air of authority about you.
Many in high society, such as monarchs and nobles,
may be infuriated by your self-assured poise, but
commoners are cowed by it. When you speak with
leaders such as tribal elders, ship captains, watch
commanders, or even the leaders of thieves guilds
and mercenary bands, they are much more likely
to speak to you as an equal and afford you more
latitude in negotiations than they would others.
In general, you can secure lodging for yourself and
up to five companions with little or no pay, given
your reputation with these leaders is not soured.
In addition, threats you make against such factions
carry far more weight, as a slight against you may be
a slight against your predecessor and all those who
follow them.
Suggested Characteristics
Few understand the emotional and social
burden that a reluctant successor carries, and
companionship may be difficult to maintain or
impossible to find due to the responsibilities
upon their shoulders. There is a constant pressure
on reluctant successors to abandon the life they
have chosen and return their focus back to the
succession for which they have been selected. Only
when holding onto the ties that bind them to their
traveling companions can reluctant successors avoid
the creeping feeling of doubt that may otherwise
rule them.
d8 Personality Trait
I avoid addressing problems until the last
1
possible moment.
2 I care greatly about how others perceive me.
I’m convinced strangers are out to
3
manipulate me.
4 There’s nothing I enjoy more than travel.
If I feel slighted or betrayed, I lash out
5
viciously.
I hope to earn respect from the common folk
6
I meet.
If someone is in danger, I can’t help but get
7
involved.
8 I have a plan in almost every situation.
23
Chapter 1: Character Creation

d6 Ideal Wildes Survivor

Legacy. The methods and traditions of my
1 Wildes, and against all odds, you managed to escape.
forebears deserve to be preserved. (Lawful)
Ambition. I hope to prove my worth to my
2 is a feat few can claim. The exact details of your
predecessor at any cost. (Any)
Freedom. No person should suffer the whips
3
and chains of others. (Chaotic)
Honor. People should speak with respect and
4
uphold their promises. (Good)
Authority. I will be respected, even if it must
5
be forced. (Evil)
Community. People deserve loyalty from
6
their fellows whenever possible. (Any)
d6 Bond
I owe someone from my past an unpayable
1 the mystery of how you managed to survive.
debt.
At some point in the past, you were lost in the
Surviving the faerie realm’s twisting landscape,
mercurial inhabitants, and environmental magic
experience are foggy, but the strangeness of the
Wildes undeniably changed you. Perhaps you
were abducted by a fey when you were a child or
you accidentally crossed into the faerie realm and
became lost. Maybe you eventually saved yourself
or someone came to your rescue. Whatever the
circumstances, your will was strong enough to keep
you alive, and you know the perils of the Wildes
better than most.
Discuss the nature of your experience with
your DM. How much of your experience do you
remember? Do you know who saved you, and why?
What was your life like before you were lost? How
have things changed since you returned? Deciding
a few fragments of memory from your time in the
Wildes can potentially help you and your DM explore

Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Insight

I’ll fight tooth and nail for the common
2
people.
Tool Proficiencies: One type of musical instrument
My predecessor shared a dark and terrible
3 Languages: Sylvan (or one other language if you
secret with me that I must now protect.
already speak Sylvan)
A priest once nursed me back to health
4 Equipment: A dagger made of cold iron (see chapter 5),
when others had left me for dead.
a musical instrument of your choice, a set of traveler’s
I wish my friends had come with me when clothes, a book of faerie tales, and a pouch containing
5
I fled my predecessor. 5 gp

6
I cannot return to take my place until I find Background Feature:
my missing love. Survival Instincts
Fear of once again becoming lost has honed your
survival instincts to a razor’s edge. You have advan-
d6 Flaw tage on Wisdom (Insight) checks made to determine
if a creature is lying or somehow concealing its true
1 My people and I have made many enemies.
nature. Additionally, you cannot be surprised by fey
2 No one is reliable. creatures.

I am secretly a coward—it’s why I won’t Suggested Characteristics

3
return home.
The people who knew me long ago would
4
never forgive my past misdeeds.
An innocent person died because of me,
5
and I will never admit it.
6 I am quick to violence and enjoy it.
Braving the Wildes pushed your physical and
psychological energies to their limits. You have
seen and been hunted by things most creatures
couldn’t even dream of, and you survived. While your
experiences still haunt you, there is little else left in
the mortal world that can rattle you. In moments of
tension, you revert to the quiet tactics that kept you
alive in the darkest moments.

24
 Chapter 1: Character Creation

d8 Personality Trait d6 Flaw

I learn everything I can about the fey, just in 1 I am terrified of the wilderness.
1
case.
I shut down whenever anyone asks about
2
2 I relate more to fey than to mortals. what happened to me in the Wildes.

3 I hide my past to avoid answering questions.
I feel compelled to do something important
4 with my life since I was given a second
chance.
I sometimes catch myself thinking about
5
memories that aren’t mine.
6 I need to know why I survived.
I sometimes find myself screaming for
3
reasons I don’t understand.
4 I talk to myself when I am afraid or stressed.
5 I always feel like someone is watching me.
I see fey everywhere, and I don’t know if they
6
are real.

7
I am determined to use what I’ve learned to
keep others safe. Subclasses
I feel most in control when hunting the
8 This section includes new subclass options for each
creatures that once made me feel like prey.
core class presented in the PHB.

d6 Ideal

Survival. The strong survive, and the weak

1
perish. That’s the way of the world. (Chaotic)

Courage. Facing your fears is the fastest way

2
to conquer them. (Good)

Domination. To prevent being hunted, you

3
must become the hunter. (Evil)

Resilience. Scars are unsightly, but they

4
make us stronger. (Neutral)

5
Understanding. The best defense is Barbarian:
intelligence. (Lawful) Path of Legacy
Freedom. If the worst has already happened,
6 All barbarians carry a part of their forebears with
there is nothing left to fear. (Neutral)
them, be it blood, teachings, or ideals. However,
some people revel in their heritage, intent on carrying
their ancestors’ might through the generations. These
d6 Bond
barbarians speak of the dead as close companions
A mortal creature followed me into the whose trust must be earned and maintained. They
1
Wildes to rescue me. I owe that being my life. speak of each victory and defeat as another sunrise,
to be expected and celebrated. When such barbarians
My life was spared, so I must fight to save
2 wage war, their own experiences and those of their
others.
ancestors fill them with skill, resilience, and power far
My experiences in the faerie realm beyond their ordinary capabilities.
3
transformed me entirely. Though many barbarian communities, from vast
cities to wandering tribes, may speak of ancestry
I wasn’t alone when I was lost, and I have to
4 and heritage, those who walk the path of legacy
find out what happened to my companion.
are shaped by it, and may shape it in return. A
A part of me died in the Wildes, and I’m forebear, ancestor, or lineage may come from a
5
learning to survive without that piece. common familial relation, a bond, an ideal, or even
a watchful spirit. Some who choose this path may
A faerie creature helped me escape from the
6 have no history at all, save for the one they forge
Wildes. I owe that being my life.
themselves.
25
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Path of Legacy Features
Barbarian Level Features
3rd Spirit Speaker, Forebear’s Aspect
6th Manifest Echoes
10th Welcomed Spirits
14th Embodied Destiny
Spirit Speaker
The path you have chosen is embroiled in the
mysticism of death and fate, allowing you to
access knowledge typically reserved for the dead.
At 3rd level when you choose this path, you can
perform an ancient ritual of your people to com-
mune with the dead. Such rituals may involve the
rolling of carved bones, spitting fermented spirits
into an open flame, or reading the pattern of bird
feathers. The ritual takes 10 minutes to complete,
after which you cast the augury or speak with
dead spell, without using a spell slot or material
components.
If speak with dead is cast through this ritual, you
may use it to speak with a direct ancestor of your
bloodline, chosen family, or other figure from your
lineage, ignoring the range and target requirements
of the spell. There is no guarantee the ancestor you
wish to speak to will be the spirit available to answer
your call, but the ritual always summons the closest
available match.
After you cast either spell, this property cannot be
used again until you finish a long rest.
Forebear’s Aspect
At 3rd level, choose one of the following aspects of
your lineage to embody. You must mark yourself in
ink, paint, or scar with a symbol you believe to em-
body that aspect (such as a hammer to signify power,
blue paint to show patience, scale-like scars to show
resilience). You may choose to apply the symbol to
your flesh or on a token such as a shield or medallion,
so long as the object has great meaning to you.
Blood. Your legacy is steeped in the brutality of
war and great violence. While raging, when you hit a
target with a melee weapon attack, you can expend
up to two of your Hit Dice to deal additional force
damage to the target, in addition to the weapon’s
damage. Roll your Hit Dice and add the result to the
attack’s damage.
Name. A champion’s resolve and unshakable
bravery will mark your legacy as one of greatness
and sacrifice. When an ally within 20 feet of you
is hit by an attack, you can use your reaction to
move up to half your speed toward them without
26
provoking opportunity attacks. If this movement
brings you within 5 feet of the ally, you can cause
the attack to hit you instead. When you do so, you
can expend one of your Hit Dice. Roll the Hit Die
and reduce the damage of the attack by twice that
amount.
Deed. Heroic tales or songs of valor and bravery lift
your legacy to such lofty heights that it can stand the
test of time. You have advantage on Charisma checks
against creatures with an Intelligence of 6 or higher
that are familiar with your legacy.
While raging, each time you make an ability check or
attack roll, you may expend one of your Hit Dice. Roll
the die and add the result to your ability check or attack
roll. You can wait until after you roll the d20 before
deciding to expend a Hit Die on the check or attack.
Manifest Echoes
At 6th level, your ties to your legacy have altered you
in subtle ways. You may focus on the same path and
seek to perfect it or embrace other echoes of your
storied past. You can choose the same aspect you
selected at 3rd level or a different one.
Blood. The promise of pain drips from your every
word. You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill. If
you are already proficient, you gain expertise in that
skill instead. When you make an Intimidation check,
you can use your Strength or Constitution modifier in
place of Charisma for that check.
Name. Your legacy’s heroic deeds demand you
weather any storm. While raging, you gain resistance
to psychic damage and have advantage on saving
throws to avoid being charmed. In addition, when
you roll a 20 on a death saving throw, you regain a
number of hit points equal to your barbarian level.
Deed. Nothing can stand between you and the
goals for which you strive. You have advantage on
saving throws made to avoid being pushed, pulled, or
knocked prone. In addition, you have a +5 bonus to
escape grapples and effects that restrain you.
Welcomed Spirits
At 10th level, when you use your Spirit Speaker
feature, you may commune with not only the dead
but the natural world around you, if you pay the
price. At the end of your Spirit Speaker ritual, you
may expend one or more Hit Dice to cast one of the
following spells: speak with animals (one Hit Die),
speak with plants (two Hit Dice), or commune with
nature (three Hit Dice). The spirits that answer you
may take unusual or even frightening forms but are
friendly to you.
Embodied Destiny
At 14th level, the echoes of your lineage have shaped
you to your core, manifesting in huge surges of
 Chapter 1: Character Creation

power. Choose the same aspect you chose at either
3rd or 6th level and gain the following additional
associated benefits.
Blood. The howl of violence beckons you. When you
reduce a creature to 0 hit points with a melee weapon
or score a critical hit with one, you gain a number
of temporary hit points equal to your Constitution
modifier which last for 1 minute. While the temporary
hit points remain, your melee weapon attacks deal an
additional weapon die of damage, and your movement
does not provoke opportunity attacks.
Name. Strength of purpose is strength of flesh.
As a bonus action on your turn, you can expend
one of your Hit Dice to regain hit points equal
to twice the number you roll, and your AC is
increased by the number rolled until the end of
your next turn.
Deed. You are unshakable, vigilant, and unbending
in the face of opposition. You cannot be frightened,
and attacks you make are never made at disadvan-
tage. In addition, whenever you are subject to a
spell or magical effect that forces you to attempt an
Intelligence-based check or saving throw, you may
attempt a Constitution check or Constitution saving
throw instead.
This instrument can be any of your choosing and it
can serve as a spellcasting focus for your bard spells.
If a creature other than you attempts to play this
instrument, it must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom
saving throw or take 2d4 psychic damage.
College of Bells Features
Bard Level Features
3rd Enchanted Instrument, Baleful Chord
6th Reverberating Dirge
14th Harbinger’s Requiem
The instrument allows you to cast certain spells
that you gain at the bard levels noted on the
Instrument Spells table. You can use an action to
play the instrument to cast one of its spells without
expending a spell slot or any material components.
Once the instrument has been used to cast a spell,
it can’t be used to cast that spell again until the
next dawn. Once you’ve used the instrument to
cast a number of instrument spells equal to your
proficiency bonus, you can’t use it to cast any more
instrument spells until the following dawn. The
instrument spells use your spellcasting ability and
spell save DC.

Instrument Spells
Bard Level Spells

3rd bane

5th suggestion

7th fear

Bard: 9th charm monster

College of Bells 11th hold monster

Bards of the College of Bells obsessively study 13th mass suggestion

musical theory to find new ways to harness the sonic
phenomena of the universe. These bards keep their
audiences captivated with magical compositions that
manipulate emotion, de-escalating worry or ramping
up anxiety as suits their purposes.
Bards from this college are often regarded as gloomy
and cerebral compared to their bardic peers. Even
the college name is a somber reference to the tolling
bells that mark moments of transition, signaling the
passing hours and fleeting moments of life.
Enchanted Instrument
As part of your training, at 3rd level you bind
one musical instrument to your magical power.
15th dominate monster
If the instrument is destroyed or you lose it,
you can perform a 1-hour ceremony to bind a new
instrument to your power. This ceremony can be
performed during a short or long rest, and your
connection to the previous instrument ends if it
still exists.
Baleful Chord
Starting at 3rd level, you can expend one use of your
Bardic Inspiration to mark a creature you can see
within 60 feet of you. Choose one creature you can
27
Chapter 1: Character Creation

see within 60 feet of you. That creature becomes
mystically marked for 1 minute or until it fails a sav-
ing throw versus your spell save DC. You cannot have
more than one target marked in this way.
When a marked creature attempts a saving throw
versus your spell save DC, it must use its Charisma
modifier instead of the modifier listed in the spell
description.
Reverberating Dirge
At 6th level, your command over your power grows.
Creatures have disadvantage on saving throws made
to resist being charmed or frightened by you. This
effect applies only to spells or bard class features that
use your instrument as a focus.
Starting at 10th level, this feature increases in
power. If a creature would normally be immune to
the charmed or frightened condition, it can still be
charmed or frightened by you. Such creatures roll
with advantage on saving throws to resist or end
either condition.
Harbinger’s Requiem
Starting at 14th level, when you cast a spell or use a
bard class feature using your instrument as a focus,
you can spend your reaction to choose any number of
creatures (up to a number equal to your proficiency bo-
nus) within 60 feet of you who can see and hear you.
Each target must succeed on a Charisma saving throw
against your spell save DC or be frightened of you for
1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the
end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on
a success. If a creature’s saving throw is successful or
the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to your
Harbinger’s Requiem for the next 24 hours.
To these deities, the fate of mortals is of utmost
interest, and they exert their influence in the
Mortal Realm by sharing their power with oracles,
seers, fortune-tellers, sibyls, and others gifted with
precognitive powers.
Clerics who answer the call of the Fate domain
are a prophetic force who take a keen interest in the
patterns that determine things that were, the things
that are, and the things yet to be. Driven by a desire
to make sense of destiny’s twists and turns, clerics of
the Fate domain divine answers from the tapestry
of fate that blankets all of existence. Although most
mortals obediently live their lives as fate has already
decreed, extraordinary circumstances can cause
creatures or events to deviate from their set course in
catastrophic ways. At such times, clerics of the Fate
domain are called upon to ensure destiny is set back
on its correct course.
Fate Domain Features
Cleric Level Features
Domain Spells, Soldier of Fortune,
1st
Twist of Fate
2nd Channel Divinity: Destiny Bond
6th Channel Divinity: Gift of Foresight
8th Divine Strike
17th Sibylline Sight
Domain Spells
When you choose this domain at 1st level, you gain
domain spells at the cleric levels listed in the Fate
Domain Spells table.

Fate Domain Spells

Cleric Level Spells

1st bane, divine favor

3rd augury, warding bond

5th bestow curse, remove curse

7th death ward, divination

Cleric: Fate Domain 9th geas, scrying

Gods of fate are occupied with ensuring the tap-

estry of destiny is preserved and events unfold ac-
cording to their interpretation of the cosmic plan.
In pursuit of order, these beings invoke misery,
suffering, comfort, or joy in accordance with the
calculations made on behalf of the “greater good.”
28
Soldier of Fortune
At 1st level, you gain proficiency with martial weap-
ons. You also learn the true strike cantrip, which
doesn’t count against the number of cleric cantrips
you know, and you can cast it as a bonus action.

Twist of Fate
At 1st level, you learn to alter the course of fate by
subtly manipulating its threads. When you choose
this domain, you get one fate die (a d6) and you set
the face to 1. The number displayed on your fate die
represents the number of fate points you currently
have. Your fate die acts as both a counter and a
normal die at different times, so it is important to
note what number is displayed on your fate die at the
end of each game session.
Whenever you make an attack roll, ability check,
or saving throw, you can spend any number of fate
points you have (up to the number displayed on
your fate die) and add that number of points to
the roll total. You can choose to spend fate points
after you roll the die but before the outcome of
the roll is determined. If spending points would
reduce your total fate points to 0, your fate die is
expended, and you cannot use it again until you
complete a long rest.
When you complete a long rest, if you have 1 or
more fate points, you gain additional fate points
equal to your proficiency bonus (set the fate die to
the new face accordingly). If gaining points in this
way would give you more points than the highest
number available on your fate die, you do not gain
points. Instead, you roll the fate die and the result is
your new fate point total.
When you complete a long rest and your fate die is
expended (you have 0 fate points), you roll the fate
die, and the result is your new fate point total.
Your fate die changes when you reach certain levels
of the cleric class. The die becomes a d8 at 5th level, a
d10 at 10th level, and a d12 at 15th level.
Channel Divinity: Destiny Bond
Starting at 2nd level, you can use your Channel
Divinity to intertwine your destiny with that of
another creature.
As an action, you present your holy symbol and
weave a mystical thread between you and one willing
creature you can see within 30 feet of you. While you
remain within 60 feet of the target, you can use your
reaction to grant the target advantage on one ability
check or attack roll it attempts during its turn. The link
lasts for 1 minute or until you are incapacitated or die.
Channel Divinity:
Gift of Foresight
Starting at 6th level, you can use your Channel
Divinity to glimpse the immediate future.
As an action, you open your mind to all possible
outcomes for 1 minute or until you lose concentration
(as if you were concentrating on a spell).
For the duration, you gain a +2 bonus to AC, and
you have advantage on Dexterity saving throws.
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Divine Strike
At 8th level, you gain the ability to infuse your
weapon strikes with divine energy. Once on each of
your turns when you hit a creature with a weapon
attack, you can cause the attack to deal an extra 1d8
radiant damage. When you reach 14th level, the extra
damage increases to 2d8.
Sibylline Sight
Starting at 17th level, you can use your action to open
your mind to the weave of fate. When you do so, you
gain truesight out to a range of 60 feet, which lasts
until you are incapacitated or until you take a short
or long rest.
You can’t use this feature again until you complete
a short or long rest.
Druid:
Circle of the Grove
Druids that belong to the Circle of the Grove revere
plants and draw power from the vegetation around
them. These druids preserve the places of the world yet
unspoiled by civilization and work with communities
to harmoniously integrate their lives with native flora.
Many druids of this circle draw their power from
a particular place in the world. These sacred places,
called “groves,” are lovingly tended, natural spaces
where primordial magic grows free from the influ-
ence of people. These groves are typically watched
over by a single elder druid called a “warden,” but
all druids tied to this circle are welcome to meet,
meditate, or take shelter in these sacred spaces.
Circle of the Grove Features
Druid Level Features
2nd Leaf Song, Sacred Grove
6th Take Root
10th Grove Warden
14th Heart of the Forest
29
Chapter 1: Character Creation
CIRCLE OF THE GROVE
DRUIDS IN THE PLANES
In the Planes, the teachings of this circle
were created by the elves of the Mortal
Realm long before the eldrin appeared.
Elves maintained a network of sacred
groves across the land, and communities
grew around each grove to share the
responsibility of its care.
When the eldrin appeared, they waged
war against the elves and destroyed many
of these groves, forcing these far-flung
elven communities to band together and
retreat into the Valley of Yalanthanil.
In modern times, the elves rely on druids
to protect the forests of the valley, and
sacred groves sit at the heart of every elven
settlement. Because the need for their
magic is so great, the majority of druids
in Yalanthanil adopt the teachings of the
Circle of the Grove, and it is rare to find any
other kind of druids in the valley.
Leaf Song
At 2nd level when you choose this circle, you gain
the ability to listen to plants and communicate with
plant creatures. As long as you aren’t engaged in
strenuous activity, you can use an action to focus on a
plant within 30 feet of you. You instantly learn what
the plant is, what its properties are, and what (if
anything) is ailing it. If you spend at least 1 minute fo-
cusing on the plant, you learn about events that have
happened within 30 feet of the plant over the past
day, such as information about creatures that have
passed through, weather, and other circumstances.
Additionally, plant creatures can understand your
speech, and you gain the ability to decipher their noises
and motions whether or not you share a language.
Sacred Grove
At 2nd level, you can imbue your surroundings
with vitality to temporarily create a magical pocket
grove. As an action, you can expend a use of your
Wild Shape feature to transform the area around you
rather than assuming a beast form.
When you use this feature, vitality surges into
the ground in a 15-foot radius centered on you.
Normal plants in the affected area rapidly expand,
and magical plants sprout from the ground. The
sacred grove remains magical for 1 minute, until it
withers, or until you fall unconscious, after which
its magic fades, but normal plants remain healthy
30
and overgrown. You can choose to end this effect
early (no action required). You can maintain only one
sacred grove at a time.
Whenever you use this feature, choose one of
the following magical properties the sacred grove
demonstrates while active:
Tree Line. Saplings surge from the ground, creating
a protective ring. All creatures (other than you) roll
attacks with disadvantage against creatures inside
the grove.
If you would take damage from an attack or spell
that targets only you (not an area of effect) while
standing inside the grove, you can use your reaction
to command the grove to intercept it. When you do
so, the grove withers and you take no damage.
Tangle Weed. Creeping vines or brambles weave
across the ground making the area difficult terrain.
Whenever a creature attempts to move in, out, or
through the grove you can use a reaction to command
the vines to grab it. The target must succeed on a
Strength saving throw versus your spell save DC or be
restrained by the grasping plants for the sacred grove’s
duration. A creature restrained by the plants can use
its action to make a Strength check against your spell
save DC. On a success, the creature frees itself.
Wilde Flowers. Patches of magic-imbued flowers
sharpen the senses. All creatures standing in the
grove have advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and
Charisma saving throws.
As a bonus action, you can sacrifice the flowers’
magic to end all conditions affecting one creature
in the grove’s area. When you do so, all creatures of
your choice standing in the grove gain temporary
hit points equal to your druid level, and the grove
withers.
Take Root
At 6th level, while standing on solid ground you can
use a bonus action to root yourself in place. While
you remain rooted, your speed is 0 and you cannot
be forced to move or knocked prone by any means.
You remain rooted until you choose to end the effect
(no action required).
If you are rooted when your turn begins, you can
choose to spend one of your Hit Dice. When you
do so, roll the die and regain hit points equal to the
result plus your Constitution modifier.
Grove Warden
At 10th level, your bond to the sacred grove has
deepened, allowing you more exact control over its
behavior. When summoned, the grove now covers a
30-foot-radius circle centered on you. Additionally,
you can now decide whether allied creatures (includ-
ing yourself) inside the grove are immune to any
effects it imposes.

Heart of the Forest
You and the grove are now one, and as long as it
stands, so do you. At 14th level, if you are reduced to
0 hit points while in the area of your sacred grove,
the grove withers and you gain hit points equal to
your druid level. Once you use this feature, you can’t
use it again until you finish a long rest.
If your body is destroyed completely, the grove
withers, leaving a single acorn at its center. If this
acorn is left undisturbed or is planted somewhere
else, you regain a new body in 1d10 days, regain all
your hit points, and become active again. Your new
body appears within 5 feet of the acorn, which is
destroyed as soon as you regain consciousness.
Fighter: Legionnaire
Archetype
Legionnaires are professional soldiers, warriors, and
peacekeepers held to the highest possible standards of
physical stamina and training. Generally enlisted into
military service or trained as bodyguards for nobility,
legionnaires are prized for their skill with shields and
armor as well as their stoic and ever-dependable bear-
ing. Taught to overcome physical pain and discomfort,
legionnaires can travel huge distances and arrive fresh
and ready to defend their cohorts in battle. A legion-
naire freed of their duty to the legion may find little rest
in civilian life and inevitably seek the thrill, companion-
ship, and familiarity of adventure, combat, and war.
More information about legionnaires in the Eldrin
Empire can be found in the “North Point” section in
chapter 2.
Legionnaire Features
Fighter Level Features
3rd Enduring Vigor, Living Bulwark
7th Close Ranks
10th Pressing Advancement
15th Overwhelming Tactics
18th Vigilant Defenses
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Enduring Vigor
When you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you can
travel for up to 12 hours a day before it is considered
a forced march for you. In addition, when you finish
a short rest, you can reduce your exhaustion level by
one. Once used, you cannot reduce your exhaustion
level in this way again until you finish a long rest.
Living Bulwark
At 3rd level, you have learned to shelter yourself and
those around you from harm and can use a bonus
action to take a special defensive stance until the
beginning of your next turn. You and allies you can
see within 5 feet of you gain a +2 bonus to armor
class for the duration. When an ally in that area is hit
by an attack or targeted by a spell, you can use your
reaction to cause the attack or spell to target you
instead.
At 10th level, you learn to intercept effects that
would harm small groups. Allies in the area of your
Living Bulwark feature have advantage on saving
throws against area-of-effect spells and abilities
while you are not incapacitated. You have resistance
to damage from such effects for the duration of
Living Bulwark.
At 15th level, the presence of your allies
emboldens you with near-impossible resilience.
When you use this feature, you also gain a number
of temporary hit points equal to your Constitution
modifier per each ally in the area, to a maximum of
20 temporary hit points. These temporary hit points
last for 1 minute.
You can use this feature a number of times equal to
your Constitution modifier (minimum of once), and
you regain all expended uses of it when you finish a
short or long rest.
Close Ranks
Starting at 7th level, you become an obstacle for
your comrades’ would-be pursuers. When you hit a
creature with a melee weapon attack while you are
holding a shield, each ally within 5 feet of you or
the target can use its reaction to move up to half its
speed without provoking an attack of opportunity
from the target.
Pressing Advancement
Starting at 10th level, when an enemy dies within
5 feet of you and no other hostile creatures are
within that area, you can use your reaction to
move up to your speed straight toward a different
creature you can see. If this movement brings you
within 5 feet of the target, you may make a single
melee weapon attack against it. If the attack hits,
the creature takes additional damage equal to your
Constitution modifier.
31
 Overwhelming Tactics
At 15th level, you have learned to expose weaknesses
in your opponents, opening them to reprisal from
your allies. When you score a critical hit with a
melee weapon attack against a creature, each ally
within range of the target can use a reaction to make
a single melee weapon attack against it.
In addition, each time you use your Indomitable
feature, you gain temporary hit points equal to your
Constitution modifier. These temporary hit points
last for 1 minute.
Vigilant Defenses
When you reach 18th level, you have perfected
the art of fighting in tandem with others, partially
sheltering them at all times. While wearing armor
and holding a shield, creatures of your choice
within 5 feet of you can’t have an AC of less than
16. This shared armor class is increased by magic,
such as haste, and your Living Bulwark feature as
normal.
In addition, each time you use your Second
Wind ability, you gain immunity to nonmagical
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage and
resistance to magical damage of the same types
until the start of your next turn.
32
Monk:
Way of the Chronicle
Monks who follow the Way of the Chronicle dedicate
themselves to acquiring and preserving knowledge.
They believe that every story is an important piece
of a great cosmic chronicle that links all beings, and
universal harmony can only be achieved by making
this shared knowledge available to all. To these
monks, the energy of ki is drawn from tapping into
the great reservoir of shared knowledge that psychi-
cally empowers all beings.
Monasteries dedicated to the chronicle often
double as public libraries that offer free courses on
elementary reading and writing. The majority of
chronicle monks learn the techniques used to create
illuminated manuscripts in these institutions, then
continue to spend their lives working and teaching at
these monasteries. However, a small group of these
monks are trained to produce ki-powered scrolls

called “seals” to defend themselves as they brave
the dangers of the world. These specialized monks
are the ones tasked with recovering lost texts and
transcribing the stories of people in distant lands.
Way of the Chronicle Features
Monk Level Features
3rd Scribe’s Tools, Sealing Strike
6th Informed Defense
11th Warding Seal
17th Perfect Knowledge
Scribe’s Tools
When you choose this tradition at 3rd level, you gain
proficiency in the Arcana skill and with calligrapher’s
supplies. You also gain a special book or other reposi-
tory in which to chronicle your experiences.
Sealing Strike
Beginning at 3rd level, when you hit a creature with
an unarmed strike, you can spend 1 ki point to stamp
the target with a mystical seal that lasts for 1 minute
or until the target drops to 0 hit points.
You can have a number of seals active equal to your
proficiency bonus at any one time.
When you hit a creature bearing a seal with a melee
weapon attack, you can expend ki points to deal
force damage to the target in addition to the attack’s
normal damage. The extra damage is equal to your
Martial Arts die, plus an additional roll of your Martial
Arts die for each ki point spent beyond the 1st, to a
maximum of 5 Martial Arts dice.
As an action, you can break a seal on a marked
creature you can see within 60 feet of you. When you
do so, the seal is destroyed and the marked creature
takes force damage. Roll a number of d8s equal to
your proficiency bonus to determine the amount of
force damage. Additionally, all creatures within 20
feet of the marked creature must attempt a Dexterity
saving throw against your ki save DC, taking the
same amount of damage on a failed save, or half as
much damage on a successful one.
Informed Defense
At 6th level, as part of a long rest, you can spend
time reviewing your chronicle and meditating on all
the information you have accrued about a specific
creature type.
Choose a type of enemy: aberration, beast, celes-
tial, construct, dragon, elemental, fey, fiend, giant,
humanoid, monstrosity, ooze, plant, or undead. For
24 hours, creatures of that type have disadvantage on
attack rolls against you. You also have advantage on
Chapter 1: Character Creation
saving throws against being charmed, frightened, or
possessed by them.
At the end of your next long rest, you can choose
to research the same creature type or a different
option from the list.
Warding Seal
At 11th level, you can create a new kind of seal. As a
bonus action, you can spend 2 ki points to touch a crea-
ture and mystically mark them with a warding seal for
1 minute. (You can target yourself with this feature.)
Warding seals delivered in this way count against
the total number of seals you can have active at one
time (equal to your proficiency bonus).
When a marked creature you can see within 60
feet of you would take damage, you can use your
reaction to expend 1 ki point to halve the damage the
marked creature takes.
If a creature marked with a warding seal would
drop to 0 hit points as a result of taking damage,
the target instead drops to 1 hit point and the seal is
destroyed. Alternatively, if the target is subjected to
an effect that would kill it instantaneously without
dealing damage, that effect is instead negated against
the target, and the seal is destroyed.
Perfect Knowledge
At 17th level, you can spend 5 ki points to target
one creature marked by your Sealing Strike. When
you do, you are momentarily imbued with all the
knowledge ever recorded about that creature. You
have resistance to all damage dealt by the target for 1
minute, or until you become incapacitated.
Paladin:
Oath of Blood
The Oath of Blood binds paladins to protect the
creatures they serve, siphoning their own life force to
safeguard their charges. Mystically dedicating their
own lives to others allows these guardians to push
their bodies beyond normal limitations and expend
life force to enhance their allies.
Paladins who follow this oath are often destined to do
so from birth, coming from a line of ancestors who have
33
Chapter 1: Character Creation
served each generation of an influential family. Whether
trained from infancy or not, these paladins dedicate
their lives to a particular person or group of people,
drawing power from their deep commitment to others.
TENETS OF BLOOD
A paladin who assumes the Oath of Blood
swears to protect those they serve, no
matter the cost to themselves.
Fidelity. Your loyalty is always to your
charge, coming first before the bonds of
family or law.
Preservation. Life is a precious force
that should never be given or taken lightly.
Sacrifice. If a creature suffers under
a burden that can be shared, offer your
shoulder to lighten the load.
Service. The needs of others come
before your own.
Oath of Blood Features
Paladin Level Features
3rd Channel Divinity, Oath Spells
7th Life Link
15th Scarlet Symphony
20th Font of Vitality
Oath Spells
You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed.
Oath of Blood Spells
Paladin Level Spells
3rd false life, inflict wounds
5th gentle repose, lesser restoration
9th revivify, vampiric touch
13th death ward, locate creature
17th antilife shell, greater restoration
Channel Divinity
When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the
following two Channel Divinity options.
Blood Song. As a bonus action, you cause the blood
within you to surge at a hyperactive rate. When you
34
first activate this ability, and at the beginning of each
turn you take in the next minute, you can choose to
expend one of your Hit Dice (no action required by
you) to gain one of the following benefits:
• Roll the expended Hit Die and recover a
number of hit points equal to the result plus
your Constitution modifier.
• End one condition currently affecting you.
When the blood song ends, you gain one level of
exhaustion.
Turn the Bloodless. You can use your Channel
Divinity to amplify the power of your life blood,
driving bloodless creatures away from its pulsing
heat. As an action, you present your holy symbol,
and every construct, elemental, ooze, and undead
creature within 30 feet of you must attempt a
Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, a creature is
turned for 1 minute or until it takes damage.
A turned creature must spend its turns trying to
move as far away from you as it can, and it can’t
willingly move to a space within 30 feet of you. It
also can’t take reactions. For its action, it can use
only the Dash action or try to escape from an effect
that prevents it from moving. If there’s nowhere to
move, the creature can use the Dodge action.
Life Link
Starting at 7th level, as an action you can give a
portion of your vitality to one willing creature you
can touch, creating a mystical link between you.
When you do so, you reduce your current hit points
and your hit point maximum by 10. If you have fewer
than 10 hit points or your hit point maximum is less
than 10, you cannot use this feature. This reduction
lasts until the life link ends.
While you remain linked, you gain the following
benefits:
• You can focus on a linked creature (no
action required) and immediately learn
its current physical and emotional state,
including any conditions or spells currently
affecting it. You also learn the exact distance
and direction of the creature. If the creature
is on another plane of existence, you learn
that, though you cannot discern which
plane it is on.
• As long as the linked creature is within 30
feet of you, you can use a bonus action to
expend points from your Lay on Hands pool
to restore an equal number of hit points to
that creature.
A life link lasts for 24 hours, until you choose to
end it (no action required), or until you or the linked
creature dies. You can maintain life links with a
number of creatures equal to half your proficiency
bonus (rounded down) at one time.
 Chapter 1: Character Creation

Scarlet Symphony
Starting at 15th level, your mastery of the blood song Fringe Warden Features
allows you to awaken its power in others. Whenever Ranger Level Features
you expend a Hit Die to gain a benefit of your Blood
Song, all creatures life-linked with you can also Fringe Warden Magic,
3rd
choose to expend one of their Hit Dice to recover hit Guerilla Tactics, Sharpened Senses
points or end one condition currently affecting them
7th Moving Target
(depending on which option you picked).
11th Cover of Night
Font of Vitality 15th Escape Artist
At 20th level, as an action, you can cause the life
within you to radiate outward as a magical force.
For 1 minute, you gain the following benefits:
Fringe Warden Magic
• You have advantage on Constitution saving throws Starting at 3rd level, you learn an additional spell
and have resistance to nonmagical damage. when you reach certain levels in this class, as shown
• The first time an enemy creature comes within in the Fringe Warden Spells table. Each spell counts
30 feet of you or starts its turn there, the as a ranger spell for you, but it doesn’t count against
creature must succeed on a Constitution saving the number of ranger spells you know.
throw or lose a number of hit points equal to half
your Constitution ability score (rounded down). Fringe Warden Spells
Damage suffered in this way cannot be healed by
Ranger Level Spells
spells or any other magical abilities.
• Whenever an allied creature (including you) ends 3rd find familiar
its turn within 30 feet of you, it regains a number
5th invisibility
of hit points equal to half its Constitution ability
score (rounded down). 9th phantom steed
Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again 13th faithful hound
until you finish a long rest.
17th seeming

Guerilla Tactics
When you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you
know how to use mobility to your benefit. Once
per turn, you can deal an extra 1d6 damage to one
creature you hit with a weapon attack if you have
moved at least 10 feet on the same turn.
The extra damage increases to 2d6 at 7th level, 3d6
at 11th level, and 4d6 at 15th level.

Ranger: Fringe
Warden Archetype
Fringe wardens patrol distant frontiers, keeping
watch for mundane or magical threats attempting
to cross the borders they are sworn to protect.
These rangers are trained to survive alone in the
wilderness for months at a time, stalking potential
threats and gathering information to send back to
civilization.
Since fringe wardens primarily work alone, they
rarely engage in direct combat, preferring stealth
and sabotage. If a warden does come upon a serious
threat, their primary mission is to survive long
enough to carry warning back to civilization.
Sharpened Senses
Starting at 3rd level, while in your favored terrain, as
long as you can hear and smell, you can treat lightly
obscured areas as if they were not obscured, and heav-
ily obscured areas as if they were lightly obscured.
Moving Target
Starting at 7th level, as long as there are no creatures
within 5 feet of you, you can take the Dodge action as
a bonus action.
Cover of Night
Starting at 11th level, whenever you roll initiative while
in dim light or darkness, you are automatically hidden
from all creatures at least 10 feet away from you. You
remain hidden until the end of your next turn or until
you attack or cast a spell.
35
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Escape Artist
At 15th level, you can no longer be restrained or
paralyzed, your speed cannot be reduced, and your
movement no longer provokes opportunity attacks.
In addition, when a hostile creature you can see
comes within 10 feet of you for the first time on a
turn, you can use your reaction to move up to your
movement speed.
Rogue: Covert
Operative Archetype
Covert operatives are the multi-tools of the underworld.
With an array of magical gadgets at their disposal, they
are prepared for whatever trouble comes their way (or
whatever trouble they stir up). Foes rarely recognize
a covert operative before it’s too late, as an explosive
array of concealed tricks fly from their sleeves.
Covert operatives are typically spies and
undercover agents in the employ of the Planes’ many
factions. These rogues are resourceful experts in
concealing and creating equipment to address any
contingency. This capacity for flexibility makes covert
operatives ideally suited for delicate or dangerous
situations. Rogues who pursue this archetype
demonstrate great intelligence regarding problem-
solving and the rapid-fire dexterity necessary to pull
off such intricate schemes.
Covert Operative Features
Rogue Level Features
3rd Always Prepared, Create Gadget (2)
9th Surprise Inside, Create Gadget (3)
Advanced Blueprints,
13th
Create Gadget (4)
17th Contingency Plan
Always Prepared
Starting at 3rd level, you treat all initiative rolls of 9
or lower as if you had rolled a 10. Additionally, you
can use the bonus action granted by your Cunning
Action to take the Use an Object action.
36
Create Gadget
When you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you can
create remarkable objects out of simple nonmagical
materials. When you gain this feature, pick two
gadgets you know how to make, choosing from the
Gadget Blueprints section at the end of the subclass
description.
Whenever you gain a level of rogue, you can replace
one of the gadget blueprints you learned with a new
one.
You can build a gadget from a blueprint you know
during a long rest. Assembling a gadget requires at
least 1 hour of uninterrupted focus. You can only ever
have one gadget of each blueprint crafted at any one
time, and due to its complex nature, a gadget is only
usable by you.
At 9th level, the total number of blueprints you
know increases to three, and at 13th level, it increases
to four.
Surprise Inside
At 9th level, you gain an additional way to use your
Sneak Attack; you don’t need advantage on the at-
tack roll to use your Sneak Attack against a creature
if you have used a gadget on the same round. All the
other rules for Sneak Attack still apply to you.
Advanced Blueprints
By 13th level, your knowledge of gadgetry has signifi-
cantly expanded. You now gain the benefits of the
Advanced Blueprint features detailed in the Gadget
Blueprints section.
Contingency Plan
Starting at 17th level, your reaction time is legend-
ary. Whenever you are targeted by an attack or deal
damage with an attack, you can use a reaction to take
the Use an Object action.
Gadget Blueprints
The gadget blueprints available to covert operatives
are detailed here. Whenever a gadget specifies it
takes an action to use, you can do so with the Use
an Object action. Each gadget counts as magical and
ceases to function while in an antimagic field or
when exposed to similar magical effects.
ALL-SEEING EYEGLASSES
You create a pair of glass lenses capable of seeing
beyond the normal color spectrum. As an action, you
can activate the eyeglasses to enhance your percep-
tion. When you activate the eyeglasses, choose one of
the following effects:
Darkvision. You gain darkvision out to a range
of 30 feet. If you already have darkvision, your
darkvision radius is doubled.

Heat Vision. You can see invisible creatures and
objects as if they were visible. You are also aware
of any creatures within 30 feet of you or if any
creatures come within 30 feet of you, regardless of
lighting conditions.
Magic Vision. You gain the benefits of the detect
magic spell.
X-ray Vision. You gain the ability to see through
solid matter. To you, solid objects within that radius
appear transparent and don’t prevent light from
passing through them. The vision can penetrate 1 foot
of stone, 1 inch of common metal, or up to 3 feet of
wood or dirt. Thicker substances block your vision, as
does a thin sheet of lead.
While the eyeglasses are activated, you can use an
action to deactivate them or switch the type of vision
the lenses bestow.
You can keep the eyeglasses activated for up to 1
minute, all at once or in several shorter spans, each
one using a minimum of 6 seconds (1 round) from the
duration. The eyeglasses fully recharge each day at
dawn.
Advanced Blueprint. The advanced blueprint of
the all-seeing eyeglasses increases the amount of
time the eyeglasses can be activated. You can keep
the eyeglasses activated for up to 10 minutes, all
at once or in several shorter spans, each one using
a minimum of 1 minute from the duration. The
eyeglasses fully recharge each day at dawn.
GRAPPLE BELT
You create a utility belt that contains a suction-based
grappling hook. As an action you can activate the
belt, launching a rope toward a solid surface that you
can see within 30 feet of you (this surface cannot be
part of a creature). The suction cup at the end of the
rope adheres to that surface, and you are immedi-
ately pulled to that location. On subsequent rounds,
you can use your action to maintain the belt’s grip on
the targeted surface. If you are tethered to a location
above ground and the belt’s charge runs out or is not
maintained with an action, you fall as normal.
You can keep the belt activated for up to 1 minute,
all at once or in several shorter spans, each one using
a minimum of 6 seconds (1 round) from the duration.
The grapple belt fully recharges each day at dawn.
Advanced Blueprint. The advanced blueprint of
the grapple belt increases its range to 60 feet and
there is no longer a limit to how long you can keep it
activated.
MAGNET CUFF
You create a metal cuff that transforms into a power-
ful magnet. As an action, you can activate the cuff,
creating a magnetic field that allows you to push or
pull metal objects. When you activate the cuff, and
Chapter 1: Character Creation
as your action each round the cuff remains activated,
you can target one metal object that you can see
within 30 feet of you. You can affect the same target
round after round or choose a new one at any time.
If you switch targets, the prior target is no longer
affected by the cuff.
You can try to move a metal object that weighs up to
250 pounds. If the object isn’t being worn or carried,
you automatically move it in a straight line up to 15
feet toward or away from you, but not beyond 30 feet.
If the object is worn or carried by an unwilling
creature, you must make an ability check with
your Intelligence modifier + your proficiency bonus
contested by the creature’s Strength check. If you
succeed, you pull the object away from that creature
and can move it in a straight line up to 15 feet
toward or away from you, but not beyond 30 feet.
If the object is a worn object that cannot easily be
removed (such as armor), if you win the contest, the
targeted creature also moves with the metal object.
On subsequent rounds, you can use your action to
attempt to maintain your grip on the creature by
repeating the contest. If the combined weight of
the object and the creature exceed 250 pounds, the
target cannot be moved.
You can keep the cuff activated for up to 1 minute,
all at once or in several shorter spans, each one using
a minimum of 6 seconds (1 round) from the duration.
The magnet cuff fully recharges each day at dawn.
Advanced Blueprint. The advanced blueprint of
the magnet cuff allows you to affect a target you can
see within 60 feet of you and increases the range
you can push or pull objects to 60 feet. Additionally,
you can now affect objects that weigh up to 500
pounds or a creature and object with a combined
weight of up to 500 pounds.
NERVE CLIP
You create an ornamental clip that conducts a
stimulating charge. As an action, you can activate
the clip, shocking your nervous system with a
jolt of electricity. Immediately upon activating
the clip, you can repeat a Wisdom-, Charisma-, or
Intelligence-based saving throw to end an ongo-
ing effect currently affecting you. On subsequent
rounds, you can use your action to maintain the
clip’s charge. While the charge is active, you have
advantage on Wisdom-, Charisma-, and Intelligence-
based saving throws.
You can keep the clip activated for up to 1 minute,
all at once or in several shorter spans, each one using
a minimum of 6 seconds (1 round) from the duration.
The nerve clip fully recharges each day at dawn.
Advanced Blueprint. The advanced blueprint of
the clip includes a fail-safe mechanism. If you fail a
Wisdom-, Charisma-, or Intelligence-based saving
37
Chapter 1: Character Creation
throw while the charge is active, you can use your
reaction to expend the clip’s remaining charge to
succeed on that saving throw instead. Once the
nerve clip is used in this way, it cannot be activated
again until it fully recharges at dawn.
SMOKE CLOAK
You create a heavy cloak lined with vials of hazy
smoke. As an action, you can activate the cloak,
enveloping yourself in a cloud of obscuring smoke.
While the cloak is active, you and all creatures
within 5 feet of you gain the benefits of half cover
while in bright light and three-quarters cover in
dim light or darkness. On subsequent rounds,
you can use your action to maintain the smoke.
Otherwise, it dissipates at the beginning of your
next turn.
You can keep the cloak activated for up to 1
minute, all at once or in several shorter spans, each
one using a minimum of 6 seconds (1 round) from
the duration. The smoke cloak fully recharges each
day at dawn.
Advanced Blueprint. The advanced blueprint of
the cloak allows you more control of the smoke.
When you activate the cloak, you can choose to
just grant the benefits of cover to yourself, expand
the smoke to affect all creatures within 5 feet of
you, or expand it to affect all creatures within 10
feet of you.
SONIC BLADE
You create a spring-loaded mechanism easily con-
cealed in the cuff of a sleeve or the sole of a shoe. As
an action, you can activate the mechanism, causing it
to emit compressed sonic energy shaped like a blade
for 1 minute.
As part of the action to activate the blade, you can
choose to make a single melee weapon attack against
a target you can see within 5 feet of you. If the target
has not been hit with your sonic blade before, you
have advantage on this attack roll.
Once the mechanism has been activated, it cannot
be activated again until the following dawn.
The blade is identical in size and shape to a
dagger, but it deals 1d4 magical thunder damage
instead of piercing damage and it cannot be
thrown. The sonic blade is invisible, but it emits
a high-pitched, nearly inaudible sound while it is
active. Proficiency with a dagger allows you to add
your proficiency bonus to the attack roll for any
attack you make with it. You do not need to have
your hands free to use the sonic blade.
Advanced Blueprint. The advanced blueprint
of the sonic blade causes it to deal 1d8 magical
thunder damage instead of 1d4 magical thunder
damage.
38
Sorcerer: Wildeheart
Sorcerous Origin
You are a fey-touched creature, for your innate magic
comes from the Wildes itself. Perhaps you were born
in a moonlit glade near a fey crossing, or you might
trace your lineage to a dryad. Whatever your ances-
try, the source of your magic comes from a realm of
primal magic run amok. It ebbs and flows between
capriciously severe and whimsically benign.
The sway of Wildeheart magic bestows an
enchanted characteristic to your physical appearance.
Your otherworldly mystique is unmistakable as it
suffuses everything about you. At your discretion, you
may pick from or roll on the Wildeheart Attributes
table to create an attribute for your character.
Wildeheart Attributes
d6 Attribute
1 You always smell like wildflowers.
2 Your nails are made of tree bark.
3 The wind is always in your hair, even in calm air.
4 When you bleed, you bleed sap.
5 Your shadow has a mind of its own.
6 Your eyes look like the night sky, filled with stars.
Wildeheart Features
Sorcerer
Features
Level
1st Wildeheart Magic, Gift of Glamour
6th Wilde Manifestation
14th Twilight Shroud
18th Touch of Sovereignty
Wildeheart Magic Spells
You learn additional spells when you reach certain
levels in this class, as shown on the Wildeheart Magic
Spells table. Each of these spells counts as a sorcerer
spell for you, but it doesn’t count against the number
of sorcerer spells you know.

Wildeheart Magic Spells
Sorcerer
Spells
Level
1st entangle, faerie fire
3rd barkskin, spike growth
5th conjure animals, hypnotic pattern
7th blight, conjure woodland beings
9th insect plague, tree stride
Gift of Glamour
At 1st level, you gain the ability to cast disguise self
a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus,
and you regain all expended uses when you finish a
long rest.
Additionally, starting at 2nd level, whenever you
cast a spell of 1st level or higher that forces creatures
that can see you to attempt a saving throw, you can
expend sorcery points to impose disadvantage on
the roll. Doing so requires you to expend a number of
sorcery points equal to the level of the spell slot used
to cast the spell. You must declare your use of this
feature as you are casting the spell and before the
target attempts the saving throw.
Wilde Manifestation
At 6th level, you can manifest the magic within you
to transform your physiology. As a bonus action you
can spend 3 sorcery points to gain one of the follow-
ing benefits for 1 minute.
Bargain of Vitality. When you cast a spell of 1st
level or higher, you gain temporary hit points equal to
the spell slot level plus your Charisma modifier.
Unearthly Resistance. You have advantage on
saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Veil of Misdirection. You project illusory magic
that makes you difficult to target. Attack rolls against
you have disadvantage. If you are hit by an attack,
this trait ceases to function until the beginning of
your next turn. This trait also ceases to function
while you are incapacitated.
Creatures with truesight can see through your veil
and do not have disadvantage on attacks against you.
Twilight Shroud
Starting at 14th level, when you would be hit by an
attack that targets only you (not an area of effect), you
can use a reaction to teleport up to 60 feet to an unoc-
cupied space you can see. The triggering attack misses.
You can use this feature a number of times equal to
your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended
uses of it when you finish a long rest.
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Touch of Sovereignty
Beginning at 18th level, you realize the full potential
of the faerie magic within you. You can no longer be
charmed or frightened.
Additionally, you can now spend 6 sorcery points
to take one of the following actions. Once you have
used one of these actions, you cannot use either until
you complete a long rest.
Summer’s Kiss. You touch a willing creature
(not coerced by magic) and designate them as your
vassal for the next 8 hours. Your vassal gains all your
resistances and immunities while in your service.
While your vassal is within 60 feet of you, anytime
you would take damage, your vassal takes the
damage instead. If this damage drops your vassal to
0 hit points, your connection is broken, and you take
the remainder of the damage not absorbed by your
vassal.
Winter’s Bite. Make a ranged spell attack against a
hostile creature that you can see. On a successful hit,
you mystically mark them as your prey for the next
8 hours. While your prey is within 60 feet of you,
when you deal damage to them, you heal a number of
hit points equal to the damage you deal. If your prey
drops to 0 hit points before the duration is up, your
connection is broken.
Warlock: Titan
Otherworldly Patron
Your patron is a titan, one of the mighty beings who
forged the world out of primal chaos. The titans were
slaughtered en masse by their children, the rebellious
gods, and the few who remain seek to return to their
full power. By accepting their powers of creation, you
become their agent in the Mortal Realm.
Those who forge a pact with a titan must be inter-
ested in how things are put together. To walk the path
of the titan is to open the backing of the universe and
observe its moving parts. Warlocks who adopt these
abilities are often tinkerers, architects, and inventors
before they turn their lives toward adventuring. The
few remaining titans sequester themselves in pocket
dimensions, waiting for a time when the gods have
lost the power and influence to hunt them. Because
39
 your titan patron cannot move freely in the world,
you are expected to act on their behalf. A titan may Titan Expanded Spells
call upon their warlock to retrieve a legendary item to
Spell Level Spells
help their cause, ask them to orchestrate doubt amid
a religious population, or construct monuments to 1st detect magic, grease
remind the world of its forgotten creators. Whatever
the specific quest, your patron provides you with the 2nd enlarge/reduce, magic weapon
tools to make and unmake matter so you may rebuild
3rd create food and water, tiny hut
reality in their image.
4th fabricate, stone shape
The Titan Features
5th animate objects, creation
Warlock
Features
Level
Shard of Creation
Expanded Spell List, Shard of Creation,
1st Starting at 1st level, your patron gives you a shard of
Eyes of the Maker
creation, which is a Tiny magical object that mysteri-
6th Artificial Apprentice ously appears on your person. While you hold the
object, you may use it as a spellcasting focus when
10th Mend the Broken casting your warlock spells. The shard’s appearance is
a fluid, constantly shifting bundle of plasma.
14th Curse of Unmaking
The shard’s AC equals your spell save DC. Its hit
point maximum equals your warlock level plus your
Expanded Spell List proficiency bonus, and it is immune to poison and
The Titan lets you choose from an expanded list of psychic damage. The shard vanishes instantly if you
spells when you learn a warlock spell. The following are slain or if it is not in your possession for more
spells are added to the warlock spell list for you. than 24 consecutive hours.
40

If the shard is destroyed or you lose it, you can
perform a 1-hour ritual entreating your patron’s aid to
receive a replacement at the end of the duration.
While you are touching the shard, you can use it in
the following ways:
Demolition. Once during each of your turns when
you hit an object or structure with a melee or spell
attack, you can double your damage.
Scale Model. As an action, you can transform
the shard into a Tiny model of a mundane object
or structure. When you spend time creating a
full-scale version of the model or interacting with
the recreated object, you are proficient in any tools
required to craft or interact with the object or
structure, and you add 1d8 to the result of any ability
check required to craft or interact with the object or
structure.
Eyes of the Maker
Beginning at 1st level, when you touch a magic item
or some other magic-imbued object, you learn its
properties and how to use it, whether it requires
attunement to use, and how many charges it has (if
any). You learn whether any spells are affecting the
item and what they are. If the item was created by a
spell, you learn which spell created it.
Artificial Apprentice
At 6th level, as an action, you can present your
shard of creation and transform it into an artificial
duplicate of yourself. The duplicate appears in an
unoccupied space you can see within 30 feet of
you. Despite its appearance, the duplicate is an
object that is capable of acting independently of
you but always obeys your commands (no action
required). The duplicate can move and perform
actions as though it were you, though it cannot cast
spells, make attacks, or harm other creatures in any
way. In combat, it rolls its own initiative and acts on
its own turn.
While your apprentice is within 60 feet of you,
anytime you would take damage, you can choose
for the duplicate to take the damage instead. If this
damage drops your duplicate to 0 hit points, your
duplicate (and the shard) is destroyed, and you take
the remainder of the damage not absorbed by your
duplicate.
When you cast spells, you can cast them as though
you were in the duplicate’s space, but you must use
your own senses when doing so.
The shard can remain in this state for up to 1 hour
before reverting to its original state. The shard also
reverts to its original state if you choose to end the
effect, or if it is destroyed. Once you have used this
feature, you must finish a long rest before you can
use it again.
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Mend the Broken
At 10th level, your innate understanding of the
architecture of matter allows you to repair damage
with ease. As an action you can touch a creature or
object within reach and cause it to magically regain a
number of hit points equal to five times your warlock
level.
This effect also repairs any catastrophic damage
suffered by the target, such as lost limbs, missing
parts, or other damage that would ordinarily be
irreparable. If the object you affect does not have
a hit point total, your touch restores the object to
working order as best as it can using the pieces
available. This feature cannot restore expended
charges on magic items or restore magical properties
to objects that were once magical.
Once you have used this feature, you must finish a
long rest before you can use it again.
Curse of Unmaking
Starting at 14th level, you can unravel the threads
that give matter its shape. As an action, you can make
a spell attack against a creature, object, or structure
within reach. On a successful hit, the target becomes
cursed. While so cursed, the target is vulnerable to
all damage. If the target is a creature, it can attempt
a Charisma saving throw against your spell save DC
at the end of each of its turns, ending the curse on a
success.
Once you have used this feature, you must finish a
long rest before you can use it again.
Wizard:
School of
Kinetomancy
Kinetomancers are a branch of wizards that focus
on the dynamics of magic when it is pulled into
existence. They study its physical consequences,
how it pushes and pulls the area around it, and
how to account for the sudden influx of forces
upon casting it. Kinetic-focused magic comes with
the potential to push reality beyond what’s writ-
ten in any spellbook, given the right calculations
and timing.
41
Chapter 1: Character Creation
School of Kinetomancy Features
Wizard
Features
Level
2nd Kickback
6th Arcane Momentum
10th Reactive Force
14th Kinetic Transfer
Kickback
At 2nd level, you learn to amplify the influx of kinetic
energy your magic creates. If you successfully hit a
Large or smaller target with a spell attack, you can
choose to push it up to 5 feet away from you. This
movement does not provoke opportunity attacks.
The kickback distance increases to 10 feet and can
affect Huge or smaller targets when you reach 10th
level. At 14th level, the kickback distance increases to 15
feet, and you can affect Gargantuan or smaller targets.
Arcane Momentum
At 6th level, you can tap into the energy of a spell in
motion and redirect it before it dissipates. Whenever
you fail to hit a creature with a ranged spell attack,
you can use your reaction to attempt to redirect the
spell toward a different target you can see within 30
feet of the original target. You must make a new spell
attack roll for the new target.
You can use this feature a number of times equal
to your proficiency bonus. You regain uses of this
feature when you complete a long rest.
Reactive Force
At 10th level, energy directed toward you can be
collected and sent back in kind. Whenever a creature
hits you with an attack, all creatures of your choice
within 5 feet of you take 2d8 force damage.
Kinetic Transfer
At 14th level, when you successfully hit a creature with
a ranged spell attack, you can forgo your kickback to
slam them with the full force of the spell’s potential
energy. Make an ability check with your spellcasting
ability contested by the creature’s Strength check.
If you win the contest, you move the creature in a
single direction up to a number of feet equal to the
spell range minus the distance between you and the
target. The target takes 1d6 force damage for every 10
feet it is pushed in this way, to a maximum of 20d6.
If you lose the contest, the creature is moved half
that distance and does not take force damage.
Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again
until you finish a short or a long rest.
42
Heroic Destinies
Too often, characters’ personal stories get lost amid the
world-shaking events of a campaign. While it is impor-
tant to build an immersive game with a rich setting,
it is also important to feel connected to the lives of the
heroes who drive the action. The optional rules pre-
sented here will help both DMs and players explore the
development and motivations unique to each character.
Heroic destinies provide a story arc individual to each
character. These story arcs might intersect with the
main plot of your campaign, but more often they are
the personal journeys that advance during side quests
or breaks from the main action. When a character
adopts a heroic destiny, they are declaring what they
want for their future, what kind of goals they wish to
pursue. Heroic destinies ask players to consider what
is most important to their characters and provide
insight into motivations that make their stories richer
and more realistic. Sure, the heroes of your campaign
are interested in saving the day, but pursuing a heroic
destiny also provides them an interest in living their
lives beyond the scope of individual adventures.
Heroic
Destiny System
The following ruleset provides players the opportu-
nity to craft a heroic destiny. These destinies allow
players to explore their characters’ personal journeys
further, tailoring a unique play experience beyond
standard leveling.
How to Use Heroic Destinies
Heroic destinies are an optional rules expansion, so
before you decide to use the system, you must agree
as a gaming group to do so. Both DMs and players need
to buy into this ruleset for it to work. Once your group
agrees to use heroic destinies, you can work together
to choose destinies for your characters. When you
select a heroic destiny for your character, run it by the
DM and ask if they think that destiny in particular fits
into the scope of the campaign. Conversation back
and forth is critical to explain what you want for your
character. After all, by choosing a heroic destiny, you
are answering questions about what you want for your
character’s future, an exercise demanding thoughtful
consideration. The flavor of a heroic destiny is ulti-
mately up to each player to decide, and the more you
communicate about your ideas, the easier it will be for
the DM to present opportunities for milestones.
Once the players have chosen their heroic
destinies, it is up to the DM to make sure there
are opportunities for each player to achieve the
milestones they need to progress through the tiers
 Chapter 1: Character Creation

specific to each destiny. The DM should start by
familiarizing themselves with each destiny, then
think of ways to incorporate specific milestones
into the campaign. There are several strategies for
incorporating heroic destinies:
• You can choose to build your whole campaign
around achieving destiny milestones.
• You can build multi-session adventure arcs to
achieve milestones. These arcs occur during
breaks from pursuing the main plot.
• You can figure out a way to weave heroic
destiny milestones into your main plot.
• You could agree that these milestone events
happen during “off-screen” downtime. Perhaps
you start a session asking each player to
describe achieving a milestone as a flashback.
Leveling Up
Heroic destinies can begin at any point in a campaign,
though specific conditions must be met to begin each
destiny. These rules are completely optional, though it
is recommended that if one player chooses to pursue a
destiny, all other players should choose a destiny as well.
Characters who have successfully begun a heroic
destiny can continue furthering their connection
to it by increasing their destiny tier through
achieving milestones. Each type of heroic destiny
has an example list of possible milestones that are
thematically unique. There are no rigid rules about
what these meaningful events must be. For example, a
character learning to be a dragon rider is likely to have
very different milestones than a character conducting
a naturalist study of ettercaps. There is lots of creative
flexibility in what these milestone events may look
like, but they should always feel impactful. Talk with
your DM to come up with applicable milestones for
your campaign and how you can achieve them.
When you advance your destiny tier, you gain
access to all features of the new tier in addition to
the features of previous tiers.
Suggested Class Level
to Heroic Destiny Tier
While heroic destinies are milestone achievements
and not tied to experience points, heroic destinies
grant powerful rewards that can skew the balance
of standard gameplay. Because of this, it is recom-
mended that you use the following table as a guide
for when players should unlock new destiny tiers
over the course of a long-term campaign.
Recommend
Heroic Destiny Tier
Class Level Range
1 1–4
2 5–10
3 11–16
4 17–20
Replacing a Heroic Destiny
Sometimes players change their minds and no longer
want to pursue a particular heroic destiny for their
characters. This is completely fine. At any point, a
player can discard a chosen heroic destiny and work
with their DM to choose a new destiny path. A player
who ends a particular destiny loses all the previous
destiny benefits and immediately starts at the 1st tier
of a new heroic destiny.
Heroic Destinies Options
There are ten heroic destinies from which a player can
choose. If you would like to make a heroic destiny
that better suits your character, use the structure of
the provided destinies as a guide to craft your own.

Heroic Destinies
Destiny Description
Avenger Enact revenge to punish those who have wronged you.

Celebrity Make a name for yourself so even strangers know who you are.

Explorer Break boundaries to discover new people, places, and objects.

Fortune-Seeker Amass a horde of treasures and live an opulent life.

Immortal Discover a way to defy death and live forever.

Scholar Learn hidden truths to expand the powers of your mind.

Symbiosis Forge a lasting bond between yourself and a type of creature different from you.

Teacher Encourage others to expand and realize their potential.

Virtuoso Hone your skills to become a master of your craft.

Wielder Become a worthy bearer of a powerful artifact.

43
 Heroic Destiny:
Avenger
No one is a stranger to tragedy. You’ve experienced
it firsthand, a feeling of helplessness in the wake of
misfortune. Your focus has narrowed; what you’ve
lost and whom you lost it to are seared into your
soul. You won’t know peace until you’ve gotten your
revenge.
The destiny of avengers is to seek retribution.
Whenever they are wronged, their payback is swift
and fierce. No injustice can be left to linger like the
tragedies that put them on this path. But as they
grow stronger, avengers encounter others like them
unable to know peace.
Vengeance can never give back everything taken
by tragedy, and characters who undertake this
destiny must learn to grow their world or be left
with nothing but violence. Pieces of themselves
can be found in the people they avenge, and
everyone with whom they empathize expands
their focus bit by bit. By the time they’ve avenged
their own tragedy, the only way forward is through
a world of their own making. Maybe then, you
might know peace.
44
SAFELY ROLEPLAYING
TRAGEDY
Whenever themes of tragedy or suffering
are introduced during gameplay, it is
critical for the DM and player to work
together to ensure a safe experience. For
the avenger destiny in particular (though
this is true for the others as well), the
player, not the DM, should decide the exact
nature of the triggering event that sets
them on the path of the avenger.
It is never okay for a DM to force
characters to suffer by robbing them of
their agency. Do not force players onto
this path by killing loved NPCs, attacking a
helpless character, or any other triggering
events unless you have express consent to
do so from the player. Even with consent,
it is critical that you establish boundaries
and other protective measures using safety
tools beforehand like those discussed in
chapter 4.

Avenger Features
A character who has chosen the avenger heroic
destiny gains the following features.
PREREQUISITES
To embark on this heroic destiny, you must experi-
ence an event that leads to suffering at the hands of
another. This event can be any impactful incident
from your past or something that occurs at any
point in your adventure. Perhaps you had a precious
heirloom stolen from you or you were framed for a
crime you didn’t commit. Maybe you lost your home
or a loved one to a force you were unable to fight.
Whatever your tragedy, it must be caused by some
imposing entity that can potentially be vanquished
or defeated, such as a dark empire or a rival, and not
an abstract law of reality, such as decay or death.
Work with your DM to construct the nature of this
event and the best way to tie this malignant entity
into the overarching adventure.
TIER MILESTONES
The following are examples of possible tier mile-
stones for the avenger heroic destiny:
• Declaring a vow of vengeance in front of a
deity, your compatriots, or in the face of your
imposing force.
• Sacrificing something you hold dear to get
justice for a stranger.
• Standing up to impossible odds to prevent
your imposing force from escaping your
wrath.
• Gaining vengeance or finding peace with your
imposing force.
TIER 1 FEATURES
When you successfully embark on your heroic
destiny, you gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Seething Passion
You are hyper-focused on seeking vengeance against
foes who must be punished. Each dawn, you can
magically mark one creature you have met at any
point in your past (no action required by you). For the
next 24 hours, you gain the following benefits:
• You know the direction and distance to the
marked creature as long as it is on the same
plane (or realm) of existence. If the creature
is on a different plane, you know which one
but not the exact location. This benefit ceases
to function if the creature is affected by the
nondetection spell or similar effects that
conceal a target from divination magic.
• You gain temporary hit points equal to your
proficiency bonus whenever you end your
turn within 30 feet of the marked creature.
Chapter 1: Character Creation
• You have advantage on Charisma-based
checks made to gather information about the
marked creature.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Payback
When you take damage from a creature you can see,
you can use your reaction to seek payback against
it. When you choose to do so, you gain the following
benefits for 1 minute:
• Your movement speed increases by 10 feet.
• You can add 1d4 to any ability check or attack
roll you make against that creature. This
increases to 1d6 when you reach tier 2, 1d8
when you reach tier 3.
If the targeted creature drops to 0 hit points before the
minute is up, you can use a bonus action on a subsequent
turn of yours to seek payback against a new creature.
You can use this feature a number of times per day
equal to the number of tiers you have in the avenger
heroic destiny.
TIER 2 FEATURES
When you reach tier 2 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Path of Pathos
You’ve started to fight for those who were wronged
like you. When an ally takes damage from a creature
you can see, you can use your reaction to make one
weapon attack against the creature or move up to
your speed towards the creature without provoking
opportunity attacks.
TIER 3 FEATURES
When you reach tier 3 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Fury Storm
You can now activate your Payback ability against
a creature you can see targeting an ally as if it was
targeting you. While the ability is active, you can
change the target of your Payback feature once per
turn (no action required by you).
TIER 4 FEATURES
When you reach tier 4 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Grave Resolve
When you or an ally you can see is reduced to 0 hit
points but not killed outright, you can choose to
enter a state of resolve. When you enter this state,
any conditions affecting you end, and you can im-
mediately expend any number of Hit Dice to recover
hit points. Additionally, you have resistance to all
damage until the start of your next turn.
45
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Go in Peace
Completing this heroic destiny means your quest
for vengeance has ended, and finally you can lay
down your sword. At any point while you live, you
can choose to lay down your sword, marking an end
to your bloody quest. When you make this choice
willingly (without coercion of any kind), you lose all
features and benefits of this heroic destiny.
In exchange, a powerful force or being rewards
you by magically restoring whatever it was that was
taken from you that caused you to seek vengeance
in the first place. Work with your DM to determine
the nature of this reward, but anything that could
be granted by powerful magic like the wish spell is
certainly within reach.
Heroic Destiny:
Celebrity
Some people are driven by wealth and others desire
glory, but characters who choose the Celebrity heroic
destiny do it all for fame. An adventuring career pro-
vides an excellent way to grow a personal legend and
spread influence across the world and is a jumping-off
point for many. A character who chooses the celebrity
heroic destiny is interested in growing their personal
renown until even strangers know their name.
Becoming a celebrity requires hard work and
continual investment of time and resources into your
endeavors. Whether you aspire to become a staple
of bardic songs or a world-famous bard composing
the exploits of others, you have to constantly put
yourself out there to get noticed. Celebrity hopefuls
must push themselves and their skills to heights
the world has never seen and believe in their own
potential even when things seem hopeless.
The character who chooses this destiny is commit-
ting to a highly social path. Becoming famous requires
earning the adoration or loathing of the people around
you, so it is impossible to pursue your goals privately.
Doing amazing things cannot grow your reputation
unless others are present to witness them.
Celebrity Features
A character who has chosen the celebrity heroic
destiny gains the following features.
PREREQUISITES
To embark on this heroic destiny, you must have a
direct social interaction in which a creature whose
opinion you respect takes notice of your activities
and encourages you to pursue them further.
Discuss with your DM how you can achieve this
in your backstory or in game. Maintaining an open
dialogue about your advancing destiny is crucial to
building a successful story.
46
TIER MILESTONES
The following are examples of possible tier mile-
stones for the celebrity heroic destiny:
• Receiving public endorsement from a famous
creature.
• Impressing a crowd of onlookers with your
exploits.
• Sacrificing something you care about to
pursue fame.
• Accepting a job or position that routinely puts
you in the public eye.
TIER 1 FEATURES
When you successfully embark on your heroic
destiny, you gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Magnetism
Your personality draws others to you. You have
advantage on Charisma-based ability checks made
to influence creatures who are neutral or friendly
toward you.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Force of Personality
Your confidence shines through everything you do,
making you a force to be reckoned with. You can re-
place the number rolled on attack roll, saving throw,
or ability check made by you with your Charisma
score (adding modifiers as usual to determine the
total). You may choose to do this after the die is
rolled but before the results of the roll are declared.
You cannot use this ability again until you
complete a short or long rest.
TIER 2 FEATURES
When you reach tier 2 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: People Know Me
You have started to make a name for yourself and can
use your influence to call in small favors. While in a
town or city (or another locale where you might be
known) you can use this ability once per day to call in
a minor favor from your admirers. Some examples of
a minor favor are:
• Securing an invitation to an exclusive event
or gathering.
• Learning the specific location of a difficult-
to-find person or object.
• Making sure a particular door or chest is left
unlocked.
• Acquiring comfortable accommodations and
food for one night.
• Convincing law enforcement to overlook a
minor offense.

