This article series details Sword and Sorcery in Fifth Edition and how you can implement it in your own games. It is also part of BroadSword Magazine, so if you are a subscriber and don’t wish to be spoiled, steer clear. In addition, this is not the final form of the content. Just the staging ground so I can start getting feedback on the material from Patreon and Reddit (similar to the way that WotC tests new material in their Unearthed Arcana series). Once I’ve done so, it will be removed from the site.
Table of Contents
- Introduction. What is Sword and Sorcery? And how I can I use it in my games?
- Sword and Sorcery Subclasses. What sort of subclasses exist in Sword and Sorcery worlds?
- New Setting: The Castle of Chaos. What is the Castle of Chaos? How can I use it in my Fifth Edition games?
- New Adventure: The Forsaken Peak Part 1. The Goblin Mine. What is the Forsaken Peak? And what is the Goblin Mine?
- New Monsters. What monsters are common in Sword and Sorcery settings? What new monsters can I incorporate into my Fifth Edition games?
- Seven Deadly Sins Artifacts. What are the Seven Deadly Sins Artifacts? How can I use them in my Fifth Edition games?
Part 2. Subclasses
The two subclasses listed below are available for characters to choose in addition to those normally offered.
At 3rd level, the barbarian gains the Primal Path feature and may choose the Destroyer option. And at 3rd level, the rogue gains the Roguish archetype feature and may choose the Sneak option.
Destroyer (Barbarian Primal Path)
Some barbarians are guardians. Others find their place in nature. Then there are those who seek only to destroy and conquer. These barbarian destroyers use their rage as a tool for unfettered violence. There are destroyers that dread this path, regretful of what they become when consumed by the fire inside. Others, however, enjoy the darkness and embrace it. “Crush your foes. See them driven before you. Hear the lamentations of the women.”
Ferocity
Starting when you choose this path at 3rd level, if you make a melee weapon attack against a creature while raging and the attack doesn’t reduce the creature’s hit points to 0, you can use your bonus action to make another melee weapon attack against the same target.
Siege Warrior
At 6th level, your attacks deal double damage to objects and structures. In addition, you have advantage on Strength checks made to break objects.
Fearful Presence
Beginning at 10th level, you exude an aura of fear that intimidates your foes. As an action, you force each creature of your choice that you can see within 10 feet of you to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC equal to 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier). On a failed save, a creature becomes frightened of you for 1 minute. The frightened creature can repeat this saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself with a success. Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you complete a long rest.
Avatar of Destruction
At 14th level, any time you reduce a creature to 0 hit points while raging, you gain 5 temporary hit points. These temporary hit points remain until your rage ends. In addition, as long as you have the temporary hit points granted by this feature, you gain the following benefits:
- You can attack three times, instead of twice, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.
- You can’t be charmed or frightened.
Sneak (Roguish Archetype)
Sure, it sounds redundant, don’t it? A rogue “sneak.” Hell, they’re all sneaks, ain’t they? But the rogue sneak is a thief that’s embraced its nature. There’s no excuse for what they do and they know it. Stealing things? Bring it on. Breaking and entering? Don’t mind if I do! Hiding in the shadows and sniping at foes? Gladly.
Distracting Feint
Starting at 3rd level, you can use your bonus action to make a single weapon attack against a target as long as you use a ranged or finesse weapon. If the attack hits, you deal 0 damage. You then have advantage on attack rolls against that target until the end of your turn.
Concealed Weapon
At 3rd level, it is nearly impossible to detect a weapon that’s hidden on your person. You have advantage on Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) checks made to conceal a carried weapon. The concealed weapon can weigh no more than 2 pounds.
Mislead
By 9th level, you’ve become a master of scams and cons, allowing you access to deeper pockets and heavier purses. If you use your action to make a Charisma (Deception) check contested by a target that is within 5 feet of you’s Wisdom (Insight) check and succeed on the contest, you can use your bonus action to make a Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check with advantage against the same target to pick its pocket without it noticing.
Escape Artist
At 13th level, it’s almost impossible to bind you. You can have advantage on ability checks to escape from nonmagical restraints such as manacles or a creature that has you grappled. In addition, you can pick locks even without the use of thieves’ tools. As long as you have a capable implement–such as a hairpin, a fork, or another small object (DM’s discretion)–you can make a Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check to pick the lock instead of a Dexterity check using thieves’ tools.
Trial and Error
Beginning at 17th level, if you make an attack roll against a target that you can see and miss, you have advantage against that same target until you hit it. Once you do so, you can’t use this feature again until you finish a short or long rest.
Next: Part 3. The Castle of Chaos Setting