diff --git a/book/MCDM Productions; Arcadia Issue 20.json b/book/MCDM Productions; Arcadia Issue 20.json index 288a5521b7..d9d3edbc44 100644 --- a/book/MCDM Productions; Arcadia Issue 20.json +++ b/book/MCDM Productions; Arcadia Issue 20.json @@ -20,6 +20,14 @@ "dateReleased": "2022-09-01" } ], + "dependencies": { + "monster": [ + "MM" + ] + }, + "internalCopies": [ + "monster" + ], "status": "ready", "dateAdded": 1697825233, "dateLastModified": 1697825233 @@ -315,6 +323,22 @@ } ] } + }, + { + "name": "Gem of Sending", + "source": "Ar20", + "page": 32, + "rarity": "uncommon", + "wondrous": true, + "recharge": "dawn", + "rechargeAmount": 1, + "charges": 1, + "entries": [ + "This gem is emblazoned with the symbol of the Scribes. While holding the gem, you can use an action to cast the {@spell sending} spell from it. The target is another creature carrying a gem of sending. Once {@spell sending} is cast through the gem, it can't be used again until the next dawn." + ], + "attachedSpells": [ + "sending" + ] } ], "magicvariant": [ @@ -807,6 +831,37 @@ } } }, + { + "name": "Debut Bronzeband", + "group": [ + "Writers" + ], + "isNamedCreature": true, + "source": "Ar20", + "page": 23, + "_copy": { + "name": "Writer", + "source": "Ar20", + "_trait": { + "name": "Rock Gnome", + "source": "PHB" + }, + "_mod": { + "*": { + "mode": "replaceTxt", + "replace": "The writer", + "with": "Debut", + "flags": "i" + } + } + }, + "fluff": { + "_monsterFluff": { + "name": "Debut Bronzeband", + "source": "Ar20" + } + } + }, { "name": "Dragon Priest", "source": "Ar20", @@ -2059,6 +2114,68 @@ } } }, + { + "name": "Samaapt", + "group": [ + "Writers" + ], + "isNamedCreature": true, + "source": "Ar20", + "page": 23, + "_copy": { + "name": "Writer", + "source": "Ar20", + "_trait": { + "name": "Tiefling", + "source": "PHB" + }, + "_mod": { + "*": { + "mode": "replaceTxt", + "replace": "The writer", + "with": "Samaapt", + "flags": "i" + } + } + }, + "fluff": { + "_monsterFluff": { + "name": "Samaapt", + "source": "Ar20" + } + } + }, + { + "name": "Sere'dina Elsys", + "group": [ + "Writers" + ], + "isNamedCreature": true, + "source": "Ar20", + "page": 24, + "_copy": { + "name": "Writer", + "source": "Ar20", + "_trait": { + "name": "High Elf", + "source": "PHB" + }, + "_mod": { + "*": { + "mode": "replaceTxt", + "replace": "The writer", + "with": "Sere'dina", + "flags": "i" + } + } + }, + "fluff": { + "_monsterFluff": { + "name": "Sere'dina Elsys", + "source": "Ar20" + } + } + }, { "name": "Shieldbearer Adept", "source": "Ar20", @@ -2145,211 +2262,764 @@ "source": "Ar20" } } - } - ], - "monsterFluff": [ - { - "name": "Auto-Sentinel", - "source": "Ar20", - "entries": [ - "Typically made of magically animated stone, iron, or brass, these constructs are created to defend others. Constructs designed as personal security already exist in the game, but those are monsters, and this is an NPC!", - "This stat block can serve as a powered-up version of the {@creature bodyguard|Ar18}{@sup {@cite Arcadia 18|Ar20|1}}, but it also captures the essence of {@link a type of character that I love to run|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz-yTQYZW6w}. Players tend to fall in love with protective sidekick robots that can't speak, but who are clearly sapient and have a sweet personality wholly at odds with their incredible strength. It's niche, but effective!" - ] }, { - "name": "Dragon Priest", + "name": "The Librarian", + "isNamedCreature": true, "source": "Ar20", - "entries": [ - "Ancient dragons are so suffused with magic that they can impart a fraction of their power to their most loyal pawns. The dragon priest is one such servant\u2014a cultist dedicated to the will of a powerful dragon, partially transformed by their patron into a quasi-draconic figure. The ancient dragon bestows \"gifts\" upon the priest that typically take the form of sharpened claws, filed teeth, reptilian eyes, and patches of diamond-hard scale.", + "page": 21, + "size": [ + "M" + ], + "type": "celestial", + "alignment": [ + "N" + ], + "ac": [ { - "type": "entries", - "style": "text-center", - "page": 11, - "entries": [ - { - "type": "quote", - "entries": [ - "I wield the very flame of Corzivax-Baloroth! Her power is mine!" - ] - } + "ac": 18, + "from": [ + "natural armor" ] } ], - "images": [ + "hp": { + "average": 266, + "formula": "28d8 + 140" + }, + "speed": { + "walk": 30, + "fly": 90 + }, + "str": 18, + "dex": 22, + "con": 20, + "int": 26, + "wis": 24, + "cha": 23, + "save": { + "int": "+14", + "wis": "+13", + "cha": "+12" + }, + "skill": { + "arcana": "+14", + "history": "+14", + "insight": "+13", + "religion": "+14" + }, + "senses": [ + "darkvision 120 ft.", + "truesight 120 ft." + ], + "passive": 17, + "resist": [ { - "type": "image", - "href": { - "type": "external", - "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Dragon Priest and Dragon Slayer.webp" - }, - "title": "Dragon Slayer & Dragon Priest", - "credit": "Patrik Hell" + "resist": [ + "bludgeoning", + "piercing", + "slashing" + ], + "note": "from nonmagical attacks", + "cond": true } - ] - }, - { - "name": "Dragon Slayer", - "source": "Ar20", - "entries": [ - "The inverse of a {@creature dragon priest|Ar20}, the dragon slayer is a powerful martial NPC that hunts and destroys great wyrms. Typically, this makes them heroes, but it depends on which dragons they slay. Your players might run afoul of a dragon slayer by protecting a good dragon or by stealing the glory of killing a dragon from a particularly prideful dragon slayer." ], - "images": [ + "immune": [ + "poison", + "radiant" + ], + "conditionImmune": [ + "charmed", + "exhaustion", + "frightened", + "poisoned" + ], + "languages": [ + "all", + "telepathy 120 ft." + ], + "cr": "20", + "spellcasting": [ { - "type": "image", - "href": { - "type": "external", - "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Dragon Priest and Dragon Slayer.webp" + "name": "Spellcasting", + "type": "spellcasting", + "headerEntries": [ + "The Librarian casts one of the following spells, requiring no material or verbal components and using Intelligence as the spellcasting ability (spell save {@dc 22}):" + ], + "will": [ + "{@spell alter self}", + "{@spell hold person}", + "{@spell mirror image}", + "{@spell prestidigitation}", + "{@spell sending}", + "{@spell silence}", + "{@spell thaumaturgy}", + "{@spell unseen servant}" + ], + "daily": { + "3e": [ + "{@spell mass suggestion}", + "{@spell shield}", + "{@spell spirit guardians}" + ], + "1e": [ + "{@spell prismatic wall}" + ] }, - "title": "Dragon Slayer", - "credit": "Patrik Hell" + "ability": "int", + "displayAs": "action" } - ] - }, - { - "name": "Gish", - "source": "Ar20", - "entries": [ - "The gish is a character with equal skill in martial might and arcane magic. The word gish comes from a certain group of creatures that shall not (legally) be named from a book published in 1980, but it has come to mean any eldritch-knight-type, sword-wielding spell-slinger. A spellsword!", - "I think that gish should be tough as nails\u2014the perfect combatant, with few, if any, weaknesses\u2014so that's what you've got here!", - "The gish begins combat by casting {@spell eldritch blast} or {@spell fireball} to soften up the characters from a distance while piling on buffs for a few turns, like the {@spell fire shield} and {@spell haste} spells. After that, the gish can easily move into melee range with Witch Step and switch to attacking with their {@item longsword|PHB}. When reduced to half their hit point maximum (97), they start using the {@spell vampiric touch} spell each round to regain some vitality. When the gish is reduced to 49 hit points, they use Witch Step to escape or they surrender." - ] - }, - { - "name": "Hero", - "source": "Ar20", - "entries": [ - "Heroes are fun to use as NPCs when your characters have become frighteningly powerful themselves! You can use this stat block to represent legendary NPCs in your world, on par with figures like {@link Conan the Barbarian|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5K3AKl5qpc} or {@link Xena: Warrior Princess|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9UY1V66E8I}, or demigods like Hercules and Gilgamesh.", - "The party might clash with a hero if they have a reputation for morally questionable decisions or if they've been set up! Or maybe the hero has fallen victim to the duplicitous mind control of a cunning villain? In any case, I wish your players luck if they wind up as an obstacle in the hero's way." - ] - }, - { - "name": "Polymath", - "source": "Ar20", - "entries": [ - "The polymath knows just about everything. These NPCs are geniuses who rely on the breadth and depth of their smarts instead of the strength of their sword arm. They're so intelligent there's probably only one polymath on a planet. Maybe two ... and those two are probably rivals.", - "A polymath almost always knows when they have enemies coming, and given time to prepare, they set traps throughout the battlefield, whether in their lair or not.", + ], + "trait": [ { - "type": "entries", - "name": "A Polymath's Lair", - "page": 15, + "name": "Celestial Weapons", "entries": [ - "Most polymaths build a stronghold\u2014a secret laboratory, a floating airship, or a forgotten island. The only common thread is that the polymath likes to keep their lair hidden so they can store the knowledge they have amassed without drawing attention.", - "A polymath encountered in their lair has a challenge rating of 19 (22,000 XP)." + "The Librarian's weapon attacks are magical. When the Librarian hits with any weapon, the weapon deals an extra {@damage 3d8} radiant damage (included in the attack)." + ] + }, + { + "name": "Legendary Resistance (3/Day)", + "entries": [ + "If the Librarian fails a saving throw, she can choose to succeed instead." + ] + }, + { + "name": "Magic Resistance", + "entries": [ + "The Librarian has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects." + ] + }, + { + "name": "Protective Prison", + "entries": [ + "The Librarian can't leave the Vault by any means unless the gods that created the Vault end her imprisonment." + ] + }, + { + "name": "Regeneration", + "entries": [ + "The Librarian regains 20 hit points at the start of her turn if she has at least 1 hit point and is in the Vault." + ] + }, + { + "name": "Renewed", + "entries": [ + "If the Librarian is destroyed, the Vault's magical operations cease for {@dice 1d10} days. At the end of this time, the Librarian reforms in the Vault, regaining all her hit points and becoming active again." ] } - ] - }, - { - "name": "Saint", - "source": "Ar20", - "entries": [ - "When a mortal dies in service to their deity, they sometimes return as a saint: an incarnation of that god's power and will made tangible. When the faithful cry out to their gods, it is the saints who answer. This might not be true in your world, but if you're playing at higher levels, you can get mileage out of this stat block regardless, as it can represent an avatar of divine fury or any being with a demigod's power.", - "The saint can utterly destroy most mortals with a wave of the hand, a quiet sigh, or a mere look. Only a party of the strongest characters from across the timescape could ever hope to stand against one, and even defeating a saint doesn't permanently destroy them.", + ], + "action": [ { - "type": "entries", - "style": "text-center", - "page": 18, + "name": "Multiattack", "entries": [ - { - "type": "quote", - "entries": [ - "It was Gaed who died at the hands of the devil spy. It was Saint Gaed the Confessor, now immortal, who returned and slew the devil." - ] - } + "The Librarian makes two Tome Smack attacks and one Tsk, Tsk, Tsk attack." + ] + }, + { + "name": "Tome Smack", + "entries": [ + "{@atk mw} {@hit 12} to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. {@h}19 ({@damage 3d8 + 6}) bludgeoning damage plus 13 ({@damage 3d8}) radiant damage." + ] + }, + { + "name": "Tsk, Tsk, Tsk", + "entries": [ + "{@atk rs} {@hit 14} to hit, range 120 ft., one creature. {@h}34 ({@damage 4d12 + 8}) psychic damage. The target must succeed on a {@dc 22} Intelligence saving throw or be unable to make ranged attacks or cast spells other than cantrips for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of their turns, ending the effect on themself on a success." + ] + }, + { + "name": "This Needs Work {@recharge 5}", + "entries": [ + "The Librarian pulls a lifebook and a feather quill from the air, then rewrites the fates of those who dare attack her. All creatures of the Librarian's choice within 60 feet of her must make a {@dc 22} Intelligence saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 32 ({@damage 5d12}) psychic damage and is {@condition stunned} until the start of the Librarian's next turn. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage and isn't {@condition stunned}." ] } ], - "images": [ + "bonus": [ { - "type": "image", - "href": { - "type": "external", - "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Saint.webp" - }, - "credit": "Patrik Hell" + "name": "Quick Edits", + "entries": [ + "The Librarian pulls a pencil from her hair and writes in the air, summoning a distracting, illusory object within 5 feet of a creature she can see within 60 feet of her. The target has disadvantage on the next attack roll they make before the start of the Librarian's next turn, whereupon the object disappears." + ] } + ], + "reaction": [ + { + "name": "Choose My Own Path", + "entries": [ + "When the Librarian is targeted by an attack, she can step into one lifebook within 5 feet of her and emerge from a second lifebook within 120 feet of her, appearing in an unoccupied space within 5 feet of the second lifebook, potentially causing the attack to miss if the Librarian is out of range of the attack." + ] + } + ], + "legendary": [ + { + "name": "Cloud of Pages", + "entries": [ + "The Librarian calls books from the shelves and stacks around her, filling the air with whirling tomes and pages in a 5-foot-radius, 20-foothigh column centered on a point within 120 feet of her. A creature except for the Librarian takes 15 ({@damage 6d4}) slashing damage when they enter that area for the first time on a turn or start their turn there. The books fall to the ground at the start of the Librarian's next turn." + ] + }, + { + "name": "Pen Is Mightier", + "entries": [ + "The Librarian makes a Tome Smack attack." + ] + }, + { + "name": "Shhh!", + "entries": [ + "The Librarian casts the {@spell silence} spell." + ] + } + ], + "tokenUrl": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Librarian Token.webp", + "traitTags": [ + "Legendary Resistances", + "Magic Resistance", + "Regeneration" + ], + "senseTags": [ + "SD", + "U" + ], + "actionTags": [ + "Multiattack" + ], + "languageTags": [ + "TP", + "XX" + ], + "damageTags": [ + "B", + "R", + "S", + "Y" + ], + "damageTagsSpell": [ + "A", + "B", + "C", + "F", + "I", + "L", + "N", + "O", + "P", + "R", + "S" + ], + "spellcastingTags": [ + "O" + ], + "miscTags": [ + "AOE", + "MW" + ], + "conditionInflict": [ + "stunned" + ], + "conditionInflictSpell": [ + "blinded", + "deafened", + "paralyzed", + "petrified", + "restrained" + ], + "savingThrowForced": [ + "intelligence" + ], + "savingThrowForcedSpell": [ + "constitution", + "dexterity", + "wisdom" + ], + "fluff": { + "_monsterFluff": { + "name": "The Librarian", + "source": "Ar20" + } + } + }, + { + "name": "Writer", + "source": "Ar20", + "page": 24, + "_copy": { + "name": "Archmage", + "source": "MM", + "_mod": { + "*": { + "mode": "replaceTxt", + "replace": "The archmage", + "with": "The writer", + "flags": "i" + } + } + }, + "bonus": [ + { + "name": "Channel Vault (2/Day)", + "entries": [ + "The writer touches another creature. The target regains 15 ({@dice 3d8 + 2}) hit points or is freed from any curse, disease, poison, {@condition blinded|PHB|blindness}, or {@condition deafened|PHB|deafness}." + ] + } + ], + "variant": null, + "fluff": { + "_monsterFluff": { + "name": "Writer", + "source": "Ar20" + } + } + } + ], + "monsterFluff": [ + { + "name": "Auto-Sentinel", + "source": "Ar20", + "entries": [ + "Typically made of magically animated stone, iron, or brass, these constructs are created to defend others. Constructs designed as personal security already exist in the game, but those are monsters, and this is an NPC!", + "This stat block can serve as a powered-up version of the {@creature bodyguard|Ar18}{@sup {@cite Arcadia 18|Ar20|1}}, but it also captures the essence of {@link a type of character that I love to run|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz-yTQYZW6w}. Players tend to fall in love with protective sidekick robots that can't speak, but who are clearly sapient and have a sweet personality wholly at odds with their incredible strength. It's niche, but effective!" ] }, { - "name": "Shieldbearer Adept", + "name": "Debut Bronzeband", "source": "Ar20", "entries": [ - "Retainers are unique NPC followers who pledge their service to player characters. The following stat block presents a fighter retainer who uses their shield to attack and defend.", - "The {@book full rules for retainers|SaF|8|Retainers} can be found in {@loader Strongholds & Followers|collection/MCDM Productions; Strongholds and Followers.json}." + "As the Writer of the Fallen Eye, Debut Bronzeband is always the first with a plan.", + "Debut grew up on the streets committing petty theft. His brilliant mind for elaborate schemes led to masterful heists, and city officials overlooked his crimes in exchange for consultation on other cases. Finally, his brazen daylight theft of the memorial statue of local hero Tohmas \"the Ashen Hound\" got him thrown in prison. His arrest shook his confidence, and he spent the next few years formulating and scrapping brilliant escape plans. The Ashen Hound was a hero the Scribes had a hand in creating, causing the Librarian to ask the Scribes to free and recruit Debut.", + "When the characters first encounter Debut, read or paraphrase the following:", + { + "type": "insetReadaloud", + "page": 23, + "entries": [ + "A bedraggled young gnome has a dozen chewed pencils jutting out of the pockets of his well-tailored, rust-colored jacket. His shoulders are already hunched despite his youth, evident from the patchy beard he tried to shape into a distinguished point." + ] + }, + { + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang", + "page": 23, + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Overview", + "entries": [ + "An introverted perfectionist and scheming mastermind" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Phrase", + "entries": [ + "\"You've got one shot to get it right.