War of The Burning Sky 5E - Player's Guide

Prepare for War
In War of the Burning Sky, you will have the

chance to fight in a war of mythic proportions,
and determine the fate of many nations in its
aftermath. Ever-escalating conflicts, powered by
mighty magic and fervent faith, threaten your
freedom and lives, and even the world itself.
Prepare for war with the mini-gazetteer
and rules material in the War of
the Burning Sky Player’s Guide.
War is coming: are you ready?
C ONTENTS
F OR THE P LAYERS 2 N EW R ULES M ATERIAL 16
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Burning Sky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Character Races . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Gate Pass Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
G ATE PASS 3
Traditions and Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Bard College: College of Cirquelistes . . . . . . 18
Districts, Walls, and Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Martial Archetype: Commander . . . . . . . . . 19
City History and Myths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Monastic Tradition: Way of the East Wind . . . 22
Orcs and Half-Orcs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Monastic Tradition: Way of the West Wind . . 23
Power Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Special Weapons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Adventuring Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
R AGESIA AND S URROUNDING L ANDS 10
Feats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Spell Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Ragesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Shahalesti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Spell Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Dassen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Magic Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Sindaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Ostalin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 L EGAL I NFORMATION 30
C REDITS
From the Pen of
Ryan Nock
With Updates by
Steve Muchow
Conversion to 5e and Layout by

Brian Criswell
Interior Art by
Cris Griffin, J. L. Jones, Brandon Leach, Claudio
Pozas, Todd Schumacher, Shannon White, with se-
lected NPCs inked by Brian Criswell
Cartography by
Sean Macdonald
Special Thanks
Thank you to Julia Behle and Josh Carden for re-
viewing and providing their insightful feedback.
On the Cover
Claudio Pozas show the Torch of the Burning Sky
moments before transporting an army.
c 2018 EN Publishing, 7 Rutland Court, Balaclava Road, Southampton, SO18 6RX, UK

EN Publishing is an imprint of EN World. Please visit http://www.enworld.org
War of the Burning Sky 1 Player’s Guide

F OR THE P LAYERS
While once news reached the Free City-state of Gate
Pass by weekly teleporting courier, that channel has
gone silent, and now news travels by the old routes of
rumor — travelers from the outside world. You might
be one of those travelers, or a concerned native of the
city, but you have heard the rumors.
Emperor Drakus Coaltongue, ruler of the mighty
Ragesian Empire which lies to the west of Gate Pass,
has been slain in a distant nation, or so the rumors
say. Of course, the rumors once said that Coaltongue
was immortal. However, no one doubts the tales of
armies mustering in Ragesia, with orders to secure
the borders of the empire at this time of weakness and
uncertainty. And from Shahalesti, the elvish nation
east of Gate Pass, the rumors say its ruler seeks to
claim the vulnerable Ragesia for his people.
Gate Pass sits alone in its mountain pass, one of the
few safe routes between these two nations — Ragesia
and Shahalesti. For weeks people have been saying
war would come to Gate Pass, and now the rumors
are true. . .
I NTRODUCTION
Welcome to the War of the Burning Sky campaign
saga. While the Campaign Guide is intended for the
game master and has materials players should not
read, this document has nothing that will spoil the
game, and is available for all to see. Of course, the
new rules material in this Player’s Guide is available
only at the game master’s discretion, and the details
of the region and its politics may change based on
the setting of your game, so think of everything here
as optional.
In War of the Burning Sky, you will have the C ONTENT
chance to fight in a war of mythic proportions, and The content of this document is divided into three
determine the fate of many nations in its aftermath. parts. Gate Pass briefly details the city of Gate
Ever-escalating conflicts, powered by mighty magic Pass where the campaign begins. Ragesia and
and fervent faith, threaten your freedom and lives, Surround Lands provides an overview of the rest
and even the world itself. of the region — its nations, politics, and history.
Driven by the dogs of war, you will head for a New Rules Material contains the new rules content
distant safe haven, a magic academy named Lyceum, and player options and is intended for groups keen
which has sent up a rallying cry for those who wish on creating characters more closely tied to the
to resist the warmongers. You will have a chance campaign setting.
to form alliances, to build an army, and to uncover
the strange secrets that underlie the conflict. As the
war reaches a climax, powerful magic will threaten
to scorch nations, or sunder them into nothing but
nightmares. It will be up to you to bring the war to
an end before only embers and ruins remain.

G ATE P ASS
The Free City-state of Gate Pass lies in a rocky
THE FREE CITY-STATE OF GATE PASS
mountain pass that runs east to west between
Ragesia and Shahalesti. Sheer cliffs mark its A large city built within a rocky mountain pass, Gate
northern and southern borders, and fortifications Pass is the bridge of trade and travel between the
built up over centuries have made the city highly Ragesian Empire and Shahalesti.
defensible, allowing it to avoid being annexed Population. 17,000; another 2,000 or so live on the
by either of the nations that surround it. These countryside and upper mountain slopes within a few
same fortifications, unfortunately, make it difficult miles of the main gates. The citizens of Gate Pass are
for anyone to sneak out of the city without going mostly human. A sizeable orc and half-orc population
through any of the numerous gates that give the city represents about 20% of the city. A small elven refugee
its name. population is the only other significant group, with half-
elves, dwarves, and gnomes filling out the rest.
Though the city’s borders to north and south
Government. A half-orc named Merrick Hurt is
are tightly limited — less than a mile wide at the
the city’s governor. He presides over a city council
widest point — the mountain pass is nearly twenty
represented by individuals from each ward and district
miles long, giving the city a lot of room to grow
in the city. The council is responsible for managing the
eastward and westward. The older districts of the
military, commerce, and public projects. According to
city lie in the center of the pass, with different
most of the populace, the council is largely ineffectual
eras of development sprawling out gradually in
and is easily swayed by citizen groups, wealthy merchants,
both directions. Additionally, various small farms
religious concerns, and military groups.
and ranches dot the mountains around the city
Defense. Numbering close to two thousand, the guards
proper, though these people are generally hostile to
also act as constables. Most guards are responsible for
foreigners and relatively well-armed. Gate Pass
watching the gates and kill zones around the city. A
has only been conquered once, and its citizens
small unit of twenty griffon riders patrols the farms in the
managed to drive out the invaders and regain their
outlying area and represents the only cavalry.
freedom, so many of the farmers and ranchers view
Inns. Inns are most often found at the outermost
themselves as the first line of defense for their city.
districts of the city with the exception of a few around
the grand square. The quality of accommodations lessens
T RADITIONS AND C ULTURE the farther away the inn is from the Emelk Way. Famous
The city’s architecture tends to multistory buildings locations: Dassen Arms (5 stars, the best); Griffon Suites
with bridges between roofs, creating thousands of (4 stars); Mannish Inn (2-star); Harrigan’s Inn (1 star).
“gateways” along roads and alleys. Even in poorer Taverns. Some well-known taverns are Flaming Forest
districts, buildings are usually at least two stories Alehouse (5 stars); Seaquen’s Spirits (3 stars); Poison
tall. Many merchants, made wealthy from the traffic Apple Pub (2-star); One-to-Go tavern (1 star).
that passes through the city, own vast ranges of Supplies. Two-Winds Trading; Menash’s Provisions;
adjacent buildings, all of them connected with high Adventurer’s Trove.
bridges. An expression of the city — “a coin for every
gate” — both refers to the wealth of the city, and ornamental gate arches, with staircases people can
serves as a warning to visitors to avoid poorer areas climb to get a better view. In the center of the grand
where buildings lie unconnected. square is a high stone dais, its surface carved in a
A broad, twenty-foot-wide thoroughfare called the massive relief that depicts several local legends.
Emelk Way runs the length of the city, interrupted The rest of the city consists of various districts
only by the district walls every half mile or so. The of skilled workers, common housing, warehouses
city’s natural landscape rises in the center to a and businesses, and slums. Each district has
broad hill called Summer’s Bluff. In addition to representation in the city government. By city
being home to dozens of gated estates for the city’s ordinance, every fourth district must contain a park
politicians and rich merchants, Summer’s Bluff is at least a quarter mile to a side, though entrance to
the site of the city’s grand square, where various these typically requires payment of a few coppers.
annual holidays are celebrated. The grand square The city grew outward from its central districts,
can easily hold several thousand people, and it is with a new district and new outer wall springing
dotted with dozens of small groves, statues, and up every few decades or so. Because of this, it is

Gate Pass — Districts, Walls, and Gates
possible to see the changing styles of construction Strength (Athletics) check to make it over them. City
and defense over the centuries of the city’s ordinance forbids any rooftop within 10 feet of a wall,
existence, like reading the rings of a tree. In older though the city has a few stories about industrious
districts, built before the development of the city’s thieves using massive ladders to traverse the city for
underground sewer system, countless reservoirs and twilight heists carried out in the wealthier districts.
aqueducts rise above the rooftops, designed to catch Each district wall has a gate, a pair of reinforced
rainwater and direct sewage to dumps outside the wooden doors (AC 15; HP 54; Damage Threshold 8;
city. The current sewers flow into an underground DC 26 Strength check to break) each 20 feet high
river before being swept into endless, uncharted and 8 feet wide, which remain open during the day
caves. but close at sunset. A small steel access door can
In the past century, clerics have blessed the gates be opened to allow individuals to pass through at
of new districts in expensive rituals, and a tradition night, but vehicles and beasts of burden are almost
has developed for respected citizens to be buried in never allowed through between sunset and dawn. A
the sanctified ground near the gate of their district. small guardhouse, large enough to comfortably hold
Most graveyards, however, lie outside the city, either eight soldiers, overlooks the gate with arrow slits
fenced in atop hills, or in gated crypts. and murder holes. More guards typically watch the
ground level by day.
Passing between districts is relatively easy if one
D ISTRICTS , WALLS , AND G ATES takes the main thoroughfare during the day, though
The city is segmented into fourteen districts, each guards are known to perform random inspections.
slightly more than a half-mile in length. They are The High District, in the center of the city, is much
separated by 30-foot-high, 6-foot-thick walls that more heavily guarded: typically twice the usual
stretch from north to south, which require a DC number of guards is on hand, and those guards
15 Strength (Athletics) check to climb. The tops of have orders to randomly inspect someone every few
the walls sport metal grates sticking out sideways 5 minutes (especially those who look like outsiders).
feet in each direction, requiring an additional DC 19 The northern and southern borders of the city