TIER 3 FEATURES
When you reach tier 3 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: A-List
Your name is well known, and your reputation
precedes you wherever you go. While in a town or
city (or another locale where you might be known)
you can use this ability once per week to call in a
major favor from your admirers. Some examples of a
major favor are:
• Arranging a private or public meeting with a
famous individual.
• Securing a pardon (for you or another
creature) for a major criminal offense.
• Receiving a gift of a single nonmagical object
worth 1,000 gp or less.
• Acquiring luxurious, cost-free
accommodations and food for 1 week.
TIER 4 FEATURES
When you reach tier 4 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Charming Disposition
Whenever any creature tries to attack you for the
first time on a turn, you can use your reaction to roll
a Charisma (Performance) or Charisma (Persuasion)
ability check. If your check is higher than the crea-
ture’s Wisdom ability score, it can’t attack you on this
turn, and it must choose a new target for its attack,
or the attack is wasted.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Lifelong Devotion
Completing this heroic destiny means you have
spread your legend throughout the world, and
creatures from all corners of the land speak your
name with awe. You are a major social force in the
world, and your pursuits have inspired devotion from
all manner of people.
When you reach this tier, you gain the services of a
humanoid creature (CR 5 or less) devoted to serving
you loyally until death. You control this creature.
Work with your DM to decide the exact nature of this
creature, and how you they are connected to you.
Heroic Destiny:
Explorer
Characters who choose the explorer heroic destiny
are driven primarily by a desire to break boundaries
by traveling to places unknown.
Explorers are people of action, destined to chart
the uncharted, discover the undiscovered, and live
to tell the tale. Becoming an explorer requires not
only a driving desire to experience new things but
Chapter 1: Character Creation
the initiative to make such experiences happen.
Explorers must abandon the safety of the familiar to
wholeheartedly take chances, regardless of where
they may ultimately lead.
The character who chooses this heroic destiny
is committing to a life guided by curiosity.
Immersing yourself in the unknown is always
exciting, rarely safe, and often lonely. As you push
ever further into worlds unknown, you must
continually make peace with the people and
places you must leave behind.
MAKE EXPLORATION
MATTER
Characters with the explorer destiny
pick up several abilities that give them
advantages in encounters and adventures
themed around the exploration pillar of 5th
Edition. As the game currently exists, there
is little guidance given to DMs about how
to run these kinds of encounters, so it is
important for you to collaborate with them
to build a satisfying gameplay experience.
New DMs in particular may not have a clue
how to incorporate cartographer’s tools,
vehicles, or carrying capacity in a story, so
be your own advocate! Don’t feel bad about
asking questions when you need to. Your
DM will likely appreciate your efforts to get
your character more invested in gameplay.
Just be patient and save big discussions for
breaks or between sessions.
Explorer Features
A character who has chosen the explorer heroic
destiny gains the following features.
PREREQUISITES
To begin this heroic destiny, you must find something
that drives you to seek an uncharted locale. Perhaps
you find a map to a lost city stuffed in a dusty corner
of a curio shop or you inherit a ciphered journal detail-
ing creatures from a region not on any modern maps.
Maybe you find a clue that confirms the existence of a
mythical plane of existence or sets you on the trail of a
loved one who disappeared many years ago. Whatever
the case may be, the experience has finally given your
curious spirit a reason to travel far and wide.
Discuss with your DM how you can achieve this
in your backstory or in game. Maintaining an open
dialogue about your advancing destiny is crucial to
building a successful story.
47
Chapter 1: Character Creation
TIER MILESTONES
The following are examples of possible tier mile-
stones for the explorer heroic destiny:
• Uncovering a person, place, or object that was
thought to be only a legend.
• Mapping an unexplored region.
• Discovering a gateway or portal to a faraway
place or a different plane.
• Surviving a deadly challenge or obstacle
meant to block the way forward.
TIER 1 FEATURES
When you successfully embark on your heroic
destiny, you gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Field Notes
When you set out on the path of the explorer, you
create some kind of resource to record the details of
your travels. This resource could be a diary, a journal,
a notated atlas, a recording device, a logbook, or any
other Tiny or Small object you can use to take notes
during your adventures.
Whenever you take a long rest and spend at least 30
minutes of that long rest updating your notes, you create
a helpful log of terrain features within a day’s journey
of your current location (approximately 24 miles).
While you are in a noted area, you can use your field
notes to replicate the effects of certain spells that
you gain at the tiers noted in the Field Notes Spells
table. Casting spells in this way does not require you
to expend a spell slot or any material components.
These spells also do not count as magical for the
purposes of antimagic field, counterspell, dispel
magic, or any other magical effects that protect
against magical detection.
Once you use your field notes to cast a spell, you
cannot cast that spell again until you take a long rest.
Field Notes Spells
Destiny Tier Spells
Tier 1 locate animals or plants, locate object
Tier 2 legend lore, locate creature
Tier 3 find the path
Tier 4 foresight
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Wilderness Training
You have honed your wilderness survival skills in
preparation for the great journeys ahead of you.
You gain proficiency in the Survival skill. If you are
already proficient in Survival, your proficiency bonus
is doubled for any ability check you make using the
Survival skill.
48
You also gain proficiency with two of the
following: cartographer’s tools, Herbalism Kit,
Navigator’s Tools, vehicles (land), or vehicles (water).
TIER 2 FEATURES
When you reach tier 2 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Conditioning
Regular visits to remote and wild locations have
honed your physical capabilities. You gain the follow-
ing benefits:
• You gain a climbing speed and a swimming
speed equal to your walking speed. If you
already have a climbing or swimming speed,
they increase by 10 feet.
• You suffer the effects of exhaustion as if you
have one level less than you currently have
(though you still die if you reach six levels).
• Your carrying capacity is now your Strength
score multiplied by 20 (instead of the
standard 15). This is the weight (in pounds)
that you can carry, and you can push, drag,
or lift twice that amount without suffering
a reduction to your speed.
TIER 3 FEATURES
When you reach tier 3 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Survival Instincts
Daily brushes with death have sharpened your in-
stincts to a keen edge. You can no longer be surprised
while you are conscious.
Additionally, once per day when you are
confronted with a choice, your instincts can
provide you with additional insight. Declare a
specific course of action that you plan to take
within the next 30 minutes. The DM chooses one
of the following options to represent what your
instincts are telling you:
• This is a good idea.
• This is a bad idea.
• This is as good an idea as any other idea.
• This idea is a waste of time.
TIER 4 FEATURES
When you reach tier 4 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Arcane Vessel
Your exploits have become legendary, garnering the
attention of patrons and would-be explorers alike.
One of your admirers gifts you with a magical vehicle
capable of aiding your travels.

Work with your DM to decide the exact nature of
this vessel, but it should at least meet the following
requirements:
• The vessel should be large enough to
comfortably accommodate up to 50
passengers and crew members during a long
voyage. Suggested vessel size is Gargantuan
(approximately 100 feet by 20 feet).
• Decide whether the vessel is terrestrial
(moves on land and can burrow
underground), aerial (flies through the air
and vacuum environments like space),
or aquatic (sails on the water and below
the waves). Regardless of type, it should
be able to travel about 5 miles per hour
(approximately 120 miles per day).
• The vessel should have a loyal crew capable
of piloting it, maintaining it, and guarding it
whether or not you are onboard.
Beyond these basics, your vessel might have
additional magical or mundane features that suit
your campaign (your DM has final say on the exact
mechanics). Keep in mind that this vessel’s primary
purpose is transportation rather than combat, so
choosing utility features over weaponry is always
preferable. Here are some suggestions of an extra
magical feature you might want to include:
• The vessel has a cloaking device that renders
it invisible while not in motion.
• Once per day, the vessel and all creatures on
it can teleport to another plane of existence
as per the plane shift spell.
• Once per day, the vessel can activate an
arcane energy that triples its speed for a
short amount of time.
• The vessel can transform itself into an aerial,
aquatic, or terrestrial vehicle as needed.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Final Destination
Completing this heroic destiny means you have made
countless discoveries and seen things most people
only dream of. However, a life of travel has taken
its toll, and this time, you know your next great
adventure will be your last. Perhaps mystical beings
invite you to retire in their magical dimension, or
perhaps you pass through a gateway to a new world
from which you cannot return. Maybe you dedicate
the rest of your days to helping rebuild a city on the
bottom of the ocean, or you assume permanent pas-
sage on a magical starship. When you are ready, work
with your DM to decide where your final journey
takes you.
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Heroic Destiny:
Fortune-Seeker
An adventuring career offers many rewards, growth,
glory, and, most important of all, gold. Fortune-
seekers are ultimately motivated by the desire to
get filthy rich, perhaps with the side bonus of saving
the day. A character who chooses this destiny isn’t
looking for a quick payday; they are committing to
constructing revenue streams that will keep them in
comfort to the end of their days.
Building a fortune requires ingenuity, cunning, and
stellar people skills. Keeping an eye out for lucrative
opportunities and investments as you adventure
across the land is critical to your success. A wise
DON’T BE “THAT” ROGUE
Nobody at the table has fun playing next
to a character who constantly interrupts
gameplay to rob NPCs or fellow party
members, so don’t be that person. There
are lots of interesting ways to play rogues,
roguish personalities, and even criminals
without making your fellow players want
to tear their hair out in frustration.
To successfully play a money-motivated
character, keep the following things in mind:
• Establish a clear reason why you want
to get rich. Characters who do chaotic
and cruel things “just because” are
boorish and will never make good player
characters. Creating an actual reason
you do what you do helps inform your
character’s decisions and helps other
characters relate to yours.
• Absolutely do not use your abilities to
rob, cheat, or otherwise gaslight your
party members. Your character should
be smart enough to realize screwing
over their party is the fastest way to get
killed, and you should be smart enough
to realize you shouldn’t terrorize your
friends just because your character sheet
theoretically lets you get away with it.
• Choose your battles. A successful
entrepreneur knows patience is
critical to success. Pickpocketing every
commoner in town for a pile of pocket
change is rarely an effective use of your
talents, and even if you roll like a god,
you will eventually lose out on a greater
reward if you keep torturing your DM.
49
Chapter 1: Character Creation
entrepreneur makes connections with all kinds of
people, leveraging unique skill sets to create profit.
Though the temptation to thieve your way to the top
may always exist for you, choosing this path means
you are ready to be something more than whatever
cruel hand fate dealt you. Whatever the reason, you
are ready to climb to the top of the capitalist ladder
and seize the freedom that riches can bring.
The character who chooses this destiny isn’t looking
to get rich quick—they are committing to securing
enough wealth to keep themselves (and perhaps those
closest to them) in comfort for the rest of their lives.
Picking the occasional pocket is never going to be
enough. You are dedicating your life to using your cun-
ning wit to build an economic empire out of nothing.
Fortune-Seeker Features
A character who has chosen the fortune-seeker
heroic destiny gains the following features.
PREREQUISITES
To embark on this heroic destiny, you must experience
an event that forces you into poverty or motivates
you to dramatically improve your own economic
status. Perhaps you were a wealthy merchant before
a rival stole everything you owned, or your family
fortune was lost when they were unjustly disgraced.
Maybe someone close to you died because you
couldn’t afford treatment, or the latest beating at
the hands of another street urchin was the final
push you needed to change your life.
Discuss with your DM how you can achieve this
event in your backstory or in game.
TIER MILESTONES
The following are examples of possible tier mile-
stones for the fortune-seeker heroic destiny:
• Forging a lasting, mutually beneficial relationship
with an investor or business partner.
• Successfully tracking down a lost or buried
treasure.
• Purchasing a business or estate that requires
regular upkeep costs.
• Putting yourself in grave danger to strike a
masterful bargain with a powerful being like a
god, ancient dragon, or other extraplanar being.
TIER 1 FEATURES
When you successfully embark on your heroic
destiny, you gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Appraising Eye
Your preoccupation with wealth has developed your
eye for quality. As an action, you can inspect any
object you can see within 10 feet and learn whether
it is nonmagical or magical.
50
If the object is nonmagical, you immediately learn
its approximate gp value. You also learn if the object is
fake or if it is concealing other objects inside it (though
you don’t learn what the concealed objects are).
If the object is magical, you can spend 1 minute
examining the item to learn its item type, rarity,
whether it is cursed, and if it requires attunement
(and any specific attunement requirements it has).
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Art of the Bargain
Whether haggling for a lower price, for your life, or fair
contractual terms, you have a talent for getting the
best bargain possible. You have advantage on Wisdom
(Perception) and Charisma (Persuasion) ability checks
made to broker deals. Successful checks do not always
guarantee you get exactly what you want, but they do
guarantee you get the best possible outcome.
TIER 2 FEATURES
When you reach tier 2 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Return on Investment
You begin to reap regular rewards from your various
entrepreneurial endeavors. At the beginning of each
week, you gain 1 wealth point. Wealth points are
an abstraction of your economic assets beyond the
material wealth on your person.
As long as you are in a location or situation where
it makes sense to do so, you can spend any number of
your accrued wealth points to receive one or more of
the following benefits:
• You can spend 1 wealth point as if it was 25 gp.
• You can choose to invest earnings back into
your business affairs. You can expend up to 3
wealth points in 1 week and gain double that
number of points at the start of the next week
(in addition to your weekly point).
• For each wealth point you spend, you can pay
a week’s rent for a fashionable city townhouse,
rooms at a luxury inn, or a countryside manor
(your choice). This also covers the costs of a chef
to provide you with meals, a stable hand to care
for your mounts, servants to maintain your resi-
dence, and a personal attendant to run mundane
errands for you (like mailing packages, delivering
messages, or shopping for nonmagical goods).
• You can spend 2 wealth points to gain a
common magic item of your choice (this item
must be approved by your DM). Once you use
this feature, you cannot do so again until you
reach the next tier of this heroic destiny.
• You can spend 5 wealth points to gain an
uncommon magic item of your choice (this item
must be approved by your DM). Once you use
this feature, you cannot do so again for one year.

TIER 3 FEATURES
When you reach tier 3 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Treasure Sense
You have developed a supernatural knack for finding
treasure. Whenever you enter an enclosed area (like
a room, campsite, or cavern) you immediately sense
the presence of any magic items or objects worth at
least 100 gp in its confines. If the item is not con-
cealed, you learn its location. If the item is disguised
or concealed by mundane or magical means, you have
advantage on any ability checks made to locate it.
TIER 4 FEATURES
When you reach tier 4 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Big Spender
You now receive 3 total wealth points at the begin-
ning of each week and can spend wealth points in
the following additional ways:
• Whenever you or an ally you can see casts
a spell that requires a material component
with a gp cost, you can expend 1 wealth
point in place of that component.
• For every 3 wealth points you spend, you can
pay a week’s rent for a castle, Gargantuan
vessel, or another type of stronghold
(your choice). This also covers the costs of
household servants and a group of forty
trained combat personnel to guard it (these
guards cannot be commanded to travel more
than 1 mile away from the stronghold).
• You can spend 10 wealth points to gain a rare
magic item of your choice (this item must
be approved by your DM). Once you use this
feature, you cannot do so again for one year.
• You can spend 20 wealth points to gain a
very rare magic item of your choice (this
item must be approved by your DM). Once
you use this feature, you cannot do so again
for one year.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Set for Life
Completing this heroic destiny means all your efforts
have paid off. There is no object that your money
can’t buy, and if you so choose, you never have to
work again a day in your life. Of course, now that you
have the fortune you dreamed of, you have to decide
what to do with it. Now is the time to fix the injustice
or settle the score that put you on this destiny in the
first place. Perhaps you use your fortune to help the
less fortunate or build a life of comfort for your loved
ones. Maybe you use your money to assume political
office or open a world-famous institution. Work with
Chapter 1: Character Creation
your DM to decide the exact nature of your decision
and how this affects the world of the campaign.
Heroic Destiny:
Immortal
In the pursuit of heroic destinies some chase wealth or
fame, while others seek enlightenment or mastery of a
skill. Many are satisfied to live with such goals in mind,
knowing their time to do so is limited. The world is a
dangerous place, particularly for one who chooses a life
of adventure. Some may view death as an inevitable
outcome to such pursuits, but a character who chooses
the immortal heroic destiny attempts to discover a
way to defy death and live forever.
The path to life eternal can take many forms. What
you seek is to extend your existence indefinitely
through biological immortality. How might you avoid
death and maintain conscious thought? You are driven
by what form an unending life may take. In that way,
you have embraced the science of physiology to alter
biology itself and discover the elixir of life.
It is a pursuit not without its own risks. Such
quests are wrought with failed experiments and
research gone wrong. Through trial and error, you
build upon a foundation of knowledge. The mortal
body is not invulnerable to death by disease or
physical trauma and so you must discover not only
ways to extend life but to also gain immunities
and resistances. Unlocking the secrets to complete
rejuvenation and becoming immortal is a long-term
goal that requires patience.
Immortal Features
A character who has chosen the immortal heroic
destiny gains the following features.
PREREQUISITES
To begin on this heroic destiny, you must have had a
near-death encounter, lost a loved one to disease or
natural causes, or encountered an immortal being.
The experience has shaken you in some foundational
way and caused you to question the natural order of
things. You are convinced there must be some means
to evade death and you are determined to find it.
Work with your DM to weave this triggering event
into your story. Have an open conversation with
them about your character’s backstory to lay the
groundwork for this epic undertaking.
TIER MILESTONES
The following are examples of possible tier mile-
stones for the immortal heroic destiny:
• Discovering potions and elixirs that provide
long-term health benefits.
• Spending time honing alchemy skills.
51
Chapter 1: Character Creation
• Working for an immortal to learn some of
their secrets.
• Conducting research and identifying either
magical or medical means to prolong life.
TIER 1 FEATURES
When you successfully embark on your heroic
destiny, you gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Acuity
Your razorlike focus on obtaining knowledge
about the secrets to longevity has hardened your
resolve. Mentally you are prepared to set off on
this journey. As a result, your memory and mental
sharpness are primed for the challenge ahead of
you. You gain proficiency with alchemist’s supplies
and herbalism kits, and you have advantage on any
Intelligence-based ability checks concerning your
research.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Transmutation
Through study and hard work, you have achieved a
base understanding of mundane and magical biologi-
cal knowledge. You have begun to explore the pos-
sibilities of creating youthful elixirs, and panaceas to
cure disease.
With this newfound information you can cast the
following spells once per day, without the need for
components or expending spell slots: feign death,
gentle repose, lesser restoration, protection from
poison, and purify food and drink.
TIER 2 FEATURES
When you reach tier 2 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Stasis Serum
You have made great progress on bridging the gap
between life and death through the creation of a
potent tonic capable of incredible things.
During a long rest, you can brew a single dose of
stasis serum which lasts for 24 hours. As an action,
you can drink the acrid tonic. When you do, you gain
temporary hit points equal to your character level
which last for 8 hours. For the duration, you have
advantage on death saving throws, and if you die, you
are under the effects of the gentle repose spell for 1
year and 1 day.
Alternatively, as an action, you can feed the tonic
to a creature that has died in the past minute. That
creature is restored to life as with the revivify spell.
TIER 3 FEATURES
When you reach tier 3 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
52
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Advanced Karyokinesis
You have discovered a means to magically manipu-
late your own biology, accelerating your body’s ability
to respond to harmful stimuli and combat physical
decay. You no longer need to sleep and your natural
aging process slows significantly, as if the effects of
aging 1 year happen over 2 years instead.
Additionally, at the start of your turn all of the
following conditions currently affecting you end:
blinded, deafened, exhaustion, incapacitated,
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, or stunned.
TIER 4 FEATURES
When you reach tier 4 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Rejuvenation
Achieving this heroic destiny means you have suc-
ceeded in your quest for immortality where many
others have failed. Having achieved your dream of
eternity is a culmination of tireless research and
experiments. You cease to age entirely, you cannot be
aged by magical means, and you cannot die of old age.
In an act of defiance against your mortal form,
your magnum opus is the ability to regenerate when
you suffer from physical trauma. At the start of your
turn, you regain a number of hit points equal to your
Constitution score if you have at least 1 hit point. If
you are maimed or a limb is severed, the missing part
regrows and returns to full over the course of 1 minute.
Any effect that would outright kill you or disintegrate
your body instead reduces you to 1 hit point.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Evolution
With no limit to the time you have yet to live, the
world is yours to explore at your leisure. However,
as the centuries roll on and the world you knew
withers, it becomes clear that you have become a
being entirely different from the self you once froze
in time. You must find a new purpose to give your
eternal life meaning, or perhaps find a way to reverse
what you have done. Work with your DM to decide
what happens when you ultimately come to terms
with the new being you have become.
Heroic Destiny:
Scholar
Erudition calls out to many—the young and old, the
good and questionable, the physically, mentally, and
spiritually inclined alike. One of the primary reasons
new adventurers leave home is to answer the call
of curiosity, hoping to learn more about the world.
A character who chooses the scholar heroic destiny
possesses a boundless hunger for knowledge and the
growth that comes with it.

Those who are destined to be scholars find
fulfillment in the act of learning. They know there
is always more to uncover and a plethora of ways to
obtain it. The most tantalizing secrets of the world
are rarely catalogued in libraries, so destiny takes
these scholars across the land in search of lost tomes,
wise sages, buried ruins, and forbidden corners of
the cosmos. While the pursuit of knowledge can
bring liberation, it also provides access to power.
As a scholar is driven to unravel the mysteries of
the world, they are always at risk of stumbling
upon secrets better left buried. Curiosity has driven
many beings into darkness, as they wrestle with the
obsession to delve ever deeper.
The character who chooses this destiny is driven to
open every channel of knowledge available to them,
no matter how dangerous, and compelled to see its
course to the end. No detail big or small is beyond
your reach, and as you progress in this destiny, the
mysteries of the world will unfold before you. The
question that remains is what you will do with your
newfound mastery and whether it will eventually
master you.
Scholar Features
A character who has chosen the scholar heroic
destiny gains the following features.
PREREQUISITES
This heroic destiny requires you to have at least one
big question you haven’t yet found a way to answer.
A martial artist might seek the long-lost reality-
slicing sword technique. A spellcaster could be
attempting to prove the existence of the 10th school
of magic. An adept might wonder about alternate
realities and how to share knowledge among their
alternate selves. You as a player might also have big
questions about your DM’s game that could serve as
the basis for your character’s destiny.
Confirm with your DM that the knowledge you
seek exists or makes sense to explore within this
campaign. Your focus doesn’t need to be completely
answered or found by the end of this story, but it
helps if your character is on the right track.
TIER MILESTONES
The following are examples of possible tier mile-
stones for the scholar heroic destiny:
• Discovering a lost library, meeting a
legendary person, or immersing yourself in an
unfamiliar culture.
• Unearthing an ancient tome or artifact.
• Uncovering a clue about the answer to the
initial question that set you on this path.
• Successfully preventing corruption or theft of
the knowledge you have gathered.
Chapter 1: Character Creation
TIER 1 FEATURES
When you successfully embark on your heroic
destiny, you gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Encyclopedic Knowledge
You gain proficiency with two of the following skills
in addition to any proficiencies you already have:
Arcana, History, Nature, or Religion.
Whenever you make an ability check using one of
those skills (even if you aren’t proficient in it), you can
treat any roll of 9 or lower as if you had rolled a 10.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Inquiring Mind
If you spend at least 10 minutes of uninterrupted
time focusing on an object such as a weapon, tool, or
vehicle, you can gain proficiency with it regardless of
any requirements or restrictions on the object.
The number of proficiencies you can gain in this
way is equal to your proficiency bonus. If you have
reached your maximum number of proficiencies and
you attempt to add another, you lose proficiency in
the oldest object you studied this way.
TIER 2 FEATURES
When you reach tier 2 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Enigmatologist
You can cast the identify spell a number of times per
day equal to your proficiency bonus. Casting the spell
in this way does not expend any spell slots or require
material components.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Polyglot
If you spend at least 10 minutes of uninterrupted
time listening or reading an unfamiliar language,
you can gain a basic understanding of the language.
While you cannot fluently read, speak, or write the
language, you can understand and communicate
basic ideas or simple concepts.
TIER 3 FEATURES
When you reach tier 3 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Minute Secrets
As a bonus action, you can attempt to deduce
information about one creature you can see. Make an
Intelligence (Investigation) check contested by the
target’s Wisdom (Insight) or Charisma (Deception)
check (target’s choice). You succeed automatically if
the target is incapacitated. If you succeed, you can
ask the DM two of the following questions:
• What is its creature type?
• Can it cast spells, and if so, what is the
highest-level spell it can cast?
53
 • Does it have any damage resistances or
immunities, and if so, what are they?
• Does it have any damage vulnerabilities, and
if so, what are they?
• What are the creature’s highest and lowest
ability scores?
Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again
on the same target for the next 24 hours.
TIER 4 FEATURES
When you reach tier 4 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Cosmic Understanding
The secrets of the universe have unfolded before you,
crowding your mind with infinite potential. When
you use this feature, you can cast any wizard spell
of 8th level or lower without the need for compo-
nents (your spellcasting ability for these spells is
Intelligence).
Once you use this feature, you cannot do so again
for a number of days equal to the level of the spell cast.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Transcendent Secret
Completing this heroic destiny means your pursuit of
knowledge has uncovered a truth that fundamentally
changes the world (for better or worse). Perhaps you
discover a cure to a rampaging disease or invent a
piece of technology that can rapidly send informa-
tion across the world. Maybe you uncover a way
54
to instantly travel between realms or perhaps you
unleash a force that can destroy realities in an instant.
Work with your DM to decide the exact nature of this
truth and the potential consequences, but your ulti-
mate discovery should connect to the driving question
that initially set you on the path of the scholar.
Heroic Destiny:
Symbiosis
Some heroes are driven primarily by the relation-
ships they form with others. Adventuring through
a fantastical world is bound to result in meeting
creatures that are strange, wonderful, or terrifying.
A character who chooses the symbiosis heroic
destiny is interested in forming a bond with a type
of creature unlike themselves and strengthening
that bond even through adverse circumstances.
Forging a bond with a creature unlike yourself
increases your awareness and potential. Spending
time with other creatures underlines the limitations
your own species faces and can reveal alternate
methods for perceiving the world. Making the
commitment to such a relationship teaches both you
and the creatures with which you choose to bond
new abilities. However, all relationships take work,
and if you don’t reciprocate a creature’s kindness,
you risk losing your connection forever.
The character who chooses this destiny is
embarking on a two-way street. It isn’t enough

just to do one good deed for a creature; building a
connection takes time and effort. Getting to know a
creature, learning its ways, and forming a foundation
of mutual trust can garner you a powerful ally to
help you during your adventures. As you advance in
the symbiosis destiny, you will learn to communicate
effectively with your creatures without barriers, call
on them for help, learn to mirror their capabilities,
and forge an alliance that can be invoked even in the
most dangerous circumstances.
Symbiosis Features
A character who has chosen the symbiosis heroic
destiny gains the following features.
PREREQUISITES
To embark on this heroic destiny, you must have
a meaningful positive interaction with a type of
creature different from yourself. Perhaps you nurse
a sick owlbear back to health, earn the gratitude of a
dragon, or free a gelatinous cube forced to clean the
floors of a wizard’s dungeon. You might imagine this
connection as a mystical one or as purely practical.
Perhaps you have trained your whole life to work
with a certain type of creature, or maybe you never
expected to forge such a connection. Discuss with
your DM how you can achieve this in your backstory
or in game. Maintaining an open dialogue about your
advancing destiny is crucial to building a successful
story.
TIER MILESTONES
The following are examples of possible tier mile-
stones for the symbiosis heroic destiny:
• Liberating or rescuing the creature(s) to which
you are connected.
• Winning rights or resources for the creature(s)
to which you are connected.
• Spending time living with and learning from
the creature(s) to which you are connected.
• Conducting research or uncovering secrets
concerning the creature(s) to which you are
connected.
TIER 1 FEATURES
When you successfully embark on your heroic
destiny, you gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Understanding
You understand how to communicate with your
bonded creature, regardless of language. If your
bonded creature speaks a language, you learn how to
speak, read, and write that language. If your bonded
creature does not speak a language, you gain the
ability to understand it and communicate with it in a
way it is most comfortable.
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Camaraderie
Your connection gives you a deep understanding of
how best to work with creatures of your selected
type. All creatures of your chosen species that would
regard you as neutral instead regard you as friendly.
Additionally, you have advantage on ability checks
when socially interacting with creatures of your
chosen type.
TIER 2 FEATURES
When you reach tier 2 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Call a Friend
You have established enough trust with your
chosen creature type that you can call on them for
aid. During a long rest, you can attempt to contact
creatures of your type to travel to you. The way you
contact said creature is up to you—it might be a
mystical connection, you may have left trail signs
to follow, perhaps the creature senses your need,
or maybe you send a physical message to a nearby
settlement. Whatever the specific circumstances, at
the end of a long rest, one creature or a small group
of creatures (at your DM’s discretion) arrive if they
are physically capable of doing so. The called creature
is friendly toward you, though it is not magically
compelled to follow your commands. The creature
does not fight for you but remains with you until
they choose to depart.
The extent and type of assistance a creature is
willing to provide is intentionally not defined,
but it should be a reasonable favor that doesn’t
endanger the creature. The DM has final say on the
extent of this assistance, but here are some helpful
guidelines:
• If the creature can cast spells, it can
potentially cast them on your behalf. The
creature is not willing to cast taxing spells,
however, so it will not cast any spell above
4th level.
• A creature can perform basic tasks for you
like fetching a person or item. If the person
or item is sealed inside a dangerous area (like
a dungeon or guarded keep), however, the
creature is not willing to risk itself for the
favor.
• A Large or larger creature is willing to carry
you and your companions so you may reach
your destination more quickly. However,
creatures are not willing to travel into
dangerous terrain or into enemy territory.
• A creature will decline to perform any favor
that obviously goes against its alignment or
nature.
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Chapter 1: Character Creation

TIER 3 FEATURES TIER 4 FEATURES

When you reach tier 3 of your heroic destiny, you When you reach tier 4 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits. gain the following benefits.

Heroic Destiny Benefit: Part of Your World
Your increasing knowledge of your chosen creature
type allows you imitate their abilities. You gain the
following sense according to the category of creature
you chose when selecting your heroic destiny.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Friend like Me
Your time spent in relationship with your chosen
creature type has tested your capabilities and taught
you how to better adapt to their world. Your ability
score and ability score maximum each increase by 2

Symbiosis Sense
Creature Type Sense

You gain a special sense called mindsense out to a range of 60 ft. This sense allows you to detect
Aberration
the presence of creatures with an Intelligence score of 10 or greater within the affected area.

You gain a special sense called tracksense. This sense allows you to follow the trail (if there is
Beast
one) of a specific creature whose scent you have smelled in the last 24 hours.

You gain a special sense called truthsense out to a range of 60 ft. This sense allows you to
Celestial
instantly know if a creature within range speaks a lie.

You gain a special sense called formsense out to a range of 60 ft. This sense allows you to
Construct instantly recognize if a creature is in a shapeshifted form or otherwise altering their true
appearance by magical means.

You gain a special sense called wealthsense out to a range of 60 ft. This sense allows you to
Dragon
instantly determine the monetary value of any object you can see.

You gain a special sense called weathersense out to a range of 1 mile. This sense allows you to
determine if a shift in the environment will occur in the next 24 hours in your affected area.
Elemental
These shifts include storms, earthquakes, mudslides, blizzards, floods, or any other natural
weather event.

You gain a special sense called ensorcellsense. This sense allows you to instantly learn if a
Fey creature or object you can see is currently under the effects of a spell. If they are under the
effects of a spell, you learn which one.

You gain a special sense called heartsense. This sense allows you to instantly learn the
Fiend
alignment of any creature you can see.

You gain a special sense called gargantusense out to a range of 300 ft. This sense allows you to
Giant
detect the presence of any Large or larger creatures within the affected area.

You gain a special sense called sociosense. While observing or interacting with a group of
Humanoid creatures, this sense allows you to understand which creature or creatures are authority figures.
This sense also allows you to estimate the population of any settlement you can see.

You gain a special sense called powersense. This sense allows you to instantly learn the power
level of any creature you can see. You learn if the creature is weaker than you (of a CR rating
more than 2 below your level), if the creature is an even match for you (of a CR rating within
Monstrosity
2 points of your level), if the creature is more powerful than you (of a CR rating more than 2
points above your level), or if the creature is deadly (of a CR rating more than 10 points above
your level).

You gain a special sense called foodsense out to a range of 60 ft. This sense allows you to
Ooze
detect the presence of substances or creatures digestible by you within the affected area.

You gain a special sense called lightsense. This sense allows you to inherently know the
Plant distance and direction to the closest source of natural light. You also instinctively know
exactly how long it will be until the sun sets or rises.

You gain a special sense called lifesense out to a range of 60 ft. This sense allows you to detect
Undead
the presence of living creatures within the affected area.

56

for the highest ability score of the creature to which
you are bonded. If your bonded creature has two or
more ability scores that are tied for the highest, you
may choose which score to increase.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: By Your Side
Completing this heroic destiny means that you
have formed a bond with your chosen creature that
transcends time and space. You gain the ability
to telepathically communicate with your bonded
creature regardless of distance and even on other
planes of existence.
In addition, you can use an action to attempt to
teleport your bonded creature to you (or multiple
creatures whose total combined CR is equal to or less
than your level). When you do so and the creature
consents to the teleportation, it appears in an
unoccupied space you can see within 60 feet of you.
In combat, the creature shares your initiative count,
but it takes its turn immediately after yours. It obeys
your verbal commands (no action required by you).
If you don’t issue any commands, it acts according to
its nature. A creature summoned in this way remains
for 1 hour or until it or you choose to end the effect,
whichever comes first. At the end of the summoning,
the creature instantly returns to the exact point it
was before it was summoned.
Your bonded creature can use this ability to
telepathically communicate with you and summon
you in the same fashion.
Heroic Destiny:
Teacher
There are few relationships as impactful as that of a
teacher and their student. Even the gods and elder
evils grow and learn from one another. Adventurers,
whose lives may be fleeting and tumultuous, may
wish to pass along their knowledge, skills, and
history to another generation so that they may never
be forgotten. A character who accepts this calling
and embraces the teacher heroic destiny assumes the
responsibility of taking on an apprentice, teaching
them new skills and abilities, and protecting them,
no matter the circumstance.
Becoming a teacher is a troublesome but rewarding
enterprise. A character progressing in the teacher heroic
destiny will undoubtedly shape and change another
being with their lessons, time, and attention, but they,
too, will come away sharpened by every lesson.
When a creature chooses this destiny, it has
accepted the burden of responsibility but may
be rewarded with companionship, structure, and
camaraderie beyond that of their own party. Learning
what skills your student has aptitude in, navigating
their social proclivities, and developing a strong
Chapter 1: Character Creation
foundation on which to grow is paramount for
success in this heroic destiny. As you advance as a
teacher, you will improve your own skills through
your lessons, understand your student’s needs,
wants, or desires effortlessly, become a master in the
application of your various crafts, take on additional
and perhaps frightening students, and even develop
such a bond that it leaves you and your pupils
unshakable in the face of even unthinkable horrors.
Teacher Features
A character who has chosen the teacher heroic
destiny gains the following features.
PREREQUISITES
This heroic destiny can only begin when you have a
profound, emotional moment with another human-
oid that has a lower character level than you or a chal-
lenge rating no higher than your proficiency bonus.
The humanoid must be willing to learn from you
through example, instruction, or training, regardless
of what form that may take. You may have saved a
child from the deadly whims of bandits. Perhaps you
promised to go on a dangerous quest with a fledgling
adventurer. You could begin traveling with a small
group of followers that already see you as a mentor,
or you may accompany a family member you fear is
traveling down a dark path. In rare instances, teach-
ers may reach out to previous enemies and attempt
to reform them through personal instruction.
TIER MILESTONES
The following are examples of possible tier mile-
stones for the teacher heroic destiny:
• Aiding your student in overcoming a difficult
personal obstacle.
• Dutifully risking your life to keep your protégé
from serious harm.
• Breaking through a seemingly impassable
emotional barrier with a troublesome pupil.
• Reaching the natural conclusion of your
mentorship with one or more pupils—they
have nothing more to learn from you.
TIER 1 FEATURES
When you successfully embark on your heroic
destiny, you gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Studentship
You can spend 48 hours over a period of 6 days or
fewer advising and interacting with a humanoid
that is neutral or friendly toward you and fits the
prerequisites for this heroic destiny. At the end of that
period, the humanoid becomes your student. If your
student has an intelligence of 6 or higher, it learns one
language of your choice that you can speak, though
57
Chapter 1: Character Creation
it may speak haltingly at first. You have advantage on
Charisma checks against your student, but it is under
no obligation to follow your requests or demands. At
any time, you may select a new student in this way,
but you may only have one student at a time.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Focused Learning
While you have a student, you may select one skill in
which you are proficient. You gain expertise in this
skill, and your student becomes proficient in it.
In addition, you may select one type of weapon,
one type of armor, or one type of tool with which you
have proficiency; your student becomes proficient
with that equipment as well during their training.
Once you tutor your student for a total of 80
hours (or less at your DM’s discretion), they become
proficient in that skill or equipment and cannot
learn more, and your expertise in that skill ends. You
can alter your skill and equipment selections at any
time. If you do, any progress made toward that skill
or equipment remains but is put on hold for other,
hopefully more important, lessons.
When your student has been instructed in the use
of a combination of four skills, weapons, armor, or
tools, their training is complete. However, you can
still advise and shape your student through roleplay
to influence their personality traits, bonds, flaws, or
even alignment.
TIER 2 FEATURES
When you reach tier 2 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Auspicious Intuition
Through hours of communication and oversight, you
have gained an unnatural understanding of your
student as well as their kith and kin. As an action,
you can sense the current emotional state of your
student or anyone who shares commonality with
them: friends, family, or people of the same back-
ground. Your DM will supply you with a one-word
summary of their current emotional state, such as
happy, sad, worried, or frustrated.
During a short rest, you can spend your time speak-
ing with or watching your student to gain information
as though you had cast the detect thoughts spell on
them (surface-level thoughts only). Each subsequent
time you use this feature after the first on a given day,
you must succeed on a DC 16 Charisma saving throw
or alienate or irritate your student.
In combat, you can read the needs of your student
at a glance and act just as quickly. The shorthand and
understanding between you allows you and your
student to use the Help action on each other as a
bonus action on your turns so long as you can hear or
see one another.
58
TIER 3 FEATURES
When you reach tier 3 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Wealth of Knowledge
The student-teacher relationship has changed you as
much as it has changed your student. You may now
have up to two students at any given time. So long
as you are training both students in the same skills,
treat any roll of 4 or lower for those skills as though
you rolled a 5.
In addition, your day-to-day life, learning, and
instincts are reflected in the eyes of your pupils. Each
time you reach a new character level and increase
your hit point maximum as a result, while you
have at least one student, each student’s hit point
maximum increases by the same amount yours did.
TIER 4 FEATURES
When you reach tier 4 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Tenured Professor
So much of your life has been spent in training and
study that even experts can benefit from your guid-
ance. You may now select students of any CR or char-
acter level, so long as they are willing. Though their
skill may even surpass your own, you can polish and
perfect their every move, lines of thinking, and vistas
of understanding. So keen is your aptitude in tute-
lage that even giants may learn from your Athletics or
sphinxes from your knowledge of Arcana.
However, such students may prove volatile,
dangerous, or enigmatic. For each lesson you attempt
with such a student, you must succeed on a DC 22
skill check in the skill being taught. On a failure, your
frustrated student does not advance their training
and may leave, demand payment, or worse. Your DM
will collaborate with fellow players to roleplay such
interactions with another player character.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Trusted Adviser
Upon completing this Heroic Destiny, you become a
beacon of trust and power for your students. While
your students can hear or see you, they are immune
to being frightened and have advantage on saving
throws against becoming charmed. In addition, you
become immune to being charmed or frightened as
long as you have a student.
When a student within 30 feet of you is forced
to attempt an Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma
saving throw against a spell or spell-like effect, such
as that of a vampire’s gaze or a feeblemind spell, you
can choose to attempt the saving throw instead.
Treat successes and failures as though the student
attempted the saving throw.

Finally, when a student’s life hangs in the balance,
you refuse to falter. When a student you can see is
reduced to 0 hit points, you can use your reaction
to cause them to remain at 1 hit point. If you do,
any additional damage the student would have
taken beyond 1 hit point is instead dealt to you. You
might physically move yourself into harm’s way,
spiritually bond yourself to the student temporarily,
or magically deviate their wounds onto yourself.
Regardless of how you do it, your student’s safety is
guaranteed, so long as you live.
Heroic Destiny:
Virtuoso
Some adventurers are driven by perfection and a
desire to possess ultimate mastery over a particular
skill. These people devote their lives and time to
pursuing a passion, often to the exclusion of every-
thing else. A character who walks the path of the
virtuoso regards adventuring as a means to sharpen
their talent to a razor’s edge.
Becoming a virtuoso takes immense focus,
resources, and, above all, practice. Virtuosos are the
best in the world at their chosen skill only because
of their supreme dedication. Whether becoming
a master smith or a master chef, a virtuoso feels
an intense desire to redirect all aspects of their
lives back into their true passion. Virtuosos must
prioritize their goals before everything else, often
trading personal comfort or convenience to advance
their talent.
The character who chooses this destiny is
committing to a constant balancing act. Deciding
between the passion you love and the people
who need you is a constant struggle the virtuoso
must face. The story of how adventuring factors
into your goals is something a virtuoso must
decide and re-decide often as their talents
unfold.
Virtuoso Features
A character who has chosen the virtuoso heroic
destiny gains the following features.
PREREQUISITES
To embark on this heroic destiny, you must gain
regular access to a venue in a settlement or city
where you can perform your talent for other people.
This might be a lecture hall if you’re a mathematician,
a restaurant if you’re a chef, or a gallery if you’re an
artist.
Discuss with your DM how you can achieve this
in your backstory or in game. Maintaining an open
dialogue about your advancing destiny is crucial to
building a successful story.
Chapter 1: Character Creation
TIER MILESTONES
The following are examples of possible tier mile-
stones for the virtuoso heroic destiny:
• Inventing or creating something that
revolutionizes your field.
• Training with a master of your craft.
• Acquiring a legendary component, material,
or secret to use in your craft.
• Plying your trade for a famous or powerful
individual.
TIER 1 FEATURES
When you successfully embark on your heroic
destiny, you gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Focus
As long as you have at least 1 minute of uninterrupt-
ed time to focus on the task at hand, you can treat
any ability check dice roll of 9 or lower as if you had
rolled a 10 (adding modifiers as normal to determine
the total).
Normal activity such as moving doesn’t interfere
with focus, but attacking or taking damage make it
impossible to focus.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Inspired Work
Your dedication to your craft is nothing short of
inspirational. Once per day you can grant a point of
inspiration to yourself or one other creature inter-
acting with your creations (such as watching you
perform, eating food you made, or wielding a weapon
you forged).
TIER 2 FEATURES
When you reach tier 2 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Patronage
Your skills have attracted enough attention to at-
tract patrons. Patrons are wealthy individuals who
invest money and other resources in you so you can
more freely pursue your craft. You gain a number
of patrons equal to your current proficiency bonus,
and you gain an additional patron each time your
bonus increases. At the start of each week, you
gain 15 gp per patron (or materials of your choosing
worth 15 gp).
These patrons typically live in the settlement or
city wherever your regular creative venue is. At your
DM’s discretion, if you are unexpectedly absent from
this location for more than 30 days at any one time,
you stop receiving this benefit until you appear once
again to ply your trade.
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Chapter 1: Character Creation
TIER 3 FEATURES
When you reach tier 3 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Create Masterpiece
Your talent has grown to an extraordinary level,
allowing you to routinely create masterworks.
Creating a masterpiece is an extraordinary feat that
can net you great artistic satisfaction and profit. As
long as you maintain regular access to your creative
venue, you can create a masterpiece every 30 days.
Once complete, you can choose to sell your master-
piece (or the rights to your masterpiece) for 7,500 gp.
Additionally, each day you spend 1 hour or more
working towards completing your masterpiece, you
gain a point of inspiration.
TIER 4 FEATURES
When you reach tier 4 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Divine Works
Your presence no longer simply inspires, it demands
perfection. Whenever you or an ally that can see you
expends a point of inspiration, they automatically get
a 20 on the die roll (instead of rolling with advantage).
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Revered Master
Completing this heroic destiny means you have
become an undisputed master of your craft and have
left your stamp on the history of your trade. Your
skill and passion are idolized by all who pursue your
craft, and even greater beings recognize you as a gift
among mortals. Should any harm befall you, one of
these admirers will travel through time and space to
ensure your talents are not lost to the world.
If you die by means other than old age, are destroyed,
or are otherwise imprisoned in a way not of your
choosing, a powerful admirer will appear within 7 days
and cast the true resurrection or wish spell (whichever
is relevant) to restore you to your desired state.
Once you have used this ability three times, you
can no longer use it. unique item, if such a thing is within your skill.
Heroic Destiny:
Wielder
Through the ages, great and powerful creatures
have used powerful tools and terrifying weapons
to forge their destinies. Such creations eventually
find themselves adrift on the tide of time, drawn
from place to place and creature to creature by fate
and happenstance. Adventurers may stumble across
these powerful relics on their many travels and
find themselves drawn to artifacts by fate or divine
providence. A character who accepts the wielder
60
heroic destiny wishes to be inexorably tied to such an
item, forever seeking to master its power or succumb
to its unbreakable will.
Accepting to devote oneself to such a potent,
potentially timeless relic creates a lasting bond that
can span great distances and unthinkable amounts
of time. As the physical or emotional barrier between
you and the artifact grows thinner and thinner, you
gain improved insight in its every use and desire.
When a creature chooses this destiny, it is
committed to furthering the artifact’s ambitions, be
they good or evil. One cannot simply choose when
to heed the artifact’s call, just as it cannot deny the
needs of its wielder. The alliance you build over time
will go beyond that of kinship or even familial blood,
bordering on a shared existence—two parts of the
same whole. Understanding the desires, wants, and
needs of your artifact will be paramount in ensuring
the bond between you does not falter. As you advance
in the wielder heroic destiny, you will gain unnatural
understanding and aptitude in the use of your
artifact, absorb echoes of its power, gain the ability to
summon it to your side from any distance, recharge
its abilities with your own vitality, and even awaken a
spark of sentience inside of it, changing it forever.
Wielder Heroic Destiny Features
A character who has chosen the wielder heroic
destiny gains the following features.
PREREQUISITES
In order to undertake this heroic destiny, you must have
interacted with or currently possess a magic item of
legendary or artifact rarity. The item is not required to be
destructive or deadly, but it must be exceptionally rare,
well crafted, sentient, or any combination thereof. You
may have fought against or alongside a creature wearing
an enchanted suit of armor. In your childhood, you may
have seen a magical medallion hanging from the neck
of a fanatical cultist. You could have stumbled upon a
sword held in the iron grip of a long-dead king. It may
even be your destiny to craft or repair such a singularly
TIER MILESTONES
The following are examples of possible tier mile-
stones for the wielder heroic destiny:
• Freeing your chosen artifact from the clutches
of its current master.
• Protecting your artifact from would-be
thieves that hunt it.
• Reclaiming a relic or destroying an enemy
from your chosen artifact’s past.
• Uncovering a lost truth or lineage about the
item or meeting the creator of the item.
• Growing your chosen artifact’s legend through
deed, story, or song.
 Chapter 1: Character Creation

TIER 1 FEATURES
When you successfully embark on your heroic
destiny, you gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Fates Intertwined
You can instinctively gauge the direction and dis-
tance of your chosen artifact, so long as you are on
the same plane of existence. Otherwise, you inher-
ently know on which plane of existence the artifact
currently resides. If your chosen artifact is broken
into multiple pieces but not destroyed completely,
you can discern the distance and direction to the
nearest piece not currently in your possession. In
addition, if your chosen artifact is used by a creature
other than you, unclear visions of the event may
come to you while you sleep or meditate. You may
hear cries of pain if it is used to kill or see warm light
if it is used to protect or heal.
a vestige of its power has taken root inside of you.
Consult the Artifact Boon table to determine what
benefit it has granted you. While the artifact exists
and another creature is not attuned to it, the benefit
persists even if it is not in your possession. If the
artifact falls into multiple artifact type categories,
select only one.
Each time there is conflict between you and your
chosen artifact or when you finish a short or long rest
while not attuned it, there is a cumulative 10 percent
chance that your Synchronous Harmony ends. In
order to restore it, you must undertake a task that
furthers your chosen artifact’s goals (at your DM’s
discretion).
TIER 3 FEATURES
When you reach tier 3 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.

Heroic Destiny Benefit: Inherent Aptitude
The bond forged with your chosen artifact borders on
instinctual. You have proficiency in its use, and you
can attune to the item even if you do not meet the
requirements to do so. Attunement to your chosen
artifact does not count against the number of items
you can be attuned to at one time.
TIER 2 FEATURES
When you reach tier 2 of your heroic destiny, you
gain the following benefits.
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Synchronous Harmony
You have spent enough time in pursuit of your
chosen artifact’s past, present, or future goals that
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Soul Bearer
Your chosen artifact becomes an extension of
you, and you are an extension of it. Your hit
point maximum is reduced by 2 for as long as
the artifact exists, a tithe to physically bind
you together. As an action, you can speak your
artifact’s name and summon it from anywhere in
the multiverse. It appears in your empty hand or
within 5 feet of you.
A creature holding or otherwise controlling
your chosen artifact when you summon it must
succeed on a DC 18 Charisma saving throw to
keep the item in its possession. A creature that
succeeds on this saving throw is immune to this
effect for 24 hours.

Artifact Boon
Artifact
Benefit
Type

Your armor class cannot be lower than 16 while you are attuned to your chosen artifact. While
Armor within 30 feet of your chosen artifact and while it is not being worn or carried, you can magically
summon it to you and don it as an action.

Rod, staff, You learn one spell of 3rd level or lower that your artifact can cast. You can cast that spell once per
or wand short or long rest without expending a charge or spell slot as though you cast it from the artifact.

You have advantage on the first attack roll you make on a turn with your chosen weapon. In
Melee
addition, while you are conscious, your chosen artifact cannot be taken from you by any means
weapon
unless you allow it.

Your chosen artifact no longer requires ammunition and instead fires projectiles of force or
Ranged conjured ammunition. Weapons that have the loading property still must be loaded as normal.
weapon Thrown weapons return to your hand after each attack and can be thrown at long range without
disadvantage on the attack roll.

As an action, you can turn your chosen artifact invisible. It remains invisible until you use
Wondrous
an action to make it visible again. Over the course of a long rest, you can subtly change your
item
artifact’s appearance so long as it is willing.

61
Chapter 1: Character Creation

If your bonded artifact is locked inside a

demiplane, such as one created by a bag of holding or Spells
a portable hole, when you summon it, roll a d20. On a
roll of 15 or higher, the item appears. Otherwise, your The spells presented in this section are available to
bond with the artifact is suppressed for 1d4 hours. the classes specified below.

TIER 4 FEATURES
When you reach tier 4 of your heroic destiny, you
Bard Spells
gain the following benefits.
Cantrips (0 Level)
Oleander’s kiss (evocation)
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Infuse Power
Sanguine forge (transmutation)
The divide between you and your artifact has grown
so thin that your lifeblood and its power are indistin- 1st Level
guishable. If your chosen artifact has charges, you can Assess creature (divination)
expend one of your Hit Dice in place of expending a Presumed affliction (illusion)
charge when activating its properties or spells.
In addition, you can choose to take necrotic 2nd Level
damage equal to half your hit point maximum to Hither/thither (transmutation)
recharge one of the artifact’s properties that can Illusory passage (illusion)
only be used once before the next dawn. This damage
cannot be reduced or avoided. 3rd Level
Arresting caress (enchantment)
Heroic Destiny Benefit: Two Minds
Your chosen artifact is forever changed by your prox- 4th Level
imity, compassion, and unshakable companionship. Recast form (transmutation)
If it is not already, your chosen artifact becomes a
sentient item of your alignment with an Intelligence, 5th Level
Wisdom, and Charisma score. Roll 4d6 to determine Mingling guile (illusion)
each ability score. It has hearing and darkvision out
to a range of 120 feet. The item can also communicate
6th Level
Thunderburst (evocation)
telepathically with its wielder and can speak, read,
and understand every language that you do.
7th Level
If the artifact is already a sentient item, its
Sovereign’s leash (enchantment)
alignment, senses, and languages change as
previously listed at your discretion.
The artifact’s personality should reflect the time
you have spent together. If your bond has been Cleric Spells
fruitful and implacable, the item will be caring
and compassionate. If your time together has been 1st Level
tumultuous and fraught with peril, it may be cold Presumed affliction (illusion)
and cautious. Regardless, the item considers you its
one true wielder and closest companion. 3rd Level
Arresting caress (enchantment)

4th Level
Recast form (transmutation)

6th Level
Thunderburst (evocation)

7th Level
Sovereign’s leash (enchantment)

9th Level
Amauritic witness (evocation)

62

Druid Spells
Cantrips (0 Level)
Oleander’s kiss (evocation)
Sanguine forge (transmutation)
Stubborn roots (conjuration)
1st Level
Viperous volley (conjuration)
4th Level
Recast form (transmutation)
5th Level
Erosive jet (evocation)
6th Level
Thunderburst (evocation)
7th Level
Father’s embrace (evocation)
Sorcerer Spells
Cantrips (0 Level)
Oleander’s kiss (evocation)
1st Level
Scald (evocation)
Viperous volley (conjuration)
2nd Level
Electrify (evocation)
Hither/thither (transmutation)
3rd Level
Arresting caress (enchantment)
Mire fly (conjuration)
4th Level
Dissolve (evocation)
Recast form (transmutation)
6th Level
Thunderburst (evocation)
7th Level
Father’s embrace (evocation)
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Warlock Spells
1st Level
Scald (evocation)
2nd Level
Electrify (evocation)
Hither/thither (transmutation)
3rd Level
Arresting caress (enchantment)
Mire fly (conjuration)
4th Level
Recast form (transmutation)
5th Level
Erosive jet (evocation)
Mingling guile (illusion)
6th Level
Assassin’s draft (transmutation)
Thunderburst (evocation)
7th Level
Father’s embrace (evocation)
Sovereign’s leash (enchantment)
9th Level
Amauritic witness (evocation)
Wizard Spells
Cantrips (0 Level)
Sanguine forge (transmutation)
1st Level
Assess creature (divination)
Presumed affliction (illusion)
Scald (evocation)
2nd Level
Illusory passage (illusion)
4th Level
Dissolve (evocation)
Recast form (transmutation)
5th Level
Create living spellbook (transmutation)
6th Level
Thunderburst (evocation)
7th Level
Father’s embrace (evocation)
63
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Spell Descriptions
The spells are presented in alphabetical order.
Amauritic Witness
9th-level evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Components: V
Duration: 1 minute
For the spell’s duration, your eyes gleam with the sov-
ereign power of beings beyond life and death. Each
creature of your choice that can see you when you
cast this spell must attempt a Constitution saving
throw. On a failed save, the target takes 10d8 radiant
damage and is blinded for 8 hours. On a successful
save, the target takes half as much damage and isn’t
blinded. A creature blinded by this spell that starts its
turn within 60 feet of you takes 20 psychic damage
as horrifying visions plague its mind.
Creatures that start their turn within 60 feet of
you and are able to see you must attempt a new
saving throw against this spell. A creature can avert
its eyes to avoid the saving throw at the start of its
turn. A creature that does so can’t see you until the
start of its next turn, when it can avert its eyes again.
If the creature looks at you in the meantime, it must
immediately attempt a saving throw against this spell.
You can end the spell as a bonus action on your
turn. This spell ends early if you are shrouded in
magical darkness of 5th level or higher or if you
become incapacitated. When the spell ends, you are
blinded until the start of your next turn.
Arresting Caress
3rd-level enchantment
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: S
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
Your gentle touch locks a creature in place. When
you cast the spell, make an ability check with
your spellcasting ability contested by the target’s
Charisma check. If you win the contest, the creature
is stunned. On subsequent rounds, so long as you
remain in contact with the target, you can use your
action to maintain control over it. If the target takes
damage while under the effect of this spell, you take
twice as much psychic damage and the spell ends.
Assassin’s Draft
6th-level transmutation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 20 feet
Components: V, S, M (a topaz worth 250 gp, which
the spell consumes)
64
Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes
You contaminate the contents of a single container
you can see within range that contains no more than
10 ounces of liquid or food with poison. The contami-
nated food or beverage looks and tastes unchanged
but carries a slightly acrid aroma for the duration.
A creature that wishes to eat or drink from the
container can attempt a Wisdom (Perception) check
opposed by your spell save DC to detect the virulent
poison. A creature who ingests the contaminated food
or beverage must succeed on a Constitution saving
throw, taking 20d12 poison damage on a failed save,
or half as much on a successful one.
Assess Creature
1st-level divination
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 120 feet
Components: S, M (a crystal lens worth 10 gp)
Duration: Instantaneous
You gain insight into the capabilities of one creature
within range. The target must attempt an Intelligence
saving throw. On a successful save, the creature becomes
aware it was the target of a spell and spell ends, revealing
no useful information. On a failed save, you learn the
target’s current hit points, armor class, or which saving
throws it has proficiency in. In addition, you learn if it is
a spellcaster and which ability score it uses to cast spells.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 4th level or higher, you also learn one of
the target’s ability scores (your choice). When you cast
this spell using a spell slot of 6th level or higher, the
target is unaware that it was the target of this spell.
Create Living Spellbook
5th-level transmutation
Casting Time: 1 hour
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M (a high-quality spellbook worth
500 gp and 1,000 gp worth of fine ink)
Duration: Instantaneous
While casting the spell, you disassemble a spellbook
then use the pieces to build a life-size form of papier-
mâché. At the end of the casting, you imbue the form
with magic, and it transforms into a living spellbook
(see chapter 6 for the living spellbook's stat block). The
living spellbook can be shaped in any form you like,
but it is always a Medium-sized creature.
As long as the living spellbook is alive, you cannot
recover the 5th-level spell slot spent to create them, even
by taking a long rest. You can choose to end this spell at
any time, destroying the living spellbook and all the spells
written on its skin. After the living spellbook is destroyed,
you can recover the 5th-level spell slot as usual.
Any living spellbook you create with this spell obeys
your commands without question.

Dissolve
4th-level evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: S
Duration: Instantaneous
You send caustic acid coursing through one target
you touch. Make a melee spell attack. On a hit, the
target takes 6d10 acid damage. In addition, non-
magical armor or natural armor worn by the target
is partially dissolved and takes a permanent and
cumulative −1 penalty to the AC it offers. The armor
is destroyed if the penalty reduces its AC to 10.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell
with a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the damage
increases by 1d10 for each slot level above
4th. When cast with a 9th-level spell slot, this
spell destroys natural and nonmagical armor
completely.
Electrify
2nd-level evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous
Your open hand crackles with arcane lightning.
Make a melee spell attack against a creature you
can reach. On a hit, the target takes 4d8 lightning
damage and cannot take reactions until the end of
its next turn. On a critical hit, the lightning leaps
from the target to another creature within 20 feet
of it. Repeat the spell attack against the second
creature.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell
using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the damage
increases by 1d8 for every spell slot level above 2nd.
Erosive Jet
5th-level evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 80 feet
Components: V, S, M (an emerald worth 25 gp)
Duration: Instantaneous
A 5-foot-wide stream of sizzling acid sprays
from an emerald or focus in your hand toward a
creature you can see within range. Each creature
in the stream (including the target) takes 3d4
acid damage. Then roll a number of d12s equal to
the damage rolled. The target of the spell must
attempt a Dexterity saving throw, taking that
much acid damage on a failed save or half as
much damage on a successful one.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 7th level or higher, the initial damage is
increased by 1d4 for every two slot levels above 5th.
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Father’s Embrace
7th-level evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: S
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You draw the primordial essence of winter into your
empty hand. Make a melee spell attack against a
target within reach. On a hit, the target takes 10d10
+ 40 cold damage and the spell ends. A creature
damaged by this spell has its speed reduced by half
until it regains at least 1 hit point, and a creature
killed by this spell is frozen into solid ice.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell
using a spell slot of 8th level or higher, the damage
increases by 20 for each slot level above 7th.
Hither/Thither
2nd-level transmutation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Components: S, M (a length of string or wire)
Duration: Instantaneous
A Huge or smaller creature or object you can see
within range is forcibly moved at your whim. An
unwilling target must succeed on a Strength saving
throw or be either pushed or pulled (your choice) 15
feet directly toward or away from you. On a success,
the creature takes 1d6 force damage and is not
moved.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell
using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, you can
target one additional creature for each slot level
above 2nd.
Illusory Passage
2nd-level illusion
Casting Time: 1 bonus action
Range: 120 feet
Components: S, V, M (a 1-inch circle of
black parchment or fabric)
Duration: 1 hour
You fabricate the image of a passageway such as a
doorway, curtain, arch, or tunnel in a space you can
see within range. The image can be up to 20 feet
wide, 20 feet tall, and 5 feet thick. Creatures who
see the illusion when it appears automatically know
it is an illusion.
A creature can determine the passage is an illusion
with a successful Intelligence (Investigation) check
against your spell save DC. If a creature knows the
passageway is an illusion, it can see through the
image.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell with
a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the duration
increases to 24 hours.
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Chapter 1: Character Creation
Mingling Guile
5th-level illusion
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Components: V, M (a crystal prism worth 50 gp)
Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes
You wreathe yourself in a complex illusion that is
uniquely unassuming to each individual onlooker.
Creatures that can hear, see, or smell you while the
illusion persists take no interest in your presence
and do not treat you with hostility. A crowd of
rioters may see you as one of their nameless num-
ber, a pack of wolves may mark your scent as that
of a trusted druid or dryad, or your footfalls may
sound like the scraping talons of a bone devil to the
denizens of the Nine Hells. This spell does not offer
specific characteristics to allow special accommoda-
tions. For example, you will not appear as a specific
commanding officer in the eyes of an army, but you
may appear as an unassuming soldier.
Your size, shape, and speed are unchanged, and
creatures can see through the spell with a successful
Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell
save DC. If undue attention is drawn to you, checks
made to see through the illusion are made with
advantage. A creature who discerns the illusion for
what it is sees a flickering ghostly image over the
top of your form.
Mire Fly
3rd-level conjuration
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 120 feet
Components: V, M (a pinch of rotten food)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You conjure an incorporeal fly within range that
sheds a 5-foot-radius sphere of blistering, noxious
gas. The fly lasts for the duration or until you cast
this spell again. When the fly appears, each creature
in the area must attempt a Constitution saving
throw, taking 4d6 poison damage on a failed save,
or half as much on a successful one. A creature must
also attempt this saving throw when it enters the
fly’s aura for the first time on a turn or ends its turn
there.
As a bonus action, you can direct the fly to move
up to 30 feet. Non-poisonous plants that remain
inside the fly’s aura for 1 round wither and die over
the course of 24 hours.
If you move out of range of the fly, it disappears
and the spell ends.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases
by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd. When cast with
a 9th-level spell slot, this spell’s duration is 1 minute
and does not require your concentration.
66
Oleander’s Kiss
Evocation cantrip
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 25 feet
Components: S, M (a leaf from a poisonous plant)
Duration: Instantaneous
From your pursed lips, you release a puff of toxic
fumes at one creature that you can see within range.
The target must succeed on a Constitution saving
throw or take 2d6 poison damage.
This spell’s damage increases by 1d6 when you
reach 5th level (3d6), 11th level (4d6), 17th level
(5d4).
Presumed Affliction
1st-level illusion
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Components: V, S, M (a pair of ivory coins
worth 20 gp)
Duration: Concentration, up to 8 hours
You shroud one creature within range in the
illusion of morbidity, pain, or death for the
duration. An unwilling target can attempt
a Charisma saving throw. On a success, it is
unaffected by this spell.
The spell alters the target’s image only slightly
and cannot disguise their physical appearance or
mask armor, equipment, or weapons. Choose one
of the following options when you cast the spell
to determine the appearance of the illusion.
Pox. The target appears to be covered in sores,
boils, blisters, rashes, or other infectious or viral
maladies. The illusion can add jaundice or pallor
to their skin and supply an acrid stench to follow
the target.
Wound. The target appears to have sustained
several minor wounds or a single grievous injury.
The spell can cause blood to appear to flow from
the wound, but such illusions disappear when not
in contact with the target.
Death. The target appears to have been dead for a
few hours or up to several days. The spell can mimic
effects of only slight decay.
A creature can use its action to inspect a target
and attempt an Intelligence (Investigation) check
against your spell save DC. If it succeeds, it sees
through the illusion.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell
using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, you can
affect one additional creature for every two slot
levels above 1st.

Recast Form
4th-level transmutation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Components: V, M (a flawless tourmaline
worth 150 gp)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You forcibly revert the form of one creature you
can see within range. The target must attempt
a Charisma saving throw. On a failed save, a
shapeshifter or creature under the effect of a spell
or ability that has altered its form is immediately
reverted to its original shape. The creature then
takes 3d10 psychic damage, or 5d10 psychic
damage if that creature is a shapeshifter. On a
successful save, the creature takes half as much
damage and its form is not reverted or altered in
any way.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell
using a spell slot of 6th level or higher, you can
target one additional creature for every two slot
levels above 4th.
Sanguine Forge
Transmutation cantrip
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M (a drop of your blood)
Duration: 1 hour
You transform 1 pound of vegetation, bones, or flesh
into one of the following weapons for the duration:
• A simple weapon
• A light martial weapon
• Three pieces of ammunition, such as arrows,
bolts, or blowgun darts
• A whip or a net
Weapons made by this spell are obviously
formed by magic but do not count as magical
for overcoming resistances and immunity to
nonmagical attacks and damage. If you cast this
spell multiple times, you can have up to three
weapons or nine pieces of ammunition created by
it at the same time. Additional castings beyond the
third end the effect for all other weapons created
by this spell.
This spell’s effectiveness improves when you
reach certain levels. Once you reach 5th level,
you can form a martial melee weapon with this
spell. At 11th level, weapons made by this spell
are treated as magical. At 17th level, weapons and
ammunition made by this spell have a magical +1
bonus to attack and damage rolls.
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Scald
1st-level evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous
You channel blistering heat through your touch.
Make a melee spell attack against a creature
you can reach. On a hit, the target takes 4d8 fire
damage and cannot regain hit points until the start
of your next turn.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increases
by 1d8 for each slot level above 1st.
Sovereign’s Leash
7th-level enchantment
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 80 feet
Components: V, S, M (a length of braided platinum
cord worth 150 gp)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
One creature you can see within range must attempt
a Charisma saving throw to avoid becoming bound by
your will. On a failed save, the creature is restrained
for the duration. On each of your turns, you can use
an action to force the creature to move up to half
its speed in a direction of your choice. This forced
movement does provoke opportunity attacks.
At the end of each of the target’s turns and each
time the target takes damage from moving into a
hazardous location, it attempts a new Charisma
saving throw against the spell, ending the spell on a
success.
Stubborn Roots
Conjuration cantrip
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Components: S
Duration: 1 round
You tangle your fingertips and hold a willing creature
you can see within range to the ground. Until the
end of the target’s next turn, its speed becomes 0,
and it automatically succeeds on saving throws to
avoid being pushed, pulled, lifted from the ground, or
knocked prone.
Thunderburst
6th-level evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 300 feet
Components: V, M (a silver gong)
Duration: Instantaneous
A blast of deafening noise explodes from a point
you can see within range. Each creature and object
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Chapter 1: Character Creation

in a 60-foot-radius sphere around that point must 3rd Level

attempt a Constitution saving throw. On a failed Ambient drift (abjuration)
save, the target takes 5d10 thunder damage and is Death rattle (enchantment)
deafened for 1 hour. On a successful save, the target Siren song (enchantment)
takes half damage and isn’t deafened. Wall of noise (evocation)
A nonmagical object that is not being worn or
carried made of crystal, glass, or other fragile material 4th Level
(DM’s discretion) has vulnerability to the damage of Harmonize (divination)
this spell. Tarantella (enchantment)
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 7th level or higher, the damage increases 5th Level
by 2d10 for each slot level above 6th. Echo (evocation)

Viperous Volley 6th Level

1st-level conjuration Spectral symphony (necromancy)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self (30-foot cone)
7th Level
Sonic boom (evocation)
Components: V, S, M (a pickled snake)
Duration: Instantaneous
8th Level
From your outstretched hand or open mouth fly innu- Music of the spheres (enchantment)
merable spectral serpents. Each creature in a 30-foot
cone must attempt a Constitution saving throw. On 9th Level
a failed save, the creature takes 2d12 poison damage Call the sun (transmutation)
and is poisoned until the end of its next turn. On a
successful save, the creature takes half damage and
isn’t poisoned. Sound Spell
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a Descriptions
spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increases
by 1d12 for each slot level above 1st. The spells are presented in alphabetical order.

