Aesithas, a D&D 5e Experiment by Fading Memory

[Fading Memory]

@XxFellsingxX

lemme walk you through it then, I knew some small headaches would pop up with the behemoth natural weapons, I'd rather they have come up early than later.

I'm just gonna remove the reaction, I forgot how many of the fighting styles were reaction oriented when I made it that way. That's just something I'm gonna #Patch_Note right now; if a behemoth makes a shield, they just get the +2 AC like everyone else.

With that cleared up, here's how the Natural Weapons work (I'm gonna try to simplify my own dense wording here);

You get two 'slots' for a weapon. These slots aren't anywhere physical on your body, they're purely a mechanical 'slot'.

You can't make a Ranged weapon that isn't Thrown. (No Crossbow, yes dart/javelin/dagger/spear etc; ammo functionally unlimited.)

If you make a Heavy/Two Handed weapon (Such as a Greatsword or Maul) it takes both slots.

You may make a shield in one of those slots.

So your 'legal' pairs are...

Two-Handed/Heavy Weapon (Which could be any kind of flavor you want, bladed forelimbs was just an example; it could be a Monstrous Bite, a serrated tail, 'my whole body', whatever you want). This is a Pike, Greatsword, Maul, Halberd, etc.

One handed Weapon + Shield/Other One Handed Weapon. This is where you could do, say, 2x Scimitars, or 2x Longswords, or a Sword+shield, or a Flail+Javelin, or whatever else- just flavored as different natural weapons on your body.

your natural weapons would count as the relevant weapon for the purposes of any given fighting style. If you choose Interception, it would work with any combination of natural weapons conceivable because you just need to have a shield OR any kind of weapon to do it; if you did Protection, you'd need to use 'Shield' as one of your 'Slots', then you could use any other one handed weapon in the other 'slot'.

If you wanted to use a greatsword or a maul or something, then great weapon fighter would work as a fighting style for you; if you wanted to focus on being a javelin tank, Archery would work; etc etc.

If this isn't helpful to you let me know, I tried to keep the Behemoth clear, but this is why I wanted to test this stuff out on the forum! :)

[Fading Memory]

@Guardian Angel Haruki

As for yours, I think my 4 AM assessment was correct; I don't think I see anything mechanically unsound with it. Amaryllis is fine, when I get some finalized world info done I'll hit you up about the hermit discovery.

[XxFellsingxX]

@Fading Memory Alright, it should be fixed now. Tell me if that's okay.

Thank you for being so patient ^^;

[Fading Memory]

Decided to go 'simple' with my Languages thing, listed here are the native tongues of the races of Aesithas.

Languages of Aesithas

In the interest of simplicity, I will be narrowing things down and really keeping it light in this regard. Almost all the races will speak the 'Common' tongue; The Dale Tongue (Common). It's the language of the Humans, the most plentiful and bountiful of the peoples.

The Kin of Du'Eld originate from the Dale Folk through Du'Eld, thus the Dale Tongue is their native language as well.

The Zephyrites speak Primordial, the tongue of the Old Nimbus, but often learn Common as well. (Zephyrites gain 'Primordial' as a Language)

The Noctem speak Noctish, which is a language that is expressed heavily through their long limbed and fingered gestures and motions- functionally a kind of sign language assisted by vocalized intonations-- but they usually know multiple languages, including Common. (Noctem gain 'Noctish' as a Language)

The Wooden Ones's native tongue is Sylvan, the tongue of the Everbloom, but they tend to live such long lives they eventually learn the other tongues of Aesithas. (Wooden Ones gain Sylvan as a Language)

The Behemoths learn the Dale Tongue to maintain relations with the rest of Aesithas, but their native communication with one another relies as much on pheromone and scent as it does expression and sound. Behemoths may communicate emotions nonverbally so long as they can smell one another, and express limited basic ideas without speech whatsoever. For example, they can express 'fear' without any indication besides feeling it, and with certain gestures of their tail or ears they can express 'we should flee' without ever saying a word- it's just that only other Behemoths will comprehend this, and it makes Behemoth communication with other races often a slow process as they try to express themselves verbally. (Behemoths gain 'Behemoth Speech' as a Language).