Gate Pass — City History and Myths
typically have walls built from the natural cliffs, wide kill zone between them, and city taxes pay for a
averaging 40 feet tall. Each district on the edge variety of magical defenses on the gates.
of the city usually has a gate either to the north In a few districts are found smaller walled areas
or south, and a wide swath of clear land on the populated predominantly by a single race. Most
outer side of the wall makes the approach easy to common of these ghettos are those of the elves, who
see. These walls are only a token defense, since tend to shun outsiders. Elvish ghettos are renowned
a devoted military press could easily overwhelm for having no visible entrances through their walls —
them, but normally the city relies on the fact that all the doors are secret, which elves can intuitively
approaching the city through the mountains is slow notice.
and treacherous.
Only a handful of districts have gates that lead
to actual roads, and most of these are used for C ITY H ISTORY AND M YTHS
deliveries by farmers and miners. Each day groups Gate Pass has the distinction of being the only
of Gate Pass soldiers patrol the northern and city to successfully drive out occupation by the
southern borders, looking for signs of illegal passage Ragesian Empire. Forty years ago, Emperor
and occasionally apprehending criminals who try to Coaltongue defeated the city’s army, set up a
hide in the craggy hills. military government, and erected a 90-foot-tall
Most traffic passes through the easternmost statue of himself in the grand square on Summer’s
and westernmost districts, which have major gates Bluff before moving on to his next conquest. For
that lead out of the city to Shahalesti and Ragesia two years, citizens waged an insurgency against the
respectively. These gates are much more heavily occupying army, until finally Coaltongue decided the
guarded: the exits have two sets of doors with a city wasn’t worth the loss of men.
FAMOUS MYTHS
The Wavering Maiden. The Tidereaver Kraken explored have enough room to maneuver.
the land by making a human body for itself out of seawater. The Dragon bit the Eagle’s throat and began to drink
In the form of a beautiful young woman with rolling black its blood for its power, when the Worldshaper Worm came
hair, the Kraken explored the world. However, because the upon the scene. The Worm was blind, but the Dragon knew
tide is inconstant, at times this form would ebb, and the that it could feel the beating hearts of both the Dragon
Kraken would spend an evening in a lake or river in its true and the Eagle. To avoid its treachery being discovered, the
form. The myth is a series of comic events based around Dragon tore out the Eagle’s still-beating heart and hid it
numerous suitors who fall in love with the Kraken in its some place where it would never be tempted to try to get
woman form, and who often seek to destroy it in its Kraken it again. This explains how dragons became the strongest
form. creatures in the world, and teaches that those with too
The Trilling Stone. The Worldshaper Worm sought to much power risk being turned upon by those around them.
prove its superiority to the Stormchaser Eagle by creating
a song more powerful than the Eagle’s thunder. The myth
explains the various monsters who live in the depths of the
world, saying that they were lured by the Worm’s eerie,
whistling song, only to be trapped when the arrogant Worm
decided to sing even louder, causing an earthquake. This, it
is said, is why the bodies of the dead are filled with worms
when they are found in the ground.
The Aquiline Heart. This story is a morality tale about
the dangers of both pride and power. Never able to catch
the Stormseeker Eagle after many years of chase, the
Flamebringer Dragon preyed instead on the Eagle’s pride,
saying the Eagle was too weak and cowardly ever to chase
the Dragon. The angered Eagle pursued the Dragon, not
realizing until too late that it had been tricked into flying
down a tunnel into the depths of the world, where it did not

Gate Pass — Orcs and Half-Orcs
Shahalesti and Ragesia, once allies, were groups hold sway with the government, ranging from
approaching open war, and Coaltongue declared citizen groups to wealthy merchants to religious and
that he would withdraw from Gate Pass if Shaaladel, military groups.
Lord of the Shahalesti, agreed to leave the city as a One of the more colorful characters in the council
neutral buffer between their two nations. The elves is Erdan Menash, a former merchant and tailor who
agreed, the city celebrated its victory, and trade used to sell well-crafted but horribly unfashionable
between the two nations began to flow. gear to adventurers, with the goal of making sure
The city still sports numerous indications of the everyone knew he was the one sponsoring their
occupation, and many citizens purchase busts heroism. His personal manor is painted vivid green,
or paintings of the aged emperor, as if both to yellow, and purple.
mock the Ragesians for their failure and to respect The current governor is Merrick Hurt, a half-orc
Coaltongue’s wisdom in deciding to leave their city who has kept relationships with Ragesia warm in the
alone. Even the emperor’s statue remains; it is past, though many worry he will be too agreeable to
decorated and painted gaudily on various holidays. demands by the new ruler of Ragesia. Rumors say
Because of his name, Drakus Coaltongue is often that he bitterly loathes elves and has a vast lexicon
associated with a myth that is native to Gate Pass of insults for them, a vice that relatively few in the
and Ragesia, that of the Dragon and the Eagle. A city worry about.
series of myths tell of an ancient time when the
lands that are now Ragesia and its neighbors were Gabal’s School
the domain of four elemental spirits — the Tidereaver Gabal, a famed evoker who helped drive the
Kraken, the Worldshaper Worm, the Flamebringer Ragesians out forty years ago, maintains a school of
Dragon, and the Stormchaser Eagle, and these war. This large cluster of squat towers connected by
four beings are common motifs in the art and covered bridges and surrounded by a moat and
architecture of Gate Pass (as well as in Ragesia). fence is jokingly known as The Castle. Gabal’s
students — easily identifiable by their red robes —
are generally viewed as arrogant and hot-tempered,
O RCS AND H ALF -O RCS but their mentor forces them to sell their services
Gate Pass freely accepts orcs as citizens, in stark for low prices, particularly in matters of defense and
contrast to most other human settlements, and construction, and a handful of wizards serve in the
many have adapted well to the civilized life that is so city military.
different from their tribal culture. Gabal is said to scorn magic-users who do not
Gate Pass is also widely known as a haven for study spellbooks for their powers, and has a
half-orcs, and many come to the city to find their particular dislike for bards, paladins, sorcerers,
identity. In the formative years of the city, the and warlocks, commonly saying he doesn’t trust
half-orcs’ origins were hotly debated and both people who have that much charisma. Charm is a
orcs and humans questioned their standing. For personality flaw Gabal proudly lacks.
humans, half-orc signaled a lesser breed, and
became a pejorative phrase. The orcs, however,
saw an increase in their influence and power and
The Military
While the Gate Pass military answers to the city
elevated the odd race. The divisions between all
council, their opinion carries great weight given how
three races were wide, but in the earlier battles for
much attention the city pays to its defense. Unlike
Gate Pass, the half-orcs fought and bled like the rest
most militaries, they are not trained for large open
and the walls of prejudice fell quickly. Today, there
field combat, but rather for the defense of the city,
is little prejudice and the half-orc population enjoys
taking advantage of enclosed terrain. Commander
an equal stand amongst the humans and orcs.
Harmand Fletcher, a veteran of the rebellion
against Ragesia, recently retired from leader of the
P OWER G ROUPS armed forces, replaced by Brant Sawman, who if
anything is almost more gruff and brooding than his
City Council predecessor.
The government of Gate Pass is a council of A small unit of twenty griffon riders serve to patrol
representatives from each of the districts, with a the far reaches of Gate Pass’s domain, but otherwise
city governor chosen every ten years. Many different the city has little in the way of a cavalry tradition.

Gate Pass — Power Groups
Mercineum
Temple of the Healing God
This temple is a small, forty-foot circular building
of ancient design. Once there were multiple temples
across the city, many quite large that served as
hospitals and clinics for the citizens, but this simple
building was considered the holiest of all those. Its
veneration is related to the miracle of Tench Marber,
an event that took place forty years ago during the
Ragesian occupation.
Coaltongue declared the predominant Mercinea
Church a heretical cult and attempted to replace the
sect with the Ragesian Hospitalers. Within a month
of the invasion, all the temples were converted to
the Hospitalers, with the exception of the small
Mercineum.
The head priest of the Mercineum, Tench Marber,
was unwilling to relinquish control to the Ragesian
clergy and simply sat on the center altar as the
The Temples Hospitalers demanded he leave. Tench declared that
The religious community of Gate Pass is diverse, he would not leave; instead, he would stay on as a
owing to the interaction of cultures flowing through reminder to all that the Hospitalers were not truly
the city. Eight major temples represent the religious blessed by the gods.
core of the community, and though each religion The Ragesian healers, outraged at his insolence,
has its own interests, they share common ground tried to rush inside the building and attack, but they
through the annual Festival of Dreams, during were mysteriously blocked at the door. No magic or
which the temples all briefly work to provide for the any other power could gain entrance, so the invading
greater good. Numerous temples of smaller religions priests decided to wait until Tench either left or died
dot the city, and though they lack the same sway as before they took possession of the temple. Seizing an
the major eight, they still put a lot of effort into New opportunity, the besieged priest made a proposal: if,
Year’s festivities. after a year and a day, Tench was still alive within
the temple, the Ragesians would acknowledge the
The Saraswatin god’s blessing on the Mercinea Church. They agreed,
Library of the God of Knowledge and the bargain was struck.
Located in Summer’s Bluff, this four-story building For a full year, Tench sat, neither eating nor
is the central repository of knowledge for the city. sleeping, but he lived, and on the last day, the
Along with stacks and cubbyholes full of tomes and frantic Hospitalers waited until the sun set, which
scrolls, the building has an art gallery and a five- would mark the end of the agreed-upon time period.
hundred-seat theater. As the last rays of light slipped beyond the horizon,
Researchers using the library are expected to Tench stood up and walked to the exit, the bargain
offer 1 gp to the god of knowledge, as well as give won.
generous tips to the many librarians who keep From that day on, the Ragesians grudgingly
things organized and easy to find. recognized the church, and acknowledged the
god’s blessing. It is suggested by historians that the
THE NAMES OF THE GODS downfall of Coaltongue’s control of the city started
While War of the Burning Sky describes several gods with this miracle. A few living resistance fighters
and their temples, it generally does not name them. Your agree, noting that the Mercineum provided a safe
GM may incorporate a pantheon from history or another haven for the resistance to gather and plan, free
campaign setting, or players of characters of faith might from the probing eyes of the Ragesian priests.
work with their GM to create the name and domain (and Today, there are no priests of the Mercinea Church
possibly even history) of their character’s deity. in Gate Pass. A new order, the Aquiline Cross, has
been around for a decade and uses all the facilities

THE FESTIVAL OF DREAMS

Gate Pass has its share of holidays; the most prominent considered bad luck if none of the eight wishes read aloud
is the Festival of Dreams, a holy day observed by all of the wishes for spring to come.
city’s major temples on New Year’s Day. Parades march
from either end of the city, stopping at the grand square on
Summer’s Bluff just before sunset for a ceremony in which
the high priests of each of eight different temples “offer up
the dreams of the people.”
Each citizen is encouraged to write a prayer or hope on
a slip of paper and place it in a small clay urn, which the
city produces by the thousands every year. People deliver
their urns to Summer’s Bluff in the days leading up to the
festival. During the festival, each high priest chooses one
urn, breaks it open, and reads the prayer held within. If
deemed a worthy wish, the priest pledges to fulfill that
dream if possible during the next year. Selfish requests
are frowned upon, and often the city takes great glee in
perverting the words of selfish prayers, fulfilling the adage
“be careful what you wish for.”
The rest of the urns are left in the center of the square,
and citizens are encouraged to pick one up and try to
fulfill someone else’s wish. The morning after the festival,
those left unopened are carted en masse to the countless
small caves that dot the cliffs around the city, where they
are buried. Many folk tales involve stories of these buried
dreams coming to life and bringing good fortune, though
most adults of the city view these as merely superstition.
However, because the festival takes place in winter, it is
of the old religion. There are differences between the drink. Many tavern-keepers have seen their profits
old church and the new order, but most folk don’t drop as a result and have voiced their opinions to
notice. the city council.
Stronghold Shakur Biggs, the head priest, is currently the

master of ceremonies for this year’s festival. He
Temple of the Strength Goddess
was apparently planning to head a large musical
This medium-sized temple is located one district
performance, but his plans have been dampened by
in from the western gate. Helda Claearcall, the
the threat of a hostile Ragesia.
priestess, also serves on the City Council. She
preaches that “Strength is Saintly” and that people
must choose their own way in life. Once a rallying
Dassen Stone
cry for the occupied city, the phrase is now sneered
at, as Gate Pass’s cultural attitude leans towards Temple to the Dwarf God of Ancestors and Temple to
government direction of individual lives. the God of Battle
Second only to the Saraswatin in size, this temple
The Bacchanal serves as two temples now that the dwarf population
Inn of the God of Revelry is almost completely gone from the city. The large
This is one of the fastest-growing cults within Gate edifice also houses the public works offices. Lessons
Pass. The temple is styled like a huge beer hall and in fighting and leadership are regularly offered and
worship is a rowdy affair with dancing, drinking and the city guard is often seen training there. Rumors
song. Once a week, the building opens and for a few that the dwarves keep treasures mined from the
coppers tithe, adherents can enjoy limitless food and deep during the construction of Gate Pass abound.