Ambient Drift
Sound Spells 3rd-level abjuration
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
This section presents a sampling of spells developed
Components: V, M (a pair of beets that have been
through the manipulation of sound. These spells are
shaken)
available to the College of Bells bard subclass as well
Duration: 1 hour
as other spellcasting classes with the DM’s consent.
For the duration, ambient noise fills your mind
or the mind of one willing creature you can see
Sound Spell List within range, blocking out distractions. Until
the spell ends, the target gains the following
Cantrips (0 Level) benefits:
Hush (enchantment) • The creature automatically succeeds on
saving throws against being charmed,
1st Level deafened, frightened, or stunned.
Bestial roar (transmutation) • The creature has advantage on saving throws
Round (enchantment) made to maintain concentration.
Whispers to words (divination) • The target has disadvantage on any ability
Words to daggers (transmutation) check that requires hearing.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell
2nd Level using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, you can
Babble (illusion) target one additional creature for each slot level
Battle Cry (enchantment) above 3rd. The creatures must be within 30 feet
Borrow voice (necromancy) of each other when you target them.
Feedback (illusion)
Piercing pitch (evocation)

68

Babble
2nd-level illusion
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, S, M (a pair of fish lips)
Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes
For the duration, you twist the perception of verbal
language inside a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on
a point you choose within range. Choose one of the
following effects when you first create the sphere:
• Any creature entirely inside the sphere
can only speak nonsensical babble,
understandable by no one. Casting a spell that
includes a verbal component is impossible
there.
• Any creatures entirely inside the sphere can
speak to one another as normal, but creatures
outside the sphere perceive their speech
as nonsensical babble. Casting a spell that
includes a verbal component is possible there.
Chapter 1: Character Creation
Battle Cry
2nd-level enchantment
Casting Time: 1 bonus action
Range: Self (30-foot radius)
Components: V
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You let loose a rallying cry that boils the blood of
creatures you choose that can hear you within range.
For the duration, each affected creature has advantage
on their next ability check, attack roll, or saving throw.
Bestial Roar
1st-level transmutation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self (20-foot radius)
Components: V
Duration: Instantaneous
You unleash a powerful roar. Creatures of your choice
that can hear you within range must succeed on a
Wisdom saving throw or become frightened of you
until the end of your next turn. You have advantage
on the next attack roll you make against a creature
frightened by this spell.
Borrow Voice
2nd-level necromancy
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, S, M (a silk ribbon tied into a bow)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
You attempt to take the voice of one creature you
can see within range. An unwilling target must
succeed on a Constitution saving throw or lose
their voice. A creature whose voice is stolen can-
not speak or cast spells with verbal components
for the duration.
While you possess the target’s voice, you can
choose whether to use your own voice or the voice of
the target creature.
The creature’s voice is returned to them when the
spell ends.
Call the Sun
9th-level transmutation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self (300-foot sphere)
Components: V, S, M (any type of beetle)
Duration: Instantaneous (24 hours outside
the range)
You sing a song that rapidly speeds up time for
everything within a 300-foot sphere centered on
you. In the span of 6 seconds, the sun appears to race
through the sky and everything inside the sphere
ages as if 24 hours have passed. Nothing outside the
sphere can affect anything inside the sphere while
this acceleration occurs.
69
Chapter 1: Character Creation
At the end of the spell, any abilities, magic items, or
other mechanical features that have daily use limits
recover expended charges as if a true day has passed
(though this time is not considered a long rest).
Creatures friendly to you can contribute their
voices to the casting of this spell without using an
action.
Creatures within the sphere who do not contribute
their voices to the casting of the spell must attempt a
Constitution saving throw at the end of the duration,
gaining three levels of exhaustion on a failure, or one
level of exhaustion on a success.
Death Rattle
3rd-level enchantment
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, M (a rattlesnake’s tail)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You implant a rattling noise that takes root in
the mind of a creature you can see that can hear
you within range. The target must succeed on an
Intelligence saving throw or its mind fills with a
thunderous rattling sound that no one else can hear.
While a target is affected by the spell, it is
vulnerable to all damage, and if it drops to 0 hit
points, its body is destroyed as it crumbles to pieces.
At the end of each of its turns, an affected creature
can attempt to repeat the saving throw, ending the
effect on a success.
This spell has no effect on undead or constructs.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using
a spell slot of 4th level or higher, you can target one
additional creature for each slot level above 3rd.
Echo
5th-level evocation
Casting Time: 1 reaction
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous
When a creature you can hear within range casts a
spell that has a verbal component and a casting time
of 1 action or 1 bonus action, you can use your reac-
tion to repeat what you hear. As long as the spell was
cast using a 5th-level slot or lower, you can replicate
the spell effects as a part of your reaction without
needing any other components. When you replicate
the spell, you can choose new targets as if the spell
had originated from you.
Feedback
2nd-level illusion (ritual)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 120 feet
Components: V, S
70
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You amplify the sounds within a 20-foot-radius
sphere centered on a point you choose within
range. Once during its turn, whenever a creature
inside the sphere makes noise by casting a spell
with a verbal component or by making a weapon
attack, all creatures in the sphere must succeed on
a Constitution saving throw or take 4d4 thunder
damage from the feedback it creates.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell
using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the
feedback damage increases by 2d4 for each slot
level above 2nd.
Harmonize
4th-level divination
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Components: V, S, M (a tuning fork)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You ring out a tone that can be heard up to 100 feet
away. Until the end of your next turn, you know the
location of any creature within 100 feet of you that
is not behind total cover. You learn the size and shape
of any being whose presence you sense, but not
its exact nature (as if you were handling a three-
dimensional model you cannot see).
For the duration of the spell, you can perceive
your surroundings using hearing alone as if you had
blindsight out to a range of 60 feet.
This spell ends if you become deafened.
Hush
Enchantment cantrip
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 20 feet
Components: V, M (a pinch of cinnamon)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 round
You supress a creature’s voice for a fleeting moment.
Choose one creature within range. The target must
succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be rendered
incapable of speech until the end of its next turn, at
which point the spell ends.
Music of the Spheres
8th-level enchantment
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 120 feet
Components: V, S, M (a diamond conductor’s baton
worth at least 1,000 gp)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You open a creature’s mind to the cosmic music that
drives all universal motion. Each creature of your
choice within 120 feet of you must succeed on a
Wisdom saving throw or be stunned for the duration
of the spell. Creatures who are deafened roll this save

with disadvantage. A stunned creature can repeat the
saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending
the effect on itself on a success.
Piercing Pitch
2nd-level evocation
Casting Time: 1 bonus action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V
Duration: 1 minute
You emit a piercing note that causes objects to
vibrate at a dangerous frequency. When you cast the
spell, you can make a spell attack against a creature
within range. On a hit, nonmagical armor worn by the
target is partly destroyed and takes a permanent and
cumulative −1 penalty to the AC it offers. The armor is
destroyed if this penalty reduces its AC to 10.
As a bonus action on your turn, you can repeat this
attack against the same target or a different target
within range.
Round
1st-level enchantment
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Components: V, M (a silk glove)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
A wave of resonance speeds toward a creature that
you can see and that can hear you within range. Make
a ranged spell attack against that creature. On a hit,
the target takes 1d6 thunder damage as thunderous
applause rings in its ears. On each of your turns for
the duration, you can use your action to repeat the
sound, magnifying the effect. When you do so, the
target must succeed on a Constitution saving throw
or take 2d6 thunder damage. On each subsequent
round for the duration, when you can use your action
in this way, the damage increases by 1d6. The spell
ends if you use your action to do anything else, or if
the target succeeds on a Constitution saving throw.
The spell also ends if the target is ever outside the
spell’s range or if it can no longer hear you.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the starting damage
increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 1st.
Siren Song
3rd-level enchantment
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V
Duration: 1 minute
You sing a captivating tune, causing creatures of
your choice that you can see and that can hear you
within range to attempt a Wisdom saving throw,
becoming charmed by you for the duration on a
Chapter 1: Character Creation
failure. Any creature that can’t be charmed succeeds
on this saving throw automatically, and if you or your
companions are fighting a creature, it has advantage
on the save.
On a failed save, a target is incapacitated, and if it is
more than 5 feet away from you, it must move on its
turn toward you by the most direct route, trying to
get within 5 feet of you. A charmed target can repeat
the saving throw at the end of each of its turns and
whenever it takes damage, ending the charmed effect
on a success.
You must take a bonus action on subsequent turns
to continue singing, but you can stop singing at any
time. If you stop singing, become incapacitated, or
can no longer speak, the spell ends.
Sonic Boom
7th-level evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 100 feet (50-foot cylinder)
Components: V, S, M (a diamond conductor’s baton
worth at least 1,000 gp)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You create a shockwave that tears through the air in
a 50-foot-radius, 100-foot-high cylinder centered on
a point you can see within range. Each creature in
the area must attempt a Constitution saving throw,
taking 7d10 thunder damage and becoming deafened
on a failed save. On a successful save, a creature
takes half as much damaged and is not deafened. A
creature made of inorganic material such as stone,
crystal, or metal has disadvantage on this saving
throw.
Spectral Symphony
6th-level necromancy
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 90 feet
Components: V, S, M (a diamond conductor’s baton
worth at least 1,000 gp)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You summon the souls of one hundred deceased
musicians to form a symphony orchestra. The sym-
phony manifests in an unoccupied space that you can
see within range. The members of the symphony are
incorporeal and cannot be directly interacted with in
any way. Each soul appears as a ghostly imitation of
how it appeared in life. Music played by the orchestra
can be heard up to 300 feet away.
Each round you maintain concentration on this
spell, the song grows in power, producing additional
effects at the beginning of each of your turns. These
effects accumulate.
Round 1, First Movement. When the musicians
first appear, they begin their song with a lively
opening tune. All allied creatures (including you) that
71
Chapter 1: Character Creation
can hear the symphony have advantage on the first
attack roll they make on their turn.
Round 2, Second Movement. The orchestra’s song
shifts to a slower and more thoughtful pace. Any
hostile creatures that can hear the symphony have
disadvantage on the first attack roll they make on
their turn.
Round 3, Third Movement. The orchestra’s song
evolves into an energetic minuet. All allied creatures
(including you) that can hear the symphony have
advantage on the first saving throw they make on
their turn.
Round 4, Fourth Movement. The orchestra’s song
races toward a dramatic finale. Hostile creatures that
can hear the symphony have disadvantage on the first
attack roll and saving throw they make on their turn.
Rounds 5–10, Finale. The orchestra’s song
explodes into a final crescendo. All allied creatures
(including you) that can hear the symphony gain
5 temporary hit points at the start of each of
their turns. All hostile creatures that can hear the
symphony take 5 thunder damage at the start of each
of their turns.
Tarantella
4th-level enchantment
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self (30-foot radius)
Components: V, M (the discarded legs of a tarantula)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
A haunting, fast-paced melody begins to repeat
around you. Creatures of your choice within 30 feet
of you who can hear your song must succeed on a
Wisdom saving throw or be affected for the duration.
An affected creature must spend at least half its
movement on its turn to move to a different space
than where it began their its or take 4d6 necrotic
damage at the end of its turn. As an action, an
affected creature can attempt to repeat the saving
throw to end the effect. Otherwise, the effect ends
only when the song stops.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 5th level or higher, the damage increases
by 2d6, and an affected creature must move an
additional 5 feet for each slot level above 4th.
Wall of Noise
3rd-level evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 120 feet
Components: V, S, M (a container of dry beans
or lentils)
Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes
You create a wall of visibly pulsing noise pollution
at a point you choose within range. You can make
the wall in any orientation, as a horizontal or vertical
72
barrier or at an angle. It can be free floating or resting
on a solid surface. You can form it into a hemispheri-
cal dome or a sphere with a radius of up to 10 feet,
or as a flat wall up to 50 feet long, 15 feet high, and 1
foot thick. Space occupied by the wall is considered
difficult terrain.
When the wall appears, each creature in its area
must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed
save, a creature takes 3d8 thunder damage and is
deafened for 1 minute. On a successful save, it takes
half as much damage and isn’t deafened. A deafened
creature can attempt a Constitution saving throw at
the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself
on a success.
A creature that enters the wall for the first time on
a turn or ends its turn within 10 feet of the wall takes
3d8 thunder damage and then becomes vulnerable to
thunder damage until the end of its next turn.
Whispers to Words
1st-level divination (ritual)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, M (a blank roll of parchment)
Duration: 24 hours
When you cast this spell, you enchant a blank roll
of parchment. For the next 24 hours, any words
spoken aloud within 60 feet of the parchment are
transcribed onto its surface (in the language they
are spoken in), regardless of how audible the words
are from its position. Once the spell ends, the roll of
parchment ceases to be magical.
The spell ends early if the roll of parchment is
destroyed or dispelled.
Words to Daggers
1st-level transmutation
Casting Time: 1 bonus action
Range: Self
Components: V, S
Duration: 1 minute
Your words transform into silver shards that float
around you for the duration. When you cast the spell,
you can make a melee spell attack against a creature
within 5 feet of you. On a hit, the target takes magi-
cal piercing damage equal to 1d4 + your spellcasting
ability modifier.
As a bonus action on your turn, you can repeat the
attack against a creature within 5 feet of you.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increases
by 1d4 for every slot level above 1st.
 CHAPTER TWO
MORTAL REALM
M ost characters in the Planes begin their
adventures in the Mortal Realm, specifi-
cally in the Eldrin Empire. Although the
empire encompasses much of the continent, the
various regions are home to many different peoples
and cultures. This chapter provides an overview of
the continent and details locations in which to set
your adventures.
History of
the Eldrin Empire
Every culture tells different tales of how the Mor-
tal Realm came to be, but since history is so often
decided by the victors, the eldrin telling is the most
widely accepted across the empire.
Birth of the Eldrin
Eldrin stories speak of a time when the Mortal Realm
was empty. Beautiful landscapes stretched across
the world, but no one was there to admire them, so
they stood silent. Until, of course, the Mother and the
Father paid a visit. Two faerie beings stepped onto
the empty earth from a portal and saw how beautiful
the lonely land was.
These two fey, who were so great in power they
were more akin to gods, decided to create children
to populate the realm. There was so much work to
be done. The beings started their labors by creating
four daughters to help lead their efforts. These
daughters—Mindaris, Tavir, Ferelen, and Olyana—
were the first four eldrin.
With the help of their daughters, the Mother and
Father created the initial generation of eldrin and
73
Chapter 2: Mortal Realm
taught them to use the magic that flowed through the
land. As they mastered magic, these eldrin began to
build a city that would eventually be named Faelyn.
One day, the Mother and the Father gathered their
four daughters to share grave news. Their time in the
Mortal Realm was growing short, and they had to
return home to aid others of their kind. While the
daughters wept for a world without their parents,
they promised to guide their younger siblings and
ensure each generation would pass on the story of
their creation.
Age of Expansion
A few hundred years after the founding of Faelyn, the
city experienced a massive population boom. Faelyn’s
promise of safety and infrastructure attracted so
many immigrants from across the continent, the city
could no longer produce food quickly enough to feed
its people. The empire sponsored exploration south-
ward to stave off a crisis, paying laborers and nobles
alike to leave the city and settle elsewhere.
These settler expeditions ushered in an age of
rapid expansion. The empire quickly established
settlements across the agriculturally rich lands to
the south (the area now called the Mother’s Delta).
74
Northward expansion led to first contact with the
elves, who were horrified by the empire’s widespread
urbanization. Hostilities between elves and eldrin
eventually escalated into a vicious territory war.
With war raging to the north and the inhospitable
Kronos Desert to the west, the empire continued to
expand south until the first wave of settlers reached
the Feywalk Jungles. Suddenly, golden opportunity
turned to terror as waves of fey emerged from the
jungles to slaughter settlers en masse. Settlers died
by the hundreds as faerie creatures slew entire
populations of newly established towns, then lay in
wait to destroy the next wave of settler caravans.
Few survivors escaped the carnage, and tales of
the horror unfolding in the far south were slow to
reach Faelyn and the newly founded city of Chasiana.
Thousands of empire citizens died before the reigning
tsarina established formal borders to the Eldrin
Empire, bringing a sudden halt to further expansion.
Age of Allies
With a new threat to the south and the delta’s
resources secured, the empire ceased its efforts to
conquer the elven lands to the north. After a year
of fraught negotiation, the elves and eldrin signed a

peace treaty establishing the sovereignty of the elves
in the Valley of Yalanthanil.
With the northern war settled and the discovery
of hostile fey threatening the continent, the Eldrin
Empire faced a new challenge. Mages, soldiers, heroes,
and nobility from across the land were called together
to discuss the fey threat in the empire’s first Great
Council. For weeks, the factions argued over how to
best deal with the menace before deciding to build
an empire stronghold atop the soaring Plateau of
Andorra. This stronghold eventually became the city of
Ashtar, but how to fight the fey was left unanswered.
Around this time, a young woman, a traveler from
a far-off land, stepped forward to address the council.
She spoke of powerful binding magic used by her
people to fight creatures from other dimensions, and
she offered to teach this magic to those brave enough
to learn it. Details about this woman have been lost
(or kept secret), but her teachings lead to the creation
of the fey-hunting Carillon Order.
With expansion halted, Ashtar established, and the
carillons’ devasting powers, the faerie hordes that
emerged from the Feywalk were pushed back until
the attacks ceased altogether. Rather than pursuing
the fey into their alien realm, the empire decided to
let them retreat and settled to maintain the border.
While Ashtar and the Carillon Order were left to
safeguard against future faerie attacks, the empire
turned its attention to strengthening infrastructure
and the rest of its borders.
Age of Innovation
With the borders secured, the empire enjoyed centu-
ries of rapid growth and prosperity. Faelyn, Chasiana,
and Ashtar flourished into thriving cultural centers.
Population in the empire doubled as new roads and
seafaring technology allowed the eldrin to access
faraway lands. The economy flourished, giving rise to
advances in science, medicine, culture, and weaponry.
Military defenses like the Veil and North Point were
established to safeguard against future threats. The
University of Faelyn opened its doors to the people
of the continent. Caer Leona became a healing haven
that spread mundane and magical healers across
the empire. With wealth abundant and survival
guaranteed, the rich set their sights on getting richer,
and existing gaps between the economic classes
became ever wider. Growing dissatisfaction with
eldrin status and wealth stirred through the empire,
culminating in a violent end of the age.
Present Day
A wave of troubles has marked the past century,
starting with the coup that resulted in Tsar Arranis
Chapter 2: Mortal Realm
Mindaris II’s execution and the secession of the
Borderlands from the empire. Just six years later, the
current reigning Tsarina (Sariel Mindaris II) inherited
a plummeting trade industry plagued by piracy and a
population terrified by growing reports of fey activity
along the Feywalk for the first time in centuries. It
is in this tumultuous time that campaigns set in the
Planes begin. Old wounds between the elves and
the eldrin still haven’t healed. Fresh wounds—like
the Borderlands coup—highlight ongoing economic
stratification dividing the empire. And the faerie of
the Wildes are stirring once again, after centuries of
gathering their strength.
Life in the Empire
Generally, mortals who live within or near the
empire’s cities enjoy plentiful comforts and protec-
tions provided by a well-ordered society. The farther
one gets from these cities, the scarcer government-
sponsored resources become, and distant corners of
the empire enjoy none of these protections. Villages
situated close to the borders of the Wildes are akin to
frontier towns that rarely receive visits from govern-
mental officials. Some regions, like the Kronos Desert
and the Shifting Plains, are so suffused with magic
they are inhospitable to most mortal creatures.
Little civilization exists beyond the borders of the
empire, with the exception of the few independent
lands that have seceded from eldrin control. The
barren wastes to the north are populated by those
who openly reject eldrin rule, and elves rule the green
valleys of Yalanthanil to the northeast.
People
While large populations of eldrin do exist in the
empire, equally large populations of the other mortal
races exist as well. To enjoy some of the specific
protections and benefits of the government, a person
must apply to be a citizen, a process that is open to
all creatures. However, many people who live in the
empire’s borders never pursue the process of citizen-
ship, preferring to live outside the watchful eyes of
the state. This open application policy has made the
empire a cultural melting pot of religion, art, and
magical traditions.
Languages
Due to frequent traffic between realms, nearly every
language in existence is spoken somewhere in the
Mortal Realm. Citizens of the empire are taught
to read and write Common in school, and it is not
uncommon to learn Sylvan as a second language.
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Chapter 2: Mortal Realm

Due to the universality of magic, citizens are also

taught Common Sign as they learn to speak and write
Common. Common Sign is a speechless language
that uses hand gestures similar to those used during
spellcasting. Because spellcasting is so prevalent in
the Mortal Realm, Common Sign is the preferred way
to make first contact with new cultures or races who
do not speak the Common language.
Standard Languages
of the Mortal Realm
Language Main Speakers
Most creatures; trade language of
Common
the Eldrin Empire
Citizens of the empire; universal
Common Sign
language of the Eldrin Empire
NEW LANGUAGE:
COMMON SIGN
Common Sign is a nonverbal language that
uses hand signs to communicate. Common
Sign is taught to all individuals educated in
eldrin-governed areas, and it utilizes somat-
ic gestures found universally in spellcasting.
Common Sign communicates a speaker’s in-
tent visually, but another creature must be
able to see the signer and also know Com-
mon Sign to understand them. Spellcasters
can receive special training to use Common
Sign while casting to eliminate the need for
verbal spell components.

Draconic
Dragons, empire-taught mages; Calendar
the written language of magic
In the common calendar of the Eldrin Empire, days
Dwarvish Dwarves from the Teeth are 24 hours long, divided into day and night. Seven
days make up a week. Four weeks make up a month
Elves; official language of the
Elvish and eight months a year. The months correspond
Valley of Yalanthanil
with the year’s solstices and equinoxes.
Gnomish Gnomes from the Teeth The seven days of the week, in order, are Solis,
Luna, Nerell, Nabu, Maruk, Ishar, and Cronus.
Halfling merchant families of The common empire calendar tracks the years
Halfling
Chasiana since the purported creation date of the eldrin
people, and each year is noted alongside the name
Sylvan Eldrin, fey, the carillons of Ashtar
of the eldrin dynasty that held the throne when
the year began. The throne most recently came into
possession of the Mindaris dynasty when Tsarina
Non-Standard Languages
Sariel Mindaris I was crowned in Auxesia 1406 Tavir.
of the Mortal Realm
By default, a new campaign set in the Planes begins
Language Main Speakers on 1 Eunomia 1716 Mindaris.

Abyssal Demons Eldrin Months

Celestial Celestials, gods, and titans Month Name

Deep Speech Aberrations Eunomia (midwinter, begins on the

1
winter solstice)
Ogres and giants of the
Giant 2 Thallo (marks the beginning of spring)
Kronos desert
Pherusa (mid-spring, begins on the
3
Goblinoids across the spring equinox)
Goblin
Mortal Realm
4 Auxesia (marks the beginning of summer)
Infernal Devils Euporia (midsummer, begins on the
5
summer solstice)
Orc communities of the
Orc
Shifting Plains 6 Damia (marks the beginning of autumn)

Orthosia (mid-fall, begins on the

Primordial Elementals, some fey 7
autumn equinox)
Undercommon Underworld humanoids 8 Chione (marks the beginning of winter)

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Government
and Politics
MATRIARCHAL SOCIETY
The Eldrin Empire is ruled by a two-party system with
While the tsar and tsarina are technically
the royal tsar and tsarina serving as the heads of state
equal in power, eldrin society has always
alongside a legislative council of appointed dukes and
regarded the tsarina as the more important
duchesses. Authoritarian power is balanced between
of the joint monarchy. This process started
the monarchs (the tsar and tsarina) and the council,
with the creation myth of the eldrin people.
which divides the empire into seven duchies. Each
The first children to whom the Mother and
duchy is ruled by a duke or duchess who oversees
Father gave life were their four daughters.
taxation and the administrative needs of its citizens.
The new parents relied heavily on these four
Politics play a major role in everyday life. Whether
daughters to help them create the eldrin
living within the protection of eldrin society or outside
and shape the empire for all their mortal de-
it, there are always greater forces vying for control.
scendants. They were named Mindaris, Tavir,
Empire nobles are obsessed with increasing their
Ferelen, and Olyana. These names are the
status and spend most of their time scheming to
family names of the four most influential
further their ambitions. Who rises to what positions
lineages in the empire, with each member
of power for what reasons are in the forefront of
of the line claiming a direct genetic link to
every politician’s mind. This continual cycle of
one of these progenitor eldrin.
posturing is a thorn in the side of progress, and
Since noble status is determined by
problems facing a province are often forgotten amid
relation to one of these four women, the
political infighting.
tsarina’s (not the tsar’s) family name dic-
tates who controls the throne. Similarly,
Magic eldrin children adopt the family name of
their mother when born.
Magic suffuses the Mortal Realm, and its use is a com-
mon part of daily life across the empire. While not
every mortal is born with the aptitude for spellcast-
ing, most manage to learn at least a cantrip or two in allowed to worship whatever gods they wish as long
their lifetime. Because magic is embraced in cultures as their rites and practices don’t cause harm to others.
across the empire, there is a considerable breadth Most eldrin and many other citizens in the empire
of spellcasting expression and tradition. State- do prescribe to the official state religion which
sanctioned magic taught in the colleges of Faelyn worships the two gods responsible for creating the
looks different from the heritage magic invented by eldrin people and the empire. For more information
the elves of Yalanthanil. Magicians from the city of about the Mother and the Father, see the Birth of the
Ashtar exclusively use the manipulation of sound Eldrin section earlier in this chapter.
to cast their spells, while the sisters of Caer Leona
heal through silent prayer. The study of magic and
its constructive use is celebrated, and many casters
develop personalized artistic relationships with their
practice of it.

Religion
Religion is an active force in the lives of most mortal
creatures. Gods in the Planes are physical beings who
require worship to maintain the celestial realms that
in turn fuel their power. Though few mortals fully
grasp the implication of this arrangement, the gods
encourage deeply personal relationships between The Mother
themselves and their worshippers, freely performing Typical Alignment: Chaotic good, chaotic neutral
miracles and granting power to divine casters who Suggested Domains: Life, Light, Nature, Tempest, War
act in their name. Symbols: A golden flame, a sword
Since many different creatures and cultures exist in The Mother is the god of force. She is the spark that
the empire, temples and shrines to almost every god instigates and drives all action. She is the patron of
can be found somewhere. Mortals in the empire are inspiration and strength in all its forms. The Mother
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Chapter 2: Mortal Realm
teaches her followers to trust their hearts and use
them to create, to endure, to feel, and to fight. Heal-
ers, caregivers, artists, and sorcerers are just some of
the typical followers drawn to worship the Mother.
The Father
Typical Alignment: Lawful good, lawful neutral
Suggested Domains: Arcana, Grave, Knowledge,
Order, Twilight
Symbols: A silver ring, a scroll
The Father is the god of reason. He is the course that
informs and guides all action. He is the patron of
knowledge and wisdom in all its forms. The Father
teaches his followers to trust their heads and use them
to consider, to plan, to judge, and to seek. Scholars,
wizards, politicians, and explorers are just some of the
typical followers drawn to worship the Father.
THE BASTARD GOD
In the eldrin creation myth, two fey
stepped forth into the material plane
to give birth to the eldrin. This fact is
considered absolute truth in the official
religion of the empire, with the Father and
the Mother represented as the sole gods
of the eldrin people. However, a growing
religious trend poses that more than just
two fey originally stepped forth from the
Wildes. This subculture believes three
beings—or more—came forth: the Mother,
the Father, and a trickster being referred
to as the Bastard. This third being may not
have had a direct hand in the birthing of
the eldrin, but it is believed the trickster
subtly subverted the efforts of the Mother
and Father, imbuing their eldrin children
with the mortal penchant for chaos. The
Bastard’s popularity has only grown over
the long centuries of eldrin rule, and they
have been adopted as a symbol of rebellion,
freedom of thought, and chaos.
The free people of the Borderlands named
their settlement after the Bastard god as a
public declaration of anti-eldrin authority.
78
Currency
Major towns and cities in the empire have well-
established banks that handle substantial citizen
transactions through letters of credit drawn from the
reserves of the royal treasury. But daily transactions
and transactions made in locations without state banks
use the exchange of coins. The eldrin government
mints coins in the capital city of Faelyn and relies on
a network of financial officials throughout the nation
to keep economics running smoothly. The coins used
throughout the realm are minted in precious metals
generally considered valuable by all races to standardize
their value even in communities that don’t count
themselves among the eldrin citizenry.
The copper claw (cp) is stamped with a four-pointed
star that represents the four major eldrin dynasties
who have historically ruled the empire. The claw is the
lowest denomination of coins minted by the eldrin.
The silver scale (sp) bears the portrait of the duke
or duchess who sponsored the minting of that
particular run of coins. This benefit encourages the
dukes and duchesses to regularly invest resources in
the royal treasury.
The gold talon (gp) bears the face of the ruling tsarina
on one side and the face of the ruling tsar on the other.
The platinum star (pp) is stamped with the holy
symbol of the Father on one side and the holy symbol
of the Mother on the other.
Resources
and Services 1
A network of mages, scientists, and politicians works
tirelessly to improve quality of life throughout the
empire, including maintaining advanced infrastruc-
ture such as paved roads, sewer systems, and law
enforcement.
Education and Research
Education is readily available in the empire. Children
raised in its settlements are encouraged to attend
school, which is paid for by the government. The
University of Faelyn has an incredible amount of
colleges and trade schools where prospective students
can enroll for years of coursework or train for a few
weeks in a particular skill. Chasiana has several
art schools that similarly offer long- or short-term
programs, and it is home to every type of bard college.
Both these cities also have vast libraries that are open
to the public, but magic and rare tomes are kept in
private wings that require permission to enter. For
more details about empire schooling and libraries,
read about the Great Library in the Faelyn section.
1 This section details pricing and availability for any services that
deviate from those found in the PHB.

Healing
Empire law requires any settlements with one
hundred or more permanent residents to have a
clinic available for medical treatment. Any creature
can receive cost-free mundane medical care at such
facilities. Magical healing services are not always
available in far-flung communities, but most have at
least one Caer Leona–trained cleric on hand who can
cast up to 2nd level spells in case of emergencies. In
larger settlements, clerics are available to cast healing
spells of up to 5th level, but citizens are expected to
make generous donations to the clergy to cover the
cost of expensive spell components, and non-citizens
must pay full price as detailed in the Empire Casting
Fees table.
Law Enforcement
All cities and towns in the empire with a population
of three hundred or more are required to elect a
constable. This constable is the liaison between the
townspeople and the Secretary of Citizen Affairs
for the province. Constables are required to take a
certification test proving a basic understanding of
empire law when first elected, then must retake
the test every five years they remain in office.
They must also submit an annual report to the
Secretary that details census information and lists
all disputes (and the punishments issued) resolved
by the constable through the year. Constables have
authority to settle nonviolent misdemeanors and
can issue fines or mandatory community service.
These officers are also responsible for detaining
creatures accused of serious crimes, until a licensed
empire judge arrives to determine the appropriate
course of action.
Larger towns and cities likely have multiple
constables and at least one judge in permanent
residence. Becoming an empire-certified judge
requires a great deal of schooling and a much more
extensive certification process. Once a judge has
completed this process, they are issued a writ of
appointment and a magical seal that tracks their
location and allows them to send and receive
messages from the nearest Secretary of Citizen
Affairs. Whenever a constable requests a judge,
the Secretary sends a message to the judge closest
to the constable. Unless the judge is already
involved in a case or detained by unavoidable
circumstances, they are required to travel to
resolve the matter or risk losing their certification.
Judges have the authority to make rulings for
petty or serious crimes or determine if a lack of
evidence requires a full investigation be opened.
If the judge rules extreme punishments like
imprisonment or execution are required, the judge
is required to stay with the accused until they can
Chapter 2: Mortal Realm
be transported to the nearest city with appropriate
holding facilities. From there, the judge presents
their ruling before a review board of officials who
make the final ruling.
Constables and judges are duty bound to assist
all creatures in the empire and can be expected
to provide reasonable assistance or contact more
qualified officials to better handle requests.
Shopping
The abundant wealth of the empire means most
towns and cities have multiple shops or markets to
purchase goods. Nonmagical equipment can easily
be purchased almost anywhere, and magical goods
are available for those who search for them. More
information about magic item availability and pricing
is available in chapter 5.
Spellcasting
Spellcasters capable of casting 3rd level spells or
lower are common throughout the empire, and most
are willing to sell their services. Fees vary depending
on the spell, but generally get more expensive the far-
ther the seller is from one of the major settlements.
It is much more difficult to find spellcasters capable
and willing to perform 4th- or 5th-level magic for pay,
but it is possible. Such casters can only be found in
Chasiana or Faelyn, and they never come cheap.
Few people in the Mortal Realm master magic
beyond 5th level, and the ones that do rarely have
reason to peddle their power for money.
Use the Empire Casting Fees table as a base guide
for pricing spellcasting services, but the DM has final
say on specific price points.
Empire Casting Fees
Spell Level Price2
Cantrip 10 gp
1st 50 gp
2nd 100 gp
3rd 200 gp
4th 350 gp
5th 650 gp
2 These prices are in addition to the price of any necessary material
components needed to cast the requested spell.
Transportation
A sophisticated system of roads and waterways
makes it easy to travel or ship goods as far west as
Ashtar and as far north as Faelyn. This convenience
doesn’t extend to undeveloped regions like the
Shifting Plains and the Kronos Desert.
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Chapter 2: Mortal Realm

Passenger cabs, wagons, and river boats provide

public transportation in and between cities on a
regular schedule. Citizens of the empire (who are
willing to wait) can use this transportation at no
cost. If a creature isn’t a citizen or they want to
book private transportation, it typically costs 1 sp
per creature per mile traveled.
Towns and cities accessible via public
transportation typically have empire-sponsored
offices that can send and receive mail. Citizens can
send letters or packages less than 10 pounds using
this service at no cost. Otherwise, letters cost 1 sp to
ship or packages cost 1 sp per pound up to 9 pounds,
then 1 gp per pound beyond that.

Exploring
the Eldrin Empire
The following sections focus on what you need to
know about the regions of the Eldrin Empire and
gives suggestions for creating adventures tied to
each location.

Faelyn
Capital: Faelyn is the capital of the Eldrin Empire
Leadership: Tsarina Sariel Mindaris II, Tsar Riardan
Tavir, Duchess Melwen Tavir
Known For: Royalty, education, maritime trade
Faelyn is the capital of the Eldrin Empire and
boasts the largest population of any city in the
Mortal Realm. It is home to a diverse immigrant
population attracted by the capital’s universities,
gardens, museums, trading centers, and other
urban innovations.
Faelyn is a thriving port city built on the shores of
the Edorian Ocean, allowing travelers from distant
lands to deliver knowledge and exotic goods. Well-
established trade relationships, a large navy, and
strict legislative regulation of the ports allow vast
wealth to flow through Faelyn into the empire.

History
At the heart of Faelyn rests the exact spot where
the Mother and Father (the primary eldrin gods) are
said to have first stepped foot in the Mortal Realm.
The Rainbow Palace where the tsar and tsarina live is
built around this spot, and visitors to the palace can
step into the open-air courtyard to trace the same
steps as these creators.
Regardless of whether the story is true, Faelyn is
the first recorded eldrin settlement. The area had
become a full-fledged city long before eldrin settlers
moved south into the Mother’s Delta and west
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 Chapter 2: Mortal Realm

Major Locations
toward the Plateau of Andorra. This religious and
The sprawling city of Faelyn is home to many archi-
historical legacy has secured Faelyn as the enduring
tectural marvels and cultural institutions.
capital of the empire.
THE GREAT LIBRARY
Ecology
The Great Library of Faelyn is not one building but
Faelyn and its surrounding lands enjoy a temperate
rather an entire district with dozens of structures.
climate. Its position between the Edorian Ocean and
Some of these buildings are open to the public, but
the Meriel River makes its open expanses of land rich
many more, including a subterranean maze of ar-
for farming. The province does experience the chal-
chives, are enterable only with the proper credentials.
lenges of all four seasons, but even the cold of winter
It is fondly said that the Great Library of Faelyn holds
and the summer heat are relatively mild.
the answer to every question for those lucky enough
to comb its depths. To obtain permission to enter the
People
private areas of the library, an individual must petition
People travel from all over the realm to study and
the university deans who routinely meet to review
work in the capital, creating a diverse cultural
such requests. Unless an individual presents ample
climate. Faelyn has numerous universities and
proof of need, their application is denied. If a petition
trade schools open to all creatures, which has given
is accepted, the individual receives a magical mark
rise to a robust middle class of educated workers.
to bypass the arcane defenses that guard the private
Creatures who don’t pursue schooling can easily
wings. Stories of death, incineration, transformation,
find work in the bustling agriculture or maritime
and worse at the hands of such protective measures
trade industries, and they typically enjoy a comfort-
are enough to keep most unapproved visitors from
able lifestyle.
breaking into these secure areas.
While the university deans would never admit it,
Culture and Politics
some sections of the Great Library have never been
Faelyn is home to the palace of the tsar and tsarina,
mapped. Vaults of ancient knowledge hidden deep
factoring heavily into the city’s continued prosperity.
underground have been carved out and warded long
People who live in Faelyn are generally happy with
before modern memory. Extreme security measures
the rule of Tsarina Sariel II, despite her colorful per-
in portions of the library are meant to keep intruders
sonal life. During her relatively short reign, she has
out as much as keep in whatever secrets wander in
already made significant advances toward keeping
the dark below.
the empire safe from myriad threats: the encroaching
Wildes, the growing population in the Borderlands,
UNIVERSITY OF FAELYN
and the uneasy peace with the elves of Yalanthanil.
Next to the library district is the massive campus of
the University of Faelyn. Sprawling branches and
Faelyn Characters
towers host hundreds of classes covering magic,
When creating characters from Faelyn, consider
science, creative arts, tactical warfare, and everything
asking the following questions.
in between. In addition to classrooms, laboratories,
workshops, and lecture halls, the campus has dormi-
What brought you to the city? Were you born and
tories available for nonlocal students.
raised in the capital? Did you come to Faelyn for work
The university is a major source of jobs for the
or study? Do you hold a government-sponsored job?
ever-growing population of the empire primarily
due to its government-sponsored study program.
Why have you decided to leave the city? What
Students hoping to attend the university can pay
motivates you to give up your current life in favor of
directly for their tuition (which is a substantial
adventuring? Have you recently graduated and are
fee) or waive tuition fees by agreeing to a five-year
looking for your place in the world? Have you decided
governmental service contract upon graduation.
it’s time to leave and see the rest of the world?
Upon graduation, contracted students are placed
in a job relevant to their field and given a stipend
What is your relationship with the empire? Have
to continue living comfortably in the capital. Many
you been a loyal eldrin citizen all your life? Did you
students find this arrangement highly desirable, and
immigrate to the Eldrin Empire and adopt their cus-
it is not uncommon to continue work at assigned
toms as your own? Are you discontent with what you
jobs long after the five-year contract has expired. This
have seen of eldrin society so far?
combination of opportunity and careful regulation
of acceptance rates has blessed the capital with an
abundance of skilled workers.

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Chapter 2: Mortal Realm
RAINBOW PALACE
The Rainbow Palace sits atop the
highest point in Faelyn, and its
colorful spires can be seen from
miles outside the city. On sunny
days, the palace’s gemstone tiles
project an aurora of dazzling
rainbow light.
Historically, the ruling
tsar and tsarina live in the
palace, but it also functions
as a legislative building for
nobility and government
officials. Visitors must
have express permission
to enter its golden
walls, and the average
citizen never steps
foot inside.
QUEST BOARD
A portion of the archives underneath
the Great Library is suddenly sealed off.
Rumors abound of a hostile creature that
somehow got in, and campus security is
quietly looking for capable volunteers to
deal with the trouble.
The tsarina’s birthday approaches,
and there is a city-wide call for novel
entertainment acts. Auditions for
performers are being held by Faelyn’s
artistic elite, and anyone who catches
their attention is sure to win both gold
and status.
A cohort of graduate students from
the University of Faelyn are paying
good coin to anyone who harvests
rare parts from monsters that dwell
outside the city.
82
Jade Isles
Capital: Jane’s Town
Leadership: Duke Phinneus Albright (Jane’s Town)
Known For: Ancient ruins, pirates, tropical species
The Jade Isles is the newest province in the El-
drin Empire. Before the empire claimed them, the
resource-rich collection of islands was a refuge for
pirate bands that plagued the Edorian Ocean. Dozens
of islands, ranging from minuscule to large, make
up the archipelago, and all host tropical jungles, sea
caves, and crumbling ruins.
History
Before the Eldrin Empire claimed the Jade Isles,
they served as a base for the most notorious pirate
crews of the Edorian Ocean. The isle’s bounty of
coves, caves, and beaches made it an ideal location
to organize and hide from pursuit. As the empire’s
seafaring trade grew, so did the number of merchant
ships carrying holds of valuable goods. Thus began a
golden age of piracy, when dozens of pirate vessels
found easy prey attacking the fleets of trade ships en
route to Faelyn.
As trade losses grew to distressing heights, the
empire poured its resources into building a naval
force of incredible power to combat the pirates.
Even with increased military resources, the most
notorious pirate vessels remained at large, so Tsarina
Sariel II hatched a plan. She offered Letters of Marque
to several pirate captains, pardoning them of past
crimes in exchange for their help hunting down the
rest.
Captain Phinneus Albright was one such pirate
who accepted the tsarina’s deal, and he spearheaded
a brilliant campaign to destroy the pirate ringleaders.
With Albright’s assistance, the age of piracy came to
an abrupt and bloody end. For his instrumental role
in the campaign, Sariel awarded Albright stewardship
of the Jade Isles, making him the first non-eldrin
to ever hold the title of Duke. Captain Phinneus
Albright (now Duke Phinneus Albright) retains
providence of the Isles to this day.
Ecology
Long stretches of balmy days on the islands are
frequently interrupted by tropical storms that make
docking on the shores incredibly perilous but allow
the lush jungles to flourish. Due to hazardous coast-
lines, the majority of the islands remain unexplored.
However, routine expeditions continue to delight
empire naturalists with newly discovered flora and
fauna species.
 Chapter 2: Mortal Realm

People
Most people living in the Jade Isles are retired
sailors and pirates who switched sides when Duke
Albright did. These hardy folk take great pride in
the community they have built amid the terrifying
wonders of the isles. In addition to the locals,
research teams from the empire regularly visit the
isles, staying for a season or two while they catalog
new species.

Culture and Politics

Sariel’s decision to name Albright duke of the Jade
Isles was not well received by the rest of the empire’s
nobility. Most eldrin view the people of the Jade Isles
as criminals destined to eventually betray the empire
as they once did to the pirate fleets. This sour impres-
sion isn’t helped by Duke Albright’s behavior, for both
his boisterous character and undeniable brilliance
breed unending resentment from the rest of the
eldrin leadership.
While the eldrin nobility were displeased with
the tsarina’s decision, other citizens of the empire
were thrilled by the unusual circumstances. They
view the promotion of a non-eldrin to noble status
as progressive action from Sariel and hope it is a first
step toward a more democratic society.

Jade Isles Characters

When creating characters from the Jade Isles, con-
sider asking the following questions.

Why do you live in such a remote place? Are

you descended from a family of pirates, or do you
have a personal history of piracy? Do you live on
the isles to study the local flora and fauna? Are
you intent on unraveling the mystery of the isles’
ancient ruins?

What is your seafaring experience? Are you a

worldly traveler? Have you ever served as a sailor, in
the navy, or on a pirate crew? Were you born on the
isles and have never left?

What are you looking for? Are you hoping to un-

cover a new species? Are you searching for a quiet
retirement? Are you eager to build a new life from the
ground up?

Major Locations
While the islands’ coastlines have been charted,
most inland features remain a mystery waiting to be
explored.

JANE’S TOWN
Jane’s Town is the only established settlement in the
Jade Isles. Once a burgeoning pirate port, Jane’s Town
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Chapter 2: Mortal Realm
has grown significantly since the isles were recog-
nized as part of the Eldrin Empire. The town is built
around a crescent-shaped bay that is one of the few
safe places for ships to dock. Because of its distance
from the mainland and the untamed natural environ-
ment, the town’s population is expanding at a crawl.
The locals don’t seem to mind this predicament too
terribly, but everyone looks forward to news and
goods from the mainland whenever a ship of adven-
turous vacationers or scientists arrives at port.
Unlike the other eldrin provinces, government in
Jane’s Town relies on the same type of democracy
used aboard pirate vessels. Whenever a decision
needs to be made, citizens of the town gather and
vote on the best course of action. If there is no clear
majority, the duke or his second in command (an elf
named Valencia) step in to arbitrate.
QUEST BOARD
A team of medical researchers needs
capable individuals to travel into the
dense jungles of the isles and capture
several venomous specimens for
scientific observation.
The citizens of Jane’s Town are suddenly
plagued by strange dreams and sightings
of ghostly apparitions. All signs point
to unrest regarding the long-abandoned
ruins amid the trees, but the townsfolk
need more qualified investigators to
unravel what the hauntings mean.
A notorious pirate has repeatedly
evaded capture by the eldrin navy.
Desperate commanders are hoping a
small strike force can put an end to the
pirate’s crimes. Reports suggest this
pirate crew makes frequent stops at the
Jade Isles and may have a hidden port
somewhere among the islands.
84
TWILIGHT CAVERNS
Mere miles from the settlement of Jane’s Town is
the entrance to a maze of partially submerged caves
named the Twilight Caverns. These caverns are a
series of naturally formed chambers filled with crum-
bling ruins of a yet-unidentified civilization lost to
time. Researchers regularly visit the caverns to study
these ruins, since they are better preserved than the
aboveground specimens dotted across the islands.
The twilight caverns are also a popular tourist desti-
nation due to the remarkable light-bending proper-
ties of the ruins that fill their depths. During the twi-
light hours before sunset and sunrise, the stone used
to construct the buildings glows with a breathtaking
array of rainbow lights. Scholars are still researching
what exactly causes this spectacular phenomenon.
The Twilight Caverns are the most well-cataloged
ruin complex in the Jade Isles, but the stretches of
cavern that spiral down into the ocean depths have
yet to be explored. Until submersible technology is
more widely available, archeologists can only dream
of what lies at the bottom of the caverns.
Kronos Desert
Capital: North Point
Leadership: Duke Rivaan Varis (North Point)
Known For: Arcane anomalies, military training,
warped monsters
The Kronos Desert is a massive stretch of sand that
covers one third of the continent. Its inhospitable
terrain serves as a natural defense between the
empire and any creatures beyond the western
mountains.
History
The Kronos Desert was not always a sandy wasteland.
Long before the Eldrin Empire was established, the
land was filled with fertile valleys and lush forests.
In this early age, the verdant stretch of land was
the first piece of the Mortal Realm engineered by
the titans. During the final battle between gods and
titans, the area was devasted by an apocalyptic magi-
cal storm conjured to disintegrate any living thing in
its path.
The crimson sands of the desert that exist today are
all that remains of the beautiful land that was burned
away by the gods, and there are few beings left that
remember the true nature of this cataclysm.
Ecology
The desolation of the Kronos Desert is wholly unnat-
ural. Residual magic from its apocalyptic destruction
still plague the environment, creating time-altering
sandstorms, peals of arcane lightning, and monstrous
creatures twisted by raw magic.
 Chapter 2: Mortal Realm

Oases and pockets of safety exist amid the

seemingly endless dunes, but the harsh elements
usually destroy travelers long before these havens
can be found.

People
Violent arcane storms destroy permanent structures
built above ground. Creatures who live in the desert
travel nomadically or build settlements in the stone
ruins buried beneath the sand.
Few creatures can live in the desert’s heart, but the
Eldrin Empire maintains several defensive outposts
along its borders. Living so close to the desert guar-
antees a hard life, but eldrin who take up positions
there often do so out of a deep sense of patriotism.

Hazards
In the Kronos Desert, travelers must contend not
only with the standard survival perils of a desert but
the bizarre time storms that rage across the dunes.
These time storms do not follow any predictable
patterns, which makes avoiding them a matter of
luck rather than skill. Sometimes these anomalies
look like encroaching dust storms, but mostly they
manifest as invisible portals through which a traveler
might unwittingly step. A creature swept up in one
of these time storms could be propelled to any future
or past point in time, becoming stranded centuries
ago or only losing a couple hours. This frightening
prospect of forced time travel is enough to keep most
creatures from ever attempting to cross the sands.
Magical storms not only twist time in the desert, but
they also distort space, making it impossible to safely
teleport anywhere in the region. Both short- and long-
range conjuration magic catastrophically fails within
the confines of the desert. Lesser failures include, but
are not limited to, physical disfiguration, total memory
loss, and appearing thousands of miles away from
the intended destination. More fantastic failures have
seen creatures disappear from existence, explode, or
become permanently lost in alternate timelines.

Kronos Desert Characters

When creating characters from the Kronos Desert,
consider asking the following questions.

How did you survive? Are you from a hidden under-

ground community? Did you serve at North Point or
live at a Veil outpost? Did a magical creature adopt you?

What is unique about you? Are you a planar traveler

looking to build a life in the Mortal Realm? Did you
fall through a portal in time or space and become
stranded? Do you belong to a people who have
survived due to a closely guarded secret? Do you have
a history of service for the empire?
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Chapter 2: Mortal Realm
What dangers have you experienced? Have you
survived monster attacks? Have you ever been
stranded or injured by arcane storms? Have you ever
been in a position where exposure to the elements
almost killed you?
Major Locations
The vast expanse of the Kronos desert hides a pletho-
ra of arcane mysteries and serves as a natural defense
against invaders from the western mountains.
NORTH POINT
North Point stands as the farthest major mark of the
empire. The fortress is located at the northernmost
point of the Kronos Desert and the westernmost
edge of the Borderlands. Battalions of empire-trained
soldiers occupy the outpost, which is part border
defense and part training ground for elite empire
fighters called legionnaires. Soldiers stationed at
North Point stand ready to march on military threats
that may arise in the Borderlands, brave the desert to
run supplies to the far-flung Veil outposts, and guard
the continent against the hordes of monsters that
regularly emerge from the Valerian Reach.
Because the environment is so brutal, North Point
serves as a training ground for the legionnaires, a
specialized military force trained to fight in even the
harshest conditions. Legionnaire hopefuls are sent
to North Point after graduating from basic training
to test their mettle. Approximately one in every ten
recruits makes it to the second year of legionnaire
training.
North Point is under the command of Duke Rivaan
Varis, an eldrin not born of a noble bloodline but
awarded his title for exceptional military service. He
was recently sent (many whisper “banished”) from
the court of Faelyn to preside over matters in the
fortress. He and the tsarina were exceptionally close
until his abrupt reassignment followed shortly after
her marriage to the new tsar.
PLANAR BAZAAR
Gliding through the most inhospitable stretches of
the Kronos Desert is an entire settlement utterly
unknown to most creatures in the Mortal Realm.
86
Chained to the back of a titanic earth elemental is
a magical bazaar that hosts a population of planar
misfits. In this marketplace dragged around by the
random whims of the elemental, travelers from the
different realms of existence live and trade with one
another fearlessly. Alien beings, creatures made of
raw magic, and those considered too monstrous to
live in “normal” society harmoniously exist with one
another in this grand bazaar bound together by a
series of free-trade guidelines.
Because passage through the heart of the desert is
nigh impossible for most mortal beings, the Planar
Bazaar continues to be the best-guarded secret in
the empire. Despite the bazaar’s random course,
creatures who visit the bazaar have instinctive
knowledge of how to find it again.
QUEST BOARD
One of the twelve Veil outposts has failed
to send status reports to North Point for
several weeks. With the bulk of the officers
occupied elsewhere, a capable party must
travel across the desert and investigate
what happened to the outpost mages.
A ferocious series of dust storms near
the desert border have uncovered the tip
of a gargantuan golden spire. Local
archaeologists seek brave adventurers
to keep them alive as they mount an
expedition to investigate the structure.
A community experiences an outbreak
of an ancient disease that slowly
petrifies afflicted creatures. The
condition is immune to magical
healing, but legends say a cabal of
stone giants in the Kronos Desert were
able to cure the disease when it last
appeared centuries ago.
THE VEIL
The Veil is a magical barrier that wraps around the
northwestern border of the empire, protecting
it from dragons, bandits, and monstrosities that
swarm the mountains just beyond. The Veil was
put in place by the first tsarina of the Mindaris
dynasty, Aurelia I, a gifted mage. At the time of the
Veil’s invention, the empire was under assault by a
continuous series of raids from the lands just over
the western mountain range (called the Teeth).
 Chapter 2: Mortal Realm

The Veil put a literal stop to those assaults, ushering

in a wave of prosperity and peace, securing the
throne for the Mindaris dynasty to the present day.
The Veil is an impressive feat of magical and
mundane technology. Twelve pylons set deep in
artificial caverns act as massive magical conductors,
capable of arcing raw arcane energy between one
another. Around each pylon is a subterranean
settlement for the mages who must regularly charge
the pylons to maintain the barrier.
The empire requires each settlement to have no
less than five government-endorsed mages, who are
required to serve an outpost for a minimum of two
years. To encourage participation, these settlements
are made as comfortable as possible, and mages are
encouraged to bring their families with them for the
two-year term.
Spellcasters who graduate from the University of
Faelyn with degrees in obscure fields of study are
likely to serve at the Veil outposts for a portion of
their five-year service contracts. Added financial
incentives are given to mages who volunteer for
multiple terms, though bookish mages find the
prospect of having so much quiet time to read
attractive enough.
The Veil is enchanted so that those who are
magically “marked” may pass through it at will.
These marks are only granted to individuals
who receive approval through an extensive
bureaucratic process.

The Mother’s Delta

Capital: Chasiana
Leadership: Duke Rowan Ferelen (Chasiana),
Duchess Dierdre Ferelen (Chasiana), Duchess
Amalthea Mindaris (Caer Leona)
Known For: Agriculture, artistic patronage,
luxury exports
The Mother’s Delta is the largest populated
province of the Eldrin Empire, stretching from
Faelyn to the Feywalk Jungles. Most of the delta is
fertile farmland, fed by an abundance of rivers and
a warm climate.
The province is rich in wealth, jobs, and favorable
weather, making it a popular place to live and work.
Chasiana is the city at the heart of the delta and
Faelyn’s rival in wealth and population.

History
During the age of expansion when the Eldrin Empire
funded exploration outside Faelyn, people began to
settle in the agriculturally rich lands to the south,
and the area was named the Mother’s Delta. The delta
seemed a rich paradise full of easy-won wealth, and
the city of Chasiana was built as its crown jewel.
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Ecology What is your relationship with art? Are you

The delta is blessed with a temperate climate ideal for currently a working artist or aspiring to be one? Are
a booming agricultural industry. Several major rivers you a patron of the arts or a particular artist? Are you
flow through the area, keeping the landscape lush frustrated by your lack of artistic skill?
even in the heart of winter.
What is your stance on eldrin politics? Are you an
People aspiring player in delta politics? Do you resent the
People of the delta are considered the happiest in the nobility and their constant positioning? Have you
empire, largely because the quality of life is so good. directly benefited from or been harmed by social
An advanced system of roads and numerous rivers maneuvering?
make it easy for merchants to deliver wares through-
out the region. Even remote farm communities can
expect regular shipments of luxury items produced
in Chasiana. An abundance of opportunity makes
the delta the ideal province for fortune-seekers and Don’t let anyone ever tell you that Faelyn is the
aspiring socialites. best place to live in the empire—those people
clearly don’t know all the local spots in Chasiana .
Culture and Politics If you meet the right people and form the right
The Mother’s Delta is politically unique compared
connections, you can find yourself in the middle of
to the other empire provinces because three nobles
jointly rule it. A greater representation of govern-
a thriving nonconformist culture—innovative food ,
ment exists in the delta due to its vast wealth and the most provocative art you’ve ever seen, and
population. Duke Rowan Ferelen and Duchess music that will get even the shyest patron on the
Dierdre Ferelen jointly rule most of the delta from dance floor. After experiencing this place, you’re
their royal estate in Chasiana. Duchess Amalthea never going to want to go back to the rigidity of
Mindaris represents the interests of the healing Faelyn society, I guarantee it.
haven of Caer Leona.
The Ferelens have a long and established history
in the delta and have maintained stewardship of the
region since it first became a province. This makes
the Ferelen family—specifically Duke Rowan and
Duchess Dierdre—the most direct threats to the
Mindaris hold on the throne. Rumors whisper that
if the current reigning tsarina doesn’t soon name Major Locations
an heir, the Ferelens are a shoo-in for the next royal Major settlements dot the Mother’s Delta, but the
dynasty. entire region is well populated.
General wealth affords the delta a strong cultural
identity. Artists are in high demand to provide
the middle and upper classes with a variety of
creations to attract affluence. Patrons interested in
sponsoring theater, music, sculpture, painting, and
culinary experimentation are plentiful throughout
the area, though nowhere more so than in the city
of Chasiana.

Mother’s Delta Characters

When creating characters from the Mother’s Delta,
consider asking the following questions.

What is your relationship with wealth? Did you

come to the delta to try and make your fortune? Does
your family have a thriving business, or do you work
for a family who has one? Have you lost or chosen to
forsake your wealth?
88
CAER LEONA
Caer Leona is a colossal castle constructed on a tied
island at the southern tip of the delta. This castle
is home to a convent of skilled healers under the
leadership of Duchess Amalthea Mindaris, whom
the eldrin people fondly know as the Crone Mother.

The priests of Caer Leona are hailed for their abil-
ity to cure any ailment, be it mental, physical, or
spiritual. While the island is not large and has a
small population, it is considered a holy site of the
eldrin deity the Mother and therefore is granted a
great deal of influence.
When Tsarina Sariel I died, the royal throne of the
realm was slated to pass into the hands of Duchess
Amalthea (who is a cousin to the current ruling
tsarina, Sariel II). However, Amalthea renounced her
candidacy to maintain a life of pious servitude at
Caer Leona. This renouncement of titles, wealth, and
connections in favor of divine service has made her a
beloved national figure.
QUEST BOARD
A string of minor nobles in Chasiana
have gone missing or been found
dead. A terrified noble family wants
to hire adventurers to protect their
rakish heir apparent until the culprit is
apprehended.
A once-thriving vineyard suddenly
faces ruin as a series of bizarre natural
events are ravaging its lands. The
owners are convinced someone is
magically orchestrating these events
and they want to hire adventurers to get
to the bottom of the attacks.
Caer Leona has shut its doors to the
public without warning, and Chasiana
officials have received a request to send
capable soldiers to help the clergy deal
with an urgent issue. The Chasiana
military is not eager to send its own to
deal with an unknown threat, so they
hire an adventuring party to go in
their stead.
CHASIANA
While Faelyn is the metropolitan center of the Eldrin
Empire, Chasiana is hailed as the empire’s cultural capi-
tal. Chasiana is built on the back of agricultural wealth,
and the sprawling city is a nexus for artisans from
around the world. The incredible amount of wealth
that flows through the city has given rise to a bevy of
theaters, museums, fine restaurants, and art galler-
ies. While Faelyn boasts a highly educated citizenry,
Chasiana possesses a thriving artistic population.
Chapter 2: Mortal Realm
Chasiana sits atop a natural and artificial canal
network that allows cargo ships and leisure barges
to access any point in the city. Sophisticated
waterworks allow for the construction of
remarkable hanging gardens and grand water
features across all districts.
Plateau of Andorra
Capital: Ashtar
Leadership: Duchess Jelenneth Mindaris (Ashtar),
carillon council (Ashtar)
Known For: Carillons, monasteries, music
The Plateau of Andorra is a flat-topped mountain
that dominates the southwestern region of the
Eldrin Empire. The rocky lands around the base of the
plateau directly border the Wildes (the faerie realm).
History
When the eldrin first stumbled upon the Wildes,
scores of settlers died at the hands of faerie magic.
The empire quickly established a southern border
along the Feywalk Jungles and forbade citizens from
expanding any farther. To guard the empire against
further threats that might come from the Wildes,
a military stronghold was built atop the soaring
Plateau of Andorra. This stronghold was the begin-
nings of the city of Ashtar.
Ecology
The Plateau of Andorra is the highest point in the
Eldrin Empire, and the upper portions of it are
encased in cold, gray mist for most of the year.
Along its various levels, bamboo forests and other
high-altitude plants flourish. Many unique plant and
animal species in the Mortal Realm can only be found
in the cooler mountain climate of the plateau.
People
Ashtar is where most people in the province live,
and the tiered city is built atop the rocky levels of
the plateau. The population is mainly comprised of
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Chapter 2: Mortal Realm

an empire of immigrants who don’t mind feeling

removed from the pervasive eldrin culture in the rest
of the provinces. Living on the plateau is not without
its dangers, since Ashtar is the first line of defense
against possible faerie invasion.

Culture and Politics

The Plateau of Andorra is technically under the stew-
ardship of eldrin Duchess Jelenneth Mindaris, who
inherited the position when her cousin ascended to
the throne (becoming the current Tsarina, Sariel II).
Though the plateau is an empire province on paper,
decisions are unofficially made by the carillon council
based in Ashtar.
Jelenneth, like most eldrin, finds the plateau’s
proximity to the Wildes unappealing. Consequently,
the duchess spends most of her time traveling and
visiting other nobles, only returning to her Ashtar
estate when absolutely necessary. Ashtar’s citizens
have no great love for the duchess, so they are
generally content to govern themselves.

WHO ARE
THE CARILLONS?
Ashtar is the home base for an order of
magic-users called carillons who use bells to
summon, banish, control, and harm fey crea-
tures. A carillon is easily recognized by the
bandolier of seven bells they always wear.
Carillons are influential figures in the em-
pire who track down and slay fey creatures
who enter the Mortal Realm. Members of
the order have permission from empire
monarchy to do whatever is necessary to
maintain national security, which makes
them as much feared as they are revered.
For more information on the Carillon
Order, see chapter 4.

Plateau of Andorra Characters

When creating characters from the Plateau of
Andorra, consider asking the following questions.

What is your view of the carillons? Do you find their

secretive practices concerning or frightening? Do you
aspire to become a carillon one day? Are you proud to
come from the same province as the carillons?

What is your relationship to the fey? Have you ever

encountered the fey, and if so, was it a frightening
experience? Are you part fey? If so, do you have to
hide your heritage? Have you witnessed the carillon
90

battle a fey, and were they responsible for saving you
or your community?
Why do you live here? Are you determined to honor
your roots in Ashtar, despite the constant danger?
Are you an eldrin patriot who considers it an honor
to defend the border? Do you value living in a place
removed from most of the day-to-day eldrin politics?
Major Locations
Ashtar is the only major settlement on the plateau,
but scattered rural communities eke out a living from
the lands at its base. Wide tracts of land adjacent to
the Wildes are inhabited only by abandoned build-
ings and the occasional empire patrol. Just beyond
lies the Feywalk Jungles, which is a dangerous
transitory zone between the Mortal Realm and the
faerie realm.
ASHTAR
Ashtar sits at the highest point of the Eldrin Empire,
built atop the Plateau of Andorra. This placement is
carefully considered, as the city was initially built as
a surveillance outpost to guard the southern border.
Reaching the city requires navigating a series of
winding switchback roads and mechanical platforms
built along the various levels of the plateau.
Ashtar is often called “the city of bells” due to
the peculiar defenses implemented by the carillon
council. Strings of small bells line the city’s light
posts, fences, and gates, causing the air to fill with
jingling when strong winds blow. In addition to these
strings, bell towers stationed in each district ring to
mark every hour of the day.
A walled monastery atop the highest point in
Ashtar serves as a base of operations for the Carillon
Order. It is here that prospective carillons are trained
and the secrets of the order are kept. Most sections
of the monastery are closed to the public, but the
carillon council invites concerned citizens to air
grievances in their chambers each month.
Chapter 2: Mortal Realm
FEYWALK JUNGLES
The Feywalk Jungles is a transitory place that marks
the ever-shifting border between the faerie realm
(called the Wildes) and the Eldrin Empire.
Constant ebb and flow between the two realms
sporadically causes weird magical effects throughout
the jungle. Mutated creatures and plants randomly
appear in its depths, any structures built quickly fall
to ruin, and landmarks are prone to change location.
No eldrin call the jungles home, but a few exceptional
communities have learned to live in harmony with
the ever-changing landscape. Ultimately, the empire
has given up on establishing a foothold in the jungle
in favor of maintaining its borders.
QUEST BOARD
Reports of faerie creatures attacking
remote villages have reached the carillon
council. Unfortunately, all the active
carillons are away from the city on
assignment, so the council settles
for sending regular adventurers to
investigate.
An alarming number of beasts with
fey-like characteristics have begun
emerging from the Feywalk Jungles. It
is clear that someone is transforming
these beasts, and heroes are needed to
travel into the jungles and stop their
activity before people get hurt.
A popular carillon has gone missing
in action, as has the carillon sent to
find them. The carillon council is
organizing search parties of capable
citizens and adventurers to head into
the Feywalk Jungles to find them.
Shifting Plains
Capital: None
Leadership: Autonomous clans
Known For: Hunting, magical flora,
nomadic societies
The Shifting Plains are a vast stretch of grasslands
near the heart of the Eldrin Empire that separate
the Borderlands in the north from the Mother’s
Delta in the south and eventually fade into the
Kronos Desert in the west. Several nomadic
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Chapter 2: Mortal Realm

cultures call the grasslands home, and the region

boasts a wide assortment of plants and herd
animals. Tall grasses infused with magic cover the
land, creating rippling optical illusions whenever
the winds shift direction.

History
When settlers first expanded outward from Faelyn,
a portion headed west into the Shifting Plains. The
aggressive grasslands thwarted every attempt to
build structures or establish settlements. After so
many failures fighting back the magically infused
landscape, the tsarina stopped approving settler
petitions to the area altogether.
While the eldrin have no established
settlements in the plains, they have brokered
longstanding trade agreements with the nomadic
cultures that call the grasslands home. In
particular, the local orc tribes who capture and
breed horses have enjoyed a fruitful partnership
with the empire to this day.

Ecology
Conditions in the Shifting Plains are not as intense
as the Kronos Desert or the Borderlands, but hot
sun and scarcity of water have kept the eldrin from
developing the area. A variety of grass species unique
to the empire flourish here, and many possess latent
magical properties. This latent magic makes native
flora and fauna particularly resistant to the influence
of civilization. When cut, the grasses grow back
within days, more fibrous than they were before.
Beasts who wander the grasslands have innate magi-
cal abilities to help them hide, making the Shifting
Plains a hunting ground worthy of only the most
capable rangers.

People
Centaurs, orcs, and goblinoids make up the largest
percentage of the people who live in the grasslands.
These groups travel across the plains in large clusters,
erecting semipermanent structures as they track
migratory herds of the beasts they hunt for food.
Most cultures in this province have little interest in
interacting with the Eldrin Empire. Still, several orc
clans make a living by domesticating wild horses to
sell to the eldrin military.

Shifting Plains Characters

When creating characters from the Shifting Plains,
consider asking the following questions.

How do you feel about city life? Have you ever vis-
ited a developed town or city? Does the prospect of
living in a city excite or frighten you? Do you resent
civilization’s effect on the natural environment?
92

What is your connection to nature? Is preserv-
ing the natural world important to you? Do you
have experience working with native plants and
animals? Have you grown up learning to fear the
natural world?
What was your family life like? Did you grow up in
a large nomadic community? Did you spend most of
your life in hermitic solitude? Do you have family or
friends in the Shifting Plains? If so, how do they feel
about your desire to adventure elsewhere?
QUEST BOARD
An eldrin noble seeks adventurers to
capture a rare breed of horse native to the
grasslands. They are offering a huge
sum of money to whomever can capture
the elusive beast.
The Shifting Plains begin to burn,
causing poisonous clouds of magic
dust to affect adjacent provinces.
Rumors report that the sudden
appearance of a fire-breathing beast is
causing the problem, and it needs to be
tracked down and stopped.
A wealthy merchant is trying to
build a hunting lodge in the Shifting
Plains, but development is repeatedly
sabotaged by magic. The merchant
suspects a nearby druid circle is
behind the interference, and they want
adventurers to talk (or bully) some
sense into the druids.
Major Locations
There are no permanent structures or settlements
in the Shifting Plains, but the nomadic cultures who
thrive in the area regularly meet around several geo-
graphic landmarks to trade.
GOLDENCREST
Near the heart of the Shifting Plains lies a hilly region
that boasts the highest point in the otherwise flat
expanse. Atop Goldencrest, the tallest of these hills,
is a curious natural phenomenon, a cluster of trees
planted in a perfect circle. Each tree on the hilltop is a
different nonnative species, and none could naturally
withstand the arid climate of the grasslands.
Nevertheless, they thrive.
Chapter 2: Mortal Realm
The various people who live in the plains are all
familiar with this site and regard it as a mystical
place of power. Whenever these disparate
societies decide to meet, they usually assemble
at Goldencrest.
Exploring the
Independent Lands
The following sections detail independent regions
that border the Eldrin Empire and give suggestions
for creating adventures tied to each location.
Borderlands
Capital: Bastard’s Breach
Leadership: Elected council of elders
(Bastard’s Breach)
Known For: Rebellion, outlaws, airborne monsters
The Borderlands were once a province of the Eldrin
Empire, until the region was granted its own
sovereignty following a bloody coup. While the
rocky wastes of the Borderlands are perilous, it is
one of the few places where humanoids can live
totally outside the influence of eldrin law.
History
The Borderlands was a full-fledged province of the
empire until a century ago, when a dragonborn
noble named Corin Le’Fleur led a revolt against the
Mindaris Dynasty. Le’Fleur was discontent with
dominion over his family holdings in the desolate
wastes of the Borderlands and felt his poor allot-
ment had everything to do with his non-eldrin
lineage. Corin found allies among similarly discon-
tented noble families tired of the eldrin stranglehold
on the empire’s wealth. With an army at his back,
Corin stormed Faelyn, seized the palace, and mur-
dered Tsar Arranis II (father of the current tsarina,
Sariel II), bringing the government to a complete
standstill.
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Chapter 2: Mortal Realm

Without Corin’s knowledge, Tsarina Sariel I

arranged a secret meeting with the discontented
families to broker a deal. The families would deliver
Corin to her for execution, then leave the capital.
In exchange, the Borderlands would be established
as a free territory, where the families could live
under their own power and make their own laws.
The families took the deal, and the independence of
the Borderlands has been permitted to exist (albeit
uneasily) to this day.

Ecology
The Borderlands form the northernmost portion
of the continent, stretching from the Shifting
Plains into the glacial northern mountains of
the Teeth. Most of the land is unyielding tundra,
which renders farming infeasible. Conditions in
the Borderlands have only worsened as increased
numbers of flying monsters pour out of the
mountains and the roaming bands of outlaws
continue to grow in number.

People
Most mortals in the Borderlands live together in the
sole settlement of Bastard’s Breach. People in the
sprawling city come from a variety of backgrounds
and walks of life, but most are there in an effort to
leave their pasts behind. Former nobles live among
retired assassins, farmers driven to bankruptcy work
with convicted mages, and those who claim to be
better than anyone else swiftly find themselves on
the wrong end of a spear. Life in the Borderlands is
made difficult by the scarcity of resources, so the
people of the breach must support one another to
ensure everyone survives.

Culture and Politics

The will to survive has divided the people of the
Borderlands into clear factions. Whether a creature
belongs to one of the breach’s trade guilds or a
rough-riding outlaw band, individual identity is
largely defined by the group. The Borderlands is filled
with people who have rejected or been rejected by
empire standards, so most are aggressively inde-
pendent and carry antiauthoritarian values through
their lives.
Rather than complain about their unfortunate
circumstances, the various communities in the
Borderlands tend to be fiercely proud. There is a
general feeling of “us versus them” that binds its
denizens together in a unique way unlike anywhere
else on the continent.

Borderlands Characters
When creating characters from the Borderlands,
consider asking the following questions.
94

Why do you live outside eldrin law? Did an
encounter with the law drive you to live in
the Borderlands? Do you consider yourself
antiestablishment? Is your family tied to Bastard’s
Breach or an outlaw faction?
What skills have you cultivated to survive?
What do you contribute to groups surviving in the
Borderlands? What role do you play in your group’s
day-to-day life? Were you forced to learn skills to
survive, or have you been trained to survive from
birth?
What is your stance on the eldrin gods? Are
you a fan of the Bastard god’s mythology? Do you
find the eldrin’s binary belief system oppressive?
Is the total separation of church and state
important to you?
Major Locations
The Borderlands consist of large stretches of waste-
lands punctuated by well-guarded strongholds of
civilization.
BASTARD’S BREACH
Bastard’s Breach shines as the only city in a wild
wasteland full of danger and crime. It is a city that
sets its own rules and systems as per the agree-
ment established by the sacrifice of Corin Le’Fleur.
Decisions in the breach are decided by an elected
council of elders, and law is enforced by the strength
of its patriotic citizens.
Almost everyone in Bastard’s Breach belongs
to a trade guild. These guilds function similarly
to merchant guilds in wealthier regions, creating
a collective to look out for the interests of its
members. Newcomers to the breach are encouraged
to lend their skills to (or learn new skills from) one
of these guilds to contribute to society. Each guild
is led by an informally elected representative who
meets directly with the breach council of elders
to voice concerns on behalf of their guild. Because
there is no formal currency in Bastard’s Breach, the
guilds also help regulate exchanges of goods and
services between private citizens. Making such
Chapter 2: Mortal Realm
an exchange requires a portion of the goods go to
the guild, but the trader is guaranteed the guild’s
protection if the other party fails to hold up their
end of the bargain.
Because survival is a daily concern, cultural norms
are different in Bastard’s Breach than anywhere in the
empire. Art forms that require material components
like architecture, sculpture, writing, and painting are
considered frivolous (even insulting), but performance-
based artists like storytellers, dancers, and singers
are held in high regard. Performers skilled in these art
forms can easily make a living in the breach, despite
the hard landscape. Spirited festivals are held by the
breach elders each month, where professional and
amateur performers can show off their talents. Crowd
favorites win prizes of extra rations or rare luxury
goods. These festivals keep morale high and encourage
citizens to spend free time developing original songs
and stories (instead of making trouble).
QUEST BOARD
A crew of bandits has kidnaped the
son of an affluent merchant. The
bandits were spotted riding into the
Borderlands, and the merchant needs
adventurers to retrieve the boy.
A monstrous winged beast has moved
down from the mountains to prey on
the rare supply caravans that visit
Bastard’s Breach. The council needs
someone to set a trap to attract the
monster and bring it down for good.
A band of clerics receive a vision of a
fertile valley hidden in the wastelands.
These holy people need guardians to
protect them during the long trek to their
destination.
Valley of
Yalanthanil
Capital: Grey Haven
Leadership: Parliamentary democracy (Grey Haven)
Known For: Ancient forests, elven culture,
wooden goods
Dominion over the Valley of Yalanthanil was given
to the elven people by a treaty that ended a long and
bloody war with the Eldrin Empire. Ancient forests
and settlements harmoniously exist in the region due
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Chapter 2: Mortal Realm

to the careful stewardship of the elven communities

that dwell there.

History
The elves are not only the longest-lived humanoid
race in the Planes—they are also the race that
has existed the longest on the material plane.
Anthropologists generally agree that elves may have
been the first mortal race ever created. When the
eldrin people were first born, elves had already built
their civilization in the great forests of the land. As
eldrin resources and ambitions grew, it became clear
that the two cultures could not harmoniously exist
on the same land. For generations, the two peoples
squabbled and warred against one another until
they brokered an agreement. As part of the treaty,
strict borders were drawn to create the Valley of
Yalanthanil to separate it from eldrin control.
This agreement has remained in place for centuries,
but tensions rise and fall each generation. Whenever
the continent faces a great threat, like the current
incursion of the Wildes, the eldrin and the elves
rarely agree on how the nations should work together
to address the problem.

Ecology
Temperate forest covers the entirety of the valley,
making travel through the region difficult and
dangerous for those unfamiliar with the environ-
ment. Yalanthanil’s northern border runs into the
icy mountains of the Valerian Reach, so weather
throughout the valley tends toward cold and rain
most of the year, leading into hot summers. Strict
elven regulations ensure native creatures are left to
flourish naturally, granting the valley a thriving popu-
lation of both magical and nonmagical creatures.

People
While elves govern the valley, they are not the
only people who dwell within its borders. Like in
the Eldrin Empire, anyone in the realm is welcome
to build a life in the settlements of Yalanthanil.
However, life in the valley is very different from life
in the empire, and many creatures are unwilling to
make the concessions necessary to live in the elves’
domain. In Yalanthanil, civilization is intertwined
with the natural environment rather than built to
dominate it, which makes architecture, agriculture,
and resource management radically different from
the practices of the Eldrin Empire.