It is worth noting that remarkably few individuals in Aesithas are literate. Few Dale Folk can read or write outside the clergy, nobility, or merchant classes, and while most Noctish can read/write there is no written form of their native tongue so they are forced to use the Dale Tongue for their written word. The Kin, Behemoths, and Wooden Ones have little need for the written word in their societies besides as a means to deal with the influential and powerful amongst the Dale Folk societies. Zephyrites are usually literate, but those whose Pods drift away from the Cloud Kingdom can struggle to learn if not taught in their highly formative youth.

This will be added to Post 0.

@XxFellsingxX Yo, patience hasn't even been hit yet; you said you're newish, and I'm changing the foundation of the game on you, you're doing great. Your AC would be 18 with the heavy armor + shield, and your dex saving throw seems to be too high; I think you added proficiency to it instead of your Wisdom saving throw. Otherwise, seems solid.

[karamonnom]

Quick question, if I have my character be a Guild Artisan, are there any weapons I can have my character forge that they can also use?

Also working on the CS. I'm just slow haha

[Fading Memory]

@karamonnom I mean, in a broad sense it makes sense that an artisan could craft things. I'm open to rereading the Downtime Crafting rules from Xanathar's guide, if you're fine with hunting down materials being less an issue of gold and more an issue of Questing and Adventure :)

[karamonnom]

@karamonnom I mean, in a broad sense it makes sense that an artisan could craft things. I'm open to rereading the Downtime Crafting rules from Xanathar's guide, if you're fine with hunting down materials being less an issue of gold and more an issue of Questing and Adventure :)

@Fading Memory

That's fine with me. I've just been struggling to find a background that I want to be honest.

[Fading Memory]

If that's the problem you're having feel free to come back to the background after I set the initial groundwork, or discuss your character ideas with the room :) We're all here to have a good time. @karamonnom

[karamonnom]

Please let me know if there is anything I need to change or add!

Zzyvia, aka “Iris”

Iris
Zephyrite Monk 3

AC 17 HP 17/17 Speed 35ft/ 40ft

Str 11 (0) Dex 20(5) Con 12 (1) Wis 14 (2) Int 10 (0) Cha 9 (-1)

Attacks
Short Sword +7 1d6
Kama +7 1d4

+4 Dexterity. +1 to other stat of choice. Dex cap raised to 24.

Size - Small
Speed - 25 (+10)
Fly (Hover) - 40

The Rune of Wind - Zephyrites may hold their breath indefinitely. They know the Gust cantrip. At level 5 they know the Gust of Wind spell and may cast it once without expending a spell slot. At level 11 they know the Control Winds spell and may cast it once without expending a spell slot. At level 17 they know the Investiture of Wind spell and may cast it once without expending a spell slot. Charisma is the spellcasting modifier for these racial castings. They recharge on a Long Rest.

Cloudcraft innovators - Proficiency in Tinker’s Tools and Cartographer’s Tools. You may spend an hour working with a cloud to write a message in the sky as if with the ‘skywrite’ spell.

Zephyrite Weapon Training - You are proficient with all 'Zephyr' weapons.

The Spark of the Old Nimbus - twice per long rest, you may imbue Lightning into your attacks for one minute. Whenever you hit a target with an attack, they suffer additional Lightning damage equal to your proficiency modifier.

The Fall of Zentar and the Fading of the Old Nimbus - Zephyrites are Vulnerable to Falling Damage and have one less hit point per level.

Ki = 3
Flurry of Blows. Immediately after you take the Attack action on your turn, you can spend 1 ki point to make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action.
Patient Defense. You can spend 1 ki point to take the Dodge action as a bonus action on your turn.
Step of the Wind. You can spend 1 ki point to take the Disengage or Dash action as a bonus action on your turn, and your jump distance is doubled for the turn.

If you spend 1 ki or more as part of your action on your turn, you can then immediately make one unarmed strike as a bonus action.

Distant Eye
[–]
When you make a ranged weapon attack, you can spend 1 ki point to prevent attacking at long range from imposing disadvantage on your attack rolls until the end of the current turn.

Quickened Healing
[–]
As an action, you can spend 2 ki points and roll a Martial Arts die. You regain a number of hit points equal to the number rolled.
Feature: Guild Membership-
As an established and respected member of a guild, you can rely on certain benefits that membership provides. Your fellow guild members will provide you with lodging and food if necessary, and pay for your funeral if needed. In some cities and towns, a guildhall offers a central place to meet other members of your profession, which can be a good place to meet potential patrons, allies, or hirelings.