Shrine to the God of Sorcery

Located across the street from Gabal’s School, this
shrine is a holdover from the Ragesian occupation.
Its existence is a sore point with Gabal, who hates
the sorcerer philosophy, so it is frequently the target
of “stray” spells. It is uncertain how many sorcerers
live in Gate Pass, but they have considerable
influence on the City Council, largely through the
actions of Gratanus Helicomb, the Shrine’s President
(no one is sure what that term means within the
council).
Fertile Fields
Temple to the Goddess of Hearth and Home
Simply constructed, this building is a favorite
meeting place of the farmers and ranchers of the
outlying area. The city council almost always bows
to the wisdom of the temple elders, especially after
the food riots of twenty years ago, when a gate tax
was imposed on all people and animals (even dead
ones) entering the city. The farmers revolted and
stopped delivering goods and supplies. A week later,
the situation within Gate Pass was so desperate that
the townsfolk rushed the council and deposed them.
The tax was instantly repealed. Since then, a temple
elder has always been assigned to the council to
represent the population outside the walls.
Thieves’ Guild
Everyone knows that thieves operate in the city,
often with the aid of bribed councilmen who turn
blind eyes. The thieves tend to prey on wealthy The Resistance
merchants, especially foreigners, and so many Devoted to keeping the city of Gate Pass free
commoners view them favorably. from the rule of both Ragesia and Shahalesti, the
One particularly well-known rogue is a dashing resistance includes a huge variety of people from
scoundrel named Rantle. He came to fame because the many nations that have a vested interest in
of an elaborate confidence game to steal from a keeping the current balance of power. Mostly they
female merchant. One night when his scam was near work to bolster pride among the citizens of Gate
fruition, he was with the merchant when she was Pass, though occasionally a spy is turned over to the
attacked by a trio of common thugs who intended authorities by unknown persons, and the resistance
to have their way with the woman. Rantle fought is credited with the capture.
them off, then stayed around to protect her while the Many farmers and ranchers who live in the
city guard arrived, even though he knew he would mountains surrounding the city claim to have
be recognized and arrested. Public support for his spoken to members of the resistance, who
heroism got him pardoned, and many people have encouraged them to be prepared to fight to defend
begun calling for him to join the city council. their lands.
Of course, the merchants of the city still don’t like
being victimized. It is said the clientele of One-to-Go,
a tavern in one of Gate Pass’s slums, is composed
entirely of former thieves who have lost a hand as
punishment for stealing.

R AGESIA AND S URROUNDING L ANDS
frost giants, mastodons, and vast herds of bison.
O VERVIEW The western plains were once the nation of Latia, its
Ragesia is the largest nation in the region, and renowned ship-building now benefiting Ragesia and
four other nations commonly interact with it. The its navy. The southern lands are craggy, with cold
politics and history of the region are relatively rocky deserts dominating what was once Chathus,
simple, though the recent power vacuum in Ragesia a land of nomads and traders who nevertheless
threatens to make things much more complicated. defended their lands with great vigor, using cavalry
The Ragesian Empire lies in the northwest of the and mobility to wage a protracted war, allowing
region, spanning several hundred miles north to their home to be the last conquered by Ragesia. The
south and east to west. To the east is the Shining central heartlands once belonged to the powerful
Land of Shahalesti, a tenuous ally with whom fortified nation of Morrus, and numerous old castles,
relations have frayed of late. To the south lie the forts, and walls dot the landscape, defenses which
Exarchate of Sindaire, the Kingdom of Dassen, and were easily bypassed with Emperor Coaltongue’s
the Khaganhold of Ostalin, three nations which Torch.
so far have managed to avoid being conquered by
Ragesia. An ocean borders Ragesia to the west, with rocky
mountains marking Ragesia’s borders with the
nations to the south — Sindaire and Dassen. The
R AGESIA northern border is a high, frigid mountain range,
The Ragesian Empire is based in the capital city separating Ragesia from most of the rest of the world.
of Ragos, located on central lowlands dominated The same mountains curve down to form the eastern
by many lakes. While the core of the empire is border, rising high enough that Ragesia never saw
populated heavily by orcs and half-orcs, the outer much value in trying to conquer beyond them.
regions have wildly diverse cultures and populations,
the result of having once been many separate
nations before being conquered by sword and torch.
Every region has a large component of orcs in
the population, along with heavy military presence
to ensure loyalty and peace. Though the people of
Ragesia have been conquered, most are content that
they live today in relative safety. Given the power of
the empire, rebellion just doesn’t seem worth it. The
majority of the population is still human however, or
half-orc, and different ethnic groups remain mostly
concentrated in their old homelands, which are often
separated by low, long mountain ranges.
Ragesia is conventional in its political organization;
mayors and town councils are found in nearly
every community. The focus of their governance
though, is power and subjugation. Evil hearts are
encouraged to define and execute the letter of the
law with scant regard for compassion or quarter,
though it is occasionally given, if only to underscore
the power of the empire. Like the tribal beginnings
of the orcs who now rule, strength and position is
gained through depravity and guile. The populace
has grown used to the occasional suspicious death
or mysterious fire or robbery.
The northern reaches are home to people known
as the Kelaquois, who live in frigid lands that are
frozen for most of the year, where they coexist with

Ragesia and Surrounding Lands — Ragesia
EMPEROR DRAKUS COALTONGUE AND THE TORCH OF THE BURNING SKY

The Old Dragon, some called him, since he seemed his orcish followers, Ragesia.
immortal, and he only grew more cunning and powerful For a time Coaltongue and his allies coexisted in relative
with age. peace. Coaltongue was content with his new homeland, and
Decades ago, a warlord arose among the orc tribes of did not want to jeopardize it by reaching too far and falling
what is now Ragesia. Drakus Coaltongue, half-orc son of before the might of many nations, as Morrus had fallen
a human noblewoman, brought a level of patience and before him.
political cunning rarely seen among the savage orcs. He But slowly, Ragesia expanded its borders. It took
united many tribes, slew a gold dragon and took its child as years for events to play out, and always in a way that
a prize, and prepared his people for glory. Ragesia’s imperialism was justified, either in response to
And then, to everyone’s surprise, he did not sweep enemy attacks, or to aid another nation that was being
into human lands for a bloody but ultimately short-lived threatened. With the benefit of hindsight, many suspect
rampage. Instead, Coaltongue allied with various poor that somehow Coaltongue provoked these conflicts. Finally,
human nations, helping them drive back the predations of when Coaltongue was far older than any half-orc had right
the strongest country in the region, Morrus. Coaltongue to be, all the lands that had once belonged to his allies
even gained the aid of the insular elves of Shahalesti, until were his.
finally he was ready to lead a coalition army against Morrus. Recently, after nearly a decade of inactivity, Coaltongue
For this great assault, Coaltongue revealed a devastatingly offered to help the Exarchate of Sindaire put down a
powerful artifact that would lead him to victory, the Torch rebellion within its borders, and the nation nervously
of the Burning Sky. accepted, fearful of being swallowed up by another trick.
The power of the Torch was to call down fire from the What Coaltongue was planning may never be known,
sky, and to carry Coaltongue’s army hundreds of miles in because a few weeks into his military campaign, something
an instant, plucking them up with one pillar of flame, and went wrong. Ragesia has not heard from its emperor in over
depositing them with another. Coaltongue and his allies two months, or if they have, they have hidden the news.
easily defeated Morrus, and from the nation’s burning Some dread it, and some cautiously hope for it, but it
remains, Coaltongue created a new kingdom for himself and seems the Old Dragon has been slain.
Ragos delineations of status, with the middle class living on

the gentler flatlands, while the poor cram into slums
Before Drakus Coaltongue’s rise to power, Ragos
on the steep sides of the hills. Numerous walls divide
served as the capital of Morrus, then the mightiest
city sections and defend against outward attacks,
nation within a thousand miles. When Coaltongue
but at its current size, Ragos is almost too large to
conquered the city, he made it his seat of power and
effectively attack or besiege.
named his new empire after it, but left the heart
of old Ragos intact. In this way he won the loyalty Garrisons of thousands defend the walls around
and trust of many powerful families who expected these high quarters, and wyverns prowl the skies
to be slaughtered, though certainly some dynastic near the palace, but aside from a sprawling district
grudges survive. Now, sixty years after it bowed to known as The Hundreds to the south of the city
Coaltongue, modern Ragos combines a history of center, no other city quarters are allowed to
military might, an extravagant beauty grown through extend closer than a half mile from the walls of
centuries of wealth, and endless forms of decadence the high districts. In the fields surrounding the
from the aristocracy old and new. high quarters, the army performs daily training
Ragos looms imposingly on the shores of Lake exercises, more to display the empire’s power to
Bashar. Regal buildings, decorated in expensive the populace than to actually hone their skills.
black marble, rise high along the city’s broad Beyond these training fields, to the north and
streets, down which patrol the proud warriors of west of the central city, dozens of smaller towns,
the elite Seventh Ragesian army. Pleasure barges scores of slums, and hundreds of farms and small
float among the small, rocky islands of the lake, holdings lie interspersed with small defensive forts
where the most prominent of the city’s noble families, and watchtowers.
many of which descend from before Coaltongue’s Though the rest of Ragesia experiences harsh
armies conquered the city, make their homes. The blizzards, Lake Bashar normally keeps the winters
rough hills surrounding Lake Bashar lead to clear mild, and wind off its surface keeps away mosquitos

Ragesia and Surrounding Lands — Shahalesti
during the summer. slain mage as an undead follower.

The Inquisitor Domain possesses alternate class
abilities. If you are interested in playing an inquisitor
The Inquisitors
or a character who has managed to learn their secret
Dressed in bear skins, their faces concealed by techniques, talk to your game master.
bear-skull masks, inquisitors are the feared blade
of Ragesia, expert in cutting out those who resist
its rule. They fervently serve Ragesia’s supreme S HAHALESTI
inquisitor, an aged witch named Leska, who until On the far side of the mountains that mark Ragesia’s
recently was a loyal servant of the emperor. Now eastern border spreads the Shining Land of
Leska has assumed the throne, and the inquisitors Shahalesti, ruled by Lord Shaaladel, a middle-
are her greatest weapon. aged elf who rose from being a military commander
Mages tell stories of inquisitors — sent to hunt to the nation’s ruler during the ascension of the
down disloyal mages — completely ignoring powerful Ragesian Empire. Shahalesti was in danger of
spells, or even turning spells against their casters. being conquered like Ragesia’s other neighbors, and
The few who have been captured by inquisitors and Shaaladel’s aggressive displays of force — including
have lived to tell the tale recount being tortured, the conquest and destruction of nearby elvish lands
their wrists slashed by an inquisitor’s clawed that were hostile to him — are credited as major
gauntlets, then being left to a slow, cold death reasons why Ragesia has so far not looked east for
unless they betrayed their allies. Some rumor that conquest.
inquisitors can even devour the souls of magic-users, During Ragesia’s annexation of its neighbors, Lord
taking their powers for themselves before raising the Shaaladel lent military aid, and he and his trusted

Ragesia and Surrounding Lands — Dassen
aides participated personally in several battles at

Coaltongue’s side. A canny, wise, and charismatic
commander, Shaaladel is respected even by the
Ragesian army, and many expected him to succeed
as Emperor after Coaltongue’s death. Rumors say
that the elvish lord was quite displeased that the old
half-orc was refusing to die of old age.
Shahalesti is not an entirely elvish nation. The
majority of its population is human, but they live as
commoners with little real power. The aristocracy is
almost exclusively elvish, as well as the higher ranks
among the military. Despite a grudging alliance with
Ragesia, however, orcs and half-orcs are despised
and persecuted, unable to hold any public positions,
often horribly exploited as nearly slave labor. A few
outposts of wealthy orcs with ties to Ragesia have
tried to start their own communities; this is a steady
source of strife.
Calanis now, consists only of Shaaladel and his daughter

The capital of Shahalesti, Calanis, is a large city Shalosha. Its population consists primarily of elves
built over a crescent rift carved by a waterfall. and humans with a few half-elves and other races.
The city is forbidden to new non-elves except by
invitation from one of the royal family which, as of The Solei Palancis
The Shahalesti military, including its navy, focuses
on quality rather than quantity. Most soldiers
are equipped with at least minor magic items,
and arcane magic in general is key to most of the
nation’s tactics. Their most famed soldiers are the
Solei Palancis, the shining legion, whose swords
shed light as bright as the sun.
D ASSEN
The Kingdom of Dassen lies to the south of Ragesia,
and the southwest of Shahalesti, its borders defined
by craggy mountains defended by hundreds of small
dwarven strongholds. Dassen’s people, a swarthy
assortment of humans and dwarves, cherish their
land, to the point that superstitious cavalrymen even
put dirt in their boots so never have to stop touching
the soil of their homeland.
Originally known as the Eight Lands, when
Dassen was unified fifteen years ago a ninth
region was carved out, which became the holding
of King Steppengard. Today Dassen is divided
into nine regions, forming a loose ring around
the central mountain range, the Toraest Steppes.
King Steppengard rules over the eight feudal lords
and ladies, as well as dozens of minor dwarven
nobles who govern their own small holdings in the
mountains.