\"" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Traits", + "entries": [ + "Analytical, egotistical, risk-averse" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Motivation", + "entries": [ + "Although he feels indebted to the Scribes and masterfully manages their day-to-day operations, Debut intends to one day start his own story away from the organization\u2014if he could only perfect his plan for the future." + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "name": "Dragon Priest", + "source": "Ar20", + "entries": [ + "Ancient dragons are so suffused with magic that they can impart a fraction of their power to their most loyal pawns. The dragon priest is one such servant\u2014a cultist dedicated to the will of a powerful dragon, partially transformed by their patron into a quasi-draconic figure. The ancient dragon bestows \"gifts\" upon the priest that typically take the form of sharpened claws, filed teeth, reptilian eyes, and patches of diamond-hard scale.", + { + "type": "entries", + "style": "text-center", + "page": 11, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "quote", + "entries": [ + "I wield the very flame of Corzivax-Baloroth! Her power is mine!" + ] + } + ] + } ], "images": [ { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "external", - "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Shieldbearer Adept.webp" + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Dragon Priest and Dragon Slayer.webp" }, - "credit": "{@link Alejandro Pacheco|https://pachecoart.com/work-for-arcadia-mcdm}" + "title": "Dragon Slayer & Dragon Priest", + "credit": "Patrik Hell" } ] - } - ], - "legendaryGroup": [ + }, { - "name": "Polymath", + "name": "Dragon Slayer", "source": "Ar20", - "page": 15, - "lairActions": [ - "On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), the polymath can take a lair action to cause one of the following effects; the polymath can't use the same effect two rounds in a row.", + "entries": [ + "The inverse of a {@creature dragon priest|Ar20}, the dragon slayer is a powerful martial NPC that hunts and destroys great wyrms. Typically, this makes them heroes, but it depends on which dragons they slay. Your players might run afoul of a dragon slayer by protecting a good dragon or by stealing the glory of killing a dragon from a particularly prideful dragon slayer." + ], + "images": [ { - "type": "list", - "items": [ - "The polymath activates powerful magnets in the lair's roof, attracting metal equipment and objects in a 10-foot radius cylinder, extending from the floor to the ceiling, centered on a point the polymath can see within 60 feet of them. Each creature in that area must make a {@dc 18} Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, any metal weapon or object held by the target is wrenched out of their grasp and attaches to the ceiling. Additionally, if the target is wearing medium or heavy armor made of metal, they fall upward, taking fall damage as they would during a downward fall when they strike the ceiling, and become restrained. Affected objects and creatures fall back down at the end of initiative count 20 on the next round.", - "Arrows fire from hidden traps in the walls, targeting three creatures of the polymath's choice within 60 feet of them. Each target must make a {@dc 18} Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a target takes 14 ({@damage 4d6}) piercing damage and is {@condition poisoned} until the end of their next turn. On a successful save, the target takes half as much damage and isn't {@condition poisoned}.", - "A 5-foot-wide, 10-foot-tall hidden door opens in one of the lair's walls at a point of the polymath's choice. If the polymath is within 5 feet of the opening when it appears, they can move up to their speed without provoking {@action opportunity attack|PHB|opportunity attacks} through the opening as part of this lair action, and the door closes behind them. If the polymath isn't within 5 feet of the opening when it appears, {@dice 1d4 + 1} {@creature mercenary|Ar18|mercenaries}{@sup {@cite Arcadia 18|Ar20|2}} or {@creature veteran|MM|veterans} loyal to the polymath enter the room, acting on initiative count 20 each round after the polymath takes a lair action." - ] + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Dragon Priest and Dragon Slayer.webp" + }, + "title": "Dragon Slayer", + "credit": "Patrik Hell" } ] - } - ], - "variantrule": [ + }, { - "name": "Optional Rule: Missed the Mark", + "name": "Gish", "source": "Ar20", - "page": 3, - "ruleType": "O", "entries": [ - "If your group enjoys having meaningful effects on \"critical failures,\" you can add the following rule to the {@subclassFeature Shield Toss|Fighter|PHB|Shieldbearer|Ar20|7|Ar20} feature: if you roll a 1 on a ranged attack roll using a shield, the shield doesn't return to you, but instead lands harmlessly in your target's space." + "The gish is a character with equal skill in martial might and arcane magic. The word gish comes from a certain group of creatures that shall not (legally) be named from a book published in 1980, but it has come to mean any eldritch-knight-type, sword-wielding spell-slinger. A spellsword!", + "I think that gish should be tough as nails\u2014the perfect combatant, with few, if any, weaknesses\u2014so that's what you've got here!", + "The gish begins combat by casting {@spell eldritch blast} or {@spell fireball} to soften up the characters from a distance while piling on buffs for a few turns, like the {@spell fire shield} and {@spell haste} spells. After that, the gish can easily move into melee range with Witch Step and switch to attacking with their {@item longsword|PHB}. When reduced to half their hit point maximum (97), they start using the {@spell vampiric touch} spell each round to regain some vitality. When the gish is reduced to 49 hit points, they use Witch Step to escape or they surrender." ] }, { - "name": "Shield Rules Tips", + "name": "Hero", "source": "Ar20", - "page": 7, - "ruleType": "O", "entries": [ - "The following tips clarify possible questions and o‹er suggestions for using your shield creatively.", + "Heroes are fun to use as NPCs when your characters have become frighteningly powerful themselves! You can use this stat block to represent legendary NPCs in your world, on par with figures like {@link Conan the Barbarian|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5K3AKl5qpc} or {@link Xena: Warrior Princess|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9UY1V66E8I}, or demigods like Hercules and Gilgamesh.", + "The party might clash with a hero if they have a reputation for morally questionable decisions or if they've been set up! Or maybe the hero has fallen victim to the duplicitous mind control of a cunning villain? In any case, I wish your players luck if they wind up as an obstacle in the hero's way." + ] + }, + { + "name": "Polymath", + "source": "Ar20", + "entries": [ + "The polymath knows just about everything. These NPCs are geniuses who rely on the breadth and depth of their smarts instead of the strength of their sword arm. They're so intelligent there's probably only one polymath on a planet. Maybe two ... and those two are probably rivals.", + "A polymath almost always knows when they have enemies coming, and given time to prepare, they set traps throughout the battlefield, whether in their lair or not.", { "type": "entries", - "name": "Attacking with a Shield in the Core Rules", - "page": 7, + "name": "A Polymath's Lair", + "page": 15, "entries": [ - "Even if they aren't a Shieldbearer, anyone can use their shield as an improvised melee weapon. But while they can technically attack with it, they don't add their proficiency bonus to the attack roll, and it only deals only {@damage 1d4} damage. Shieldbearers, on the other hand, are proficient with attacking with a shield and can deal more damage with it." + "Most polymaths build a stronghold\u2014a secret laboratory, a floating airship, or a forgotten island. The only common thread is that the polymath likes to keep their lair hidden so they can store the knowledge they have amassed without drawing attention.", + "A polymath encountered in their lair has a challenge rating of 19 (22,000 XP)." ] - }, + } + ] + }, + { + "name": "Saint", + "source": "Ar20", + "entries": [ + "When a mortal dies in service to their deity, they sometimes return as a saint: an incarnation of that god's power and will made tangible. When the faithful cry out to their gods, it is the saints who answer. This might not be true in your world, but if you're playing at higher levels, you can get mileage out of this stat block regardless, as it can represent an avatar of divine fury or any being with a demigod's power.", + "The saint can utterly destroy most mortals with a wave of the hand, a quiet sigh, or a mere look. Only a party of the strongest characters from across the timescape could ever hope to stand against one, and even defeating a saint doesn't permanently destroy them.", { "type": "entries", - "name": "Two Shields at Once", - "page": 7, + "style": "text-center", + "page": 18, "entries": [ - "If you want to use shields and only shields, you can absolutely dual-wield two shields at once. However, you only gain one shield's bonus to AC, since bonuses from the same source (i.e., a shield) don't stack." + { + "type": "quote", + "entries": [ + "It was Gaed who died at the hands of the devil spy. It was Saint Gaed the Confessor, now immortal, who returned and slew the devil." + ] + } ] - }, + } + ], + "images": [ { - "type": "entries", - "name": "Bouncing Off the Walls", - "page": 7, + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Saint.webp" + }, + "credit": "Patrik Hell" + } + ] + }, + { + "name": "Samaapt", + "source": "Ar20", + "entries": [ + "As the Writer of Chaos, Samaapt focuses on creating the kind of shock that makes a good story irresistible. They speak with gravitas and the boisterous motion of a consummate thespian. Despite their cultivated intimidating appearance, Samaapt can win most over with a disarming smile and a welcoming gesture.", + "Samaapt rose to fame as a beloved celebrity prizefighter known for suspenseful matches, close calls, and dramatic victories. However, a fall from grace soon followed when they drunkenly revealed that they played down their skill to make bouts exciting and that their opponents were chosen for their lack of prowess so the tiefling could avoid danger. The story of Samaapt's deception spread overnight. They were an outcast, spat on in the streets and unable to draw a crowd. Recognizing their skill for spontaneity and theatrics, the Scribes recruited them, making all the world their stage.", + "When the characters first encounter Samaapt, read or paraphrase the following:", + { + "type": "insetReadaloud", + "page": 23, "entries": [ - "Using your shield to ricochet between multiple targets is great fun, and so is bouncing a thrown shield off the environment. Even when you make a normal attack you can describe your shield rebounding off a pillar to hit a monster in the head for some awesome flavor. But at your GM's discretion, you might also use the environment to perform unusual moves. For example, your GM might let you bounce your shield around a corner to attack a target with total cover as if it had half or no cover, or throw your shield at a metal staircase to create a loud diversion. GMs are encouraged to lean toward the \"rule of cool\" and reward creativity when adjudicating such situations." + "This broad-shouldered tiefling sports evidence of a hundred battles on their skin, most of which is covered by jagged black armor with ornate red detailing. Wide, flat horns start at their hairline and curl overtop and around the sides of their head." ] }, { - "type": "entries", + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang", + "page": 23, + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Overview", + "entries": [ + "An enthusiastic entertainer and passionate mentor" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Phrase", + "entries": [ + "\"Give me a bloody good show.\"" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Traits", + "entries": [ + "Engaging, boisterous, impulsive" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Motivation", + "entries": [ + "While they seem content mentoring Scribes in the ways of improvisation and theatrics for storytelling, Samaapt secretly seeks a conversion that will allow them to sacrifice themself in the ultimate blaze of glory and win back the public adulation they lost." + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "name": "Sere'dina Elsys", + "source": "Ar20", + "entries": [ + "As the Writer of the Cracked Crown, Sere'dina Elsys ensures conversions cause transformation in her targets.", + "Sere'dina was one of the greatest military advisors of her time, serving a warlord named Corym Nevermour. She organized countless bloodbaths, caring for little more than winning and disregarding the communities destroyed by her e.orts. But every victory left her feeling hollow. An unseen force began souring her operations with incredibly implausible twists of fate, leading to Corym calling her skills into question. So she laid a trap and caught a team of Scribe operatives interfering in her war. Though she initially wanted to prove that others were responsible for her failures, the intrigue of the Scribes, the opportunity they presented to use her political and tactical mind, and the mundanity of Corym's military campaign swayed her to join the Scribes instead.", + "When the characters first encounter Sere'dina, read or paraphrase the following boxed text:", + { + "type": "insetReadaloud", + "page": 24, + "entries": [ + "A tall elven woman with a supercilious expression and flowing golden hair wears dusky brown traveler's clothes with leather armor covering her shins, forearms, and shoulders." + ] + }, + { + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang", + "page": 24, + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Overview", + "entries": [ + "A ruthlessly logical and efficient strategist" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Phrase", + "entries": [ + "\"Make me care about it.\"" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Traits", + "entries": [ + "Rational, pretentious, brooding" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Motivation", + "entries": [ + "As the greatest strategist of her time, Sere'dina believes she is best suited to see the long-term impact of conversions and decide how the Scribes' actions will shape society. She's been in the role for nearly 600 years, but despite her desire to continue the work forever, the elf's life is nearing its end. Sere'dina knows that she needs to choose a successor, but so far she has found no one worthy of the role." + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "name": "Shieldbearer Adept", + "source": "Ar20", + "entries": [ + "Retainers are unique NPC followers who pledge their service to player characters. The following stat block presents a fighter retainer who uses their shield to attack and defend.", + "The {@book full rules for retainers|SaF|8|Retainers} can be found in {@loader Strongholds & Followers|collection/MCDM Productions; Strongholds and Followers.json}." + ], + "images": [ + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Shieldbearer Adept.webp" + }, + "credit": "{@link Alejandro Pacheco|https://pachecoart.com/work-for-arcadia-mcdm}" + } + ] + }, + { + "name": "The Librarian", + "source": "Ar20", + "entries": [ + "Read or paraphrase the following text to introduce the Librarian:", + { + "type": "insetReadaloud", + "page": 20, + "entries": [ + "A wrinkled, frail woman with billowing grey hair stands among piles of disorganized tomes. Her elegant purple robes glimmer with gold embellishments along the skirt, buttons, and collar. She holds a large open book in one hand, and faint gold lettering dances on the surface of her skin." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "entries": [ + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Roleplaying Notes", + "page": 20, + "entries": [ + "You can use the following notes to help roleplay the Librarian.", + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Overview", + "page": 20, + "entries": [ + "An aloof professional whose storytelling is more an inherent need than a chosen vocation" + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Phrase", + "page": 20, + "entries": [ + "\"Those who tell the stories rule society.\"" + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Traits", + "page": 20, + "entries": [ + "Oscillating temperament, curious, enigmatic" + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Motivation", + "page": 20, + "entries": [ + "The Librarian's greatest desire is to fill everything she reads with action, drama, and stronger plotlines than \"Jard the guard made his fourteenth uneventful lap around the castle.\"" + ] + }, + "If presented with the opportunity, the Librarian may take revenge on her captors, but she doesn't actively seek retribution. She has relegated herself to the Vault and has found purpose in the Scribes.", + { + "type": "inset", + "page": 20, + "name": "GM Tip: A Different Librarian", + "entries": [ + "The roleplay details of the Librarian are provided in case you want to use her as an interactive character. Alternatively, she could be a mysterious figure who never leaves her books, contemplating aloud what she'd like to see in a particular story while the Writers convert the musings into conversions. The Writers could also have agendas that influence those interpretations, adding intrigue to your game." + ] + } + ] + } + ] + } + ], + "images": [ + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Librarian.webp" + }, + "credit": "Matheus Graef" + } + ] + }, + { + "name": "Writer", + "source": "Ar20", + "entries": [ + "Though the Librarian isn't a deity, the Writers worship her with fervor and zeal. Each Writer also oversees a discipline within the Scribes. The disciplines are based on storytelling themes: action, drama, and plot. The plot-themed discipline is the Fallen Eye, the action-themed discipline is Chaos, and the drama-themed discipline is the Cracked Crown. The disciplines are not kept apart and it is rare to have a mission with operatives from only one discipline. They need each other, and the Writers encourage that.", + { + "type": "inset", + "page": 22, + "name": "How dare they", + "entries": [ + "There has been only one group of Writers, the Forsaken, who tried to take conversions into their own hands. Remnants of texts from their time tell of a demon persuading them to release the Librarian, while other texts claim a Writer tried to overthrow the Celestial. While it is unlikely any of the Forsaken are still alive, the Writers are always alert for signs of them and other rogue operatives. If an operative questions the organization's purpose, they are removed from the Scribes. The typical procedure for removing an operative is a modify memory spell followed by abandonment on the Material Plane to live an unremarkable life, but the Writers have been known to get creative." + ] + } + ] + } + ], + "legendaryGroup": [ + { + "name": "Polymath", + "source": "Ar20", + "page": 15, + "lairActions": [ + "On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), the polymath can take a lair action to cause one of the following effects; the polymath can't use the same effect two rounds in a row.", + { + "type": "list", + "items": [ + "The polymath activates powerful magnets in the lair's roof, attracting metal equipment and objects in a 10-foot radius cylinder, extending from the floor to the ceiling, centered on a point the polymath can see within 60 feet of them. Each creature in that area must make a {@dc 18} Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, any metal weapon or object held by the target is wrenched out of their grasp and attaches to the ceiling. Additionally, if the target is wearing medium or heavy armor made of metal, they fall upward, taking fall damage as they would during a downward fall when they strike the ceiling, and become restrained. Affected objects and creatures fall back down at the end of initiative count 20 on the next round.", + "Arrows fire from hidden traps in the walls, targeting three creatures of the polymath's choice within 60 feet of them. Each target must make a {@dc 18} Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a target takes 14 ({@damage 4d6}) piercing damage and is {@condition poisoned} until the end of their next turn. On a successful save, the target takes half as much damage and isn't {@condition poisoned}.", + "A 5-foot-wide, 10-foot-tall hidden door opens in one of the lair's walls at a point of the polymath's choice. If the polymath is within 5 feet of the opening when it appears, they can move up to their speed without provoking {@action opportunity attack|PHB|opportunity attacks} through the opening as part of this lair action, and the door closes behind them. If the polymath isn't within 5 feet of the opening when it appears, {@dice 1d4 + 1} {@creature mercenary|Ar18|mercenaries}{@sup {@cite Arcadia 18|Ar20|2}} or {@creature veteran|MM|veterans} loyal to the polymath enter the room, acting on initiative count 20 each round after the polymath takes a lair action." + ] + } + ] + } + ], + "variantrule": [ + { + "name": "Optional Rule: Missed the Mark", + "source": "Ar20", + "page": 3, + "ruleType": "O", + "entries": [ + "If your group enjoys having meaningful effects on \"critical failures,\" you can add the following rule to the {@subclassFeature Shield Toss|Fighter|PHB|Shieldbearer|Ar20|7|Ar20} feature: if you roll a 1 on a ranged attack roll using a shield, the shield doesn't return to you, but instead lands harmlessly in your target's space." + ] + }, + { + "name": "Shield Rules Tips", + "source": "Ar20", + "page": 7, + "ruleType": "O", + "entries": [ + "The following tips clarify possible questions and o‹er suggestions for using your shield creatively.", + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Attacking with a Shield in the Core Rules", + "page": 7, + "entries": [ + "Even if they aren't a Shieldbearer, anyone can use their shield as an improvised melee weapon. But while they can technically attack with it, they don't add their proficiency bonus to the attack roll, and it only deals only {@damage 1d4} damage. Shieldbearers, on the other hand, are proficient with attacking with a shield and can deal more damage with it." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Two Shields at Once", + "page": 7, + "entries": [ + "If you want to use shields and only shields, you can absolutely dual-wield two shields at once. However, you only gain one shield's bonus to AC, since bonuses from the same source (i.e., a shield) don't stack." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Bouncing Off the Walls", + "page": 7, + "entries": [ + "Using your shield to ricochet between multiple targets is great fun, and so is bouncing a thrown shield off the environment. Even when you make a normal attack you can describe your shield rebounding off a pillar to hit a monster in the head for some awesome flavor. But at your GM's discretion, you might also use the environment to perform unusual moves. For example, your GM might let you bounce your shield around a corner to attack a target with total cover as if it had half or no cover, or throw your shield at a metal staircase to create a loud diversion. GMs are encouraged to lean toward the \"rule of cool\" and reward creativity when adjudicating such situations." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", "name": "Shield Surfing", "page": 7, "entries": [ @@ -2360,6 +3030,56 @@ } ], "table": [ + { + "name": "Scribe Rank Benefits", + "source": "Ar20", + "page": 31, + "colLabels": [ + "Rank", + "Completed Conversions", + "General Benefits", + "Chaos Benefits", + "Cracked Crown Benefits", + "Fallen Eye Benefits" + ], + "rows": [ + [ + "Acolyte", + "0", + "Free nonmagical armor and weapons worth 10 gp or less", + "{@item gem of sending|Ar20}", + "{@item gem of sending|Ar20}", + "{@item gem of sending|Ar20}" + ], + [ + "Apprentice", + "3", + "Free nonmagical armor and weapons worth 50 gp or less", + "Choice of a {@item deck of illusions}, an {@item immovable rod}, or {@item boots of striding and springing}", + "Choice of a {@item cloak of elvenkind}, {@item eyes of charming}, or a {@item hat of disguise}", + "Choice of {@item boots of elvenkind}, a {@item broom of flying}, or a {@item medallion of thoughts}" + ], + [ + "Sentinel", + "7", + "Free nonmagical adventuring gear worth 100 gp or less and free nonmagical armor or weapons of any price", + "Choice of a {@item portable hole}, a {@item ring of free action}, or {@item slippers of spider climbing}", + "Choice of {@item dimensional shackles}, a {@item helm of teleportation}, or a {@item rope of entanglement}", + "Choice of a {@item cape of the mountebank}, a {@item cube of force}, or a {@item gem of seeing}" + ], + [ + "Fabulist*", + "12+", + "Individual private quarters in the balcony area", + "The operative gains proficiency in the {@skill Athletics} or {@skill Acrobatics} skill and the choice of {@item Nolzur's Marvelous Pigments|DMG|marvelous pigments}, an {@item oathbow}, or a {@item ring of shooting stars}.", + "The operative gains proficiency in the {@skill Intimidation} or {@skill Persuasion} skill and the choice of a {@item ring of telekinesis}, a {@item robe of scintillating colors}, or a {@item rod of security}.", + "The operative gains proficiency in the {@skill Insight} or {@skill Perception} skill and the choice of a {@item carpet of flying}, a {@item crystal ball}, or a {@item rod of alertness}." + ] + ], + "footnotes": [ + "*An operative who already has proficiency in both skills offered at this rank can choose a different skill at the GM's discretion." + ] + }, { "name": "Shields", "source": "Ar20", @@ -2422,6 +3142,65 @@ "Cumbersome" ] ] + }, + { + "name": "Story Suggestions", + "source": "Ar20", + "page": 30, + "colLabels": [ + "d12", + "Story Suggestion" + ], + "rows": [ + [ + "1", + "A merchant was beset by goblins but saved by adventurers, and now wishes to gain skills to protect themself against future attacks." + ], + [ + "2", + "An adventurer is embroiled in a quest to topple a pirate captain and their ruthless regime." + ], + [ + "3", + "After missing a day of work, an accomplished miner returns to find their colleagues missing and a notebook filled with scrawlings of eyes in their place." + ], + [ + "4", + "An accordion player in a traveling band comes across a rejuvenating pendant. Each band member covets the item." + ], + [ + "5", + "A being made of wood gains sentience and seeks answers as to why they exist." + ], + [ + "6", + "A demonic rift whispers promises of power to a homesteader in the woods. They wrestle between telling others of its existence or giving in to temptation." + ], + [ + "7", + "A renegade wizard wants to make the {@spell magic missile} spell accessible to everyone, while nobles who wish to keep magic restricted try to root the mage out of hiding." + ], + [ + "8", + "An experienced hunter on a routine expedition is attacked by a slimy, gasping Humanoid wielding a sharp hunk of metal. As the hunter flees back to town, they see unfamiliar sets of eyes watching them from the trees." + ], + [ + "9", + "An annual mountainside hog ride is about to begin, but a track scout just discovered kobolds pouring out of a cave halfway through the run." + ], + [ + "10", + "A naive goblin accidentally alerted an elf to the presence of their community. The goblin is now trying to catch the elf and beg them to stay quiet before the elf reaches their home." + ], + [ + "11", + "A haunted drifter settles into the corner of a tavern after a long journey, only to have the spirits that plague them bring psychic torment to the other patrons." + ], + [ + "12", + "Dwarf explorers unknowingly tarnished a forest occupied by wood elves. To salvage their reputation, the dwarves must survive the Gauntlet of Groves, a deadly elven contest of strength and will." + ] + ] } ], "book": [ @@ -2490,753 +3269,2196 @@ "type": "image", "href": { "type": "external", - "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Cover-Full.webp" + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Cover-Full.webp" + }, + "title": "Arcadia Issue 20 Cover", + "altText": "Arcadia Issue 20 Cover. A knight made of wood stands in a brightly lit forest, sword raised point down in a resting stance. A cloak of moss covers vines poking from rib-like roots on their chest, and forest animals settle on their shoulders.", + "credit": "Brett Bullion" + }, + { + "type": "hr" + }, + { + "type": "list", + "style": "list-no-bullets", + "columns": 2, + "page": "C2", + "items": [ + { + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang", + "page": "C2", + "name": "Design & Production", + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Managing Editor", + "entries": [ + "Hannah Rose" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Lead Developer", + "entries": [ + "James Introcaso" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Production & Playtest Director", + "entries": [ + "Lars Bakke" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Editors", + "entries": [ + "Laura Hirsbrunner, Sadie Lowry" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Authors", + "entries": [ + "The GM Tim, Hook & Chance, Sam Mannell, Hannah Rose" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Layout", + "entries": [ + "Jen McCleary" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Title Logo", + "entries": [ + "Tom Schmuck" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Accessibility", + "entries": [ + "Chris Hopper" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Community Coordinator", + "entries": [ + "John Champion" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Customer Support", + "entries": [ + "Bobby McBride" + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang", + "page": "C2", + "name": "Illustration", + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Cover Art", + "entries": [ + "Brett Bullion" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Interior Illustrators", + "entries": [ + "\"Shieldbearer\": Alejandro Pacheco, João Phillipe", + "\"Appendix NPC: Part 2\": Patrik Hell", + "\"The Scribes\": Matheus Graef (Conceptopolis)" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Cartographer", + "entries": [ + "Miska Fredman" + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang", + "page": "C2", + "name": "MCDM Contract QA", + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Senior Tester", + "entries": [ + "Spencer Hibnick" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Testers", + "entries": [ + "Nathan Clark", + "Cassandra \"Dig\" Crary", + "Alecson de Lima Junior", + "James Dewar", + "Anna Guimarães", + "Alex Hencinski" + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang", + "page": "C2", + "name": "MCDM Team", + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "MCDM is", + "entries": [ + "Lars Bakke: Development & Production", + "Jerod Bennett: Technology", + "Grace Cheung: Art", + "Matt Colville: Writing & Design", + "Nick De Spain: Art & Art Outsource Management", + "Jason Hasenauer: Art & Art Direction", + "James Introcaso: Lead Game Designer", + "Hannah Rose: Managing Editor" + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang", + "page": "C2", + "name": "Playtesting", + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Playtest Coordinators", + "entries": [ + "Aaron Flavius West, Adam McLaughlin, AJ Metzger, Casey Bell, Clayton Salamon, Harley Kewish, ItsTheITGuy, Janek Dalkowski, Joel Russ, John Bryant, Roman Penna" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Playtesters", + "entries": [ + "Áine Martin, apollosukulele, Archer, Austin Bush, Ayden Birch, Ben Robertson, Brennen, Cory Muraglio, EagleRuler, Eran Arabel, Gina Delvin, Grumpy, Hazel Margaris, Iris Gorton, Isaiah Smith, Jared \"Jay\" Busse, Josh Goodwin, Joshua Barbeau, Karen Hill, Kayla Gleeson, Kit Valentine, Kris, Lucas Chiesa, Marcel Theilig, Matthew Donndelinger, Nicholas Renzetti, Nikola Ninkoviæ, Phillip Ada, Rachel Cohen, Tim Skiba, Vincent Cramer, William Pfeiffer" + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "hr" + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "page": "C2", + "style": "text-center", + "entries": [ + "Join us on the MCDM Discord server, where you can chat with others about ARCADIA and more!", + "{@link discord.gg/mcdm|https://discord.com/invite/mcdm}" + ] + }, + { + "type": "hr" + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "page": "C2", + "style": "text-center", + "entries": [ + "Product Identity: The following items are hereby identified as Product Identity, as defined in the Open Game License version 1.0a, Section 1(e), and are not Open Content: All content which is not included in the Systems Reference Document version 5.1 or has otherwise been specifically designated as Open Game Content, including Shieldbearer, Appendix NPC, The Scribes, all Trademarks, registered trademarks, proper names (including the names of characters, place names, monsters, organizations, new spells, new abilities, etc.), dialogue, plots, story elements, locations, characters, artwork, graphics, sidebars, and trade dress." + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "section", + "name": "Letter from the Editor", + "page": 1, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "quote", + "entries": [ + "If you look at the table of contents for this issue, you'll notice something weird\u2014I wrote one of this month's articles. James commissioned me to write it back in the distant mists of time (also known as 2021), well before I approached the managing editor chair. But now that I'm here, I thought it'd be a fun opportunity to give a backstage tour of the inspiration, the design process, and how our MCDM playtesters make everything better.", + "We've published several subclasses for spellcasters in ARCADIA, but none for barbarians, fighters, rangers, or rogues\u2014and James and my D&D groups were super into the idea of a shield-wielding fighter. Captain America is what most folks think of, but my own inspiration actually came from {@link Hades|https://www.supergiantgames.com/games/hades/}, where I've spent many hours wielding Aegis, the Shield of Chaos, as I fight my way out of the Underworld. I also wanted something that would suit the shield-maiden archetype, which mixes history and myth into a top-notch fantasy aesthetic.", + "Armed with these concepts, I started scribbling down ideas for cool things to do with shields, as well as ideas for magic shields and new equipment. These early notes were like having a conversation with myself\u2014there were a lot of question marks for things I wasn't sure about or hadn't solved yet. Early on, I thought the Shieldbearer might have a list of maneuvers, like the Battle Master, or that I'd design light, medium, and heavy shields, with different techniques available for each, but neither of those worked in practice. Designing character options is a lot like assembling a puzzle, except you're drawing the image and cutting out the pieces at the same time!", + "When I wanted to procrastinate on writing, I researched the history of shields, so I could represent more variety than the medieval European {@link heater shield|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heater_shield} and more specificity than the generic shield in the core rules. I also looked for cool real-world battle maneuvers involving shields, like a more realistic version of {@link this scene|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDte-axR9l8} where a bunch of guys with huge shields become a human cannonball. I didn't find any such battle maneuvers, but I did gather some inspiration for a few of the magic shields!", + "Ultimately, the Shieldbearer subclass completely ignores two unfortunate real-world facts: shields don't actually make good weapons, and throwing a heavy, not particularly aerodynamic object is unlikely to be effective no matter how strong you are. A tricky game design challenge is balancing consistency in a game world where the laws of physics are (by default) similar to our own with the need to set realism aside for the sake of epic fantasy. In the original draft, a Shieldbearer could only throw their shield a number of feet equal to 5 × their Strength modifier, but James and the testers talked me out of that limitation. Now the Shield Toss {@footnote 1|talked {@i myself} out of naming this feature \"Shield Yeet,\" but by all means, live your meme dreams at the table.} feature gives you a normal range of 30 feet and a long range of 60 feet. More fun, less arithmetic.", + "Speaking of the testers, extensive and effective playtesting is at the heart of what we do here at MCDM. Everything we release goes through at least two full rounds of playtesting, where our amazing testers give the material an in-depth read, run games with it, and enter specific notes in a well-organized spreadsheet. As a managing editor, this is a dream, and as an author, I love getting feedback from the testers to catch issues, confirm or refute concerns, and help me deliver on my vision. For example, the first version of the Shieldbearer gave two features at level 3 that {@i seemed} substantial, but neither one was very impactful\u2014something I wouldn't have realized without testing. Designing a good subclass is tricky, as no one typically has time to play it from level 1 to 20, but the testers' input helped deliver the right features in the right order so it's balanced and fun to play at any level. Having two rounds of playtesting is invaluable\u2014it keeps us from over-correcting and gives us the chance to actually test out more than one approach.", + "I'm delighted that the Shieldbearer shares an issue with two fantastic articles overflowing with creatures and adventure threads for your game. {@link Sam Mannell's|https://twitter.com/crypticparlour} \"Appendix NPC: Part 2\" brings even more ridiculously useful stat blocks, including a protective auto-sentinel robot friend, a dragon priest who's a lot cooler than ye olde generic cultist, and a demigodly saint who'd make an excellent final boss. And \"The Scribes\" may sound like an order of dusty librarians who never leave the stacks, but these meddling Writers are here to make legendary, epic, important events {@i happen}, thanks to authors {@link Hook & Chance|https://hookandchance.com/} and {@link The GM Tim|https://thegmtim.ca/}.", + "Thanks for joining me for this design retrospective! I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I do\u2014and please tell me all about your epic Shieldbearer adventures." + ], + "by": "{@i De somnio ad itinere}", + "from": "James Introcaso, Managing Editor", + "skipMarks": true, + "skipItalics": true + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "section", + "name": "Shieldbearer", + "page": 2, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Shieldbearer-Header.webp" + } + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "page": 2, + "style": "text-center", + "entries": [ + "{@style A martial archetype for fighters, plus new magical and nonmagical shields|small-caps;dnd-font}", + "by Hannah Rose", + { + "type": "inset", + "page": 2, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "quote", + "entries": [ + "Who needs a plan? I have a shield." + ], + "by": "Peggy Carter", + "from": "What If... Captain Carter Were the First Avenger?" + } + ] + } + ] + }, + "The archetypal warrior bears a sword, shield, and armor\u2014the sword (or other weapon) attacks while armor passively protects. But the uses of a shield are manifold: to parry a blow, to block a projectile, to form a defensive wall with fellow warriors, to protect your comrades, and even to shove or bash a foe.", + "In real-world and fantasy cultures alike, shields also serve symbolic and ceremonial purposes: a coat of arms, a battle standard, or an indication of status as a warrior. They represent both individual resolve to defend something beloved and communal unity against a looming threat.", + "This article presents the Shieldbearer\u2014a new martial archetype for fighters\u2014as well as a shield-bearing retainer, magical and nonmagical shields, and rules tips related to these mechanics.", + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Martial Archetype: Shieldbearer", + "page": 2, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Shieldbearer-Fluff.webp" + }, + "credit": "{@link João Phillipe|https://www.lipeartwork.com/c%C3%B3pia-alsvastoria}" + }, + { + "type": "statblock", + "prop": "subclass", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Shieldbearer", + "page": 2, + "className": "Fighter", + "classSource": "PHB" + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "New Equipment", + "page": 4, + "entries": [ + "Your character's shield is an opportunity to reflect your character's aesthetic, heritage, or aªliation. A shield's appearance might also serve a ceremonial purpose in addition to a martial one.", + "In the core game rules, every shield uses the same mechanics regardless of its appearance. This section presents new shield variations, which characters can purchase in shops that carry common adventuring equipment, at the GM's discretion.", + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "New Property: Cumbersome", + "page": 4, + "entries": [ + "Some shields have a special property related to their use, as shown in the {@table Shields|Ar20} table. A shield with the cumbersome property can't be effectively thrown regardless of its wielder's class features or other abilities." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Shields", + "page": 4, + "entries": [ + "These nonmagical shields can be wielded by any character proficient with shields, not just {@class Fighter|PHB|Shieldbearer fighters|Shieldbearer|Ar20}. Their appearance can be customized as the GM or player desires.", + "A shield that lists a Strength requirement on the Shields table can't be wielded by a creature with a Strength score less than the listed score.", + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "table", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Shields", + "page": 4 + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Buckler", + "page": 4, + "entries": [ + "Though this small round shield offers less protection than larger models, it handily obfuscates your movements to confuse your enemies. While wielding this shield, you can make a Charisma ({@skill Deception}) check as a bonus action, contested by another creature's Wisdom ({@skill Insight}) check. On a success, you make your next attack against that creature before the end of your turn with advantage." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Bladed Shield", + "page": 4, + "entries": [ + "The rim of this shield is fitted with sharp, curved blades. When you make an attack with this shield, you can choose whether the damage it deals is bludgeoning or slashing damage." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Heraldic Shield", + "page": 5, + "entries": [ + "This fine shield bears an emblem or coat of arms associated with an organization, such as a knightly order or civil guard, the faith of a particular god, or a location, such as your country of origin. While you visibly carry this shield, you have advantage on Charisma checks to interact with members of the shield's displayed affiliation." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Lantern Shield", + "page": 5, + "entries": [ + "This metal shield comes with a {@item hooded lantern|PHB} that can be hung from a hook on the shield's rim, allowing you to illuminate your path while keeping a hand free." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Spiked Shield", + "page": 5, + "entries": [ + "This shield is outfitted with formidable metal spikes. A creature who attempts to {@action grapple|PHB} you takes {@damage 1d4} piercing damage, plus an extra {@damage 1d4} piercing damage at the start of each of their turns while {@action grapple|PHB|grappling} you. Additionally, attacks made with this shield deal an extra {@damage 1d4} piercing damage on a hit." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Tower Shield", + "page": 5, + "entries": [ + "While wielding this heavy shield, ranged weapon attacks against you have disadvantage, but you can't add your Dexterity modifier to your Armor Class and you have disadvantage on Dexterity ({@skill Stealth}) checks." + ] + }, + { + "type": "inset", + "page": 5, + "name": "Magic Shields for Shieldbearers", + "entries": [ + "The unique magic items in this article are fun and flavorful, but there's also something to be said for a good old-fashioned {@item +1 shield|DMG}! Normally, the magic shields in the core rules only grant a bonus to Armor Class, not attacks. However, Shieldbearer characters can use shields as weapons too! As a GM, you may wish to let a Shieldbearer's attacks made with a magic shield count as being made with a magic weapon. Additionally, you can decide that a magic shield that grants a bonus to Armor Class grants the same bonus to attack and damage rolls.", + { + "type": "homebrew", + "entries": [ + "{@note See the Arcadia {@item +1 Shield (*)|Ar20|+1}, {@item +2 Shield (*)|Ar20|+2}, and {@item +3 shield (*)|Ar20} items.}" + ] + } + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "New Magic Items", + "page": 5, + "entries": [ + "This section presents magic items that can be used by any character with the necessary proficiencies, not just Shieldbearers.", + "When using any of the following shields in a game, the GM can choose to grant it the additional benefits of one of the nonmagical shields presented in the previous section.", + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "item", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Arcanist's Shield Bracelet", + "page": 5 + }, + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Arcanists Shield Bracelet.webp" + }, + "credit": "{@link Alejandro Pacheco|https://pachecoart.com/work-for-arcadia-mcdm}" + }, + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "item", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Boomerang Shield", + "page": 5 + }, + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Boomerang Shield.webp" + }, + "credit": "{@link Alejandro Pacheco|https://pachecoart.com/work-for-arcadia-mcdm}" + }, + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "item", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Ceremonial Shield", + "page": 6 + }, + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "item", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Ram Shield", + "page": 6 + }, + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Ram Shield.webp" + }, + "credit": "{@link Alejandro Pacheco|https://pachecoart.com/work-for-arcadia-mcdm}" + }, + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "item", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Shield of the Shifting Moon", + "page": 6 + }, + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "item", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Spellmirror Shield", + "page": 7 + }, + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Spellmirror Shield.webp" + }, + "credit": "{@link Alejandro Pacheco|https://pachecoart.com/work-for-arcadia-mcdm}" + }, + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "variantrule", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Shield Rules Tips", + "page": 7, + "style": "inset" + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Retainer of the Shield", + "page": 8, + "entries": [ + "Retainers are unique NPC followers who pledge their service to player characters. The following stat block presents a fighter retainer who uses their shield to attack and defend.", + "The {@book full rules for retainers|SaF|8|Retainers} can be found in {@loader Strongholds & Followers|collection/MCDM Productions; Strongholds and Followers.json}.", + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "creature", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Shieldbearer Adept", + "page": 8 + }, + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Shieldbearer Adept.webp" + }, + "credit": "{@link Alejandro Pacheco|https://pachecoart.com/work-for-arcadia-mcdm}" + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "section", + "name": "Appendix NPC: Part 2", + "page": 9, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Appendix NPC.webp" + } + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "page": 9, + "style": "text-center", + "entries": [ + "{@style Even more statblocks to steal!|small-caps;dnd-font}", + "by Sam Mannell" + ] + }, + "Hi again! Sam here! Still as busy as last time. Maybe busier? This article rounds out the list from \"{@footnote Appendix NPC: Part 1|{@note Arcadia Issue 18 is not yet converted.}}\" with seven new NPC stat blocks ranging from challenge rating 9 to 20. Prep fast, game more!", + { + "type": "inset", + "page": 9, + "name": "contents", + "entries": [ + "The stat blocks below are listed in order of challenge rating to make them easier to find.", + { + "type": "list", + "page": 9, + "columns": 3, + "items": [ + "{@creature Auto-Sentinel|Ar20}", + "{@creature Dragon Priest|Ar20}", + "{@creature Dragon Slayer|Ar20}", + "{@creature Gish|Ar20}", + "{@creature Hero|Ar20}", + "{@creature Polymath|Ar20}", + "{@creature Saint|Ar20}" + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Auto-Sentinel", + "page": 10, + "entries": [ + "Typically made of magically animated stone, iron, or brass, these constructs are created to defend others. Constructs designed as personal security already exist in the game, but those are monsters, and this is an NPC!", + "This stat block can serve as a powered-up version of the {@creature bodyguard|Ar18}{@footnote {@sup 1}|See \"Appendix NPC: Part 1\"in ARCADIA 18! {@note Not yet converted for 5eTools.}}, but it also captures the essence of {@link a type of character that I love to run|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz-yTQYZW6w}. Players tend to fall in love with protective sidekick robots that can't speak, but who are clearly sapient and have a sweet personality wholly at odds with their incredible strength. It's niche, but effective!", + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "creature", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Auto-Sentinel", + "page": 10 + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Dragon Priest", + "page": 11, + "entries": [ + "Ancient dragons are so suffused with magic that they can impart a fraction of their power to their most loyal pawns. The dragon priest is one such servant\u2014a cultist dedicated to the will of a powerful dragon, partially transformed by their patron into a quasi-draconic figure. The ancient dragon bestows \"gifts\" upon the priest that typically take the form of sharpened claws, filed teeth, reptilian eyes, and patches of diamond-hard scale.", + "The dragon priest stat block assumes that the dragon priest's master is a red dragon, which is reflected in its immunity to fire damage and the fire damage dealt by its actions. You can change this to suit another type of dragon by swapping the damage type.", + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "creature", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Dragon Priest", + "page": 11 + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "style": "text-center", + "page": 11, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "quote", + "entries": [ + "I wield the very flame of Corzivax-Baloroth! Her power is mine!" + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Dragon Slayer", + "page": 12, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Dragon Priest and Dragon Slayer.webp" + }, + "title": "Dragon Slayer", + "credit": "Patrik Hell" + }, + "The inverse of a {@creature dragon priest|Ar20}, the dragon slayer is a powerful martial NPC that hunts and destroys great wyrms. Typically, this makes them heroes, but it depends on which dragons they slay. Your players might run afoul of a dragon slayer by protecting a good dragon or by stealing the glory of killing a dragon from a particularly prideful dragon slayer.", + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "creature", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Dragon Slayer", + "page": 12 + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Gish", + "page": 13, + "entries": [ + "The gish is a character with equal skill in martial might and arcane magic. The word gish comes from a certain group of creatures that shall not (legally) be named from a book published in 1980, but it has come to mean any eldritch-knight-type, sword-wielding spell-slinger. A spellsword!", + "I think that gish should be tough as nails\u2014the perfect combatant, with few, if any, weaknesses\u2014so that's what you've got here!", + "The gish begins combat by casting {@spell eldritch blast} or {@spell fireball} to soften up the characters from a distance while piling on buffs for a few turns, like the {@spell fire shield} and {@spell haste} spells. After that, the gish can easily move into melee range with Witch Step and switch to attacking with their {@item longsword|PHB}. When reduced to half their hit point maximum (97), they start using the {@spell vampiric touch} spell each round to regain some vitality. When the gish is reduced to 49 hit points, they use Witch Step to escape or they surrender.", + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "creature", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Gish", + "page": 13 + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Hero", + "page": 14, + "entries": [ + "Heroes are fun to use as NPCs when your characters have become frighteningly powerful themselves! You can use this stat block to represent legendary NPCs in your world, on par with figures like {@link Conan the Barbarian|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5K3AKl5qpc} or {@link Xena: Warrior Princess|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9UY1V66E8I}, or demigods like Hercules and Gilgamesh.", + "The party might clash with a hero if they have a reputation for morally questionable decisions or if they've been set up! Or maybe the hero has fallen victim to the duplicitous mind control of a cunning villain? In any case, I wish your players luck if they wind up as an obstacle in the hero's way.", + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "creature", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Hero", + "page": 14 + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Polymath", + "page": 15, + "entries": [ + "The polymath knows just about everything. These NPCs are geniuses who rely on the breadth and depth of their smarts instead of the strength of their sword arm. They're so intelligent there's probably only one polymath on a planet. Maybe two ... and those two are probably rivals.", + "A polymath almost always knows when they have enemies coming, and given time to prepare, they set traps throughout the battlefield, whether in their lair or not.", + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "A Polymath's Lair", + "page": 15, + "entries": [ + "Most polymaths build a stronghold\u2014a secret laboratory, a floating airship, or a forgotten island. The only common thread is that the polymath likes to keep their lair hidden so they can store the knowledge they have amassed without drawing attention.", + "A polymath encountered in their lair has a challenge rating of 19 (22,000 XP).", + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "legroup", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Polymath", + "page": 15 + }, + { + "type": "statblockInline", + "dataType": "monster", + "dependencies": [ + "Ar20" + ], + "data": { + "name": "Polymath\u00A0", + "source": "Ar20", + "_copy": { + "name": "Polymath", + "source": "Ar20", + "_preserve": { + "page": true + } + } + } + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Saint", + "page": 17, + "entries": [ + "When a mortal dies in service to their deity, they sometimes return as a saint: an incarnation of that god's power and will made tangible. When the faithful cry out to their gods, it is the saints who answer. This might not be true in your world, but if you're playing at higher levels, you can get mileage out of this stat block regardless, as it can represent an avatar of divine fury or any being with a demigod's power.", + "The saint can utterly destroy most mortals with a wave of the hand, a quiet sigh, or a mere look. Only a party of the strongest characters from across the timescape could ever hope to stand against one, and even defeating a saint doesn't permanently destroy them.", + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "creature", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Saint", + "page": 17 + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "style": "text-center", + "page": 18, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "quote", + "entries": [ + "It was Gaed who died at the hands of the devil spy. It was Saint Gaed the Confessor, now immortal, who returned and slew the devil." + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Saint.webp" + }, + "credit": "Patrik Hell" + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "section", + "name": "The Scribes", + "page": 19, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Scribes.webp" + } + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "page": 19, + "style": "text-center", + "entries": [ + "{@style A unique organization to create rich stories|small-caps;dnd-font}", + "by Hook & Chance and The GM Tim", + { + "type": "inset", + "page": 19, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "quote", + "entries": [ + "A tale can define the path of a wanderer.", + "A myth can inspire the direction of a growing community.", + "A legend can change the trajectory of a mighty civilization.", + "This is how we create the world." + ], + "by": "The Librarian", + "skipMarks": true + } + ] + } + ] + }, + "We all know the classics: {@i Flynn & the Gryffon}, {@i The Lament of Arcnolix}, or {@i The Fall of the Goblins of Yurt}. Those tales nearly never happened. Flynn was actually allergic to feathers. Arcnolix was destined to be a dish boy, not a great emperor. And Yurt was a forgettable goblin village on the outskirts of the Abadia Desert. Although world-changing events sometimes miraculously coalesce to create legendary stories, others need a push to become gripping epics of morality or triumph! That's where the Scribes come in.", + "The Scribes, an organization of meddling storytellers led by an enigmatic Celestial, turn the potentially dull into action, the boring into dramatic, and the uninspiring into legendary. This article presents lore for the Scribes, information on becoming an agent, details of the headquarters, ranks and role benefits, descriptions of key members, starter adventures, and a template for crafting quests related to the organization. The Scribes can be a good-aligned organization that recruits the characters or a villainous organization trying to manipulate events the characters are involved in.", + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Founding of the Scribes", + "page": 19, + "entries": [ + "{@creature The Librarian|Ar20} is a Celestial who has existed since time began. She worked side-by-side with creation gods to write the world's first stories and give mortals faith in their creators. The creation gods, fearing {@creature The Librarian|Ar20|the Librarian's} ability to write new gods that could replace them, created the Vault, an extradimensional library and prison designed to hold {@creature The Librarian|Ar20} and appeal to her need to read and write. Each lifebook in the structure's endless shelves tells the story of a mortal's life as it is lived in real time, including their thoughts, emotions, and actions from an omniscient perspective.", + "But as she explored the infinite shelves, each lifebook was duller than the next. {@creature The Librarian|Ar20} couldn't let the mundane stand! She believes that by manipulating mortals' lives into exciting tales where good triumphs over evil, mortals will learn to care for themselves. Without her inspiring narratives, greed and hate would prevail over benevolence and joy.", + "Unable to directly influence events outside of the Vault, {@creature The Librarian|Ar20} magically reached out to three individuals to become the first Writers\u2014her direct lieutenants who can enact her vision beyond the Vault. While Writers have come and gone since the Vault's founding eons ago, there are always three.", + { + "type": "inset", + "page": 20, + "name": "The Scribes as Antagonists", + "entries": [ + "The Scribes can serve as an evil organization in your campaign instead. {@creature The Librarian|Ar20} could be manipulating the world for her entertainment, entrapping Writers to do her bidding. Or better yet, the Writers are fully aware of the situation, using the Librarian's power while she is imprisoned to manipulate world events for their gain." + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Secretive Storytellers", + "page": 20, + "entries": [ + "The Librarian reads lifebooks to find small changes that could turn uneventful stories into epics, and the Writers deploy operatives to ensure that outcome. These quests are called conversions. The Scribes keep their conversions secret\u2014a hero's rise and a villain's fall are far more effective if the audience can't see the hands pushing them toward their goal." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "The Librarian", + "page": 20, + "entries": [ + "Read or paraphrase the following text to introduce the Librarian:", + { + "type": "insetReadaloud", + "page": 20, + "entries": [ + "A wrinkled, frail woman with billowing grey hair stands among piles of disorganized tomes. Her elegant purple robes glimmer with gold embellishments along the skirt, buttons, and collar. She holds a large open book in one hand, and faint gold lettering dances on the surface of her skin." + ] + }, + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Librarian.webp" + }, + "credit": "Matheus Graef" + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Roleplaying Notes", + "page": 20, + "entries": [ + "You can use the following notes to help roleplay the Librarian.", + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Overview", + "page": 20, + "entries": [ + "An aloof professional whose storytelling is more an inherent need than a chosen vocation" + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Phrase", + "page": 20, + "entries": [ + "\"Those who tell the stories rule society.\"" + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Traits", + "page": 20, + "entries": [ + "Oscillating temperament, curious, enigmatic" + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Motivation", + "page": 20, + "entries": [ + "The Librarian's greatest desire is to fill everything she reads with action, drama, and stronger plotlines than \"Jard the guard made his fourteenth uneventful lap around the castle.