![[Logo.png]] # Intro Drakkenheim before [[The Meteor]] was a large cosmopolitan city, a centre for politics and trade known around the world. This means this campaign has a lot of breadth for a variety of classes, subclasses and races available to your character. Below I've created a list of [[#race|Races]] and [[#Class|Classes]] which I believe would be particularly appropriate and thematic for this campaign. Some options have been excluded for thematic reasons, and some for balance reasons. If you feel strongly about a certain subclass or lineage please chat with me and we can see if we can make it work. I have excluded most setting specific subclasses and lineages, with the major exception being the [[#Blood Hunter]]. <iframe width="650" height="366" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pc3ToyjcClo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> # Class Key Thematic Classes: [[#Apothecary]] [[#Beastheart]], [[#Blood Hunter]], [[#Cleric]],[[#Fighter]], [[#Paladin]], [[#Rogues]], [[#Sorcerer]] , [[#Warlock]] , [[#Wizard]] In this document I’ve highlighted some subclass options which are potentially great fits for the themes and vibe of Drakkenheim, along with some recommendations on how they might work. Each class has at least one such thematic picks highlighted, and some of the classes which tie in best with the themes and factions of the campaign have a couple highlighted. > [!info] Multiclassing > I am strongly encouraging all players to consider not using the optional variant rule for multiclassing in this campaign. For exceptions please see me. An astrix* means it is possible but would have significant social implications (see DM) Other Races to be considered (see DM) ### Apothecary [[Magic & Spellcasting#Arcane Magic|Arcane Spellcaster]] /[[Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim]]/ [Apothecary Guide]([https://youtu.be/VZCkPekFZmg](https://youtu.be/VZCkPekFZmg)) - <mark>Alienist</mark> - <mark>Chemist</mark> - <mark>Exorcist</mark> - <mark>Pathogenist</mark> - <mark>Reanimator</mark> - <mark>Mutagenist</mark> ### Artificer [[Magic & Spellcasting#Arcane Magic|Arcane Spellcaster]] - <mark>Alchemist </mark> The potential arcane and alchemical power of [[Delerium]] are mostly unknown. What secrets might you unlock in your journey into this mystical City? - Armorer - Artillerist - Battlesmith ### Barbarian - <mark>Path of Wild Magic</mark> [[Delerium]] has a tendency to have wild and chaotic interactions with magic. Wild Magic characters will be able to really identify with the unpredictable nature of the City. - <mark>Path of the Fractured</mark> [Grimhollow Players Guide](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UweZKheHoSMXA6BHi34osv_pfu27OrSl/view?usp=sharing) - <mark>Path of the Old gods</mark> [[Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim]] - <mark>Path of the Haze Rager</mark> [[Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim]] - Path of the Ancestral Guardian - Path of the Battlerager (Dwarf) - Path of the Beast - Path of the Berserker - Path of the Totem Warrior - Path of the Zealot (Possibly tied to one of the old gods)* - ~~Path of the Storm Herald~~ ### Bard [[Magic & Spellcasting#Arcane Magic|Arcane Spellcaster]] - <mark>Colloege of Valor</mark> The courts and halls of [[Caspia]] resound with the tales told by Valor bards. A kingdom centred around the great feats of glory and prowess of its knights requires those who will tell tales of their conquests. - <mark>College of Doomsayers</mark> [[Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim]] - College of Adventurers [Grimhollow Players Guide](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UweZKheHoSMXA6BHi34osv_pfu27OrSl/view?usp=sharing) - College of Creation - College of Eloquence - College of Glamour - College of Lore - College of Requiems [Grimhollow Players Guide](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UweZKheHoSMXA6BHi34osv_pfu27OrSl/view?usp=sharing) - College of Whispers - ~~College of Swords~~ ### Beastheart [[Magic & Spellcasting#Other Spellcasters|Other Spellcasters]] A custom class by MCDM can be found at [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AqY21Ij1gfkUk0sri79MVVQp5JAfpmvt/view?usp=sharing) - <mark>Hunter Bond</mark> The City is a wild and dangerous place with great monstrous creatures lurking down every street and alley. The prey in Drakkenheim is more dangerous than