Ragesia and Surrounding Lands — Sindaire
There are no mighty cities in Dassen, only The Wayfarers

thousands of farms and towns growing out from
Every port in the region has at one time or another
the nine castles of the king and his dukes. The
been host to the Wayfarer Theater, a beautifully-
largest city, Bresk, lies on a major river beside
decorated ship that is both home and base of
Steppengard’s castle, and is a hilly community built
operations for the Wayfarers. The Wayfarers are both
both above and below ground. Its population is two-
master acrobats and skilled mages, prone to dress
thirds human, a quarter dwarf, and a small number
in elaborate and eclectic costumes with elements
of orcs and other races.
cobbled together from dozens of lands.
Dasseni architecture tends toward the stout and
broad, and is typically adorned with various great
cats, gem-patterns, and sphinx statues. People S INDAIRE
dress in multiple layers of drab clothes, clearly The national government of the Exarchate of
unaccustomed to such chill weather, though the Sindaire is officially run by a representative from
tunnels underground are much warmer. Traditional Ragesia, but in practice the Exarch has limited
Dasseni religion was mostly devoted to strength and power. The people of Sindaire — mostly humans with
warfare, but since the unification of the nation, a some caravans of nomadic gnomes — pay some taxes
sect of the cave goddess Donhofreya has devoted to Ragesia, but maintain their own armies and laws.
itself to healing the nation. Donhofreyan prelates They take mild comfort in knowing that, should
have earned great respect; many serve in the Ostalin, their neighbors to the south, ever attempt to
army, showing an eager mixture of militarism and claim more land, Ragesia will come to their defense.
medicine. The Order of the Aquiline Cross is on good
Recently a vocal group of city mayors in the
terms with the Donhofreya prelacy.
center of the nation began to protest paying taxes
to Ragesia, and refused to pay. Unlike the coastal
Bresk cities, they benefited little from trade with Ragesian
The walled city of Bresk rises above the hills around ships, and they called for the removal of the Exarch,
it, with the castle perched on a rocky protrusion a half-orc woman named Horstea. Despite protests
called the Great Hill. It overlooks the wide river from the government ministers, the Exarch sent a
and the Toraest Steppes to the east. Much of the plea to Ragesia, and Coaltongue’s army responded,
castle is said to be underground, as are many parts traveling by Torch to the central prairies to put down
of the city, which is home to several thousand the rebellion.
dwarves. The city itself is generally unfriendly to Sindaire has a long-established druidic tradition,
outsiders, and most of the real culture of Bresk lies coming from a time when a group of refugees fleeing
underground in tunnels excavated by dwarves over a catastrophe in what is now Shahalesti settled in
the centuries. Most foreigners never delve below Sindaire’s warm forests, converting many of the
the surface to see the bustling markets and solemn locals through their generosity and their disciplined
temples, illuminated by clever skylights and mighty devotion to nobler ideals. Because lions are revered
braziers. in these foreigner’s culture, lions now fill the role
of pets to the aristocracy, and guard dogs for the
Lyceum common folk.
At the end of a swampy isthmus on Dassen’s
southern tip, the town of Seaquen is home to a Turinn
school called Lyceum, devoted to teaching magic of The large capital city of Turinn lies on two sides of
all kinds. Students of Lyceum are encouraged to a long rock spur. The western side has ports on the
learn a variety of magical styles, and are trained in sea, while the bulk of the city lies safe on the east.
spelldueling techniques similar to Gabal’s school
in Gate Pass. They were relatively unknown in the
region until recently, when Simeon, headmaster of
Knights of the Aquiline Cross
the school, sent out a call to all the people in and The Order of the Aquiline Cross originally emerged
around Ragesia, asking for them to stand up against in Sindaire a decade ago. Since then, small
the threat posed by the Ragesians and their new chapels that teach the order’s doctrine of mercy,
leader Leska. sacrifice, and a fierce defense of life have sprung up
throughout the lands of Ragesia and its neighbors.

Ragesia and Surrounding Lands — Ostalin
Knights of this order dress in white and red tabards house is growing, both in legitimate trade and in
marked with a cross surrounded by a halo of their less noble underworld dealings.
feathers.
The Monastery of Two Winds
O STALIN The Monastery of Two Winds lies in the mountains
that form the main border between Ostalin and
For many years, the small island people of Ostalin Dassen, near to the large town of Eresh. The
battled among themselves, before finally a warlord monastery teaches two different approaches to
conquered his foes and proclaimed himself Khagan. harnessing the power of air magic, the gentle West
He then led his people to the mainland, conquering Wind style, and the fierce East Wind style. Some
lands from Sindaire with the aid of hippogriff aerial monks of the two winds feel compelled to travel the
archers until he reached a mountain range and met world, letting the wind guide their journeys.
resistance from a clan of dragonborn. Impressed
with the honor the dragonborn exhibited on the
battlefield, the Khagan decided to learn from this
strange race and sued for peace. The dragonborn
accepted and the Khagan became a disciple of the
dragonborn culture, even changing his name to
Barazar.
During this time, Barazar had many children with
many wives, but ultimately he left his nation to his
half-elf son Onamdammin, in whom he saw the
same fire of obsession that led him to conquer. The
Khagan hoped his son would be the one to topple
Coaltongue and rule Ragesia, but he did not see that
the young ruler had no honor underneath his veneer
of respectability. With deep regret, he denounced
Onamdammin and fled along with his family to the
mountains, vowing to correct his mistake. He died
from an assassin’s arrow before he could carry out
his coup. His remaining sons are now seeking help
from other nations to depose their half-brother.
The Khaganhold of Ostalin is a violent state, ruled
poorly by Khagan Onamdammin, whose passions
and desires far outstrip his talents. He has broken
relations with the dragonborn because they refuse
to relinquish his siblings. In response, he has
become sympathetic to the many tieflings chased
out of other countries. The Khagan is also intent
on finding his remaining three half-brothers; he
is obsessed with securing his throne through a
program of elimination. Additionally, Sindaire is
looking for opportunities to reclaim the diverse,
beautiful landscape they lost.
Kistan
The capital city of Kistan is relatively small, since the
city that used to occupy the land was burned down
only a few decades ago by the original Khagan. This
cosmopolitan city offers charms and temptations
that make it enticing to those who struggle between
good and evil and, though small, the merchant

N EW R ULES M ATERIAL
The following rules material contains options Elves. High elves primarily reside in Shahalesti
and information that your GM may include to add lands, and “Shahalesti” can be synonymous with
additional flavor to the campaign. “high elves” even though other races live in the
nation of Shahalesti. Always vigilant, the Shahalesti
remember well the conquests of Emperor Coaltongue.
T HE B URNING S KY Sorcery, spying, and military / mercenary prowess
Since Coaltongue’s rumored assassination, are all reasons for a high elf to adventure in the
something has gone wrong with teleportation: lands.
teleporting couriers appear ablaze and die fiery Of late, the other elven tribes have come to fear
deaths. Spellcasters at the Lyceum Academy Ragesian encroachment upon their forests. While
in Seaquen and at Gabal’s School of War are the Shahalesti are more or less united in that they
assiduously researching the mysterious cause of this jealously guard their fey-touched land, the other
problem, which they have dubbed the “Burning Sky.” elves are divided. Some seek isolation; others want
The effects of the Burning Sky have become common to establish new alliances; and still others simply
knowledge for all characters who can teleport. see a changing world and desire to be a part of it. All
The researchers believe that the Burning Sky is these reasons bring out many elves to the cities and
related to the unusual weather, which has taken towns where adventures often begin.
a sudden and worrisome chill turn. Divinations Halflings. Found mostly along the rivers and
regarding the weather seem to indicate that no byways of Ostalin and Sindaire, the halflings of
spring is in sight for the lands of the Burning the lands sometimes leave the west in search of
Sky. Even without divinations, druids and others adventure and treasure. Though once halflings were
connected to the natural world sense something generally quite well traveled, the unrest in Ostalin
amiss with the coming winter, and the sky is filled has concentrated the population in that country
with flocks of confused birds trying to flee a cold because it presents the best hope for them to start
snap that is more severe than usual. a nation of their own. As the country continues
All creatures and objects that travel using a form in strife, the halflings work with some factions in
of teleportation such as misty step, dimension door, Sindaire to destabilize the kingdom even further.
or teleport take 1d6 fire damage for every 100 feet Humans. As the greatest population in the lands,
of teleportation or portion thereof to a maximum human characters can come from anywhere and
of 40d6 fire damage. Arcane scholars suggest their motivations for adventure are limitless. Those
various methods for avoiding this damage, including originating from the Gate Pass area have access to
transforming into a creature immune to fire damage some ready-made regional benefits, and the city is
or using a spell to grant resistance to fire damage. diverse enough for almost any character type to be
made.
Dragonborn. A few small clans of dragonborn
C HARACTER R ACES inhabit the mountains between the Ostalin and
Within the lands, the great races have special Ragesian border. Loosely in communication with
histories and regional strongholds. If you create a each other, the predominant goal is to solidify the
new character, you may wonder where others of your creation of a new republic of dragonborn within the
race may be found. The following section identifies mountains. Those who adventure often do so to lay
the areas where each race is concentrated and some foundations for future diplomacy, learn and improve
likely motivations for adventuring. Those races not on the latest technologies of war and combat, or seek
mentioned exist in the lands, but are exceptional to riches and glory to advance the dragonborn legacy
see and require a more customized treatment by the and become the future leaders of the new empire.
GM and player. Gnomes. If history is any indicator of the future,
Dwarves. Most dwarves live in one of the hundreds the gnomes continue to seek being ignored as a
of dwarven strongholds in Dassen or in its cities threat. Seeing the success of Coaltongue in using
and towns. The adventurous dwarves venture out to magic to secure his throne, the gnomes of the lands
build an inspiring legacy, win glory for their family strive to gather all manner of history and magic in
name, or restore faith in the ancient gods that seem order to avoid becoming slaves to the might and
to be forgotten in this modern day. power of Ragesia. . . or Shahalesti. To the gnomes,