Culture and Politics

Elves have been in the material realm for a long time
and have developed deep-rooted cultural values and
practices. Many elements of elven culture are tied to
the practices necessary to live in wild environments.
96

Food, religion, spirituality, relationships, architecture,
and history are all influenced by patterns in the
natural world. Because living in Yalanthanil requires
major lifestyle adjustments, many non-elven people
who build homes there freely adopt elements of
elven culture as their own.
Valley of Yalanthanil Characters
When creating characters from the Valley of
Yalanthanil, consider asking the following questions.
What is your cultural identity? Are you an elf
raised with the traditional cultural values of the val-
ley? Did you or your family choose to adopt elements
of elven culture in the past? Do you reject elven
culture and seek to find a unique or new set of values
for yourself?
How do you view the Eldrin Empire? Do you view
the practices of the eldrin as bizarre or intriguing?
Have you or your family had experiences with the
empire that have colored your judgment? Do you
have faith in the peace between the empire and the
valley, or do you fear it will one day unravel?
Have you ever experienced different ways of life?
Did you live in the empire for before moving to
Yalanthanil? Have you ever left the confines of the
valley, or is the world beyond a mystery to you? What
do you know of other cultures and cities? Have you
studied their customs?
Major Locations
Hidden beneath the forest canopy is a network of
outposts, towns, and cities that stretch across the
Valley of Yalanthanil.
GREY HAVEN
Grey Haven is the seat of elven power and its
cultural center. The city is located in the heart
of the valley and is comprised of a sprawling
Chapter 2: Mortal Realm
assortment of buildings wound around the
trees. Centuries of magical growth have infused
the city’s foundations, causing flora and fauna
cultivated there to grow at heightened rates. Even
the weather around Grey Haven is affected by its
magic, causing the capital’s climate to be mild no
matter the season.
The people of the city are fiercely proud and
dedicated to preserving ancient elven customs. Many
elves born in Grey Haven voluntarily choose to spend
their entire lives in the city or ultimately return to it
when they retire.
QUEST BOARD
A group of exchange students from
the University of Faelyn needs a
party to safely lead them through
the forest to Grey Haven. A group of
masked warriors has reportedly been
attacking travelers who attempt to
enter the forest.
An elven outpost is tracking a
magical disease affecting local
beasts, causing them to become
hyperaggressive before dying. The
elves need help tracking the source of
this affliction before it spreads to other
parts of the valley.
A hermitic wise woman sends a
message requesting immediate rescue.
The new enchantments she conjured to
protect her forest home have gone awry,
and she is trapped inside.
Lands Beyond
While this campaign guide covers only one con-
tinent, other lands and people exist in the Mortal
Realm. Eldrin know little about the countries that
lay beyond the western mountain ranges, and much
of the oceans remain uncharted. Rumors abound of
entire cities in pockets of the underworld and stories
tell of ice-clad warriors who live among the glaciers
of the Valerian Reach. The possibilities are endless,
and plenty of room is left in the Mortal Realm for new
stories and new discoveries.
97
The dryad’s enchanting song is as beautiful as it is deadly.
 CHAPTER THREE
FAERIE REALM
T he Wildes is an ever-changing realm ruled
by faerie creatures. While most characters
aren’t from the Wildes (it is nearly impos-
sible for mortal creatures to live a happy or normal
life in the faerie realm), its influence is felt in every
corner of the Eldrin Empire. The Wildes is the closest
realm to the mortal one and the easiest to access.
Adventures in the Planes frequently feature excur-
sions into the lands of faerie or center on the trouble
caused by fey interference in the Mortal Realm. This
chapter provides an overview of the Wildes, detailing
its locations and residents.
Nature of the Wildes
Every realm in the Planes is governed by a unique
set of laws that sculpt reality. While the laws of
nature in the Mortal Realm are nearly identical to
those of planet earth, the realm of faerie has several
major deviations from these familiar principles. This
section covers the properties of the Wildes that make
adventures there more fantastical and far stranger
than any set in the Mortal Realm.
Geography
Like the Planes itself, the arrangement of the Wildes
is continually in flux. Its borders grow and shrink
the same way other realms’ borders do, but its inte-
rior geography also changes based on the willpower
of its residents. The faerie realm is a microcosm of
the Planes, where creatures’ desires cause locations
to grow, shrink, shift, swap, change, or appear at
an accelerated pace. Creatures born in the Wildes
possess an innate understanding of navigating the
ever-changing landscape, but travelers from other
realms quickly become lost without assistance.
Certain areas of the Wildes, like demesnes and
dwellings (covered later in the chapter), are more
solidly fixed, but the land in between is prone to
change each hour.
Environment
Fey are creatures of instinct and imagination, uncon-
cerned by the daily needs that plague mortal exis-
tence. This freedom is reflected in the environment
SECRETS OF
THE WILDES
Most information presented in this chapter
is unknown to citizens of the Eldrin
Empire and most of mortalkind. Lack of
information has led most mortals to view
fey as vicious predators and the Wildes as a
terrifying den of monsters.
Empire citizens have entered the
Wildes before, some intentionally, most
accidentally. Regardless of their intentions
or protective measures, most fail to
emerge. Despite the odds, some mortals
have gone in and come out alive. These
people are few and far between and are
never eager to repeat the experience. Those
who return are always changed, touched
by the strangeness of the place and of
their journey. Most of what the empire
knows about the Wildes comes from these
eyewitness accounts and is colored by
survivor trauma.
of the Wildes, manifesting as a realm dominated
by awesome stretches of untamed nature. Every
biome known to mortalkind (and quite a few unique
additions) exists somewhere in the Wildes. Over
the course of a stroll, travelers might step through
subterranean caverns lit by bioluminescent plants,
to a labyrinthian stretch of orchards, to arid savannas
stalked by vicious beasts. Due to the shifting land-
scape, it is impossible to say with certainty what the
environment of the Wildes will be when a creature
enters, but it is guaranteed to have an abundance of
thriving flora and fauna.
Life and Death
Fey are immortal, born fully grown, and do not age.
Faeries of the Wildes do not require food, water, or
air to live (though they enjoy all three) and only die
if slain.
Fey do not sexually reproduce as mortals do
(though many enjoy recreational sex). Faeries who
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Chapter 3: Faerie Realm
want children must adopt them or craft a special
magical object called an effigy. Effigies are magical
vessels capable of housing a fey soul. Whenever
a faerie dies in the Wildes, the deceased’s soul
may travel into the nearest effigy, transforming
the vessel into a living faerie. The more lifelike the
effigy is, the greater chance this process will occur,
so effigies typically resemble hyperrealistic dolls or
sculptures. If a soul released by death is not drawn
into an effigy, it feeds back into the environment
of the Wildes, and a new fey is born through a
process called “sprouting.” Sprouting happens in
a wide variety of ways, but it always involves the
emergence of a fully formed faerie creature from
some natural element. A new fey might emerge
from the ground like a flower, coagulate from a
spray of ocean foam, hatch from a bird’s egg, or any
other manner of natural process. Fey born in both
these ways don’t retain any conscious memory of
the soul’s previous lives.
If a fey is killed, its body rapidly decays before
disappearing into a swirl of autumn leaves, a hail
of sparkles, or some other appropriate harmless
effect. If the death happens within the bounds of
the faerie realm, the fey’s soul is born again in one
of the ways previously described. If the fey dies
outside the faerie realm, its soul cannot return to
the Wildes, and it is lost forever. There are a finite
number of faerie souls in existence, so unlike
mortals who can endlessly procreate, the popula-
tion of the Wildes can never increase. Every time
a faerie dies outside the Wildes, fey kind moves
one step closer to extinction, which is one of the
reasons the fey are so preoccupied with expand-
ing the faerie realm to the size it once was.
Time and Memory
Like the fey themselves, the Wildes is untouched
by the ravages of time. Its creatures do not age,
and it is not ruled by daily or seasonal cycles. Some
areas of the realm are cast in eternal night, while
others experience traditional days. Perpetual sum-
mer can invigorate one region, while the adjacent
land is locked in winter frost.
There is no consistent way to track hours, days,
or years in the Wildes, and since fey are immortal,
most don’t see a need to do so. The average faerie
is consumed entirely by the present moment and
has trouble even comprehending the idea of time.
Speaking to a fey about past events often devolves
into frustration since they have no internal clocks
and little capacity for long-term memory. If a fey
says something happened “yesterday,” it might
be referring to an event that happened in the last
century or just a few minutes ago. Similarly, the
100
majority have trouble comprehending the concept
of a future and rarely retain information that isn’t
relevant beyond “tomorrow.”
Biological commitment to the present makes it
nearly impossible for fey to record the past, which
is why no written history of the Wildes exists. Only
the most dedicated faerie creatures can remember
the past and learn from it to plan for the future.
This unique ability to wield knowledge is one of
the reasons common fey are drawn to follow these
potent beings.
Have you ever tried to walk into a library
and find a primary source of information from the
fey? I have, and the summary of the experience is:
there simply aren’t any.
It is mind-boggling that the entire realm can
go thousands of years without writing a single
letter, diary, or any other kind of historical record .
If you think writing a paper on the fey would be a
useful experience, think again.
Magic
Fey are creatures born of magic with an intuitive
understanding of its intricacies. Unlike mortals, fey
require no training to use or control the magical ener-
gies of the world. Also, unlike mortals, fey are limited
in their magical potential; a faerie’s innate magic
capabilities do not grow or change with experience.
Fey can learn and cast spells as mortal mages do, but
most lack the self-discipline necessary to use such
methods.
In the Wildes, magic is an ever-present natural
force similar to air or gravity in the Mortal Realm.
Drawing on the world’s magic is second nature to the
fey and is typically done without thought. A faerie
projects its will into the world and knows the Wildes
will eventually cause it to manifest. All creatures
in the Wildes can use environmental magic in this
way, though an individual fey’s power is measured
by the speed and scale at which changes manifest.
Environmental magic is much more difficult for fey to
use in other realms, so they are forced to rely mostly
on innate abilities when far from home.
 Chapter 3: Faerie Realm

Creatures
WISDOM
of the Wildes OF THE WILDES
Few individuals have managed to survive
Thousands of different types of fey exist in the world,
the alien world of the Wildes, but those
and most of them are born in the Wildes. True fey (mon-
who have strictly adhered to the rules of
sters with the fey creature type) make up most of the
the realm. A catastrophic string of trial
realm’s population, but all manner of other creatures
and error has revealed the following wis-
have found ways to adapt to life among the faeries.
dom for any mortals brave (or desperate)
This section provides information about the most com-
enough to travel in the faerie realm.
mon types of fey living in the Wildes and touches on
some of the other creatures that call the realm home.
• From hour to hour, the landscape
of the Wildes twists and shifts
dramatically. Expect nothing to be
Archfey solid or certain.
Archfey are beings capable of drawing awesome
• The only way to reach a destination
is to plot your path and never change
amounts of raw power from the magic that flows
direction. You must continue straight
through the world. Only a handful of archfey are cur-
ahead, no matter what stands in your
rently operating in the Wildes, and they are all difficult
way. Even the slightest deviation
to find. Environmental magic surges around these
from your path may find you lost
beings, causing their moods and whims to reshape
forever.
the realm at alarming speeds. It is dangerous for any
creature to be around a single archfey, and disaster
• Falling asleep in the Wildes is one of
the most dangerous things you can do.
inevitably follows a meeting between two archfey.
Denizens of the realm love to inhabit
Most archfey are ancient, born when the Wildes
the dreams of their victims, causing
first sprung into existence. Thousands of years of
them to wander off in a stupor to
accumulated knowledge coupled with the chaotic
their deaths. If you must sleep, have
way magic spins around them easily makes them the
a companion actively watch you, or
most powerful kind of fey.
disaster is sure to strike.
• All food and drink in the area can
Changelings lead to death or enchantment.
Magic touches all flora and fauna.
Mortal creatures are physiologically incompatible with
Consumption may give everlasting life,
the nature of the Wildes. For example, the faerie realm
grant magical powers, or cause instant
doesn’t have time, but mortal creatures are constantly
death. Whatever the result, it always
aging, so a mortal creature in the Wildes introduces an
comes at a steep price.
element of paradox. Whenever such paradoxes occur,
the environmental magic of the realm is triggered
• Fey are obsessed with politeness
and etiquette. It is possible to escape
as it attempts to correct the paradox. Changelings
a horrible situation if you display
result from this environmental magic attempting to
enough charm to impress one of these
transform a mortal into a more acceptable creature.
beings. Of course, if they like you, they
Mortals who remain in the Wildes for too long
might adopt you as a pet, consort, or
without magical protection eventually transform
whatever they please. It is generally
into changelings. Changelings are not true fey,
better to avoid them at all costs.
but they manifest some magical traits and usually
develop faerie-like physical characteristics. The
• Never accept anything from a faerie.
Refuse anything they hand you
transformation, however, makes it impossible for
and try not to take anything. Even
changelings to ever return to the Mortal Realm.
plucking a flower might indebt you to
The number of changelings in the Wildes
someone.
fluctuates as fey attitudes toward mortalkind warm
or sour, but there is always a healthy scattering
• Speaking the name of a fey aloud
will certainly draw their attention,
throughout the realm. Adopting (some might say
for better or worse (usually worse).
abducting) a mortal creature and allowing it to
transform into a changeling is the easiest way for
fey to have “children” of their own, so it is still
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Chapter 3: Faerie Realm
widely practiced throughout the realm. Due to their
mercurial natures and dislike of responsibility,
a fey’s infatuation with parenthood rarely lasts,
putting the changeling in a precarious position.
Lucky changelings might be granted employment in
their parent fey’s home or simply cut loose to find
their way. Unlucky changelings may find themselves
imprisoned, eaten, or used as target practice.
Mortals who become lost in the Wildes eventually
become changelings. Still, without a fey guardian
to watch them, these mortals rarely survive long
enough to experience any noticeable signs of
transformation.
PREVENTING
TRANSFORMATION
A mortal creature who remains in the
Wildes for 7 consecutive mortal days
transforms into a changeling and can no
longer leave the faerie realm by mundane
or magical means. Any length of time
spent in the Mortal Realm or areas
warded against the environmental magic
of the Wildes immediately reverses any
progress toward transformation and
resets the 7-day timer. Once a creature
completes the transformation, nothing
short of a wish spell or similarly powerful
magic can restore the creature to its
former state.
If adventurers anticipate a long stay in
the Wildes or find themselves stuck in the
faerie realm, there are several methods
they can use to ward against the effects of
transformation:
• Characters under the effects of spells
like arcanist’s magic aura, nondetection,
or similar magical effects that interfere
with divination magic are warded
against transformation for the duration
of the spell.
• Any fey creature capable of casting at
least one spell can provide a charm to
ward a creature against transformation
for 3 mortal days, typically in exchange
for a small favor.
• A creature who receives a kiss freely
given by a changeling is warded against
transformation for 7 days, after which
they cannot be warded again in the same
manner for 1 year.
102
Discarded changelings who manage to escape often
seek out others who have been transformed. Small
communities of changelings are found across the
Wildes; changeling-founded villages are rumored to
exist somewhere In-Between.
Sovereign Court
Members
At least half the fey currently residing in the Wildes
are members of a sovereign fey court, though that
percentage increases with each passing season. There
are currently seven sovereign courts squabbling
to decide how fey should react to the encroaching
Mortal Realm. Each has radically different ideas about
how to combat the shrinking of the Wildes.
Unaligned Fey
True fey who aren’t aligned with any sovereign
courts make up the rest of the Wildes population.
Unaligned fey live in the In-Between lands, not
beholden to any kind of authority. Unaligned fey
mostly include beast-like fey incapable of living in
the civilization offered by the courts, but they also
represent communities of intelligent beings unwill-
ing to or uninterested in committing to the agendas
of the sovereign courts.
MORTALS
IN THE WILDES
While it is more difficult for mortals to
live in the Wildes than for true fey, some
successfully do so.
Most mortals currently living in the
Wildes are found in lands under the control
of one of the sovereign courts. Mortal
creatures who swear allegiance to one of
the sovereign courts are granted a measure
of faerie power (see “Templates” in chapter
6). While mortals retain these powers,
they are warded against the changeling
transformation.
Other mortals living in the faerie
realm reside in areas warded against
the environmental magic of the Wildes.
Archfey dwellings (see “Exploring
Neutral Ground” for more information)
are such places, and clever travelers have
left a scattering of hidden safehouses
across the realm.
 Chapter 3: Faerie Realm

given or services rendered must always be repaid with

Life in the something of equivalent value. In the Wildes, this

Faerie Realm agreement goes without saying, so visitors unfamiliar

with faerie customs often find themselves indebted
to fey before they realize what’s happening.
Daily life in the Wildes varies widely based on where Trades made in the Wildes may seem like a routine
a creature lives. Fey who reside in the sovereign conversation to an uninformed observer, but the
courts or serve one of the archfey are accountable creatures involved must follow a specific process
to the commands of others, and their lives are based that magically binds them to one another.
around this structure. Creatures who live In-Between To initiate a trade, a fey must first present what
are beholden to no one, and free to do anything they they are willing to offer. Presenting can be as simple
wish among the untamed wilderness. as holding out an object or as complicated as reading
Despite the different lifestyles available to the off a list of services the fey is capable of performing.
denizens of the realm, there are some universal If the fey wants immediate payment for their offer-
cultural rules followed by all faerie kind. This section ing, they must then state what they expect in return.
explores several generalizations that apply to beings If the fey does not state payment, it is assumed the
everywhere in the realm. other party will owe them a favor to be called in
at a later date. A faerie does not have to state their
Languages expectation of a favor, but they must answer truth-
fully if the other party asks about their intentions.
The environmental magic of the Wildes makes com-
munication easier than in other realms. All creatures
born in the faerie realm understand the Sylvan
language, even if they cannot verbally communicate.
Native creatures who can speak know the Sylvan
language from the moment they are
born. Fey who routinely travel to other
realms (like archfey and sovereign
courtiers) or frequently deal with
mortals often learn the Common lan-
guage. For the list of languages spoken
across the Planes, see the “Standard
Languages of the Mortal Realm” section
in chapter 2.
Even if a creature does not speak
Sylvan, they can eventually be under-
stood by spending enough time in the
Wildes. Mortal creatures with at least a
day’s progress toward the changeling
transformation can understand and
be understood by all creatures who
speak Sylvan (regardless of the lan-
guage they are actually speaking).

Currency
There is no official currency in
the Wildes, and most fey have
little interest or need for money.
The realm provides its denizens
with all the resources fey need
to survive, but on the occasions
faerie kind wants something
the Wildes can’t provide, they
exchange favors. Among the fey,
it is universally accepted that gifts
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Chapter 3: Faerie Realm
Once the offer is presented and any necessary
expectations declared, the other party must consent
to be part of the trade. Consent can be given verbally
or with a nonverbal gesture that implies consent
(like a nod or picking up an offered object). Creatures
cannot provide consent if they are under the effects
of an enchantment or under the influence of any
magical effects that interfere with their willpower.
Decorum
Most regions of the Wildes do not have official laws,
but every fey observes the rules of decorum. Faerie
decorum has a bevy of complicated intricacies
and nuance, but in general, decorum boils down
to an obligation to meet or exceed the same level
of respect shown to you. If a creature fails to meet
the level of respect shown to them, a fey is free to
treat the offender however they wish. Since fey
individually determine what they regard is or is not
an appropriate level of respect, observing the rules
of decorum can be nightmarishly difficult. Though
they are bound to offend the occasional faerie, polite
visitors have a far better chance of surviving in the
Wildes than mean-spirited ones.
Social Hierarchy
There is no overarching government or financial
power structure that dictates a faerie’s role in the
Wildes, but all fey respect a social hierarchy based
on power. Fey instinctively sense how dangerous
other creatures are and respond accordingly. Even
the rudest of pixies is wise enough to avoid picking
a fight with a level-20 adventurer or to bow before a
monarch of the sovereign courts.
RELIGION
IN THE WILDES
Religion is a bizarre concept to most
creatures in the Wildes. In a culture where
everything must be traded for something,
the concept of faith seems ridiculous at
best and criminal at worst. Fey capacity for
memory is also fractured, so maintaining
continual belief in a god they cannot
regularly see is nigh impossible.
Instead of worshipping distant celestial
beings, fey do sometimes worship more
powerful fey. This worship, however, is
more like the way a person might adore a
celebrity or politician.
104
DIFFERENT TYPES
OF FAVORS
The intricacies of faerie favors are ex-
tremely complicated and far beyond the
rational grasp of mortal creatures. A fey
who accepts a favor as payment is the
ultimate arbitrator of how big a favor it is
and what is reasonable to expect of the
creature who owes it. Faeries have a great
deal of room to interpret the values and
expectations of their own favors (which
is why they are so valuable), but even the
most hard-bargaining fey is magically
compelled to keep their expectations
within reason. Whenever the value of a
favor is decided, it typically falls into one
of these three categories.
Small Favor – When a fey trades
something they perceive as having little
to no value or performs a service that
requires only a minor inconvenience, it
is reasonable to expect a small favor in
return. Small favors can be called in to
perform tasks that aren’t (obviously)
dangerous like delivering a message,
finding an ingredient, or acting as a date to
a fancy party. Small favors cannot be used
to demand tasks that take an excessively
long time or intentionally cause harm to
another creature.
Big Favor – When a fey trades
something they perceive as valuable or
performs a service that requires moderate
time or effort, it is reasonable to expect a
big favor in return. Big favors can be called
in to perform dangerous or laborious tasks
the fey perceives to be within the power
of the creature involved in the trade. Such
favors might include questing to find a
magic item, entering a duel on the fey’s
behalf, or cleaning a castle with only a
toothbrush. Big favors cannot be used to
demand tasks that are unending or almost
guaranteed to result in death.
Debt – When a fey trades something
they perceive as valuable beyond compare
or performs a service that uncontestably
saves a life, it is reasonable to expect a
debt in return. Debts can be called in
to perform any task short of those that
would reverse any effects of the gift that
initially garnered the debt.
 Chapter 3: Faerie Realm

Fey in general resent authority, so less powerful

fey are ironically drawn to find and serve more
powerful fey. In exchange for loyalty, a powerful fey
can offer an increase in status and protection. That
same rude pixie may choose to serve an archfey
master so they have no more reason to grovel before
adventurers or monarchs.

Exploring
Neutral Ground
The following sections detail regions of the Wildes
not under the control of the sovereign courts and
give information useful for creating adventures in
each location.

In-Between
The lands that sit between the demesnes of the
sovereign courts and the dwellings of the archfey
are collectively called the In-Between. When a trav-
eler first enters the Wildes, they are likely to step
into the In-Between before encountering any other
region of the realm. While demesnes and dwellings
are relatively fixed, the In-Between constantly
rearranges its landscape, causing unprepared visi-
tors to become lost. If the erratic geography wasn’t
dangerous enough, In-Between is also stalked by
predatory fey unwilling or unable to live in any of
the sovereign courts.
There are friendly faerie folk and interesting
locations to be found In-Between, but adventurers
who intend to find them become intimately familiar
with how the realm became named the Wildes in
the first place.

Arrnie , Sawyeh, Rem, and I went into the faerie

realm together, and damn am I ever grateful
that we had a guide: Raaaaaandy, who was
a horse formally known as Braaaaaandy. I’ll
never forget this vital rule as long as I live: while
traveling through the Wildes, always hold the
idea of your destination in mind and never veer
off course . There are fates worse than death that
await a lost traveler in the Wildes.

105
Chapter 3: Faerie Realm
Random Encounters
Traveling In-Between is always a surreal experience
filled with encounters that can swing from charming
to terrifying in an instant. Encounters in the faerie
realm are unique and often better solved with wit
than with brawn. Included here are a collection of
random encounters a party might experience when
traveling In-Between. Use these encounters as writ-
ten or allow them to inspire similar situations that
may arise in the Wildes.
In-Between Random Encounters
d10 Encounter
1 Pixie War
2 Lady of the Lake
3 The Carver
4 Goat Trio
5 Mushroom Abomination
6 Twilight Ball
7 Duel for Love
8 Sheer Cliff
9 Noble Beast
10 Corridor of Doors
PIXIE WAR
The party comes upon a gnarled wooden hollow
where two rival pixie families are locked in a heated
territory dispute.
The characters can choose to help one side win
the fight, potentially earning a big favor from the
chosen family. Alternatively, the characters can try to
convince the pixies to reach a peaceful agreement, or
abstain from getting involved, which may draw the
ire of both families.
LADY OF THE LAKE
The characters come upon a large lake veiled in mist
with a single rowboat tied at its edge.
If the party refuses to use the rowboat and
swims in the lake, the fey who dwells in it becomes
offended. The fey causes groups of giant octopi,
plesiosaurus, or water elementals (or whatever
CR-appropriate aquatic monsters you choose) to
attack until all characters are out of the water. If the
characters do not apologize for their behavior, the
fey conjures a creature to attack the party whenever
they approach a lake, pond, well, or large puddle for
the rest of the time they remain in the Wildes.
If the party uses the rowboat to cross the lake or
finds another way to cross without swimming in the
106
water, a fey who dwells in the lake appears and asks
the party to name the bravest warrior among them.
If there is a clear candidate, she gives the character
a magic weapon (the sword Rovanel in chapter 5 is a
good choice for this) and commands the warrior to
“wield the sword in the Lady’s name.”
THE CARVER
The characters find the cabin of a noble lord who
became a changeling when he was trapped in the
Wildes. The lord is now compelled to create wooden
statues of the creatures he meets. There are wooden
statues of his past work surrounding the cabin. He
demands one of the characters sit for him to carve
their likeness into a new statue before allowing them
to pass on.
If the characters refuse to have someone sit for
the carving, after asking repeatedly the carver grows
angry, and some of the statues come to life and
attack the characters (use the statistics of awakened
trees, animated armor, or any other CR-appropriate
monster you choose).
If the characters allow the carver to do his work,
they must remain with the carver for three hours.
The character who models for the carver gains the
ability to cast barkskin at will while they remain in
the Wildes.
GOAT TRIO
The party encounters a twilight clearing ringed by the
ruins of an amphitheater, where three bipedal goat
folks are conducting a choir rehearsal.
If the characters politely watch the rehearsal, the
goats (whose names are Moxie, Doxie, and Puddles)
are delighted, and the characters may move on
without further harassment.
If the characters try to sneak by and are caught, the
goat creatures are appalled by the party’s rudeness.
Characters who are caught sneaking away sprout
donkey ears and can only make braying sounds (no
speech) as long as they remain in the Wildes or until
they are cured by a remove curse spell or similar magic.
MUSHROOM ABOMINATION
The party stumbles upon a large field of mushrooms
sprouted amid tall rainbow grass. While crossing the
field, the party is attacked by an abomination that can
move underneath the grass (use the statistics of an
ankheg, a bulette, or any other CR-appropriate monster
with a burrowing speed). The creature may have been a
humanoid once, but it has been poisoned and twisted
by consuming the mushrooms that grow here.
TWILIGHT BALL
A beautiful outdoor dance floor appears in the middle
of a clearing. Ghostly music comes from all around

the scene while bobbing, multicolored fireflies
illuminate the unearthly fey couples who twirl about
the grove. A stunning masked fey asks one of the
characters to dance.
If a character accepts the offer, they must attempt
a Charisma (Performance) check to appease the
fey (set a level-appropriate DC for this check). If a
character fails this check, they are ensorcelled by
Chapter 3: Faerie Realm
the dance and can only be freed by another party
member succeeding on the check.
If all the characters refuse the dance, each party
member is suddenly compelled to dance wildly for
10 minutes while the fey attendees ruthlessly mock
the foolish characters. As the effect fades, so does
the scene, leaving the characters standing in an
abandoned grove, each with one level of exhaustion.
107
Chapter 3: Faerie Realm
DUEL FOR LOVE
The party stumbles upon two bedraggled humanoids
arguing with each other in rhyming couplets.
Looking around the clearing reveals a fey is sitting
in a tree overlooking the scene. She has ensorcelled
the two humanoids to fight for her love via a bizarre
contest.
If the characters interfere with the fight, or if
the fey notices their presence, the most attractive
character in the party must succeed on a Wisdom
saving throw or become the next dueling partner
(set a level-appropriate DC for this saving throw).
The two combatants in the duel take turns saying
an insulting couplet. The first combatant who does
not successfully fire back a rhyme in an acceptable
amount of time (or the couplet is not adequately
insulting) loses the duel and falls prone to the
ground paralyzed, and a new combatant is immedi-
ately chosen. (Use your discretion to referee these
rules accordingly.)
The duel is over when no more combatants
fall to the charm, and the fey retreats to her tree,
freeing any paralyzed combatants and allowing the
characters to pass.
SHEER CLIFF
The party encounters a sheer cliff face that stretches
into the sky until it is obscured by a veil of mist,
making it impossible to tell how high the wall is.
Sitting before them at the base of the cliff is a fallen
chunk of stone supporting a rusty tin bucket. The
bucket contains a few copper coins, a couple pieces
of green glass, a balled-up paper wrapper, and an
acorn.
Placing a coin in the bucket allows a character to fly
with the following conditions:
• Placing 1 cp in the bucket allows the
character to fly one-third of the way up the
cliff face before the effect ends, causing the
character to fall 30 feet.
• Placing 1 sp in the bucket allows the
character to fly two-thirds of the way up the
cliff face before the effect ends, causing the
character to fall 60 feet.
• Placing 1 gp in the bucket allows the
character to fly all the way to the top, making
it through the mist safely.
• Placing a gem or valuable piece of jewelry in
the bucket grants the character the continual
effect of the fly spell for as long as they are
within the Wildes.
If a character has wings, has other means to fly, or
casts their own fly spell, when they reach the layer
of mist, they cannot seem to find a way out of it, and
they are unable to find the top of the cliff.
108
NOBLE BEAST
The party encounters one of the greater beasts of
the Wildes, an awakened beast that has grown to
enormous size. The beast politely asks the characters
for help with a simple task.
If the characters assist, the beast provides
directions, helpful information, or even a magical
reward (at the DM’s discretion). If the characters
refuse, the beast is annoyed by their rudeness, and
the characters are cursed with disadvantage on their
next three saving throws. If the characters attempt
to engage the beast in combat, the beast attempts to
run away.
Some examples of noble beasts and their problems:
• Lizardo needs help moving his rock to a
sunnier spot (he is too cold to push it).
• Bearthalamew is attempting to open a door
but can’t turn the knob without thumbs.
• Lionel has a thorn stuck in his paw and needs
help removing it.
CORRIDOR OF DOORS
The party comes upon a grove of trees that have
doors in them. Sounds of laughter and music can be
heard from behind each door.
This is the corridor of doors fey use to teleport
themselves to parties happening all over the
Wildes. Each door leads to a different region where
the denizens are celebrating something different.
If a character steps through one of these doors, the
DM determines if they can return to the corridor or if
they are now stuck wherever they land.
Dwellings
Without protective measures, an archfey’s mere
presence can wreak havoc on the landscape as the
realm’s environmental magic twists to accommo-
date their whims and moods. To prevent constant
reshuffling of the realm, an archfey can twist the
threads of magic to cordon off a small area to
contain their magical influence. These areas, called
“dwellings,” are well-guarded sanctums where
an archfey spends the majority of their time and
is at their most powerful. Maintaining a dwelling
requires a constant stream of magical energy, so
archfey who stay away for too long risk having
their dwelling collapse or swallowed up by one of
the sovereign court demesnes (see “Exploring the
Sovereign Courts” later in the section for more
information on demesnes).
Each dwelling is unique, its appearance, size, and
shape determined by the personality of the arch-
fey who created it. Unlike demesnes, dwellings do
not shrink or expand in size, though their interior
terrain can shift in response to its archfey’s moods

and desires. Most dwellings cannot be entered
or exited without permission, so any creatures
who live in a dwelling are the servants, friends, or
prisoners of the ruling archfey.
Designing a Dwelling
The environment and appearance of a dwelling can
vary widely based on the personality of the archfey
who created it. When creating a dwelling, start by
deciding the characteristics of its archfey ruler, then
choose some flavorful environmental features that
reflect those characteristics.
Included here are a collection of themes to help you
create new dwellings. Use these themes as written
or allow them to inspire similar decisions about the
dwellings your party encounters.
Dwelling Themes
d8 Theme
The ruling archfey is obsessed with a specific
genre of literature. Their dwelling is filled with
1 areas modeled after locations from books, and
wandering servants are compelled to act out
their favorite scenes.
The ruling archfey is convinced that candy is
everyone’s favorite thing. Their realm is made
2
entirely out of different types of candy, and the
creatures trapped there are sick of eating it.
The ruling archfey resembles a burrowing
3 creature. Their dwelling is a burrow of twisting
tunnels and caverns formed from packed earth.
The ruling archfey is emotionally distraught
following a nasty breakup. Their dwelling is a
4 faerie, two usually spring to mind: the
gloomy swamp filled with grumpy creatures
eager to pick a fight.
The ruling archfey is afflicted by an enduring
bout of hiccups. Their realm is filled with
5
structures made of bubbles and is routinely
rocked by earthquakes.
The ruling archfey is tiny. Their dwelling is
6 the interior of a doll’s house, complete with
awakened toy servants.
The ruling archfey has grown bored with life
and is trying to spice things up. Their realm
is the scene of an unending masquerade
7
ball filled with illusory guests, entertainers,
and performers partaking in all manner of
debauchery.
The ruling archfey longs for peace and quiet.
8 Their dwelling is a simple countryside farm,
which the fey attends to all by themselves.
Chapter 3: Faerie Realm
Exploring the
Sovereign Courts
As the ever-expanding Mortal Realm continues
to eat away at the diminishing Wildes, fey have
been forced to find a way to combat impending
extinction. Seven sovereign courts currently lead
the effort to preserve the faerie realm, each with
radically different ideas on how to combat the
mounting mortal threat.
Each sovereign court controls an area of the
Wildes (called a “demesne”) populated with
members united by a shared perspective of how
the world should be shaped to best represent the
interests of faerie kind. The power of a court is
entirely dependent on the strength of its members,
so as more individuals join, it becomes collectively
stronger. While fey creatures are not typically
fond of any form of organization, even the most
stubborn creatures have begun to feel the effects
of their shrinking realm, and pledging to one of the
sovereign courts is the easiest way to do something
to stop it.
The seven sovereign courts detailed in this
chapter currently represent the faerie realm’s
best hope of survival—if they manage to stop
squabbling with one another long enough to take
decisive action.
WHY SEVEN COURTS?
When most people think of the courts of
winter (sometimes known as gloaming)
and summer courts. Instead of limiting
the realm of faerie to just two factions,
the world of Venture Maidens has seven,
with the potential for even more to claw
their way to power.
Fey are changeable and messy creatures
who rarely fit the mold of one thing
or another, so of course their factions
should constantly shift, change, squabble,
and compete for control over the realm.
With that penchant for chaos in mind,
new sovereign courts are appearing and
disappearing all the time. The seven
sovereign courts we cover here are by no
means an exhaustive list of existing faerie
factions, but they happen to be the most
influential currently in play.
109
Chapter 3: Faerie Realm
Court Hierarchy
While the members of each court have little in com-
mon with one another, the hierarchies of each are
similar enough to generalize.
Vassals
Vassals compose the largest percentage of court
members. Villagers, soldiers, and supporters fall
into this category. Little is required of vassals
beyond enthusiasm and loyalty to the monarch.
Occasionally, vassals may be commanded to
fight or pay tribute on behalf of the court, but
monarchs who abuse this power risk losing
popularity.
Courtiers
Courtiers make up a much smaller percentage of
court members than vassals, but they are much
more instrumental in court activities. Courtiers
are typically powerful fey, hand-picked by the
monarch to serve as their agents and emissaries.
Since monarchs risk losing popularity whenever
they leave court, the courtiers are the mes-
sengers, knights, diplomats, and generals that
represent a court’s interests in the world.
WHAT IS A DEMESNE?
Each sovereign fey court controls a
demesne, which is a unique kind of realm
found within the larger realm of the
Wildes. Like the realms of the Planes,
a demesne fluctuates in size and shape
based on the collective willpower of its
denizens. Sovereign courts with many
vassals have large expanses of the Wildes
incorporated in their demesne, while
courts with few vassals control scattered
pockets of land. Lands that are part of
the same demesne do not have to be
geographically next to one another, so
regions of a particular demesne can be
encountered wherever communities of
vassals live in the Wildes.
Whenever an area comes under
the control of a demesne, the land
transforms to match the universal
properties found in the other regions
of that demesne. Each sovereign court
section in this chapter describes how
an area transforms when it becomes
incorporated into its demesne.
110
Monarchs
One fey in each court is granted the mantle of
monarch and all the extraordinary power that
comes with it. Monarchs are chosen by a process
similar to the way realms shrink or expand in the
Planes—groups are responsible for choosing which
fey receives the mantle. If the majority of the
members in a court believe a certain fey should be
the monarch, they become it. If faith in the ruling
monarch begins to waver, the mantle passes to a
more popular fey. A faerie cannot refuse the mantle
of monarch or prevent it from leaving them, so
creatures interested in holding their office must
spend a significant amount of time maintaining their
popularity. The most successful monarchs rarely
leave court, often spend time with their people, and
frequently host celebratory events.
Blossom Court
The Blossom Court draws power from plant life and
is associated with spring, abundance, and growth.
Citizens of this court embody the beauty and
tenacity of plants. These fey have a talent for creeping
into the hearts and minds of others and taking
permanent root.
Demesne
Lands held by the Blossom Court transform into
expanses of verdant jungle and exquisite gardens.
Manufactured structures are rare, but the few that
exist resemble sprawling greenhouses built from
colored glass. Visitors to the realm are unlikely to
find towns or cities, but polite travelers can garner
hospitality from the communities of vassals dotted
throughout the region. These communities are
usually comprised of ten to twenty like-minded
creatures who work together to maintain a patch
of land. Such patches are always unique since they
reflect the values of the community that cares for
them. Adventurers who travel through the blossom
realm on foot can expect to rapidly pass through
orchards, succulent gardens, hedge mazes, and
more as they move from patch to patch.
 Once upon a
distant time

I dreamed
something most
sublime

As I strolled
along my way

Admiring the
lovely day

I saw an
exquisite rose

And lifted it to
my nose

So enthralling
was the scent

I left behind the

present

Swept up in a
kind of trance

Where petals
began to dance

And the
blossoms spoke
in rhyme

Of a world cast
out of time

Quickly the spell

was complete

But my heart still

starts to beat

As if played by a
drummer

Recalling endless
summer

The Blossom Court

Chapter 3: Faerie Realm
Members
The members of the Blossom Court often take on
plantlike appearances, and it is not uncommon
for individuals to sprout living specimens from
their skin. Sentient plant creatures make up
a large portion of the citizenry. Creatures like
awakened trees, shambling mounds, tachinids,
treants, and magnophyta are right at home in the
Blossom Court.
Goals and Motivation
The Blossom Court would prefer to see the world
covered in a blanket of green, free from the pock-
marks of civilization. They regard most creatures
(particularly humanoids) as stains upon the natural
world and generally agree such beings would be
best ripped up at the root. Despite this aggressive
viewpoint, the Blossom Court is rarely openly
hostile to outsiders. Though an overgrown garden
seems chaotic at a glance, the internal structure of
each plant is orderly and rigid in its patterns. The
fixed laws and precise measures that dictate plant
growth are mimicked in the actions of Blossom
Court members. Above all things, the Blossom
Court believes there is a correct procedure that
should be followed for every task, otherwise it
shouldn’t be done. Such philosophies mean court
members rarely take hasty action, cannot be made
to rush, and are impossible to argue with once they
have made up their minds. In contrast, they are also
patient, tenacious, and more rational than members
of the other courts.
The Blossom Court
View of Other Courts
The Blossom Court generally views the other
courts as brutish and petulant. The other courts
tend to view the Blossom Court as impotent
and vain.
Court of the Winds. “So obnoxious even the
ground won’t have them.”
Forest Court. “Ill-tempered children obsessed
with pretending they’re more than mangy
beasts.”
Heavenly Court. “If they love the stars so
much, why don’t they just move there already.”
Sleeping Court. “Lazy, but oddly charming.”
Slithering Court. “Despicable, but at least
they’re honest about it.”
Withered Court. “Everything they do is ugly
and sad. What’s the point?”
112
Court of the Winds
The Court of the Winds draws power from the sky
and is associated with birds, wind, and storms.
Citizens of this court drift freely through life, and
their moods are as changeable as the weather. These
fey cherish freedom, and appealing to this passion
can win a fierce ally.
Demesne
Lands held by the Court of the Winds transform into
expanses of sunset skies and mountain ranges of diz-
zying height. Only visitors capable of flight can reach
the floating cities and community roosts where these
fey live and hold court. Each structure in the realm,
whether cloud-top palace or rocky spire, is designed
as a purely functional place for citizens to rest. There
is little artistry or decoration to these locations since
these fey are single-mindedly preoccupied with
returning as soon as possible to soaring the wide
expanses of open sky.
Members
Members of the Court of the Winds are typically
winged with graceful features. Living far above
solid ground attracts primarily bird-like creatures
and beings tied to the element of air. Creatures like
djinni, sprites, cloud giants, griffons, and rocs are
right at home in the Court of the Winds.
Goals and Motivation
The Court of the Winds rarely schemes or plans, but
the moment they feel infringed upon, they react
with swift and violent action. If the court feels any
measure of their freedom is violated (or if they
suspect it might be) it neutralizes the threat by the
most direct and excessive means possible. Once
the threat is passed, they return to enjoying their
way of life, caring for little else beyond the present
moment. Citizens of the court are bound together
only by their mutual agreement that they should be
allowed to do whatever they please, so beyond col-
lective vigilance and preservation the court doesn’t
demand anything of its people. This individualistic

culture means that court members tend toward
selfishness and hypersensitivity, and they rebel
against any kind of real or perceived expectation
placed on them. In contrast, they are accepting,
honest, and easier to get along with than members
of the other courts.
The Court of the Winds
View of Other Courts
The Court of the Winds generally doesn’t think
about the other courts unless they suspect one
is plotting against them. The other courts tend
to view the Court of the Winds as childish and
disorganized but are wary of how dangerous it
is when provoked.
Blossom Court. “Living proof that putting
down roots makes you miserable.”
Forest Court. “We are always happy to speak
to our winged forest brethren…as long as they
leave their politics on the ground.”
Heavenly Court. “Busy-minded schemers
obsessed with things out of their reach.”
Sleeping Court. “Generally delightful.
Their dreams let us fly even when asleep.”
Slithering Court. “We could not have less
in common with creatures that infest dark
caverns and sewers.”
Withered Court. “Preachy old popsicles.”
Forest Court
The forest court draws power from animal life and
is associated with beasts, natural balance, and
primal power. Citizens of this court embrace the
wildness within them and righteously uphold the
laws of the natural world. These fey are always
ready to fight for their beliefs and welcome all who
will battle beside them.
Chapter 3: Faerie Realm
Demesne
Realms held by the Forest Court transform into vast
stretches of wilderness with abundant animal popula-
tions. Different biomes are scattered throughout the
region to support a myriad of animal populations, but
visitors can always find an ancient forest at the court’s
center. A sprawling city of wood and stone rests in this
central forest, and it is there that the greater beasts
meet to discuss strategies and concerns. Violence is
forbidden inside the city, but everywhere else is ruled
only by the laws of the jungle, and adventurers rarely
make it past the hordes of wild beasts.
Members
The members of the Forest Court often have animal
characteristics or no humanoid features whatsoever.
Enormous sentient animals called “greater beasts”
make up a large portion of the citizenry, and each
represents the interests of the common beasts that
share its species. Creatures like awakened beasts,
centaurs, blink dogs, satyrs, bugbears, were-creatures,
and minotaurs are right at home in the Forest Court.
The Forest Court
View of Other Courts
The Forest Court generally thinks of the other
courts as self-serving factions to be kept in
check. The other courts tend to view the Forest
Court as tiresome meddlers, so they scheme
carefully to avoid its attention.
Blossom Court. “The literal bottom of the food
chain.”
Court of the Winds. “Such potential if they
ever remove their heads from the clouds.”
Heavenly Court. “Sitting around and talking
about the future doesn’t change the future, it
just makes you a hypocrite.”
Sleeping Court. “Buffoons running around with
matches.”
Slithering Court. “A disgrace to fey kind.”
Withered Court. “Powerful warriors wasted by
their own melancholy.”
Goals and Motivation
The Forest Court are the self-appointed guardians of
the natural world. Since the Forest Court is so tied to
the welfare of beasts, they are more concerned with
the activities of mortals than any other court (aside
perhaps from the Slithering Court). Creatures from any
plane can beseech the Forest Court for aid, and it will
rally its forces to combat whatever magics, people, or
fey are responsible for upsetting the natural balance.
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Chapter 3: Faerie Realm
This culture of stewardship means these fey are quick
to judge, brutally decisive, and untrusting of creatures
different than themselves. In contrast, they are fiercely
loyal, put the needs of others before their own, and are
more likely to lend assistance than the other courts.
Heavenly Court
The Heavenly Court draws power from the cosmos
and is associated with stars, the ocean, and fate.
Citizens of this court read the patterns of the uni-
verse and use this information to accomplish their
inscrutable agendas. The fey of this court are few,
but they possess remarkable power and are usually
willing to share it, for a price.
Demesne
Lands held by the Heavenly Court transform into
pockets of seclusion, eternally cast in the transitory
moments of twilight. Members of this court typically
live alone, so pockets of this demesne may take the
forms of hidden groves surrounding solitary towers,
moonlit isles crowned by crumbling palaces, or clifftop
observatories overlooking the seaside. Visitors are
unlikely to stumble across these isolated areas by coin-
cidence, so their denizens are usually curious enough
to extend hospitality to creatures who seek them out.
Members
The members of the Heavenly Court are often ethereal
in appearance, and some appear as conglomerates of
pure starlight. Tracking and deciphering the patterns
of the universe requires a certain level of academic
commitment rarely found among fey, which contrib-
utes to this court’s small population. The beings who
do commit to the court are, however, more cunning
than most and typically possess a dangerous affinity
for the arcane arts. Creatures like dragons, druids,
hags, mages, nagas, and merfolk are likely candidates
to be members of the Heavenly Court.
Goals and Motivation
The Heavenly Court examines the patterns of the
universe, hunting for weaknesses to exploit. Its
114
members work to identify key people and events
in the tapestry of fate, then subtly manipulate
them to their advantage. Perhaps more than any
other beings in the Planes, the Heavenly Court sees
the potential power in orchestrating the ebb and
flow of the world’s realms, though they are loath
to share this power with anyone else. Constant
positioning means these fey are enigmatic,
secretive, and dangerously well-informed. When
their interests happen to align with others’, they
are potent allies with an extraordinary wealth of
resources at their disposal.
The Heavenly Court
View of Other Courts
The Heavenly Court generally views the other
courts with indifference, casting them as just
another set of pawns to manipulate on the
cosmic chessboard. The other courts tend to view
the Heavenly Court as paranoid hermits, doomed
to destroy themselves with their own schemes.
Blossom Court. “Embarrassingly predictable.”
Court of the Winds. “Too emotional to be useful.”
Forest Court. “As long as their endless posturing
continues to draw so much attention, they may
continue.”
Sleeping Court. “It is impossible to tell if they
are brilliant, or brilliantly idiotic.”
Slithering Court. “The only worthy opponent in
a den of fools.”
Withered Court. “About as dangerous as a
pebble in one’s shoe. And as annoying.”
Sleeping Court
The Sleeping Court draws power from dreams and
is associated with imagination, night, and secrets.
Citizens of this court embody the bizarre and beauti-
ful truths creatures lock away in their subconscious.
Emissaries of the heavenly court spy on the world below.
Chapter 3: Faerie Realm

These fey speak to the primal parts of the self, often

revealing hidden things thought to be lost.
Demesne
Areas held by the Sleeping Court transform into
secret places full of bizarre contradictions like the
ones found in dreams. Entering the demesne of
the Sleeping Court is typically more complicated
than walking in. Creatures must first find a door
that allows them to enter the space between what
is real and what is true. Passing through such a
door might lead to spiraling voids of darkness or
a river of liquid light. Denizens dwell in childhood
homes, toy boxes, carnival tents, hedge mazes,
crystal castles, and other structures that awaken
sense memory. Visitors are a rare sight in the
sleeping lands, so most of its denizens are happy
to help guests find the doors that open to the next
stop along the path. When traveling in the sleep-
ing lands, it is critical to remember that dreams
often provide the help that is needed, which is not
always the help that is wanted.
Members
The members of the Sleeping Court typically have
exaggerated features that invoke a strong emotional
response from those who see them. Most citizens
of the Sleeping Court possess shapeshifting abili-
ties or humanoid appearances subverted in some
way. Creatures like doppelgangers, ghosts, giants,
sphinxes, and medusas are right at home in the
Sleeping Court.
The Sleeping Court
View of Other Courts
The Sleeping Court has little in common with
the other courts, but its members generally
hope the other courts will tire themselves out,
then everyone can start getting along. The other
sovereign courts tend to dismiss the Sleeping
Court as entirely unthreatening.
Blossom Court. “If they could learn to trust
themselves, they really would flourish.”
Court of the Winds. “When they grow
up a little, they’ll realize it’s nice to have a
responsibility or two.”
Forest Court. “Following one’s heart is
admirable! Though hopefully they’re doing it
for the right reason.”
Heavenly Court. “We don’t want to be there
when they realize total control doesn’t
eliminate the fear.”
Slithering Court. “You can only poison the world
for so long before you start eating poison too.”
Withered Court. “It is good to consider your
destination, but not at the cost of ignoring the
journey.”

Goals and Motivation

The Sleeping Court seeks to create harmony by
unlocking the universal subconscious that links
all beings. The Sleeping Court is the oldest of
the current sovereign courts, but it is the most
removed from their political infighting. Since its
inception thousands of years ago, the members of
the Sleeping Court have used their magic to travel
to other realms to deliver dreams to creatures
across the Planes. Most fey do not require sleep, Slithering Court
and they do not naturally dream, so it is unclear
how or why the Sleeping Court initially took The Slithering Court draws power from fear and
up this mission, but its members are clearly is associated with decay, darkness, and vermin.
passionate about their work. Dedication to such Citizens of this court revel in the grotesque, cham-
a task means these court members are hard to pioning the ugly things the world pretends not
find, often communicate in puzzling ways, and to see. These fey weaponize the fear within other
are impossible to restrain or keep out of even the creatures and openly use it to further their agenda.
most secure locations. Though the fey themselves
are often perplexing, the Sleeping Court is the Demesne
faction most interested in understanding other Lands held by the Slithering Court transform into
points of view and the only ones who see the claustrophobic cavern systems and desolate waste-
possibility of peaceful coexistence with the lands dotted with labyrinthian ruins. Perpetual
Mortal Realm. shadows cloak disturbing scenes and creatures
116
 In dark moments
I recall

A thought that
makes my skin crawl

Memories of
somewhere deep

Filled with things

that writhe
and creep

As I stumble through
the dark

Shadow creatures
howl and bark

Taunting me with
jeering phrase

Claiming I’m trapped

in their maze

Then I reach their

loathsome king

A towering decayed
thing

Whose speech is as
sweet as rot

Filled with sharp

disturbing thought

Then from the vision

I break

Fragments fade
as I awake

But no kind of peace

I find

Shake those
whispers from
my mind

The Slithering Court

Chapter 3: Faerie Realm
waiting to terrify any who dare visit. Adventurers
intent on traveling through this demesne must brave
apocalyptic cityscapes and crawl through slime-slick
sewers, all while weathering the locals’ gleeful
attempts to shock and horrify.
Members
The members of the Slithering Court typically
manifest features common to the grotesque things
they adore like vermin, slime, and mold. Members
of this court embrace ugliness and fearlessly use it
for their benefit, which is an attractive prospect for
widely hated or misunderstood monsters. Creatures
like ettercaps, goblins, mimics, trolls, wererats, and
oozes of all kinds are right at home in the Slithering
Court.
Goals and Motivation
The Slithering Court sees no reason to war
against mortalkind when they are so easily con-
trolled. Members of the Slithering Court do not
fear urban environments as other fey do, which
has allowed them to infiltrate every corner of the
Mortal Realm. Branches of the Slithering Court
maintain a presence in every major settlement
of the Eldrin Empire, building connections to
the Mortal Realm through bribery and fear. Their
mounting success means members of the court
tend toward cruelty and arrogance, but they are
undoubtedly the most fearless and resourceful of
all the courts.
Slithering Court
View of Other Courts
The Slithering Court generally views the other
courts as archaic, too stuck in their ways to have
real vision. The other courts tend to view the
Slithering Court with fear and loathing, though
they would never admit it.
Blossom Court. “Have you ever been scared by
a daisy? Us neither.”
Court of the Winds. “Let the children play
while the adults are away.”
Forest Court. “We liked them better when they
were just a bunch of beasts ready for a good
throat ripping.”
Heavenly Court. “Could be something if they
were willing to dirty their soft little hands.”
Sleeping Court. “Who cares?”
Withered Court. “Scary when they want to be,
in the rare moments they quit moping.”
118
Withered Court
The Withered Court draws power from death and is
associated with winter, reflection, and duty. Citizens
of this court are the grim stewards of dying things
who stoically protect then bury all that must be lost
before new life can begin. These fey are unlike most
others, dedicated wholly to their eternal duty of
honoring the past.
Demesne
Lands held by the Withered Court transform into
stretches of leafless forests and forlorn mausole-
ums blanketed by unending winter. Visitors must
travel across miles of bleak snow-crusted terrain
before reaching the graveyards and temples where
denizens quietly tend to the dead. Few living
things dwell in the demesne, and the denizens are
outnumbered two to one by lonely stone monu-
ments honoring people and events the world has
long forgotten.
Members
Members of the Withered Court typically appear
to be pale, frosty, and drained of vitality. Most
denizens of the Withered Court are hardy enough
to survive harsh environments and used to the
burdens of endless responsibility. Creatures like
deep gnomes, golems, mummies, stone giants,
winter wolves, and wights are right at home in the
Withered Court.
Goals and Motivation
The Withered Court hopes to safeguard the future by
chronicling the mistakes of the past. Members of this
court are the few beings who remember the rapid
rise and fall of realms across the world, preserving
the tragic memories that people of the Planes so
often forget. This fixation on honoring what has come
before is incomprehensible to most fey creatures, so
the Withered Court is often dismissed as cultish and
depressing. No matter how inapproachable the court
members may be, they undoubtedly possess greater
knowledge of the past than any other faction in the
faerie realm or Mortal Realm. Like many lifelong
 Chapter 3: Faerie Realm

academics, the members of the Withered Court can

be reclusive, aloof, and condescending. But unwaver-
ing commitment to their work makes them more
worldly, more respectful, and less selfish than the
members of any other court.

The Withered Court

View of Other Courts

The Withered Court generally views the other

courts as hasty and overly emotional. The other
courts tend to view the Withered Court as
tiresome and fatalistic.
Blossom Court. “Their attempts at decorum are
admirable.”
Court of the Winds. “We concede it may be
difficult to remember much of anything with a
bird-sized brain.”
Forest Court. “Anger does not equate to
substance.”
Heavenly Court. “Knowledge gained should be
knowledge shared. Unless you are a bunch of
scheming villains, of course.”
Sleeping Court. “They don’t have respect for
anything, especially boundaries.”
Slithering Court. “The reason why faerie kind
have a bad reputation.”

119
Ambush awaits heroes delving through a dank dungeon.
 CHAPTER FOUR
BUILDING
ADVENTURES
IN THE PLANES
T he first part of this chapter gives you
additional tools to build adventures in
the Planes. The Planes are riddled with
factions desperate for recruits, opportunities for
realm-hopping exploration, and realities on the brink
of collapse. Tables and advice in this section expand
on the material in the DMG, giving you a library of
Planes-specific inspiration to draw from.
The second part of this chapter provides general
wisdom to help DMs (new and experienced) create
and run adventures in any setting. Most of the
advice in this section has been hard-won over years
of producing Venture Maidens and is now compiled
here in hopes of enhancing your overall game
experience.
Adventure Themes
As mentioned in the introduction of this book, the
Planes is the perfect setting for building epic, hero-
driven campaigns. This section covers a few stylistic
themes to keep in mind as you create and play in the
world of Venture Maidens.
Character Driven
In a Venture Maidens–style campaign, the characters’
decisions, not external events, dictate the game’s
action. The individual character stories and arcs are
just as important as the main action, and space needs
to be given to highlight each character’s personal
journey.
Because adventurers actively shape the world,
there is a great deal of focus placed on the thoughts
and actions of the heroes as opposed to the opinions
of the rest of the world. Characters in the Planes are
always destined for greatness, even if they don’t yet
know it.
Cinematic
A Venture Maidens–style campaign is cinematic,
emphasizing moments of action and emotion. The
actions of the characters affect the world on a cosmic
scale, so getting caught up in micro-mechanics and
hyper logic often hurts the fiction of the world rather
than enhancing it.
Avoiding stringent resource management and
allowing low-action moments to happen off screen
helps make a campaign feel more like an epic tale.
For example, characters can buy equipment between
game sessions (rather than having long shopping
scenes), and extended periods of wilderness travel
are handwaved rather than narrated.
Imperfect NPCs
The NPCs in a Venture Maidens–style campaign are
imperfect. Every NPC carries baggage, desires, and
flaws that complicate their agendas. People in the
Planes often don’t (or can’t) make “optimal” choices.
Even immortal and god-level beings are fighting to
ensure their future in the shifting landscape of the
world because there is no safety guaranteed.
When creating NPCs, avoid making them
wholly good or wholly evil. Give your reoccurring
NPCs shifting motivations, chances to grow, and
opportunities to change their minds in response to
the actions of the characters.
Open Lore
A Venture Maidens campaign does not insist on
setting-specific lore. If players get excited about a god,
creature, or race from a different campaign setting,
they are more than welcome to appear in the Planes.
The shifting nature of the Planes is intentionally
open-ended so players can add or change the world
121
Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
as they build unique stories. There is always space for
creativity in this high-fantasy reality.
Real Consequences
In a Venture Maidens–style campaign, the characters
are constantly faced with difficult decisions. There
is rarely a right or wrong choice in these scenarios.
Instead, it is a matter of choosing sides or deciding
a personal moral stance. Making such decisions is
meaningless unless there are consequences.
Whether the result of a decision is good or bad, the
characters’ actions should influence the world and the
course of events in a campaign. Consequences can seem
small, like earning the enmity of a sheriff in a small
town, or they can seem large, like killing the god of
death, so all creatures become immortal. Whatever the
scale of the triggering event, seeing the payoff unfold is
the best way to engage your players in the setting.
Faction-Based
Adventures
This section provides a toolbox to help the DM create
adventures featuring the factions of the Planes.
Clashes between the many factions fighting to shape
the future of the Planes is a prime source of drama to
spark story arcs and even entire campaigns.
Each section covers information about a specific
faction currently operating in the Planes to help
you craft adventures inspired by that faction. In
a faction’s section, four basic seeds for creating
adventures are provided: goals, figures of interest,
locations, and adventure hooks.
Carillon Order
The Carillon Order is a secretive sect of magic-users
tasked with protecting the Mortal Realm from the
influence of faeriekind. Few creatures survive the
training necessary to master the carillons’ arcane
powers, so the number of active carillons is always
122
small. Despite their small numbers, carillons are in
high demand across the Eldrin Empire as ever more
fey find new ways to enter the Mortal Realm.
Goals
Carillons are trained to use magic bells to combat fey
creatures. While a single carillon can hold their own
against the most powerful faerie beings, there are
simply not enough of them to handle the increasing
hostility from the Wildes.
In addition to hunting down fey and faerie relics
that cross into the Mortal Realm, the carillons seek to
understand more about faeriekind. By studying the
fey and tracking their movements, the order hopes
to find a way to win the war against the Wildes. For
more general information about the Carillon Order,
see the “Plateau of Andorra” section in chapter 2.
CARILLON ORDER AS
CAMPAIGN VILLAINS
Carillons are the frontline fighters in a
war that mortalkind is rapidly losing.
Desperation could easily motivate individual
carillons or the entire order to abuse their
power in the name of restoring peace.
The Carillon Order understands how to
manipulate and control fey creatures better
than anyone, and as campaign villains, they
weaponize this knowledge to horrible effect.
Campaigns featuring carillons as the main
antagonists are stories about war and how
absolute power corrupts absolutely. The Car-
illon Order Schemes table suggests a few of
the faction’s potential villainous objectives.
Figures of Interest
Individual carillons are powerful, resourceful, and
mobile, making them easy to incorporate into any
adventure. Carillons come from all manner of back-
grounds and walks of life, so they each have unique
personalities and motivations. Because there are
so few of them, carillons mostly work alone, which
breeds various methods for battling fey creatures. The
only thing carillons share is the unshakable tenacity
that allows them to survive their training.
If not dealing with individual carillons in the field,
adventurers might interact with the carillon council.
Three senior carillons comprise the council, and the
seats are filled by an informal election process. Since
few carillons survive long enough to be considered
senior members, the same candidates usually remain
on the council until age or illness renders them unable

to fulfill their duties. Members of the council are also
forbidden to leave the city of Ashtar while they serve,
so they tend to be veterans unable to work in the field
or the masters responsible for training prospective
carillons. The primary function of the carillon council
is communication. Council members oversee the
administration of security in Ashtar and mediate di-
rectly with the military leaders of the Eldrin Empire.
They also comb through reports of fey activity, assess
what action needs to be taken, and then assign the
appropriate orders to carillons in the field.
Carillon Order Schemes
d4 Scheme
The Carillon Order has decided to secretly
create a magical affliction capable of
decimating all faeriekind in one decisive blow.
1
Fey creatures are being captured and detained
en masse to serve as test subjects for this
odious research.
A group of carillons frustrated with order regu-
lations has decided to take the war against fa-
2 erie into their own hands. These rogue carillons
start hunting and slaying any creature with fey
ancestry, whether they are dangerous or not.
The Carillon Order declares a state of emergency
and seizes control of the eldrin government.
3 Tensions grow as empire resources are funneled
to the war effort, and anyone suspected of
consorting with fey is imprisoned.
A splinter group of carillons broker an alliance
with one of the sovereign courts. These carillons
4 are working as double agents, siphoning the
order’s resources to destroy the empire and the
other sovereign courts from the inside.
Locations
The Carillon Order is based in Ashtar, which is situ-
ated atop a high plateau to better guard the border
between the Mortal Realm and the faerie-ruled
Wildes. Atop the highest tier of the city, visitors can
find the order’s temple where carillons are trained
and its ruling council resides.
Since carillons travel across the realm dealing with
threats, they rarely stay in one place for long, which
makes the order’s temple one of the only places
carillons are guaranteed to be found. Some of the
temple is open to the public, so citizens of the empire
can present complaints and issues to the carillons
who dwell there, but most of the grounds are kept
under lock and key. These private areas hold libraries
full of research on the fey, trial rooms to test carillon
hopefuls, vaults of confiscated artifacts, and many
more secrets to entice curious adventurers.
Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
Adventure Hooks
Carillons can feature in a variety of adventures set in
the Planes. The Carillon Order Adventure Hooks table
offers some options to inspire adventures connected
to the order.
Carillon Order Adventure Hooks
d4 Adventure Hook
Someone frames one or more of the
adventurers for a fey-related crime, and a
carillon is called to investigate. The party must
1
find evidence to convince the carillon of the
accused’s innocence or be brought for trial
before the council.
One of the mages who enchants the carillons’
magic bells disappeared somewhere on the
road to Ashtar, along with the latest batch of
2 bells they were about to deliver. While all other
carillons are away on assignment, the council is
desperate to hire anyone to quickly and quietly
retrieve the dangerous items.
As the carillons become spread even thinner,
the order issues bounties rewarding adventurers
3
who capture or kill several low- to medium-
profile fey.
A mysterious set of ruins suddenly appears
along the Feywalk Jungle border. Carillon schol-
4 ars are sent to investigate, but the order needs to
hire bodyguards to protect them for a few days
until a carillon field agent can relieve them.
Eldrin Empire
The Eldrin Empire is still a young nation, but its swift
rise to power has made it one of the most successful
civilizations in the Mortal Realm. A complex system
of bureaucracy ensures eldrin politicians maintain
rigid control over the empire’s citizens. An abundance
of resources has given rise to an impressive military,
ready to quell resistance from within the empire and
without.
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Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
Goals
Patriotic citizens of the empire believe it is their na-
tion’s sacred duty to establish order in an otherwise
lawless and chaotic world. This national rhetoric is
encouraged by eldrin leadership and reaffirmed by
the empire’s official state religion.
This rhetoric has led to two primary faction goals:
to eliminate all threats to the empire (from without
and within) and expand its influence worldwide.
Eldrin Empire Schemes
d4 Scheme
When one of the reigning dukes dies, the eldrin
nobility fall to infighting as they compete for
the open seat. Extravagant spending, assas-
1 sination attempts, and economic sabotage are
just a few of their tactics that start upsetting
the daily life of the commoners caught in the
crossfire.
After a conference with the elves ends in
disaster, the empire once again declares war
on the Valley of Yalanthanil. Civil war is im-
2 minent as elves and elven sympathizers living
in the empire are forced to choose sides, flee,
or fight against the nation’s overwhelming
resources.
A powerful eldrin official (perhaps one of the
dukes or duchesses) secretly makes a pact
3 with an archfey. The official becomes incredibly
capable but increasingly erratic as the power of
the Wildes gradually corrupts them.
A group of eldrin nobles grow tired of the tsar-
ina’s progressive policies and align themselves
with one of the sovereign courts to depose her
4 current regime. These traitorous nobles begin
to build gateways to the Wildes across the
empire, paving the way for an invasion of fey
creatures when the time is right.
Figures of Interest
There are numerous levels of government within the
Eldrin Empire, with hundreds of different kinds of
bureaucrats and politicians.
LOW-STATUS FIGURES
At lower levels, adventurers are likely to interact
exclusively with local government figures who report
to the eldrin state. Such figures include elected
constables, traveling judges, appointed clinicians,
and the occasional minor noble enjoying the barest
privilege granted to those with a distant hereditary
connection to a royal bloodline (see “Matriarchal
Society” in chapter 2 for more information about
these bloodlines).
124
MIDDLE-STATUS FIGURES
As heroes grow in power, they begin to garner the
attention of the elite members of eldrin society.
The characters might interact with high-level civil
servants like military commanders, the cabinets of
secretaries who oversee duchy administration, or one
of the powerful noble families with a strong link to
one of the four royal bloodlines.
ELDRIN EMPIRE AS
CAMPAIGN VILLAINS
It doesn’t take much effort to imagine how
a nation as wealthy and powerful as the El-
drin Empire could turn its might to villain-
ous purpose. As more threats to the empire
emerge, its leadership is allotted ever more
control in the name of maintaining order.
Even worse, the empire’s nobles constantly
struggle against one another to increase
their influence, rarely caring on whom they
step to elevate their position.
Campaigns featuring the Eldrin Empire as
the main antagonists are stories about the
injustices and abuses suffered at the hands
of a totalitarian state. The Eldrin Empire
Schemes table suggests a few of the
faction’s potential villainous objectives.
HIGH-STATUS FIGURES
Two camps of figures sit at the peak of eldrin power:
the monarchs (the tsar and tsarina) and the dukes or
duchesses that rule the empire’s duchies. These two
groups theoretically check one another, ensuring
governmental power remains balanced. Despite the
system’s best intentions, the influence of one camp
or the other has historically waxed or waned depend-
ing on the popularity of the individual leaders.
Tsar and Tsarina
The tsar and tsarina are symbolic representations of
the Mother and Father responsible for creating the
eldrin people (see “Life in the Empire” in chapter 2
for more information) and are officially tasked with
stewardship of the empire’s physical and spiritual well-
being. This broad statement encompasses several key
responsibilities like stewardship of the royal treasury,
foreign affairs, and national security, including oversight
of the empire’s army and navy. Both monarchs serve
as the voices of the empire and are expected to unify
the citizens of the empire in times of change or stress.
The monarchy’s power is weighted toward the
tsarina, whose surname titles the ruling dynasty.

The mantle of “tsarina” carries two other major
distinctions from that of the tsar: she decides who is
declared heir to the nation, and she, unlike the tsar,
can rule the empire solitarily if she chooses not to
wed or if the reigning tsar dies. If a tsarina dies and
her tsar remains living, the tsarina’s throne imme-
diately passes to her named heir, and the reigning
tsar is retired. It is, however, a common practice for
unwed, newly crowned tsarinas to marry the former
tsar (particularly if he was popular). There are no
formal restrictions on whom the tsarina can name
as her heir, but it is an unspoken cultural law that
a candidate must be an eldrin woman with a clear
hereditary tie to one of the four royal bloodlines.
Most named heirs are close blood relatives (like
daughters, granddaughters, or sisters), but a tsarina
without such candidates might tap more distant rela-
tives who share her surname (like cousins or aunts).
In the rare cases where a tsarina dies without naming
an heir or the named heir is deemed unfit to ascend
to the throne (which has happened only once in
empire history), the dukes and duchesses collectively
CURRENT LEADERS OF THE EMPIRE
This setting guide assumes that campaigns set
in the Planes start in Eunomia 1716 Mindaris on
the empire calendar. Using that date, here are the
current leaders of the empire:
Tsarina Sariel Mindaris II – Ascended to the
throne seventy years ago from her position as
presiding duchess over the Plateau of Andorra.
During her relatively short reign, she has seen
the empire through a disproportionate number
of trials, though her bold policies and continued
refusal to name an heir have made her unpopular
with most eldrin nobility. At the young age of 102,
she has already outlived two husbands and mar-
ried a third (the current tsar) just two years ago.
Tsar Riardan Tavir – Ascended to the throne
two years ago upon marrying the current tsarina.
He is well liked among the eldrin nobility for his
love of tradition and conservative policies.
Duchess Melwin Tavir – Steward of the
capital city of Faelyn and its surrounding regions,
including the Shifting Plains. She is sister to the
reigning tsar and the most vocal opponent to the
tsarina’s leadership.
Duke Phinneus Albright – Steward of the
newly incorporated province of the Jade Isles.
Albright is a human who was formally a pirate
captain and the only non-eldrin to ever hold the
title of Duke.
Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
decide who takes the throne, with possible ties being
decided by the most recently retired living tsar.
Dukes and Duchesses
As the empire has expanded, more duchies have
been incorporated, along with the need for more
individuals to rule them. At the point in time
assumed by this campaign guide, the nation is
split into five duchies ruled by seven dukes and
duchesses (the Mother’s Delta duchy has three).
While the monarchs are tasked with concerns
that affect the nation, the dukes and duchesses
are responsible for the needs of a specific region
of the empire. Such tasks include maintaining
infrastructure, overseeing taxation, appointing
government officials, and advocating for their
people whenever the eldrin leaders meet. Like the
monarchs, dukes and duchesses typically hold
their position for life. However, a unanimous vote
by all the other dukes and duchesses along with
the tsarina can remove an individual from their
post (this has never happened in eldrin history).
Duke Rivaan Varis – Steward of North Point
and empire territories in the Kronos Desert. He
was promoted to the position suddenly after the
tsarina’s latest marriage, which is a continual
point of empire gossip.
Duke Rowan Ferelen – Steward of the eastern
region of the Mother’s Delta. He is married to
Duchess Dierdre Ferelen, his third cousin.
Duchess Dierdre Ferelen – Steward of the
western region of the Mother’s Delta and the
city of Chasiana. She is married to Duke Rowan
Ferelen, her third cousin. She is rumored to be
the council’s choice for the throne if the tsarina
continues to leave her choice of heir undeclared.
Duchess Amalthea Mindaris – Steward of
Caer Leona in the Mother’s Delta. She is the reign-
ing tsarina’s aunt and the first eldrin in history
to decline becoming heir to the throne (she was
Sariel I’s choice of heir before her daughter Sariel
II). As the high priestess of the holy sisters of
Caer Leona, she is a beloved national figure and
affectionately referred to as the Crone Mother.
Duchess Jelenneth Mindaris – Steward of
the Plateau of Andorra. She ascended to her
position when her cousin (the ruling tsarina) left
it seventy years ago. She is popular among the
non-eldrin citizens of the empire but historically
more interested in celebrity than politics.
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Dukes and duchesses nominate the candidate who

will replace them when they are no longer able to
serve, but unlike the royal heir, at least half of them
(the tsarina is included in this vote) must vote to
confirm the candidate before they are accepted. If
a new duchy is added to the empire, the tsarina is
solely responsible for choosing the individual best-
suited to assume the mantle of duke or duchess (as
recently seen in the case of the Jade Isles).
Gods
Locations
The influence of the Eldrin Empire extends across Gods are beings who possess a unique ability to siphon
the entire continent. This faction is easy to introduce the will of other creatures and use it to sustain their
anywhere with ready access to maritime vessels, own realms. Typically, an individual creature’s will
roads, and magical transportation. contributes to the collective force that shapes their
Eldrin authority is most prolific in the three largest native realm, but gods can divert such contributions
cities of the empire: Faelyn, Chasiana, and Ashtar. away from a native realm toward their own. Gods can’t
Adventures centered on the empire and its influence use this power on any unwilling creature. They can only
inevitably draw the party to one of these locations, draw from individuals who willingly worship them.
where their resources are most readily available. For To sustain their realms (which are directly tied to their
more information on these cities and the other empire power), gods must siphon power from many individu-
regions, see “Exploring the Eldrin Empire” in chapter 2. als simultaneously, which is why they actively broker
their power with clerics, paladins, and other divine
Adventure Hooks casters. Like the realms of the Planes, gods fade from
The empire can feature in a variety of adventures set existence when there is no one left to believe in them.
in the Planes. The Eldrin Empire Adventure Hooks
table offers some options.

Eldrin Empire Adventure Hooks
d4 Adventure Hook
A candidate running for local office needs
help after narrowly surviving a series of
assassination attempts. The candidate’s bold
1
stances have made a lot of enemies, including
the eldrin police, so a third party needs to catch
the culprit before it’s too late.
One of the duchies is holding a tournament to
showcase the talents of the empire’s people.
Heroes of all stripes are allowed to enter and
2
compete for various prizes, but the eldrin
nobility intends to do whatever it takes to beat
the competition.
Since most of the carillons and eldrin military
are fighting fey on the border, the empire
launches a citizens brigade program. Capable
3
individuals can report to the nearest police
academy to receive assignments dealing with
troubles across the empire.
GODS AS
CAMPAIGN VILLAINS
Many gods strive to create a mutually
symbiotic relationship with their
worshippers, and some even feel affection
for the creatures who serve them.
However, there are equally as many who
parasitically feed off those they bully or
coerce into worship. Though gods are some
of the most powerful beings in the Planes,
they are not all-powerful and are prone to
greed and fear like any other creature. Even
the most well-intentioned gods are likely
to sacrifice the well-being of their faithful
when backed into a corner.
Campaigns featuring gods as the main
antagonists are stories about relation-
ships and the nature of free will. The God
Schemes table suggests a few of the fac-
tion’s potential villainous objectives.