anything else in the world. Are you and your companion up for the hunt? - <mark>Primordial Bond</mark> The deep bond that you and your beast companion have to the magical nature of the world comes alive in Drakkenheim. The two of you almost feel it thrum in your veins as you explore the mysteries of [[the Haze]]. - Ferocious Bond - Infernal Bond - Protector Bond ### Blood Hunter [[Magic & Spellcasting#Other Spellcasters|Other Spellcasters]] * <mark>Order of the Mutant</mark> Drakkenheim is full of Eldritch horrors and mutated monstrosities far past any recognition. The unnatural is your domain, and so your eyes necessarily are set on Drakkenheim. - <mark>Order of the Profane Soul</mark> Your strength and journey lie in hunting down the profane and the corrupted. You’ve heard countless tales of the broken and vile creatures that crawl from the gutters of the City. You must go and see what it is that is causing this epidemic. * Order of the Ghostslayer * Order of the Lycan ### Cleric [[Magic & Spellcasting#Divine Magic|Divine Magic]] - <mark>Inquisition Domain</mark> [Grimhollow Players Guide](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UweZKheHoSMXA6BHi34osv_pfu27OrSl/view?usp=sharing) - <mark>Life Domain</mark> The tenets of the [[Sacred Flame]] are all about how life comes from the purifying power of the Flame. As a Cleric of the flame, it is your desire to bring life and light to all who will believe, to bring healing to the death that comes from [[the Haze]]. - <mark>Light Domain</mark> The [[Sacred Flame]] brings light to the darkness, it illuminates all. Darkness has overtaken the land and the light must be rekindled in the dark places of the City. - <mark>Shadow Domain</mark> [[Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim]] - Death Domain (One of the old gods or shadow cult)* - Eldritch Domain [Grimhollow Players Guide](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UweZKheHoSMXA6BHi34osv_pfu27OrSl/view?usp=sharing) (One of the old gods or a shadow cult)* - Forge Domain (One of the old gods)* - Grave Domain (One of the old gods or shadow cult)* - Knowledge Domain - Nature Domain (One of the old gods)* - Order Domain - Trickery Domain(One of the old gods)* - War Domain (One of the old gods)* - ~~Arcana Domain~~ - ~~Peace Domain~~ - ~~Twilight Domain~~ ### Driud [[Magic & Spellcasting#Divine Magic|Divine Magic]] - <mark>Circle of Mutation </mark>[Grimhollow Players Guide](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UweZKheHoSMXA6BHi34osv_pfu27OrSl/view?usp=sharing) - <mark>Circle of the Spores</mark> Spore Druids understand that death and life are co-dependent states which are all part of the cyclical nature of existence. Death is normative, and part of nature itself, and well - Drakkenheim is a city filled with death. Tales from the City tell of much death without decay - this is a secret which must be uncovered. - Circle of Stars - <mark>Circle of Contamination</mark> [[Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim]] - Circle of the Land - Circle of the Moon - Circle of the Shepherd - Circle of Wildfire - ~~Circle of the Dreams~~ ### Fighter - <mark>Cavalier</mark> [[Caspia]] and [[Elyria]] are known the world over for its image of armoured chivalrous heroes facing down enemies from atop their glorious mounts. What greater image could there be than of a powerful warrior leading the charge into battle. - <mark>Champion</mark> Martial competency and the glory of victory are some of the key tenets of Caspian society. Prove the honour of your house by being victorious and coming home the victor with many tales of your prowess and skill. - <mark>Commander</mark>[[Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim]] - Battle Master - The Bulwark Warrior [Grimhollow Players Guide](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UweZKheHoSMXA6BHi34osv_pfu27OrSl/view?usp=sharing) - Living Crucible [Grimhollow Players Guide](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UweZKheHoSMXA6BHi34osv_pfu27OrSl/view?usp=sharing) - Rune Knight - Samurai - ~~Arcane Archer~~ - ~~Echo Knight~~ - ~~Eldritch Knight~~ - ~~Gunslinger~~ - ~~Psi Warrior~~ - ~~Purple Dragon Knight~~ ### Monk - <mark>Way of the Sun Soul</mark> Adherents to the [[Sacred Flame]] believe that the flame that resides within all people is powerful and purifying in nature. Sun Soul monks can channel that overwhelming fire into their attacks, in