New Rules Material — Gate Pass Connections
knowing how one could capture and enslave another Pass. There are six main affiliations with which your
allows the knowledgeable to avoid the possibility character could be associated.
altogether. Their quick wit and seeming mockery of
the Ragesians and the Shahalesti is vexing to orcs
and elves alike. Most gnomes come from Sindaire,
City Council
but some small groups can be found in almost any While most of the politicians in Gate Pass wish
land. If a gnome character encounters other gnomes, to surrender to Ragesia, some want to take a
they will strive to spend at least a few hours with stand. You are involved in the politics of Gate
their brethren before continuing to adventure. Pass, and know your way around the city’s laws
Half-Elves. More fully integrated with their human and government.
side, most half-elves come from the great cities:
from Gate Pass and Seaquen to the many cities Feature: Civic Minded
of Ostalin, Dassen, and Sindaire. The motivation Helping others is second nature to you. You may use
for adventure is as varied in a half-elf as it is in a the Help action as a bonus action to aid an ally with
human. Some do see the latest bellicose attitude of an attack roll or any ability check using a skill or
the Ragesians troubling and seek to help fend them tool when you have proficiency in the skill or tool.
off in the impending conflict.
Once you use this feature, you must finish a short
Half-Orcs. No matter what their racial origin may
or long rest before you can use it again.
be, the half-orcs of the lands enjoy a unique position;
fully realized citizens in Ragesia, Gate Pass and
Dassen. The other kingdoms are less cordial, and Gabal’s School
so most half-orc adventurers are found from the
Gabal, a famed evoker, maintains a school of war,
middle part of the lands. Always struggling with
and he intends to make a stand against Ragesia.
their heritage, the adventuring life is often a way to
You have studied the art of war at Gabal’s wizard’s
throw off subtle, lingering prejudices or find a place
school, and have practiced battling many foes at
in a group of allies and equals.
once.
Tieflings. Ostalin is a haven for tieflings. The
designs of Ostalin’s ambitious ruler, Khagan
Feature: Student of War
Onamdammin, have created a sort of demand for the
skills of those who struggle with their darker nature, You can strengthen your spells for use in large-
while the unstable government makes it hard for scale battles. When you cast a spell that can cause
anyone to act against the tieflings as they strive damage with a casting time of one action, you can
to survive in a world that doesn’t trust them. In instead use the Ready action to concentrate on the
recent decades, the gregarious nature of Gate Pass spell and release it using your reaction immediately
merchants traveling the lands has impressed some before the start of your next turn. The spell must
tieflings, and a few have set up a small merchant be cast using a spell slot from 1st to 8th level. The
house within the fifth district of the capital, the spell’s damage is calculated as if it was cast with a
mountain city of Kistan. slot 1 higher than the one you used. If the charged
spell causes three or more creatures to make a
saving throw, they have disadvantage on the saving
G ATE P ASS C ONNECTIONS throw.
The following connections are a special game Once you successfully use this feature, you must
option to reward players who create characters finish a long rest before you can use it again.
that are invested in the campaign’s conflict from
the beginning. While your character might have
come from a location far from Gate Pass, you likely The Military
have spent enough time to form connections in the Elements of the Ragesian military are displeased
city and be noticed by the Resistance as a good with their orders and their new ruler Leska,
candidate for the mission at hand. while commanders of Gate Pass’s military desire
The first adventure, The Scouring of Gate Pass, reinforcements. You are (or were) a member of the
introduces the player characters to a variety of military from Ragesia, Gate Pass, or Dassen and are
organizations and affiliations in the city of Gate trained as a cavalryman.

New Rules Material — Bard College: College of Cirquelistes
Feature: Cavalry Errant Any surprised ally whose turn is after yours in the
You excel in horsemanship and have the ability to initiative order may reroll a failed ability check to
help your mounted allies. You can use your reaction avoid being surprised and is no longer surprised on
to help an ally within 30 feet of you with an ability a success.
check related to riding a horse or other mount. Make
a Wisdom (Animal Handling) check and use your
check in place of the ally’s if yours is higher.
B ARD C OLLEGE : C OLLEGE OF
C IRQUELISTES
The Resistance While anyone able to teleport and having a penchant
You are a member of a small group of Gate Pass for performance can join the Wayfarers, the
natives who are taking up arms to defend their home most respected members are the highly-trained
against both Ragesia and Shahalesti. Fed up with cirquelistes. These agile, typically flamboyant
the oppression of the Ragesians and Shahalesti, you performers are masters of teleportation magic. An
wage a discreet war against them. aspiring Wayfarer must complete an audition, and
any character accepted into the Wayfarers must
Feature: Blade of the Resistance swear an oath.
You select an intelligent creature who has dealt Those who need to get somewhere quickly know
damage to you or your allies as your preferred foe. they can trust the Wayfarers to provide teleportation
That creature need not have dealt damage to your services. Wayfarer cirquelistes are required to pay
or your allies during the current encounter; any monthly fees to the guild for each teleportation spell
previous damage will suffice. You have advantage on they provide except when their lives or the lives of
attack rolls against your preferred foe until the end their allies are at stake. The fee is 20 gp per use
of your turn. of dimension door and 300 gp per use of teleport or
Once you use this feature, you must finish a short
or long rest before you can use it again.
The Temples
You are an associate of one of the temples and have
helped the Gate Pass temples to manage the annual
Festival of Dreams holiday parade. Last year you
were promised good fortune.
Feature: Blessed by Dreams

Fortune smiles on you. You or any ally within 30 feet
of you may reroll a single saving throw, using the
better of the two results.
Once you use this feature, you must finish a long
rest before you can use it again.
Thieves’ Guild
The guild in Gate Pass is nervous about the prospect
of Ragesian martial law. You have had dealings with
the Gate Pass thieves’ guild, and you suspect they
might owe you a favor, though you know it might not
be safe to push your luck.
Feature: Guild Sympathizer

Your experience with being a lookout grants you the
ability to alert your allies just before danger strikes.
If you are not surprised at the start of an encounter,
you may use your bonus action to warn your allies.

New Rules Material — Martial Archetype: Commander
other long distance spell. In exchange, the Cirque third consecutive round you can sense the area the
offers its members protection and rescue in times of subjects departed from or arrived at, getting enough
trouble and can practically ensure business. information about the area to teleport there as if the
area were “seen casually.” If you do not follow the
COLLEGE OF CIRQUELISTES FEATURES teleportation within ten minutes, you lose this sense
Bard Level Feature of that area, and treat that area as “description”
3rd Wayfarer’s Step, Extra Passengers, Sense (unless you have, in fact, seen it before).
Teleportation
6th Spellrunner Spellrunner
14th Smooth Sailing, Abduct At 6th level, whenever you cast a spell with a casting
time of one action and an instantaneous duration,
you may expend a use of Bardic Inspiration as a
bonus action to teleport to any unoccupied space
Wayfarer’s Step you can see within 500 feet that was within the
When you join the College of Cirquelistes at 3rd level, spell’s area of effect or adjacent to one of its targets.
you begin to learn the secrets of the Wayfarers. You
can innately cast misty step without using a spell
slot, and it does not count against your spells known.
Smooth Sailing
Starting at 14th level, you and your passengers have
If dimension door is one of your spells known, you
resistance to damage received during the course of a
can expend one use of your Bardic Inspiration to
teleportation spell you cast.
cast dimension door as a bonus action without using
a spell slot. If teleport is one of your spells known,
you can expend one use of your Bardic Inspiration to Abduct
cast teleport as a ritual. Beginning at 14th level, your teleportation spells and
spell-like abilities can affect unwilling creatures as
if they were willing. Choose a creature within your
Extra Passengers
reach and make a melee spell attack against it as
At 3rd level, You can take additional creatures with
part of casting the teleportation spell. On a hit, the
you whenever you use misty step, dimension door,
creature must make a Charisma saving throw. If
or teleport. For each use of Bardic Inspiration you
the creature fails this save, it is considered to be a
expend, you can bring along one additional creature
willing creature for your teleportation spell.
of your size or smaller.
Sense Teleportation M AR TIAL A RCHETYPE :

Starting at 3rd level, you can sense recent
teleportation. If you come within 60 feet of a location C OMMANDER
where teleportation either arrived or departed within Commanders are at home on the battlefield, with a
the last ten minutes, you are immediately aware of group of allies or minions by their side. While bards
it. By using your action and concentrating for one simply inspire the courage of their companions,
round you can locate the exact location the spell commanders know what tactics have the best chance
occurred, and by continuing to concentrate for a of leading to victory, and know how to motivate
second round you know whether the subjects were people to fight well. Most commanders are members
arriving or departing. Finally, by concentrating for a of the military, but many tribal chieftains, rebel
leaders, and ship’s captains have the skills and
CIRQUELISTES BEYOND THE BURNING SKY talents of commanders.
This class is slightly overpowered in settings where you In an adventuring party, the commander is not
don’t catch on fire for teleporting. In these settings, the necessarily the leader, though he is the person to
Wayfarer’s Step feature is modified to require a use of listen to when large or complicated combat looms.
your Bardic Inspiration to cast misty step without using Players of commander characters are encouraged to
a spell slot, and using Bardic Inspiration with dimension research some classic military tactics, because no
door changes the casting time to a bonus action but still amount of stat bonuses can balance out genuinely
requires a spell slot. poor planning. Some key tactics to bear in mind
include:

Encirclement. A foe is best attacked from multiple commander should usually have Charisma as their
sides. Likewise, you should maintain an awareness highest or second-highest ability score.
of the battlefield so as not to be surrounded.
Overwhelming Force. Strike where your COMMANDER FEATURES
foe is weakest. Overwhelming a single target Fighter Level Feature
and destroying it prevents your enemy from 3rd Bonus Proficiency, Squad Leader
regrouping and recovering. Defend against your 7th Advanced Tactics
own weaknesses, and plan in case you are attacked 10th Implicit Command
there. 15th Widen Command
Hit and Run. If you cannot field overwhelming 18th Tactical Genius
force, use your enemy’s size against him. Strike
where not expected and retreat, then strike
elsewhere while your enemy is distracted. Know
when a small mobile force is more useful than a Bonus Proficiency
large army. When you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you
Maneuver. Consider where to fight, bearing in gain proficiency in the Performance skill. If you
mind how to array your forces so they cannot be already have proficiency in the Performance skill,
surrounded, without spreading them so thin that you instead gain proficiency in the Deception,
they can be overwhelmed. Know the range at which Persuasion, or Stealth skill (your choice).
your enemies are a threat, and take advantage of
mobility offered by mounts, vehicles, and magic. Squad Leader
Surprise. It is critical to take the initiative, to At 3rd level, you learn Leader Tactics that allow your
strike before your opponents can, and to strike allies to better coordinate as a unit. These tactics are
accurately. Understand that your plans can unravel fueled through a series of orders or signals called a
in an instant, and have contingencies in place to Leadership Performance.
handle losing the initiative. Leader Tactics. You learn 1 tactic of your choice,
Different commanders have different styles, but a from the list detailed under “Tactics” below. The
tactics affect 2 allies of your choice within 30 feet of
you who understand a language you speak, and you
can choose yourself as one of the allies. The number
of allies affected increases to 3 at 10th level and 4 at
18th level.
You gain an additional tactic of your choice at 7th,
10th, 15th, and 18th level. Each time you learn a
new tactic, you can also replace one tactic you know
with a different one.
Leadership Performance. You have a number of
leadership performances equal to your Charisma
modifier. You regain one expended leadership
performance when you finish a short rest, and you
regain all of your expended leadership performances
when you finish a long rest.
Advanced Tactics
Beginning at 7th level, you are quick to action to
set the stage for your allies. You have advantage on
initiative rolls.
Inspire Sacrifice
At 10th level, when you are targeted by an attack or
by a spell or effect that requires a Dexterity Saving
throw, an ally within 5 feet of you may use their