Some unknown foe is sabotaging the public

roads and waterways that lead to villages on
the outskirts of the empire, cutting them off Goals
4 from much-needed supply shipments. With war Hundreds of gods currently operate in the Planes,
against the Wildes brewing, the government has each with different values, opinions, and plans. But
largely ignored the far-flung people’s cries for
all gods share a desire to collect more worshippers to
assistance despite their desperate need.
strengthen their realm and increase their power.
126

While gods can draw power from any creature,
most focus their recruiting efforts on the Mortal
Realm. Mortal populations grow exponentially, and
their short lifespans make them more eager to accept
what the gods can offer: magical power, miracles, and
a potential place for their souls to live on after death.
God Schemes
d4 Scheme
A god eager to win more worshippers secretly
creates a way for fey creatures to invade the
Mortal Realm easily. As mortalkind sits on the
1
brink of destruction, the god appears before
them, offering to save them in exchange for
their devotion.
A group of gods, tired of pandering to
worshippers, decide to combine forces and
2 create a way to rob all mortalkind of their free
will. Testing is still in progress, but more mortals
are succumbing to their spell as they get closer.
A minor god, tired of being overlooked,
discovers a way to imprison other gods.
Whenever they take a new prisoner, the god
3
approaches the imprisoned god’s worshippers,
convincing them they have been abandoned
and should place their devotion elsewhere.
As the Eldrin Empire has grown in power,
two gods see a golden opportunity. The pair
disguise themselves as the archfey Mother
and Father from the eldrin creation myth and
4 attempt to fool the eldrin people into believing
they have returned. Through manipulation and
deceit, these gods aim to siphon the willpower
of the whole empire (regardless of the
advantage this would give to the faeriekind).
Figures of Interest
Gods typically do not work directly with other gods.
Gods within the same pantheon might benefit from
working together to increase their overall reach, but
competition for worshippers in almost every other
situation is undesirable. Gods also cannot leave their
celestial realms for long periods, so they mostly
spend their time observing other realms and working
their will through other creatures. Directly affecting
creatures, locations, or objects in other realms from
their own requires gods to expend a huge amount
of power. To avoid overextending themselves, gods
avoid direct communication whenever possible and
prefer to send brief (and often cryptic) messages to
their most faithful servants.
Gods primarily rely on individual priests, clerics,
prophets, and paladins to enact their will, but they
might encourage such worshippers to form groups
of like-minded individuals. These gods-driven
Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
organizations are tasked with working together
to fulfill tasks set forth by their celestial patrons.
These organizations can take many forms depending
on the nature of the gods they worship, ranging
from zealous crusaders to doomsday cults to
neighborhood prayer circles. Whatever form these
groups take, their primary function is to pave the
way for gods to achieve their goals more easily
(though the organization’s members rarely know it).
GOD-DRIVEN
ORGANIZATION EXAMPLE:
SISTERS OF SORROW
The Sisters of Sorrow mercenary company
is one of the many god-based organizations
active in the Planes. The agents of this group
travel across the Mortal Realm conducting
missions set for them by the three sister
gods who tend the web of fate. Rather than
wait to be hired as typical mercenaries do,
the agents of the Sisters of Sorrow receive
instructions to go when and where they
need to offer their services. Whether pro-
tecting, assassinating, or recovering targets,
their objective is always to ensure events
transpire as the fates decree they should.
Oath of the Sisters of Sorrow
By joining the Sisters of Sorrow,
I swear to become a honed instrument of fate,
To be used to uphold what must be done
as so decreed by our gods,
To place the web of the past, present,
and future before my own needs,
To be the bond that keeps the weave,
and in turn the world.
I will fight. I will serve. I will persevere with
faith and dignity in the name of the Sisters.
This I solemnly swear.
Locations
Every god has a unique celestial realm that serves as
their sanctum and reservoir of power. While inside
their realm, a god has access to near-infinite energy
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Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes

to shape their surroundings and perform whatever

magic they wish. Gods that leave their realm can only
bring a finite portion of the sanctum’s power with
them, so most prefer to remain safe within them
rather than risk vulnerability elsewhere.
Celestial realms function like others in the Planes
do, fluctuating in size and shape depending on how
many worshippers its associated god has, but even
the largest celestial realms are microscopic compared
to realities like the Mortal Realm or the Wildes.
Celestial realms remain small for several reasons, but
the primary cause is the unique way gods siphon the
will of others to sustain them instead of relying on
the collective will of a native population. Secondarily,
gods are typically the sole inhabitants of their realms,
so collective will plays little to no role in expanding
the size of the dimension. Even gods who don’t live
alone must collect their subjects from other realities,
which renders the influence of their will void.
Because a realm is so precious, even trusted
worshippers are rarely allowed to visit. Adventurers
are far more likely to deal with the gods from afar by
visiting the temples, churches, and shrines mortals
have built to worship them.
Adventure Hooks
The gods can feature in a variety of adventures set
in the Planes. The God Adventure Hooks table offers
some options.
Gods Adventure Hooks
d4 Adventure Hook
Following a sudden faerie attack, a religious
artifact is stolen. Empire officials are desperate
1
to recover it before the fey use it for whatever
dark purpose they intend.
A mysterious band of prophets have begun to
sow descent in the corners of the empire as they
preach that the gods are parasitic beings, bleeding
2
mortals of their agency. The eldrin church offers
substantial rewards to anyone who can find and
silence the leader behind these heretics.
Some of the characters receive cryptic visions
of a ruined temple of a long-forgotten god.
The location of the ruins is unclear, but those
3
who experience the vision somehow know a
desperately important magical object is sealed
somewhere inside.
The party is swept up in a search and
rescue mission when an eldrin high priest
disappears during the night without leaving
4 a trace. There are no signs of an attack, but
the other clerics report hearing and seeing
strange things on the temple grounds for the
past several nights.
Sovereign Courts
The sovereign courts are bands of fey united by a par-
ticular vision of how the future of the Wildes should be
safeguarded from mortalkind. Currently, there are seven
sovereign courts operating in the faerie realm, each
with unique values and goals (see chapter 3 for specific
information about each of the courts). Though each
court is distinct, they all share the overarching goal of
stopping the Mortal Realm from consuming their own.
Goals
Thousands of years ago, the fey-ruled Wildes was
the largest realm in the Planes. That changed when
the titans made the Mortal Realm as a gift for their
god-children, and the reality of faeriekind has been
shrinking ever since.
The sovereign courts aim to secure the future of the
faerie realm. To ensure continued survival, faeriekind
must unite to strengthen their collective will, break
the will of mortalkind, or eliminate mortalkind
entirely. Each court is currently pursuing one of those
three options, or a mixture of them.
SOVEREIGN COURTS
AS CAMPAIGN VILLAINS
For the first time in living memory, faerie-
kind are forced to recognize the reality of
their shrinking realm. The appearance of
the sovereign courts marks a major shift in
a culture previously uninterested in orga-
nization or long-term cooperation. Never
before have the residents of the Wildes
combined their might to any purpose, and
if they unleash it in full, mortalkind has
little chance of surviving their wrath.
Campaigns featuring the sovereign
courts as the main antagonists are stories
about preservation and survival in the
wake of a dying world. The Sovereign
Courts Schemes table suggests a few of the
faction’s potential villainous objectives.

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Sovereign Court Schemes
d4 Scheme
Sovereign courtiers have used glamour magic
to take the place of several empire officials.
1 From inside the government, they are ensuring
military forces will be ill-prepared and ill-
equipped when their court is ready to invade.
Faerie agents across the Mortal Realm flood un-
derworld black markets with fey-made magic
2 items. People across the empire begin inadver-
tently destroying themselves and each other as
the dangerous objects fall into ignorant hands.
The sovereign court strikes a bargain with one
of the archfey. With the fey’s environmental
3 magic, they tear open rifts and gates
throughout the Mortal Realm to create
widespread chaos.
One sovereign court frames mortalkind
for crimes against another court’s vassals,
4 city sewer, unwelcome visitors can expect to encoun-
manipulating the other sovereign to seek swift
vengeance on the Mortal Realm.
Figures of Interest
As detailed in chapter 3, different types of sovereign
court members play a different role in court activity.
Vassals are the largest portion of each court and
generally don’t leave the safety of their demesne.
However, if a court declares war on other courts or
realms, vassals serve as foot soldiers. Similarly, the
monarchs of each court usually remain in the Wildes
until they need to lead hordes of vassals into battle.
Each court has a small group of powerful fey called
courtiers who act as the eyes and hands of the sover-
eign in the world outside the court demesne. These
capable beings are handpicked by each sovereign and
granted a portion of the monarch’s power in ex-
change for their dedication (see the Sovereign Court
Templates in chapter 6). Courtiers are the sovereign
figures most often encountered in the Mortal Realm,
where they conduct assignments spying on, sabotag-
ing, or making alliances with mortal creatures.
Fey creatures are not the only figures aligned with
each court. Plenty of mortals throughout the empire
serve the courts, whether through coercion, sympa-
thy, or adoration. Sovereign monarchs can grant faerie
powers to any creature (not just fey), which they use
frequently as a bargaining chip to gain mortal loyalty.
The promise of eternal life among the wild realms of
faerie has motivated hundreds of empire citizens to
switch their allegiance to the courts. Most individuals
keep their affiliations hidden, working within the
empire as double agents. Still, several organized cults,
guilds, and mercenary groups dedicated to the courts
secretly operate within the Eldrin Empire.
Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
Locations
Fey vassals and monarchs are rarely encountered
outside their demesnes in the Wildes, but courtiers
frequently establish bases in other realms to conduct
court business more easily. Use chapter 3 to inform
the creation of sovereign court locations inside the
faerie realm.
Adventurers are most likely to interact with
sovereign court locations in the Mortal Realm.
Courtiers from each demesne have infiltrated the
empire in some capacity, and several have established
safe houses to serve as bases of operation. These
safehouses, or “lairs,” allow fey courtiers to hide from
carillons or other mortals who would do them harm.
Lairs might also contain a gate that allows the courtier
to travel easily between the realms or some other way
to communicate with their monarch regularly. Since
safety is a precious commodity, fey lairs are always
well-hidden and well-guarded. Whether a safe house is
in a remote corner of the wilderness or entombed in a
ter magic wards, traps, monstrous guardians, and even
resistance from mortals sympathetic to the fey cause.
Adventure Hooks
The sovereign courts can feature in various ad-
ventures set in the Planes. The Sovereign Courts
Adventure Hooks table offers some options.
Sovereign Courts Adventure Hooks
d4 Adventure Hook
An ally or friend to the party is afflicted with a
nasty fey curse created by one of the sovereign
courtiers. Magical healing cannot help, and their
1
condition is rapidly deteriorating. They will
soon die unless the adventurers can find and
convince the other courtiers to lift the curse.
An eldrin scholar has been secretly
communicating with a vassal from one of the
sovereign courts. When the fey invites the
2
mortal to visit the demesne, the scholar needs
adventurers to deliver them across the Feywalk
Jungles border discretely.
A psychic gate suddenly appears connecting
one of the sovereign demesnes to a location
in the Eldrin Empire. The gate is endangering
3
creatures from both realms, but a third party
needs to convince fey and mortals to work
together to repair the damage.
A sovereign courtier travels to the Mortal Realm
to warn the empire of an impending attack from
a rival court. Before they can deliver the message,
4
they are attacked by carillons and barely escape.
The courtier needs help avoiding capture to
deliver their message before it’s too late.
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 Traveling the Realms
Though most adventures in the Planes begin in the
Mortal Realm, the influence of the others should
be frequently felt. The fluctuation of each reality
drives the events of the world, causing its creatures
to struggle with one another in an endless cycle of
survival. Though a band of heroes can save the day
from within the Mortal Realm, long-lasting change
often requires traveling beyond it. To break the
eternal cycle and ensure the survival of mortalkind,
peace between realms must be brokered, or all others
must be destroyed until just one remains. Perhaps a
party of clever heroes will discover another option to
bring stillness to the turbulent world.
The following sections expand on the
information presented in the introduction about
the properties of the realms, how they interact
with one another, and how travelers can reach
realities beyond their own.
Properties of a Realm
Every realm in existence is governed by a unique
set of properties, sometimes called natural laws.
Though the properties of each realm can differ
wildly from one another, they all share a core set
of features.
130
When you create a new realm, consider the
answers to the following questions:
• What creatures dwell there?
• How large is the realm in comparison to others?
• What is the environment like?
• How do the creatures and the environment interact?
• How long has the realm existed, and how does
it persist?
• Does the realm or do its creatures interact
with another realm? If so, how?
Gates between
Realms
Though two realms in the Planes may share a border,
physically stepping from one to the other is impos-
sible without a crossing point. These crossing points,
called “gates,” can manifest in various ways and take
different forms, but all are hazardous to ill-prepared
travelers who try to use them.
Types of Gates
While no two gates are the same, most can be
categorized into one of the following types.
PHYSICAL
Physical gates are crossing points that appear at a
fixed geographical location. These gates can usually be
detected by one of the five senses and are typically the

only semi-permanent type of crossing. Most physical
gates appear on their own, popping into existence
along the borders where two realms collide and can
last for days or decades. It is possible to cause physical
gates to manifest intentionally, but the necessary mas-
tery over environmental magic is beyond the scope of
most creatures (though several archfey and titans pos-
sess such skill). Since physical gates remain fixed, they
are easily guarded, manipulated, or trapped. While
physical gates are easy to use (many just require walk-
ing through them), they can be difficult to recognize for
what they are. Stories of travelers who unknowingly
step into a faerie ring or hide inside antique wardrobes
and suddenly find themselves in other realms are
examples of interactions with physical gates.
PSYCHIC
Psychic gates are crossing points that appear when
intense emotion shreds a patch of reality, allowing one
realm to bleed into another. These gates are typi-
cally impossible to perceive with traditional senses.
However, magical detection or informed investigation
may allow a creature to assess if an area, object, or
creature is under the influence of such a gate. Psychic
gates are wildly unstable and often erratic in behavior.
The triggers that cause these gates to open and close
may change from moment to moment or depend en-
tirely on how a traveler interacts with the source that
caused the gate to manifest in the first place. Stories
of haunted houses plagued by ghosts or eldritch
grimoires whose words impart dreams of alien realms
are examples of interactions with psychic gates.
PORTAL
Portal gates are crossing points created by magic spells
or spell-like effects that remain open only for a short
time. These gates are the safest and most predictable
way to travel between realms. While they are the
surest crossing method, these gates have their draw-
backs. For one, few creatures in the world ever attain
the ability to cast such potent spells, and the ones
who do are rarely interested in sharing their ability.
Additionally, the expense and short-term nature of
these spells make them infeasible for daily use. Most
of all, these portals are easily detected and warded
against. Creatures with the required skill and knowl-
edge often ward areas or entire realms against portal
gates to defend against unwelcome visitors. Casting
spells like plane shift or using a candle of invocation
are examples of interactions with portal gates.
Creating New Gates
As adventurers travel through the Planes, they will
inevitably encounter all manner of gates to other
realms. Crossing points can (and should) manifest
in unique ways that keep travelers guessing, but
Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
regardless of the specifics, creating a new gate
involves deciding at least these four core properties:
• Appearance – How can creatures perceive the gate?
Does it look, smell, sound, taste, or feel a certain
way? Is it perceivable only by magic? Does it affect
the appearance of the environment around it?
• Activation – How can creatures use the gate? Is
using it a simple matter of stepping through? Does
it only open during certain times? Must a ritual or
certain action be performed to trigger it? Are there
ways to adjust how the gate works before using it?
• Stability – How long does the gate remain
functional? Does it disappear after a set amount
of time? Is it destroyed after a certain number of
creatures use it? Can anything be done to make
the gate last for a shorter or longer period?
• Destination – Where does the gate lead? Does it
always take travelers to the same place? Can it lead
to multiple places or realms? Is there any way to
tell where it leads before it is used?
Overlapping Realms
While the occurrence is rare, there are brief time win-
dows when portions of two or more realms occupy
the same space. This type of overlap occurs only when
the denizens of each involved realm are matched in
their collective will to survive. Until one realm pulls
ahead to incorporate the contested area, the region of
overlap exists simultaneously in each reality. Places
of overlap are bombarded by dangerous phenomena
as properties of multiple realms clash and combine in
unpredictable ways. Constant pressure causes gates
between overlapping realities to appear and disap-
pear at random, which can be disastrous for unlucky
creatures who take a wrong step. Anything is possible
in these chaotic zones, so adventurers would be wise
to avoid them whenever possible.
Connecting the Planes
to Other Worlds
The fluid structure of the Planes makes the setting
easy to connect to other worlds (should you desire to
do so). Few beings living in the Planes truly grasp the
scope of the world they live in, and no one can list
every realm currently in existence with full certainty.
Since every realm has different properties and is gov-
erned by different laws, there could even be realities
completely imperceivable to the world’s creatures.
Planes, domains, and lands presented in other 5th
Edition settings could easily be introduced as realms
in this setting, or perhaps the entirety of the Planes
is a microcosmic world entered through another of
those settings. Ways to connect this setting to any
other are limited only by your imagination.
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Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
General Wisdom
This section zeroes in on what it means to be a DM
and provides advice for handling the many jobs that
accompany the role. Each addresses the various
stages of preparing, planning, and running sessions.
Hey , venturers!
Celeste here , author of much of this book and DM
of the Venture Maidens podcast. I just wanted
to chime in to explain why I included this section.
Most of the advice here isn’t specific to the world
of Venture Maidens. It is advice that is helpful
for any DM running pretty much any TTRPG.
So why include it?
What you read here is the cumulative knowledge
of the philosophies and practices I have learned
about running games for strangers and friends alike.
I had to learn a lot of this stuff the hard way, and
I hope that with this chapter in hand, you won’t
have to hit as many bumps in the road as I did.
If you admire the structure of the Venture Maidens
podcast , you are looking at the blueprint that I use
to create our games.
My deepest wish is that this section helps those of
you who are struggling to be a DM and inspires
those who haven’t yet taken up the mantle of DM
for the first time. Trust me. The world needs more
DMs and happier DMs.
Cheers,
How to Get Started
If you are reading this section of the book, chances
are you are a game master (hereby referred to as a
“DM”) or are hoping to become one soon. With that
truth in mind, let’s take some time to break down
what it means to be a great DM and demystify some
of the common misconceptions about the role.
You don’t need to know every rule.
There are a lot of rules in 5th Edition, with more
being developed in every new book. It is absurd
132
to expect anyone to know them all. One of the
biggest fears around DMing comes from the
bizarre notion that you have to know all the rules
before you can run a game. This misconception is
simply not true. You need to learn some basics, all
of which are in the PHB, but the ones you need to
know make a pretty short list. And honestly, you
don’t need to know them well at all before you
start. Like literally every other skill, you master
rules as you go along. And even if you don’t
master the rules, who cares? The secret to being
a good DM is this: if your players walk away from
a session having had a good time, you are a great
DM. I have had miserable experiences playing 5E
with DMs who knew every rule, and I have had
great experiences playing 5E with DMs who had
opened the PHB only once.
Your first job is to
make sure everyone has fun.
Your primary job as a DM is to make sure your
group has fun. Everything else is secondary.
Inventing cool mechanics, telling stories, running
campaigns, and making maps are all just dressing.
If all your players have a good time, it doesn’t
matter what your story is about or how many
notes you made. Many people balk at the idea that
their campaign narrative doesn’t matter compared
to their players’ experience, but it is the ultimate
truth. The faster you internalize that facilitating
fun is your number-one job, the faster you become
a great DM.
Start small.
New DMs tend to bite off more than they can chew.
Building an entire campaign setting for your first 5E
game is rarely helpful and can lead to heartbreak if
your game fizzles out. Rather than writing a novel
about your world before playing, get a fun group of
players together, run a few pre-written adventures,
and see if you all are compatible before you entertain
the idea of embarking on a years-long campaign. If
you are determined to write your own world and
adventure, start small—design and name one town
rather than a world map. For your first couple ses-
sions, deal with local problems before introducing
political issues ravaging the country. Starting small is
vital to building a foundation for homebrew settings
or long-term campaigns.
You won’t be perfect,
and that’s okay.
With so many celebrities broadcasting their games
these days, it’s hard to feel like we’re ever going to
be “good enough” to DM. What no one seems to
remember is that all these professional DMs were

brand new once upon a time, and you can bet good
money that their early games were messy (just like
the rest of ours). Of course, people with years of
DMing experience or thousands of hours of acting
classes are likely to be great DMs, but it all starts
with intention. Before you start DMing, you have to
pause and acknowledge that you are going to mess
up. There are going to be moments when you forget
things, moments when you have to set aside pride to
ask for forgiveness, and times when you learn a les-
son the hard way. That is okay. Weathering failures,
both small and epic, is part of the road to becoming a
great DM. No one is born a good DM, I promise.
Before You Play
So you’ve decided to DM a game—that’s awesome!
But what do you do next? How do you get a session
up and running? We’re going to cover the basics of
what you need to run your first game.
Assemble a Party
One of the first challenges a DM faces is finding an
enthusiastic group of players. Ideally, these players
are people you already know and get along with,
but not every DM has that luxury. Luckily, there are
FIRST SESSION EVER?
If you are planning to run a 5E game for the first
time, congratulations! The world needs more
DMs, and we are so happy to have you. Here are
some tips to set up your first game for success:
1. Limit the number of players. Three or four
players is ideal. Fewer people to manage makes
sessions go more smoothly.
2. Run a pre-written adventure. There are so
many published adventures available for a range
of prices! Do yourself a favor and run through an
existing 5E adventure for your first game. That
way, you don’t have to worry about building
a new world or building encounters on top of
learning to be a DM.
3. Play with someone new. If you can swing
it, having at least one player new to 5th Edition
at your first session can be super helpful. It
alleviates some of the pressure of being the only
person in a new situation. It also helps you learn
the material by teaching it. Looking things up
and learning how things work together makes
Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
lots of online resources these days to find interested
players in your local area or online. Virtual forums
usually have “Looking for Group” sections where
folks hoping to play can connect. Get on out there,
and once you have a group, set aside some time
to meet (virtually or otherwise) and maybe play a
couple casual games to make sure you are all compat-
ible before committing to a long-term game.
Session Zero
If you’ve spent any time in the online gaming sphere,
you’ve likely at least heard the term “session zero”
before. Session zero is an opportunity for players to
meet up before the first official game session. There
are several different benefits to running a session
zero before diving right into the game. The main rea-
sons are to finalize player characters and to discuss
real-life rules and boundaries for your game sessions.
A session zero is typically much shorter than actual
game sessions (usually lasting about an hour). They
tend to work better as a lower-stakes virtual meeting
(via a conference call or other video chat software).
Having a session zero is most important before cam-
paigns that are likely to last a long time; they are not
always necessary for one-shot or two-shot games.
If you are planning to run a one-session game, it is
game pauses a helpful team exercise instead of a
stressful solo run.
4. Make it an event. A first session rarely goes
according to plan, but you can take some time
beforehand to make game day a success no matter
how sideways the actual game goes. Ask your play-
ers to pitch in some cash to order pizza, plan a treat
potluck, or just have a cool fantasy playlist ready
to rock. Worst case scenario: your players have
fun hanging out even if the game turns out a little
rocky. The ability to laugh through the challeng-
ing moments with a slice in hand makes everyone
more willing to come back and try again next time.
5. Ask for help. If you are playing with someone
who has experience DMing or playing (or just
really loves rules), ask them to be your mechani-
cal advisor! Ideally, this person can help other
players with any character questions they might
have or answer mechanical questions so you can
focus on telling the story. Not only is this helpful
for you, but it also helps prevent any resentment
that might bubble up from backseat DMing.
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usually enough to communicate basic safety tools via
email or online messaging. Here are some things to
cover during your session zero.
CHARACTER QUESTIONS
When players show up to session zero, you will likely
have a mix of people who have already finished mak-
ing their characters and people who haven’t started
yet. Both are totally okay. Use some time in session
zero to make sure everyone has a basic idea of the
type of character they want to play, and then discuss
the personalities and motivations of the characters.
Ask each player about their character’s backstory
ideas (a summary of their lives so far) and discuss
where they fit in the tapestry of the game setting.
Usually, this process is a dialogue, with both player
and DM making suggestions about the character
until you both reach an agreement. This process is
immensely helpful for making your players feel like
their characters are a genuine part of the world. To
ease into this process, consider asking your players
the following questions about their characters:
• Why have you decided to start adventuring?
• What would make you stop adventuring?
• Do you have family? Where do they live?
• Where did you grow up? What areas of the
world do you know well?
• What was your childhood like?
• What are your opinions on the factions,
religions, and governments in this world?
HOUSE RULES
Session zero is the perfect time to talk about house
rules. House rules usually refer to specific mechanics
of the game that you might prefer to do a little bit
differently than rules as written (like how to deal
with critical damage or natural 20s on skill checks),
but they also refer to rules about expected group
behaviors. Here are a few topics to consider discuss-
ing during session zero:
• Determine when and how frequently you will
schedule sessions and how long each session will
last.
• If you’re playing in person, discuss if there are
expectations around bringing food and drinks. If
you are planning to snack, make sure you ask if
anyone has allergies.
• Discuss rules for what happens if one or more
players can’t make it to a session (see “Missing
Players” later in the chapter for a list of options).
• Discuss any accessibility accommodations that
need to be met. You might need to put away
candles that smell too strongly. You might have
to skip playing at a certain house because of a pet
allergy. Perhaps you need to share color-blind-
friendly handouts on your virtual tabletops.
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• Decide the best way to communicate between
games. Creating a group-specific email thread,
text message, or online chat server is important to
communicate questions or scheduling concerns.
PLAYER QUESTIONS
Something that often gets overlooked during session
zero is discussing with your players what kind of game
experience they want to have. If your players hate
dungeon crawls, love political intrigue, or aren’t wild
about a ton of combat, you need to know! Here are
some basic questions you should ask your players:
• What kind of games do you enjoy?
• What are your hopes for this game?
• Is there anything you would like to see a lot of
in this game?
• Is there anything you would like to see less of
in this game?
SAFETY TOOLS
Session zero is an excellent opportunity to discuss
safety tools for your game (though this discussion
can also happen via virtual messaging if you aren’t
hosting a session zero). Many incredible online re-
sources break down how to implement TTRPG safety
tools and why they’re important, so seek additional
resources if necessary. Here are the basics.
PLAYERS WHO REFUSE
TO TALK ABOUT SAFETY
Though it is becoming less common as the
TTRPG space becomes more inclusive, you
may encounter a player who refuses to talk
about safety tools every once in a while.
This refusal can take many forms, includ-
ing shutting down discussion of safety,
belittling others for talking about safety, or
simply refusing to participate in the safety
conversation. Running a session zero is
important for many reasons, but revealing
these players is one major benefit. When a
player refuses to discuss safety, even when
specifically asked to be part of the conver-
sation, it is a good indication that they are
a poor fit for your game group. This kind of
behavior is perfectly reasonable grounds
for revoking an invitation to the first game
session and finding a player who will
respect the group’s boundaries. Do keep
in mind, however, that shyness to discuss
safety is very different from malicious re-
fusal. Use your best judgment when decid-
ing how to deal with difficult players.

What Are Safety Tools?
Safety tools in the context of TTRPGs are rules you
put in place before a game that ensure your players
feel safe and comfortable at all times (even when
their characters may not). At a minimum, safety tools
are composed of two parts: a discussion centered
around what players do not want to see in game and
establishing ground rules for what happens if an
uncomfortable or hurtful element comes up. Safety
tools are essential to ensure everyone has fun at
the table and feels empowered to establish a line of
conversation. As a result, players will also feel free
to communicate with the DM and each other about
real-world problems affecting gameplay.
WHAT TO COVER
The first part of establishing safety tools is having
a conversation with your players before gameplay
starts. This conversation can occur in a group setting
(like during a session zero), but not all players are
comfortable discussing such things in a group set-
ting. When you do conduct this conversation, make it
clear that players can also reach out privately to you
to bring up any additional concerns, and be sure to
honor that desire for privacy. During this conversa-
tion, each player (including the DM) should clarify
what themes or elements they absolutely do not
want to see in game and spell out if any gray areas
might be a problem. These elements can be as specific
as “spiders” or as broad as “disease.” Players should
feel complete freedom to say whatever they want
in this conversation. If there is a topic that comes
up that you don’t understand, this is the time to ask
specific questions so you grasp what your players
need.
The topics that players absolutely do not want
to see in game are typically referred to as “lines”
in TTRPG safety. Topics that players are okay with
mentioning “offstage” (but not seeing or roleplaying)
or topics they’re cautious about are typically
referred to as “veils.” Usually, discussing and noting
everyone’s lines and veils is enough for most games.
But if you intend to run a dark, gritty, or horror-based
game, you should include a full checklist of potential
themes for your players to review in addition to the
general discussion. At a minimum, you should cover:
• Descriptions of physical violence (including
harm to children, animals, and sexual assault)
• Consensual sexual content
• Themes of mental and physical health
• Real-world religion and fantasy portrayal
based on real-world religions
• Representations of real-world social or
cultural discrimination and oppression
• Any other topics specifically brought up by
your players
Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
RULES TO ESTABLISH
Once every player has provided their list of lines and
veils, you need to establish what happens when a line
or a veil draws near. You also need to decide what hap-
pens if an unexpected line or veil comes up mid-game.
Everyone needs to feel empowered to adjudicate
a safety concern, so discuss how that will work.
Will your group use verbal cues whenever someone
is concerned? Will you use color-coded cards (red for
stop, green for go, and yellow for slow down) as more
subtle or additional indicators? Do you have silent
hand signals to check in routinely?
If a line is crossed or a veil is broached, the scene
immediately needs to stop, but what happens next
is up to the group. Is a discussion held? Do you fade
the scene to black and move on, no questions asked?
Does the game session end? Do you rewind the
action? You will likely discuss how to handle that
in the moment, but you should also discuss best
practices before it happens.
SESSION ZERO
CHECKLIST
Here’s a quick checklist of the items you
should cover in a pre-campaign session zero:
• Ask what kind of game the players are
interested in.
• Decide whether the characters know
each other and, if so, how they feel about
each other.
• Discuss where each character fits in the
setting.
• Establish why each character has decided
to start adventuring.
• Establish what would make each
character stop adventuring.
• Establish safety tools.
• Plan your first session date and talk
about schedule options beyond that first
session.
• Establish rules for what to do if one or
more players can’t make a game.
Prepping a Session
You’ve decided to DM, formed your party, and had
a great session zero. Now what? It’s time for you to
plan your first game session! Preparing for a session
is something you’ll have to do before each game.
There are many different philosophies about best
practices for session prep, and ultimately every DM
develops a unique process that works for them. There
is no “right way” to prep a session, but until you find
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 your path, draw on the tools and experiences of other
DMs. There is no shortage of podcast interviews,
online videos, and even published books that can
help guide you through the process.
Planning
The amount of detail that goes into planning varies
widely from DM to DM, but here are basic questions
you should have answers to before you sit down to
play a session:
• Where does the session start? If you are
starting a new game, you’ll want to figure out the
starting location, the story hooks that kick off
the action, and any other details that are critical
to helping the characters navigate the starting
location. Suppose you are planning a session that
continues the story from a previous session. In
that case, you should still review all those details
and assess any new helpful information to
communicate to your players.
• What encounters might come up? When
sitting down to plan a game session, you should
imagine how your session is likely to go and
plan encounters appropriately. Because players
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do (and should) have agency to make decisions,
choosing encounters is not an exact science,
but it is much more predictable than most
folks believe. If you are starting your game in
a town, you should probably have a handful of
social encounters ready to go. If you are starting
your game in a dungeon, you should plan
encounters for at least a few rooms and perhaps
some wandering monster encounters. If your
party is traveling, you should have a handful of
exploration encounters ready to rock, in addition
to some wandering monster combat encounters.
Again, while it isn’t an exact science, you
probably have a good idea of what your players
want to do during the session before you ever sit
down to game, so prepare accordingly!
• Are the players going to learn anything new?
Characters in campaigns are just like characters
in any novel or movie: as the story continues,
they learn more about the world. As each game
happens, your players should discover more
about the setting you’ve created by traveling to
new places, encountering new creatures, and
learning lessons about how things work. If you

think the players will learn something new, find
a critical piece of information, meet a key NPC, or
discover a clue, you should decide the specifics of
that information before the session.
• Where is the session going to end? While you
can’t exactly predict how far your players will
get in the action you have planned, you can
(and should) develop a sense of your players’
pace after a few games. Ending a session on a
definitive note, like achieving a goal or reaching
a cliffhanger, should always be your goal. Decide
your dream ending point for the session and jot
down any important information you need to
make that endpoint happen. You should also
identify one or two other points that would
make suitable endings just in case you don’t
make it to your dream session ending. Typically,
ending a session right before an encounter begins
(a monster springs out, the room starts filling
with water, etc.) or ends (the duel is won, the
party has successfully retrieved the item, etc.)
creates a satisfying endpoint.
Once you have those questions answered, you
are in good shape for your session! When deciding
how much content to prepare ahead of time, try to
estimate how long your session will go and plan ac-
cordingly. It can be helpful to aim for planning enough
content to cover about a session and a half (just in
case your players fly through what you have prepared).
Making Notes
Once you’ve decided on the answers to the questions
in the previous section, you need to create enough
notes to help you remember that information. Often
in the heat of gameplay, it’s difficult to remember
specific details and subtle clues you wanted to weave
in, so notes are incredibly helpful! Some DMs take
copious pages of notes. Others don’t need to take any
notes (or so they claim), but a good goal to aim for
is one page of notes. One page is manageable when
you have a bunch of sourcebooks to reference or
tons of tabs already open. If you take lots and lots of
notes while brainstorming for your game, consider
taking an extra ten minutes to condense the things
you need to know onto one page for quick reference.
Most DMs are surprised to find that they have no time
or use for pages and pages of super-descriptive notes.
SCENE TIMELINE
Once you’ve figured out the general shape of your
game, take the time to write out bullet points for
each scene that is likely to occur. You can think of
these as acts of a play or a musician’s setlist. Having
a general timeline to refer to can help you stay on
track with the events you have prepared. Remember
that this timeline shouldn’t be too specific since you
Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
might have to skip or reorder scenes on the fly if your
players throw you a curveball.
NPCS
Creating a key of NPCs who are likely to show up in
the session can be incredibly helpful for remember-
ing things in the moment. Make sure to write down
their names, a couple descriptive words to help you
remember what they look like, and notes on the way
they speak so you can quickly recall how you portray
their voice.
LOCATIONS
Similar to NPCs, listing the names of locations that
might appear in the session alongside a couple
descriptive phrases can help you create seamless
transitions between in-world locations.
CLUES
If your players are going to discover something new
about the world or a piece of information critical to
the plot of your story, make sure to write it down!
Just taking the time to write out this information
can help you figure out how to present it in a concise,
understandable, and thematic way.
REFERENCE PAGE NUMBERS
If you are using monsters or any other elements from
sourcebooks, write down the book titles and page
numbers in your notes so you can quickly find the
information you need during the game. If your notes
are digital, include hyperlinks.
CHARACTER NOTES
If you plan to have a special moment, reward, or
something else specific to one character happen dur-
ing a session, make sure to write it down (and maybe
even highlight it). It’s important to sprinkle moments
through your games that make each character feel
special, so search for opportunities like this, and
don’t forget to make them happen! It can be easy to
forget to engage with individual characters while
you’re struggling to maintain a sweeping campaign,
so set yourself up for success.
Crafting Encounters
Crafting exciting and challenging encounters can be
difficult, but many brilliant people have published re-
sources and tools to help make the experience easier.
In addition to reading about encounter building in
the core rulebooks (which are marginally helpful at
best), do some poking around online to find articles
on the subject. If you have the financial resources,
pick up some of the many random encounter com-
pilations available for purchase from third-party
publishing companies to check out how encounters
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are structured. Here’s a basic breakdown of the three
types of encounters and a rough sketch of what they
include.
COMBAT
Combat encounters typically involve fighting a
creature, but they don’t always have to. Any situation
where the stakes are high and you need initiative to de-
cide turn order can be regarded as a combat encounter.
SOCIAL
Social encounters involve interacting with creatures
in ways other than direct combat, usually to ac-
complish a specific objective. Beseeching an official
for aid, bargaining for a good price, and interviewing
witnesses are all examples of social encounters.
EXPLORATION
Exploration encounters deal with overcoming
obstacles that are not direct interactions with
creatures. Finding shelter in a blizzard, searching for
a book in an ancient library, and following the trail
of a runaway pet are all examples of exploration
encounters.
While it’s important to pay attention to encounter
mechanics and party level (no one thinks it’s fun to
get killed by a creature with an outrageously unfair
challenge rating), it’s much more important to craft
encounters that excite and challenge your players. If
you have a ranger in your party, you better be sure to
throw in some tracking encounters every so often.
Don’t bother weaving in complex social encounters
if your players hate talking to NPCs and just want to
bring the pain. Try out lots of different kinds of en-
counters, see what your players respond to positively,
then do more of that! Don’t forget: variety is the
spice of life, so if you’ve hit the party with multiple
sessions of back-to-back combat encounters, it’s time
to mix it up and try something else.
Running a Session
It’s time to sit at the table and run a game. This
section covers strategies you can incorporate into
your storytelling to make your sessions even more
successful. Many of the things here take practice
to master, and that is totally fine! There is a lot to
remember in this section, so start with one exciting
thing to work on and build on that.
Collaborative Storytelling
When you’re sitting behind the DM screen surround-
ed by a fortress of books, it can be easy to forget that
this isn’t your story—it’s your group’s story. A great
DM is always on the lookout for ways to invite players
to help tell the story, but how do we accomplish this?
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One of the best ways is to prompt your players to get
descriptive about how their characters act and react.
Some easy favorites are asking players to describe
how casting their spells looks, asking them how they
deal the killing blow, or asking them to describe little
details about monsters that set them apart from one
another. Players who are not used to storytelling
likely won’t know how to respond to these questions
initially, but with patience and practice, they will
get better at it. Your job is to look for these little
openings to invite descriptions from others: perhaps
let them describe the magic sword they find, give
them an opportunity to use their keen nose to pick
up a particular scent in the room, or let them decide
the subject of a bard’s bawdy song. Once you start
actively looking for these moments to hand off the
narrative baton, you’ll be shocked how many there
are. The best part of all this is that having multiple
imaginations describe your world always yields a
more exciting result than just one ever could.
Descriptive Storytelling
Many of us who choose to run roleplaying games
do so because we have fallen in love with the game
genre through books, movies, and video games. These
imaginative works capture our minds and interests,
and we want to start creating stories of our own
using these fantastical elements. Conjuring vivid
and exciting imagery for our players and audiences
sets good DMs apart from great ones, and there are
two facets to honing this skill: describing the basics
without over-embellishing.
There is a simple truth to telling great stories:
keep it simple with a few powerful details. Endless
monologues describing a single room of your dungeon
will fall flat, and describing nothing about the room
won’t be well received either. Your job is to give
your players the facts they need plus one thing to
get them invested in your description. This extra
investment often comes from a single simple detail
that illuminates a sensory aspect of the room. “You
step into a small stone room” is nowhere near as
exciting as, “You step into a small stone room that
reeks of garlic.” The room has a story immediately, a
quirk, something interesting to grip your players and
make the audience pay attention. It’s the same thing
with monsters: saying “a troll stomps into the room”
is not nearly as fun as describing the troll without
ever using the word troll. Learning to sprinkle in
these details certainly is an exercise in becoming
more creative, and like anything else, there are helpful
things you can do to practice. Consume as much
media as possible in the genre your games explore.
If you are running a science-fiction RPG, reading and
watching sci-fi gives you many tools and examples
of excellent details to incorporate into your games.

The things that frighten and excite you in movies are
likely to do the same for your table. Once you start to
notice how others set the stages of their tales, yours
begin to shine.
Pacing
Exciting pacing is what keeps us hungry to consume
a story. Dramatic cliffhangers, riveting action, and
rapidly evolving narratives are what make episodic
media so thrilling. But then again, most media has
the benefit of hundreds of hours to craft a final
product, so how do you capture that constant action
when playing a game live? A DM wears many hats,
but one of the most important is the role of the
director. It is your job to keep things moving along at
a healthy pace. There is absolutely an art to maintain-
ing good pacing, but when you’re just starting out,
lean on the slower side: if all your players are having
fun in a scene or moment, let them enjoy it for a
while before taking the reins again. While it might
seem like a good idea to let your players do whatever
they want all the time “as long as they are having
fun,” that actually harms the overall experience. If
your players spend session after session rowdily
hanging out at the tavern, they will eventually resent
that the story hasn’t pulled them anywhere else. You
must be the constant driving force to the story’s ac-
tion. The DM is the player best equipped to move the
story along, and you should use your powers freely.
Here are some great tools to move along a session,
scene, or conversation that is spinning in circles:
• Introduce an unexpected threat. A monster
pops out of hiding! The city guards suddenly
HOW TO KEEP COMBAT INTERESTING
One of the biggest challenges to pacing comes
from combat, which can get very repetitive very
quickly. While you want to give your players the
opportunity to flex their skills and feel powerful,
you have to remain vigilant so combat doesn’t
ever feel like a chore. Here are some things to
keep in mind to help combat pacing:
• If you have a lot of creatures in the initiative
order, declare not only who’s turn it is
but also who is “on deck” (who is going
next). This process keeps things moving by
reminding players to be ready with their
action plans.
• Unless you are fighting a big bad or super
important enemy, your combats should
rarely last more than three rounds. If you
routinely find yourself running combats
Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
show up! The earth begins to quake as some-
thing awakens in the depths! If your players
aren’t moving to the action, bring the action to
them.
• Present a solution. The character with the
highest passive Perception suddenly notices
the answer to the riddle scratched into the
table. A friendly mountaineer spots the col-
lapsed cave and begins to dig the trapped party
out. A cute dog with a message tied to its collar
shows up. If your players are stumped or can’t
figure something out, don’t let them spin their
wheels. Provide a solution!
• Declare that time passes. You’ve already
described one bar scene in exquisite detail, so
declare the night goes on in a legendary man-
ner and ask where the characters wind up the
next morning. You are traveling a very long way
on a familiar road, so you declare that “time
passes,” and you pick up the scene after a week
of hard travel. You are the master of this world,
and you can speed up time to avoid repetitive
or boring scenes whenever you want to!
• Make a roll. If your party rogue is slowing
everything down by picking the pocket of
every local, just have them roll a d20 to see
how much gold they get for the day instead
of playing out each theft. If a player hopes to
find a specific item in a massive city market,
do one roll for the day instead of describing
every stall they can visit. When in doubt, just
call for a roll and use basic mechanics to solve
problems.
longer than that, you need to scale back the
encounter challenges.
• Play fast and loose with hit points. It isn’t
fun for anyone if your party has torn through
dozens of enemies only to have to continue
to hit the one wolf left because they rolled
minimum damage. If a fight is over, don’t
drag it on just because some numbers say
you should.
• If a player picks a rules fight and grinds
everything to a halt, just let them win and
move on. It is more important to keep the
action going in the moment and save rules
consultation for a break or after the game
is over. It won’t be the end of the world
if you let a player break the rules for one
session.
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• Ask a player for help. Sometimes, no matter our
best efforts, a group of players just can’t stay fo-
cused on the events of a game. If this happens, it
is okay to take a break and ask one of the players
to help you move things along in character. Most
of the time, people are happy to help and didn’t
realize that things were getting so out of hand.
Implementing the
Rule of Cool
You’ve likely heard the phrase “rule of cool” bandied
about, especially if you’ve engaged with the online
TTRPG community. But what does it mean? Most
frequently, it refers to allowing your players to do
awesome things in the game, even if it isn’t mechani-
cally supported or conflicts with the rules. The rule of
cool can be interpreted as a broader DMing philoso-
phy which champions narrative over rules as written.
Most people don’t play TTRPGs because they love the
rules of the game. They play because they want to be
part of a compelling tale.
The rule of cool emphasizes that the rules of a
game are simply a frame to hold a fantastic creation,
and the frame should never pull focus from the
piece itself. Cultivating this kind of storytelling
does take practice. When there aren’t specific rules
written, it is much easier to say, “No, you can’t climb
on top of the dragon’s head and poke its eye out,”
than to take a moment and figure out how to make
such a wild action work. Great DMs are the ones
who don’t say no in a crisis but rather invent new
solutions and new systems to support creativity.
So what if you can’t technically use a spell a certain
way! If there is a compelling reason to do so, isn’t
that more interesting? The best moments of games
are those enchanted turns of creativity when dice,
imagination, and circumstance align to create an
intense scene. When such moments happen, the
quickest way to kill them is often by not letting the
little things—the rules—go.
Running
Interesting NPCs
In too many campaigns, NPCs fall by the wayside,
serving as little more than cardboard cutouts to
dispense information or sell pints of ale. These lack-
luster characters lead to repetitive conversations and
boring shopping scenes, and ultimately they degrade
the integrity of the world for your players. So how do
we save our worlds from this dull demise?
Know Their Motivations regardless of how you feel about them.
The fastest way to make an NPC meaningful is to
decide what their motivations are. “Know your
140
motivation” is a prevalent phrase in introductory
acting classes for a good reason. Keeping the motiva-
tion or agenda of a character in mind while you
roleplay them always gives you an idea of what to
do next in an interaction. These motivations can be
simple, like an innkeeper needing to earn money for a
new summer home, or very complicated, like a villain
dealing with a devil to avenge their slaughtered
family. Whatever the scope, having the desires that
motivate your NPC in mind inherently breeds richer
interactions. NPC motivations are just as important
as player motivations; when the two align or conflict,
exciting action is bound to arise.
TIPS TO MAKE
RUNNING NPCS EASIER
Here are some quick tips to keep in mind
when managing and running NPCs:
• If your players react strongly to an NPC
(they love them or hate them), take note
and bring them back later in the story!
Having a collection of these familiar and
interesting NPCs at your disposal keeps
things fun and saves you from having to
create brand-new NPCs over and over
again.
• If an NPC is traveling with the party, let
a player run that NPC in combat or other
mechanics-heavy situations. Keep in
mind that you should only ask for help
with this from a player who has a firm
grasp of how to run their own character.
• Avoid scenes in which heavy NPC-
to-NPC interactions may occur. If it’s
unavoidable, assign a primary NPC to
lead the scene. That NPC should do most
of the talking, and secondary NPCs
should only provide commentary when
absolutely necessary.
• When you create an NPC and your
players react strongly to them, do
yourself a favor and immediately write
down what they look and sound like.
Notes about whether a character had
an accent, spoke at a particular pace or
volume, or used specific catchphrases
can be a continuity lifesaver.
• Don’t get too attached to an NPC until
you know how your players feel about
them. You should discard NPCs to
whom your players don’t strongly react,

Allow Them to Grow
NPC motivations can (and often should) change.
Player characters usually discover a lot about
themselves and how they fit into the world
throughout a campaign. If your non-player
characters evolve in the same way over the
campaign, they genuinely feel like real pieces of the
developing story. Consider a scenario in which your
players burn down the innkeeper’s establishment;
that innkeeper’s motivations would likely move
from collecting savings to collecting vengeance.
What if your players resurrect the villain’s slain
family? Perhaps that villain now becomes an ally.
These changes guided by player action are a prime
example of how NPC motivations can radically raise
stakes in your games.
Make Them Relatable focus on building the entire world. You should
Let’s face it—the fantasy genre is built on a pyramid
of character tropes. Buxom barmaids, forgetful
wizards, rogues from broken families—the list goes
on and on. Not every trope should be subverted.
They exist for good reason: they are fun and relat-
able. However, you must use the power of the trope
wisely. If every NPC in your campaign is a common
trope, you lose credibility quickly. Equally so, if every
NPC is an extremely complicated re-envisioning of
the genre, your players won’t be able to keep up. The
best games out there marry the worlds of cliché,
hilarious characters with a handful of surprising
NPCs who shape the events of the world. The best
NPC candidate to avoid tropes with is the villain
of your campaign. The most memorable villains in
media are the ones we all can relate to a little, and
achieving that feeling often requires a more compli-
cated motivation than those you find among familiar
fantasy tropes. Ultimately, if you create a well-mixed
band of NPCs, both you and your players will enjoy
interacting with them.
Building a Campaign
Once you have a few game sessions under your belt
and a group of dedicated players, you’ll likely want to
embark on a long-term game. These long-term games,
called campaigns, allow the same characters to grow
in power as they interact with the world around
them. Building a campaign uses all the same tools as
building a session, but it also requires a DM to start
thinking beyond just the next game night and into
the future.
Setting Development
When you start a campaign, the major thing you’ll
want to consider is how to reveal information
about your setting. For example, this book provides
Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
you with all the information you need to set an
adventure in the Planes, but you certainly can’t
(and shouldn’t) expect your players to know all
the details about the world from the first game.
Whether you are using a prewritten adventure
setting or introducing a new setting of your own
design, you have to slowly regulate the flow of new
information.
SPIRAL OUTWARD
One of the most successful ways to develop your
setting (and your plots as well, if we’re honest) is
using the spiral method. The spiral method asks
you to select one small location to begin your
adventure, then introduces progressively more
locations and concepts as the campaign rolls along.
When you first start your campaign, you shouldn’t
focus instead on building the village, the dungeon,
or whatever small location in which your campaign
actually begins. If you stick to just fleshing out the
center of your spiral, your players can get used to
their characters and setting on a comfortable scale
rather than being tossed into the deep end of a
pool. Once your players are ready to move beyond
this location, you can introduce the details of the
area around it. If you started in a village, you could
now talk about the dangers of the surrounding
countryside, or maybe you move the tale into the
city closest to the village. Once you explore the
surrounding areas, you can introduce the problems
all the locals of the province face. After local prob-
lems, you can talk about the country’s problems,
then the continent’s, and so on. Resist the urge to
plan the sweeping, world-shaking outer layers of
your spiral until you get there. The spiral method
is all about building a foundation of knowledge so
your players have a chance to discover the setting
at a digestible pace.
SHOW, DON’T TELL
As the DM, you have the benefit of knowing what’s
going on (most of the time), so you have all these
interesting cards in your hand to deal out to your
players at key moments. If there is a unique detail
about your setting, don’t just tell your players
about it. Show it! Having a band of characters walk
into a town where people go about their daily lives
in zero gravity is way more fun for everyone than
explaining that there is a town where there is no
gravity in one area of the world. Let your players
be curious about your setting and deal out the
information only as they ask for it. The discovery
process is exciting, and the more you can stage
opportunities for discovery, the more compelling
your setting.
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CAMPAIGN BUILDING
BEST PRACTICES
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind
when building a campaign:
• Don’t get too ahead of yourself. Your
players have agency in the world and the
plot of your campaign, so it doesn’t make
sense to plan out the specifics of the
story too far in advance.
• Make sure to weave your characters’
goals and struggles into your campaign.
The best plots and arcs are the ones that
personally matter to your adventurers.
• Leave lots of space for change. Don’t
spend your time crafting an intricate
campaign plot until you know whether
or not your players care about it. Start
with lots of threads, see what they bite
at, then only develop the threads that
interest them.
• Don’t create needless work. Even though
you might feel compelled to chart the
intricate family trees for the twenty
ruling noble houses in your homebrew
setting, your players likely won’t need
(or appreciate) that much information.
Prioritize working out campaign infor-
mation only as it comes up in the story.
Tiers of Play
When designing a campaign, it is critical to keep the
power level of your players in mind. A lot of cam-
paign dissatisfaction comes from mismatching the
scale of challenges to the abilities of your characters.
Tier 1 (Levels 1–4)
Most campaigns start at tier 1 for a good reason.
Adventures and encounters built for tier 1 are small
in scope and easy to manage. Both DMs and players
have many opportunities to explore how their char-
acters and the world work because tier 1 challenges
provide a lot of narrative and mechanical breathing
room. Adventures at tier 1 should focus on measur-
able, small-scale goals like helping everyday people,
solving problems in small settlements, and delving
into five-room dungeons. Your goal as a DM for tier
1 is to get everyone used to their characters and the
world before you crank up any earth-shattering plot.
Leveling through tier 1 should happen relatively
quickly, so don’t drag this tier out longer than you
need to.
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Tier 2 (Levels 5–10)
Most campaigns end in this tier of play because the
road from level 5 to level 10 takes much longer than the
road from level 1 to level 4 (and most published adven-
tures don’t go beyond level 10). Keep this fact in mind
when building your campaign. Tier 2 is when your big
arcs and plots should kick off in earnest. Ideally, you’ve
sowed some seeds of tier 2 problems into tier 1, and it’s
here that they start to come to a head. Tier 2 characters
should be a big deal in your setting. By level 5, charac-
ters can do extraordinary things that most common
folk only dream of. The world should start noticing tier
2 characters, for better or for worse.
Tier 3 (Levels 11–17)
When you reach tier 3, you are likely about to end
a campaign or you are just starting a brand-new,
sweeping plot. Characters at this level are basically
superheroes, so your plots need to scale accordingly.
The majority of problems your characters face at this
stage shouldn’t be easily solved with a fight or a spell.
They need to be much larger in scope. Tier 3 is when
moral quandaries, big decisions that affect the world,
and the machinations of powerful factions need to
shine to keep things interesting. When planning
campaign elements for tier 3, make sure not to
overlook your characters’ personal goals and stories.
It can be easy to get wrapped up in the grand scale of
tier 3 adventures, so you need to frequently check in
with yourself about the basics.
Tier 4 (Levels 17–20)
At tier 4, your characters are pretty much gods. There
is almost no day-to-day problem they can’t solve, so
tier 4 demands you think outside the box. This need
for creativity prevents a lot of DMs from playing tier
4, but the principles of good DMing are the same. At
this level, you need to build personal stories for your
characters to keep them interested in the action.
Additionally, you need to get crafty with your villains
at this tier. Your characters now have abilities to
reshape reality, and so should your villains.
Maintaining
Your Game
So you’ve got a group together and a game up and
running. Congratulations! The work of cultivating
a healthy game doesn’t stop there. You have to do
regular upkeep to hold a game group together and
maintain a campaign session after session.
Adapt and Grow
Our world, and our lives, change and evolve dramati-
cally in a short amount of time. The gaming groups
that can roll with the punches are the ones who grow

and the ones who still have legs to stand on two,
five, even ten years later. Writing in stone how your
game has to be is likely a death sentence for your
longevity. It’s quite rare for folks to find a group and
play the same campaign for multiple years, often for
this reason. People are constantly changing, and if
the game you run doesn’t change as well, conflict is
inevitable. To keep your campaigns running, learn to
love surprises and open yourself up to their potential.
Whether that means changing up your format,
bringing in new players, or changing the game you
play, if you say yes to opportunities that make sense,
your meta-narrative can be just as thrilling as each
individual game. Times and people are turbulent,
so staying cool is the path you need to keep your
campaign on course. If you are that pillar of chill in
the center of chaos, your players will stay by your
side through it all.
HOUSE RULES TO
MINIMIZE PLAYER
CONFLICT
Here are some helpful rules to establish
with your group to help avoid and navigate
player conflict:
• Make a firm rule that player characters
are not allowed to influence one another
with rolls, and PVP (player versus player)
combat is not allowed.
• Allow players to rewind their actions.
If someone makes an obvious mistake
because they misunderstood a rule, do
not punish them. Allow them to take it
back.
• Make sure your players have a way to
talk to each other and directly to just
you if need be. Often, a player might be
embarrassed to ask a question or bring
up a concern in front of the whole group.
Give everyone multiple avenues of
communication.
Dealing with Player Conflict
A regular game group is a relationship like any
other. Occasionally, personalities clash, and conflict
ensues. As a DM, it is not your job to be a group
therapist, but you need to mediate disputes that
arise in game. Ideally, your table has had a session
zero during which you all established house rules
that you can point to when conflict arises, but you
won’t always have that luxury. The first step to
resolving in-game conflict is to pause the action
Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
and listen to your players’ concerns. Nine times
out of ten, issues that arise at the table in the heat
of the moment are caused when someone doesn’t
feel heard or feels misunderstood. It is up to you
to pause the game and make sure a player gets to
speak. That said, if a player is truly unreasonable,
you should feel empowered to pause, stop, or end
the game as needed. Your number-one job is to
facilitate fun, and if a major conflict arises, stopping
the game to pick it up at a later date is a perfectly
reasonable way to fulfill that job.
We are in no way experts or professionals
on the subject of conflict resolution, and truly
upsetting player behavior is something better left
to professionals. All you can do is do your best to set
clear boundaries, and if anything feels unsafe, end
the game session immediately and seek professional
guidance.
Regular Player Check-Ins
Every DM I have cherished has one thing in common:
an ability to communicate successfully. Frequent
check-ins with players about their moods during
games, their level of enjoyment, and what they
would like to see for their characters are a sure-fire
way to elevate a tabletop experience from good
to outstanding. To find out what people love, you
must listen to them. At regular intervals, you should
schedule some time to chat with your players one on
one about their characters and how they feel about
the game. Every ten sessions or every six months is a
great goal to aim for when you play in a regular group.
These check-ins are an awesome way to figure out
how you can improve your DMing to better suit your
players’ needs.
It is worth noting that you have to be ready to hear
criticism to get honest feedback. If you want to grow
as a DM, you need to hear the bad alongside the good.
It isn’t easy to gracefully take criticism, but it is vital
so your players know they can trust you with the
truth.
Scheduling
A DM has to play many roles in a gaming group. A
DM narrates and runs the game, of course, but they
typically also serve as the event coordinator, the
cheerleader, and the administrator of the gaming
group. Unless you have an invested player willing
to handle scheduling your games, it is going to
fall to you to keep the game running. Schedule
is the greatest foe of any long-term roleplaying
game, and you need to battle it as efficiently as you
would a goblin horde. In this section, we cover the
biggest hurdles to building a session schedule that
actually works.
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Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
Setting a Date
Ensuring a continuing campaign takes tenacity and
commitment to a regular schedule. Tricks and tips for
scheduling any kind of regular event apply to game
sessions as well:
• Establish dates well in advance.
• Check in regularly.
• Pick the next event date before or during the
current event.
Ideally, you will develop a routine for your sessions
so everyone gets into a rhythm. Until you have such
a routine locked in, you have to be insistent about
picking dates in advance. At the end of a session,
budget time to pick the next session date. Or, if you
are playing late and you know your players won’t be
at their best to have the conversation at the end of
the session, set aside time at the beginning of the
session to plan the next date. When scheduling your
sessions is a priority for you, your players are more
likely to make it a priority as well.
Session Length
In today’s world, it is incredibly difficult to find time
to do anything recreational. Oftentimes, campaigns
fall apart because players are too exhausted from
hard workweeks, can’t afford childcare, or one of
a hundred other reasons. One of the best ways to
combat these kinds of scheduling issues is to shorten
the length of each gaming session. It might sound
tempting to play a session for four hours straight, but
I guarantee not everyone in your group feels enthu-
siastic about such a huge block of time. The typical
length of time players can stay focused without a
long break is three hours (though I prefer two). If you
are making a day of it, playing for two hours, taking
an hour-long meal break, then playing for two more
hours is a good option. You must give your players
time to decompress, socialize, and snack if you
want to keep them happy and eager to focus when
necessary.
Session Frequency
You also want to make sure you are planning
sessions at a frequency that is both realistic and
regular. In my experience, playing weekly games is
too much. Asking a group of busy people to show
up every single week to focus for multiple hours
is (most of the time) too much to ask. Even if your
players seem enthusiastic about weekly games to
begin with, I assure you that enthusiasm shifts to
resentment quickly. I recommend playing every
other week, always on the same day and at the
same time. Also, make sure your sessions are the
same length every game. Don’t squander people’s
time by having to guess whether your session will
last two hours or six. If you have consistent games
144
that are the same length every time, that window
becomes sacred to your players, and they can begin
to adapt their schedule around those windows.
Monthly games are doable, but most groups can’t
handle that much time between sessions. Any
break longer than two weeks guarantees at least
a few game details will be forgotten, and it will
always be a challenge to get back into the action
each game.
Missing Players
Every so often, despite your best scheduling efforts,
one or more of your players might have to miss a
game. Hopefully, you’ll get some kind of notice, but
often you’ll just have to roll with the punches and
figure out the best way to deal with the situation.
When you first get together with your players at the
beginning of a new campaign (ideally during ses-
sion zero), you need to discuss what happens when
a player can’t make it to a session. Here are some
options you can present to your players:
1. If you have a majority, play on. If you have at
least half your group plus one who can make
it, you should run a session as you normally
would. In scenarios like this, you find an excuse
in game why a character is absent, or you have
that character along for the ride, but they don’t
do anything noteworthy (no speaking, fighting,
or making important choices). This tactic may
require you to restructure your game a bit,
especially if you had a big surprise or event in
mind for the absent player, but hopefully, you’ll
have enough other action going on in the world
that you can compensate.
2. Run a session but use a nonstandard format.
If you don’t have a player majority or can’t
easily change the story to compensate for the
missing player, this is the next best option.
Running a game with a nonstandard format
can mean several different things:
• Run a side quest. This is when you use the
same characters, but you play through
a different quest for the session. You
could pick up your characters and run
them through a portion of a published
adventure. You could do a level from a
dungeon. You could have a session where
they visit a festival. You get the idea. It’s
okay to handwave the exact timing of such
a sidequest, calling it a flashback, a future
event, or just making it a noncanonical part
of the adventure. Your players just want to
play. Typically, no one cares about preserving
a sacred in-game timeline.

• Play different characters. This is when you
have the same players, but you use different
characters to play through a short adventure.
It can be fun to mix up game night by playing
new characters every once in a while. If
you all have backup characters, you can
experience adventuring at a different level, in
a different part of the world, or an adventure
with themes different than the ones you
typically explore. Just make sure your players
are all right with this idea. Some people do
get stressed out when they have to learn
mechanics for a different character.
• Run a one-on-one session. If you are missing
a lot of your players but you still want
to keep the story going, consider doing a
one-on-one session! While this might seem
a little strange, taking the time to focus a
session entirely on one character can be
rewarding. One-on-one sessions are the
perfect opportunity to dive into backstory
elements that may not have been addressed
in the story so far. This gameplay format is
pretty nontraditional, so make sure your
players are all right with experimenting
before you plan this kind of game.
3. Have a board game night. If everything goes
sideways and cancellations make it impossible
to play, consider throwing a board game night.
Preserving the routine of getting together
at the same time and place is incredibly
important to the survival of a long-term game.
That’s why hosting a nerdy, 5E-adjacent board
game night is a great solution. Chances are at
least one of your players has a couple board
games or knows some great card games to
teach the group. Board game nights are a low-
stress option to hang out and catch up. If you
want an even lower-stress option, try to bring a
couple cooperative board games so you can all
work together to defeat the game TTRPG style.
4. Only cancel as a last resort. While it might
seem dramatic, skipping game night altogether
should be the last option you consider.
Canceling one scheduled game inevitably
snowballs into many more canceled games
and often results in a quiet campaign death
(particularly for brand-new groups). People
crave consistency, and if you don’t prove you
are willing to follow through with game night
regularly, your players will be compelled to
seek consistency elsewhere. Save complete
cancelations for when you need them, like in
the case of accidents or illness.
Chapter 4: Building Adventures in the Planes
Sometimes
Things Fall Apart
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, campaigns
and game groups fall apart, and that is perfectly
normal. A gaming group is a relationship like any
other, where you can do everything right and things
still don’t work out. It could be poor timing in your
players’ lives (or yours) or general group incompat-
ibility that causes a game to fizzle out, and that is
okay. For every successful long-term campaign I’ve
been in, I’ve been in three others that fell apart after a
handful of sessions (or sometimes just one). The key
to finding a great group is persistence. Lots of players
have to go through several different groups before
they find one that is the right fit. If this happens to a
group you are DMing or playing in, it can be a major
bummer, but it also creates an opportunity to learn
and try again. Making magic isn’t easy, but persis-
tence and patience are your best pathways to finding
an awesome campaign.
TENETS OF THE DM
• Cultivate Listening. Prioritize listening
to your instincts, your players, and your
characters before you speak.
• Facilitate Fun. Always remember that
your number-one job is to make sure
everyone at your table has fun. Discard
anything that does not suit that purpose.
• Be Flexible. To be a great DM, you must
become flexible in all things. Whether
it’s letting go of your world to let the
characters change it or admitting you
were wrong about a rule adjudication,
you have to learn to bend.
• Stay Cool. While it can be nerve-
wracking to slide into the DM seat, you
must remain steadfast no matter how
hot things get. This tenet doesn’t mean
you can’t be nervous, but it does mean
that you have to be the dependable one
your players can count on to keep things
together at the game table.
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 CHAPTER FIVE
TREASURES
T he Planes is a high-magic setting where
magic is part of daily life for everyone,
from commoners to monarchs. Most
denizens are familiar with magic items in the Mortal
Realm, and wealthy individuals typically keep a
couple on their person or in their homes. Diligent
shoppers can find common and uncommon magic
items available for sale in the markets of the Eldrin
Empire, and creatures with enough coin can commis-
sion the creation of rare and very rare items. Routine
meddling in mortal affairs has also left a healthy
collection of god- and faerie-made legendary items
and artifacts scattered throughout the world.
Buying and Selling
Magic Items
While creatures can’t simply walk into any corner
store and find magic items for sale, it is significantly
easier to purchase them in the Eldrin Empire than
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COLD IRON WEAPONS
Through their long struggle against the
fey, soldiers of the Eldrin Empire have
discovered faerie creatures have an innate
weakness to weapons made of cold
iron. Cold iron (or "cold-wrought" iron)
weapons are forged without fire and are
consequently difficult to manufacture.
In the Mortal Realm, a character can
commission the creation of a single cold
iron weapon or ten pieces of cold iron
ammunition for 100 gp in addition to the
weapon’s normal cost.
A cold iron weapon is treated as magical
when used against fey creatures for the
purpose of overcoming resistance and
immunity to nonmagical attacks and
damage.

in most realms. Similarly, adventurers hoping to sell
magic items are likely to find a willing buyer in the
wealthy cities of the empire.
This section provides base pricing for buying and
selling magic items in the Eldrin Empire, but the DM
has the final say on the availability and market value
of a particular magic item.
Permanent
Magic Items
Most magic items are categorized as permanent,
which means they have a set of magic properties
unique to that object. A bag of holding, an oathbow,
or a cloak of the mountebank are all examples of
permanent magic items.
Permanent magic items are the most difficult
type of magic item to create, making them the least
readily available and most valuable kind of magic
item in the Planes. Fabricating even one magic item
of common rarity takes a great deal of skill, time, and
expense, so a small number of new magic items are
created in the Mortal Realm each year (not enough to
keep up with the demand).
A special program at the university of Faelyn teaches
the principles of fabricating magic items, but the
majority of students who study it go on to work ex-
clusively on government-sponsored projects. Several
gnomish families in Chasiana turn a healthy profit by
taking magic item commissions, but their services are
expensive and in great demand. The majority of magic
items on the market are secondhand, sold off to cover
debts, or left behind in unfortunate circumstances.
Permanent Magic Item Pricing by Rarity
Base Value Range
Rarity
(High-Magic Setting)
Common 20–90 gp
Uncommon 450–4,500 gp
Rare 1,800–18,000 gp
Very Rare 14,850–45,000 gp
Legendary 22,500–180,000 gp
Artifact Never available for sale or purchase
Consumable
Magic Items
Consumable magic items are designed to be used
once (or a few times) before they are expended.
Since these items have a limited life span, they are
significantly cheaper and generally easier to find than
Chapter 5: Treasures
permanent magic items. The easiest way to price
consumables is to consider their benefits as if the
items were spells. The Consumable Pricing by Spell
Level table gives you guidelines for pricing consum-
able items in this way. If they have no obvious spell
comparison, price them by rarity.
Creating consumable magic items still requires
training, time, and costly components. Still, far more
people in the Mortal Realm possess the requisite
expertise to make consumable magic items than the
expertise necessary to make permanent ones.
Cities and large towns typically have apothecaries
and pharmacies with a limited supply of potions
available for purchase. Spell scrolls, magic tokens, and
enchanted ammunition are a little harder to come by,
but traveling mages and graduate students are usually
willing to create such items to make a quick buck.
HOW TO MAKE MAGIC
ITEMS FEEL SPECIAL
DMs often struggle with rewarding magic
items during a campaign. Handing out too
many items can cause players to forget
to use them, and using random tables to
generate item rewards can saturate a game
with lackluster items. So, how do you keep
these kinds of rewards feeling special,
especially in a high-magic setting? Involve
your players in the process!
Here are some quick tips to accomplish this.
• Ask your players directly what kinds of
magic items their characters would like,
then scatter opportunities to earn them
throughout the campaign. Make sure to
check in regularly to see if your players
have changed their minds about what
they want.
• When awarding loot, mostly hand
out consumable items like potions,
spell scrolls, and tokens. Try to reward
permanent magic items only when there
is a narrative reason.
• If a character wants to buy a certain magic
item, don’t make it as easy as walking
into a corner store. Buying highly specific
objects usually involves research and
investigation in the real world, so it should
feel the same in fantasy worlds.
• Make sure the characters have a way to sell
or trade items they no longer need. Sacrificing
old items to gain new items helps maintain
a sense of economic value.
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Chapter 5: Treasures

Magic Items Sample Magic Items

The following sections detail some of the magic items
adventurers may discover as they adventure across the
Planes. Such treasures might be awarded by grateful be-
ings or perhaps used to bribe an interested party. Some of
these items are commonplace tools of the Eldrin Empire,
and others are dangerous rarities better left buried.
Storied Treasures
Since the Mortal Realm is relatively young, there are
not great quantities of magic items in circulation.
Unless adventurers commission a new item, almost
everything they acquire will have changed hands
through multiple generations.
As with all aspects of reality in the Planes, magic
items slowly shift in response to the wills of their
owners, so no two magic items (even of the same
type) in the world are ever quite the same. Whenever
a magic item is introduced, consider its history
and the small changes made to accommodate
previous owners. The Item Quirks table offers a few
suggestions for making a magic item feel storied
without altering its mechanical properties.
This section presents an assortment of magic items in
alphabetical order.
Aperitif a la Prudence
Wondrous item, rarity varies
An aperitif a la Prudence is a magical cocktail
named after the glamorous aberration who peddles
them. The most potent and “premium select”
of Prudence’s famous mixed beverages, each
aperitif a la Prudence has a distinct flavor, color,
and effect when imbibed. An aperitif takes effect
immediately unless otherwise noted and lasts until
dispelled or until you drink a different aperitif,
regardless of rarity.
Cucumber Lemon Twist (Common). A seasonal
option, this cocktail has a splash of cucumber water,
a squeeze of lemon juice, grapefruit zest, and a
borderline irresponsible amount of potato liquor.
Once you drink this cloudy liqueur, you can use an
action to fall asleep for up to 8 hours, regardless of
circumstance or environment. Creatures can only
wake you if you allow it, so be careful.