an effort to blot out the darkness of the world. - <mark>Way of the Arcane Hand</mark> [[Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim]] - <mark>Way of the Serpent</mark>[[Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim]] * Way of the Ascendant Dragon * Way of the Astral Self * Way of the Drunken Master * Way of the Four Elements * Way of the Kensei * Way of the Long Death* * Way of Mercy * Way of the Open Hand * Way of Shadow* * ~~Way of the Cobalt Soul~~ ### Paladin [[Magic & Spellcasting#Divine Magic|Divine Magic]] * <mark>Oath of Conquest</mark> The [[Knights of the Silver Order]] are no normal Paladins, they swear a sacred oath to combat supernatural evils and dark magics. The [[Sacred Flame]] empowers them with Divine might to defeat darkness itself - against such a threat defeat is not an option. * <mark>Oath of Devotion</mark> Oath sworn and ordained [[knights of the Silver Order]] ride into battle with the darkness that besets the world. Sent from [[Elyria]] with the sole vision of defeating evil, these Paladins are sworn and committed - nothing will dissuade them. * <mark>Oath of Zeal (Grimhollow Players Guide)</mark> - <mark>Oath of Hexes</mark> [[Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim]] * Oath of Glory * Oath of Redemption * Oath of the Crown* * Oath of the Watchers * Oath of Vengeance* * ~~Oath of the Ancients~~ * ~~Oath of the Open Sea~~ * ~~Oathbreaker~~ ### Ranger [[Magic & Spellcasting#Other Spellcasters|Other Spellcasters]] - <mark>Gloom Stalker</mark> On that one dark day when [[the meteor]] struck it is said that the lights went out in Drakkenheim, the city still remains shrouded in [[the Haze]] and in darkness is ever-present. This is the domain of the Gloom Stalker, veiled in darkness - free to roam. * <mark>Monster Slayer</mark> Monstrosities beyond comprehension roam the once bright streets of Drakkenheim, untold horrors hold sway here. It is your task to hunt down the darkness and stamp it out. - <mark>Urban</mark> [[Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim]] * Beast Master (PHB or Tashas) * Hunter * Swarm Keeper * Drakewarden * ~~Fey Wanderer~~ * ~~Horizon Walker~~ ### Rogue * <mark>Assassin</mark> The [[Queen of Thieves]] rules this City with an heavy hand, there is always a need for those with a specific set of skills. [[The Haze]] provides the perfect setting for a silent killing. Do you have what it takes to do the secret deeds in this City? * <mark>Thief</mark> Once one of the richest cities in the World, now filled with treasure seekers, hopeful pilgrims, and foolish adventurers Drakkenheim is ripe for the plunder. Image what untold riches and prizes there are to be found around every-bend. - <mark>Smuggler</mark>[[Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim]] * Arcane Trickster * Highway Rider [Grimhollow Players Guide](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UweZKheHoSMXA6BHi34osv_pfu27OrSl/view?usp=sharing) * Inquisitive * Mastermind * Misfortune Bringer [Grimhollow Players Guide](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UweZKheHoSMXA6BHi34osv_pfu27OrSl/view?usp=sharing) * Phantom * Scout * Swashbuckler * ~~Soulknife~~ ### Sorcerer [[Magic & Spellcasting#Arcane Magic|Arcane Spellcaster]] All Sorcerer Subclasses will have an expanded spell list similar to the those detailed in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything (see DM). ^ExpandedSpellLists - <mark>Wild Magic</mark> [[Delerium]] has a tendency to have wild and chaotic interactions with magic. Wild Magic characters will be able to really identify with the unpredictable nature of the City. - <mark>Delerium Soul</mark> [[Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim]] * Aberrant Mind * Draconic Bloodline * Haunted [Grimhollow Players Guide](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UweZKheHoSMXA6BHi34osv_pfu27OrSl/view?usp=sharing) * Shadow Magic * Storm Sorcery * ~~Clockwork Soul~~ * ~~Divine Soul~~ ### Warlock [[Magic & Spellcasting#Arcane Magic|Arcane Spellcaster]] - <mark>The Flesh Pact</mark> [[Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim]] * The Archfey * The Fathomless * The Fiend * The Genie * The Great Old One * The Hexblade * The Undead * The Undying * ~~The Celestial~~ ### Wizard [[Magic & Spellcasting#Arcane Magic|Arcane Spellcaster]] - <mark>Order of the Scribes</mark> The mysteries of [[Delerium]] and [[the Haze]] are