reaction to interpose their body between you and who have received this training — usually taking ten
the attack or effect, granting you 3/4 cover and the minutes of discussion and practice — do not need
following effects. This decision is made by the ally to share a language with you to benefit from one of
before the attack roll or saving throw is made. You your tactics.
cannot use this feature again until you have finished
a short or long rest. Additionally on your turn, you can use a bonus
action and expend one leadership performance to
Attacks. You gain a +5 bonus to AC for the attack.
make it easier for you and your allies to help each
If the attack roll would hit your original AC but
other with certain skills. While this coordination
misses your boosted AC, the attack hits your ally
is in place, your allies can take the Help action
instead.
as a bonus action to help your chosen allies. This
Saving Throws. You gain a +5 bonus to your
coordination requires you to maintain concentration,
Dexterity saving throw. Your ally must also make
and both allies — the one with the skill proficiency
a Dexterity saving throw against the same spell or
and the one making the ability check — to be within
effect and has disadvantage on the roll.
30 feet of you at the time of the ability check. You
can continue the coordination on subsequent
Widen Command turns by using your bonus action on each turn,
At 15th level, the range at which you can affect allies and you can change which allies benefit from the
with your tactics increases from 30 feet to 60 feet. coordination each turn. You can concentrate on
this coordination for up to 10 minutes. The skills
Tactical Genius that can benefit from this are Animal Handling,
At 18th level, you can use your action to direct allies Athletics, Deception, Insight, Investigation, Stealth,
within range of your inspiration to perform swift and and Survival. This might be used to help the team
complicated maneuvers. Up to 4 allies within 60 feet navigate difficult terrain, maintain a façade while
of you may use their reaction to move their speed undercover, or perform an ambush.
and take an action, and you can be one of these 4 If you have proficiency with the Stealth
allies. You cannot use this feature again until you skill, this coordination can happen silently via
have finished a long rest. surreptitious signals. If you have proficiency in
the Deception skill, this coordination can happen
Tactics as a serious of code words interspersed with other
The tactics are presented in alphabetical order. conversation. An onlooker would need to succeed on
Iron-Willed Leader. On your turn, you can use a Wisdom (Insight) check contested by your ability
an action and expend one leadership performance check — whether Dexterity (Stealth) or Charisma
to help allies break free of one mind-affecting effect. (Deception) — to realize the coordination is taking
Make a Charisma (Performance) check. If your check place.
beats the DC of the saving throw, your chosen allies
within 30 feet of you break free of the effect as if they Stalwart Leader. On your turn, you can use your
had succeeded with their saving throw. action and expend one leadership performance to
Maneuver Leader. On your turn, you can use an steel the resolve of your allies. Make a Charisma
action and expend one leadership performance to (Performance) check. Your chosen allies within 30
grant your chosen allies within 30 feet of you the feet of you can gain temporary hit points equal to the
ability to use their reaction to move up to their speed result.
while either taking the Disengage action, making
a single weapon attack, or casting a cantrip with a
Strike Leader. On your turn, you can use an
casting time of one action.
action and expend one leadership performance to
Nimble Leader. On your turn, you can use an coordinate the attacks of your chosen allies within
action and expend one leadership performance to 30 feet of you against a creature. Until the start of
help allies avoid attacks. Your chosen allies within your next turn, your chosen allies make attack rolls
30 feet of you may take the Dodge action as a bonus with advantage, and the creature has disadvantage
action until the start of your next turn. on saving throws against spells or features from your
Operations Leader. When you take this tactic, chosen allies.
you devise a set of communication cues. Any allies

New Rules Material — Monastic Tradition: Way of the East Wind
M ONASTIC T RADITION : WAY OF Spellcasting

When you reach 3rd level, you gain the ability to cast
THE E AST W IND spells through the unleashing of your ki.
Monks of the Way of the East Wind have trained Cantrips. You learn three cantrips of your choice
under the sorcerer-monk Pilus to harness their from the sorcerer spell list. You learn an additional
emotions to focus and unleash their ki as magic sorcerer cantrip of your choice at 10th level.
spells. Their vicious, tempestuous fighting style Spells Known of 1st Level and Higher. You know
makes them like a storm unleashed upon their foes. four 1st-level spells of your choice from the sorcerer
spell list. These spells are considered to be monk
WAY OF THE EAST WIND FEATURES spells for you.
Monk Level Feature The Spells Known column of the Way of the East
3rd Bonus Language, Force of Will, Spellcasting Wind Spellcasting table shows when you learn
6th Metamagic more sorcerer spells of 1st-level or higher up to
11th Lightning Affinity the maximum spell level you can cast. For instance,
17th Lightning Strikes when you reach 9th level in this class, you can learn
one new spell of 1st, 2nd, or 3rd level.
Additionally, when you gain a level in this class,
Bonus Lanugage you can choose one of the spells you know and
Starting when you choose this tradition at 3rd level, replace it with another spell from the sorcerer spell
your training allows you to speak, read, and write list, which also must be of a level no higher than the
Auran. maximum spell level you can cast.
Ki-Powered Spells. To cast one of your spells,
you must expend a number of ki points equal to the
Force of Will spell’s level + 1. You may cast a spell at a higher
At 3rd level, you learn to harness your emotions to level by expending an additional ki point for each
focus and unleash your ki. You may use either your additional level, but you cannot cast a spell at a
Wisdom or Charisma modifier, whichever is higher, higher level than your maximum spell level.
in the calculation of your Unarmored Defense, monk
For example, if you know the 1st-level spell
spellcasting ability, and the DC of your Stunning
burning hands and are at least 5th level, you can
Strike.
cast burning hands at 1st or 2nd level, expending 2
ki points for a 1st-level casting and 3 ki points for a
WAY OF THE EAST WIND SPELLCASTING
second-level casting.
Monk Cantrips Spells Maximum Spellcasting Ability. As you can use your East
Level Known Known Spell Level Wind training or rely on more traditional monk
3rd 3 4 1 philosophies, you may choose Wisdom or Charisma
4th 3 4 1 as your spellcasting ability for your ki-powered
5th 3 5 2 spells.
6th 3 5 2 You use your chosen ability whenever a spell refers
7th 3 6 2 to your spellcasting ability. In addition, you use your
8th 3 6 2 chosen ability modifier when setting the saving throw
9th 3 7 3 DC for a monk spell you cast and when making an
10th 4 7 3 attack roll with one.
11th 4 8 3
Spell save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your
12th 4 8 3
chosen ability modifier
13th 4 9 4
14th 4 9 4 Spell attack modifier = your proficiency bonus +
15th 4 10 4 your chosen ability modifier
16th 4 10 4 Spellcasting Focus. You can use the ki that
17th 4 11 5 powers your spells as a spellcasting focus for your
18th 4 11 5 ki-powered spells.
19th 4 12 5 Multiclassing. If you have levels in another
20th 4 12 5 spellcasting class, you can cast the spells from the

New Rules Material — Monastic Tradition: Way of the West Wind
other class as ki-powered spells as long as you do Spellcasting

not cast the spell above your maximum spell level. When you reach 3rd level, you gain the ability to cast
You can also cast one of your known spells from spells through the channeling of your ki.
your monk class using an appropriate spell slot from
Cantrips. You learn two cantrips of your choice
another class. The monk class does not have spell
from the cleric spell list. You learn an additional
slots of its own and does not contribute to total spell
cleric cantrip of your choice at 10th level.
slots under the multiclassing rules.
Preparing Spells. You prepare the list of spells
available for you to cast, choosing from the cleric
Metamagic spell list. When you do so, choose a number of cleric
At 6th level, you gain the ability to twist your spells
spells equal to your Wisdom modifier + half your
to suit your needs. You gain one sorcerer Metamagic
monk level, rounded down (minimum of one spell.)
option of your choice. You gain another one at 11th
The spells must be of a level equal or lower than the
and 17th level.
maximum spell level you can cast.
You can use only one Metamagic option on a spell
For example, if you are a 5th-level monk with
when you cast it, unless otherwise noted. To use a
a Wisdom score of 16, your list of prepared spells
metamagic option, you spend a number of ki points
can include five spells of 1st or 2nd level, in any
equal to the cost in sorcery points.
combination.
You can change your list of prepared spells when
Lightning Affinity you finish a long rest. Preparing a new list of cleric
At 11th level, whenever you roll lightning damage for spells requires time spent in meditation: at least 1
a spell, you add your spellcasting ability modifier to minute per spell level for each spell on your list.
the lightning damage. Ki-Powered Spells. To cast one of your spells,
you must expend a number of ki points equal to the
Lightning Strikes spell’s level + 1. You may cast a spell at a higher
At 17th level, your strikes become so quick that you level by expending an additional ki point for each
can generate lightning. Once per turn, you can deal additional level, but you cannot cast a spell at a
an extra 1d10 lightning damage to a target you hit higher level than your maximum spell level.
with a melee weapon attack or unarmed strike. For example, if you know the 1st-level spell cure
wounds and are at least 5th level, you can cast cure
M ONASTIC T RADITION : WAY OF
WAY OF THE WEST WIND SPELLCASTING
THE W EST W IND Monk Cantrips Maximum
Monks of the Way of the West Wind have trained Level Known Spell Level
under the cleric-monk Longinus to calm their 3rd 2 1
emotions to focus and channel their ki into magic. 4th 2 1
Their graceful, windy fighting style makes them a 5th 2 2
bane to their foes and a boon to their allies. 6th 2 2
7th 2 2
WAY OF THE WEST WIND FEATURES 8th 2 2
Monk Level Feature 9th 2 3
3rd Bonus Language, Spellcasting 10th 3 3
6th Wings of the West Wind 11th 3 3
11th Turn Undead 12th 3 3
17th Forceful Blows 13th 3 4
14th 3 4
15th 3 4
16th 3 4
Bonus Language 17th 3 5
Starting when you choose this tradition at 3rd level, 18th 3 5
your training allows you to speak, read, and write 19th 3 5
Auran. 20th 3 5