Consumable Pricing by Spell Level

Spell Level Price Rarity Equivalent Consumable
Level 0 (Cantrip) 10 gp Common Potion of climbing
Level 1 50 gp Common Ammunition +1
Level 2 100 gp Uncommon Ammunition +2
Level 3 200 gp Uncommon Potion of gaseous form
Level 4 350 gp Rare Ammunition +3
Level 5 650 gp Rare Arrow of slaying
Level 6 1,500 gp Very Rare Potion of supreme healing
Level 7 2,500 gp Very Rare Oil of etherealness
Level 8 5,000 gp Very Rare Spell scroll (level 8)
Level 9 10,500 gp Legendary Candle of invocation

Item Quirks
d10 Item Quirk
1 You sometimes catch yourself humming a specific tune when you hold the item.
2 The item frequently appears in your dreams.
3 The item somehow always makes its way back to you.
4 Seeing the item reminds you of someone you care for.
5 The item always seems to be right where you need it.
6 The item emits an oddly specific scent.
7 The item is decorated with an unusual pattern.
8 The item has a disability-friendly grip or other appropriate features.
9 Touching the item makes you feel safe.
10 The item has a name scratched onto its surface in a child’s handwriting.
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Aperitif a la
Prudence
Whipped until Sour (Uncommon). Made from
a blend of distilled corn whiskey, egg whites, and a
Wildes sour berry called levielria, this cocktail is sweet,
sour, and topped with airy foam. Once you drink this
emerald-green beverage, you can take any color in the
world as your own. As an action, you can press your
hair, lips, nails, or tongue against a surface or object you
can touch. The chosen body part becomes that color.
Dandelion-Bright Highball (Rare). Yellow as the
noonday sun, this beverage contains dandelion tea,
pineapple juice, and essence of clove served ice cold.
Once you drink this cocktail, your speed is increased
by 15 feet while in sunlight. In addition, you regain
10 hit points when you finish a short rest while
outside in the daytime for the next 7 days.
Cold Mellon Slush (Very Rare). The juice of an
entire frostmellon is reduced into a syrup for a single
serving of this honey liqueur cocktail. Once you drink
this icy-blue and eternally near-frozen drink, you can
survive comfortably in temperatures as low as −100
degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, you gain resistance
to cold damage for the next 7 days.
White and Prickly (Very Rare). This cocktail takes
nearly a year to ferment and consists of a refreshing
blend of coconut milk, prickly pear juice, stinging
nettles, mint, white wine, and a single sphinx tear.
Once you drink this bright-white beverage, you
become immune to effects that would sense your
emotions, read your thoughts, or communicate with
you telepathically against your will. In addition, your
level of exhaustion is reduced by one each time you
finish a short rest for the next 7 days.
Stay Gold, Darling (Legendary). With an elder-
flower cordial as a base, this cocktail contains white
truffle extract, sparkling water, and one gram of
Chapter 5: Treasures
powdered gold dragon eggshell. Requiring extremely
fresh eggshells, this cocktail is exorbitantly expen-
sive, going for as much as 150,000 gp when the rare
eggshells are available. This blend is tailor-made for
spellcasters capable of getting the required ingredi-
ent back to Prudence in time for the enchantment.
Once you drink this glittering gold cocktail, you
automatically succeed on Constitution saving throws
made to maintain concentration on spells or abilities.
Your concentration still ends normally through other
means. This benefit lasts until you die.
I went to school for years to become an alchemist,
so if there is one thing I know, it’s how to identify
an expertly mixed solution. With that in mind , the
next time you find yourself in the Planar Bazaar,
you absolutely must visit a certain tentacled queen.
Prudence’s drinks make you sparkle. Literally .
Asylum’s Clasp
Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)
This small brooch audibly hums with potent arcane
energy and fastens unnaturally securely to any mate-
rial. While wearing this ornamental clip, you have
resistance to force damage and immunity to damage
from the magic missile spell.
Imperceptible. You are hidden from divination
magic while wearing this magical brooch. You can’t
be targeted by such magic or perceived through
magical scrying sensors, including those formed
by the scrying spell. Creatures can telepathically
communicate with you only if you allow it.
Union. As an action, you can cause the brooch to
form a magical link with another living creature that
touches the brooch. The connection remains until a
new link is formed, you or the connected creature
die, or you or the connected creature are on different
planes of existence for 1 year and 1 day. While the
link remains active, you can use an action to cast the
sending spell only to the connected creature. You do
not need to share a language with the creature for it
to understand your message, but the creature must
be able to understand at least one language.
Once sending is cast through the brooch, it cannot
be used again until the next dawn. When the link to
another creature is broken, both you and the creature
are made aware.
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The Avatar
Armor (plate), artifact (requires attunement)
This jet-black suit of armor encases the wearer from
head to toe. The Avatar was crafted by Menoetius, a
grieving titan looking to balance the scales against
the gods who slaughtered her kind. The Avatar is the
only known weapon that can permanently slay a god,
and thus it is widely feared by them.
Divine Shield. While attuned to this armor, you
cannot be scryed upon or magically detected in any
way by celestial creatures.
Godkiller. While wearing this armor, you gain
a +3 bonus to AC. Any melee attacks you make
while wearing the armor deal double damage to
celestial creatures (including gods and demigods)
and overcome any damage immunities or resistances
such creatures might possess. In addition, you are
resistant to any damage dealt by celestial creatures.
Curse. This item is cursed. While you are attuned to
it, all celestial creatures are hostile toward you.
Destroying the Armor. The Avatar can only be
destroyed by a weapon forged by Menoetius, the
titan who created the armor. It is invulnerable to all
other sources of damage, even damage caused by
divine intervention.
Band of Inverse Steps
Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement)
A staple tool for most agents of fate, this rose-gold
ring is adorned with the celestial word for “destiny”
inverted, etched on the band.
As a reaction, you can teleport yourself and one
Medium or smaller creature you are touching to an
unoccupied space that you have occupied or moved
through since the start of your last turn. points, and it is immune to lightning, poison, and
Buckler of the Cradling Cat
Armor (shield), rare (requires attunement)
Lightly armored frontline fighters consider the cat to
be not only a good omen but a perfect predator. This
light, maneuverable shield is strapped to the forearm,
leaving your shield hand free. Lengths of enchanted
leather cord crisscross overtop of one another on
the face of the shield and, in strong wind or when
jostled, can chirp and purr like an excited feline.
As an action, you can speak the shield’s command
word and cause the interlocking cords to animate
for 1 minute. For the duration, each time a Large or
smaller creature misses you with a melee attack, it
must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be
restrained by the thrashing lines.
A creature restrained by the shield can use its action
to attempt a DC 15 Strength check. On a success, it
150
frees itself from the shield. The restrained condition
ends for an affected creature if you move farther than
5 feet from it. Up to one Large or three Medium or
smaller creatures can be ensnared by the shield at
one time.
Once used, this property cannot be used again until
the next dawn.
Cloak of Mournful
Memories
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
While wearing this masterfully woven linen cloak,
you cannot be frightened and have advantage on
saving throws against being charmed.
As an action, you can cause the cloak to spill
forth a 20-foot-radius sphere of inky vapor
centered on you. Creatures inside the vapor are
heavily obscured. The mist lasts for 1 minute or
until dispersed by a strong wind. Creatures other
than you that enter the area for the first time on a
turn or start their turn there witness unbearably
terrifying memories and must succeed on a DC 15
Wisdom saving throw or be frightened of the vapor
until the end of their turn.
Cloudrunner Carriage
Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)
These exquisitely wrought magical carriages can only
be crafted through hours of painstaking labor and
great expense. Only the attuned user can command
the carriage to move or fly, otherwise it remains
completely immovable.
The cloudrunner carriage can comfortably seat
six Medium creatures. It has an AC of 16 and 68 hit
psychic damage. In addition, the carriage can carry
500 pounds of cargo strapped to the top, back, or
undercarriage and can travel up to 24 miles per day,
after which it must stop for 4 hours to recharge.
When the reins of the carriage are held, two to four
vaporous beasts of burden form to pull the carriage.
The type of beast is determined during the crafting
of the carriage. If no beast is chosen, none appear.
The vaporous creatures do not influence the speed or
locomotion of the carriage and seem to run smoothly
regardless of the terrain.
Speed. The carriage has a ground speed of 30 feet,
or 3 miles per hour. It also has a flying speed of 60
feet, or 6 miles per hour. In addition, you can use a
bonus action to double the carriage’s speed (on land
or while flying) for 1 minute. Once this feature has
been used, the carriage’s speed cannot be doubled in
this way again until the carriage remains immobile
for 8 hours, after which it is recharged.

Collar of Potential
Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)
This simple, supple, small leather collar is adorned
with swirling patterns inlaid with platinum filigree.
The collar of potential causes a summoned
creature, such as those conjured by the conjure
animals or find familiar spells, to take on a different,
much more powerful form. The transformation lasts
up to 10 minutes, all at once or in several shorter
transformations, each one using a minimum of
1 minute from the duration. The collar regains 2
minutes of transformation capabilities for every 8
hours it is not in use.
As an action, you can clasp the collar around a
friendly Tiny creature that you can touch. It gains the
statistics and physical characteristics of a different
creature of your choice with a challenge rating of 4 or
lower. The new form must share a creature type with
that of the conjured being, such as beast, celestial,
dragon, fey, or fiend.
Additionally, if the new form has an Intelligence
score of 5 or lower, its Intelligence becomes 6 and
it gains the ability to understand and speak one
language of your choice that you speak. You control
the creature’s actions in combat. When you take the
Attack action, you can forgo one of your own attacks
to allow the transformed creature to make one attack
with its reaction.
When the transformed creature is reduced to 0 hit
points, it reverts to its previous form with full hit
points, and any conditions afflicting it are removed.
Chapter 5: Treasures
Natural Vexation. A Tiny creature not
summoned by magical means that attempts to
wear the collar must roll a d100. On a roll of 70 or
lower, the creature takes on a random form, chosen
by the DM, and acts according to its nature.
Drifting Dart
Weapon (dart), rare (requires attunement)
This 6-inch-long iron dart is fletched with the bright
shimmering feather of a couatl. When attuned
to it, the dart does not fall unless you wish it to.
Otherwise, it floats in the air where you release it.
You gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls
made with this magic weapon. Immediately after you
make an attack with it, it flies back to your hand.
Drift. When you hit a target with the drifting dart,
you can use your reaction to speak its command
word. The dart then streaks up to 30 feet away and
makes an attack against another target you can see.
On a hit, it deals 2d6 + 1 piercing damage.
The dart then streaks to another target and another
until it misses an attack or runs out of targets. The
dart cannot attack a target more than once.
Once used, this property cannot be used again until
the next dawn.
Elemental Shards
of Adaptation
Wondrous item, rare
Often harvested from the bodies of recently dead or
still living elementals, these 2-inch-long, flat crystal
shards are enchanted to suffuse a single creature
with primordial elemental essence, allowing them to
exist in otherwise hostile environments.
Cloudrunner
Carriage
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Elemental Shards
Color Element Effect

The shard injects a numb, cooling effect on the your body. You automatically succeed on
Blue Constitution saving throws made to ignore the effects of extreme heat.
Water
Sapphire   In addition, you can survive submerged in water indefinitely without suffering the ill
effects of being submerged, though you still require fresh water, food, and air to survive.

The shard suffuses a tight, heavy feeling to your body. You automatically succeed on
Constitution saving throws against nonmagical poison and acid damage as well as
Green
Earth Strength saving throws to avoid being knocked prone.
Emerald
  In addition, you can survive underground, away from sunlight, indefinitely without
suffering any ill effects.

The shard exudes a feeling of weightlessness and causes hair on your body to float as if
in a light breeze. You automatically acclimate to high altitudes and can hold your breath
Purple
Air for 1 hour.
Amethyst
  In addition, you ignore the first 20 feet you fall from a great height. If you have at least
1 hit point when you land, you can choose to land on your feet.

The shard causes flashes of heat through your body. You can exist comfortably in
temperatures as low as −40 degrees Fahrenheit, and you automatically succeed on
Red
Fire Constitution saving throws made to ignore the effects of extreme cold.
Ruby
  In addition, you become immune to disease and can handle scalding hot objects
painlessly, though you still take damage from magical and mundane fire.

There are four well-known types of elemental Flybane Bows

shards of adaptation, but many more may exist
in the Planes. Each shard, when embedded in the
skin, muscle, or bone of a living creature, causes
the creature’s body to magically ignore elemental
influences determined by the type of elemental used
(see the Elemental Shards table.)
Curious Side Effects. The crystal shards are also, by
nature, suffused with elemental chaos. Any creature
with an embedded shard may experience unnatural,
though harmless, side effects with prolonged use.
The creature must roll on the Elemental Shards
Side Effects table each dawn to determine any
unexpected change to its body. Such changes last for
24 hours. A creature can only suffer from each side
effect once per week.
Elemental Shards Side Effects
d4 Effect
The creature cannot hear or see elementals that
1
share the same type as the shard.
The creature emits a horrible odor, such as fish
2 Hand Crossbow
(for a water shard) or sulfur (for a fire shard).
Weapon (crossbow), rarity varies
These magical crossbows were made specifically
for ground-to-air and air-to-air combat and fire
a compressed bolt of magical force. It takes one
bonus action to crank the crossbow and one
action to fire it. The crossbows can only be fired
once per round.
The flybane bow requires no bolts and deals
force damage instead of piercing damage.
When aimed at a flying target, you may use the
crossbow’s attack bonus of +10 or your own,
whichever is higher. In addition, flying targets
hit by a bolt fired from the flybane bow take an
additional 2d8 force damage.
Flybane bows come in a few varieties but can
look wildly different, from ornately carved ivory
weapons to square hunks of wood barely resembling
crossbows at all.
Type Damage Rarity
1d4 force Very Rare

The creature forgets all languages it knows but Light Crossbow 1d6 force Very Rare
3
can now speak and understand Primordial.

The creature’s skin emits harmless elemental Heavy Crossbow 1d8 force Rare
4 effects, such as mud (for an earth shard) or a
dry breeze (for an air shard). Ballista 2d8 force Rare

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Forest Walker’s Hammock Needlebite Wrap

Wondrous item, common
You can magically affix each end of this weightless
spider-silk hammock between two walls, trees, or
other stable objects within 30 feet of one another.
The hammock can hold up to 300 pounds and can be
rolled into a 1-inch ball when not in use. It takes 40
feet of movement to free yourself from the sticky,
tangling hammock.
While sleeping in it, a sickly sweet, floral smell
wafts from the threads, deterring insects, rodents,
and other CR 0 beasts and plant creatures, which do
not willingly come within 10 feet of the hammock.
Wondrous item, uncommon
This flat, evergreen vine can be wrapped around the
grip of a short bow or longbow, where it tightens and
secures itself into an arrow rest. Each time the bow
is drawn without a piece of ammunition nocked, the
needlebite wrap creates a single nonmagical arrow of
twisted, thorny vines ready to fire. An arrow made
by the wrap splinters apart and is destroyed after it is
fired, whether it hits or misses a target.
Note Book
Wondrous item, common

Mage Mead
Potion, rare
This sweet amber liquid is spiced with a hint of chili
pepper. When you drink this potion, you immedi-
ately regain a spent spell slot of 5th level or lower.
Drinking this potion has no effect if you have not
expended any spell slots or do not cast spells.
Mask of Noor
This small journal can easily fit in a pocket. The
note book can hold up to three songs or poems. If a
creature holds the note book while performing one
of these songs or poems, it has advantage on its
Charisma (Performance) check. If a note book already
contains three songs or poems and a creature writes
a new song or poem in the book, the oldest entry
disappears.
If a note book is found, roll a d3 to determine how
many songs or poems it currently contains.

Wondrous item, legendary

(requires attunement by a monk)
This simple-looking black mask was enchanted
through a monumental amount of meditation, focus,
and prayer by the earth-touched elemental monk
Aram Bashir. Intended as a gift to his lover, a fellow
monk named Mahin Noor, the item radiates powerful
transmutation magic. An unnatural tranquility and
fearlessness washes over the wearer, an echo of the
monk who crafted it.
While you are attuned to the Mask of Noor, it has
the following properties:
Bountiful Soul. When you roll initiative while in
contact with earth, stone, sand, mud, or water, you
regain 2 expended ki points.
One with Stone. You have tremorsense out to a dis-
tance of 20 feet. This effect ends until the start of your
next turn if you move or are lifted from the ground. Radiant
Crown
Roots of the Mountain. As an action, you can
spend 1 ki point to form a spiritual connection to
the earth beneath your feet. For 10 minutes, spells
cannot move you or lift you from the ground. In Radiant Crown
addition, you have a +5 bonus to checks made to
avoid being pushed or knocked prone. Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)
Running Water, Smashing Stone. When you are This golden circlet is adorned with radiating bands
hit by a melee attack, you can use your reaction to to represent sun rays. While attuned to the crown,
spend 2 ki points and make a single melee attack you cast an ethereal glow that causes you to have
against the creature that damaged you. On a hit, the disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made in
attack deals additional force damage equal to half the dim light and automatically fail such checks while in
damage you took from the triggering attack. darkness.
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Chapter 5: Treasures
While wearing the crown in dim light or darkness,
you can cast light at will.
The crown has 6 charges. It regains 1d6 expended
charges daily at dawn.
Guiding Bolt. You can expend 1 charge as an action
to cast guiding bolt from the crown.
Radiant Beam. As an action, you can expend 2
charges to create one to four 5-foot-radius, 40-foot-
tall cylinders of sunlight centered on points you
can see within 120 feet of you. The more cylinders
you create, the less powerful each cylinder is. The
cylinders last as long as you concentrate (as if
concentrating on a spell), up to 1 minute.
When a creature enters a cylinder for the first
time on a turn or starts its turn there, it is engulfed
in shimmering flames that cause searing pain, and
it must attempt a DC 15 Constitution saving throw.
On a failed save, the creature takes radiant damage
based on the number of cylinders you created. After
a cylinder is triggered in this way, it disappears.
Cylinders Radiant Damage
4 1d10
3 2d10
2 4d10
1 8d10
Sunbeam. As an action, you can expend 3 charges
to cast sunbeam from the crown.
Ring of Forage
Ring, common
Tiny leaves are carved into the surface of this red
wood ring. While wearing this ring, you can touch
any nonmagical plant and instantly learn its culinary
and medicinal properties (if it has any).
Robe of the Seven-Fold Veil
Wondrous item, legendary
(requires attunement by a spellcaster)
This soft, waterproof robe has an oversized hood
and form-fitting sleeves with thumb holes for extra
comfort. The deep, vibrant color of this magical robe
changes in hue to match that of the last ward it
created.
The robe has 7 charges. The robe regains 1d4 + 3
expended charges daily at dawn.
Personal Ward. You can use an action and expend
2 charges to create a field of magical protection
around you that lasts for 1 minute or until a creature
triggers the ward’s effect. The ward moves with you
154
and is centered on you, and while it exists you are
heavily obscured.
You can choose which color the ward is when it
appears, so long as you meet the level requirement
to do so. When a creature passes through the barrier
or hits you with a melee attack while within 5 feet of
you, the ward has additional effects indicated by its
color. A creature forced into or through your space is
not affected by the ward in any way.
Area Ward. As an action, you can expend 3 charges
to cause an immovable, 10-foot-radius dome of
arcane protection to appear at a point you can see
within 30 feet of you. The dome lasts for 1 minute or
until a creature triggers the ward’s effect. Creatures
inside the colored dome are heavily obscured but
can see out unimpeded. Creatures can safely move
out from the dome unhindered, but creatures that
willingly move into the dome suffer the ward’s effect.
Red (Required Spellcaster Level 12). A creature
that passes through the red barrier must attempt
a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 7d8 fire
damage on a failed save or half as much damage on
a successful one. Ranged weapon attacks that use
nonmagical ammunition are consumed by the flames
and deal no damage to warded creatures. This ward
can be dispelled by dispel magic (DC 14).
Orange (Required Spellcaster Level 13). A
creature that passes through the orange barrier must
attempt a DC 16 Constitution saving throw, taking
8d8 acid damage on a failed save or half as much
damage on a successful one. Ranged spell attacks
of 4th level or lower deal no damage to warded
creatures. This ward can be dispelled by dispel magic
(DC 15).
Yellow (Required Spellcaster Level 13). A creature
that passes through the barrier must attempt a DC
16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 8d8 lightning
damage on a failed save or half as much damage on
a successful one. Creatures inside the yellow ward
have resistance to damage from area-of-effect spells
and magical abilities. This ward can be dispelled by
dispel magic (DC 15).
Green (Required Spellcaster Level 14). A creature
that passes through the barrier must succeed on a
DC 17 Constitution saving throw or take poison damage
equal to half its hit point maximum. Creatures inside
the green ward are immune to poison damage and
the poisoned condition. This ward hedges out all
noxious gasses and clouds. This ward can be dispelled
by dispel magic (DC 16).
Blue (Required Spellcaster Level 14). A creature
that passes through the barrier is targeted by a flesh
to stone spell (save DC 17). Creatures inside the blue
ward are immune to all divination and mind-affecting
spells and abilities. This ward can be dispelled by
dispel magic (DC 16).
 Chapter 5: Treasures

Indigo (Required Spellcaster Level 15). A creature Invulnerability. Alternatively, you can use an action
that passes through the barrier is targeted by a to press every button on the shield, which expends 5
confusion spell (save DC 18). Creatures inside the charges, to give yourself resistance to all damage for 1
indigo ward are immune to spells and spell-like minute or until you are reduced to 0 hit points.
abilities cast from outside the ward. This ward can be Once used in this way, the shield regains only 1
dispelled by dispel magic (DC 17). charge each dawn for the following 7 days.
Violet (Required Spellcaster Level 16). A creature
that passes through the violet barrier is targeted by Shumsharan
a plane shift spell (save DC 18). Nonliving creatures
of CR 4 or lower and objects that enter the ward are Weapon (club), legendary
disintegrated as with the disintegrate spell. This ward (requires attunement by a monk)
can be dispelled by dispel magic (DC 17). Shumsharan, also called The Heavenly
Bones or Tekpi of Coalescence, are a pair
Rod of the Effigy Master of specialized mithral sai once wielded
by Sharan, the Monk of Many Paths.
Rod, rare (requires attunement) They are always found together,
This steel and bronze rod emits a gentle whir as its and attuning to one of them
internal machinery eternally spins. grants attunement to both.
The rod can bestow a semblance of life to You gain a +2 bonus to
nonmagical materials, creating effigies that function attack and damage rolls with
as if they are alive. To create an effigy, the rod must either Shumsharan and a
be touched to a sculpture or machine built to look +1 bonus to Armor Class
like a beast. Creating such a sculpture requires 24 while wielding both
hours and 50 gp worth of materials multiplied by the of them. When you
imitated beast’s CR (with a minimum cost of 50 gp). spend a ki point while
An effigy brought to life by the rod has the game holding Shumsharan,
statistics of the imitated beast. The effigy is friendly the next time you hit
to you and your companions. The effigy rolls its own with a melee attack,
initiative and acts on its own turn. It obeys any verbal the target takes an
command that you issue to it (no action required additional 2d4 cold, fire,
by you). If you don’t issue any commands, the effigy lightning, necrotic, poison,
defends itself from hostile creatures but otherwise radiant, or thunder damage
acts according to its bestial nature. (your choice). Shumsharan
If an effigy is reduced to 0 hit points, it is destroyed, Proficiency with monk
and the materials used to create it are rendered useless. weapons allows you to add your
The rod of the effigy master can only bestow life to proficiency bonus to the attack roll for any attack you
three effigies at once. If three effigies already exist and make with either Shumsharan.
another effigy is created, the attuned user can choose
which existing effigy is destroyed. Soulhammer
Shield of Weapon (warhammer),
artifact (requires attunement)
Unbreaking Resilience
This divine weapon is a massive, surprisingly light,
Armor (shield), very rare (requires attunement) adamantine warhammer. Forged by a dwarven god
This well-made dwarven shield is crafted from a from the essence of creation itself, the hammer is
copper-colored alloy that’s harder than steel. The nigh indestructible. The creator occasionally lets the
shield has 5 charges and regains 1d4 + 1 expended hammer slip from their weathered grip, hurtling it to
charges daily at dawn. the Mortal Realm as a falling star, where it drops into
Inside the shield are eight circular buttons, each the path of one who would use it to protect the world.
with a Dwarvish rune inscribed upon it relating to Any creature of non-good alignment that tries
the following damage types: acid, cold, fire, lightning, to attune to the warhammer must attempt a DC 17
necrotic, poison, radiant, and thunder. Constitution saving throw. On a successful save, the
As an action, you can press one of the buttons creature takes 10d6 fire damage and 10d6 radiant
and expend 1 charge to infuse the shield with that damage at the start of each turn while within 100
element. For 10 minutes, you have resistance to the feet of the hammer. On a failed save, the creature is
chosen damage type. turned to solid iron.
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Chapter 5: Treasures
Soulhammer is a magic, sentient warhammer that
grants a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls made
with it. It imparts a +10 bonus to ability checks made
to craft or dismantle items made of metal or stone to
anyone who holds it.
While attuned to the artifact, you gain proficiency
in the History skill and can use an action to cast
crusader’s mantle or destructive wave (save DC 18)
from it once per day.
Non-dwarves attuned to Soulhammer emit a rancid
stench noticeable out to a distance of 10 feet and must
eat and drink six times the normal amount each day.
Hurler. The warhammer has the thrown property
with a normal range of 20 feet and a long range of 60
feet. When you hit with a ranged attack using this
weapon, it deals an extra 2d8 damage. Immediately
after the attack, the weapon flies back to your hand.
Judgment. The first time you hit a fiend or undead
creature with the hammer, it takes additional
damage equal to half your hit point maximum and
must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw
or be stunned for 1 minute. The target can repeat the
saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending
the effect on itself on a success.
Might of Stone. While attuned to Soulhammer,
your Strength score becomes 23 unless it is already
23 or higher, and you regain 10 hit points at the
start of each of your turns if you have at least 1 hit
point. You and allies within 30 feet of you can’t be
frightened and have advantage on saving throws
against spells and other magical effects while you are
holding the weapon.
Shatter. When you attack a creature with this
weapon and roll a 20 on the attack roll, the target
takes an additional 20 bludgeoning damage, is
knocked back 20 feet, and must succeed on a DC 18
Strength saving throw or fall prone.
Soul Forge. You can cast the creation spell from
Soulhammer once per day. Objects comprised
only of nonprecious metals created by the spell
last indefinitely but turn to soot when broken.
Alternatively, you can use the spell to create an
object no larger than 20 feet on a side made of stone
or wood. Once used in this way, the spell cannot be
used again for 7 days.
Sentience. Soulhammer is a sentient, lawful
good weapon with an Intelligence score of 16, a
Wisdom score of 18, and a Charisma score of 12. It
has hearing and darkvision out to a range of 120
feet. The warhammer communicates telepathically
with its wielder and can speak, read, and understand
Dwarvish.
Personality. The hammer’s purpose is to safeguard
creation from those that would dismantle it and
restore that which they destroy. The warhammer is
warm, supportive, and fatherly. The Soulhammer
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never makes promises it cannot keep and never lies,
even to further its goals. It grows elated in battle
against evil, and conflict arises if it is wielded against
those undeserving of destruction.
Destroying the Hammer. Destroying the
Soulhammer requires it be undone at its creator’s
own forge in the celestial realm. The hammer must
be submerged in the coals of the eternal forge by
a dwarven monarch and left there for 1 year, after
which is reduced to molten scrap.
SOULFORGER’S GIFT
The greatest gift a dwarven god can bestow
upon a living mortal is the blessing of
stone. Such people, generally dwarves,
must undertake incredible hardship for the
good of the world.
Blessing of Stone
You age half as quickly and are immune to
disease and poison. In addition, you may
summon forth Soulhammer for 1 minute.
Once used, you must succeed on a
Charisma check to call the hammer to your
aid again. The DC for the check equals 25
minus 1 for each day that has passed since
you last summoned Soulhammer.
Spark Shelter
Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)
This gnomish trinket is the size of a box turtle and
magically affixes to a suit of armor. Once attached, it
can only be removed by speaking its command word.
This item has 3 charges and regains 1d3 charges
daily at dawn. While attached to an attuned user’s
armor, the armor grants you the following benefits.
Conduit. You have resistance to lightning damage.
If you take lightning damage from a spell of 1st
level or higher, the first time you hit with a melee
attack on your next turn, the target takes an extra 5
lightning damage per level of the spell that damaged
you (minimum of 5).
Spark Bubble. When you are hit by an attack or
take lightning damage, you may use your reaction
to expend 1 charge to cause a crackling sphere of
lightning to appear around you, protecting you
from the attack and shocking those adjacent to
you. Until the start of your next turn, you have a +5
bonus to AC, including against the triggering attack.
Additionally, whenever a creature hits you with a
melee attack or starts its turn within 5 feet of you,
the creature takes 5 lightning damage.

Staff of Contortion
Staff, uncommon (requires attunement)
In its default state, this staff appears to be a standard
quarterstaff made of a rock-hard, porous, pink material.
You can use a bonus action to speak the staff’s
command word, causing it to turn into a malleable
putty-like material. While in this flexible state, the
staff can be shaped into any form possible with 1
cubic foot of material. Upon speaking the command
word again, the new form becomes rigid.
If the staff ever takes 45 or more damage in a single
instance, it reverts to its default staff form and cannot
be transformed into a flexible state until the following
dawn.
Yarn of
Spun Fate
Yarn of Spun Fate
Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)
A 2-inch-diameter skein of pink yarn woven impos-
sibly tightly, this item holds the fate of many. Spun
somehow by a child oracle, the yarn dances upon the
threads of fate.
As an action, you can ask the yarn the location
of a single person, object, or place in no more than
three words. If the target is within 1 mile, the yarn
unerringly rolls in its direction, leaving behind a
single thread of yarn. Once lifted from the ground,
the trail of yarn disappears.
Once used, this property cannot be used again until
the next dawn.
Visions of the Future. You may spend 1 hour
focusing on the yarn skein to ask it a single question
Chapter 5: Treasures
about the future in no more than 10 words. Make a
DC 16 Charisma saving throw at the end of that hour.
On a success, the yarn lazily unspools into a single
word or symbol on the ground that answers your
question to the best of the DM’s ability. On a failed
save, for the next hour you waste your action lovingly
swatting and fidgeting with the yarn and your
question goes unanswered.
Once used, this property cannot be used again
until the next dawn.
Relics of Faerie
The fey of the Wildes have a long and complicated
history with mortalkind. Faerie attitudes toward
mortals vary widely and change randomly, but
centuries of mercurial moods have left a wealth
of fey-made objects circulating around the Mortal
Realm. Whether originally designed to help or hinder
(often both), these special treasures provide potent
power to those willing to brave their side effects.
Eldrin children are raised on cautionary tales about
faerie-made objects, and empire officials quickly
confiscate such items whenever they appear. Rumors
circulate that hundreds of these contraband relics are
kept in hidden vaults beneath the streets of Ashtar,
but the truth remains a well-guarded secret.
Fey frequently seek to undermine the Mortal Realm
by sowing chaos among its people. Plenty of faerie-
made items are intentionally given to mortals to start
chain reactions that end in widespread destruction
and panic. Dealing with the consequences of these
gifts is a prime source of quests for adventurers
hoping to win favor with the Eldrin Empire. Consult
the Relics of Faerie Plot Hooks table for examples of
the sort of plot hooks fey-made items might inspire.
Relics of Faerie Plot Hooks
d6 Plot Hook
A government official has fallen under the
1
influence of a fey item.
A creature searching for a faerie relic has left a
2
series of bizarre serial murders in its wake.
A faerie object is causing an entire city
3
population to transform.
A lost faerie object is the only thing capable of
4
stopping an all-powerful foe.
A faerie object was stolen and used to frame
5
an innocent ally.
A faerie object must be returned to its creator
6
before it unleashes widespread calamity.
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Chapter 5: Treasures
Sample
Relics of Faerie
The following section presents an assortment of
faerie-made magic items in alphabetical order.
Answerer
Weapon (longsword), rare (requires attunement)
Forged by the smiths of the Court of the Winds, this
+1 adamantine-coated longsword is said to answer
enemies in more than one way.
While attuned to this longsword, you can use
a reaction to make one melee attack against any
creature within range that has dealt damage to you.
Any damage done with this special attack ignores
immunity or damage resistance to slashing.
When you hold this longsword to a target’s throat,
you may cast zone of truth as an action.
When attuned to the sword, you are under the
effects of the zone of truth spell. You can’t speak
a deliberate lie, and you have disadvantage on all
Charisma (Deception) checks.
Cobbler’s Hammer
Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement)
This minuscule hammer features a twisted wood
handle and an obsidian stone head. It can fit between
the fingers of a Medium-sized creature.
As an action, you can strike a damaged object and
automatically repair it, provided the damage is no
larger than 5 feet in any dimension. Every two times
the hammer is swung in this way, its wielder shrinks
down by one size category (to a minimum of Tiny,
standing 1 foot tall). A creature can return to their
original size through the use of a greater restoration
spell or similar magic.
Dream Floss
Wondrous item, common
This fine rainbow string is barely visible until it is held
up to moonlight. Dream floss is usually found in coils
up to 2 feet long, though multiple strings of dream
floss can be tied together for the same effects.
Any creatures tied within a length of dream floss
are connected to one another while they sleep or
trance. The linked creatures find themselves in a
combined dreamscape, capable of full movement
and action and equipped with any items they wear
while sleeping/meditating. The dreamscape cannot
be scryed upon or accessed by anyone other than the
linked creatures or individuals using the dream spell.
158
Creatures can stay on this dreamscape without
issue for up to 8 hours. Disturbing or extending the
time spent in the dreamscape can lead to exhaustion
in a number of ways:
• Creatures that are reduced to 0 hit points
while in the dream immediately wake up with
one level of exhaustion.
• If the dream floss is severed, all linked
creatures are immediately awoken and suffer
one level of exhaustion.
• At the end of every hour spent on the
dreamscape after the first 8, each character
must attempt a Constitution saving throw,
the DC of which is 10 + 1 for each additional
hour. On a failed saving throw, a character
suffers one level of exhaustion.
Faerie Ring
Wondrous item, very rare
These wreaths of woven branches can be as small as a
ring or as large as an ornamental wreath. Faerie rings
are created by archfey or sovereign fey and given to
their most valued companions and servants. When
a faerie ring is broken, the breaker and all creatures
touching the breaker are instantly teleported to the
fey creature who made the ring. Transported crea-
tures appear in unoccupied spaces within 60 feet of
the creature who created the ring.
Return Trip. As an action, the creature who broke
the ring (along with all creatures touching the
breaker) can teleport back to the location where the
ring was broken, appearing in the nearest unoccupied
space to the broken pieces. This action can only be
used within 1 hour of the ring’s initial breaking, after
which the faerie ring’s magic completely fades.
Temperamental. A faerie ring is initially bound
to the fey creature who created it, but the bound
creature can change. If the fey who originally created
the ring exchanges a favor with another willing fey
creature, the new creature becomes the target of the
faerie ring’s teleportation magic. Fey have historically
used such bargains to dispose of servants that have
displeased them.
Faerie Scissors
Wondrous item, very rare
(requires attunement by a spellcaster)
The tang of these scissors is made of cold iron. The
handles are rose gold and shaped like dragonfly
wings. As an action, the wielder of the scissors can
use one of the following effects:
Exhaustion. A willing creature you can see within
5 feet of you loses half the number of exhaustion
levels they’re currently suffering (rounded up).

Expectations. A creature you can see within 5
feet of you must attempt a Charisma saving throw
versus your spell save DC. On a failure, the target has
disadvantage on all Charisma-based ability checks
and saving throws until the following dawn.
Health. A creature you can see within 5 feet of you
must attempt a Constitution saving throw versus
your spell save DC. On a failure, the target loses half
its current hit points.
Object. A Medium or smaller nonmagical object
you can see within 5 feet of you is cut in half. You
decide if it is cut horizontally or vertically. If the
object cannot function when split into two pieces, it
is destroyed.
Once the faerie scissors have been used, they only
function as nonmagical scissors until the following
dawn.
Feyflight
Wings
Feyflight Wings
Wondrous item, rare
These 1-foot-wide gilded wings of stained glass are
remarkably light and shimmer with all the colors of
the rainbow. Several straps allow them to be securely
fastened to the back of a Medium or smaller creature.
Originally called “Brighty Flighty Wingies” in the
Sylvan tongue, the moniker feyflight wings has been
accepted on the mortal plane.
The wings are only decorative until you speak their
command word, at which point they become gos-
samer and supple, like those of a butterfly or pixie, and
expand to be large enough to lift you from your feet.
While in this state, the wings grant you a flying speed
of 60 feet and the ability to hover. They can carry up
to 300 pounds. The wings revert to their diminutive
state when you speak their command word again.
While wearing the wings, you can understand
and speak Sylvan, but you can no longer hear or see
eldrin—a lingering pixie trick.
Chapter 5: Treasures
Filthmother’s Jar
of Wasting Beans
Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)
This clear jar filled with peculiarly dark, fetid beans
has no opening. Holding the jar causes your mouth to
fill with a coppery taste. While within 10 feet of the
jar, you cannot be targeted by spells cast using a spell
slot of 4th level or lower.
When a spell or magical effect would make you
regain hit points, you regain only half as many hit
points, rounded up.
Hollow’s Coil
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
This vial of snow-white ink can be applied to one
of your limbs or neck with a brush or needle. If the
ink completely wraps around your limb or neck, it
becomes permanent as long as you remain attuned
to hollow’s coil. If the ink does not connect or your
attunement to hollow’s coil ends, the ink disappears
then reappears inside the vial.
While you are attuned to hollow’s coil and
the tattoo remains, you can use a bonus action
to remove the tattooed body part or reattach it
without injury. While detached from your body,
you can feel the body part as though it were still
attached. A hand may be able to grab hold of a coin,
an arm can grasp a flagpole, or a detached head may
scream from inside a box.
If the detached limb is successfully targeted by
dispel magic (DC 15) or is brought into an antimagic
field, the limb is destroyed and you suffer injury as
though the appendage were severed.
Jar of Hearts
Wondrous item, rare
This small clay jar is ribbed along its edges and
features a heart-shaped lid.
The jar contains four gaseous, violet-hued orbs
capable of stealing the essence of a creature’s vim
and character.
When the jar is encountered, each orb already
contains the essence of a previous victim. When a
creature grabs an orb out of the jar, the DM rolls a
d4 and consults the Jar of Hearts table to randomly
determine which orb is retrieved.
While holding an orb, you can use an action to
attempt to affect any humanoid within 30 feet of
you that you can see. The target must attempt a DC
17 Constitution or Charisma saving throw (target’s
choice). On a failure, the target’s Constitution and
Charisma scores are replaced by those of the orb
drawn from the jar. The orb then disappears from
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Chapter 5: Treasures

your hand and reappears in the jar. That orb now You gain a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls
holds the Constitution score and Charisma score of made with this magic weapon. If you score a critical
the victim (adjust the Jar of Hearts table to reflect hit with it, you regain a number of hit points equal to
the change). the damage dealt by the attack. While you’re attuned
If the jar is broken, each orb flies toward the next to the whip, you automatically stabilize whenever
nearest creature in the area to attempt one last swap you are dying at the start of your turn.
before flitting out of existence. If successful, the Fiend Flayer. The spirit naga Kaskret’s great failure
target’s scores are swapped with those contained in life was being seduced by the power of a demon
in the orb, then the orb is destroyed. Only a wish prince, and in its eternal torment, it craves fiendish
spell can bring back a creature’s essence if the orb blood. Kaskret, Agony’s Cry has 1 charge and gains
containing it is gone. an additional charge each time it slays a fiend with a
challenge rating of 4 or higher. While it has 3 or more
Jar of Hearts charges, the whip’s damage die increases to 1d12 and
its range increases to 20 feet.
d4 Constitution Score Charisma Score Immortal’s Wail. When you hit a creature with
this weapon, you can expend 1 of its charges to cause
1 12 17
the target and each creature other than you within
2 6 22 20 feet of the target to attempt a DC 16 Constitution
saving throw, taking 4d12 necrotic damage on a failed
3 20 4 save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
4 4 8 Sentience. Kaskret, Agony’s Cry is a sentient
weapon of chaotic evil alignment with an
Intelligence score of 11, a Wisdom score of 15, and a
Charisma score of 18. It has hearing and darkvision
out to a distance of 120 feet.
The weapon communicates by transmitting
emotions and short, grotesque visions to its wielder.
It may cause its wielder’s hand to cramp painfully if
it is displeased or send a tickling jolt up its wielder’s
arm if it is elated.
Personality. Kaskret, though its mind has been
ravaged by time without control of its form, still has
a prideful and industrious view of its place in the
world. It believes, given the proper circumstances,
that it may find redemption or at least rebirth into
its previous form. Kaskret, Agony’s Cry seethes in
hatred for the demon prince and will spell its own
wielder’s doom if it believes doing so would allow
it to slay him. Conflict arises if the wielder parlays
with devils, demons, or other fiends in view of the
weapon or if it is brandished against the archfey
who created it, whom Kaskret, Agony’s Cry fears
above all else.
Kaskret,
Agony’s Cry Magic Mirror
Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement
by a humanoid)
Kaskret, Agony’s Cry
This ornately gilded, handheld mirror contains the
Weapon (whip), legendary (requires attunement) spirit of an archfey. When attuned to the mirror, you
Kaskret, Agony’s Cry is a brutal whip of bone and may use an action to inquire about a specific creature.
sinew crafted by an archfey sorceress from the In answer, the spirit appears in the mirror. It casts
remains of a spirit naga that failed her long before scrying, ignoring the Wisdom saving throw required
the first mortal came into existence. The macabre by the target. For 10 minutes, you can see and hear
weapon twitches and coils from time to time of its that target through the mirror if is on the same plane
own volition. of existence as you.
160

Sentience. The magic mirror is a sentient,
chaotic neutral item with an Intelligence score of
20, a Wisdom score of 15, and a Charisma score of
16. It has hearing and darkvision out to a range of
120 feet.
The weapon communicates telepathically with
its wielder and can speak, read, and understand
Sylvan and Common.
Personality. An archfey named Apollonia lives
within the magic mirror. She refuses to show any
creature in a compromising situation and instead
causes a twinkling mist to envelope the glass
surface of the mirror. She yearns to escape from
the mirror.
Curse. This item is cursed. Attuning to it curses
you until you are targeted by a remove curse spell
or similar magic. As long as you remain cursed,
you cannot discard the mirror, which immediately
teleports back into your pocket or pack when
you try to do so. After you use the mirror’s magic,
you must attempt a DC 17 Charisma saving throw.
On a failure, Apollonia casts magic jar to switch
places with the humanoid attuned to the mirror.
Because the spirit is bound to the mirror with
a powerful curse, after 1d8 hours the archfey
returns to the mirror and the humanoid’s soul
returns to its body.
Menagerie Snare
Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)
You may speak this smooth crystal ball’s command
word to activate it. Once active, non-fey creatures
that come within 30 feet of the snare must attempt a
DC 14 Wisdom saving throw.
On a successful save, the creature is deafened for
1 minute by a cacophony of animal sounds from all
directions that only the creature can hear.
On a failed save, a creature targeted by the
snare loses the ability to speak for 24 hours but
can understand any languages it knows. For the
duration, the creature perceives itself to be a Tiny
CR 0 beast, though its statistics remain unchanged.
Any time the creature attempts to act in a manner
its form would not allow, such as a bird attempting
to grab a sword with its wing, the creature takes 1d6
psychic damage.
A creature that fails its save by 5 or more is
transformed into a Tiny CR 0 beast as with the
polymorph spell for 10 days. At the end of that
time, the creature can repeat its saving throw.
On a success, the effects ends. On a failure, the
transformation becomes permanent. A creature
affected by the polymorph spell can be reverted back
to its normal form before the 10-day mark by means
of dispel magic or similar magic.
Chapter 5: Treasures
Mirror Sword
Weapon (longsword), rare
The blade of this longsword reflects a perfect image
of its surroundings to everyone not attuned to it and
is said to even show vampires their reflections. While
attuned to the sword, you can see the reflections of
the creatures it has slain trying desperately to escape.
If you are targeted by a spell attack while wielding
this sword, you can use your reaction to reflect the
effect back at the caster as though it originated
from you. If the spell is 3rd level or higher, you must
successfully contest the spell attack roll with a melee
attack roll to reflect it.
Whenever the mirror sword reduces a creature
to 0 hit points, a reflection of the creature is stored
within the sword. The mirror sword has room
for four reflections. When it is filled or broken, it
releases those reflections into the unoccupied spaces
surrounding it. These reflections are near-perfect
copies of the slain creatures and are hostile to
everyone around them.
Most mirror swords come with one reflection
already stored within them, usually of a powerful
fiend or beast. The DM can select an appropriate
creature from the Example Reflections table or
populate the sword as they see fit.
Example Reflections
d4 Reflection
1 Bone devil
2 Behir
3 Vampire
4 Treant
Permafrost Armor
Armor (plate), very rare (requires attunement
by a creature favored by the Withered Court)
This dull-blue armor is molded from frozen earth
doomed to never melt. Heralds and knights of the
Withered Court are gifted with these potent suits to
show their allegiance to the Withered sovereign.
You gain a +1 bonus to AC while you wear this
armor. You are considered proficient with this armor
even if you lack proficiency with heavy armor.
Emissary. While you are attuned to the armor, you
can use a bonus action to extend your senses outward
to detect the presence of fey. Until your next turn, you
know the location of any fey within 60 feet of you. 
Winter’s Protection. While you wear the armor, you
cannot be charmed and are immune to cold damage.
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Curse. This item is cursed. While you are attuned
to it, all fey creatures not aligned with one of the
sovereign courts are hostile toward you.
Queen’s Retort
Weapon (longbow), artifact (requires attunement
by a creature favored by the Forest Court)
This supple, white wax wood bow is as light as a
single flower petal. Crafted as a gift to the Forest
sovereign, this weapon became one of her most
mercurial tokens of favor. For an age it has moved
from servant to servant, for the enigmatic desires of
the court. Such favor was garnered by this weapon
that Queen’s Retort eventually became imbued with
a shred of sentience and has since become a symbol
of the Forest Court’s power.
Magic Weapon. You gain a +3 bonus to attack
and damage rolls made with this magic weapon. It
also functions as a cloak of elvenkind and boots of
striding and springing.
Random Properties. The bow has the following
randomly determined properties:
• 2 minor beneficial properties
• 1 major beneficial property
• 3 minor detrimental properties
Fey Hunter. When you first attune to it, the
Queen’s Retort has 1 charge. Each time you use
it to reduce a fey with a challenge rating of 3 or
higher to 0 hit points, the bow gains an additional
charge. While it has 3 or more charges, you cannot
be charmed and have advantage on saving throws
against the spells and magical effects of fey.
When you hit a creature with an attack using this
weapon, you can expend 1 charge to turn the attack
into a critical hit.
Nature’s Brilliance. When you score a critical
hit with this weapon against a creature, it takes an
additional 50 points of magical piercing damage. If
this damage kills a creature, it bursts into a flare of
brilliant light and is destroyed. Undead within 100
feet of the target take 2d6 radiant damage, and plants
in the affected area become vibrant and overgrown as
with the plant growth spell.
Sentience. Queen’s Retort is a sentient neutral
weapon with an Intelligence score of 10, a Wisdom
score of 19, and a Charisma score of 17. It has hearing
and truesight out to a range of 60 feet.
The weapon can speak, read, and understand
Common and Sylvan, and it can communicate
with its wielder telepathically. It speaks in a light,
singsong, feminine voice.
Personality. Queen’s Retort mirrors the grace,
intelligence, and volatile nature commonly found
among the sovereign fey. One moment the bow may
seem helpful, understanding, and brilliant, only to
162
become inconsolable, irritated, or dismissive for
seemingly no reason. In general, Queen’s Retort
is content so long as its wielder acts with regal
bearing and poise worthy of a court ally. Conflict
arises, however, if the wielder lives in squalor or if
the wielder attempts to surrender Queen’s Retort or
leave it behind.
After generations of battle, Queen’s Retort is
surprisingly bloodthirsty to those who stand in
opposition of the Forest Court. It sees life and death
as seasons destined to move in an endless cycle. As
such, it holds little regard for the lives of mortals,
though it takes special care to keep its wielder
safe from thieves and assassins. Secretly, Queen’s
Retort fears that its history of violence will come
back to haunt it, leaving it abandoned to languish in
obscurity.
Destroying the Bow. Queen’s Retort appears
supple and easily broken, but it is completely
impervious to damage. If the bow is left in a realm
of shadow or negative energy for 1 year and 1 day, it
loses all its magic until it is returned to the Forest
Court. It can be destroyed forever if a ruling Forest
sovereign throws it into a fire.
Rovanel, Sword of the Lake
Weapon (longsword), artifact
(requires attunement)
Created by an enigmatic archfey who heard the tales
of an ancient, legendary blade, this weapon is a pow-
erful tool in the hands of any who pledge themselves
and their deeds to the inexplicable Lady of the Lake.
Should their devotion falter, ruin is sure to find them.
If at any time the bearer of the blade is slain, the
sword disappears in a spray of water and returns
to the waiting hands of the Lady of the Lake, who
bestows it upon a new champion. A champion that
is returned to life after losing the sword can, should
they be worthy, draw the sword forth from any pool
of placid water.
This blue-green longsword shimmers like the
scales of an aquatic creature. Crystal-clear water
perpetually drips from the ice-cold blade and quickly
evaporates before touching the ground. Running
water calms, mist coalesces, and rain slows in the
blade’s presence.
Rovanel, Sword of the Lake is a magic longsword
that grants a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls
made with it. The sword deals an extra 1d6 cold
damage on a hit.
Curse. The chosen of the Lady of the Lake find
themselves inept with all other weapons. Attack rolls
made with weapons other than Rovanel are made at
disadvantage. A remove curse spell suppresses this
effect for 1 minute.

Heroic Deeds. As the champion who wields the
blade forges their legacy, Rovanel gains additional
properties (in the presented order) when certain
tasks are completed or at the DM’s Discretion. An
identify spell or similar magic used to investigate the
sword reveals the nature of the next task required to
further bolster the blade. Such tasks may include:
• The attuned user must defend the life of a
stranger in battle against a creature of non-
lawful alignment.
• The champion must lead a group into battle
against overwhelming odds and win.
• The chosen wielder must protect their enemy
should they beg for life, even against the
wishes of their allies.
• The attuned user must give their life for that
of an innocent.
Touch of Invigoration. As an action, you can cause
the icy water that drips from the blade to soothe the
wounds of one creature you touch. The target regains
hit points equal to its maximum number of Hit Dice.
A creature can only be healed in this way once per
Rovanel,
Sword of the Lake
Chapter 5: Treasures
short rest, and this healing has no effect on undead or
constructs. Once used 3 times, this property cannot
be used until the next dawn.
Implacable. While you are conscious, Rovanel
is unbreakable by any means short of divine
intervention. While holding the weapon, you cannot
be disarmed unless you allow it. In addition, it
functions as a ring of water walking and cap of water
breathing while you are holding it.
Unyielding. At the start of your turn, if you are
holding the sword, you can spend 1 Hit Die to recover
hit points as you would on a short rest. While within
30 feet of Rovanel, you have advantage on death sav-
ing throws, and spells or spell-like abilities that would
kill you outright instead reduce you to 0 hit points.
Any creature other than you that attempts to wield
Rovanel must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving
throw at the start of each of its turns or take 5d6 cold
damage.
My father once told me that a weapon is the sum
of an unwritten history penned in blood and sealed
in iron. We strive to become worthy to wield the
history of those who have risen and fallen before
us. Pray that you are worthy to be in the saga of
such a noble weapon.
Salve of Awakening
Potion, legendary
This shallow onyx container stoppered with a disk of
petrified bone contains three doses of oily paste that
smells of moss, blood, and clay. The container and its
contents weigh 4 pounds.
As an action, a single dose of the grimy paste can
be applied to a Huge or smaller beast or plant as
with the awaken spell. When a creature becomes
awakened by this salve, it must succeed on a DC 15
Wisdom saving throw or become hostile toward you
for 1 hour. Afterward, the awakened creature treats
you normally.
Scythe of Time
Weapon (sickle), very rare (requires attunement)
This appears as a simple harvesting scythe. You gain a
+2 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this
magic weapon.
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Chapter 5: Treasures
The scythe has 5 charges. It regains all expended
charges daily at dawn.
Circle of Death. You can expend 3 charges as
a reaction to cause a sphere of negative energy
to ripple out in a 60-foot-radius sphere from the
scythe. Each creature in that area must attempt a DC
15 Constitution saving throw, taking 8d6 necrotic
damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a
successful one.
Death Ward. You can expend 2 charges as a
reaction to ward yourself against death for the next 8
hours. While the effect is active, if you would drop to
0 hit points as a result of taking damage, you instead
drop to 1 hit point and the effect ends.
Curse. This scythe is cursed, and attuning to it
extends the curse to you. Even if the attunement
ends, the curse remains. After each long rest, your
physical appearance becomes more skeletal. After
10 days, you take on the appearance of an avatar
of death. These physical changes can be undone by
any effect that removes a curse, such as a greater
restoration or remove curse spell.
Magical Rewards
Magical rewards are nonmaterial rewards granted by
a powerful being. Gods, demigods, titans, fiends, and
fey are all likely candidates for awarding magical gifts
to the mortals who please them.
Blessings
Blessings are the rarest and most potent type of
magical reward. A character with a blessing retains
it indefinitely unless the creature who bestowed it
revokes its gift.
In the Planes, gods, titans, and sovereign fey are the
most likely to bestow blessings upon mortals who do
their bidding. Example blessings are provided here.
Blessing of Radiance
You gain resistance to radiant damage and can cast
the daylight spell at will.
Blessing of the
Sovereign Champion
A character who receives this blessing is regarded
as an emissary of the sovereign fey who bestows it.
The effects of this blessing are determined by which
sovereign fey has granted it.
As an action, you undergo a transformation. For 1
minute, you gain the following benefits:
• You cannot be charmed or frightened.
• You gain 10 temporary hit points.
• As a bonus action, you can extend your senses
164
outward to detect the presence of fey. Until
your next turn, you know the location of any
fey within 60 feet of you.
Depending on which sovereign fey has granted you
this blessing, you gain additional benefits.
Blossom Court. You regain 10 hit points at the
start of each of your turns due to the vitality of the
Blossom Court.
Court of the Winds. Your base movement speed
is doubled as you are carried by the gale force of the
Court of the Winds.
Forest Court. You gain advantage on Strength
checks and Strength saving throws, and your melee
attacks deal an extra 1d4 damage as you are infused
with the bestial might of the Forest Court.
Heavenly Court. Whenever a creature begins its
turn within 5 feet of you or hits you with a melee
attack, it takes 2d8 radiant damage as you emit the
brilliance of the Heavenly Court.
Sleeping Court. Creatures have disadvantage on
attack rolls against you as you are wrapped in the
ethereal mists of the Sleeping Court.
Slithering Court. You cannot be targeted by spells
(you can still be hit by area-of-effect spells) as you are
covered by the swarming shadows of the Slithering
Court.
Withered Court. You gain +2 AC as you are
encased in the frost of the Withered Court.
Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again
until you finish a long rest.
Marks of the
Sisters of Sorrow
Granted by the three fates to their chosen champi-
ons, a Mark of the Sisters of Sorrow offers a powerful
gift to the one who carries it. Each mark is subtly
different in size, color, and sometimes shape, depend-
ing on who accepts it.
The mark appears as a dark tattoo on the skin until
a creature dies or loses favor with the fates. Should
the flesh on which the mark is made be damaged or
removed, the mark remains, timeless and unfading.
The effects of this blessing are determined by
which gift a creature receives when the mark is
bestowed.
Gift of the Future
This gift lets a creature twist the fates of those who
oppose them.
When a creature that you can see makes an
attack, but before the attack hits or misses its
intended target, you can use your reaction to impose
disadvantage on the roll.
Once used, this gift cannot be used again until the
next dawn.

Gift of the Present
This gift grants an unnatural awareness of events as
they occur, offering a creature a chance to act beyond
its normal limits.
On your turn, you may use the gift of the present to
gain an additional action.
Once used, this gift cannot be used again until the
next dawn.
Gift of the Past
This gift grants insight into countless moments of a
creature’s life and beyond, guiding the creature for
the task at hand.
When you make an ability check, attack roll, or
saving throw, you can use your reaction to reroll
the die and use either result. You can do so after
the initial roll but before any effects of the roll are
resolved.
Once used, this gift cannot be used again until the
next dawn.
Gift of the Weaver
This gift favorably bends the fates of allies close at
hand.
When a creature you can see makes an ability
check, attack roll, or saving throw, you may use your
reaction to allow the creature to reroll the die and use
either result. You can do so after the initial roll but
before any effects of the roll are resolved.
Once used, this gift cannot be used again until the
next dawn.
Boons
Boons are magical rewards only available to 20th-
level characters. Since characters cannot progress
beyond level 20 in standard 5th Edition, boons are
extraordinary gifts granted to characters as a form of
advancement.
Unlike blessings or charms, boons must be earned
by an individual rather than bestowed by another
creature. Boons represent a character’s personal
transformation into something more powerful than a
mere mortal creature.
Boon of the Dawn
As an action, you can shed bright light in a 20-foot
radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet. The
light is sunlight. Any undead or fiends that end their
turn in the area take 2d6 radiant damage.
You can use this boon for up to 5 minutes, all at
once or in several shorter spans, each use requiring
a minimum of 1 minute from the duration. This boon
regains 1 minute of use each day at dawn.
Chapter 5: Treasures
Boon of the Sovereign Fey
You are the undisputed sovereign of one of the fey
courts. All creatures allied with your respective court
are charmed by you.
You can use an action to take total and precise
control of any one of your charmed subjects within
60 feet of you. Until the end of your next turn, the
creature takes only the actions you choose and
doesn’t do anything that you don’t allow it to do.
During this time, you can use your reaction to cause
the creature to use its reaction.
Boon of the Traveler
You gain the ability to speak, understand, read, and
write all languages.
Charms
Charms are more common magical rewards than
boons that give the recipient access to special powers
for a limited amount of time.
Charms are often bestowed by demigods, fey,
witches, and archmages in the Planes.
Charm of Beastkin
This charm grants you the benefit of the speak with
animals spell. In addition, you have advantage on
Charisma (Persuasion) checks made to influence
beasts. These benefits last for 10 days, after which the
charm vanishes from you.
Charm of Rot
This charm has 6 charges. You can use an action to
expend some of its charges to cast one of the fol-
lowing spells at its lowest level: blight (3 charges) or
inflict wounds (1 charge). Once all its charges have
been expended, the charm vanishes from you.
Charm of the Watcher
The triangular mark of the titan Hyperion appears on
your skin. This charm has 4 charges. While outside,
you can use an action to expend charges to do one of
the following:
• See out to a distance of 3 miles with perfect
clarity for 1 hour (1 charge).
• Gain darkvision out to a distance of 120 feet
for 1 hour (1 charge).
• Cast the arcane eye spell (4 charges).
Once all its charges have been expended, the charm
disappears.
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Adventurers are caught unaware by an enormous lightning worm.
 CHAPTER SIX
FRIENDS
AND FOES
T his chapter provides templates and stat
blocks for many of the creatures that can
play a role in a campaign set in the Planes.
The first part of this chapter provides templates
that can make any existing creature a member of one
of the sovereign fey courts. After the templates is a
bestiary of creatures native to the mortal and faerie
realms followed by a collection of NPCs ready to
serve as friends or foes.
Sovereign Court
Monster Templates
Each sovereign fey court has a theme based on the
aspects of nature over which they wield the most
control, but the theme does not entirely define the
creatures who belong to a court. For example, a
troll could easily belong to any of the seven courts.
However, its appearance and capabilities will
manifest differently depending on which of the
seven it aligns with. The templates provided show
the mechanical changes that occur when a creature
swears allegiance to a particular court.
OTHER TEMPLATE USES
During your adventures, you may find yourself in
a position where one or more player characters
become vassals, courtiers, or even sovereigns
of the faerie courts. At such times you can use
the templates provided here to enhance these
characters—simply ignore the challenge rating
note and recalculate any modifiers or DCs with
the character’s relevant score. Keep in mind that
these templates bestow a significant amount
of power, so all party members should receive
templates or equivalent boosts to keep play
experience balanced.
For more information about the sovereign fey courts,
see “Exploring the Sovereign Courts” in chapter 3.
Blossom Court
The following monster templates allow you to
upgrade any existing creature to become a vassal, a
courtier, or the sovereign of the Blossom Court.
Blossom Vassal Template
You can create a vassal of the Blossom Court by
making the following adjustments to the statistics of
any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type. Spells
and abilities that affect fey now affect the creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains two additional Hit Dice
and recalculates its hit point maximum using these
Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score
increases by 4. An ability score cannot be increased
above 30 using this feature.
These templates also provide individual ele-
ments that can easily be applied to characters,
NPCs, or monsters even if you don’t want to
use the full template. The sovereign actions in
each section would make a great extra action to
boost the power of a courtier or any other mon-
ster with a little more flavor. Whenever using
pieces of these templates, try to pick only one
or two new features, and make sure to replace
any modifiers or DCs with the base creature’s
ability scores.
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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Damage Resistances. The creature gains resistance
to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from
nonmagical attacks.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed condition.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 1.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Magic Resistance. The vassal has advantage
on saving throws against spells and other
magical effects.
• Sweet Scent. Any creature that targets
the vassal with an attack or harmful
spell while within 30 feet of it must first
attempt a DC 13 Charisma saving throw.
On a failed save, the creature must choose
a new target or lose the attack or spell.
Creatures that can’t be charmed are
immune to this effect.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus in-
creases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Blossom Courtier Template
You can create a courtier of the Blossom Court by
making the following adjustments to the statistics of
any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type.
Spells and abilities that affect fey now affect the
creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains ten additional Hit Dice
and recalculates its hit point maximum using these
Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score
increases by 6. An ability score cannot be increased
above 30 using this feature.
Damage Vulnerabilities. The creature becomes
vulnerable to fire.
Damage Resistances. The creature gains resistance
to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from
nonmagical attacks.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed and frightened conditions.
168
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 4.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Magic Resistance. The courtier has advantage
on saving throws against spells and other
magical effects.
• Sweet Scent. Any creature that targets
the courtier with an attack or harmful
spell while within 30 feet of it must first
attempt a DC 15 Charisma saving throw.
On a failed save, the creature must choose
a new target or lose the attack or spell.
Creatures that can’t be charmed are
immune to this effect.
• Verdant Blessing. The courtier regains 10 hit
points at the start of its turn. If the courtier
takes fire damage, this trait doesn’t function
at the start of the courtier’s next turn. The
courtier dies only if it starts its turn with 0 hit
points and doesn’t regenerate.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus
increases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Actions. The creature gains the following action.
• Petal Dance. The courtier creates a swirling
storm of flower petals to fill a 15-foot-radius
sphere at a point it chooses within 60 feet.
While the courtier stands in the storm of
petals, it has advantage on attack rolls, and
creatures have disadvantage on attack rolls
against it. The petal storm remains for 1
minute or until the courtier chooses to end
the effect.
Blossom Sovereign Template
You can create a sovereign of the Blossom Court by
making the following adjustments to the statistics of
any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type. Spells
and abilities that affect fey now affect the creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains sixteen additional Hit
Dice and recalculates its hit point maximum using
these Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score
increases by 6, and it gains 10 ability points. Each
ability point can be used to increase an ability score
of its choice by 1. An ability score cannot be increased
above 30 using this feature.

Damage Resistances. The creature gains resistance
to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from
nonmagical attacks.
Damage Immunities. The creature becomes immune
to cold and poison damage.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed, exhaustion, frightened, and poi-
soned conditions.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 8.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Magic Resistance. The sovereign has
advantage on saving throws against spells and
other magical effects.
• Sovereign Fey. The creature is a sovereign
fey, empowered by a demesne of the faerie
realm. The sovereign gains the ability to draw
power from its realm to produce effects called
sovereign actions. Sovereign actions are magical
effects the sovereign can create by expending
sovereign points.
  When a creature becomes a blossom
sovereign, it gains a pool of sovereign points
equal to its current Hit Dice maximum and
can never have more sovereign points than its
current Hit Dice maximum. Use of a sovereign
action requires the listed action, sovereign
point cost, and range restriction detailed in
its description. Sovereign actions follow the
general rules of spellcasting as detailed in the
5th Edition core rules, and they use Charisma
as the spellcasting ability and for spell attacks,
though technically they are not spells. For the
purposes of determining the strength of a
sovereign action’s magical effects, such effects
are treated as though they were produced by
spells of 8th level. A creature recovers any spent
sovereign points during a long rest.
• Sweet Scent. Any creature that targets the
sovereign with an attack or harmful spell while
within 30 feet of it must first attempt a DC 18
Charisma saving throw. On a failed save, the
creature must choose a new target or lose the
attack or spell. Creatures that can’t be charmed
are immune to this effect.
• Verdant Blessing. The sovereign regains 15 hit
points at the start of its turn. If the sovereign
takes fire damage, this trait doesn’t function
at the start of the sovereign’s next turn. The
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
sovereign dies only if it starts its turn with 0
hit points and doesn’t regenerate.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus
increases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Actions. The creature gains the following action.
• Petal Dance. The sovereign creates a swirling
storm of flower petals to fill a 30-foot-radius
sphere at a point it chooses within 60 feet.
While the sovereign stands in the storm
of petals, it has advantage on attack rolls,
and creatures have disadvantage on attack
rolls against it. The petal storm remains for 1
minute or until the sovereign chooses to end
the effect.
Blossom Sovereign Actions
The list of known Blossom sovereign actions is
presented here in alphabetical order.
CROWN OF ROSES
Action: 1 bonus action
Range: 120 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 1
The sovereign fey sends a rose from its crown
hurtling toward one creature or object within 120
feet of it. When it does so, it makes a ranged spell
attack. On a hit, a target takes 4d12 magical piercing
damage and becomes poisoned until the end of its
next turn.
OVERGROWN
Action: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 5
The sovereign fey causes two shambling mounds to
sprout from unoccupied spaces within 60 feet of it.
The shambling mounds act on their own initiative,
but they obey all commands issued to them by the
sovereign fey (no action required). A shambling
mound disappears when it drops to 0 hit points.
PACIFYING PERFUME
Action: 1 reaction, which the sovereign fey takes
when it takes damage
Range: 60 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 3
The sovereign fey emits pheromones toward one
creature it can see within 5 feet of it. The target must
succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or be
stunned for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving
throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the
effect on itself on a success.
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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Blossom Sovereign Example Stat Block
The following is an example of the Blossom sovereign template applied to a dryad.
Blossom Sovereign Dryad
Medium fey, typically lawful neutral
Armor Class 13 (16 with barkskin)
Hit Points 136 (21d8 + 42)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 26 (+8)
Skills Perception +7, Stealth +7
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities cold, poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17
Languages Elvish, Sylvan
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +4
TRAITS damage with shillelagh.
Innate Spellcasting. The dryad’s innate spellcasting
ability is Charisma (spell save DC 20). The dryad
can innately cast the following spells, requiring no
material components:
At will: druidcraft
3/day each: entangle, goodberry
1/day each: barkskin, pass without trace, shillelagh
Magic Resistance. The dryad has advantage on saving
throws against spells and other magical effects.
Sovereign Fey. The dryad is a sovereign fey. Her
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 20, +12
to hit with spell attacks), and she has 21 sovereign
points. The dryad can take the following sovereign
actions: Crown of Roses, Overgrown, Pacifying
Perfume, Photosynthesis, Poppy Field. Any spent
sovereign points are recovered when the dryad
completes a long rest.
Speak with Beasts and Plants. The dryad can com-
municate with beasts and plants as if they share a
language.
Sweet Scent. Any creature that targets the dryad with
an attack or harmful spell while within 30 feet of her
must first attempt a DC 18 Charisma saving throw. On
a failed save, the creature must choose a new target or
lose the attack or spell.
170
Tree Stride. Once on her turn, the dryad can use 10
feet of her movement to step magically into one living
tree within reach and emerge from a second living
tree within 60 feet of the first tree, appearing in an
unoccupied space within 5 feet of the second tree.
Both trees must be Large or bigger.
Verdant Blessing. The dryad regains 15 hit points at
the start of her turn. If the dryad takes fire damage,
this trait doesn’t function until the start of her next
turn.
ACTIONS
Club. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit (+6 to hit with
shillelagh), reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d4 + 6)
bludgeoning damage, or 10 (1d8 + 6) bludgeoning
Fey Charm. The dryad targets one humanoid or beast
that she can see within 30 feet of her. If the target
can see the dryad, it must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom
saving throw or be magically charmed. The charmed
creature regards the dryad as a trusted friend to be
heeded and protected. Although the target isn’t under
the dryad’s control, it takes the dryad’s requests or
actions in the most favorable way it can.
Each time the dryad or its allies do anything
harmful to the target, it can repeat the saving throw,
ending the effect on itself on a success. Otherwise,
the effect lasts 24 hours or until the dryad dies, is on
a different plane of existence from the target, or ends
the effect as a bonus action. If a target’s saving throw
is successful, the target is immune to the dryad’s Fey
Charm for the next 24 hours.
The dryad can have no more than one humanoid
and up to three beasts charmed at a time.
Petal Dance. The dryad creates a swirling storm
of flower petals to fill a 30-foot-radius sphere at
a point she chooses within 60 feet of her. While
the dryad stands in the storm of petals, she has
advantage on attack rolls, and creatures have
disadvantage on attack rolls against her. The petal
storm remains for 1 minute or until the dryad
chooses to end the effect.

PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Action: 1 bonus action
Range: Self
Sovereign Point Cost: 2
The sovereign fey absorbs light and transforms it
into energy. The sovereign fey heals 4d12 hit points
and ends all conditions affecting it. The sovereign fey
cannot use this ability if it is in total darkness.
POPPY FIELD
Action: 1 action
Range: Self
Sovereign Point Cost: 6
The sovereign fey causes a field of massive poppies
to sprout from the ground in a 150-foot-radius circle
centered on itself. While the poppies remain, the area
is considered difficult terrain. When a creature enters
the field for the first time or starts its turn in the
field, it must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving
throw or fall unconscious until the field disappears,
the sleeper takes damage, or someone uses an action
to shake or slap the sleeper awake. The poppy field
remains for 10 minutes or until the sovereign fey
chooses to end the effect.
Creatures that cannot be magically put to sleep are
immune to this effect.
Court of the Winds
The following monster templates allow you to
upgrade any existing creature to become a vassal, a
courtier, or the sovereign of the Court of the Winds.
Wind Vassal Template
You can create a vassal of the Court of the Winds by
making the following adjustments to the statistics of
any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type. Spells
and abilities that affect fey now affect the creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains two additional Hit Dice
and recalculates its hit point maximum using these
Hit Dice.
Speed. The creature gains a flying speed of 30 feet. If
the creature already has a flying speed, it increases by
30 feet.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma and Dexterity
scores both increase by 2. An ability score cannot be
increased above 30 using this feature.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed condition.
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 1.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Air Lift. When the vassal falls, it descends 60 feet
per round and takes no damage from falling.
• Free Bird. As a bonus action, the vassal can end
one effect or condition that reduces its speed or
causes it to be paralyzed or restrained.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus in-
creases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Wind Courtier Template
You can create a courtier of the Court of the Winds by
making the following adjustments to the statistics of
any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type. Spells
and abilities that affect fey now affect the creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains ten additional Hit Dice
and recalculates its hit point maximum using these
Hit Dice.
Speed. The creature gains a flying speed of 30 feet. If
the creature already has a flying speed, it increases by
30 feet.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score
increases by 2, and its Dexterity score increases by 4.
An ability score cannot be increased above 30 using
this feature.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed and frightened conditions.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 4.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Air Lift. When the courtier falls, it descends
60 feet per round and takes no damage from
falling.
• Flyby. The courtier doesn’t provoke
opportunity attacks when it flies out of an
enemy’s reach.
• Free Bird. As a bonus action, the courtier
can end one effect or condition that reduces
its speed or causes it to be paralyzed or
restrained.
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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus in-
creases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Actions. The creature gains the following action.
• Jet Stream (Recharge 5–6). The courtier launch-
es itself forward, moving in a straight line up to
its speed. Each creature in the line must attempt
a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save,
a creature takes 22 (4d10) thunder damage and is
knocked prone. On a successful save, a creature
takes half damage and is not knocked prone.
Wind Sovereign Template
You can create a sovereign of the Court of the Winds
by making the following adjustments to the statistics
of any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type. Spells
and abilities that affect fey now affect the creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains sixteen additional Hit
Dice and recalculates its hit point maximum using
these Hit Dice.
Speed. The creature gains a flying speed of 60 feet. If
the creature already has a flying speed, it increases by
60 feet.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score in-
creases by 2, its Dexterity score increases by 4, and it
gains 10 ability points. Each ability point can be used
to increase an ability score of its choice by 1. An ability
score cannot be increased above 30 using this feature.
Damage Immunities. The creature becomes immune
to lightning and thunder damage.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed and frightened conditions.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 8.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Air Lift. When the sovereign falls, it descends 60
feet per round and takes no damage from falling.
• Flyby. The sovereign doesn’t provoke opportunity
attacks when it flies out of an enemy’s reach.
• Free Bird. As a bonus action, the sovereign can
end one effect or condition that reduces its speed
or causes it to be paralyzed or restrained.
• Sovereign Fey. The creature is a sovereign fey,
empowered by a demesne of the faerie realm. The
sovereign gains the ability to draw power from its
172
realm to produce effects called sovereign actions.
Sovereign actions are magical effects the sover-
eign can create by expending sovereign points.
  When a creature becomes a wind sovereign, it
gains a pool of sovereign points equal to its cur-
rent Hit Dice maximum and can never have more
sovereign points than its current Hit Dice maxi-
mum. Use of a sovereign action requires the listed
action, sovereign point cost, and range restriction
detailed in its description. Sovereign actions
follow the general rules of spellcasting as de-
tailed in the 5th Edition core rules, and they use
Charisma as the spellcasting ability and for spell
attacks, though technically they are not spells.
For the purposes of determining the strength of a
sovereign action’s magical effects, such effects are
treated as though they were produced by spells of
8th level. A creature recovers any spent sovereign
points during a long rest.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus in-
creases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Actions. The creature gains the following action.
• Jet Stream (Recharge 5–6). The sovereign launch-
es itself forward, moving in a straight line up to
its speed. Each creature in the line must attempt
a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save,
a creature takes 44 (8d10) thunder damage and is
knocked prone. On a successful save, a creature
takes half damage and is not knocked prone.
Wind Sovereign Actions
The list of known Wind sovereign actions is pre-
sented here in alphabetical order.
BITING WIND
Action: 1 bonus action
Range: 120 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 1
The sovereign unleashes a biting wind at one creature
or object within 120 feet of it. When it does so, it
makes a ranged spell attack. On a hit, a target takes
26 (4d12) magical slashing damage, and the target is
pushed back 10 feet.
CYCLONE
Action: 1 action
Range: Self
Sovereign Point Cost: 3
The sovereign creates a swirling vortex of wind. All
creatures within 150 feet of the sovereign must succeed
on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or take 39 (6d12)
bludgeoning damage and become restrained until the
beginning of the sovereign’s next turn. On a successful
save, a creature takes half damage and is not restrained.