\"" + ] + }, + "If presented with the opportunity, the Librarian may take revenge on her captors, but she doesn't actively seek retribution. She has relegated herself to the Vault and has found purpose in the Scribes.", + { + "type": "inset", + "page": 20, + "name": "GM Tip: A Different Librarian", + "entries": [ + "The roleplay details of the Librarian are provided in case you want to use her as an interactive character. Alternatively, she could be a mysterious figure who never leaves her books, contemplating aloud what she'd like to see in a particular story while the Writers convert the musings into conversions. The Writers could also have agendas that influence those interpretations, adding intrigue to your game." + ] + }, + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "creature", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "The Librarian", + "page": 21 + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Library.webp" }, - "title": "Arcadia Issue 20 Cover", - "altText": "Arcadia Issue 20 Cover. A knight made of wood stands in a brightly lit forest, sword raised point down in a resting stance. A cloak of moss covers vines poking from rib-like roots on their chest, and forest animals settle on their shoulders.", - "credit": "Brett Bullion" - }, - { - "type": "hr" + "credit": "Matheus Graef" }, { - "type": "list", - "style": "list-no-bullets", - "columns": 2, - "page": "C2", - "items": [ + "type": "entries", + "name": "Writers and Disciplines", + "page": 22, + "entries": [ + "Though the Librarian isn't a deity, the Writers worship her with fervor and zeal. Each Writer also oversees a discipline within the Scribes. The disciplines are based on storytelling themes: action, drama, and plot. The plot-themed discipline is the Fallen Eye, the action-themed discipline is Chaos, and the drama-themed discipline is the Cracked Crown. The disciplines are not kept apart and it is rare to have a mission with operatives from only one discipline. They need each other, and the Writers encourage that.", { - "type": "list", - "style": "list-hang", - "page": "C2", - "name": "Design & Production", - "items": [ + "type": "inset", + "page": 22, + "name": "How dare they", + "entries": [ + "There has been only one group of Writers, the Forsaken, who tried to take conversions into their own hands. Remnants of texts from their time tell of a demon persuading them to release the Librarian, while other texts claim a Writer tried to overthrow the Celestial. While it is unlikely any of the Forsaken are still alive, the Writers are always alert for signs of them and other rogue operatives. If an operative questions the organization's purpose, they are removed from the Scribes. The typical procedure for removing an operative is a modify memory spell followed by abandonment on the Material Plane to live an unremarkable life, but the Writers have been known to get creative." + ] + }, + "The following NPCs are the Scribes' leaders who work and live at the Vault, though operatives can be found everywhere in the world on extended undercover conversions.", + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "The Fallen Eye (Plot)", + "page": 23, + "entries": [ + "Operatives in this discipline keep the story moving. The more efficiently an operative can pace the story, the more the other disciplines can be their most effective. Operatives of the Fallen Eye maintain a team's focus on achieving the desired outcome, including keeping the Scribes a secret. These operatives see the big picture of a conversion.", + "In conversions, a member of the Fallen Eye might create a cover story for the team so its other operatives can play their parts unnoticed, reveal the secret identity of the count at just the right moment, or encourage the hero to charge over the crest of the hill moments before the following army.", { - "type": "item", - "name": "Managing Editor", + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang", + "page": 23, + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Guiding Principle", + "entries": [ + "The timing of events is crucial. Too soon and you eat an apple before it was poisoned, too late and the thorn maze is too thick to cut through." + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Symbolism", + "entries": [ + "The fallen eye in the Scribe's symbol represents the world looking away from the Scribes and their actions, and putting the pieces of a story in place without anybody noticing." + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Debut Bronzeband", + "page": 23, + "entries": [ + "As the Writer of the Fallen Eye, Debut Bronzeband is always the first with a plan.", + "Debut grew up on the streets committing petty theft. His brilliant mind for elaborate schemes led to masterful heists, and city officials overlooked his crimes in exchange for consultation on other cases. Finally, his brazen daylight theft of the memorial statue of local hero Tohmas \"the Ashen Hound\" got him thrown in prison. His arrest shook his confidence, and he spent the next few years formulating and scrapping brilliant escape plans. The Ashen Hound was a hero the Scribes had a hand in creating, causing the Librarian to ask the Scribes to free and recruit Debut.", + "When the characters first encounter Debut, read or paraphrase the following:", + { + "type": "insetReadaloud", + "page": 23, "entries": [ - "Hannah Rose" + "A bedraggled young gnome has a dozen chewed pencils jutting out of the pockets of his well-tailored, rust-colored jacket. His shoulders are already hunched despite his youth, evident from the patchy beard he tried to shape into a distinguished point." ] }, { - "type": "item", - "name": "Lead Developer", + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang", + "page": 23, + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Overview", + "entries": [ + "An introverted perfectionist and scheming mastermind" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Phrase", + "entries": [ + "\"You've got one shot to get it right.\"" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Traits", + "entries": [ + "Analytical, egotistical, risk-averse" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Motivation", + "entries": [ + "Although he feels indebted to the Scribes and masterfully manages their day-to-day operations, Debut intends to one day start his own story away from the organization\u2014if he could only perfect his plan for the future." + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Chaos (Action)", + "page": 23, + "entries": [ + "This discipline's top priority is fomenting the chaos that makes a story eventful. Despite the discipline's name, operatives of Chaos are expected to thoughtfully apply the unexpected. Rather than whispering behind locked doors or subtly influencing a monarch's court, these operatives typically lean into action and fighting, have the best near-death tales to share, and are always ready to go.", + "The role of Chaos in a conversion could involve toppling a tower to ruin a wedding, starting a duel with a guard so the urchin can steal the loaf of bread, or causing a distraction that allows the other operatives to accomplish their tasks.", + { + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang", + "page": 23, + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Guiding Principle", + "entries": [ + "Make it memorable." + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Symbolism", + "entries": [ + "In the symbol of the Scribes, the eight arrows pointing in every direction represent the unpredictability essential in a captivating story." + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Samaapt", + "page": 23, + "entries": [ + "As the Writer of Chaos, Samaapt focuses on creating the kind of shock that makes a good story irresistible. They speak with gravitas and the boisterous motion of a consummate thespian. Despite their cultivated intimidating appearance, Samaapt can win most over with a disarming smile and a welcoming gesture.", + "Samaapt rose to fame as a beloved celebrity prizefighter known for suspenseful matches, close calls, and dramatic victories. However, a fall from grace soon followed when they drunkenly revealed that they played down their skill to make bouts exciting and that their opponents were chosen for their lack of prowess so the tiefling could avoid danger. The story of Samaapt's deception spread overnight. They were an outcast, spat on in the streets and unable to draw a crowd. Recognizing their skill for spontaneity and theatrics, the Scribes recruited them, making all the world their stage.", + "When the characters first encounter Samaapt, read or paraphrase the following:", + { + "type": "insetReadaloud", + "page": 23, "entries": [ - "James Introcaso" + "This broad-shouldered tiefling sports evidence of a hundred battles on their skin, most of which is covered by jagged black armor with ornate red detailing. Wide, flat horns start at their hairline and curl overtop and around the sides of their head." ] }, { - "type": "item", - "name": "Production & Playtest Director", + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang", + "page": 23, + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Overview", + "entries": [ + "An enthusiastic entertainer and passionate mentor" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Phrase", + "entries": [ + "\"Give me a bloody good show.\"" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Traits", + "entries": [ + "Engaging, boisterous, impulsive" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Motivation", + "entries": [ + "While they seem content mentoring Scribes in the ways of improvisation and theatrics for storytelling, Samaapt secretly seeks a conversion that will allow them to sacrifice themself in the ultimate blaze of glory and win back the public adulation they lost." + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "The Cracked Crown (Drama)", + "page": 24, + "entries": [ + "Operatives of the Cracked Crown want to deeply understand the key dramatis personae in conversions. By knowing who these important people are, operatives can better steer them toward impactful moments. Cracked Crown agents are often skilled at conversation, insight, and persuasion.", + "A Cracked Crown member in a conversion could uncover what caused the division between two warring rulers, heal or cause a rift between star-crossed lovers, or spread rumors to encourage a rivalry between friends or family.", + { + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang", + "page": 24, + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Guiding Principle", + "entries": [ + "Emotional journeys are always worth taking." + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Symbolism", + "entries": [ + "The cracked crown in the Scribes' symbol represents the flaws every good hero must overcome to be truly moving and memorable." + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Sere'dina Elsys", + "page": 24, + "entries": [ + "As the Writer of the Cracked Crown, Sere'dina Elsys ensures conversions cause transformation in her targets.", + "Sere'dina was one of the greatest military advisors of her time, serving a warlord named Corym Nevermour. She organized countless bloodbaths, caring for little more than winning and disregarding the communities destroyed by her e.orts. But every victory left her feeling hollow. An unseen force began souring her operations with incredibly implausible twists of fate, leading to Corym calling her skills into question. So she laid a trap and caught a team of Scribe operatives interfering in her war. Though she initially wanted to prove that others were responsible for her failures, the intrigue of the Scribes, the opportunity they presented to use her political and tactical mind, and the mundanity of Corym's military campaign swayed her to join the Scribes instead.", + "When the characters first encounter Sere'dina, read or paraphrase the following boxed text:", + { + "type": "insetReadaloud", + "page": 24, "entries": [ - "Lars Bakke" + "A tall elven woman with a supercilious expression and flowing golden hair wears dusky brown traveler's clothes with leather armor covering her shins, forearms, and shoulders." ] }, { - "type": "item", - "name": "Editors", + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang", + "page": 24, + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Overview", + "entries": [ + "A ruthlessly logical and efficient strategist" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Phrase", + "entries": [ + "\"Make me care about it.\"" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Traits", + "entries": [ + "Rational, pretentious, brooding" + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Motivation", + "entries": [ + "As the greatest strategist of her time, Sere'dina believes she is best suited to see the long-term impact of conversions and decide how the Scribes' actions will shape society. She's been in the role for nearly 600 years, but despite her desire to continue the work forever, the elf's life is nearing its end. Sere'dina knows that she needs to choose a successor, but so far she has found no one worthy of the role." + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Writer Stat Block", + "page": 24, + "entries": [ + "When anointed, the Writers may choose to be granted a range of magic abilities by the Librarian if they lack their own. The current Writers use the {@creature archmage} stat block with the following additional bonus action:", + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Channel Vault (2/Day)", + "page": 24, "entries": [ - "Laura Hirsbrunner, Sadie Lowry" + "The Writer touches another creature. The target regains 15 ({@dice 3d8 + 2}) hit points or is freed from any curse, disease, poison, {@condition blinded|PHB|blindness}, or {@condition deafened|PHB|deafness}." ] }, { - "type": "item", - "name": "Authors", + "type": "homebrew", "entries": [ - "The GM Tim, Hook & Chance, Sam Mannell, Hannah Rose" + "{@note You can use the {@creature Writer|Ar20} statblock, or one of the dedicated statblocks for {@creature Debut Bronzeband|Ar20|Debut}, {@creature Samaapt|Ar20}, or {@creature Sere'dina Elsys|Ar20|Sere'dina}.}" ] }, { - "type": "item", - "name": "Layout", + "type": "inset", + "page": 24, + "name": "More than Numbers", "entries": [ - "Jen McCleary" + "If you want a stat block for a martial Writer rather than a spellcaster, use another stat block around challenge rating 12, such as a {@creature deva} or an {@creature erinyes}, make them a Humanoid, and reflavor the creature's features or change damage types as needed." + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Joining the Ranks", + "page": 24, + "entries": [ + "There are two ways to join the Scribes. The first is akin to a divine calling. If the Librarian finds a glowing lifebook, she knows the tome belongs to a Writer candidate. She gives these names to the Writers, who ask the book's subject to join the organization. So far, all candidates have passed the interview and accepted. These chosen few are watched closely by the Librarian as potential Writer replacements, but are not treated differently by the Writers.", + "The more common form of recruitment is for a candidate to receive an invitation from a Writer or senior operative after performing an act that was impressive, amusing, or intriguing.", + { + "type": "inset", + "page": 24, + "name": "GM Tip: The Need to Know More", + "entries": [ + "You want to be secretive and seductive in wooing the players. This is meant to feel like a big \"Oooh, I want in\" situation, not an \"OMG run away\" situation. If your party is nervous, remind them you are in this game together and not you versus them." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Conducting an Interview", + "page": 25, + "entries": [ + "Regardless of how recruits are selected, the Scribes gauge a candidate's aptitude by testing the subject's ability to complete a task.", + "If the characters are approached to join the Scribes, a recruiter makes the following offer:", + { + "type": "insetReadaloud", + "page": 25, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "quote", + "entries": [ + "I'm part of a powerful organization and you have come to our attention. We have an invitation for you, but first, we want to see if you have what it takes. Completing this task opens the pages to a life only available to the most extraordinary individuals. Edric Blackfern lives in this town, and it is your job to give them the most extraordinarily adventurous day. They must not know of your goal or motivation, and they must survive to tell the tale." + ] + } ] }, + "The recruiter gives the party 50 gp to cover expenses incurred in the task. The recruiter is open to questions about the task, but queries about the Scribes get only vague answers. The recruiter departs without providing a way for the characters to contact them, insisting, \"I'll find you when you have completed the task.\" See the \"Edric Blackfern\" sidebar for more information.", + "Once the characters believe their task is complete, the Librarian reads of it and sends the recruiter back to them. For the recruiter to consider the task successful, Edric Blackfern must live through an extraordinarily adventurous day. If the characters succeed, the recruiter praises or admonishes details of the characters' individual performances in the task despite not being there. Then the Scribe reveals more of the truth:", { - "type": "item", - "name": "Title Logo", + "type": "insetReadaloud", + "page": 25, "entries": [ - "Tom Schmuck" + { + "type": "quote", + "entries": [ + "I work for the Scribes. We are an organization committed to filling the world with enticing stories and legends. There are riches to be had, though not in the monetary sense, with danger to match. It is well worth the risks for capable individuals such as yourselves. When you're ready, read this letter aloud in a private place with those that wish to begin your next chapter with you." + ] + } ] }, + "The recruiter leaves the characters with an envelope sealed with wax. The invitation inside reads, \"Secrets, like a story, cannot be unheard. They leave you irrevocably changed. Follow the moth into the abyss and be transformed.\" Once it is read aloud by a character, all creatures within 30 feet of the letter are teleported to a small river (see \"Dead Lake Entrance\").", + "If Edric dies, the recruiter declines them at this stage. The next time the party does something heroic, a Writer approaches them and asks, \"I knew you had it in you\u2014 just took you a little longer than we thought. Are you ready to read your future?\" The recruiter then extends the same invitation to join the Scribes.", { - "type": "item", - "name": "Accessibility", + "type": "inset", + "page": 25, + "name": "Edric Blackfern", "entries": [ - "Chris Hopper" + "Edric is a humble dwarf potato farmer who lives with two dogs, Bently and Vinnie. Charming and hospitable, Edric sees everyone as a future best friend but lacks the confidence to venture out of their comfort zone. They are taller than the average dwarf.", + "You can use the following prompts to hook the characters into an adventure to help resolve flaws and drive change in Edric:", + { + "type": "list", + "page": 25, + "items": [ + "Edric dreams of killing the beast that killed their sister, but lacks the skill to do so. They're afraid to even make the short but treacherous journey to recover her body or pay their respects.", + "The local guard captain Ringwald Riverfist has long tormented Edric. They wish they could put him in his place just once, but Edric can't oppose a guard ... could they?" + ] + } + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "The Vault", + "page": 25, + "entries": [ + "The Vault is the Librarian's prison where she watches the world through her lifebooks.", + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Vault.webp" + }, + "credit": "Matheus Graef" + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Dead Lake Entrance", + "page": 25, + "entries": [ + "A small river feeds into this lake with no outflow. Salt and other mineral deposits make the water corrosive, which makes it the ideal hiding spot for the stairs that lead to the Vault.", + { + "type": "insetReadaloud", + "page": 25, + "entries": [ + "The shores of this lifeless lake are foreboding and gray. A thick, burning stench radiates from waters so still and dark they look like a stretch of obsidian. Calcified trees and animals sit motionless in and around the lake." ] }, + "The area has the following features:", { - "type": "item", - "name": "Community Coordinator", + "type": "list", + "page": 25, + "items": [ + "The magical stairs leading down to the library are a step off the lake's shore. Their location is marked by a gnarled stump protruding above the water. A single twisted branch on the stump points toward the stairs. Atop the branch is an unusually large calcified moth that is clearly visible.", + "The stairs lead down to a magic barrier that creates the atrium. The stairs could also be a ramp, or the characters could swim near the path.", + "A creature not on the hidden path takes 3 ({@damage 1d6}) acid damage at the start of each turn they are in contact with the water." + ] + }, + "When the characters descend the steps, read or paraphrase:", + { + "type": "insetReadaloud", + "page": 26, "entries": [ - "John Champion" + "The descent into the eerie lake brings a cascade of sights and sensations: rocky shallows plunging into a drop that ends on flat stone steps. Warm waters tingling against exposed skin, and burning acrid scents. Then, finally, deafening silence. The stairs descend until they break through a magic barrier at the lake's bottom. On the other side of the barrier is damp air, the lake water shimmering overhead. The stairs end at the cold floor of a grand atrium." + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Atrium of Legend", + "page": 26, + "entries": [ + "The atrium is a tribute to the Librarian's early work shaping the stories of legendary figures.", + { + "type": "insetReadaloud", + "page": 26, + "entries": [ + "A small trickle of water defies the magic holding the lake up, running down the wall to form a small pool. The stone floor is inlaid with a massive silver circle surrounded by arrows pointing in every direction. Inside the circle are several simple depictions: a cracked crown, an overlapping moth and eye, and the numeral 3. Intricately carved wall reliefs depict ancient gods and heroic figures struggling against monsters clawing at their heels." ] }, + "The area has the following features:", { - "type": "item", - "name": "Customer Support", + "type": "list", + "page": 26, + "items": [ + "The water hangs 30 feet above the floor.", + "The inlaid silver on the floor of the room depicts the symbol of the Scribes. A character with a passive Intelligence ({@skill Arcana}) score of 15 or higher knows the symbol is also a {@spell teleportation circle}." + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Enter the Vault", + "page": 28, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "insetReadaloud", + "page": 28, "entries": [ - "Bobby McBride" + "Large stone doors sit slightly ajar, with water trickling between. Distant hushed whispers echo from beyond the doors. Sharp smells emanate from beyond, a mix of paper, mildew, and incense." ] + }, + "The Vault is a two-story structure that stretches back into the darkness infinitely. The bottom floor, partially flooded with briny lake water, houses the vast majority of lifebooks in the central hall and the adjoining alcoves on either side. The top floor consists of a balcony running the length of the central hall. Doors off the balcony lead to private rooms, many of which are used by the Scribes for work or as private residences.", + "The Vault is dimly lit by floating, glowing wisps. When a character is within 120 feet of a wisp, it seeks them and flits around above them for as long as they remain in the area." + ] + }, + { + "type": "gallery", + "images": [ + { + "type": "image", + "imageType": "map", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/TheVaultMaps/TheVault-40x55-140pps-Hall-GM.webp" + }, + "credit": "Miska Fredman", + "title": "The Vault\u2014Hall" } ] }, { - "type": "list", - "style": "list-hang", - "page": "C2", - "name": "Illustration", - "items": [ + "type": "gallery", + "images": [ { - "type": "item", - "name": "Cover Art", - "entries": [ - "Brett Bullion" - ] + "type": "image", + "imageType": "mapPlayer", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/TheVaultMaps/TheVault-40x55-140pps-Hall-Grid.webp" + }, + "credit": "Miska Fredman", + "title": "The Vault\u2014Hall, Player Version" }, { - "type": "item", - "name": "Interior Illustrators", - "entries": [ - "\"Shieldbearer\": Alejandro Pacheco, João Phillipe", - "\"Appendix NPC: Part 2\": Patrik Hell", - "\"The Scribes\": Matheus Graef (Conceptopolis)" - ] + "type": "image", + "imageType": "mapPlayer", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/TheVaultMaps/TheVault-40x55-140pps-Hall-NoGrid.webp" + }, + "credit": "Miska Fredman", + "title": "The Vault\u2014Hall, Player Version\u2014No Grid" }, { - "type": "item", - "name": "Cartographer", + "type": "image", + "imageType": "mapPlayer", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/TheVaultMaps/TheVault-40x55-140pps-Hall-NoGrid-NoProps.webp" + }, + "credit": "Miska Fredman", + "title": "The Vault\u2014Hall, Player Version\u2014No Props" + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Guided Tour", + "page": 28, + "entries": [ + "An Apprentice (see \"Climbing the Ranks\" later in this article) meets recruited characters at the entrance and provides them a tour of the common areas. During the tour, the characters meet different operatives and the Writers, who may comment on a particularly clever moment in the trial the characters just completed.", + { + "type": "inset", + "page": 28, + "name": "GM Note", "entries": [ - "Miska Fredman" + "This is an opportunity to have a more roleplay-focused exploration of the grounds and a chance for you to hint at further adventures the Scribes may give the characters. If this doesn't work for you, don't feel obligated to use the tour." ] } ] }, { - "type": "list", - "style": "list-hang", - "page": "C2", - "name": "MCDM Contract QA", - "items": [ + "type": "entries", + "name": "Central Hall", + "page": 28, + "entries": [ + "Even whispers echo in this grand atrium. Even if she can't be seen, {@creature the Librarian|Ar20} is here, reacting to stories as she wades in the water.", { - "type": "item", - "name": "Senior Tester", - "entries": [ - "Spencer Hibnick" + "type": "list", + "page": 28, + "items": [ + "Moving the door causes a loud creak, which echoes throughout. The door can be barred and locked.", + "The whole room is constructed of chiseled gray stone, including the bookshelves.", + "The room is 70 feet wide and 110 feet tall. The balcony rises 50 feet off the floor.", + "The room is flooded with 1 foot of water.", + "Three {@creature water elemental|MM|water elementals} that are immune to acid damage live within the water. They only make themselves known if {@creature the Librarian|Ar20} is attacked, in which case they fight at her command." ] }, { - "type": "item", - "name": "Testers", + "type": "entries", + "name": "Vault Books", + "page": 28, "entries": [ - "Nathan Clark", - "Cassandra \"Dig\" Crary", - "Alecson de Lima Junior", - "James Dewar", - "Anna Guimarães", - "Alex Hencinski" + "The lifebooks are written in real time, new pages and words magically materializing from nothing. If a lifebook is damaged or removed from the Vault, its words disappear and a new book appears on a shelf in the central hall to replace it. Stories not worth saving, typically cases in which the conversion wouldn't make a difference in the individual or push society toward greatness, are unceremoniously dropped in the water. A lifebook concludes when its subject perishes." ] } ] }, { - "type": "list", - "style": "list-hang", - "page": "C2", - "name": "MCDM Team", - "items": [ + "type": "gallery", + "images": [ { - "type": "item", - "name": "MCDM is", - "entries": [ - "Lars Bakke: Development & Production", - "Jerod Bennett: Technology", - "Grace Cheung: Art", - "Matt Colville: Writing & Design", - "Nick De Spain: Art & Art Outsource Management", - "Jason Hasenauer: Art & Art Direction", - "James Introcaso: Lead Game Designer", - "Hannah Rose: Managing Editor" - ] + "type": "image", + "imageType": "map", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/TheVaultMaps/TheVault-40x55-140pps-balcony-GM.webp" + }, + "credit": "Miska Fredman", + "title": "The Vault\u2014Balcony" } ] }, { - "type": "list", - "style": "list-hang", - "page": "C2", - "name": "Playtesting", - "items": [ + "type": "gallery", + "images": [ { - "type": "item", - "name": "Playtest Coordinators", + "type": "image", + "imageType": "mapPlayer", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/TheVaultMaps/TheVault-40x55-140pps-balcony-Grid.webp" + }, + "credit": "Miska Fredman", + "title": "The Vault\u2014Balcony, Player Version" + }, + { + "type": "image", + "imageType": "mapPlayer", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/TheVaultMaps/TheVault-40x55-140pps-balcony-NoGrid.webp" + }, + "credit": "Miska Fredman", + "title": "The Vault\u2014Balcony, Player Version\u2014No Grid" + }, + { + "type": "image", + "imageType": "mapPlayer", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/TheVaultMaps/TheVault-40x55-140pps-balcony-NoGrid-NoProps.webp" + }, + "credit": "Miska Fredman", + "title": "The Vault\u2014Balcony, Player Version\u2014No Props" + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "The Balcony", + "page": 28, + "entries": [ + "Doors on the balcony lead to living quarters, including workbenches, outfitting stations, and seating areas. There are infinite rooms on the balcony, most in disrepair. Notable rooms have had the doors inscribed. Vines and vegetation from cracks in the ceiling crawl over the balcony." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Living Quarters", + "page": 28, + "entries": [ + "Scribes live in these 30-foot-square rooms styled as barracks, though the Writers and accomplished operatives have private chambers." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "The Stateroom", + "page": 28, + "entries": [ + "The stateroom is the Writers' private planning space. In the center of the room, a large, ornate table made of wood and rough steel is festooned with documents, maps, charts, and candles. The outer edges of the room have stacks of books, each related to an ongoing conversion." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Ancient Archive", + "page": 28, + "entries": [ + "This room contains the concluded stories of the Scribes' exploits. Stacks upon teetering stacks of lifebooks reach high towards the ceiling. When this room fills, the Scribes will start using another. {@creature Sere'dina Elsys|Ar20} is most commonly found in this room, critiquing ancient conversions under her breath." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "The Temple", + "page": 28, + "entries": [ + "Racks and shelves line the temple's walls, each filled with various weapons, armor, and other adventuring gear. Wafting red linens and candles adorn the room. {@creature Debut Bronzeband|Ar20} acts as quartermaster, checking equipment in and out but bestowing it ceremonially." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Stage of Heroes", + "page": 28, + "entries": [ + "Dozens of candles cast flickering light around this room, which is decorated as an improvised tavern that contains large casks of the finest brews. {@creature Samaapt|Ar20} is the informal bartender, often laughing over stories with other Scribes. Stools are arranged in a semicircle around upended bookshelves covered in ornate rugs to create a stage. Here the Scribes regale each other with tales of their conversions and learn from their collective experiences." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Records Room", + "page": 30, + "entries": [ + "This room contains the lifebooks of the Scribes. These books are used as a safeguard against rogue agents. Access to this room is entrusted only to Writers and {@creature the Librarian|Ar20}, and it is thus locked and warded. The key is required to deactivate the ward and the lock. The lock can be picked by a character who succeeds on a {@dc 20} Dexterity check using {@item thieves' tools|PHB}. If the ward isn't deactivated, it casts {@spell feeblemind} (spell save {@dc 17}) on all creatures within 10 feet of the door.", + "If pressed about what is contained in the records room, the Writers are evasive and shrug off the questioning, since the room contains the personal details of every operative." + ] + }, + { + "type": "inset", + "page": 30, + "name": "Reading Random Books", + "entries": [ + "If a character wants to read a lifebook, you can use the following suggestions to create the tome's contents. Keep a pen handy, It could very well be the basis of the next conversion.", + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Player-Driven", + "page": 30, "entries": [ - "Aaron Flavius West, Adam McLaughlin, AJ Metzger, Casey Bell, Clayton Salamon, Harley Kewish, ItsTheITGuy, Janek Dalkowski, Joel Russ, John Bryant, Roman Penna" + "Ask the player to tell you, the GM, who the lifebook is about." ] }, { - "type": "item", - "name": "Playtesters", + "type": "entries", + "name": "Fill-in-the-Blanks", + "page": 30, "entries": [ - "Áine Martin, apollosukulele, Archer, Austin Bush, Ayden Birch, Ben Robertson, Brennen, Cory Muraglio, EagleRuler, Eran Arabel, Gina Delvin, Grumpy, Hazel Margaris, Iris Gorton, Isaiah Smith, Jared \"Jay\" Busse, Josh Goodwin, Joshua Barbeau, Karen Hill, Kayla Gleeson, Kit Valentine, Kris, Lucas Chiesa, Marcel Theilig, Matthew Donndelinger, Nicholas Renzetti, Nikola Ninkoviæ, Phillip Ada, Rachel Cohen, Tim Skiba, Vincent Cramer, William Pfeiffer" + "Have the players take turns filling in the blanks: Once upon a time, there was a ______ named______, whose flaw was ______. Their daily routine was ______ . Everything changed one day when ______. That caused a huge problem: ______. Things got worse when ______. Things became overwhelming when ______, which forced the character to overcome their flaw by ______. This led to the outcome of______." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Story Suggestions Table", + "page": 30, + "entries": [ + "Should you want to tie lifebooks into PCs or NPCs, you can use the {@table Story Suggestions|Ar20} table to get you started.", + { + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "table", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Story Suggestions", + "page": 30 + } ] } ] } ] }, - { - "type": "hr" - }, - { - "type": "entries", - "page": "C2", - "style": "text-center", - "entries": [ - "Join us on the MCDM Discord server, where you can chat with others about ARCADIA and more!", - "{@link discord.gg/mcdm|https://discord.com/invite/mcdm}" - ] - }, - { - "type": "hr" - }, - { - "type": "entries", - "page": "C2", - "style": "text-center", - "entries": [ - "Product Identity: The following items are hereby identified as Product Identity, as defined in the Open Game License version 1.0a, Section 1(e), and are not Open Content: All content which is not included in the Systems Reference Document version 5.1 or has otherwise been specifically designated as Open Game Content, including Shieldbearer, Appendix NPC, The Scribes, all Trademarks, registered trademarks, proper names (including the names of characters, place names, monsters, organizations, new spells, new abilities, etc.), dialogue, plots, story elements, locations, characters, artwork, graphics, sidebars, and trade dress." - ] - } - ] - }, - { - "type": "section", - "name": "Letter from the Editor", - "page": 1, - "entries": [ - { - "type": "quote", - "entries": [ - "If you look at the table of contents for this issue, you'll notice something weird\u2014I wrote one of this month's articles. James commissioned me to write it back in the distant mists of time (also known as 2021), well before I approached the managing editor chair. But now that I'm here, I thought it'd be a fun opportunity to give a backstage tour of the inspiration, the design process, and how our MCDM playtesters make everything better.", - "We've published several subclasses for spellcasters in ARCADIA, but none for barbarians, fighters, rangers, or rogues\u2014and James and my D&D groups were super into the idea of a shield-wielding fighter. Captain America is what most folks think of, but my own inspiration actually came from {@link Hades|https://www.supergiantgames.com/games/hades/}, where I've spent many hours wielding Aegis, the Shield of Chaos, as I fight my way out of the Underworld. I also wanted something that would suit the shield-maiden archetype, which mixes history and myth into a top-notch fantasy aesthetic.", - "Armed with these concepts, I started scribbling down ideas for cool things to do with shields, as well as ideas for magic shields and new equipment. These early notes were like having a conversation with myself\u2014there were a lot of question marks for things I wasn't sure about or hadn't solved yet. Early on, I thought the Shieldbearer might have a list of maneuvers, like the Battle Master, or that I'd design light, medium, and heavy shields, with different techniques available for each, but neither of those worked in practice. Designing character options is a lot like assembling a puzzle, except you're drawing the image and cutting out the pieces at the same time!", - "When I wanted to procrastinate on writing, I researched the history of shields, so I could represent more variety than the medieval European {@link heater shield|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heater_shield} and more specificity than the generic shield in the core rules. I also looked for cool real-world battle maneuvers involving shields, like a more realistic version of {@link this scene|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDte-axR9l8} where a bunch of guys with huge shields become a human cannonball. I didn't find any such battle maneuvers, but I did gather some inspiration for a few of the magic shields!", - "Ultimately, the Shieldbearer subclass completely ignores two unfortunate real-world facts: shields don't actually make good weapons, and throwing a heavy, not particularly aerodynamic object is unlikely to be effective no matter how strong you are. A tricky game design challenge is balancing consistency in a game world where the laws of physics are (by default) similar to our own with the need to set realism aside for the sake of epic fantasy. In the original draft, a Shieldbearer could only throw their shield a number of feet equal to 5 × their Strength modifier, but James and the testers talked me out of that limitation. Now the Shield Toss {@footnote 1|talked {@i myself} out of naming this feature \"Shield Yeet,\" but by all means, live your meme dreams at the table.} feature gives you a normal range of 30 feet and a long range of 60 feet. More fun, less arithmetic.", - "Speaking of the testers, extensive and effective playtesting is at the heart of what we do here at MCDM. Everything we release goes through at least two full rounds of playtesting, where our amazing testers give the material an in-depth read, run games with it, and enter specific notes in a well-organized spreadsheet. As a managing editor, this is a dream, and as an author, I love getting feedback from the testers to catch issues, confirm or refute concerns, and help me deliver on my vision. For example, the first version of the Shieldbearer gave two features at level 3 that {@i seemed} substantial, but neither one was very impactful\u2014something I wouldn't have realized without testing. Designing a good subclass is tricky, as no one typically has time to play it from level 1 to 20, but the testers' input helped deliver the right features in the right order so it's balanced and fun to play at any level. Having two rounds of playtesting is invaluable\u2014it keeps us from over-correcting and gives us the chance to actually test out more than one approach.", - "I'm delighted that the Shieldbearer shares an issue with two fantastic articles overflowing with creatures and adventure threads for your game. {@link Sam Mannell's|https://twitter.com/crypticparlour} \"Appendix NPC: Part 2\" brings even more ridiculously useful stat blocks, including a protective auto-sentinel robot friend, a dragon priest who's a lot cooler than ye olde generic cultist, and a demigodly saint who'd make an excellent final boss. And \"The Scribes\" may sound like an order of dusty librarians who never leave the stacks, but these meddling Writers are here to make legendary, epic, important events {@i happen}, thanks to authors {@link Hook & Chance|https://hookandchance.com/} and {@link The GM Tim|https://thegmtim.ca/}.", - "Thanks for joining me for this design retrospective! I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I do\u2014and please tell me all about your epic Shieldbearer adventures." - ], - "by": "{@i De somnio ad itinere}", - "from": "James Introcaso, Managing Editor", - "skipMarks": true, - "skipItalics": true - } - ] - }, - { - "type": "section", - "name": "Shieldbearer", - "page": 2, - "entries": [ - { - "type": "image", - "href": { - "type": "external", - "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Shieldbearer-Header.webp" - } - }, { "type": "entries", - "page": 2, - "style": "text-center", + "name": "Choosing a Discipline", + "page": 31, "entries": [ - "{@style A martial archetype for fighters, plus new magical and nonmagical shields|small-caps;dnd-font}", - "by Hannah Rose", + "After the characters tour the Vault, Debut Bronzeband asks them to choose a discipline and explains what each means (see \"Writers and Disciplines\" earlier in this article). The chosen discipline determines which Writer is the operative's mentor and direct superior, as well as the unique perspective an operative might bring into conversions.", { "type": "inset", - "page": 2, + "page": 31, + "name": "GM Tip: Secret Agents with a Specialty", "entries": [ - { - "type": "quote", - "entries": [ - "Who needs a plan? I have a shield." - ], - "by": "Peggy Carter", - "from": "What If... Captain Carter Were the First Avenger?" - } + "Encourage the players to pick the discipline that fits their characters and goals. While these disciplines have a theme, they are not set in stone, nor are they absolutes. The operatives are expected to work as a group to accomplish any conversion they are sent on. As a GM, your