New Rules Material — Special Weapons
wounds at 1st or 2nd level, expending 2 ki points for Turn Undead

a 1st-level casting and 3 ki points for a second-level
At 11th level, you gain the ability to chant and
casting.
channel your ki into a wave of positive energy that
Spellcasting Ability. Wisdom is your spellcasting is unpalatable to the undead. As an action, you can
ability for your ki-powered spells. You use your spend 4 ki points to turn undead. Each undead
Wisdom whenever a spell refers to your spellcasting that can see or hear you within 30 feet of you must
ability. In addition, you use your Wisdom modifier make a Wisdom saving throw. If the creature fails
when setting the saving throw DC for a ki-powered its saving throw, it is turned for 1 minute or until it
spell you cast and when making an attack roll with takes any damage.
one. A turned creature must spend its turns trying to
move as far away from you as it can, and it can’t
Spell save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your
willingly move to a space within 30 feet of you. It
Wisdom modifier
also can’t take reactions. For its action, it can use
Spell attack modifier = your proficiency bonus + only the Dash action or try to escape from an effect
your Wisdom modifier that prevents it from moving. If there’s nowhere to
move, the creature can use the Dodge action.
Spellcasting Focus. You can use the ki that
powers your spells as a spellcasting focus for your Forceful Blows
ki-powered spells.
At 17th level, your strikes become so quick that you
Multiclassing. If you have levels in another can generate concussive force from the compressed
spellcasting class, you can cast the spells from the wind. Once per turn, you can deal an extra 1d10
other class as ki-powered spells as long as you do force damage to a target you hit.
not cast the spell above your maximum spell level.
You can also cast one of your prepared spells from
your monk class using an appropriate spell slot from S PECIAL W EAPONS
another class. The monk class does not have spell The campaign setting adds the following weapons.
slots of its own and does not contribute to total spell
Bohemian earspoon. This fancifully named
slots under the multiclassing rules.
weapon resembles something between a ranseur
and a longspear — a “spear with a hilt.” A Bohemian
Wings of the Wind earspoon is designed to quickly make multiple
At 6th level, you gain the ability to control the wind attacks while keeping the enemy at a distance. If
around you, giving you or another creature limited you use the Ready action to prepare to attack any
flight. As a bonus action, you can expend a ki point creature who enters your reach, any successful
to give yourself a fly speed of 60 feet until the start attack using your readied action is a critical hit. You
of your next turn. If you are still in the air and do have disadvantage when you use an earspoon to
not expend another bonus action and ki point at the attack a target within 5 feet of you.
start of your next turn, you fall. Hand claw. Worn on the back of the hand, the
Additionally, as an action, you can touch a hand claw is the signature weapon of Ragesian
creature and expend a ki point to give that creature inquisitors. This weapon leaves the wielder’s
a fly speed of 60 feet until the end of your next turn. hand free to grasp items and perform the somatic
If the creature is in the air, and you do not expend components of spells, though they cannot use the
another action and ki point by the end of your turn, claw as a weapon while holding anything else in the
the creature falls. hand.
WEAPONS
Name Cost Damage Weight Properties
Martial Melee Weapons
Bohemian earspoon 10 gp 2d4 piercing 9 lb. Reach, two-handed, special
Hand claw 5 gp 1d4 slashing 1 lb. Special

New Rules Material — Adventuring Gear
throw at the end of each of their turns, removing the

A DVENTURING G EAR deafened condition on a successful save.
This section describes new items that have special
rules or require further explanation. ADVENTURING GEAR
Dragonbomb. This weapon is dropped by wyvern Item Cost Weight
riders, functioning as a grenade-like weapon. Dragonbomb 300 gp 20 lb.
Because the weapon simply drops, the rider makes a Shatterspell (vial) 100 gp 1/10 lb.
DC 10 Intelligence check (disadvantage over 20 feet Thunderstone 50 gp 1 lb.
of altitude), hitting the intended target on a success
and missing in a random direction by 1d10 feet per
10 feet of altitude on a failure. F EATS
Alchemist’s fire coats everything within 10 feet of
the impact point dealing 3d4 fire damage at the start Shining Warrior
of a creature’s turn (initiative count 0 for objects). Prerequisite: The ability to cast the light cantrip
A creature can end this damage by using its action You possess the luminous power of the Solei
to make a DC 10 Dexterity check to extinguish the Palancis, the elite fighting force of the Shahalesti
flames. The alchemicals typically last long enough army. If you wield a weapon affected by the light
to set fire to flammable objects. It also creates a cantrip or a magical weapon that sheds light, you
deafening boom, and all creatures in a 10-foot- can use a bonus action to intensify that light,
radius are affected by the thunderstone. increasing it to a 60-foot-radius sphere of bright
A dragonbomb consists of little more than a light. The sphere sheds dim light for another 60
compilation of existing alchemicals. It has 10 flasks feet. This effect lasts for 10 minutes. You may not
of oil, 4 flasks of alchemist’s fire, and a thunderstone intensify the light on a weapon again until you finish
in a clay shell that shatters on impact. A DC 15 a short or long rest.
Intelligence (Alchemist’s Supplies) check can create Whenever you strike a critical hit with a weapon
one if all the listed components above are available. that is emitting intensified light, the creature struck
Shatterspell. This black compound infused must make a Constitution saving throw against your
with antimagic is poured into sealable vials when spellcasting DC or be blinded until the end of your
extremely chilled. As it warms it turns gaseous, next turn.
forming wispy, black gas when released. As an You cannot be blinded by bright light. While in an
action, you can throw this flask up to 20 feet, area that is brightly illuminated, you have advantage
shattering it on impact. Make a ranged attack on saves against fear and have resistance to necrotic
against a creature or object, treating the shatterspell damage.
as an improvised weapon. On a hit, make a d20
roll for each spell on the target. The DC equals 10 Spellduelist
+ the spell’s level (10 + 0 for cantrips). The spell
Prerequisite: The ability to cast a spell
ends if the d20 roll meets or exceeds the DC, though
shatterspell has no effect on permanent magical You have studied the art of spell dueling, perhaps
effects or magic items. under the famed evoker Gabal in the small school
If a vial of shatterspell takes any cold damage, the he maintains in Gate Pass, or at the Lyceum in
contents turn liquid again for one minute and can Seaquen. Thanks to extensive practice with dueling
be ingested like a potion. A character who drinks the other spellcasters, you gain the following benefits:
magical black fluid has advantage on saving throws • You know how to convince an onlooker that you’re
against magic for one minute. casting a spell when you actually are not. You can
Thunderstone. You throw this stone at a point pretend to cast a spell as a bonus action. The spell
up to 20 feet away. When it strikes a hard surface must be on your spell list, and any onlooker who
or is struck hard, it creates a deafening bang. Any would use a reaction to you casting a spell — such
creatures within a 10-foot radius must make a DC as by attempting to use counterspell, taking an
15 Constitution saving throw or be deafened for attack of opportunity, or performing a readied
1 minute. Anyone concentrating within the area action — must make a Wisdom (Insight) check
affected must also make a DC 15 Concentration contested by your Charisma (Deception) check
saving throw, with disadvantage if they have been to realize the deception, or their reaction is used
deafened. Deafened creatures may repeat the saving upon a failure as if you had actually cast the

New Rules Material — Spell Lists
spell. Opportunity attacks and readied actions are Repeated or flagrant transgressions can result in
taken, and the reaction for counterspell is used but permanent loss of this benefit until you perform
the spell slot is not as there is not a valid target. atonement.
You have advantage on the Charisma (Deception)
check. You cannot cast any other spell on this
turn other than the spell you were pretending to
S PELL L ISTS
cast or a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action. Bard Spells
If you actually cast a spell this turn, anyone who
wants to use a reaction must have decided to 1st Level
contest your deception and succeeded. Stand the Heat
• You have advantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks
to determine if another spellduelist is pretending
2nd Level
to cast a spell and Intelligence (Arcana) checks to Cancel
identify a spell being cast.
Cleric Spells
Vex the Inquisitor 1st Level
Prerequisite: The ability to cast a spell Stand the Heat
The teachers and students of Gabal’s school
2nd Level
and the Lyceum have developed a technique to
Cancel
counter the inquisitor’s powers to cancel magic by
Duelist’s Etiquette
recovering some of the dissipated magic. Whenever
an inquisitor uses their Channel Divinity to dispel
a spell on which you are concentrating or stop a Druid Spells
spell you are casting, you may use your reaction to 1st Level
recover one expended spell slot of a level less than Stand the Heat
the spell the inquisitor stopped.
2nd Level
Vow of Healing Cancel
Prerequisite: The ability to provide magical healing
4th Level
After meeting with one of the Knights of the Aquiline Storm Shield
Cross, you have pledged yourself to heal all those in
need, friend or foe. For this sacrifice, you are blessed
with greater healing power.
Paladin Spells
As a bonus action you release an emanation of 1st Level
healing energy in a 10-foot-radius sphere. Every Stand the Heat
living creature in the area regains a number of
hit points equal to your proficiency bonus. You 2nd Level
may use this benefit a number of times equal to Cancel
the spellcasting ability modifier you would use to
cast healing spells (usually Wisdom or Charisma, Ranger Spells
minimum 1 use). You recover any expended uses
1st Level
after finishing a long rest.
Stand the Heat
You may not refuse to heal any injured living
creature who asks you for healing, though you are 2nd Level
not obligated to provide more than 1 point of healing, Cancel
and you are not required to heal enemies unless
they surrender and you are reasonably sure they
cannot betray you. You may not strike down an Sorcerer Spells
unconscious living creature, nor may you target 1st Level
damage against a dying foe. If you violate this oath, Gabal’s Superior Missile
you lose the benefit of this feat until the next dawn. Stand the Heat

New Rules Material — Spell Descriptions
2nd Level the spell’s level. On a success, the creature’s spell

Cancel fails and has no effect.
Duelist’s Etiquette Since this spell takes an action to cast, you must
use it on a spellcaster who is concentrating on a
4th Level spell or use the Ready action, anticipating that
Storm Shield a creature in range will cast a spell or a creature
Telekinetic Thrust already concentrating on a spell will come in range.
You then release the readied spell using your
5th Level reaction. You may continue to concentrate on this
Like Lightning spell or for longer than 1 round until released at a
target or dismissed.
Warlock Spells At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the interrupted spell
2nd Level has no effect if its level is less than or equal to the
Cancel level of the spell slot you used.
4th Level
Telekinetic Thrust Duelist’s Etiquette
2nd-level abjuration (ritual)
Wizard Spells Casting Time: 1 minute

1st Level Range: Touch
Gabal’s Superior Missile Components: V,S,M (a pair of padded sticks)
Stand the Heat Duration: 1 hour
2nd Level You touch the ground, and a 30-foot radius of the
Cancel spell’s area is traced with a faintly glowing line of
Duelist’s Etiquette energy. The spell creates a subtle defensive barrier
against magical attacks, causing all damage from
4th Level spells and summoned creatures that originate in
Storm Shield the area of effect to become nonlethal. A creature
Telekinetic Thrust brought to 0 hit points from nonlethal spell damage
is unconscious and stable.
5th Level Whenever a creature enters the warded area or is
Like Lightning present when the spell is cast, it must consciously
choose to accept this restriction, or else the spell
ends. If at any time a creature inside the area no
S PELL D ESCRIPTIONS longer wishes to abide by the wards, they can spend
an action to end the spell.
Cancel
This spell is primarily used to ensure that spell
2nd-level abjuration
duels are not fatal, without forcing mages to hold
back their strongest powers.
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V,S Gabal’s Superior Missile
Duration: Instantaneous 1st-level evocation
You form a sphere of antimagic in your hand. When Casting Time: Special
you see a creature within 60 feet cast or concentrate Range: 60 feet
on a spell, you release the sphere at them in an Components: V,S
attempt to interrupt the spell. If the spell is of 2nd Duration: Instantaneous
level or lower, its spell fails and has no effect. If the
spell is of 3rd level or higher, make an ability check The archmage Gabal proudly states that this spell is
using your spellcasting ability. The DC equals 10 + superior to the old standby magic missile in urban