Wind Sovereign Example Stat Block
The following is an example of the Wind sovereign template applied to a roc.
Wind Sovereign Roc
Gargantuan monstrosity (fey), typically chaotic neutral
Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 496 (32d20 + 160)
Speed 20 ft., fly 180 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
28 (+9) 14 (+2) 20 (+5) 8 (−1) 10 (+0) 16 (+3)
Saving Throws Dex +8, Con +11, Wis +6, Cha +9
Skills Perception +6
Damage Immunities lightning, thunder
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened
Senses passive Perception 16
Languages Sylvan
Challenge 19 (22,000 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +6
TRAITS
Air Lift. When the roc falls, it descends 60 feet per
round and takes no damage from falling.
Flyby. The roc doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks
when it flies out of an enemy’s reach.
Free Bird. As a bonus action, the roc can end one effect
or condition that reduces its speed or causes it to be
paralyzed or restrained.
Keen Sight. The roc has advantage on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on sight.
STATIC CLOUD
Action: 1 action
Range: Self
Sovereign Point Cost: 6
The sovereign creates a cloud of intense static charge in
a 90-foot-radius sphere centered on itself. If a creature
begins its turn in this field and is holding or wearing
any manufactured metal objects (such as metal weap-
ons or suits of metal armor), the creature must succeed
on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or drop the object
if it can. If the creature doesn’t drop the object, it has
disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks until the
start of its next turn. The cloud remains for 10 minutes
or until the sovereign chooses to end the effect.
STORM FORM
Action: 1 reaction, which the sovereign takes when it
takes damage
Range: Self
Sovereign Point Cost: 2
The sovereign transforms into a shapeless mass
of electricity until the beginning of its next turn.
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Sovereign Fey. The roc is a sovereign fey. Its spellcasting
ability is Charisma (spell save DC 19, +9 to hit with spell
attacks), and it has 32 sovereign points. The sovereign
can spend sovereign points to take the following
sovereign actions: biting wind, cyclone, static cloud,
storm form, and surge. Any spent sovereign points are
recovered when the sovereign completes a long rest.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The roc makes two attacks: one with its
Beak and one with its Talons.
Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 10 ft.,
one target. Hit: 27 (4d8 + 9) piercing damage.
Talons. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 23 (4d6 + 9) slashing damage, and the
target is grappled (escape DC 19). Until this grapple
ends, the target is restrained, and the roc can’t use its
talons on another target.
Jet Stream (Recharge 5–6). The roc launches itself
forward, moving in a straight line up to its speed. Each
creature in the line must attempt a DC 18 Dexterity saving
throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 44 (8d10) thunder
damage and is knocked prone. On a successful save, a
creature takes half damage and is not knocked prone.
While in this form, the sovereign is invisible, is
immune to all nonmagical damage, and has advan-
tage on all saving throws. While in this form, the
sovereign can pass through small holes, narrow
openings, and even mere cracks. While in storm
form, the sovereign cannot make attacks or use
legendary actions.
SURGE
Action: 1 bonus action
Range: Self
Sovereign Point Cost: 5
The sovereign magically teleports to an
unoccupied space it can see within 120 feet of
it. Immediately after it disappears, lightning
crashes down, and each creature within 20 feet
of the space the sovereign left must attempt a
DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 55 (10d10)
lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much
damage on a successful one.
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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Forest Court
The following monster templates allow you to
upgrade any existing creature to become a vassal, a
courtier, or the sovereign of the Forest Court.
Forest Vassal Template
You can create a vassal of the Forest Court by making
the following adjustments to the statistics of any
creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type. Spells
and abilities that affect fey now affect the creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains two additional Hit Dice
and recalculates its hit point maximum using these
Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Constitution and
Charisma scores both increase by 2. An ability score
cannot be increased above 30 using this feature.
Damage Resistances. The creature gains resistance
to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from
nonmagical attacks.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed condition.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 1.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Magic Resistance. The vassal has advantage on
saving throws against spells and other magical
effects.
• Primal Heart. At the beginning of the vassal’s
turn, it can use a bonus action to roll a d20. If it
rolls lower than its Constitution ability score,
it can choose to end one negative condition
currently affecting it or regain hit points equal
to its Constitution modifier.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus in-
creases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Forest Courtier Template
You can create a courtier of the Forest Court by
making the following adjustments to the statistics of
any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type. Spells
and abilities that affect fey now affect the creature.
174
Hit Dice. The creature gains eight additional Hit Dice and
recalculates its hit point maximum using these Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score increases
by 2, and its Constitution score increases by 4. An ability
score cannot be increased above 30 using this feature.
Damage Resistances. The creature gains resistance
to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from
nonmagical attacks.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed and frightened conditions.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 4.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Magic Resistance. The courtier has advantage on
saving throws against spells and other magical
effects.
• Pack Tactics. The courtier has advantage on an
attack roll against a creature if at least one of the
courtier’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature
and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
• Primal Heart. At the beginning of the courtier’s
turn, it can use a bonus action to roll a d20. If it
rolls lower than its Constitution ability score,
it can choose to end one negative condition
currently affecting it or regain hit points equal to
its Constitution modifier.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus in-
creases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Actions. The creature gains the following action.
• Call of the Wild (Recharge 5–6). The courtier
lets out a commanding call. All friendly creatures
within 60 feet of the courtier that can see and
hear it can immediately use their reaction to
make one weapon attack, adding the courtier’s
proficiency bonus to the attack’s damage roll.
Forest Sovereign Template
You can create a sovereign of the Forest Court by
making the following adjustments to the statistics of
any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type. Spells
and abilities that affect fey now affect the creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains sixteen additional Hit
Dice and recalculates its hit point maximum using
these Hit Dice.
 Chapter 6: Friends and Foes

Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score
increases by 2, its Constitution score increases by 4,
and it gains 10 ability points. Each ability point can
be used to increase an ability score of its choice by 1.
An ability score cannot be increased above 30 using
this feature.
Damage Resistances. The creature gains resistance
to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from
nonmagical attacks.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed and frightened conditions.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus in-
creases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Actions. The creature gains the following action.
• Call of the Wild (Recharge 5–6). The sovereign
lets out a commanding call. All friendly creatures
within 300 feet of the sovereign that can see and
hear it (including the sovereign) can immediately
use their reaction to make one weapon attack,
adding the sovereign’s proficiency bonus to the
attack and damage roll.

Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak Forest Sovereign Actions
and understand Sylvan.
The list of known Forest sovereign actions is pre-
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating sented here in alphabetical order.
increases by 8.
GORE
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
Action: 1 reaction, which the sovereign takes when a
• Magic Resistance. The sovereign has advantage creature falls prone within melee range
on saving throws against spells and other magical Range: Self
effects. Sovereign Point Cost: 1
The sovereign makes two melee attacks against the
• Pack Tactics. The sovereign has advantage on an
target.
attack roll against a creature if at least one of the
sovereign’s allies is within 10 feet of the creature
KING OF BEASTS
and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
Action: 1 bonus action
• Primal Heart. At the beginning of the sovereign’s Range: Self
turn, it can choose to end one negative condition Sovereign Point Cost: 6
currently affecting it or regain hit points equal to For 1 minute, the sovereign fey magically increases
its Constitution modifier. in size along with anything it is wearing or car-
rying, becoming Huge if it is Large or smaller,
• Sovereign Fey. The creature is a sovereign fey,
or Gargantuan if it is Huge. For the duration, its
empowered by a demesne of the faerie realm.
Strength becomes 25, if it isn’t already higher, and
The sovereign gains the ability to draw power
its hit point maximum is doubled. In addition, the
from its realm to produce effects called sov-
reach of its melee attacks increases by 5 feet, it
ereign actions. Sovereign actions are magical
doubles its damage dice on Strength-based weapon
effects the sovereign can create by expending
attacks, and it makes Strength checks and saving
sovereign points.
throws with advantage.
  When a creature becomes a forest sovereign,
When the effect ends, any hit points it has above
it gains a pool of sovereign points equal to
its hit point maximum become temporary hit
its current Hit Dice maximum and can never
points.
have more sovereign points than its current
Hit Dice maximum. Use of a sovereign action
MASTER’S COMMAND
requires the listed action, sovereign point cost,
Action: 1 bonus action
and range restriction detailed in its descrip-
Range: 60 feet
tion. Sovereign actions follow the general
Sovereign Point Cost: 3
rules of spellcasting as detailed in the 5th
The sovereign fey summons four beasts of challenge
Edition core rules, and they use Charisma as
rating 2 or lower that appear in unoccupied spaces
the spellcasting ability and for spell attacks,
within 60 feet of it. The beasts act on their own
though technically they are not spells. For
initiative, but they obey all commands issued to
the purposes of determining the strength of a
them by the sovereign fey (no action required). Each
sovereign action’s magical effects, such effects
beast disappears when it drops to 0 hit points.
are treated as though they were produced by
spells of 8th level. A creature recovers any
spent sovereign points during a long rest.

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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
MIGHTY LEAP
Action: 1 action
Range: Self
Sovereign Point Cost: 2
If the sovereign jumps at least 15 feet as part of
its movement, it can use a bonus action to land
on its feet in a space (or spaces, if the sovereign is
Huge or larger) that contains one or more other
creatures. Each of these creatures must succeed on
a DC 18 Strength or Dexterity saving throw (target’s
choice) or be knocked prone and take 19 (3d12)
bludgeoning damage plus 19 (3d12) slashing damage.
On a successful save, the creature takes only half
the damage, isn’t knocked prone, and is pushed 5
feet out of the sovereign’s space into an unoccupied
space of the target’s choice. If no unoccupied space is
within range, the creature instead falls prone in the
sovereign’s space.
Forest Sovereign Example Stat Block
The following is an example of the Forest sovereign template applied to a giant ape.
Forest Sovereign Giant Ape
Huge beast (fey), typically lawful neutral
Armor Class 14
Hit Points 387 (31d12 + 186)
Speed 40 ft., climb 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
26 (+8) 18 (+4) 22 (+6) 9 (−1) 12 (+1) 10 (+0)
Skills Athletics +13, Perception +6
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened
Senses passive Perception 16
Languages Sylvan
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +5
TRAITS
Magic Resistance. The ape has advantage on
saving throws against spells and other magical
effects.
Pack Tactics. The ape has advantage on an attack
roll against a creature if at least one of the ape’s
allies is within 10 feet of the creature and the ally
isn’t incapacitated.
Primal Heart. At the beginning of the ape’s
turn, it can choose to end one negative condition
176
WILD HUNT
Action: 1 action
Range: 300 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 5
The sovereign lets out a resounding howl,
compelling creatures to join its pack. Any beast or
humanoid within 300 feet of the sovereign that can
hear the howl must succeed on a DC 18 Charisma
saving throw or be charmed by the sovereign for
8 hours. A charmed creature obeys all commands
issued to it by the sovereign (no action required),
treating all former allies as enemies. If a charmed
creature takes damage, it can repeat the saving
throw at the end of its turn, ending the charmed
effect on a success.
currently affecting it or regain hit points equal to its
Constitution modifier.
Sovereign Fey. The ape is a sovereign fey. Its spell-
casting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 19, +9 to
hit with spell attacks), and it has 31 sovereign points.
The sovereign can spend sovereign points to take the
following sovereign actions: Gore, King of Beasts,
Master’s Command, Mighty Leap, and Wild Hunt. Any
spent sovereign points are recovered when the ape
completes a long rest.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The ape makes two Fist attacks.
Fist. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
target. Hit: 24 (3d10 + 8) bludgeoning damage.
Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, range 50/100
ft., one target. Hit: 32 (7d6 + 8) bludgeoning damage.
Call of the Wild (Recharge 5–6). The ape lets out a
commanding call. All friendly creatures within 300
feet of the ape that can see and hear it (including the
ape) can immediately use their reaction to make one
weapon attack, adding the ape’s proficiency bonus to
the attack and damage roll.

Heavenly Court
The following monster templates allow you to
upgrade any existing creature to become a vassal, a
courtier, or the sovereign of the Heavenly Court.
Heavenly Vassal Template
You can create a vassal of the Heavenly Court by
making the following adjustments to the statistics
of any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type. Spells
and abilities that affect fey now affect the creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains two additional Hit Dice
and recalculates its hit point maximum using these
Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Wisdom and Charisma
scores increase by 2. An ability score cannot be
increased above 30 using this feature.
Damage Resistances. The creature gains resistance to
fire and radiant damage as well as bludgeoning, pierc-
ing, and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed condition.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 1.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Magic Resistance. The vassal has advantage on
saving throws against spells and other magical
effects.
• Heavenly Fire. A creature that touches the vassal
or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet
of it takes 5 (1d10) radiant damage. The vassal can
choose to suppress this trait at will (no action
required).
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus in-
creases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Heavenly Courtier Template
You can create a courtier of the Heavenly Court by
making the following adjustments to the statistics
of any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type.
Spells and abilities that affect fey now affect the
creature.
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Hit Dice. The creature gains eight additional Hit Dice
and recalculates its hit point maximum using these
Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score in-
creases by 2, and its Wisdom score increases by 4. An
ability score cannot be increased above 30 using this
feature.
Damage Resistances. The creature gains resistance
to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from
nonmagical attacks.
Damage Immunities. The creature becomes immune
to fire and radiant damage.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed and frightened conditions.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 4.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Dazzling Aura. When a creature that can see
the courtier starts its turn within 30 feet of
it, the courtier can force it to attempt a DC 15
Constitution saving throw if the courtier isn’t
incapacitated and can see the creature. If the
target fails the saving throw, it is stunned until
the beginning of its next turn.
  Unless surprised, a creature can avert its eyes
to avoid attempting the saving throw at the
start of its turn. If the creature does so, it can’t
see the courtier until the start of its next turn,
when it can avert its eyes again. If the creature
looks at the courtier in the meantime, it must
immediately attempt the save.
• Heavenly Fire. A creature that touches the
courtier or hits it with a melee attack while
within 5 feet of it takes 11 (2d10) radiant damage.
The courtier can choose to suppress this trait at
will (no action required).
• Magic Resistance. The courtier has advantage
on saving throws against spells and other
magical effects.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus in-
creases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Actions. The creature gains the following action.
• Neutron Star. The courtier creates a tiny,
superdense star at a point it can see within 90
feet of it. When the star appears, each creature
(except the courtier) within 15 feet of it must
succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw
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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
or be trapped within the star’s gravitational
field for 1 minute. While trapped, a creature
cannot move more than 15 feet away from the
star. A trapped creature can use an action to
repeat the saving throw, breaking free of the
gravitational field on a success. A courtier can
only have one star summoned at a time, and
they can choose to end the effect early (no
action required).
Heavenly Sovereign Template
You can create a sovereign of the Heavenly Court
by making the following adjustments to the
statistics of any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a crea-
ture type in addition to its original creature type.
Spells and abilities that affect fey now affect the
creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains sixteen additional Hit
Dice and recalculates its hit point maximum using
these Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score
increases by 2, its Wisdom score increases by 4,
and it gains 10 ability points. Each ability point can
be used to increase an ability score of its choice by
1. An ability score cannot be increased above 30
using this feature.
Damage Resistances. The creature gains resistance
to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage
from nonmagical attacks.
Damage Immunities. The creature becomes im-
mune to fire and radiant damage.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immu-
nity to the charmed and frightened conditions.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
increases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
and understand Sylvan.
Actions. The creature gains the following action.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 8.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Dazzling Aura. When a creature that can see
the sovereign starts its turn within 30 feet of
it, the sovereign can force it to attempt a DC 18
Constitution saving throw if the sovereign isn’t
incapacitated and can see the creature. If the
target fails the saving throw, it is stunned until
the beginning of its next turn.
  Unless surprised, a creature can avert its
eyes to avoid attempting the saving throw at
the start of its turn. If the creature does so,
it can’t see the sovereign until the start of its
178
next turn, when it can avert its eyes again.
If the creature looks at the sovereign in the
meantime, it must immediately attempt the
save.
• Heavenly Fire. A creature that touches the
sovereign or hits it with a melee attack while
within 10 feet of it takes 11 (2d10) radiant
damage. The sovereign can choose to suppress
this trait at will (no action required).
• Magic Resistance. The sovereign has advantage
on saving throws against spells and other
magical effects.
• Sovereign Fey. The creature is a sovereign
fey, empowered by a demesne of the faerie
realm. The sovereign gains the ability to draw
power from its realm to produce effects called
sovereign actions. Sovereign actions are
magical effects the sovereign can create by
expending sovereign points.
  When a creature becomes a heavenly
sovereign, it gains a pool of sovereign points
equal to its current Hit Dice maximum and
can never have more sovereign points than its
current Hit Dice maximum. Use of a sovereign
action requires the listed action, sovereign
point cost, and range restriction detailed in
its description. Sovereign actions follow the
general rules of spellcasting as detailed in the
5th Edition core rules, and they use Charisma
as the spellcasting ability and for spell attacks,
though technically they are not spells. For
the purposes of determining the strength of a
sovereign action’s magical effects, such effects
are treated as though they were produced by
spells of 8th level. A creature recovers any
spent sovereign points during a long rest.
• Neutron Star. The sovereign creates a tiny,
superdense star at a point it can see within 90
feet of it. When the star appears, each creature
(except the sovereign) within 30 feet of it
must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw
or be trapped within the star’s gravitational
field for 1 minute. While trapped, a creature
cannot move more than 15 feet away from the
star. A trapped creature can use an action to
repeat the saving throw, breaking free of the
gravitational field on a success. A sovereign can
only have one star summoned at a time, and
it can choose to end the effect early (no action
required).

Heavenly Sovereign Example Stat Block
The following is an example of the Heavenly sovereign template applied to a green hag.
Heavenly Sovereign Green Hag
Medium fey, typically neutral evil
Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 229 (27d8 + 108)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 12 (+1) 18 (+4) 13 (+1) 18 (+4) 24 (+7)
Skills Arcana +5, Deception +11, Perception +8,
Stealth +5
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities fire, radiant
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 18
Languages Common, Draconic, Sylvan
Challenge 11 (7,200 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +4
TRAITS of her general size and humanoid shape. The
Amphibious. The hag can breathe air and water.
Dazzling Aura. When a creature that can see the hag
starts its turn within 30 feet of her, the hag can force
it to attempt a DC 18 Constitution saving throw if
the hag isn’t incapacitated and can see the creature.
If the target fails the saving throw, the creature is
stunned until the beginning of its next turn.
Unless surprised, a creature can avert its eyes to
avoid making the saving throw at the start of its
turn. If the creature does so, it can’t see the hag
until the start of its next turn, when it can avert its
eyes again. If the creature looks at the hag in the
meantime, it must immediately attempt the save.
Heavenly Fire. A creature that touches the hag
or hits her with a melee attack while within 10
feet of her takes 11 (2d10) radiant damage. The hag
can choose to suppress this trait at will (no action
required).
Innate Spellcasting. The hag’s innate spellcasting
ability is Charisma (spell save DC 19). She can
innately cast the following spells, requiring no
material components:
At will: dancing lights, minor illusion,
vicious mockery
Magic Resistance. The hag has advantage on saving
throws against spells and other magical effects.
Mimicry. The hag can mimic animal sounds and
humanoid voices. A creature that hears the sounds
can tell they are imitations with a successful DC 18
Wisdom (Insight) check.
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Sovereign Fey. The hag is a sovereign fey. Her
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC
19, +9 to hit with spell attacks), and she has 27
sovereign points. The hag can spend sovereign
points to take the following sovereign actions:
Burn Out, Meteor Shower, Molten Core, Shooting
Star, and Supernova. Any spent sovereign points
are recovered when the hag completes a long rest.
ACTIONS
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.
Illusory Appearance. The hag covers herself and
anything she is wearing or carrying with a magical
illusion that makes her look like another creature
illusion ends if the hag takes a bonus action to end
it or if she dies.
  The changes wrought by this effect fail to hold up
to physical inspection. For example, the hag could
appear to have smooth skin, but someone touching
her would feel her rough flesh. Otherwise, a
creature must take an action to visually inspect
the illusion and succeed on a DC 20 Intelligence
(Investigation) check to discern that the hag is
disguised.
Invisible Passage. The hag magically turns
invisible until she attacks or casts a spell, or until
her concentration ends (as if concentrating on
a spell). While invisible, she leaves no physical
evidence of her passage, so she can be tracked only
by magic. Any equipment she wears or carries is
invisible with her.
Neutron Star. The hag creates a tiny, superdense
star at a point she can see within 90 feet of her.
When the star appears, each creature (except the
hag) within 30 feet of it must succeed on a DC
18 Strength saving throw or be trapped within
the star’s gravitational field for 1 minute. While
trapped, a creature cannot move more than 15
feet away from the star. A trapped creature can
use an action to repeat the saving throw, breaking
free of the gravitational field on a success. The hag
can only have one star summoned at a time, and
she can choose to end the effect early (no action
required).
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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Heavenly Sovereign Actions
The list of known Heavenly sovereign actions is
presented here in alphabetical order.
BURN OUT
Action: 1 bonus action
Range: 120 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 5
The sovereign chooses one creature (including itself),
object, or magical effect within range. Any spell of
8th level or lower on the target ends.
METEOR SHOWER
Action: 1 action
Range: Self
Sovereign Point Cost: 6
A shower of celestial matter falls to the ground in a
20-foot-radius, 40-foot-high cylinder centered on a
point the sovereign can see within 300 feet of it. Each
creature in the cylinder must attempt a Dexterity
saving throw. A creature takes 28 (8d6) bludgeoning
damage plus 35 (10d6) radiant damage on a failed save,
or half as much damage on a successful one.
MOLTEN CORE
Action: 1 action
Range: Self
Sovereign Point Cost: 2
The sovereign fey dramatically raises the ambient
temperature in a 150-foot-radius sphere centered on
itself for the next minute. All creatures in the area
who aren’t immune to fire damage must succeed on
a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or gain one level
of exhaustion. If the sovereign repeats this action
before the 1 minute duration is up, creatures in the
area must repeat the save with disadvantage.
SHOOTING STAR
Action: 1 bonus action
Range: 120 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 1
The sovereign fey sends a tiny flame hurtling toward
one creature or object within 120 feet of it. When
it does so, it makes a ranged spell attack. On a hit, a
target takes 26 (4d12) radiant damage and glows with
ambient starlight. The sovereign has advantage on the
next attack roll made against the glowing target.
SUPERNOVA
Action: 1 reaction, which the sovereign fey takes
when it takes damage
Range: 120 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 3
Each creature of the sovereign’s choice that is
within 120 feet of it and aware of it must succeed
180
on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or become
blinded for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the sav-
ing throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the
effect on itself on a success. If a creature’s saving
throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the
creature is immune to the sovereign’s Supernova
for the next 24 hours.
Sleeping Court
The following monster templates allow you to
upgrade any existing creature to become a vassal, a
courtier, or the sovereign of the Sleeping Court.
Sleeping Vassal Template
You can create a vassal of the Sleeping Court by
making the following adjustments to the statis-
tics of any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a crea-
ture type in addition to its original creature type.
Spells and abilities that affect fey now affect the
creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains two additional Hit
Dice and recalculates its hit point maximum
using these Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score in-
creases by 4. An ability score cannot be increased
above 30 using this feature.
Damage Immunities. The creature gains im-
munity to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
damage from nonmagical attacks.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains
immunity to the charmed condition.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to
speak and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 1.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Endless Dream. The vassal is immune to
any effects that would put it to sleep or
cause it to become unconscious.
• Incorporeal Movement. The vassal can
move through other creatures and objects
as if they were difficult terrain. It takes
5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn
inside an object.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus
increases to match its adjusted challenge rating.

Sleeping Courtier Template
You can create a courtier of the Sleeping Court by
making the following adjustments to the statis-
tics of any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a crea-
ture type in addition to its original creature type.
Spells and abilities that affect fey now affect the
creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains eight additional Hit
Dice and recalculates its hit point maximum
using these Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score
increases by 4, and its Wisdom score increases by
2. An ability score cannot be increased above 30
using this feature.
Damage Resistances. The creature gains resis-
tance to psychic damage.
Damage Immunities. The creature gains im-
munity to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
damage from nonmagical attacks.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immu-
nity to the charmed and frightened conditions.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 4.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Endless Dream. The courtier is immune to
any effects that would put it to sleep or cause
it to become unconscious.
• Incorporeal Movement. The courtier can
move through other creatures and objects. It
takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn
inside an object.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus
increases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Actions. The creature gains the following action.
• Invisibility. The courtier magically turns
invisible until it chooses to end the effect. The
invisibility ends early if the courtier attacks
or casts a spell. Any equipment the courtier
wears or carries is invisible with it.
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Sleeping Sovereign Template
You can create a sovereign of the Sleeping Court by
making the following adjustments to the statistics of
any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type. Spells
and abilities that affect fey now affect the creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains sixteen additional Hit
Dice and recalculates its hit point maximum using
these Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score
increases by 4, its Wisdom score increases by 2, and
it gains 10 ability points. Each ability point can be
used to increase an ability score of its choice by 1. An
ability score cannot be increased above 30 using this
feature.
Damage Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to psychic damage and to bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing damage from nonmagical attacks.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed and frightened conditions.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 8.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Endless Dream. The sovereign is immune to
any effects that would put it to sleep or cause
it to become unconscious.
• Incorporeal Movement. The sovereign can
move through other creatures and objects. It
takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn
inside an object.
• Sovereign Fey. The creature is a sovereign
fey, empowered by a demesne of the faerie
realm. The sovereign gains the ability to draw
power from its realm to produce effects called
sovereign actions. Sovereign actions are
magical effects the sovereign can create by
expending sovereign points.
  When a creature becomes a sleeping
sovereign, it gains a pool of sovereign points
equal to its current Hit Dice maximum and
can never have more sovereign points than
its current Hit Dice maximum. Use of a
sovereign action requires the listed action,
sovereign point cost, and range restriction
detailed in its description. Sovereign actions
follow the general rules of spellcasting as
detailed in the 5th Edition core rules, and
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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes

they use Charisma as the spellcasting ability LOST LULLABY

and for spell attacks, though technically Action: 1 bonus action
they are not spells. For the purposes of Range: Self
determining the strength of a sovereign Sovereign Point Cost: 5
action’s magical effects, such effects are The sovereign sings an eerie lullaby that distorts
treated as though they were produced by perception of space and time. Every creature within
spells of 8th level. A creature recovers any 300 feet of the sovereign that can hear the song
spent sovereign points during a long rest. must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw
or become charmed. The sovereign must take a
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus in-
bonus action on its subsequent turns to continue
creases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
the lullaby. It can stop the chorus at any time (no
Actions. The creature gains the following action. action required). The tune ends if the sovereign is
incapacitated.
• Invisibility. The sovereign magically turns
While charmed by the sovereign, a target uses
invisible until it chooses to end the effect. The
all its movement to move in a random direction.
invisibility ends early if the sovereign attacks
To determine the direction, roll a d8 and assign a
or casts a spell. Any equipment the sovereign
direction to each die face. The creature cannot take
wears or carries is invisible with it.
actions while charmed in this way. Whenever a
target takes damage or it begins a turn unable to
Sleeping Sovereign Actions hear the chorus, it can repeat the saving throw. If
the saving throw is successful, the effect ends on it.
The list of known Sleeping sovereign actions is
A target that successfully saves is immune to the
presented here in alphabetical order.
sovereign’s lullaby for the next 24 hours.
DREAM PRISON
NIGHT TERRORS
Action: 1 action
Action: 1 bonus action
Range: 150 feet
Range: 120 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 6
Sovereign Point Cost: 2
The sovereign forces a creature it can see within
The sovereign implants a fear in the mind of one crea-
150 feet of it to attempt a DC 18 Charisma saving
ture within 120 feet of it. When it does so, it makes
throw. On a failure, the target’s mind is pulled
a ranged spell attack. On a hit, the target takes 4d12
into the twisting realm of the sovereign’s own
psychic damage and becomes frightened until the
dreams. The body of an affected creature be-
end of its next turn. At the end of the target’s next
comes incapacitated for 1 minute, while the mind
turn, the target must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom
of the creature wanders the bizarre dreamscape
saving throw or take 4d12 psychic damage and
of the sovereign’s subconscious. At the end of
remain frightened until the end of its next turn. On
each of its turns, an affected creature can repeat
a successful save, the target is no longer frightened,
the saving throw, ending the effect and return-
and the effect ends. The effect also ends if the target
ing to its body on a success. A creature whose
is reduced to 0 hit points or the sovereign chooses to
mind remains in the sovereign’s subconscious in
end the effect (no action required).
this manner for 1 continuous minute becomes
permanently trapped there, until the sovereign
SLEEPING SAND
decides to free them or it is freed by a wish spell
Action: 1 reaction, which the sovereign takes when it
or a similarly potent magical effect.
takes damage
A creature that succeeds on a saving throw against
Range: 5 feet
this effect becomes immune to it for 24 hours.
Sovereign Point Cost: 3
The sovereign emits a shower of sleeping sand toward
IMAGINARY VEIL
one creature it can see within 5 feet of it. The target
Action: Varies
must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw
Range: Varies
or fall prone and unconscious for 10 minutes. The
Sovereign Point Cost: 1
sleeper can repeat the saving throw whenever it
The sovereign casts one of the following spells
takes damage or when someone uses an action to
without the need for components: dream, major
try and wake it. Creatures immune to being charmed
image, mirage arcane, programmed illusion, project
aren’t affected by this ability, but all other creatures
image, or seeming.
are (even if they don’t typically sleep).

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Sleeping Sovereign Example Stat Block

The following is an example of the Sleeping sovereign template applied to a medusa.

Sleeping Sovereign Medusa

Medium monstrosity (fey), typically lawful evil

Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 247 (33d8 + 99)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 22 (+6) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 17 (+3) 20 (+5)
Skills Deception +10, Insight +8, Perception +8,
Stealth +11
Damage Immunities psychic; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 18
Languages Common, Sylvan
Challenge 14 (11,500 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +5
TRAITS and Sleeping Sand. Any spent sovereign points are
Endless Dream. The medusa is immune to any
effects that would put it to sleep or cause it to
become unconscious.
Incorporeal Movement. The medusa can move
through other creatures and objects. It takes 5
(1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an
object.
Petrifying Gaze. When a creature that can see the
medusa’s eyes starts its turn within 30 feet of the
medusa, the medusa can force it to attempt a DC 14
Constitution saving throw if the medusa isn’t
incapacitated and can see the creature. If the target
fails the saving throw by 5 or more, the creature is
instantly petrified. Otherwise, a creature that fails
the save begins to turn to stone and is restrained.
The restrained creature must repeat the saving
throw at the end of its next turn, becoming petrified
on a failure or ending the effect on a success. The
petrification lasts until the creature is freed by the
greater restoration spell or other magic.
Unless surprised, a creature can avert its eyes to
avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn. If the
creature does so, it can’t see the medusa until the
start of its next turn, when it can avert its eyes again.
If the creature looks at the medusa in the meantime,
it must immediately attempt the save.
If the medusa sees itself reflected on a polished
surface within 30 feet of it in an area of bright light,
the medusa is, due to its curse, affected by its own
gaze.
Sovereign Fey. The medusa is a sovereign fey. Its
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 19,
+9 to hit with spell attacks), and it has 33 sovereign
points. The medusa can spend sovereign points
to take the following sovereign actions: Dream
Prison, Imaginary Veil, Lost Lullaby, Night Terrors,
recovered when the medusa completes a long rest.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The medusa makes three melee
attacks, either one with its Snake Hair and two
with its Shortsword or two ranged attacks with its
Longbow.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach
5 ft., one creature. Hit: 9 (1d6 + 6) piercing damage.
Snake Hair. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach
5 ft., one creature. Hit: 8 (1d4 + 6) piercing damage
plus 14 (4d6) poison damage.
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range
150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 6) piercing
damage.
Invisibility. The medusa magically turns invisible
until it chooses to end the effect. The invisibility
ends early if the medusa attacks or casts a spell. Any
equipment the medusa wears or carries is invisible
with it.

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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Slithering Court
The following monster templates allow you to
upgrade any existing creature to become a vassal, a
courtier, or the sovereign of the Slithering Court.
Slithering Vassal Template
You can create a vassal of the Slithering Court by
making the following adjustments to the statistics of
any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type.
Spells and abilities that affect fey now affect the
creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains two additional Hit Dice
and recalculates its hit point maximum using these
Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Dexterity and Charisma
scores both increase by 2. An ability score cannot be
increased above 30 using this feature.
Damage Resistances. The creature gains resistance
to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from
nonmagical attacks.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed condition.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 1.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Disturbing Aspect. As a bonus action, the
vassal can target one creature within 30
feet of it that can see it. The target must
succeed on a DC 13 Charisma saving throw
or become frightened of the vassal for 1
minute. A creature can repeat the saving
throw at the end of each of its turns, ending
the effect on itself on a success. If the
creature’s saving throw is successful or the
effect ends for it, the creature is immune to
the vassal’s Disturbing Aspect for the next
24 hours.
• Magic Resistance. The vassal has advantage
on saving throws against spells and other
magical effects.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus in-
creases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
184
Slithering Courtier Template
You can create a courtier of the Slithering Court by
making the following adjustments to the statistics of
any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type. Spells
and abilities that affect fey now affect the creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains eight additional Hit Dice
and recalculates its hit point maximum using these
Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score
increases by 2, and its Dexterity score increases by 4.
An ability score cannot be increased above 30 using
this feature.
Damage Resistances. The creature gains resistance
to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from
nonmagical attacks.
Damage Immunities. The creature becomes immune
to poison damage.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed and poisoned conditions.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 4.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Disturbing Aspect. As a bonus action, the
courtier can target one creature within 60
feet of it that can see it. The target must
succeed on a DC 15 Charisma saving throw
or become frightened of the courtier for 1
minute. A creature can repeat the saving
throw at the end of each of its turns, end-
ing the effect on itself on a success. If the
creature’s saving throw is successful or the
effect ends for it, the creature is immune to
the courtier’s Disturbing Aspect for the next
24 hours.
• Magic Resistance. The courtier has
advantage on saving throws against spells
and other magical effects.
• Toxic Shock. If a creature takes damage from
a melee weapon attack made by the courtier,
it must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution
saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute.
If the target fails the saving throw by 5 or
more, the target is also paralyzed while
poisoned in this way.

Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus in-
creases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Actions. The creature gains the following action.
• Black Out. The courtier creates an area of
magical darkness to fill a 15-foot-radius sphere
centered on a point it chooses within 60
feet of it. The courtier can see through this
darkness. The darkness remains for 1 minute
or until the courtier chooses to end the effect
(no action required).
Slithering Sovereign Template
You can create a sovereign of the Slithering Court by
making the following adjustments to the statistics of
any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type.
Spells and abilities that affect fey now affect the
creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains sixteen additional Hit
Dice and recalculates its hit point maximum using
these Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score
increases by 2, its Dexterity score increases by 4, and
it gains 10 ability points. Each ability point can be
used to increase an ability score of its choice by 1. An
ability score cannot be increased above 30 using this
feature.
Damage Resistances. The creature gains resistance
to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from
nonmagical attacks.
Damage Immunities. The creature becomes immune
to necrotic and poison damage.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed, exhaustion, frightened, and poi-
soned conditions.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 8.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Disturbing Aspect. As a bonus action, the
sovereign can target one creature within 60 feet
of it that can see it. The target must succeed
on a DC 18 Charisma saving throw or become
frightened of the sovereign for 1 minute. A
creature can repeat the saving throw at the end
of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself
on a success. If the creature’s saving throw is
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is
immune to the sovereign’s Disturbing Aspect for
the next 24 hours.
• Magic Resistance. The sovereign has
advantage on saving throws against spells
and other magical effects.
• Sovereign Fey. The creature is a sovereign
fey, empowered by a demesne of the faerie
realms. The sovereign gains the ability to
draw power from its realm to produce
effects called sovereign actions. Sovereign
actions are magical effects the sovereign can
create by expending sovereign points.
  When a creature becomes a slithering
sovereign, it gains a pool of sovereign points
equal to its current Hit Dice maximum and
can never have more sovereign points than
its current Hit Dice maximum. Use of a
sovereign action requires the listed action,
sovereign point cost, and range restriction
detailed in its description. Sovereign actions
follow the general rules of spellcasting as
detailed in the 5th Edition core rules, and
they use Charisma as the spellcasting ability
and for spell attacks, though technically
they are not spells. For the purposes of
determining the strength of a sovereign
action’s magical effects, such effects are
treated as though they were produced by
spells of 8th level. A creature recovers any
spent sovereign points during a long rest.
• Toxic Shock. If a creature takes damage
from a melee weapon attack made by
the sovereign, it must succeed on a DC 18
Constitution saving throw or be poisoned
for 1 hour. If the target fails the saving throw
by 5 or more, the target is also paralyzed
while poisoned in this way.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus
increases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Actions. The creature gains the following action.
• Black Out. The sovereign creates an area
of magical darkness to fill a 30-foot-radius
sphere centered on a point it chooses within
60 feet of it. The sovereign can see through
this darkness. The darkness remains for 1
minute or until the sovereign chooses to end
the effect.
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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes

Slithering Sovereign Example Stat Block

The following is an example of the Slithering sovereign template applied to an ettercap.

Slithering Sovereign Ettercap

Medium monstrosity (fey), typically neutral evil

Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 132 (24d8 + 24)
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 20 (+5) 13 (+1) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 16 (+3)
Skills Perception +5, Stealth +9, Survival +5
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Sylvan
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +4
TRAITS
Disturbing Aspect. As a bonus action, the ettercap
can target one creature within 60 feet of it that can
see it. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Charisma
saving throw or become frightened of the ettercap
for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw
at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on
itself on a success. If the creature’s saving throw is
successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is
immune to the ettercap’s Disturbing Aspect for the
next 24 hours.
Magic Resistance. The ettercap has advantage on
saving throws against spells and other magical
effects.
Sovereign Fey. The ettercap is a sovereign fey.
Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save
DC 19, +9 to hit with spell attacks), and it has 24
sovereign points. The ettercap can spend sovereign
points to take the following sovereign actions:
Cascading Filth, Curse of Rot, Pseudopod, Swarm
Symphony, and Wave of Stench. Any spent
sovereign points are recovered when the ettercap
completes a long rest.
Spider Climb. The ettercap can climb difficult
surfaces, including upside down on ceilings,
without needing to make an ability check.
Toxic Shock. If a creature takes damage from a
melee weapon attack made by the ettercap, it must
succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or
be poisoned for 1 hour. If the target fails the saving
throw by 5 or more, the target is also paralyzed
while poisoned in this way.
Web Sense. While in contact with a web, the
ettercap knows the exact location of any other
creature in contact with the same web.
Web Walker. The ettercap ignores movement
restrictions caused by webbing.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The ettercap makes two attacks: one
with its Bite and one with its Claws.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one creature. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) piercing damage plus
4 (1d8) poison damage. The target must succeed on
a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned
for 1 minute. The creature can repeat the saving
throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the
effect on itself on a success.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one creature. Hit: 10 (2d4 + 5) slashing damage.
Black Out. The ettercap creates an area of magical
darkness to fill a 30-foot-radius sphere at a point it
chooses within 60 feet of it. The ettercap can see
through this darkness. The darkness remains for
1 minute or until the ettercap chooses to end the
effect.
Web (Recharge 5–6). Ranged Weapon Attack:
+9 to hit, range 30/60 ft., one Large or smaller
creature. Hit: The creature is restrained by web-
bing. As an action, the restrained creature can
attempt a DC 18 Strength check, escaping from the
webbing on a success. The effect also ends if the
webbing is destroyed. The webbing has AC 10, 5 hit
points, vulnerability to fire damage, and immunity
to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage.

186

Slithering Sovereign Actions
The list of known Slithering sovereign actions is
presented here in alphabetical order.
CASCADING FILTH
Action: 1 action
Range: 120 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 6
The sovereign conjures a wave of putrid filth that
crashes down on an area within range. The area can
be up to 60 feet long, up to 20 feet wide, and up to
20 feet tall. Each creature in that area must attempt
a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 39 (6d12)
magical bludgeoning damage and becoming poisoned
until the beginning of the sovereign’s next turn on
a failure. On a successful save, a creature takes half
damage and is not poisoned.
CURSE OF ROT
Action: 1 reaction, which the sovereign fey takes
when a creature comes within its reach
Range: Self
Sovereign Point Cost: 3
The sovereign makes a melee spell attack against a
creature within reach. On a hit, the target takes 14 (4d6)
necrotic damage and becomes cursed for 1 minute.
While cursed in this way, the creature must
attempt a DC 18 Constitution saving throw at the be-
ginning of each of its turns. On a failure, the creature
must roll a d4 to determine additional conditions it
contracts: 1) blinded, 2) deafened, 3) gains one level
of exhaustion, 4) poisoned.
A remove curse spell ends the curse effect but does
not end any conditions contracted during the curse.
PSEUDOPOD
Action: 1 bonus action
Range: 60 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 1
The sovereign fey sends a pseudopod hurtling toward
one creature or object within 60 feet of it. When it
does so, it makes a ranged spell attack. On a hit, the
target takes 26 (4d12) magical bludgeoning damage
and becomes grappled (escape DC 18). Until the
grapple ends, the target is restrained and has disadvan-
tage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws.
SWARM SYMPHONY
Action: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 5
The sovereign fey conjures 2d4 swarms of insects
to appear in unoccupied spaces within 60 feet of
it. The swarms act on their own initiative, but they
obey all commands issued to them by the sovereign
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
fey (no action required). A swarm disappears when
it drops to 0 hit points.
WAVE OF STENCH
Action: 1 bonus action
Range: Self
Sovereign Point Cost: 2
The sovereign emits a ghastly stench. All creatures
who breathe within 15 feet of the sovereign must
attempt a Constitution saving throw. On a failed
save, a target takes 26 (4d12) poison damage and
is incapacitated until the end of its next turn as it
retches and reels. On a successful save, a target takes
half damage and is not incapacitated.
Withered Court
The following monster templates allow you to
upgrade any existing creature to become a vassal, a
courtier, or the sovereign of the Withered Court.
Withered Vassal Template
You can create a vassal of the Withered Court by
making the following adjustments to the statistics of
any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type. Spells
and abilities that affect fey now affect the creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains two additional Hit Dice
and recalculates its hit point maximum using these
Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Constitution and
Charisma scores both increase by 2. An ability score
cannot be increased above 30 using this feature.
Damage Resistances. The creature gains resistance
to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from
nonmagical attacks.
Damage Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to cold damage.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed and frightened conditions.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 1.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Flash Freeze. If a creature takes damage from a
melee weapon attack made by the vassal, it must
succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or
its speed becomes 0 until the end of its next turn.
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• Permafrost. If the vassal is hit by a single
instance of damage that deals 5 damage or less,
it instead takes no damage.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus in-
creases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Withered Courtier Template
You can create a courtier of the Withered Court by
making the following adjustments to the statistics of
any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type. Spells
and abilities that affect fey now affect the creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains eight additional Hit Dice
and recalculates its hit point maximum using these
Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score
increases by 2, and its Constitution score increases
by 4. An ability score cannot be increased above 30
using this feature.
Damage Resistances. The creature gains resistance
to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from
nonmagical attacks.
Damage Immunities. The creature becomes immune
to cold damage.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains immunity
to the charmed and frightened conditions.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 4.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Flash Freeze. If a creature takes damage
from a melee weapon attack made by
the courtier, it must succeed on a DC 14
Constitution saving throw or its speed
becomes 0 until the end of its next turn.
If the target fails the saving throw by 5 or
more, the target is also restrained until the
end of its next turn.
• Icy Stare. As a bonus action, the courtier
targets one creature it can see within 30
feet of it. If the target can see the courtier, it
must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving
throw or gain one level of exhaustion.
• Permafrost. If the courtier is hit by a single
instance of damage that deals 10 damage or
less, it instead takes no damage.
188
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus in-
creases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Actions. The creature gains the following action.
• Reverence. The courtier creates an area of
magical silence to fill a 20-foot-radius sphere at
a point it chooses within 120 feet of it. Creatures
other than the courtier are deafened and cannot
speak while in the area covered by the sphere
and cannot cast spells that require verbal
components. The sphere remains for 1 minute or
until the courtier chooses to end the effect.
Withered Sovereign Template
You can create a sovereign of the Withered Court by
making the following adjustments to the statistics of
any creature.
Creature Type. The creature gains fey as a creature
type in addition to its original creature type. Spells
and abilities that affect fey now affect the creature.
Hit Dice. The creature gains sixteen additional Hit
Dice and recalculates its hit point maximum using
these Hit Dice.
Ability Scores. The creature’s Charisma score
increases by 2, its Constitution score increases by 4,
and it gains 10 ability points. Each ability point can
be used to increase an ability score of its choice by 1.
An ability score cannot be increased above 30 using
this feature.
Damage Resistances. The creature gains resistance
to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from
nonmagical attacks.
Damage Immunities. The creature becomes immune
to cold damage.
Condition Immunities. The creature gains im-
munity to the charmed, exhaustion, and frightened
conditions.
Languages. The creature gains the ability to speak
and understand Sylvan.
Challenge Rating. The creature’s challenge rating
increases by 8.
Traits. The creature gains the following traits.
• Flash Freeze. If a creature takes damage
from a melee weapon attack made by
the sovereign, it must succeed on a DC 18
Constitution saving throw or its speed
becomes 0 until the end of its next turn.
If the target fails the saving throw by 5 of
more, the target is also restrained until the
end of its next turn.

• Icy Stare. As a bonus action, the sovereign targets
one creature it can see within 30 feet of it. If the
target can see the sovereign, it must succeed on a
DC 18 Constitution saving throw or gain one level
of exhaustion.
• Permafrost. If the sovereign is hit by a single
instance of damage that deals 12 damage or less,
it instead takes no damage.
• Sovereign Fey. The creature is a sovereign fey,
empowered by a demesne of the faerie realms. The
sovereign gains the ability to draw power from its
realm to produce effects called sovereign actions.
Sovereign actions are magical effects the sovereign
can create by expending sovereign points.
  When a creature becomes a withered sovereign,
it gains a pool of sovereign points equal to its
current Hit Dice maximum and can never have
more sovereign points than its current Hit Dice
maximum. Use of a sovereign action requires
the listed action, sovereign point cost, and range
restriction detailed in its description. Sovereign
actions follow the general rules of spellcasting as
detailed in the 5th Edition core rules, and they use
Charisma as the spellcasting ability and for spell
attacks, though technically they are not spells.
For the purposes of determining the strength of a
sovereign action’s magical effects, such effects are
treated as though they were produced by spells of
8th level. A creature recovers any spent sovereign
points during a long rest.
Proficiency. The creature’s proficiency bonus
increases to match its adjusted challenge rating.
Actions. The creature gains the following action.
• Reverence. The sovereign creates an area of
magical silence to fill a 30-foot-radius sphere at
a point it chooses within 120 feet of it. Creatures
other than the sovereign are deafened and
cannot speak while in the area covered by the
sphere and cannot cast spells that require verbal
components. The sphere remains for 1 minute or
until the sovereign chooses to end the effect.
Withered Sovereign Actions
The list of known Withered sovereign actions is
presented here in alphabetical order.
BREATH OF WINTER
Action: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 3
The sovereign exhales a 60-foot cone of frigid air.
Each creature in that area must attempt a DC 18
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Constitution saving throw, taking 45 (10d8) cold
damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on
a successful one. Creatures who fail the save by 5 or
more also become restrained until the end of their
next turn.
CRYSTAL TOMB
Action: 1 action
Range: 150 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 6
The sovereign forces a creature it can see within 150
feet to attempt a DC 18 Constitution saving throw.
If the target fails the saving throw by 5 or more,
the creature is instantly petrified. Otherwise, a
creature that fails the save begins to turn to ice and
is restrained. The restrained creature must repeat
the saving throw at the end of its next turn, becom-
ing petrified on a failure or ending the effect on a
success. The petrification lasts until the sovereign
chooses to end the effect or the creature is freed by
the greater restoration spell or similar magic.
FRACTURE
Action: 1 bonus action
Range: 120 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 5
The sovereign explodes into a hail of icy shards
and magically teleports to an unoccupied space
it can see within 120 feet of it. Immediately after
it disappears, each creature within 20 feet of the
space the sovereign left must attempt a DC 18
Dexterity saving throw, taking 55 (10d10) magical
piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much
damage on a successful one.
FROSTBITE
Action: 1 bonus action
Range: 120 feet
Sovereign Point Cost: 1
The sovereign fey sends a flurry of snow toward one
creature or object within 120 feet of it. When it does
so, it makes a ranged spell attack. On a hit, the target
takes 26 (4d12) cold damage and has disadvantage
on attack rolls and Dexterity saving throws until the
end of its next turn.
HARDEN HEART
Action: 1 reaction, which the sovereign takes when it
takes damage or would drop to 0 hit points
Range: Self
Sovereign Point Cost: 2
The sovereign heals 26 (4d12) hit points and gains
temporary hit points equal to half that amount.
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Withered Sovereign Example Stat Block

The following is an example of the Withered sovereign template applied to a stone giant.

Withered Sovereign Stone Giant

Huge giant (fey), typically neutral

Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 364 (27d12 + 189)
Speed 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 20 (+5) 13 (+1) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 16 (+3)
Saving Throws Dex +8, Con +12, Wis +7
Skills Athletics +12, Perception +7
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities cold
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17
Languages Giant, Sylvan
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +5
TRAITS range 60/240 ft., one target. Hit: 29 (4d10 + 7)
Flash Freeze. If a creature takes damage from a melee
weapon attack made by the giant, it must succeed on a
DC 18 Constitution saving throw or its speed becomes
0 until the end of its next turn. If the target fails the
saving throw by 5 of more, the target is also restrained
until the end of its next turn.
Icy Stare. As a bonus action, the giant targets one
creature it can see within 30 feet of it. If the target can
see the giant, it must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution
saving throw or gain one level of exhaustion.
Permafrost. If the giant is hit by a single instance of
damage that deals 12 damage or less, it instead takes
no damage.
Sovereign Fey. The giant is a sovereign fey. Its
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 19, +9 to
hit with spell attacks), and it has 27 sovereign points.
The giant can spend sovereign points to take the
following sovereign actions: Breath of Winter, Crystal
Tomb, Frostbite, Fracture, and Harden Heart. Any
spent sovereign points are recovered when the giant
completes a long rest.
Stone Camouflage. The giant has advantage on
Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in rocky
terrain.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The giant makes two Greatclub attacks.
Greatclub. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach
15 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (3d8 + 7) bludgeoning
damage.
Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +12 to hit,
bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it
must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be
knocked prone.
Reverence. The giant creates an area of magical
silence to fill a 30-foot-radius sphere at a point it
chooses within 120 feet of it. Creatures other than
the giant are deafened and cannot speak while in
the area covered by the sphere and cannot cast spells
that require verbal components. The sphere remains
for 1 minute or until the giant chooses to end the
effect.
REACTIONS
Rock Catching. If a rock or similar object is hurled
at the giant, the giant can, with a successful DC 10
Dexterity saving throw, catch the missile and take no
bludgeoning damage from it.

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 Chapter 6: Friends and Foes

Native Bestiary
The following pages include descriptions and stat
blocks for various inhabitants of the Planes. They are
presented in alphabetical order.
Stat Blocks
Arnaki
Arnaki are shapeshifters born from the fatigue of
restless travelers. Arnaki delight in lulling mortals to
sleep with stories and traveling the world to collect
anecdotes for their tales. These fey possess unique

by Creature Type shapeshifting abilities that allow them to travel with

relative ease through the Mortal Realm.
Born of Weariness. Weary travelers who pause too
Here are the creatures in this chapter sorted by close to a faerie crossing may unwittingly summon an
creature type. arnaki. These good-natured fey dutifully grant mortals
the rest they desire and actively seek exhausted
Construct creatures in need of a bedtime tale. Of course, lulling
travelers into magical deep sleep leaves them defense-
Living spellbook less, but arnaki are incapable of thinking through
the consequences of their actions. This inherent lack
Fey of awareness makes arnaki the perfect unwitting
minions for more devious fey creatures.
Arnaki Natural Storytellers. Arnaki stories are nonsensi-
cal, filled with excessive detail and inscrutable
Deathless plotlines. As an arnaki ages, its tales become more
Faerie guardian complicated as it incorporates new people and places
Fancy
Feather witch Arnaki
Figment
Magnophyta caster
Magnophyta warrior
Marionettist
Mindsie
Mender mindsie
Master mindsie
Nogog
Nuska
Nuska swarm
Passenger
Phocidae
Tachinid
Wickerbeast

Humanoid
Empire legionnaire
Empire warmage

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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes

it has encountered. Occasionally, a well-traveled

arnaki needs to halt its mission to sort through the Sheep Form
vast amount of information it has acquired. When this
happens, the arnaki finds a flock of sheep in a quiet
town or pasture, then shapeshifts to hide among them
for a few days. The fey uses this rest to review all the
events experienced since its last break, counting the
number of new details to add to its stories.
Sleeping Servants. Because arnaki possess an
innate talent for putting creatures to sleep, they
often befriend members of the Sleeping Court,
though they rarely possess the dedication to become
members themselves. Following the trail of an arnaki
is an excellent way to locate dreaming mortals—for
purposes fair or foul. It is not uncommon to find
arnaki in the company of figments, nuska, or mind-
sies. Though arnaki delight in the company of others,
they are loath to travel with others of their kind. The
presence of two or more arnaki inevitably devolves
into a chaotic competition as each tries to focus the
audience's attention on their own story. Only mutual
service to a much stronger-willed fey can force arnaki
together for a substantial amount of time.

Arnaki
Small fey (shapechanger), typically chaotic good

Armor Class 13 (natural armor) a creature, it must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving

Hit Points 21 (6d6) throw or be knocked prone.
Speed 40 ft.
Shapechanger. The arnaki can use its action to poly-
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA morph into a Small sheep, or back into its true form. Its
12 (+1) 15 (+2) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) statistics are the same in each form. Any equipment it
is wearing or carrying isn’t transformed. It reverts to
Skills Perception +3, Performance +4
its true form if it dies.
Condition Immunities charmed
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13 ACTIONS
Languages Common, Sylvan
Challenge 1 (200 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +2 Slam (True Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to
hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) bludgeoning
TRAITS damage.

Bedtime Story (True Form Only). If the arnaki tells
a story for at least 1 minute, it chooses up to four
creatures within 60 feet of it who listen the entire
time and attempts to lull them into magical slumber.
Each target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving
throw or fall unconscious for 8 hours until the sleeper
takes damage or someone uses an action to wake it.
If a target remains asleep for the entire duration, it
receives the benefits of a long rest. This ability does not
affect undead and creatures that can’t be magically put
to sleep.
Charge (Sheep Form Only). If the arnaki moves at
least 20 feet straight toward a target and then hits it
with a Ram attack on the same turn, the target takes
an extra 5 (2d4) bludgeoning damage. If the target is
Ram (Sheep Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to
hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (2d4 + 1) bludgeoning
damage.
Sympathetic Yawn. The arnaki emits a yawn that
induces slumber. Creatures of its choice within 30 feet
of it that can see and hear the arnaki must succeed on
a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw or become drowsy. A
drowsy creature has disadvantage on attack rolls and
ability checks until the end of its next turn, at which
point it can repeat the saving throw. On a success, the
creature is no longer drowsy and is immune to the
arnaki’s Sympathetic Yawn for the next 24 hours. On
a failure, the creature falls unconscious for 1 minute,
until it takes damage, or until someone uses an action
to wake it.

192

Deathless
Deathless are desiccated creatures transformed
by a failed attempt to achieve immortality. Not
quite dead, but barely recognizable as living, a
deathless must drain life essence from other
creatures to restore a semblance of its former
appearance.
Cursed Alchemy. Rather than be satisfied with
the longevity of their kind, some mortals of fey
ancestry seek immortality through unnatural means.
The result of such experimentation is an affliction
that causes the body to wither but provides an
opportunity to seize eternal life.
Soul Thief. When a being is transformed into a
deathless, it has exactly one year to find and bind a
remarkable mortal soul. If it fails, its twisted body
crumbles to dust, and the deathless is permanently
destroyed. However, if the deathless successfully
repeats this process five times, binding at least one
worthy soul each year, its former appearance is
restored, and it becomes immortal.
Dark Effigies. To ensure its survival, a
deathless first carves a set of magical nesting
Deathless
Medium fey, typically neutral evil
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 119 (14d8 + 56)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 12 (+1) 18 (+4) 13 (+1) 15 (+2) 12 (+1)
Saving Throws Int +5, Wis +6, Cha +5
Skills Arcana +8, Insight +7, Perception +7
Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened, paralyzed, poisoned
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 17
Languages Common, Sylvan
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +4
TRAITS saving throw or its hit point maximum is reduced by
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the deathless fails a
saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Regeneration. The deathless regains 20 hit points at
the start of its turn if it has at least 1 hit point and all
its nesting dolls are intact.
Soul Bound. If the deathless is reduced to 0 hit points
or its body is destroyed but at least one nesting doll
with a bound soul is intact, the deathless returns to
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
NESTING DOLL
Each doll is a Tiny object with AC 17 and
15 hit points. When a creature dies within
5 feet of a doll without a soul, it steals
the creature’s soul. A stolen soul remains
trapped until the doll is destroyed or a
deathless chooses to release it. A creature
whose soul is stolen cannot recover hit
points or be returned to life by magic.
dolls fashioned after its former likeness. There
are always five dolls in this set, and once all five
receive a bound soul, the deathless is granted
immortality. As long as at least one doll holding
a soul is intact, a deathless cannot be killed
(unless they fail to collect a new soul within the
year). Consequently, deathless are obsessed with
keeping the dolls safe from harm. If a doll holding
a soul is destroyed, a deathless must carve a new
set and begin the cycle of hunting for souls all
over again.
life in 5 days. When it does so, the deathless reforms
within 5 feet of the nesting doll (if multiple dolls con-
tain souls, the deathless chooses which).
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The deathless makes three weapon attacks.
It can replace one of these with Soul-Stealing Touch.
Death Blow. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (3d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage
plus 11 (2d10) necrotic damage.
Death Bolt. Ranged Spell Attack: +6 to hit, range
120 ft., one target. Hit: 24 (4d10 + 2) necrotic damage.
Soul-Stealing Touch. The deathless targets one crea-
ture within 5 feet of it that isn’t a construct or an un-
dead. The target must succeed on a DC 17 Intelligence
22 (4d10) and the deathless gains an equal number
of temporary hit points. This reduction lasts until the
target finishes a short or long rest. The target dies if
its hit point maximum is reduced to 0. A humanoid
slain in this way has its soul ripped from its body and
teleported into the deathless’s set of nesting dolls. A
creature whose soul is trapped in this fashion can-
not be resurrected by any means as long as the dolls
remain intact.
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Empire Soldiers
The Eldrin Empire boasts an impressive military of
elite soldiers trained to combat mortal armies and
creatures poised to invade the realm. While foot
soldiers form most of the empire’s armed forces,
two types of specialized fighters have helped
the nation emerge victorious after centuries of
warfare.
Empire Legionnaire
Legionnaires are elite ground troops trained to fight
in the most unfavorable conditions. Few individuals
can see the legionnaire’s brutal training through to
Empire Legionnaire
Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment
Armor Class 16 (studded leather, shield)
Hit Points 112 (15d8 + 45)
Speed 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 15 (+2) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 12 (+1)
Saving Throws Str +7, Dex +5, Con +6
Skills Athletics +10, Perception +4, Survival +4
Senses passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Common Sign, Sylvan
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +3
TRAITS TRAITS
Hold the Line. While standing within 10 feet of an
ally, the legionnaire has advantage on saving throws
against being charmed or frightened.
ACTIONS Spellcasting. The warmage is a 9th-level spellcaster.
Multiattack. The legionnaire makes three melee
weapon attacks or two ranged weapon attacks.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage, or 8
(1d10 + 3) slashing damage if used with two hands.
Shield. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage, and
the target is pushed 5 feet away from the legionnaire.
If the target is pushed to within 5 feet of a creature
friendly to the legionnaire, the target provokes an
opportunity attack from that creature.
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit,
reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 +
4) piercing damage, or 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage if
used with two hands to make a melee attack.
REACTIONS Multispell. When the warmage uses its action to cast
Living Bulwark. When an ally within 5 feet of the
legionnaire is hit by an attack or targeted by a spell,
the legionnaire can use its reaction to cause the
attack or spell to target it instead.
194
the end, but the ones who do emerge as unstoppable
bulwarks of force capable of defending themselves
and everyone around them. For more information
about the role of legionnaires in the Eldrin Empire,
see Chapter 2: Mortal Realm.
Empire Warmage
The Eldrin Empire has no shortage of talented mages.
Still, the casters who work in tandem with soldiers
on the field of battle undergo extensive training
to hone their mental and physical capabilities.
Warmages learn to sculpt their spells with incredible
precision, but they must also undergo field training
to ensure their survival on the field of battle.
Empire Warmage
Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment
Armor Class 15 (with mage armor)
Hit Points 99 (18d8 + 18)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
12 (+1) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 12 (+1)
Saving Throws Con +4, Int +7, Wis +4
Skills Arcana +7, Athletics +4, Perception +4,
Senses passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Common Sign, Sylvan
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +3
Hold the Line. While standing within 10 feet of an
ally, the warmage has advantage on saving throws
against being charmed or frightened.
Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC
15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). The warmage has the
following wizard spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): acid splash, firebolt,
ray of frost, shocking grasp
1st level (4 slots): mage armor, magic missile, shield
2nd level (3 slots): acid arrow, gust of wind,
scorching ray
3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fireball,
lightning bolt
4th level (3 slots): dimension door, ice storm
5th level (1 slot): cone of cold
Tactical Caster. When the warmage casts a spell that
causes damage, it can choose itself and any number of
allies to be immune to the damage caused by the spell.
ACTIONS
a spell, it can also cast a cantrip.
Quarterstaff. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) bludgeoning damage, or
5 (1d8 + 1) bludgeoning damage if used with two hands.

Faerie Guardian
When a mortal is born, several things can cause a faerie
guardian to form. Some are intentionally called by ritu-
als cast upon a pregnant mortal. Others are summoned
when a remarkable child needs to be protected, but the
most powerful are bound by a dying wish.
Godparent. Faerie guardians are imbued with
magical powers that they use to act as a godparent
to a humanoid creature. A guardian is preoccupied
with the well-being and fortune of their protégé, but
a selfless personality is not guaranteed. Guardians
can resent their position or make their charges’
lives miserable in the name of “assistance.” Faerie
guardians determine the most appropriate way to
help their charges, which doesn’t always match
typical mortal methods.
Unique Beings. The appearance of faerie guardians
varies depending on their personality and on the
needs of their charges. They can alter their forms at
will but usually have a preferred appearance that can
manifest as anything from large beasts to unassuming
humanoids to glowing bodies formed from pure light.
Faerie Guardian
Medium fey, any alignment
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 91 (14d8 + 28)
Speed 30 ft., fly 30 ft. (hover)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
12 (+1) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 20 (+5)
Saving Throws Dex +6, Wis +5, Cha +8
Skills Arcana +4, Deception +8, Insight +5
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities radiant
Condition Immunities charmed
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Sylvan
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +3
TRAITS is wearing or carrying isn’t transformed. It reverts to
Guardian. A faerie guardian must always have one
humanoid creature as its charge. If a guardian’s charge
is killed, the guardian immediately dies. The guardian
instinctively knows the location, physical state, and
emotional state of its charge as long as they remain
on the same plane of existence. If the charge is on a
different plane of existence, the guardian knows which
plane, but not the exact location. This feature ceases
to function if the charge is shielded by spells or effects
that would prevent divination spells or other forms of
magical detection.
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
FAERIE GUARDIAN ITEMS
A faerie guardian carries two very rare
magic items usable only by itself.
Favor Token. A faerie guardian can
spend 1 minute enchanting any object that
fits within a humanoid hand. After that,
any creature that holds this favor token
can telepathically communicate with the
guardian if they are on the same plane of
existence. A guardian can only have one
such token active at a time.
Wishing Star. This iridescent, star-shaped
stone allows a faerie guardian to bend the na-
ture of reality, mimicking the effect of a wish
spell. Crafting a wishing star takes 1 year, and
a guardian can only have one star at any one
time. The length of time required to craft a
wishing star makes the item invaluable to
the faerie guardian, and if it is lost, a guard-
ian goes to great lengths to retrieve it.
Innate Spellcasting. The faerie guardian’s innate
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15). It
can innately cast the following spells, requiring no
material components:
At will: detect magic, mending, minor illusion,
thaumaturgy
2/day each: invisibility, polymorph, remove curse
1/day each: plane shift (self only)
Magic Resistance. The faerie guardian has advantage
on saving throws against spells and other magical
effects.
Shapechanger. The faerie guardian can use its action
to polymorph into a Small or Medium creature of its
choice or back into its true form. Other than its size, its
statistics are the same in each form. Any equipment it
its true form if it dies.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The faerie guardian makes one Rapier
attack and one Shooting Star attack.
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8)
radiant damage.
Shooting Star. Ranged Spell Attack: +8 to hit, range
60 ft., one target. Hit: 23 (4d8 + 5) radiant damage.
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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Fancy
A fancy is a creature born from the feeling of freedom
that comes from dancing with wild abandon. These
creatures are driven to seek others who can match
their intense desire for uninhibited motion.
Fun and Free. Fancies are driven to dance but
cannot bear dancing alone. Unfortunately, most
creatures they dance with can’t move for as long as a
fancy can. In the rare instance that two fancies meet,
it’s theorized that they’ll continue to dance together
until the end of time.
Endless Music. The fancy’s long, spindly limbs
endlessly bob and sway to the music that constantly
pours out of its tassel-like ears. Upon hearing this
music, other creatures are compelled to join the
fancy in its wild dance. Creatures overtaken by this
compulsion become trapped, dropping dead from
exhaustion if they are unable to free themselves.
Dealing with a fancy requires careful preparation.
A creature must find a reliable way to prevent
itself from hearing the song and discover a way to
soundlessly communicate since fancies can't hear
anything above the din of their own music.
Last Call. Fancies are attracted to the Mortal Realm
by creatures unable or unwilling to let a party end.
Festivals and carnivals of excess are likely to draw the
attention of a wandering fancy, and its unfortunate
victims are usually found only after the revels finally
end, presumed to have dropped dead from sheer
exhaustion.
Fancy
196
Fancy
Medium fey, typically unaligned
Armor Class 15 (with mage armor)
Hit Points 99 (18d8 + 18)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 14 (+2)
Saving Throws Str +6, Dex +4
Skills Acrobatics +4, Athletics +6,
Performance +4
Condition Immunities charmed, deafened,
exhaustion
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages Sylvan
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +2
TRAITS
Entrancing Melody. When a creature that can
hear the fancy starts its turn within 30 feet of it,
it must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw
or become charmed by the fancy. While a creature
is charmed in this way, it is restrained while it
dances wildly in place. A dancing creature can
use its action to repeat the saving throw, ending
the charmed effect on a success. A creature that
succeeds on this save is immune to Entrancing
Melody for 24 hours.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The fancy makes two Kick attacks.
It can replace one Kick with Endless Waltz.
Kick. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning
damage.
Endless Waltz. The fancy moves up to its speed
without provoking opportunity attacks. As part
of this movement, it can attempt to grapple any
Large or smaller creature within 5 feet of its
path. A grappled creature (escape DC 14) must
succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw
at the end of each turn or gain one level of
exhaustion. A fancy can only have one creature
grappled at a time.
BONUS ACTIONS
Swing. While the fancy is grappling a creature, it
can force a different creature within 5 feet of it to
attempt a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed
save, the target and the grappled creature take 9
(2d8) bludgeoning damage.

Feather Witch
A feather witch is a fey creature who captivates
children with delightful tales, songs, and rhymes
before ultimately capturing them and transforming
them into birds.
Aviary Keepers. Feather witches always keep a
lair where they can transform captured children
and keep them caged. These aviaries of unfortunate
victims are precious to each witch, so they are
typically well-hidden and always warded by
protective magic. Remote forest cottages, caves, or
abandoned towers are all excellent candidates for a
feather witch’s lair.
Feather Witch
Medium fey, typically neutral evil
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 135 (18d8 + 54)
Speed 30 ft. in humanoid form; 30 ft., fly 60 ft. in
hybrid form
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 16 (+3)
Skills Animal Handling +4, Deception +6,
Perception +4, Performance +6
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Senses passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Sylvan
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +3
TRAITS ful to the target, it can repeat the saving throw, end-
Innate Spellcasting. The feather witch’s innate
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15,
+6 to hit with spell attacks). It can innately cast the
following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: eldritch blast, hideous laughter,
thaumaturgy
3/day each: expeditious retreat, feather fall,
polymorph
1/day each: guards and wards, magic mouth
Kindred Soul. The feather witch can understand
and be understood by all winged beasts, regardless
of whether they can normally speak a language.
The witch also has advantage on Wisdom (Animal
Handling) checks made to interact with such
beasts.
Shapechanger. The feather witch polymorphs into
a bird-humanoid hybrid or back into its humanoid
form. Its statistics, other than its speed, are the
same in each form. It reverts to its hybrid form if it
dies.
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Bird Form. In their natural state, feather witches
resemble giant birds. Each witch has a different
appearance, but all are compelled to create magic
birds modeled after their own form. A feather witch
that appears as a giant goose transforms children into
geese, while a witch that appears as a black bird may
create a murder of ravens. The transformed creatures
become mindless beasts, forgetting their past lives to
become dutiful servants of their captors.
Wicked Wards. Feather witches only collect
wicked children. A traveling witch may observe a vil-
lage for days or weeks before choosing a spoiled or ill-
behaved victim. After finding the perfect prize, they
lure the child back to their lair for transformation.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The feather witch makes two weapon
attacks and casts one cantrip.
Beak (Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +7
to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4).
Staff. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage, or 13 (2d8
+ 4) bludgeoning damage when used with two hands.
Storyteller’s Charm. The witch targets one humanoid
within 30 feet of it that can hear and see it. The target
must succeed on a DC 15 Charisma saving throw or be
magically charmed by the feather witch.
Each time the witch or its allies do anything harm-
ing the effect on itself on a success. Otherwise, the
effect lasts 24 hours or until the feather witch dies,
the witch ends the effect (no action required), or the
witch moves more than 300 feet away from the tar-
get (whichever comes first). If a target’s saving throw
is successful, the target is immune to the witch’s
Storyteller’s Charm for the next 24 hours.
If a creature remains charmed by the witch for 24
consecutive hours, it transforms into a Medium or
smaller bird of the witch’s choice. A creature trans-
formed in this way replaces all its game statistics
with that of the new form and is under the witch’s
control.
Only a wish spell or similarly potent magic can
return a transformed creature to its original form.
Summon Flock (1/Day). The feather witch magically
calls 3d6 birds (use blood hawk statistics). The called
creatures arrive in 1d4 rounds, acting as allies of the
feather witch and obeying its spoken commands. The
beasts remain for 1 hour, until the feather witch dies,
or until it dismisses them as a bonus action.
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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes

Figment
Figment
Figments are fey born from the vivid dream activity
of creatures who fall asleep in the Wildes. They
resemble tiny sparks of color repeatedly blooming
to life, with a narrow beak peeking out of the
center.
Imagination Siphon. Figments are drawn to
powerful dreamers to feed on their imaginations.
Once a figment has consumed a creature’s dream,
it can bring to life any creatures and objects it has
tasted. When an area is devoid of any dreamers
or a figment is driven away by a bigger fey, it can
temporarily sustain itself with its own dreams until
it finds a suitable host.
Particular Prey. Few true fey are capable of
dreaming, so figments typically reside where mortal
creatures are more likely to be found. Swarms of
figments may lurk at established crossing points
into the faerie realm or infest the few mortal-
friendly communities that exist in the Wildes.
Figments that cross into the Mortal Realm are
often mistaken for other ghostly creatures, like
will-o'-wisps.
Reflections of Reflection. The colors and
disposition of a figment reflect the thoughts of the
last creature upon which it fed. A figment fed by an
evil creature might crackle with red energy and act
hyper aggressively, while a figment fed by a happy
dreamer may complacently sparkle with calming
blue light.

Figment
Tiny fey, typically any chaotic alignment

Armor Class 15
Hit Points 42 (17d4)
Speed 0 ft., fly 30 ft. (hover)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
1 (−5) 20 (+5) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 7 (−2) 20 (+5)
Skills Insight +2, Investigation +3
Condition Immunities charmed, prone
Senses truesight 30 ft., passive Perception 8
Languages Sylvan, telepathy 30 ft.
Challenge 2 (450 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +2
TRAITS
Hide and Seek. The figment can use a bonus action
on its turn to combine with the form of a Huge or
smaller object or creature that is part of an ongoing
illusion. When it does so, the figment becomes invisible
to creatures that cannot see through illusions. A
creature can use its action to examine the illusion and
locate the figment with a successful DC 13 Intelligence
(Investigation) check. On a success, the figment is no
longer invisible.
Innate Spellcasting. The figment’s innate spellcasting
ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15). It can innately
cast the following spells, requiring no material
components:
At will: color spray, mage hand, minor illusion
1/day each: dream, major image
ACTIONS
Brain Drain. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach
5 ft., one creature. Hit: 7 (1d4 + 5) psychic damage.
Dream Sculpt. The figment reshapes an ongoing
illusion spell it can see (using the spell’s normal
parameters for the illusion).

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 Chapter 6: Friends and Foes

Living Spellbook object in view during their awakening. Names like

Gem, Bookmark, Quill, and Ink Pot are all common.
Living spellbooks are constructs created to serve See the create living spellbook spell in chapter 1 for
spellcasters. These unique beings are most often information about how to create a living spellbook.
found in the company of archmages, performing a
variety of secretarial tasks. Living spellbooks can
Living Spellbook
perform all rote functions of a standard spellbook
and even cast spells on behalf of their masters.
This quality makes them uniquely capable to deal
with problems their creators are too busy to deal
with.
Arcane Servants. A living spellbook exists only to
serve the whims of its master. Those who can afford
the magical cost and requirement to maintain a
living spellbook are usually the magic elite. Because
of their specialized nature, they are most often
employed by court magicians, academy wizards,
or other individuals who no longer heed the call of
adventuring.
Evolving Personalities. Most living spellbooks
come into existence as a blank slate with little to
distinguish themselves from the tasks they are set
to perform. However, as a living spellbook ages, it
develops quirks and personality traits that often
reflect those of its creator.
Spellbook Names. Most creators view living
spellbooks as tools of efficiency, so the constructs
are rarely given creative names. A living spellbook’s
name typically reflects their function or perhaps an

Living Spellbook
Medium construct, typically neutral

Armor Class 13 Spell Storing. When commanded by its creator, or

Hit Points 68 (8d8 + 32) when a situation arises that the living spellbook’s
Speed 30 ft. creator predefined, the living spellbook can cast any of
the spells written on its skin, requiring no components
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
(spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). When
10 (+0) 18 (+4) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 7 (−2) a spell is cast in this way, it is erased from the living
Damage Immunities poison, psychic; bludgeoning, spellbook and must be written onto the skin before it
piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks can be used again.
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
Spellbook. A spellcaster who creates the living spell-
frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
book can use the living spellbook in place of a regular
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
spellbook. New spells can be copied directly onto the
Languages speaks the languages of its creator but can
skin of a living spellbook as a caster would copy spells
read all languages
onto pages. While studying and preparing spells, the liv-
Challenge 2 (450 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +2
ing spellbook assists with recitation and memorization.
TRAITS
ACTIONS
Immutable Form. The living spellbook is immune to
Multiattack. The living spellbook makes two Paper
any spell or effect that would alter its form.
Cut attacks.
Magic Resistance. The living spellbook has advantage
Paper Cut. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
on saving throws against spells and other magical
one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.
effects.