innumerable, the powerful arcane secrets left open to plunder in the Tower are beyond even the wisest of sages. This is the opportunity to account for much, to document and uncover much wisdom and power. - <mark>Malfeasant</mark> [[Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim]] * Bladesinging * School of Abjuration * School of Conjuration * School of Divination * School of Enchantment * School of Evocation * School of Illusion * School of Necromancy * School of Transmutation * Plague Doctor [Grimhollow Players Guide](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UweZKheHoSMXA6BHi34osv_pfu27OrSl/view?usp=sharing) * War Magic * ~~Chronurgy Magic~~ * ~~Graviturgy Magic~~ # Race ![[People of the Continent#^Peoples]] An astrix* means it is possible but would have significant social implications (see DM) Other Races to be considered (see DM) ### Dragonborn [[People of the Continent#^UncommonOrigins|Dragonborn]] in the realm * Chromatic (PHB or Fizbans) * Gem * Metallic (PHB or Fizbans) ### Dwarves [[People of the Continent#Dwarves|Dwarves]] in the realm * Gray * Hill * Mountain ### Elves [[People of the Continent#Elves|Elves]] in the realm * Drow * Eladrin * High * Sea * Wood ### Goliath [[People of the Continent#Uncommon Origins|Goliath]] in the realm ### Gnomes [[People of the Continent#Uncommon Origins|Gnomes]] in the realm * Deep * Forest * Rock ### Half-Elves [[People of the Continent#^HalfHumans|Half-Elves]] in the realm * Aquatic * Drow * High * Wood ### Halflings [[People of the Continent#Halflings|Halflings]] in the realm * Light foot * Stout ### Half-Orcs [[People of the Continent#^HalfHumans|Half-Orcs]] in the realm ### Humans [[People of the Continent#Humans|Humans]] in the realm ### Shifters [[People of the Continent#^UncommonOrigins|Shifters]] in the realm * Beasthide * Longtooth * Swiftstride (Feline) * Wildhunt ### Tabaxi [[People of the Continent#Uncommon Origins|Tabaxi]] in the realm ### Tieflings [[People of the Continent#Uncommon Origins|Tiefling]] in the realm * Baalzebul * Dispater * Fierna * Glasya * Levistus * Mammon * Mephistopheles * Variant * Zariel ### Monsterous Races (Possibly appropriate for [[Queen's Men]])* #### Bugbears [[People of the Continent#Uncommon Origins|Bugbears]] #### Goblins [[People of the Continent#Uncommon Origins|Goblins]] #### Hobgoblins [[People of the Continent#Uncommon Origins|Hobgoblins]] #### Orcs [[People of the Continent#Uncommon Origins|Orcs]] # Background All non-setting specific backgrounds will be considered but Drakkenheim specific ones are preferred. Please see [[Character Backgrounds]] for a list of [[Character Options|Backgrounds]] specific to this campaign # Spell Choices All spells of 5th level and below, from non-setting specific books, are generally available ~~(with the exception of '[[Shield]]' see [[Homebrew Rules]]).~~ 6th level and higher spells should be chosen in concert with the DM and are considered ‘subject to availability’. The spells from the following sources are okay: - Players Handbook * Sword Coast Adventurers Guide * Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons * Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything * Xanathar’s Guide to Everything Additional setting specific spells are available as a part of the Dungeons of Drakkenheim adventure. Though they are unlocked in the course of the campaign. # Personal Quests A character’s core motivation for adventuring in Drakkenheim is represented by their personal quest. This is a specific individual objective for player characters to achieve during the campaign, but players need not reveal their personal quest to each other. ## Goal When a character completes their personal quest, they choose one of the following rewards: **Ability Score Improvement**. One ability score of your choice increases by 2, as does your maximum for that score. **New Feat**. You gain a bonus feat of your choice, subject to the GM’s approval. ## Quests Player characters may select from the quests below, or work with the Game Master to design one: **Apocalyptic Vision** I have been haunted by visions of [[the meteor]] for fifteen years. Every time I sleep, I see it crashing down upon me. My personal quest is to see for myself what lies at the heart of [[the crater]]. I must overcome whatever I find there in order to stop these nightmares. ^ApocaplyticVision **Arcane Secrets** Forbidden lore lies in Drakkenheim. Several dark