New Rules Material — Spell Descriptions
settings. Though its range is shorter, it can be cast Stand the Heat
even without line of sight to its targets.
1st-level abjuration
You create three glowing darts of magical force. A
dart deals 1d4 + 1 force damage to its target. The Casting Time: 1 action
darts all strike simultaneously, and you can direct Range: Touch
them to hit one creature or several. This spell has Components: V,S,M (ten gold coins which have sat
two modes. in a fire for at least one hour)
The first mode has a casting time of one action. Duration: 24 hours
Each dart hits a creature of your choice that you can
see within range. You touch a willing creature, and the creature
In the second mode you take the Ready action to and all equipment it carries suffer no harm from
cast the spell as normal but then concentrate on the being in extreme heat. It can exist comfortably in
spell and release it using your reaction immediately temperatures as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
before the start of your next turn. You become aware This protection is sufficient to endure the oven-like
of every visible creature within range of the spell but heat of a forest fire, though neither the creature nor
are not aware of their exact location. You can target its equipment is protected against fire damage.
creatures that have total cover or total concealment If the affected creature catches fire, it can put the
with respect to you, as long as the darts can travel flames out with a bonus action.
around any such concealment to their targets along At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using
a 60-foot path. a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, you can affect one
For example, you could target a creature inside a additional creature for each slot level above 1st. The
room even if there was a wall between you, as long creatures must be touching you or another of the
as a door or window was open. Likewise, you could affected creatures.
target a creature hiding behind a fog cloud, as long
as there was a clear route around the fog. However, Storm Shield
you could not target a creature totally concealed 4th-level evocation
within the fog cloud.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a Casting Time: 1 action
spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the spell creates one Range: Self
more dart for each slot level above 1st. Components: V,S,M (a bit of fur and a rod of amber,
crystal, or glass)
Like Lightning Duration: 10 minutes
5th-level conjuration
Thin crackles of lightning wreathe your body for the
Casting Time: 1 action duration, shedding bright light in a 10-foot radius
Range: 100 feet and dim light for an additional 10 feet. You can end
Components: V,S,M (a bit of fur and a rod of amber, the spell early by using an action to dismiss it.
crystal, or glass) The lightning grants you resistance to lightning
Duration: Instantaneous damage. In addition, whenever a creature within
5 feet of you hits you with a melee attack, the
Choose a point you can see within range. You shield erupts with lightning. The attacker takes
transform your body into a 5-foot-wide stroke of 2d8 lightning damage.
lightning from your current position to that point
and transform back into your original form at the
Telekinetic Thrust
destination. Each creature in the line must make
4th-level transmutation
a Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 8d6
lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much Casting Time: 1 action
damage on a successful one. Range: 60 feet
The lightning ignites flammable objects in its path Components: V,S
that aren’t being worn or carried. Duration: Instantaneous
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 6th level or higher, the damage increases You gain the ability to shove a creature or object by
by 1d6 for each slot level above 5th. thought. When you cast the spell, you can exert your

New Rules Material — Magic Items
will on one creature or object that you can see within additional creature or object for each slot level above
range causing the appropriate affect below. 4th. The creatures or objects must all be within 10
A creature or object you successfully move travels feet of each other.
30 feet directly away from you. If it hits a solid object
such as a wall, it takes 1d6 bludgeoning damage
for every 10 feet of movement or portion thereof. If
M AGIC I TEMS
it would hit another creature or object the damage You may come across the following magic items in
is split between the shoved creature or object and your travels.
the hit creature or object. A creature in the path of
the shoved creature or object must succeed on a Hurling Bracers
Dexterity saving throw, avoiding the shoved creature Wondrous item, rare
or object on a success or being hit by the missile and These items can be activated as a bonus action or
knocked prone. as a reaction. For one round, you are considered to
Creature. You can try to move a Large or be one size class larger for the purposes of Strength
smaller creature. Make an ability check with your such as a contested Strength check, lifting or
spellcasting ability contested by the creature’s pushing capacity, and wielding heavy weapons.
Strength check. If you win the contest, you move The bracers can’t be used this way again until the
the creature up to 30 feet directly away from you next dawn.
and it is knocked prone.
Object. You can try to move an object that weights Potion Bracer
up to 500 pounds. If the object isn’t being worn Wondrous item, uncommon
or carried, you automatically move it up to 30 feet
This bracer functions like a highly specialized handy
directly away from you.
haversack, allowing you to store up to 10 potions or
If the object is worn or carried by a creature, you
similarly-sized items in an extradimensional space.
must make an ability check with your spellcasting
No matter how many items are stored in the bracer,
ability contested by that creature’s Strength check.
you can retrieve the one you want as an action. You
If you succeed, you pull the object away from that
can only wear one potion bracer at a time; wearing
creature and move it 30 feet directly away from you.
a second causes both to cease functioning. Most
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using potion bracers are worn on the user’s weapon arm so
a spell slot of 5th level or higher, you can affect one the user doesn’t have to drop a weapon to get out a
potion. If both hands are full, you can drink directly
from the potion bracer as an action, but creatures
have advantage on attack rolls against you until the
start of your next turn.
If it is overloaded, or if a sharp object pierces it
or tears it, the bracer ruptures and is destroyed.
If the bracer is destroyed, its contents are lost
forever, although an artifact always turns up again
somewhere. If the bracer is turned inside out, its
contents spill forth, unharmed, and the bracer must
be put right before it can be used again.
While it is not being worn, placing the bracer
inside an extradimensional space created by a bag
of holding, portable hole, or similar item instantly
destroys both items and opens a gate to the Astral
Plane. The gate originates where the one item was
placed inside the other. Any creature within 10 feet
of the gate is sucked through it and deposited in
a random location on the Astral Plane. The gate
then closes. The gate is one-way only and can’t be
reopened.

L EGAL I NFORMATION
Product Identity. The following items are hereby identified as Product licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of each
Identity as defined in the Open Game License version 1.0a, and are not element of that Product Identity. You agree not to indicate compatibility
Open Content: All trademarks, proper names, dialogue, plot, storylines, or co-adaptability with any Trademark or Registered Trademark in
locations, characters, artwork, and trade dress. conjunction with a work containing Open Game Content except as
Open Game Content. All game mechanic text (including the names, stats, expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner
and rules text of new character features and spells) is hereby designated as of such Trademark or Registered Trademark. The use of any Product
Open Game Content. Identity in Open Game Content does not constitute a challenge to the
ownership of that Product Identity. The owner of any Product Identity
OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a used in Open Game Content shall retain all rights, title and interest in
and to that Product Identity.
The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is
Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc. (“Wizards”). All Rights Reserved.
8. IDENTIFICATION: If you distribute Open Game Content You must clearly
indicate which portions of the work that you are distributing are Open
1. DEFINITIONS: (a) “Contributors” means the copyright and/or trademark Game Content.
owners who have contributed Open Game Content; (b) “Derivative
Material” means copyrighted material including derivative works and 9. UPDATING THE LICENSE: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish
translations (including into other computer languages), potation, updated versions of this License. You may use any authorized version
modification, correction, addition, extension, upgrade, improvement, of this License to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content
compilation, abridgment or other form in which an existing work may originally distributed under any version of this License.
be recast, transformed or adapted; (c) “Distribute” means to reproduce,
license, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, publicly display, transmit or otherwise 10. COPY OF THIS LICENSE: You MUST include a copy of this License with
distribute; (d) “Open Game Content” means the game mechanic and every copy of the Open Game Content You Distribute.
includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the
extent such content does not embody the Product Identity and is an 11. USE OF CONTRIBUTOR CREDITS: You may not market or advertise the
enhancement over the prior art and any additional content clearly Open Game Content using the name of any Contributor unless You have
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work covered by this License, including translations and derivative
works under copyright law, but specifically excludes Product Identity; 12. INABILITY TO COMPLY: If it is impossible for You to comply with any of
(e) “Product Identity” means product and product line names, logos and the terms of this License with respect to some or all of the Open Game
identifying marks including trade dress; artifacts; creatures; characters; Content due to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation then
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poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic and other visual 13. TERMINATION: This License will terminate automatically if You fail to
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and any other trademark or registered trademark clearly identified 14. REFORMATION: If any provision of this License is held to be
as Product identity by the owner of the Product Identity, and which unenforceable, such provision shall be reformed only to the extent
specifically excludes the Open Game Content; (f) “Trademark” means the necessary to make it enforceable.
logos, names, mark, sign, motto, designs that are used by a Contributor
to identify itself or its products or the associated products contributed to 15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE
the Open Game License by the Contributor; (g) “Use”, “Used” or “Using” Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, LLC.
means to use, Distribute, copy, edit, format, modify, translate and System Reference Document 5.1 Copyright 2016, Wizards of the Coast,
otherwise create Derivative Material of Open Game Content; (h) “You” or Inc.; Authors: Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford, Chris Perkins, Rodney
“Your” means the licensee in terms of this agreement. Thompson, Peter Lee, James Wyatt, Robert J. Schwalb, Bruce R. Cordell,
Chris Sims, and Steve Townshend, based on original material by E. Gary
2. THE LICENSE: This License applies to any Open Game Content that Gygax and Dave Arneson.
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 System Reference Document, Copyright 2000–2003, Wizards of the Coast,
to any Open Game Content that you Use. No terms may be added to or Inc., Authors: Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, Rich Baker,
subtracted from this License except as described by the License itself. Andy Collins, David Noonan, Rich Redman, Bruce R. Cordell, based on
No other terms or conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content original material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson
distributed using this License. War of the Burning Sky, The Complete Campaign, Copyright 2009, EN
Publishing; Author: Ryan Nock.
3. OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE: By Using the Open Game Content You
indicate Your acceptance of the terms of this License.
END OF LICENSE
4. GRANT AND CONSIDERATION: In consideration for agreeing to use this
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contributing original material as Open Game Content, You represent
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including as an indication as to compatibility, except as expressly

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Prepare for War

In War of the Burning Sky, you will have the

Conversion to 5e and Layout by

c 2018 EN Publishing, 7 Rutland Court, Balaclava Road, Southampton, SO18 6RX, UK

War of the Burning Sky 1 Player’s Guide

War of the Burning Sky 2 Player’s Guide

War of the Burning Sky 3 Player’s Guide

War of the Burning Sky 4 Player’s Guide

War of the Burning Sky 5 Player’s Guide

War of the Burning Sky 6 Player’s Guide

War of the Burning Sky 7 Player’s Guide

THE FESTIVAL OF DREAMS

Stronghold Shakur Biggs, the head priest, is currently the

War of the Burning Sky 8 Player’s Guide

Shrine to the God of Sorcery

War of the Burning Sky 9 Player’s Guide

War of the Burning Sky 10 Player’s Guide

EMPEROR DRAKUS COALTONGUE AND THE TORCH OF THE BURNING SKY

Ragos delineations of status, with the middle class living on

War of the Burning Sky 11 Player’s Guide

during the summer. slain mage as an undead follower.

War of the Burning Sky 12 Player’s Guide

aides participated personally in several battles at

Calanis now, consists only of Shaaladel and his daughter

War of the Burning Sky 13 Player’s Guide

There are no mighty cities in Dassen, only The Wayfarers

War of the Burning Sky 14 Player’s Guide

War of the Burning Sky 15 Player’s Guide

War of the Burning Sky 16 Player’s Guide

War of the Burning Sky 17 Player’s Guide

Feature: Blessed by Dreams

Feature: Guild Sympathizer

War of the Burning Sky 18 Player’s Guide

Sense Teleportation M AR TIAL A RCHETYPE :

War of the Burning Sky 19 Player’s Guide

War of the Burning Sky 20 Player’s Guide

War of the Burning Sky 21 Player’s Guide

M ONASTIC T RADITION : WAY OF Spellcasting

War of the Burning Sky 22 Player’s Guide

other class as ki-powered spells as long as you do Spellcasting

War of the Burning Sky 23 Player’s Guide

wounds at 1st or 2nd level, expending 2 ki points for Turn Undead

War of the Burning Sky 24 Player’s Guide

throw at the end of each of their turns, removing the

War of the Burning Sky 25 Player’s Guide

War of the Burning Sky 26 Player’s Guide

2nd Level the spell’s level. On a success, the creature’s spell

Wizard Spells Casting Time: 1 minute

War of the Burning Sky 27 Player’s Guide

War of the Burning Sky 28 Player’s Guide

War of the Burning Sky 29 Player’s Guide

5. REPRESENTATION OF AUTHORITY TO CONTRIBUTE: If You are

6. NOTICE OF LICENSE COPYRIGHT: You must update the COPYRIGHT

War of the Burning Sky 30 Player’s Guide

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