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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes

Magnophyta
Magnophyta
Magnophyta are sentient bipedal plants that build
communities regulated by a highly complex caste
system. Their kingdoms stretched across the Wildes
in times long gone, but never-ending political
squabbles have caused them to fall far from their
previous influence.
Floral Heads. The most attention-grabbing feature
of the magnophyta are their blossom-shaped heads,
which can resemble any species of flowering plant.
The color, shape, and scent of their heads are points
of pride to every magnophyta, and their physical
characteristics dictate their role in society.
Complex Politics. The factors that dictate what
type of blossom head is best suited for what role
are many and extremely complicated. The intricate
rules of this system are largely impossible for other
creatures to comprehend. However, magnophyta are
obsessed with etiquette, and outsiders who commit
a social faux pas (intentional or not) are swiftly met
with fey justice.
Powered by the Sun. Magnophyta, like their
non-sentient plant cousins, require sunlight to

Magnophyta Warrior
Medium fey, typically lawful neutral

Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 49 (9d8 + 9)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 17 (+3) 13 (+1) 10 (+0) 15 (+2) 14 (+2)
Skills Acrobatics +5, Intimidation +4, Perception +4
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Sylvan
Challenge 3 (700 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +2
TRAITS move up to 2 feet horizontally for every 1 foot it
Aversion to Fire. If the magnophyta takes fire damage,
it has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks
until the end of its next turn.
Grown for War. The warrior caste of magnophyta
society is comprised of various kinds of flowers, each
granting one of the following traits.
Daisy – Mantle of Innocence. Any creature
that targets the magnophyta with an attack or a
harmful spell must first attempt a DC 12 Wisdom
saving throw, with advantage if the magnophyta has
attacked it in the last 24 hours. On a failed save, the
creature must choose a new target or lose the attack
or spell.
Gladiolus – Blooms of Bravery. The magnophyta
and friendly creatures within 10 feet of it are immune
to the frightened condition. This effect is suppressed
while the magnophyta is incapacitated.
Rose – Armor of Thorns. A creature that touches
the magnophyta or hits it with a melee attack while
within 5 feet of it takes 3 (1d6) piercing damage.
Leaf on the Wind. The magnophyta’s leaf-covered
arms can function as wings to slow its fall or allow
it to glide. When the magnophyta falls and isn’t
incapacitated, it can subtract up to 100 feet from
the fall when calculating falling damage. It can
descends.
  Additionally, in conditions of moderate or
stronger winds (at least 10 miles per hour), the
magnophyta gains a flying speed of 60 feet while
not moving against the direction of the wind.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The magnophyta makes two weapon
attacks.
Blade of Grass. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage.
Livingwood Greatbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5
to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d12 + 3)
piercing damage.

200

survive. This restriction means that magnophyta
communities thrive only in particular regions
of the Wildes. They are much more likely to stay
rooted than wander as frequently as other fey do.
Magnophyta Caster
Magnophyta casters are the smallest caste of
magnophyta society, born with unique biologi-
cal processes that allow them to use sunlight to
synthesize magic. Each caster is engineered through
generations of careful breeding, so they tend to
spend little time with other magnophyta. Due to
the unique genetic traits required to cast magic,
magnophyta casters are always hybrids of flowering
Magnophyta Caster
Medium fey, typically lawful neutral
Armor Class 12 (16 with barkskin)
Hit Points 88 (16d8 + 16)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
8 (−1) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 18 (+4)
Skills Arcana +5, Nature +5, Perception +4,
Persuasion +7
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Sylvan
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +3
TRAITS Innate Spellcasting. The magnophyta’s innate
Aversion to Fire. If the magnophyta takes fire damage,
it has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks
until the end of its next turn.
Grown for War. The caster caste of magnophyta
society is comprised of various kinds of flowers, each
granting one of the following traits.
Carnelian – Wildfire (1/Turn). The magnophyta is
unaffected by its Aversion to Fire trait. Using its Innate
Spellcasting trait, the magnophyta casts the burning
hands spell at will, the scorching ray spell thrice per
day, and the fire shield spell once per day. Additionally,
whenever a creature takes fire damage from the
magnophyta’s spells, the magnophyta can cause the
fire to leap from the target to a different creature that
it can see within 10 feet of the first target. The second
creature must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving
throw or take half as much damage as the original
target. The second creature cannot have been affected
by the original spell.
Snowbell – Winter’s Rime. Using its Innate
Spellcasting trait, the magnophyta can cast the ice
knife spell at will, the snowball swarm spell thrice
per day, and the cone of cold spell once per day.
Additionally, whenever a creature takes cold damage
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
plant varieties, which often gives them unique
appearances that set them apart from common
varieties of magnophyta.
Magnophyta Warrior
While there are substantially more magnophyta war-
riors than casters, they still account for just a small
portion of magnophyta society. Like casters, warriors
are meticulously bred to demonstrate traits ideal for
battle. Warriors tend to have smaller or less vivid
blooms than other magnophyta, with bodies com-
posed of thick or bark-like stems and significantly
more leaf growth.
from the magnophyta’s spells, the creature must
succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or have its
speed reduced to 0 until the end of its next turn.
Sunflower – Solar Power. Using its Innate
Spellcasting trait, the magnophyta can cast the bless
spell at will, the guiding bolt spell thrice per day, and
the dawn spell once per day. Additionally, whenever a
creature takes radiant damage from the magnophyta’s
spells, the creature must succeed on a DC 15
Constitution saving throw or be blinded until the end
of its next turn.
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15,
+7 to hit with spell attacks). It can innately cast the
following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: gust of wind, speak with plants, thorn whip
(11th level)
3/day each: barkskin, entangle, fog cloud, goodberry
1/day each: control winds, freedom of movement
Leaf on the Wind. The magnophyta’s leaf-covered
arms can function as wings to slow its fall or allow
it to glide. When the magnophyta falls and isn’t
incapacitated, it can subtract up to 100 feet from the
fall when calculating falling damage and can move up
to 2 feet horizontally for every 1 foot it descends.
Additionally, in conditions of moderate or stronger
winds (at least 10 miles per hour), the magnophyta
gains a flying speed of 60 feet while not moving
against the direction of the wind.
ACTIONS
Thornwhip (11th-Level Cantrip). Melee Weapon
Attack: +7 to hit, reach 30 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (3d6)
piercing damage, and if the target is a Large or smaller
creature, the magnophyta may pull it up to 10 feet
closer to itself.
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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Marionettist
A marionettist creates spellbinding performances us-
ing lively puppets animated by magic. Though some
use their talents to bring joy to an audience, others
simply use the puppets to cope with the unfortunate
circumstances of their creation.
Effigy Masters. Marionettists create intricate
puppets to use in their performances, but they are
also one of the few beings able to create effigies
capable of housing fey souls (for more information
on effigies, see chapter 3). This talent makes
them highly sought by hopeful fey parents, but
marionettists are rarely willing to perform such a
service.
Imperfect Beings. Marionettists are created
when the soul of a dying fey jumps into an incom-
plete or improperly prepared effigy. Such upsets are
rare, but when they do occur, the result is a half-
finished transfiguration into a marionettist. Fey
parents are rarely pleased to see their efforts fall to
ruin, so the origins of a marionettist are typically
painful.
Marionettist
202
Soul Vessels. Since marionettists remain part
effigy, there is always a chance that a wayward
dying soul might be drawn into them. Unfortunate
marionettists can have multiple souls trapped
within them at one time, which causes their minds
to fracture as multiple personalities manifest and
fight for dominance. Creating different puppets
to represent each personality trapped within can
help a marionettist sort through the mental noise
of multiple souls, so an affected fey may speak
through a particular puppet to communicate one
kind of information and only communicate a
different kind of information through another.
PORTRAYING
THE MARIONETTIST
The way the marionettist interacts with
the world through its various puppets is
unique and can lead to interesting inter-
actions, but such interactions need to be
handled with care. Associating distinct
personalities or identities with different
emotional states or objects can happen
in our real world as a response to trauma.
Therefore, it is a good idea to cover mental
health conditions (specifically dissocia-
tive identity disorder) using the safety
tools resources found in chapter 4 before
introducing the psychological aspects of
the marionettist into your game. If you
want to avoid introducing the darker
themes discussed in the marionettist’s
entry, we recommend discarding its lore
entirely and creating something new that
best suits the world of your game.

Marionettist
Medium fey, typically chaotic neutral
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 135 (18d8 + 54)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 18 (+4)
Skills Arcana +6, Performance +8, Sleight of Hand +7
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities exhaustion, frightened,
petrified, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Common, Sylvan
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +4
TRAITS area. Each creature that starts its turn in the webs or en-
Immutable Form. The marionettist is immune to any
spell or effect that would alter its form.
Magic Resistance. The marionettist has advantage on
saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Magic Weapons. The marionettist’s weapon attacks are
magical.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The marionettist makes two weapon
attacks and uses Animate Marionette.
Scissors. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.
Wire. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 30/60
ft., one creature. Hit: 9 (2d4 + 4) slashing damage,
and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength or
Dexterity check (target’s choice) or become restrained.
A restrained target can use its action to repeat the
save and is no longer restrained on a success. While a
creature is restrained, the marionettist can’t use its Wire
on another target.
Animate Marionette. The marionettist produces one
magically enchanted marionette in a space within 5
feet of it. Once produced, the marionette becomes a
creature under the marionettist’s control for 10 minutes
or until the marionette is reduced to 0 hit points. Once a
marionettist summons a particular type of marionette,
it cannot summon that type again for 24 hours.
As a bonus action, the marionettist can command any
or all active marionettes at the same time.
A marionette is a Tiny construct with AC 18, 20 hit
points, STR 4, DEX 18, CON 1, INT 3, WIS 3, and CHA 1.
It has a speed of 30 feet and has blindsight out to a
range of 30 feet. It has +8 to hit and deals 6 (1d4 + 4)
force damage. Each type of marionette also has an action
that recharges on a roll of 5–6.
When the marionettist uses this feature, choose or
roll which marionette it summons from the following
options:
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
1. Harlequin. The marionette selects one target it can
see within 30 feet of it. The target must succeed on
a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or perceive everything
as hilariously funny. The target falls prone, becoming
incapacitated and unable to stand until the end of its
next turn. A creature with an Intelligence score of 4 or
less isn’t affected.
2. Wizard. The marionette creates three glowing darts
of magical force. Each dart hits one target within 30 feet
of it. A dart deals 1d4 + 1 force damage to its target. The
darts all strike the same target simultaneously.
3. Spider. The marionette conjures a mass of thick, sticky
webbing within 30 feet of it. The webs fill a 10-foot cube
from that point until the end of the marionette’s next
turn. The webs are difficult terrain and lightly obscure the
ters them during its turn must attempt a DC 14 Dexterity
saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is restrained
as long as it remains in the webs or until it breaks free.
A creature restrained by the webs can use its action to
attempt a DC 15 Strength check. If it succeeds, it is no lon-
ger restrained. The webs are flammable. Any 5-foot cube
of webs exposed to fire burns away immediately, dealing
1d4 fire damage to any creature in the fire.
4. Snake. The marionette creates a twisting pattern of
colors that weaves through the air inside a 10-foot cube
within 30 feet of it. The pattern appears for a moment,
then vanishes. Each creature in the area who sees the
pattern must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw
or become charmed until the end of its next turn. While
charmed by this spell, the creature is incapacitated and
has a speed of 0. The spell ends for an affected creature if
it takes any damage or if someone else uses an action to
shake the creature out of its stupor.
5. Skunk. The marionette creates a 10-foot-radius sphere
of yellow, nauseating gas centered on a point within 30
feet of it. The cloud spreads around corners, and its area
is heavily obscured. The cloud lingers in the air until the
end of the marionette’s next turn. Each creature that
is completely within the cloud at the start of its turn
must attempt a DC 15 Constitution saving throw against
poison. On a failed save, the creature spends its action
that turn retching and reeling. Creatures that don’t
need to breathe or are immune to poison automatically
succeed on this saving throw.
6. Honey Pot Bear. The marionette opens a honey pot
from which swarming, biting locusts fill a 10-foot-radius
sphere within 30 feet of it. The sphere spreads around
corners, and its area is lightly obscured. The sphere re-
mains until the end of the marionette’s next turn, and the
sphere’s area is difficult terrain. When the area appears,
each creature in it must attempt a DC 15 Constitution sav-
ing throw, taking 2d10 piercing damage on a failed save or
half as much damage on a successful one. A creature must
also attempt this saving throw when it enters the effect’s
area for the first time on a turn or ends its turn there.
203
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Mindsies
Mindsies are fey with soft, pillowy bodies and
limbs that swivel without elbows or knees.
Sprouting from their wide foreheads are three
horns that resemble a crown.
Curious Mind. Mindsies are drawn to thinking
and understanding. These fey collect information
by connecting their minds with other creatures
to learn more about their surroundings and
how to survive within them. In exchange for
knowledge, mindsies offer counsel for troubling
thoughts. Powerful mindsies can even tap into
recurring nightmares and reshape them into more
manageable dreams.
Calming Crown. When threatened, a mindsie
can “crown” an imposing creature and suppress
hostility until there’s an opportunity to escape
or the creature comes to its senses. Mindsies are
born with an innate understanding that delving
into the minds of others can potentially cause
grave harm, so all are bound to a collective rule
that crowning is only acceptable in self-defense or
when used therapeutically.
Mender Mindsies
Mindsies that focus on healing become mender mind-
sies, letting their crowns droop down into glowing
tentacles that are warm to the touch. Their presence
alone is soothing, but their ability to deescalate
conflict is unrivaled. Mender mindsies are called
upon when powerful fey struggle with nightmares.
Their ability to heal minds ensures that each decision
is made with confidence.
Master Mindsies
As centuries pass, mindsies grow in power, eventu-
ally becoming master mindsies. These elders have
grown multiple rows of crowns, and their eyes
have turned translucent. When a master mindsie
connects with another creature, its eyes change to
match the appearance of its partner’s eyes. With
age, master mindsies have come in contact with a
rainbow of different thoughts and emotions. Such
experience allows these mindsies to cast negative
emotions from others’ minds by creating monstrous
nogogs.
204
Mindsie
Small fey, typically lawful good
Armor Class 11
Hit Points 7 (2d6)
Speed 0 ft., fly 20 ft. (hover)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 8 (−1) 8 (−1)
Damage Resistances psychic
Senses passive Perception 9
Languages Common, Sylvan, telepathy 30 ft.
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +2
TRAITS
Damage Transfer. While attached to a creature,
the mindsie takes half the damage dealt to it
(rounded down), and the attached creature takes
the rest.
Innate Spellcasting. The mindsie’s innate
spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC
12). It can innately cast detect thoughts at will,
requiring no material components.
Mindsie Crown. A creature that starts its turn
attached to a mindsie must succeed on a DC 12
Wisdom saving throw or it can only take actions
chosen by the mindsie until the beginning of its
next turn.
ACTIONS
Crowning. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) psychic
damage, and if the target has a head, it is
grappled (escape DC 12) as the mindsie attaches.
While attached, the mindsie can make this
attack only against the target and has advantage
on the attack roll. The mindsie can detach itself
by spending 5 feet of its movement.
Sling. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range
30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) bludgeoning
damage.

Mender Mindsie
Small fey, typically lawful good
Armor Class 11
Hit Points 27 (6d6 + 6)
Speed 0 ft., fly 20 ft. (hover)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 17 (+3) 12 (+1) 10 (+0)
Skills Insight +4, Perception +4, Stealth +3
Damage Resistances psychic; bludgeoning,
piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Senses passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Sylvan, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 3 (700 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2
TRAITS Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +3
Innate Spellcasting. The mindsie’s innate
spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 14).
It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no
material components:
At will: calm emotions, detect thoughts,
heroism, sleep
1/day each: dream, enthrall, modify memory
Mindful Transfer. A creature attached to the
mindsie has advantage on saving throws against
fear effects and gains the same benefits of any
magical healing the mindsie receives.
Mindsie Crown. A creature that starts its turn
attached to a mindsie must succeed on a DC 14
Wisdom saving throw or it can only take actions
chosen by the mindsie until the beginning of its
next turn.
ACTIONS
Crowning. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) psychic
damage, and if the target has a head, it is
grappled (escape DC 14) as the mindsie attaches.
While attached, the mindsie can make this
attack only against the target and has advantage
on the attack roll. The mindsie can detach itself
by spending 5 feet of its movement.
Sling. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range
30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) bludgeoning
damage.
REACTIONS nogog from its mind into the nearest unoccupied
Mind Ward. When a creature attacks a target
within 10 feet of the mindsie that it can see
(including the mindsie), the mindsie can use its
reaction to force the attacker to attempt a DC 14
Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the attacker
must choose a new target or lose the attack or spell.
This ability cannot be used against area effects, such
as a fireball explosion.
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Master Mindsie
Small fey, any alignment
Armor Class 12
Hit Points 78 (12d6 + 36)
Speed 0 ft., fly 30 ft. (hover)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 10 (+0) 12 (+1)
Saving Throws Str +5, Int +7
Skills Athletics +5, Insight +3, Perception +3,
Stealth +5
Damage Resistances psychic; bludgeoning,
piercing, and slashing from nonmagical weapons
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Sylvan, telepathy 120 ft.
TRAITS
Damage Transfer. While attached to a creature, the
mindsie takes half the damage dealt to it (rounded
down), and the attached creature takes the rest.
Innate Spellcasting. The mindsie’s innate
spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 15).
It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no
material components:
At will: calm emotions, compulsion,
detect thoughts, minor illusion, shocking grasp
1/day each: feeblemind, mass suggestion,
modify memory
Mindsie Crown. A creature that starts its turn at-
tached to a mindsie must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom
saving throw or it can only take actions chosen by
the mindsie until the beginning of its next turn.
ACTIONS
Crowning. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) psychic
damage, and if the target has a head, it is grappled
(escape DC 15) as the mindsie attaches. While
attached, the mindsie can make this attack
only against the target and has advantage on
the attack roll. The mindsie can detach itself by
spending 5 feet of its movement.
Energy Bolt. Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range
120 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) force damage.
Manifest Nogog (2/Day). The mindsie summons a
space adjacent to it. If the mindsie isn’t currently
attached to a creature, it attaches to the nogog as
part of this action.
REACTIONS
Psycho Switch. When the mindsie takes or deals
a single instance of damage, it can convert the
damage to psychic.
205
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes

Nogog
Nogog
When repeated nightmares torment a creature in
the faerie realm, those dreams risk manifesting
into a hungry nogog. These fey ogres use their
might to instill as much terror as they can into
their prey to sustain themselves.
Sadistic Feast. Nogogs have a focused mindset
dedicated to getting the most fear out of a
creature. If it knows it can repeatedly torment its
prey for more meals, the ogre will keep it alive and
come back for more later. The nogog finally kills its
prey when the fear starts to diminish, enjoying one
last large meal before moving on to its next target.
Hot Blooded. The slightest distraction from a
nogog’s terror routine incites the dream ogre’s
fury. Its skin starts to glow all over with tiny heat
spots as it thrashes about in anger. While raging,
its voice becomes a potent weapon that can pierce
most hardened psyches.
Unbridled Nightmares. The nogog has more
in common with a thunderstorm than its fey
brethren. It doesn’t discriminate between friend or
foe and isn’t capable of bartering. The nogog knows
only fear and slaughter, making it a predictable
and effective tool under the command of powerful
enchanters.

Nogog
Large fey, typically chaotic evil

Armor Class 11 ACTIONS

Hit Points 59 (7d10 + 21)
Speed 40 ft. Multiattack. The nogog makes two weapon attacks.
Shout Bolt. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (3d4) psychic damage.
19 (+4) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) 3 (−4) 5 (−3) 12 (+1)
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Damage Immunities psychic
target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
Senses passive Perception 7
Languages Giant, Sylvan Frightful Roar. Each creature of the nogog’s choice
Challenge 3 (700 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +2 that is within 120 feet of it and can hear it must
succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become
TRAITS frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the
saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending
Nightmare (1/Turn). If the nogog hits a creature with a the effect on itself on a success. If a creature’s saving
weapon attack and any of the damage dice roll the high- throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the
est number possible, the creature is frightened of the creature is immune to the nogog’s Frightful Roar for
nogog until the end of its next turn. the next 24 hours.
Terrorizing. The nogog scores a critical hit on
successful attacks against creatures with the
frightened condition.

206

Nuska
Nuska are ancient, semi-corporeal fey tasked with
delivering dreams to the material realm. Departing
each night from their burrows in the Wildes, nuska
fly across the world to spark the imaginations of
sleeping creatures.
Dream Messengers. Nuska are primarily
concerned with their deliveries, ensuring they’re
made before dawn. As such, they only sacrifice
carried dreams to escape situations that risk
disrupting their schedule.
The Rigidness of Old Age. Nuska are formed of
pure imagination and are invisible to creatures
unwilling to make believe. Children, whose
minds eagerly play pretend, are typically the only
individuals who can see nuska, though there are
exceptions. Especially creative individuals like art-
ists or those living among the fey can also perceive
a nuska.
Go with the Flow. Nuska travel the world by
swimming through objects as though they were
water. This freedom of movement isn’t completely
without limits since they cannot pass through
manufactured metals. Faerie hunters sometimes
trap nuska using cages of cold iron, which is one
of the few materials through which the fey cannot
phase.
Nuska
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Nuska Swarm
When a nuska is forced to deliver too many bad
dreams, it becomes irate and dangerous. In this state,
it seeks out similarly irritated nuska and forms a
swarm, a mindless riot protesting their thankless task.
When Dreams Go Bad. Nuska are empathic
creatures and experience great anguish when
one of their dream deliveries turns out to be
a nightmare. Particularly devastating dreams,
a string of harmful nightmares, or dreams
“poisoned” by the malice of evil fey can cause a
nuska to forget itself and fly into a destructive
rampage. An enraged nuska first seeks other
nearby nuska and stirs them into a frenzied
swarm. A swarm of seething nuska lose all sense
of duty, taking out their frustration on any they
encounter, oblivious to the harm they cause.
Pacifism Rebuked. Of course, taking out their fury
on others does nothing to alleviate them, and the
swarm typically has to be put down with violence.
Once defeated in the material realm, nuska reform
in the Wildes with their mental faculties once again
intact. It is not uncommon for reformed nuska to
seek those who quelled them and express gratitude
by granting joyful lucid dreams.
Nexi of Negativity. Nuska exude an
uncontrolled stream of psychic energies when
distressed, which is hazardous only when
amplified by an entire swarm. This energy cluster
corrupts a nuska’s abilities and enhances them to
an alarming degree.
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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Nuska
Tiny fey, typically lawful neutral
Armor Class 13
Hit Points 12 (5d4)
Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
5 (−3) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 12 (+1) 10 (+0)
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +5
Damage Resistance bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed
Senses blindsight 10 ft., darkvision 60 ft.,
passive Perception 13
Languages understands Common and Sylvan
but can’t speak
Challenge 1 (200 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +2
TRAITS a random direction. To determine the direction,
Dream Messenger. The nuska can carry up to six vivid
dreams. As a bonus action, the nuska can expend one
of these dreams to cast the dream spell (save DC 12)
on a sleeping creature within 5 feet of it. The nuska
regains expended dreams at dawn.
Lucid Flow. The nuska can move through other
creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It
takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an
object.
Whimsical Invisibility. The nuska is invisible. Fey
creatures and humanoid children under the age of
10 can see through this invisibility. Alternatively,
if a creature participates in childlike activities for
10 minutes, such as chanting nursery rhymes or
playground games, it may attempt a DC 15 Wisdom
ability check. On a success, it can see through the
invisibility for 24 hours. A creature that fails this
check cannot attempt it again until it completes a
long rest.
208
ACTIONS
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage. If the target
is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom
saving throw or enter a state of dreamlike whimsy for
1 minute. An affected creature must roll a d4 at the
start of each of its turns to determine its behavior for
the round. At the end of each of its turns, the creature
can repeat the saving throw. On a successful save,
the effect ends, and the creature can’t be affected by
Dreamlike Whimsy for 24 hours.
Dreamlike Whimsy
d4 Effect
The creature spends all its movement skipping in
1 roll a d8 at the beginning of each turn and assign
a direction to each die face. The creature avoids
moving into hazards.
The creature is incapacitated as it spends the
2
turn counting sheep.
The creature is charmed by the nuska, perceiving
3 it as a beloved childhood imaginary friend. It
may otherwise act normally.
The creature spends its action miming harmless
4 but clearly impossible acts, such as flapping their
arms to fly.
Waking Dream (Recharge 5–6). The nuska expends
a vivid dream to conjure an illusion in the mind of a
creature it can see within 60 feet of it. The target must
attempt a DC 12 Intelligence saving throw. On a failure,
a pleasantly familiar phantasmal object, creature, or
other visible phenomenon that is only perceivable to
the target appears for 1 minute. While the phantasm
remains, the creature uses its action to interact with
the phantasm each round as if it were real. At the end
of each of its turns, the target can repeat the saving
throw, ending the effect on a success.

Nuska Swarm
Medium swarm of Tiny fey, typically chaotic evil
Armor Class 13
Hit Points 55 (10d8 + 10)
Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 12 (+1) 10 (+0)
Skills Perception +4, Stealth +6
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing
Damage Immunities bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled,
paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses blindsight 10 ft., darkvision 60 ft., passive
Perception 14
Languages understands Common and Sylvan
but can’t speak
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +3
TRAITS move as far away as possible from the nearest
Negative Nexus. A creature takes 7 (2d6) psychic
damage when it enters the swarm’s space for the first
time on a turn or starts its turn there.
Swarm. The swarm can occupy another creature’s
space and vice versa, and the swarm can move
through any opening large enough for a Tiny nuska.
The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain temporary
hit points.
Turbulent Flow. The nuska swarm can move through
other creatures and objects as if they were difficult
terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its
turn inside an object.
Whimsical Invisibility. The nuska swarm is invisible.
Fey creatures and humanoid children under the age
of 10 can see through this invisibility. Alternatively,
if a creature participates in childlike activities for
10 minutes, such as chanting nursery rhymes or
playground games, it may attempt a DC 15 Wisdom
ability check. On a success, it can see through the
invisibility for 24 hours. A creature that fails this
check cannot attempt it again until it completes a
long rest.
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
ACTIONS
Bites. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 0 ft.,
one target in the swarm’s space. Hit: 14 (4d6) piercing
damage, or 7 (2d6) piercing damage if the swarm has
half of its hit points or fewer. If the target is a creature,
it must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or
enter a state of nightmarish fever for 1 minute. An
affected creature must roll a d4 at the beginning of
each of its turns to determine its behavior for the
round. At the end of each of its turns, the creature can
repeat the saving throw. On a success, the effect ends,
and the creature can’t be affected by Nightmarish
Fever for 24 hours.
Nightmarish Fever
d4 Effect
The creature perceives all its allies as twisted
monstrosities and expends all its movement to
1
ally.
The creature suffers tactile hallucinations, drops
everything it is holding, and uses its action to
2
make one unarmed strike against itself. The
attack hits automatically.
The creature perceives itself to be falling into
3 an endless abyss. The creature can't move and is
incapacitated.
The creature becomes irrationally afraid of the
4 dark. It is incapacitated while standing in dim
light or darkness.
Waking Nightmare (Recharge 5–6). The swarm
attempts to conjure an illusion in the mind of a
creature it can see within 60 feet of it. The target must
succeed on a DC 15 Intelligence saving throw or see a
terrifying phantasmal object, creature, or other visible
phenomenon that is only perceivable to the target for
1 minute. While the phantasm remains, the creature
takes 7 (2d6) psychic damage at the beginning of each
of its turns and must use its action to interact with the
phantasm as if it were real. At the end of each of its
turns, the target can repeat the saving throw, ending
the effect on a success.
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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes

Passenger
Passenger
These hollow creatures are born from a fey cut off
entirely from the magic of the faerie realm. Without
access to this magic, the fey’s power begins to wane,
and they slowly lose their physical forms, memories,
and abilities. This growing loss drives them to steal
the identities of others, so they do not disappear
entirely.
Fading Identities. A passenger is born when a
banished fey fades beyond recognition. They pos-
sess humanoids to keep from disappearing forever,
comingling their beings with unwilling hosts. The
longer the passenger spends inside a host, the more
confused they become about which memories are
theirs and what belongs to them. This confusion
often leads the passenger to believe they are the
victims they possess, and they begin to take on their
feelings and attitudes, trying to live the victims’ lives
as usual.
Fey Pariah. A passenger’s severance from the
magic of the faerie realm is the result of a potent
curse bestowed by an archfey. Only truly heinous
crimes garner this kind of extreme punishment,
but by the time a fey becomes a passenger, it usu-
ally cannot remember the crimes that led to its
transformation.

Passenger
Medium fey, typically neutral evil

Armor Class 17 (natural armor) ACTIONS

Hit Points 82 (15d8 + 15)
Speed 0 ft., fly 30 ft. (hover) Multiattack. The passenger makes two Slam attacks.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
14 (+2) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 17 (+3) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) target. Hit: 11 (2d8 + 2) bludgeoning damage.

Saving Throws Int +6, Wis +6
Skills Deception +7, Perception +6
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages Common, Sylvan
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3
TRAITS A creature who remains cursed in this way for 3
Innate Spellcasting. The passenger’s spellcasting ability
is Charisma (spell save DC 15). It can innately cast the
following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: detect magic, disguise self, faerie fire
3/day each: dominate person, hold person
Magic Resistance. The passenger has advantage on
saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Assume Identity (Recharge 5–6). One humanoid
target the passenger can see within 30 feet of it
must succeed on a DC 15 Charisma saving throw or
become cursed. While a creature is cursed in this
way, all damage dealt to the passenger is also dealt
to it, and it has disadvantage on saving throws
made to resist the passenger’s spells. The passenger
can only have one creature cursed in this way at
any one time.
consecutive days becomes permanently possessed
by the passenger. The passenger disappears, and the
target is incapacitated and loses control of its body.
The passenger now controls the body and assumes
all of the target’s statistics, but doesn’t gain
access to the target’s knowledge, class features, or
proficiencies. This possession can only be ended by
a wish spell.

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Phocidae
Phocidae
A phocidae is a gentle creature that can transform
from its normal seal form into a beautiful humanoid.
Phocidae are generally mild souls who prefer dancing
in the moonlight on the lonely shore or basking in
the sun on outlying reefs.
Sea Monsters. Phocidae are often seen near the
shore, watching inquisitively with almost humanoid
eyes. Such sightings cause fishers to weave tales of
sea monsters. Some phocidae play good-natured
tricks on sea-faring vessels, while others may lash
out protectively if attacked.
Voiceless. Phocidae are unable to use their voice
while on land. When the desire to set foot on
shore overtakes a phocidae, it uses a magic conch
to “borrow” a voice to communicate with local
humanoids.
Magical Skin. To shapeshift, a phocidae must
cast off its sealskin. Within these magical skins
lies the power to return to seal form and therefore
to the sea. If this sealskin is lost or stolen, the
creature is trapped in humanoid form until it is
recovered.

Phocidae
Medium fey, typically chaotic good

Armor Class 11 (natural armor) Bite (Seal Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to
Hit Points 27 (5d8 + 5) hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) piercing
Speed 30 ft., swim 40 ft. damage.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
12 (+1) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 14 (+2)
Saving Throws Dex +4
Skills Athletics +3, Perception +2
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Aquan, Sylvan
Challenge 1 (200 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2
TRAITS from evil and good spell can’t be targeted). The
Amphibious. The phocidae can breathe air and water.
Keen Smell. The phocidae has advantage on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Shapechanger. The phocidae can use its action to poly-
morph into a humanoid or back into its true form, which
resembles a seal. Its statistics are the same in each form.
The phocidae can choose whether or not any equip-
ment it is wearing or carrying melds into its new form. It
reverts to its true form if it dies.
ACTIONS phocidae chooses to release the captured voice.
Multiattack. The phocidae makes two attacks with its
Bone Spear.
Bone Spear (Humanoid Form Only). Melee or Ranged
Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60
ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) piercing damage or 5
(1d8 + 1) piercing damage if used with two hands to
make a melee attack.
Magic Conch (Humanoid Form Only). The phocidae
targets a humanoid it can see within 60 feet of it
(creatures warded by a magic circle or protection
target must attempt a DC 14 Charisma saving
throw. On a success, the target resists the
phocidae’s efforts to steal its voice, and the
phocidae can’t attempt to steal that creature’s voice
again for 24 hours. On a failure, the target’s voice
is magically stolen, and the phocidae may use it to
speak any language the target knows. A creature
whose voice is stolen cannot speak or cast spells
with verbal components.
A creature’s voice can only be recovered if the
magic conch is destroyed, the phocidae dies, or the
A phocidae can only possess one stolen voice at a
time.

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Tachinid
Tachinid
Tachinids are plantlike fey that reproduce by infect-
ing humanoid hosts. A tachinid emits pacifying
spores that allow it to control plants and influence
creatures.
Parasitic Reproduction. Tachinids are driven
by an intense desire to reproduce, which requires
access to humanoid hosts and a place to hide them
while the transformation takes place. A tachinid
often spends months preparing a hidden nest before
infecting an entire group of victims. Once the fey has
the hosts safely contained, it watches them closely
over the three-day transformation process. Any hosts
the tachinid deems weak or otherwise unfit are
slaughtered and fed to the other victims to provide
additional nutrients.
Solitary Creatures. While tachinids are driven by
a never-ending cycle of reproduction, they spend the
majority of their lives alone, avoiding their own kind.
As soon as a transformation is complete and a new
tachinid is born, the parent tachinid flees, leaving its
new children to fight one another for possession of
the nest.

Tachinid
Medium fey, typically neutral

Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 33 (6d6 + 12)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 15 (+2) 10 (+0) 18 (+4)
Skills Perception +2, Stealth +5
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Sylvan
Challenge 2 (450 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +2
TRAITS
Magic Resistance. The tachinid has advantage on
saving throws against spells and other magical
effects.
Pacifying Spores. The tachinid targets one creature
it can see within 30 feet of it. If the target is a
creature that breathes, it must succeed on a DC 14
Constitution saving throw or be magically charmed.
The charmed creature regards the tachinid as a
trusted friend to be heeded and protected. Although
the target isn’t under the tachinid’s control, it
takes the tachinid’s requests or actions in the most
favorable way it can.
Each time the tachinid or its allies do anything
harmful to the target, it can repeat the saving throw,
ending the effect on itself on a success. Otherwise,
the effect lasts 24 hours or until the tachinid dies.
If a target’s saving throw is successful, the target is
immune to the tachinid’s Pacifying Spores for the
next 24 hours.
If a creature spends three consecutive days
charmed in this way, the creature transforms
into a tachinid. Only a wish spell can reverse the
transformation.
Speak with Plants. The tachinid can communicate
with plants as if they shared a language.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The tachinid makes two Vine Lash
attacks. It can replace one of these attacks with Root
Web if it is available.
Vine Lash. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit,
reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 +
3) bludgeoning damage.
Root Web (Recharge 5–6). Grasping roots burst from
the ground in a 20-foot-radius circle centered on the
tachinid. A creature standing on the ground within
the area when the roots appear must succeed on a
DC 13 Strength saving throw or be restrained until the
beginning of the tachinid’s next turn.

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Wickerbeast
Wickerbeast
The enigmatic fey creatures known as wickerbeasts
are a rare but chilling sight. Often appearing in remote
regions of the world, these creatures subsist on the
souls of other beings. These fey take the shapes of
various humanoids or animals completely made of
woven wooden branches, but regardless of their form,
each carries an ornate golden mirror.
Cursed Origins. The true origins of the wickerbeast
are unknown, but fey scholars generally agree that
these creatures suffer from some form of curse. The
wickerbeasts endlessly search for souls to possess,
navigating life through what they can perceive in their
mirrors. However, since these creatures are incapable
of speech, their exact motivations remain a mystery. 
Captured Souls. The inside of a wickerbeast’s
woven body is hollow, and the souls they capture float
inside this space. Wickerbeasts do not have defined
facial features, but when they possess a captured
soul, light shines through the branches of their faces,
creating an imitation of eyes. Folklore suggests that a
creature might know it is safe from a passing wicker-
beast as long as they can see its two eyes glowing.

Wickerbeast
Medium fey, typically unaligned

Armor Class 18 ACTIONS

Hit Points 90 (12d8 + 36)
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft. Multiattack. The wickerbeast makes two Slam attacks.
It can replace one of these attacks with Enchant.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
18 (+4) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 8 (−1)
target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage plus 7
Skills Perception +5, Stealth +4 (2d6) frost damage.
Damage Immunities cold
Enchant. The wickerbeast attempts to enchant a
Damage Resistances fire; bludgeoning, piercing, and
creature within 60 feet of it that can see its mirror. The
slashing from nonmagical attacks
creature must succeed on a Charisma saving throw or
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened
be paralyzed for 1 minute. The DC of this saving throw is
Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 15
equal to the target’s Charisma score. At the end of each
Languages understands Sylvan but can’t speak
of its turns, an affected creature can repeat the saving
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +3
throw, ending the paralyzed condition on a success. 
TRAITS Capture Soul (Recharge 5–6). The wickerbeast at-
tempts to absorb the soul of one creature within
Creeping Desolation. The wickerbeast emits a frosty
60 feet of it. The target must succeed on a DC 15
aura that produces slippery rime. Area on the ground
Constitution saving throw, or its soul is stolen.
within 30 feet of the wickerbeast is difficult terrain.
Incapacitated creatures automatically fail this sav-
Magic Mirror. The wickerbeast’s mirror is not a sepa- ing throw. A creature whose soul is stolen cannot
rate object but a part of the creature’s body. Therefore, recover hit points through any means. Additionally, if
damaging the mirror damages the wickerbeast, and it a creature dies while its soul is captured, it cannot be
cannot be disarmed of its mirror by any means. brought back to life by magical effects or spells like res-
urrection. A creature’s soul can only be recovered if the
Magic Resistance. The wickerbeast has advantage
wickerbeast that possesses it is destroyed or chooses
on saving throws against spells and other magical
to release the captured soul. A wickerbeast can possess
effects.
up to two captured souls at a time.

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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
NPC Wanted List
This appendix contains statistics for various non-
player characters (NPCs) that adventurers might
encounter during a campaign set in the Planes.
SPOILER WARNING
Before you read further, please take note
that the NPCs presented in this section
are all characters who have appeared in
the Venture Maidens show. The entries
reveal information about each character
discovered during the events of Campaign
1, so read this section only if you are all
right with knowing the secrets revealed
over the course of that campaign.
Demigods
On rare occasions, unions between a celestial being
and a mortal can result in the birth of a demigod.
Little is known about these unique individuals, but
their powers undeniably play a key role in the destiny
of their parent realms.
Chess
214
Chess
Chess is the masked leader of the Checkered Folies,
a troupe of performers that moonlight as spies and
mercenaries.
Trickster Being. Chess is a demigod, born of a
union between a trickster god and a mortal. Little
is known about Chess’s true ambitions or goals,
but he tends to appear whenever an opportunity
to upset the status quo presents itself. From the
outside, there appears to be no pattern to the
jobs the Checkered Folies or the demigod choose
to accept, and Chess offers no information to the
contrary.
In recent years, Chess has taken an interest in the
tiefling sorcerer Fera Velen, and experimenting with
the possibility of demigods transferring their powers
to mortals as the gods do.
Rem
Rem is the former commander of the Sisters of
Sorrow, but she now acts as a free agent intent on
undermining the gods’ control of the Mortal Realm.
Rem

Grave One. Rem is a demigod, born of a union
between a death god and a mortal. Rem possesses
the ability to transfer her consciousness into the
bodies of the recently deceased, so she has spent
countless centuries in the Mortal Realm seeking
an outlet for her substantial divine power. A deep
hatred for her godly father drove her to serve rival
Chess
Medium humanoid (demigod), chaotic neutral
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 136 (16d8 + 64)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
12 (+1) 18 (+4) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 22 (+6)
Saving Throws Con +9, Wis +9, Cha +11
Skills Arcana +8, Deception +11, Insight +9,
Perception +9, Performance +11
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, poisoned
Senses passive Perception 19
Languages all
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +5
TRAITS that can hear him within 60 feet of him (the
Immortal Nature. Chess is immune to poison and dis-
ease and does not require food or water to survive. He
does not age and cannot be aged by magic. He regains
20 hit points at the start of his turn if he has at least 1
hit point, and as long as any piece of his body is intact,
missing limbs regrow over the course of 1 minute.
Innate Spellcasting. Chess’s innate spellcasting ability
is Charisma (spell save DC 19, +11 to hit with spell
attacks). He can innately cast the following spells,
requiring no material components:
At will: alter self, nondetection, suggestion
3/day each: charm monster, mirror image
1/day each: dominate monster, mass suggestion
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Chess fails a saving
throw, he can choose to succeed instead.
Master of Masks. If Chess is destroyed, he gains a
new body in 24 hours if at least one of his masks
is intact, regaining all his hit points and becoming
active again. The new body appears within 5 feet of
the mask (if multiple masks are intact, Chess chooses
which mask).
ACTIONS Words of Harm.
Multiattack. Chess makes two Baton attacks. He can
replace one of these attacks with Words of Harm.
Baton. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 12 (2d4 + 7) magical bludgeoning
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
gods, which eventually led her to establish the
Sisters of Sorrow.
Eventually, Rem grew discontent to serve
any celestial master, no matter their intentions.
Her growing unrest led her to recently sever all
connection to the Sisters of Sorrow and find a way to
end the gods’ influence on mortalkind.
damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15
Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end
of its next turn.
Dazzling Mantle. Each creature of Chess’s choice
within 120 feet of him that is aware of him must
succeed on a DC 19 Charisma saving throw or become
charmed by him for 1 hour. If an affected target takes
damage from Chess or if it witnesses Chess attacking
or damaging any of its allies, it is no longer charmed.
If a creature’s saving throw is successful or the effect
ends for it, the creature is immune to Chess’s Dazzling
Mantle for the next 24 hours.
Words of Harm. Chess issues a string of magically
laced words that shred the mind of one creature
target does not need to understand Chess). The
target must succeed on a DC 19 Wisdom saving
throw or take 22 (4d10) psychic damage and have
disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before
the end of its next turn. On a successful save,
the target takes half damage and does not have
disadvantage.
BONUS ACTIONS
Vicious Taunt (3/Day). Chess can use a bonus action
on his turn to target one creature within 30 feet of
him. If the target can hear Chess, the target must
succeed on a DC 18 Charisma saving throw or have
disadvantage on ability checks, attack rolls, and saving
throws until the start of Chess’s next turn.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Chess 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. Chess regains spent legendary actions
at the start of his turn.
Attack. Chess makes one attack with his Baton or uses
Move. Chess moves up to his speed without provoking
opportunity attacks.
Innate Spellcasting (Costs 2 Actions). Chess casts a
spell from his Innate Spellcasting list.
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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Rem
Medium humanoid (demigod), chaotic neutral
Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 153 (18d8 + 72)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 22 (+6) 18 (+4) 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 20 (+5)
Saving Throws Dex +11, Wis +7, Cha +10
Skills Acrobatics +11, Deception +10, Insight +7,
Perception +7, Stealth +11
Damage Resistances necrotic
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, poisoned
Senses passive Perception 17
Languages Abyssal, Celestial, Common, Elvish, Infernal,
thieves’ cant
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +5
TRAITS
Assassinate. During her first turn, Rem has advantage
on attack rolls against any creature that hasn’t taken a
turn. Any hit Rem scores against a surprised creature is
a critical hit.
Evasion. If Rem is subjected to an effect that allows
her to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half
damage, she instead takes no damage if she succeeds on
the saving throw, and only half damage if she fails. She
can’t use this trait if she’s incapacitated.
Immortal Nature. Rem is immune to poison and disease
and does not require food or water to survive. She does
not age and cannot be aged by magic. She regains 20
hit points at the start of her turn if she has at least 1
hit point, and as long as any piece of her body is intact,
missing limbs regrow over the course of 1 minute.
Innate Spellcasting. Rem’s innate spellcasting ability
is Charisma (spell save DC 18, +10 to hit with spell
attacks). She can innately cast the following spells,
requiring no material components:
At will: animate dead, gentle repose, nondetection,
speak with dead
3/day each: greater invisibility, revivify
1/day each: create undead, finger of death
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Rem fails a saving
throw, she can choose to succeed instead.
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). Rem deals an extra 24 (7d6)
damage when she hits a target with a weapon attack and
has advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is
within 5 feet of an ally of Rem’s that isn’t incapacitated,
and Rem doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.
ACTIONS two attacks with her Light Crossbow.
Multiattack. Rem makes three attacks with her
Shortsword or two with her Light Crossbow.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (1d6 + 9) magical piercing damage,
216
and the target must attempt a DC 15 Constitution saving
throw, taking 24 (7d6) poison damage on a failed save,
or half as much damage on a successful one.
Light Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to
hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 +
6) piercing damage, and the target must attempt a DC
15 Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6) poison
damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a
successful one.
Fear the Reaper (Recharge 5–6). Rem calls the souls of
the living into undeath. All living creatures within 60
feet of Rem must attempt a DC 18 Constitution saving
throw, taking 66 (12d10) necrotic damage on a failed
save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
A humanoid slain by this attack rises 24 hours later as
a shadow under Rem’s control (unless the humanoid is
restored to life before then).
BONUS ACTIONS
Death Glare. Rem fixates on one creature she can see
within 60 feet of her, and the target suddenly learns
how they will die (the most gruesome possible scenar-
io). Upon receiving this vision, a creature must succeed
on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened
for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at
the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on
a success. A creature that successfully saves is immune
to the effects of Rem’s Death Glare for 24 hours.
REACTIONS
Corpse Taker. If Rem is reduced to 0 hit points and her
body is destroyed, her soul can jump into any humanoid
corpse within 1 mile that has been dead no longer than
10 days. The corpse returns to life with 1 hit point and
is now under Rem’s control. Rem’s hit points, speed,
Strength, Constitution, Dexterity, and special senses are
replaced by those of the new body, but she retains all
her other game statistics.
Once Rem assumes control of a body, the original
soul can never be returned to it by resurrection spells or
other magical effects that require its body.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Rem 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. Rem regains spent legendary actions at the start of
her turn.
Attack. Rem makes one attack with her Shortsword or
Move. Rem moves up to her speed without provoking
opportunity attacks.
Innate Spellcasting (Costs 2 Actions). Rem casts a spell
from her Innate Spellcasting list.

Venture Maidens
In recent years, four adventurers known as the
Venture Maidens have become major players in the
fate of the Mortal Realm.
Arrnodel Ithil
Arrnodel is a moon elf warlock bound to serve a
fallen goddess imprisoned within a shadow realm.
Power’s Price. Originally schooled as an alchemist,
Arrnodel’s life changed forever when she stumbled
upon an eldritch stone that ensnared her with
promises of power. Entering a pact with a serpentine
being from beyond the stars heralded the end of the
moon elf’s comfortable academic life and set her on
an adventurer’s path.
Shortly after her travels began, Arrnodel was recruited
to the Sisters of Sorrow, a legendary mercenary organiza-
tion dedicated to preserving the web of fate. With the
help of her fellow agents, Arrnodel survived an attempt
on her life by her previous serpentine patron by forging
a new pact with a shadowy queen of the dead.
While the moon elf maintains many of her connections
to the Sisters of Sorrow, she now spends most of her
time acting as the queen’s emissary in the Mortal Realm.
There is much to be learned by reading books,
but schooling can never prepare you for the vast
quantity of unknowable secrets that populate
our world . Every step into darkness is another
opportunity to find new sources of light , and the
greatest gift to any scholar is the discovery that
there is so much more to learn .
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Fera Velen
Fera is a tiefling sorcerer born with a spark of divin-
ity that fuels her power.
Loose Threads. Fera was raised by her mother,
a paladin in the service of the Eldrin Empire. As
her family moved from place to place, Fera first
discovered her natural aptitude for healing magic,
and her delighted mother attempted to train the
young tiefling to follow in her footsteps. Over time,
it became clear that Fera had neither the fortitude
nor desire to join her mother’s path, and escalating
conflict began to strain her relationship with her
family. It was at this point the tiefling set off on her
own to flee the nest and live life her own way.
During this time, Fera began to worship the
three sister gods of fate, attracted by the concept
that her future was already laid out, so all the
mistakes she made were simply part of her
predestined role. This cavalier philosophy led to a
tumultuous adulthood of odd jobs that led her to
studying the healing arts with the priestesses of
Caer Leona.
Fera first met the Sisters of Sorrow when two
of their agents came to Caer Leona to deal with a
fallen angel sealed in the catacombs beneath the
castle. The sorcerer’s talents proved invaluable to
completing the dangerous mission, and afterwards
she received an invitation to join the mercenary
organization. As a worshipper of the three sisters
of fate, she gained their confidence and quickly
rose through the organization’s ranks.
Fera continues to work alongside members of the
original Sisters of Sorrow in a diplomatic capacity,
but her devotion to the fates has waned as she
has formed an intimate bond with the trickster
demigod Chess.
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Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Kara Brynehilde
Kara is a dwarven barbarian whose pursuit of justice
has evolved into religious zeal.
Blood Ties. Kara was born a princess to the leader
of a dwarven clan deep within the mountains. From a
young age, she was trained in the traditional Dwarven
art forms of fighting and sought to forge her legacy
as a fierce warrior among her people. The dwarf’s life
underground ended abruptly when treachery struck
her clan. A raiding party of dark elves snuck through
the clan’s defenses, and in one fell swoop Kara found
herself alone in the world. Taking axe in hand and with
a heavy heart, she set out for the surface, intent on
honing her skills to one day avenge her fallen family.
Becoming an agent of the Sisters of Sorrow pro-
vided Kara with the resources necessary to increase
her power, and when she once again encountered
the dark elf leader who had led the attack on her
family, she was ready. The dwarf challenged the elven
matron to a fight, and with a powerful blessing from
the dwarven all-father, Kara emerged victorious.
Since that religious experience, Kara has evolved
into a military leader, spearheading dangerous mis-
sions and campaigns with former Sisters of Sorrow
agents.
When I began training at the monastery , the
first lessons I received were about balance .
Everything in life , whether elemental magic or
relationships, thrives when brought into balance .
I guess that concept hasn’t really ever left me ,
and over time , I’ve realized it is a good guide
for living . Work to bring harmony to the world
in whatever way you can , but don’t forget to also
tend to the harmony within yourself.
218
Sawyeh Noor
Sawyeh Noor is a human monk raised in a remote
monastery dedicated to preserving elemental
harmony.
Sins of the Father. Placed in the care of monks
from a young age, Sawyeh has dedicated her life
to seeking oneness of body and mind. Under the
guidance of her masters she has successfully
embarked on the path to master manipulation
of the four elements. As she grew and trained,
Sawyeh began to wonder about her past, receiving
no answers from the temple leaders about
her parents or history. After passing her first
elemental trial, Sawyeh decided to take leave of
the monastery and head out into the world to find
answers about her family and hone her growing
abilities.
The monk’s travels lead to her induction into the
Sisters of Sorrow, where she first became aware
of the Eldrin Empire and its growing conflict with
the fey of the Wildes. Sawyeh’s awareness of the
mounting faerie incursions was brought into sharp
focus when her party was attacked by a fey creature
possessing the body of her father. After learning that
the creature was responsible for the death of her
mother, the monk was forced to slay the creature
alongside her father, whose life force was too weak
to survive after a decade of imprisonment by the
puppeteering fey. Heartbroken, but finally armed
with the truth, Sawyeh set her parents’ souls to rest
and devoted her powers to helping the world as they
had sought to do.
As the fey threat continues to grow, Sawyeh
has devoted more time to aiding the carillons in
defending the Mortal Realm and has officially begun
training in the mysteries of their order.

Arrnodel Ithil
Medium humanoid (elf), neutral
Armor Class 15 (leather)
Hit Points 142 (19d8 + 57)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
15 (+2) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 20 (+5)
Saving Throws Wis +7, Cha +9
Skills Arcana +8, History +8, Insight +7,
Investigation +8
Damage Resistances lightning, necrotic
Senses truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Elvish, Primordial,
telepathy 120 ft.
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP) Proficiency Bonus +4
TRAITS targets within 5 feet of it. The wing has a +9 to hit and
Fey Ancestry. Arrnodel has advantage on saving
throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put her
to sleep.
Innate Spellcasting. Arrnodel’s innate spellcasting abil-
ity is Charisma. She can innately cast the following spells
(spell save DC 17), requiring no material components:
At will: darkness, detect magic, fear, levitate,
speak with dead
Magic Resistance. Arrnodel has advantage on saving
throws against spells and other magical effects.
ACTIONS has 20 temporary hit points and a +5 bonus to attack
Multiattack. Arrnodel uses Eldritch Beam four times.
Eldritch Beam. Ranged Spell Attack: +9 to hit, range
120 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d10 + 5) force damage, and
the target is pushed 10 feet away from Arrnodel in a
straight line.
Storm Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to
hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4
+ 4) piercing damage plus 11 (2d10) lightning damage.
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Chain Lightning (2/Day). A bolt of lightning
arcs toward a target within 150 feet of Arrnodel.
Three bolts then leap from that target to as many
as three other targets, each of which must be
within 30 feet of the first target. A target can be
an object or a creature but can be targeted by only
one of the bolts. Each target must attempt a DC 17
Dexterity saving throw, taking 45 (10d8) lightning
damage on a failed save or half as much damage on
a successful one.
Raven’s Wing (1/Day). A wing-shaped void of negative
energy 5 feet long appears in an unoccupied space
within 30 feet of Arrnodel and remains for 1 minute.
When the wing appears, it makes two attacks against
deals 16 (3d10) points of necrotic damage. As a bonus
action on each of her turns, Arrnodel can move the
wing up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space she can see,
then make two more attacks with it. A creature killed
by the wing rises as a zombie on initiative count 20
under Arrnodel’s control.
BONUS ACTIONS
Summon Murder (3/Day). As a bonus action,
Arrnodel summons a swarm of ravens, which appears
in an unoccupied space within 30 feet of her and
obeys her commands. When summoned, the swarm
and damage rolls. The swarm acts right after Arrnodel
on the same initiative count and remains for 1 hour.
The ravens disappear after the duration or if Arrnodel
is knocked unconscious or killed.
REACTIONS
Siphon Soul. In response to a living creature dying
within 60 feet of her, Arrnodel regains 12 (2d6 + 5) hit
points.
219
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Everything in life needs balance, and what could be more perfectly
balanced than the child of an aasimar and a tiefling? With both
hellish and angelic powers, I was born with magic that could
change the tides of any battle...but truth be told, I’d rather use it
to get myself a free drink—or five. However, if destiny isn’t going
to give me a choice in the matter, I guess I may as well have some
fun, make some friends, and gain some power along the way.
After all, it’s best to start planning for retirement early, I hear.

Fera Velen
Medium humanoid (tiefling), neutral good

Armor Class 14 Spark of Life Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon

Hit Points 165 (22d8 + 66)
Speed 30 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
13 (+1) 16 (+3) 16 (+3) 19 (+4) 14 (+2) 20 (+5)
Saving Throws Con +7, Cha +9
Skills Arcana +10, Insight +8, Persuasion +11,
Religion +10
Damage Resistances cold, fire, poison
Condition Immunities frightened, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Celestial, Common, Infernal, Sylvan
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +4
TRAITS carried.
Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one
target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6)
necrotic damage.
Cure Wounds (Spell). A creature Fera touches regains
23 (3d8 + 10) hit points. This spell has no effect on
constructs or undead.
Fireball (Spell). A streak of fire erupts into a 20-foot-
radius sphere of flame at a point Fera can see within
120 feet of her. Each creature in the area must attempt
a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw, taking 28 (8d6) fire
damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a
successful one. The fire spreads around corners and
ignites flammable objects that are not being worn or

Born of Magic. Each time Fera casts a spell, she can
shape the magic to her will in one of the following
ways:
• A spell that targets a single creature may target an
additional creature.
• The spell’s range is doubled. A spell with a range of
touch instead has a range of 30 feet.
• She has advantage on the spell’s attack roll.
Divine Nurture. When a creature within 30 feet of
Fera (including her) regains hit points, it regains an
additional 5 hit points (factored into her spells).
Infernal Nature (1/Day). While Fera has half her hit
points or fewer, she can use a bonus action to regain
80 hit points.
ACTIONS can see within 30 feet of her falling to 0 hit points, the
Multiattack. Fera makes two melee attacks or casts
fire bolt twice. Alternatively, she can cast fire bolt and
one other spell.
Fire Bolt (Spell). Ranged Spell Attack: +9 to hit,
range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 22 (4d10) fire damage.
A flammable object hit by this spell ignites if it’s not
being worn or carried.
As Above (1/Day). A 30-foot sphere of brilliant,
glittering light crashes down at a point that Fera
can see within range. Each creature in the area must
attempt a DC 17 Constitution saving throw. On a failed
save, the target takes 26 (4d12) radiant damage and
is blinded for 1 hour. On a successful save, the target
takes half as much damage and isn’t blinded.
So Below (1/Day). One creature that Fera can see
within 60 feet of her must succeed on a DC 17
Charisma saving throw or be stunned for 10 minutes.
A creature with 30 or fewer hit points is killed instead
and is dragged into the Nine Hells.
REACTIONS
Deny Death (3/Day). In response to a creature Fera
creature is instead reduced to 1 hit point.
Godly Favor (2/Day). In response to failing a saving
throw or missing an attack roll, Fera can roll 2d6 and
add the result to the total, possibly changing the
outcome.

220
 Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
I first joined the Sisters of Sorrow
because I was hoping to find a
cause worth dying for, but my
time with the Sisters brought me
something greater—ideals worth
living for. Every day I bear the
weight of the loss of my clan , but
every day presents an opportunity
to live up to the ideals my fathers
sought to instill in me : devotion ,
courage , honor, and respect . By
living these ideals and instructing
others in our new order, the spirit
of the Embersunder clan remains
strong .

Kara Brynehilde
Medium humanoid (dwarf), chaotic good

Armor Class 19 (mithral half plate, shield)
Hit Points 221 (26d8 + 104)
Speed 35 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 20 (+5)
Saving Throws Str +14, Dex +6, Con +14, Int +6,
Wis +7, Cha +9
Skills Athletics +8, Perception +7, Survival +7
Damage Resistances poison; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17
Languages Common, Dwarvish
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +4
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage
plus 10 (3d6) radiant damage and 10 (3d6) cold
damage. If Kara scores a critical hit, she rolls damage
dice three times instead of twice.
Shield Bash. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) bludgeoning
damage, and if the target is Huge or smaller, it must
succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be
knocked prone.
Sanctify Weapon (Recharges after a Short or
Long Rest). Kara’s weapon glows with divine
radiance. For 1 minute, she gains a +5 bonus to
attack rolls with that weapon.

TRAITS REACTIONS
Divine Shelter. When a friendly creature within 10 Celestial Bulwark. In response to another creature
feet of Kara takes damage, the damage is reduced by 5, within 30 feet of her being hit by an attack roll, Kara
to a minimum of 0. gives the creature a +5 bonus to AC against that
attack. If the attack still hits, Kara can choose to
Heroic Resilience. Kara is immune to disease and
take the damage of the attack in place of the target.
effects that would reduce her hit point maximum.
Kara must be able to see or hear both the creature
Each day, the first time Kara is subjected to an effect
and the attacker to use this ability.
that would kill her without dealing damage, the effect
is negated. Parry. Kara adds +4 to her AC against one melee
attack that would hit her. To do so, she must see
Magic Weapon. Kara’s weapon attacks are magical.
the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon or a
ACTIONS shield.

Multiattack. Kara makes two weapon attacks.

221
Chapter 6: Friends and Foes
Sawyeh Noor
Medium humanoid (human), lawful good
Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 170 (20d8 + 80)
Speed 70 ft., fly 60 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
17 (+3) 18 (+4) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 13 (+1)
Saving Throws Str +7, Dex +8, Con +8, Int +7,
Wis +8, Cha +5
Skills Acrobatics +8, Insight +8, Perception +8,
Stealth +8
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled,
poisoned, restrained
Senses passive Perception 18
Languages all
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)   Proficiency Bonus +4
TRAITS
Feyflight Wings. Sawyeh wears a pair of magical
wings that grant her the ability to fly, but she cannot
hear or see eldrin due to a curse put on the wings.
Magic Weapons. Sawyeh’s weapon attacks are
magical, including her unarmed strikes.
Temple of Masters. Sawyeh has proficiency in all
saving throws, is immune to poison and disease, and
does not require food or water to survive. She cannot
be aged by magic or suffer ill effects of old age.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. Sawyeh makes three attacks, either with
her Unarmed Strike or Dart. She can replace one of
those attacks with her Water Whip.
222
Dart. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 20/60
ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage.
Unarmed Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) bludgeoning
damage plus 7 (2d6) acid, cold, fire, or thunder damage
(Sawyeh’s choice).
Water Whip. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach
30 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d10) bludgeoning damage,
and if the target is Huge or smaller, it must succeed on
a DC 18 Strength saving throw or either be knocked
prone or pulled up to 25 feet toward her (Sawyeh’s
choice).
Become Wind (Recharges after a Long Rest). As an
action, Sawyeh, along with anything she is wearing
or carrying, becomes invisible for 1 minute. While
invisible, she has resistance to all damage except force
damage.
REACTIONS
Deflect Missile. In response to being hit by a ranged
weapon attack, Sawyeh deflects the missile. The
damage she takes from the attack is reduced by 30.
If the damage is reduced to 0, she catches the missile
if it’s small enough to hold in one hand and she has a
hand free.
Parry. Sawyeh adds +5 to her AC against one attack
that would hit her.
Rapid Strikes. In response to a visible enemy moving
within 5 feet of her, Sawyeh makes one unarmed
strike attack against that enemy. If the attack hits,
she can make a second unarmed strike against the
target.

Index
Adventure themes................................................................... 121
Archfey....................................101–103, 105, 108–109, 124, 127,
129, 131, 158, 160–162, 210
Arnaki................................................................................. 191–192
Arrnodel Ithil..................................................................... 217, 219
Letters........................................................ 6, 100, 149, 217
Ashtar................................... 14, 75–77, 79, 89–91, 123, 126, 157
Background(s)......................................................................15–25
Bastard’s Breach................................................................. 93–95
Bastard god..................................................................................78
Bell(s).......................................................................27, 90–91, 122
Blessing(s)........................................................................ 164–165
Blossom Court...................................................................110–112
Monster templates................................................167–171
Boon(s)....................................................................................... 165
Borderlands.............................................................75, 78, 93–95
Quest board.....................................................................95
Calendar............................................................................... 76, 125
Caer Leona......................................... 75, 77, 79, 88–89, 125, 217
Carillon(s), see Carillon Order
Carillon Order............................... 75, 89–91, 122–123, 129, 218
Adventure hooks.......................................................... 123
Changeling(s)...........................................................101–103, 106
Charm(s).................................................................................... 165
Chasiana...................... 14, 74–75, 78–79, 87–89, 125–126, 147
Quest board.....................................................................89
Chess�������������������������������������������������������������������������214–215, 217
Cold iron..............................................................24, 146, 158, 207
College of Bells............................................................. 27–28, 68
Common Sign, see languages
Court of the Winds................................................... 112–113, 158
Monster templates................................................171–173
Currency.......................................................................78, 95, 103
Deathless................................................................................... 193
Demesne(s)............................................... 93, 105, 108–110, 129
Demigod(s).............................................. 150, 164–165, 214–217
Dragonborn........................................................................... 13–14
Dwarf/dwarves...........................................................................14
Dwelling(s)....................................................... 99, 102, 108–109
Eldrin Empire........................... 11–14, 73–77, 80–93, 123–126,
146–148, 194, 217–218
Adventure hooks.......................................................... 126
Exploring..................................................................80–93
History of.................................................................. 73–75
Life in........................................................................ 75–80
Eldrin ............... 8, 11–12, 30, 73–78, 80–93, 123–126, 157, 159
Elf/elves.................... 11–13, 30, 74–75, 77, 81, 96–97, 217–219
Empire soldier(s)...................................................................... 194
Legionnaire................................................ 31–32, 86, 194
Warmage........................................................................ 194
Faelyn.................................74–75, 77–82, 86–88, 93, 125–126
Quest board.....................................................................82
University of..........................................75, 78, 81, 87, 147
Faerie guardian(s).................................................................... 195
Index
Faerie Realm, see Wildes
Fancy/fancies........................................................................... 196
Fate........................................ 5, 8, 15, 18, 26, 28–29, 50, 60–61,
114, 127, 150, 157, 164–165, 217
Father......................................................... 73–74, 77–78, 80, 124
Favor(s)............................................................................. 103–104
Feather witch(es)..................................................................... 197
Fera Velen..................................................................214, 217, 220
Letters.............................................................6, 8, 88, 220
Feywalk Jungles................................................................... 74, 91
Fiend(s)........................................15, 151, 156, 160–161, 164–165
Figment(s)......................................................................... 192, 198
Forest Court.............................................. 113–114, 162, 174–176
Monster templates...............................................174–176
Gate(s), see realms
Gnome(s).............................................................................. 14, 118
God(s)................................... 7–8, 77–78, 84, 126–128, 150, 164
Adventure hooks.......................................................... 128
Great Council.............................................................................. 75
Grey Haven........................................................................... 95, 97
Grove elf/elves, see elf/elves
Half-elf/half-elves......................................................................14
Halfling(s).....................................................................................15
Half-orc(s).....................................................................................14
Heroic destinies.................................................................. 42–62
Heavenly Court......................................................... 114, 177–180
Monster templates...............................................177–180
Human(s)............................................................................... 14–15
In-Between.....................................................102–103, 105–108
Random encounters.......................................... 106–108
Jade Isles............................................................. 82–84, 125–126
Quest board.....................................................................82
Jane’s Town......................................................................... 82–84
Kara Brynehilde................................................................ 218, 221
Letters.........................................................6, 105, 163, 221
Kronos Desert....................................14, 74–75, 79, 84–86, 125
Quest board.....................................................................86
Language(s)..................................................................75–76, 103
Legionnaire(s)....................................................... 31–32, 86, 194
Living spellbook(s)....................................................63–64, 199
Ingenium........................................................................................ 7
Magic item(s).......................... 41, 50–51, 60, 70, 146–164, 195
Pricing.....................................................................147–148
Relics of faerie................................................................157
Storied treasures.......................................................... 148
Magnophyta............................................................ 112, 200–201
Caster.............................................................................. 201
Warrior...........................................................................200
Marionettist(s)............................................................... 202–203
Mindsi(es)...............................................................192, 204–205
Master mindsie............................................................ 205
Mender mindsie........................................................... 205
Mindsie.......................................................................... 204
Mother, the........................................ 73–74, 77–78, 80, 89, 124
223
Index
Mother’s Delta.......................................... 15, 74, 80, 87–89, 125
Quest board.....................................................................89
Mortal Realm.................................. 5, 7–8, 11, 13–15, 28, 30, 39,
73–102, 109, 116, 118, 122–123, 127–130, 146–148, 155,
157, 191, 196, 198, 214–215, 217–218
Nogog(s)..........................................................................204–206
North Point.............................................................75, 84, 86, 125
Nuska....................................................................... 192, 207–209
Nuska swarm....................................................... 207, 209
Passenger(s).............................................................................. 210
Phocidae...................................................................................... 211
Plateau of Andorra.......................................... 75, 81, 89–91, 125
Quest board......................................................................91
Planes, the...................................5–11, 13, 15, 30, 36, 73, 75–77,
96, 99, 110, 114, 116, 118, 121–145, 147–148, 152, 164–165,
167, 191, 214
Realm(s)......................................7–9, 11–15, 24, 28, 30, 73–119,
122–123, 126–131, 146–148, 155–157
Properties.......................................................................130
Traveling.................................................................130–131
Relic(s) of faerie, see magic items
Rem............................................................................ 105, 214–216
Sawyeh Noor............................................................ 105, 218, 222
Letters......................................................................... 6, 218
Shifting Plains............................................14, 75, 79, 91–93, 125
Quest board.....................................................................93
Sisters of Sorrow........ 8, 127, 164–165, 214–215, 217–218, 221
Oath..................................................................................127
Sleeping Court......................................... 114–116, 180–183, 192
Monster templates..............................................180–183
Slithering Court................................................116–118, 184–187
Monster templates.............................................. 184–187
Sovereign Court(s)................ 102–105, 108–119, 128–129, 162
Adventure hooks.......................................................... 129
Exploring................................................................109–119
Hierarchy................................................................ 104, 110
Monster templates.............................................. 167–190
Spell(s)....................................... 7, 12–13, 26–31, 34–35, 37–42,
45–46, 48–49, 51–56, 58, 60–72, 76–77, 79, 87, 100,
102, 106, 108, 131, 138, 140, 142, 147–149, 151, 153–156,
158–165, 194–195, 199
Casting fees.....................................................................79
Sound spells.............................................................68–72
Subclass(es)...................................................................25–42, 68
Tachinid(s).......................................................................... 112, 212
Teeth, the........................................................................ 14, 86, 94
Tiefling(s)..................................................................... 15, 217, 220
Titan(s)...................7, 13, 39–41, 84, 86, 128, 131, 150, 164–165
Treasure(s), see magic items
Tsar(s), see tsarina(s)
Tsarina(s)...........74–78, 80–83, 86, 88–90, 92–94, 124–126
Unaligned fey............................................................102, 196, 213
Valerian Reach........................................................14, 86, 96–97
Valley of Yalanthanil................................ 13–14, 30, 75, 95–97
Quest board..................................................................... 97
Veil, the.................................................................... 13, 75, 86–87
224
Wickerbeast(s)......................................................................... 213
Wildes, the......................................... 7–8, 13, 24, 38, 75, 78, 81,
89–91, 96, 99–119, 122–123, 128–129, 157
Creatures of.......................................................... 101–102
Life in.................................................................... 103–104
Nature of..........................................................................99
Neutral ground.................................................... 105–109
Withered Court........................................ 118–119, 161, 187–190
Monster templates.............................................. 187–190
Sidebars
Bastard God, The.........................................................................78
Campaign Building Best Practices........................................ 142
Carillon Order as Campaign Villains.....................................122
Circle of the Grove Druids in the Planes.............................. 30
Cold Iron Weapons.................................................................. 146
Current Leaders of the Empire...............................................125
Different Types of Favors.......................................................104
Don’t Be “That” Rogue...............................................................49
Eldrin Empire as Campaign Villains..................................... 124
Faerie Guardian Items............................................................. 195
Fiends in the Planes....................................................................15
First Session Ever?................................................................... 133
God-Driven Organization Example: Sisters of Sorrow.....127
Gods as Campaign Villains..................................................... 126
Grove Elves Do Not Have Fey Ancestry..................................13
House Rules to Minimize Player Conflict............................ 143
How to Keep Combat Interesting......................................... 139
How to Make Magic Items Feel Special............................... 147
Make Exploration Matter.........................................................47
Matriarchal Society.................................................................... 76
Mortals in the Wildes.............................................................. 102
Nesting Doll............................................................................... 193
New Language: Common Sign................................................ 77
Other Template Uses............................................................... 167
Players Who Refuse to Talk about Safety........................... 134
Portraying the Marionettist.................................................. 202
Preventing Transformation.................................................... 102
Religion in the Wildes.............................................................104
Safely Roleplaying Tragedy......................................................44
Secrets of the Wildes................................................................99
Session Zero Checklist............................................................ 135
Soulforger’s Gift....................................................................... 156
Sovereign Courts as Campaign Villains.............................. 128
Spoiler Warning........................................................................ 214
Tenets of Blood...........................................................................34
Tenets of the DM...................................................................... 145
Tips to Make Running NPCs Easier......................................140
Travel between Realms............................................................... 7
Variant Reluctant Successor: Proud Successor................... 23
What Is a Demesne?.................................................................110
Who Are the Carillons?............................................................ 90
Who Are the Venture Maidens.................................................. 5
Why “Eldrin?”.............................................................................. 11
Why Seven Courts?.................................................................109
Wisdom of the Wildes.............................................................101
 DESTINY AWAITS
W elcome to the Planes, a fractured world struggling
to hold itself together against the rising tides of chaos.
Across the realms, mortal creatures teeter toward extinction,
locked in eternal combat with restless fey and petulant
gods who seek to redefine reality for themselves. Heroes of
destiny are all that stand against erasure of the mortal realm,
and cosmic forces conspire against them at every turn.

This book provides tools that both players and DMs need to
explore the world of the Venture Maidens, an actual-play
stream and podcast of the same name. Inside, you’ll find
an array of player options inspired by the mythology of the
Planes, an innovative Heroic Destiny system to enhance
character narratives, a cadre of confounding faerie foes, and
much more.

With these tools in hand, only one question remains. Will you
weave your own destiny, or will you be just another thread in
the tapestry of fate?

ISBN 978-1-946678-28-7

90000>

9 781946 678287