wizards living in the ruins have mastered terrible and powerful new magic. The [[Inscrutable Tower]] library stands unguarded, filled with spellbooks containing secret arcana. My personal quest is to learn these spells. ^ArcaneSecrets **Blighted Landscape** A blight on the natural order envelops Drakkenheim, but the [[contamination]] could spread beyond the city. My personal quest is to study the unnatural phenomena found within the most corrupt places in the city: [[Queen's Park Garden]], the [[underground waterways]], and [[the Crater]]’s Edge. Perhaps then I can develop a way to reverse the [[contamination]]. ^BlightedLandscape **Claim the Throne** Though my family has fallen on hard times, we were distantly related to the royal [[House von Kessel]]. I may have a claim to the throne of Drakkenheim. My personal quest is to search [[St. Vitruvio's Cathedral|the cathedral]], noble estates, and [[City Locations/Castle Drakken|the castle]] for sufficient evidence to conclusively prove my inheritance. Then I will take [[Crown of Westemär|the crown]] for myself. ^ClaimTheThrone **Faction Aspirant** I believe strongly in the ideals and goals of one of the five factions: either the [[Amethyst Academy]], the [[Followers of the Falling Fire]], the [[Hooded Lanterns]], the [[Knights of the Silver Order]], or the [[Queen's Men]]. My personal quest is to join the faction, aid their mission, climb the ranks, and rise to a high leadership position within their organization. ^FactionAspirant **Family Matter** One of my family members or close friends has become mixed up with one of the factions. Perhaps they have foolishly decided to join the organization. Alternatively, they’ve been taken prisoner by the faction due to some trespass or misunderstanding. Either way, my personal quest is to bring them back home. ^FamilyMatter **Find a Cure** I have a friend, family member, or loved one who was contaminated by [[delerium]] and turned into a monster. They have gone mad, and are lost somewhere in Drakkenheim. My personal quest is to locate them, then discover a way to reverse their horrific transformation. ^FindACure **Lost Heirloom** I used to live in Drakkenheim. My personal quest is to recover a lost heirloom from my old home, which was located somewhere in the Inner City. Perhaps the item is sentimental, valuable only to members of my family. Alternatively it may have magical properties, and I wish to use these powers to aid my own ambitions. ^LostHeirloom **Monster Slayer** I wish to leave behind a heroic legacy by defeating dread beasts. My personal quest is to slay three of the greatest monsters rumoured to dwell in Drakkenheim, and bring back their heads as trophies. Each must be a notable creature with a challenge rating greater than my own level when I defeat them. My allies can assist me, but I must strike the decisive blow myself! ^MonsterSlayer **Overwhelming Debt** I owe a tremendous debt of 10,000 gold pieces, maybe more. My personal quest is to pay it back by making a fortune in Drakkenheim collecting [[delerium]], plunder, and completing work-for-hire. Meanwhile, I must hide from bounty hunters my creditor send to kill me. ^OverwhelmingDebt **Personal Pilgrimage** As an acolyte of the faith, my personal quest is to visit several holy places in the city and perform a sacred ritual before the remains of the martyrs interred within each: the [[St. Vitruvio's Cathedral]], [[St. Selina's Monastery]], and the Chapel in [[City Locations/Castle Drakken]]. Through these devoted acts I will understand my place in the divine order. ^PersonalPilgrimage **Score to Settle** I have come to Drakkenheim to kill one of the faction leaders: either Archwizard [[Eldrick Runeweaver]], Knight-Captain [[Theodore Marshal]], Lord Commander [[Elias Drexel]], [[Lucretia Mathias]], or the [[Queen of Thieves]]. Perhaps I seek revenge for a past wrong. Alternatively, I may covet their position and wish to replace them. Either way, my personal quest is to slay them. ^ScoreToSettle # Retcon >[!Quote] The Chain of Acheron >What are you talking about? > Boots was always a Bard. A very wise man once said "the character sheet is an imperfect representation of your character." So every once and a while you need to update that character sheet to bring it more in line with who you are trying to play at the table. To this end, working with the DM, we can adjust and fix anything on the character sheet.