job is to create conversion adventures with opportunities for the disciples represented by the players." ] } ] }, - "The archetypal warrior bears a sword, shield, and armor\u2014the sword (or other weapon) attacks while armor passively protects. But the uses of a shield are manifold: to parry a blow, to block a projectile, to form a defensive wall with fellow warriors, to protect your comrades, and even to shove or bash a foe.", - "In real-world and fantasy cultures alike, shields also serve symbolic and ceremonial purposes: a coat of arms, a battle standard, or an indication of status as a warrior. They represent both individual resolve to defend something beloved and communal unity against a looming threat.", - "This article presents the Shieldbearer\u2014a new martial archetype for fighters\u2014as well as a shield-bearing retainer, magical and nonmagical shields, and rules tips related to these mechanics.", { "type": "entries", - "name": "Martial Archetype: Shieldbearer", - "page": 2, + "name": "Climbing the Ranks", + "page": 31, "entries": [ + "Through successful conversions, the characters can advance in the organization. Doing so grants access to gear and magic items, more responsibility, and better living quarters as shown on the Scribe Rank Benefits table. When an operative achieves a new rank, they gain the general benefit and a benefit specific to their discipline. Recruits start with the Acolyte rank. When an operative achieves the Sentinel rank, they can recruit new operatives for the Scribes.", { - "type": "image", - "href": { - "type": "external", - "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Shieldbearer-Fluff.webp" - }, - "credit": "{@link João Phillipe|https://www.lipeartwork.com/c%C3%B3pia-alsvastoria}" + "type": "statblock", + "tag": "table", + "source": "Ar20", + "name": "Scribe Rank Benefits", + "page": 31 }, { "type": "statblock", - "prop": "subclass", + "tag": "item", "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Shieldbearer", - "page": 2, - "className": "Fighter", - "classSource": "PHB" + "name": "Gem of Sending", + "page": 32 + }, + { + "type": "inset", + "page": 32, + "name": "Characters as Writers", + "entries": [ + "Should any of the Writers step down, a Fabulist character can take their place and receive the amulet bearing their discipline's insignia. While wearing the amulet, a character can cast the {@spell teleport} spell from it. Once {@spell teleport} is cast through the amulet twice, it can't be used again until the next dawn." + ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", - "name": "New Equipment", - "page": 4, + "name": "Conversions", + "page": 32, "entries": [ - "Your character's shield is an opportunity to reflect your character's aesthetic, heritage, or aªliation. A shield's appearance might also serve a ceremonial purpose in addition to a martial one.", - "In the core game rules, every shield uses the same mechanics regardless of its appearance. This section presents new shield variations, which characters can purchase in shops that carry common adventuring equipment, at the GM's discretion.", - { - "type": "entries", - "name": "New Property: Cumbersome", - "page": 4, - "entries": [ - "Some shields have a special property related to their use, as shown in the {@table Shields|Ar20} table. A shield with the cumbersome property can't be effectively thrown regardless of its wielder's class features or other abilities." - ] - }, + "This section helps the GM create open-ended conversions for the Scribes. What follows is a conversion template, three sample conversions, and a small collection of conversion briefs that the GM can expand upon.{@sup {@cite Hook & Chance|Ar20|1}}", { "type": "entries", - "name": "Shields", - "page": 4, - "entries": [ - "These nonmagical shields can be wielded by any character proficient with shields, not just {@class Fighter|PHB|Shieldbearer fighters|Shieldbearer|Ar20}. Their appearance can be customized as the GM or player desires.", - "A shield that lists a Strength requirement on the Shields table can't be wielded by a creature with a Strength score less than the listed score.", - { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "table", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Shields", - "page": 4 + "name": "Conversion Template", + "page": 32, + "entries": [ + "This template helps a GM create and run conversions.", + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Brief:", + "page": 32, + "entries": [ + "A summarized version of everything that a Writer tells the characters before they take action." + ] }, { "type": "entries", - "name": "Buckler", - "page": 4, + "name": "Problem:", + "page": 32, "entries": [ - "Though this small round shield offers less protection than larger models, it handily obfuscates your movements to confuse your enemies. While wielding this shield, you can make a Charisma ({@skill Deception}) check as a bonus action, contested by another creature's Wisdom ({@skill Insight}) check. On a success, you make your next attack against that creature before the end of your turn with advantage." + "The obstacle or challenge that prevents a target (an individual or group) from becoming the center of a dramatic story." ] }, { "type": "entries", - "name": "Bladed Shield", - "page": 4, + "name": "Change:", + "page": 32, "entries": [ - "The rim of this shield is fitted with sharp, curved blades. When you make an attack with this shield, you can choose whether the damage it deals is bludgeoning or slashing damage." + "The change that the target must go through to grow and rise to the challenge they face. There are three categories of change:", + { + "type": "list", + "page": 32, + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Worldview", + "entries": [ + "The target's understanding of the world changes. The target must mature, find new meaning, or gain a new perspective." + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Status", + "entries": [ + "The target's social standing changes. The people around the target must see and treat them differently, like in a typical rags-to-riches story." + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Morality", + "entries": [ + "The target's moral compass changes. The target must challenge their opinion or actions, usually from selfish to benevolent or evil to good." + ] + } + ] + } ] }, { "type": "entries", - "name": "Heraldic Shield", - "page": 5, + "name": "Solution:", + "page": 32, "entries": [ - "This fine shield bears an emblem or coat of arms associated with an organization, such as a knightly order or civil guard, the faith of a particular god, or a location, such as your country of origin. While you visibly carry this shield, you have advantage on Charisma checks to interact with members of the shield's displayed affiliation." + "A way that the Scribes can affect the change needed in the target." ] }, { "type": "entries", - "name": "Lantern Shield", - "page": 5, + "name": "Recommendation:", + "page": 32, "entries": [ - "This metal shield comes with a {@item hooded lantern|PHB} that can be hung from a hook on the shield's rim, allowing you to illuminate your path while keeping a hand free." + "A course of action that can set the conversion on a fun path for the players. The Writers might recommend this course of action during the briefing." ] }, { "type": "entries", - "name": "Spiked Shield", - "page": 5, + "name": "Sub-Objectives", + "page": 32, "entries": [ - "This shield is outfitted with formidable metal spikes. A creature who attempts to {@action grapple|PHB} you takes {@damage 1d4} piercing damage, plus an extra {@damage 1d4} piercing damage at the start of each of their turns while {@action grapple|PHB|grappling} you. Additionally, attacks made with this shield deal an extra {@damage 1d4} piercing damage on a hit." + "While not crucial, giving each discipline a secret goal can add fun and chaos into the mix and give individual characters secret motivations." ] }, { "type": "entries", - "name": "Tower Shield", - "page": 5, + "name": "Complication:", + "page": 32, "entries": [ - "While wielding this heavy shield, ranged weapon attacks against you have disadvantage, but you can't add your Dexterity modifier to your Armor Class and you have disadvantage on Dexterity ({@skill Stealth}) checks." + "A secret complication that occurs mid-conversion." ] }, { "type": "inset", - "page": 5, - "name": "Magic Shields for Shieldbearers", + "page": 32, + "name": "GM Tip: Let the Players Do Your Planning", "entries": [ - "The unique magic items in this article are fun and flavorful, but there's also something to be said for a good old-fashioned {@item +1 shield|DMG}! Normally, the magic shields in the core rules only grant a bonus to Armor Class, not attacks. However, Shieldbearer characters can use shields as weapons too! As a GM, you may wish to let a Shieldbearer's attacks made with a magic shield count as being made with a magic weapon. Additionally, you can decide that a magic shield that grants a bonus to Armor Class grants the same bonus to attack and damage rolls.", - { - "type": "homebrew", - "entries": [ - "{@note See the Arcadia {@item +1 Shield (*)|Ar20|+1}, {@item +2 Shield (*)|Ar20|+2}, and {@item +3 shield (*)|Ar20} items.}" - ] - } + "If you have players that love to plot and plan, you can have the Writers provide the conversion brief and the Librarian's preferred outcome. From there, let the characters plan exactly how to accomplish this task as you make notes of complications they might encounter\u2014easy session planning." ] } ] - } - ] - }, - { - "type": "entries", - "name": "New Magic Items", - "page": 5, - "entries": [ - "This section presents magic items that can be used by any character with the necessary proficiencies, not just Shieldbearers.", - "When using any of the following shields in a game, the GM can choose to grant it the additional benefits of one of the nonmagical shields presented in the previous section.", - { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "item", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Arcanist's Shield Bracelet", - "page": 5 - }, - { - "type": "image", - "href": { - "type": "external", - "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Arcanists Shield Bracelet.webp" - }, - "credit": "{@link Alejandro Pacheco|https://pachecoart.com/work-for-arcadia-mcdm}" - }, - { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "item", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Boomerang Shield", - "page": 5 - }, - { - "type": "image", - "href": { - "type": "external", - "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Boomerang Shield.webp" - }, - "credit": "{@link Alejandro Pacheco|https://pachecoart.com/work-for-arcadia-mcdm}" - }, - { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "item", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Ceremonial Shield", - "page": 6 - }, - { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "item", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Ram Shield", - "page": 6 - }, - { - "type": "image", - "href": { - "type": "external", - "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Ram Shield.webp" - }, - "credit": "{@link Alejandro Pacheco|https://pachecoart.com/work-for-arcadia-mcdm}" - }, - { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "item", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Shield of the Shifting Moon", - "page": 6 - }, - { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "item", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Spellmirror Shield", - "page": 7 - }, - { - "type": "image", - "href": { - "type": "external", - "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Spellmirror Shield.webp" - }, - "credit": "{@link Alejandro Pacheco|https://pachecoart.com/work-for-arcadia-mcdm}" - }, - { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "variantrule", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Shield Rules Tips", - "page": 7, - "style": "inset" - } - ] - }, - { - "type": "entries", - "name": "Retainer of the Shield", - "page": 8, - "entries": [ - "Retainers are unique NPC followers who pledge their service to player characters. The following stat block presents a fighter retainer who uses their shield to attack and defend.", - "The {@book full rules for retainers|SaF|8|Retainers} can be found in {@loader Strongholds & Followers|collection/MCDM Productions; Strongholds and Followers.json}.", - { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "creature", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Shieldbearer Adept", - "page": 8 }, { - "type": "image", - "href": { - "type": "external", - "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Shieldbearer Adept.webp" - }, - "credit": "{@link Alejandro Pacheco|https://pachecoart.com/work-for-arcadia-mcdm}" - } - ] - } - ] - }, - { - "type": "section", - "name": "Appendix NPC: Part 2", - "page": 9, - "entries": [ - { - "type": "image", - "href": { - "type": "external", - "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Appendix NPC.webp" - } - }, - { - "type": "entries", - "page": 9, - "style": "text-center", - "entries": [ - "{@style Even more statblocks to steal!|small-caps;dnd-font}", - "by Sam Mannell" - ] - }, - "Hi again! Sam here! Still as busy as last time. Maybe busier? This article rounds out the list from \"{@footnote Appendix NPC: Part 1|{@note Arcadia Issue 18 is not yet converted.}}\" with seven new NPC stat blocks ranging from challenge rating 9 to 20. Prep fast, game more!", - { - "type": "inset", - "page": 9, - "name": "contents", - "entries": [ - "The stat blocks below are listed in order of challenge rating to make them easier to find.", - { - "type": "list", - "page": 9, - "columns": 3, - "items": [ - "{@creature Auto-Sentinel|Ar20}", - "{@creature Dragon Priest|Ar20}", - "{@creature Dragon Slayer|Ar20}", - "{@creature Gish|Ar20}", - "{@creature Hero|Ar20}", - "{@creature Polymath|Ar20}", - "{@creature Saint|Ar20}" + "type": "entries", + "name": "Sample Conversions", + "page": 32, + "entries": [ + "Here are three conversions that follow the template." ] - } - ] - }, - { - "type": "entries", - "name": "Auto-Sentinel", - "page": 10, - "entries": [ - "Typically made of magically animated stone, iron, or brass, these constructs are created to defend others. Constructs designed as personal security already exist in the game, but those are monsters, and this is an NPC!", - "This stat block can serve as a powered-up version of the {@creature bodyguard|Ar18}{@footnote {@sup 1}|See \"Appendix NPC: Part 1\"in ARCADIA 18! {@note Not yet converted for 5eTools.}}, but it also captures the essence of {@link a type of character that I love to run|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz-yTQYZW6w}. Players tend to fall in love with protective sidekick robots that can't speak, but who are clearly sapient and have a sweet personality wholly at odds with their incredible strength. It's niche, but effective!", - { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "creature", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Auto-Sentinel", - "page": 10 - } - ] - }, - { - "type": "entries", - "name": "Dragon Priest", - "page": 11, - "entries": [ - "Ancient dragons are so suffused with magic that they can impart a fraction of their power to their most loyal pawns. The dragon priest is one such servant\u2014a cultist dedicated to the will of a powerful dragon, partially transformed by their patron into a quasi-draconic figure. The ancient dragon bestows \"gifts\" upon the priest that typically take the form of sharpened claws, filed teeth, reptilian eyes, and patches of diamond-hard scale.", - "The dragon priest stat block assumes that the dragon priest's master is a red dragon, which is reflected in its immunity to fire damage and the fire damage dealt by its actions. You can change this to suit another type of dragon by swapping the damage type.", + }, { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "creature", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Dragon Priest", - "page": 11 + "type": "entries", + "name": "Murder by Moonlight", + "page": 32, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Brief:", + "page": 32, + "entries": [ + "Foil and expose a rotten king's murders so that a folk hero has the chance to overthrow him." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Problem:", + "page": 32, + "entries": [ + "The king, Aldrost Zhubzall, has been murdering his political rivals for years. A virtuous folk hero named Jartall Mcdhanna knows about the murders, but they are actively losing support because the king maintains a benevolent public image. King Zhubzall has sent an assassin after Jartall due to their meddling." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Change:", + "page": 32, + "entries": [ + "{@i Status.} Jartall's social standing is plummeting, and they need the king to be exposed to regain what they had." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Solution:", + "page": 32, + "entries": [ + "Stop the assassination and expose King Zhubzall for arranging this and other assassinations, allowing Jartall to rise and overthrow the king." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Recommendation:", + "page": 32, + "entries": [ + "The assassin's identity is unknown, but they are likely staying at an inn, waiting to strike one of the king's rivals." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Sub-Objectives", + "page": 32, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "list", + "page": 32, + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Chaos:", + "entries": [ + "Try to ensure the assassin is foiled in a public place." + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Cracked Crown:", + "entries": [ + "Get a crowd to chant Jartall's name, building their confidence." + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Fallen Eye:", + "entries": [ + "Turn public opinion against Zhubzall and spark a rebellion." + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Complication:", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + "The assassin is a {@creature werewolf|MM} and they strike during the full moon, which makes each murder look like a random werewolf attack." + ] + } + ] }, { "type": "entries", - "style": "text-center", - "page": 11, + "name": "The Dragonslayer Destiny", + "page": 33, "entries": [ { - "type": "quote", + "type": "entries", + "name": "Brief:", + "page": 33, "entries": [ - "I wield the very flame of Corzivax-Baloroth! Her power is mine!" + "Show a newly recruited cultist that the cult is evil and start her on the path to becoming the hero that stops them." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Problem:", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + "Lyalis Greyat, a young villager who wants to see more of the world, has been initiated by a dragon-worshipping cult whose plan is to resurrect an ancient evil dragon." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Change:", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + "{@i Worldview.} Lyalis must go from seeing the cult as a powerful source of community and purpose to a manipulative organization that must be stopped." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Solution:", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + "Show Lyalis the evil deeds that the cult undertakes and encourage her to oppose their cause, creating a dramatic tale of a hero who toppled an evil cult or died trying." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Recommendation:", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + "The cult recently brought in a group of three recruits to one of their secret outposts located in a cave. They will be presented with the same choice Lyalis was: join or leave unharmed. Gain Lyalis' trust and show her that they don't actually leave unharmed\u2014the cult throws those who don't join into a pit containing several {@creature black dragon wyrmling|MM|black dragon wyrmlings}." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Sub-Objectives", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "list", + "page": 33, + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Chaos:", + "entries": [ + "Cult leadership being fed to the wyrmlings would be juicy." + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Cracked Crown:", + "entries": [ + "Lyalis saving more than just herself from the cult would certainly improve her chances of being hailed as a hero." + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Fallen Eye:", + "entries": [ + "The cult being completely disbanded would likely elevate the triumph." + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Complication:", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + "The cultist presenting these three recruits with the choice is Lyalis' mother, and Lyalis has no idea." ] } ] - } - ] - }, - { - "type": "entries", - "name": "Dragon Slayer", - "page": 12, - "entries": [ - { - "type": "image", - "href": { - "type": "external", - "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Dragon Priest and Dragon Slayer.webp" - }, - "title": "Dragon Slayer", - "credit": "Patrik Hell" }, - "The inverse of a {@creature dragon priest|Ar20}, the dragon slayer is a powerful martial NPC that hunts and destroys great wyrms. Typically, this makes them heroes, but it depends on which dragons they slay. Your players might run afoul of a dragon slayer by protecting a good dragon or by stealing the glory of killing a dragon from a particularly prideful dragon slayer.", { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "creature", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Dragon Slayer", - "page": 12 - } - ] - }, - { - "type": "entries", - "name": "Gish", - "page": 13, - "entries": [ - "The gish is a character with equal skill in martial might and arcane magic. The word gish comes from a certain group of creatures that shall not (legally) be named from a book published in 1980, but it has come to mean any eldritch-knight-type, sword-wielding spell-slinger. A spellsword!", - "I think that gish should be tough as nails\u2014the perfect combatant, with few, if any, weaknesses\u2014so that's what you've got here!", - "The gish begins combat by casting {@spell eldritch blast} or {@spell fireball} to soften up the characters from a distance while piling on buffs for a few turns, like the {@spell fire shield} and {@spell haste} spells. After that, the gish can easily move into melee range with Witch Step and switch to attacking with their {@item longsword|PHB}. When reduced to half their hit point maximum (97), they start using the {@spell vampiric touch} spell each round to regain some vitality. When the gish is reduced to 49 hit points, they use Witch Step to escape or they surrender.", + "type": "entries", + "name": "Rotten Luck", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Brief:", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + "Stop an inheritance from reaching its undeserving recipient so the heir becomes a cautionary tale of excesses and selfishness." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Problem:", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + "The irresponsible heir and child of a wealthy merchant, William Herritus-Prince ruined his family's reputation through gambling, lavish living, and indebting himself to others. His debtors are catching up to him, but a delegation has been sent to inform him that he's just inherited a recently deceased aunt and uncle's fortune. If this money reaches William, he will start the cycle again and create more trouble for his family." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Change:", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + "{@i Morality.} If William faces serious repercussions (and isn't killed by the debtors), perhaps he will finally turn to a more altruistic lifestyle." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Solution:", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + "Stop the inheritance from reaching William." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Recommendation:", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + "Steal, stop, or donate the wealth. It doesn't matter." + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Sub-Objectives", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + { + "type": "list", + "page": 33, + "items": [ + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Chaos:", + "entries": [ + "Spill the money in public to cause a scene." + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Cracked Crown:", + "entries": [ + "Convince William to walk away from his assets and make his own way." + ] + }, + { + "type": "item", + "name": "Fallen Eye:", + "entries": [ + "Recruit a bard to witness William's journey of self-discovery, providing the best chance his story endures." + ] + } + ] + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "entries", + "name": "Complication:", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + "The inheritance was to be split between William and his brother Heviam, who leads a group of bandits and outlaws in the area. If Heviam finds out his half is being withheld, he will interfere." + ] + } + ] + }, { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "creature", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Gish", - "page": 13 + "type": "entries", + "name": "Other Conversion Ideas", + "page": 33, + "entries": [ + "Use the following ideas to inspire conversions:", + { + "type": "list", + "page": 33, + "items": [ + "Create the moment that a perfect couple meets for the first time.", + "Encourage a lover to make their affections known before it's too late.", + "Convince the villain that they're the villain so they can reform themselves.", + "Create a common enemy or challenge for a community to overcome to bring them together.", + "Push the guard past their comfort zone so that they can save their family and the city.", + "Become a farmer's mentor and put them through an incredible series of trials that train them to fight.", + "Rescue the tied-up rebel from the villain's lair so they can have a final showdown.", + "Reunite missing members of a team of misfits, so they can come together and save the day.", + "Put someone specific in real danger so they are saved by a local hero, intertwining their stories." + ] + }, + "In addition to conversions, threats can also arise for the Scribes themselves:", + { + "type": "list", + "page": 33, + "items": [ + "Someone discovers the Scribes or finds the entrance to the Vault.", + "A Writer dies, leaving a vacuum of power. Who should fill that role?", + "A defector starts a competing organization." + ] + } + ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", - "name": "Hero", - "page": 14, + "name": "Resources", + "page": 34, "entries": [ - "Heroes are fun to use as NPCs when your characters have become frighteningly powerful themselves! You can use this stat block to represent legendary NPCs in your world, on par with figures like {@link Conan the Barbarian|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5K3AKl5qpc} or {@link Xena: Warrior Princess|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9UY1V66E8I}, or demigods like Hercules and Gilgamesh.", - "The party might clash with a hero if they have a reputation for morally questionable decisions or if they've been set up! Or maybe the hero has fallen victim to the duplicitous mind control of a cunning villain? In any case, I wish your players luck if they wind up as an obstacle in the hero's way.", { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "creature", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Hero", - "page": 14 + "type": "entries", + "style": "text-center", + "entries": [ + "The Scribes", + "{@link https://mcdm.gg/Arcadia202209/TheVaultMaps.zip}", + "{@link https://mcdm.gg/Arcadia202209/TheVault-40x55-140pps-balcony-GM.jpg}", + "{@link https://mcdm.gg/Arcadia202209/TheVault-40x55-140pps-balcony-Grid.jpg}", + "{@link https://mcdm.gg/Arcadia202209/TheVault-40x55-140pps-balcony-NoGrid.jpg}", + "{@link https://mcdm.gg/Arcadia202209/TheVault-40x55-140pps-balcony-NoGrid-NoProps.jpg}", + "{@link https://mcdm.gg/Arcadia202209/TheVault-40x55-140pps-Hall-GM.jpg}", + "{@link https://mcdm.gg/Arcadia202209/TheVault-40x55-140pps-Hall-Grid.jpg}", + "{@link https://mcdm.gg/Arcadia202209/TheVault-40x55-140pps-Hall-NoGrid.jpg}", + "{@link https://mcdm.gg/Arcadia202209/TheVault-40x55-140pps-Hall-NoGrid-NoProps.jpg}", + "You can find all issues of {@i ARCADIA} on {@link Patreon|https://www.patreon.com/posts/arcadia-patron-50839035} and in the {@link MCDM shop|https://shop.mcdmproductions.com/collections/arcadia}." + ] } ] - }, + } + ] + }, + { + "type": "section", + "name": "Author Profiles", + "page": 35, + "entries": [ { "type": "entries", - "name": "Polymath", - "page": 15, "entries": [ - "The polymath knows just about everything. These NPCs are geniuses who rely on the breadth and depth of their smarts instead of the strength of their sword arm. They're so intelligent there's probably only one polymath on a planet. Maybe two ... and those two are probably rivals.", - "A polymath almost always knows when they have enemies coming, and given time to prepare, they set traps throughout the battlefield, whether in their lair or not.", { - "type": "entries", - "name": "A Polymath's Lair", - "page": 15, - "entries": [ - "Most polymaths build a stronghold\u2014a secret laboratory, a floating airship, or a forgotten island. The only common thread is that the polymath likes to keep their lair hidden so they can store the knowledge they have amassed without drawing attention.", - "A polymath encountered in their lair has a challenge rating of 19 (22,000 XP).", + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang-notitle", + "columns": 2, + "page": 32, + "items": [ { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "legroup", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Polymath", - "page": 15 + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Hannah Rose.webp" + } }, + "{@b Hannah Rose} is a game designer, editor, and professional nerd\u2014 and, as of this summer, the new managing editor of {@i ARCADIA}! Previous credits include {@book Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn|TDCSR}, {@adventure Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep|CRCotN}, and {@adventure Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel|JttRC}. She is assisted\u2014or hindered, depending on the day\u2014by two feline familiars. You can find her talking about games, cats, and more on Twitter at {@link @wildrosemage|https://twitter.com/wildrosemage}." + ] + }, + { + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang-notitle", + "columns": 2, + "page": 32, + "items": [ { - "type": "statblockInline", - "dataType": "monster", - "dependencies": [ - "Ar20" - ], - "data": { - "name": "Polymath\u00A0", - "source": "Ar20", - "_copy": { - "name": "Polymath", - "source": "Ar20", - "_preserve": { - "page": true - } - } + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Sam Mannell.webp" } - } + }, + "{@b Sam Mannell} is a writer and designer based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa, a distant place known to some as Auckland, New Zealand. When not running or playing games, Sam is writing, making music, drinking coffee, or playing chess badly. You can find more of Sam's work in MCDM's {@book Kingdoms & Warfare|KaW} and the upcoming {@book Flee, Mortals!|FleeMortals} You can be made psionically aware of his location and movements by following him on Twitter {@link @crypticparlour|https://twitter.com/crypticparlour}." ] - } - ] - }, - { - "type": "entries", - "name": "Saint", - "page": 17, - "entries": [ - "When a mortal dies in service to their deity, they sometimes return as a saint: an incarnation of that god's power and will made tangible. When the faithful cry out to their gods, it is the saints who answer. This might not be true in your world, but if you're playing at higher levels, you can get mileage out of this stat block regardless, as it can represent an avatar of divine fury or any being with a demigod's power.", - "The saint can utterly destroy most mortals with a wave of the hand, a quiet sigh, or a mere look. Only a party of the strongest characters from across the timescape could ever hope to stand against one, and even defeating a saint doesn't permanently destroy them.", - { - "type": "statblock", - "tag": "creature", - "source": "Ar20", - "name": "Saint", - "page": 17 }, { - "type": "entries", - "style": "text-center", - "page": 18, - "entries": [ + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang-notitle", + "columns": 2, + "page": 32, + "items": [ { - "type": "quote", - "entries": [ - "It was Gaed who died at the hands of the devil spy. It was Saint Gaed the Confessor, now immortal, who returned and slew the devil." - ] - } + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Hook and Chance.webp" + } + }, + "{@b Hook & Chance} is a community and podcast by a team of two Canadian brothers. Together Travis and Jordan Bonnough produce system-agnostic resources and frameworks for character and campaign creation based on real storytelling best practices. They have 150+ episodes focused on D&D spells, monsters, classes, systems and approaches for GMs and players to play their best games ever. If you want to learn more about how to leverage great storytelling for your games, you can find their work anywhere there are podcasts and at {@link hookandchance.com}." ] }, { - "type": "image", - "href": { - "type": "external", - "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/Saint.webp" - }, - "credit": "Patrik Hell" + "type": "list", + "style": "list-hang-notitle", + "columns": 2, + "page": 32, + "items": [ + { + "type": "image", + "href": { + "type": "external", + "url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/revilowaldow/homebrew/Ar20/_img/Ar20/The GM Tim.webp" + } + }, + "{@b The GM Tim} is a rule-of-cool, theatre-of-the-mind heavy, professional game master who runs many games in a month. When not running tabletop games: Tim streams Star Trek Adventures games on Twitch, writes adventures and content on the DMsGuild and for the D&D Adventurers League, hosts Appendix: Lit Book Club, and is a featured dungeon master at D&D in a Castle. Find more at {@link thegmtim.ca}." + ] } ] } ] + }, + { + "type": "section", + "name": "License", + "page": 36, + "entries": [ + "OPEN GAME License Version 1.0a", + "The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, LLC. and is Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc (\"Wizards\"). All Rights Reserved.", + { + "type": "list", + "style": "list-decimal", + "columns": 2, + "page": 36, + "items": [ + "Definitions: (a)\"Contributors\" means the copyright and/or trademark owners who have contributed Open Game Content; (b)\"Derivative Material\" means copyrighted material including derivative works and translations (including into other computer languages), potation, modification, correction, addition, extension, upgrade, improvement, compilation, abridgment or other form in which an existing work may be recast, transformed or adapted; (c) \"Distribute\" means to reproduce, License, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, publicly display, transmit or otherwise distribute; (d)\"Open Game Content\" means the game mechanic and includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent such content does not embody the Product Identity and is an enhancement over the prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Open Game Content by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this License, including translations and derivative works under copyright law, but specifically excludes Product Identity. (e) \"Product Identity\" means product and product line names, logos and identifying marks including trade dress; artifacts; creatures characters; stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic and other visual or audio representations; names and descriptions of characters, Spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, likenesses and Special abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures, Equipment, magical or supernatural Abilities or Effects, logos, symbols, or graphic designs; and any other trademark or registered trademark clearly identified as Product identity by the owner of the Product Identity, and which specifically excludes the OPEN Game Content; (f) \"Trademark\" means the logos, names, mark, sign, motto, designs that are used by a Contributor to Identify itself or its products or the associated products contributed to the Open Game License by the Contributor (g) \"Use\", \"Used\" or \"Using\" means to use, Distribute, copy, edit, format, modify, translate and otherwise create Derivative Material of Open Game Content. (h) \"You\" or \"Your\" means the licensee in terms of this agreement.", + "The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that contains a notice indicating that the Open Game Content may only be Used under and in terms of this License. You must affix such a notice to any Open Game Content that you Use. No terms may be added to or subtracted from this License except as described by the License itself. No other terms or Conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content distributed using this License.", + "Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate Your acceptance of the terms of this License.", + "Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this License, the Contributors grant You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, nonexclusive License with the exact terms of this License to Use, the Open Game Content.", + "Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing original material as Open Game Content, You represent that Your Contributions are Your original Creation and/or You have sufficient rights to grant the rights conveyed by this License.", + "Notice of License Copyright: You must update the COPYRIGHT NOTICE portion of this License to include the exact text of the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any Open Game Content You are copying, modifying or distributing, and You must add the title, the copyright date, and the copyright holder's name to the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any original Open Game Content you Distribute.", + "Use of Product Identity: You agree not to Use any Product Identity, including as an indication as to compatibility, except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of each element of that Product Identity. You agree not to indicate compatibility or co-adaptability with any Trademark or Registered Trademark in conjunction with a work containing Open Game Content except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of such Trademark or Registered Trademark. The use of any Product Identity in Open Game Content does not constitute a Challenge to the ownership of that Product Identity. The owner of any Product Identity used in Open Game Content shall retain all rights, title and interest in and to that Product Identity.", + "Identification: If you distribute Open Game Content You must clearly indicate which portions of the work that you are distributing are Open Game Content.", + "Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish updated versions of this License. You may use any authorized version of this License to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content originally distributed under any version of this License.", + "Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy of this License with every copy of the Open Game Content You Distribute.", + "Use of Contributor Credits: You may not market or advertise the Open Game Content using the name of any Contributor unless You have written permission from the Contributor to do so.", + "Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You to comply with any of the terms of this License with respect to some or all of the Open Game Content due to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation then You may not Use any Open Game Material so affected.", + "Termination: This License will terminate automatically if You fail to comply with all terms herein and fail to cure such breach within 30 days of becoming aware of the breach. All sublicenses shall survive the termination of this License.", + "Reformation: If any provision of this License is held to be unenforceable, such provision shall be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable.", + "COPYRIGHT NOTICE", + "Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, LLC.", + "System Reference Document 5.1 Copyright 2016, Wizards of the Coast, LLC.; Authors Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford, Chris Perkins, Rodney Thompson, Peter Lee, James Wyatt, Robert J. Schwalb, Bruce R. Cordell, Chris Sims, and Steve Townshend, based on original material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.", + "ARCADIA Issue 20, Copyright 2022, MCDM Productions, LLC. Authors: The GM Tim, Hook & Chance, Sam Mannell, Hannah Rose, and James Introcaso" + ] + } + ] } ] } @@ -3249,6 +5471,14 @@ "entries": [ "See \"Appendix NPC: Part 1\"in ARCADIA 18! {@note Not yet converted for 5eTools.}" ] + }, + { + "name": "Hook & Chance", + "source": "Ar20", + "page": 32, + "entries": [ + "Authors' note: For more examples of story writing and adventure templates, {@link check out our podcast|https://hookandchance.com/}." + ] } ] }