If you spend 1 ki point or more as part of your action on your turn, you can make one attack with an unarmed strike or a monk weapon as a bonus action before the end of the turn.

Kensei Weapons. Choose two types of weapons to be your kensei weapons: one melee weapon and one ranged weapon. Each of these weapons can be any simple or martial weapon that lacks the heavy and special properties. The longbow is also a valid choice. You gain proficiency with these weapons if you don't already have it. Weapons of the chosen types are monk weapons for you. Many of this tradition's features work only with your kensei weapons. When you reach 6th, 11th, and 17th level in this class, you can choose another type of weapon—either melee or ranged—to be a kensei weapon for you, following the criteria above.

Agile Parry. If you make an unarmed strike as part of the Attack action on your turn and are holding a kensei weapon, you can use it to defend yourself if it is a melee weapon. You gain a +2 bonus to AC until the start of your next turn, while the weapon is in your hand and you aren't incapacitated.

Kensei's Shot. You can use a bonus action on your turn to make your ranged attacks with a kensei weapon more deadly. When you do so, any target you hit with a ranged attack using a kensei weapon takes an extra 1d4 damage of the weapon's type. You retain this benefit until the end of the current turn.
Way of the Brush. You gain proficiency with your choice of calligrapher's supplies or painter's supplies.

Unarmored Movement-
Starting at 2nd level, your speed increases by 10 feet while you are not wearing armor or wielding a shield. This bonus increases when you reach certain monk levels, as shown in the Monk table.

At 9th level, you gain the ability to move along vertical surfaces and across liquids on your turn without falling during the move.

Deflect Missiles-
Starting at 3rd level, you can use your reaction to deflect or catch the missile when you are hit by a ranged weapon attack. When you do so, the damage you take from the attack is reduced by 1d10 + your Dexterity modifier + your monk level.

If you reduce the damage to 0, you can catch the missile if it is small enough for you to hold in one hand and you have at least one hand free. If you catch a missile in this way, you can spend 1 ki point to make a ranged attack (range 20/60 feet) with the weapon or piece of ammunition you just caught, as part of the same reaction. You make this attack with proficiency, regardless of your weapon proficiencies, and the missile counts as a monk weapon for the attack.

Background: Guild Artisan
Guilds often wield tremendous political power. If you are accused of a crime, your guild will support you if a good case can be made for your innocence or the crime is justifiable. You can also gain access to powerful political figures through the guild, if you are a member in good standing. Such connections might require the donation of money or magic items to the guild's coffers.

You must pay dues of 5 gp per month to the guild. If you miss payments, you must make up back dues to remain in the guild's good graces.

Specialty- Smithing and Metal Forging
Guilds are generally found in cities large enough to support several artisans practicing the same trade. However, your guild might instead be a loose network of artisans who each work in a different village within a larger realm. Work with your DM to determine the nature of your guild.

Free Feat: Observant
Quick to notice details of your environment, you gain the following benefits:
Increase your Intelligence or Wisdom by 1, to a maximum of 20. (Wis)
If you can see a creature's mouth while it is speaking a language you understand, you can interpret what it's saying by reading its lips.
You have a +5 bonus to your passive Wisdom (Perception) and passive Intelligence (Investigation) scores.)

[Fading Memory]

@karamonnom Unarmored Movement would benefit your Fly speed too! It does not specify Walk speed! The exception is something that sets a static speed stat such as the Fly spell, but since your fly speed is innate it also gets boosted! Enjoy a fly speed of 50 that will just keep getting faster!

Please specify your kensei weapons for me. :)

The Fading of the Old Nimbus racial flaw is one less HP per level, so you’d have two less hit points one more hit point, assuming you took average. +1 con/-1 Flaw; 8+5+5 = 18 from class hit dice with your net +0.

Otherwise seems good to me.

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

@Fading Memory I do have a question regarding Druidic as a language.

If Wooden Ones have little need for the written word, how would leaving messages in Druidic work?

[Fading Memory]

@Fading Memory I do have a question regarding Druidic as a language.

If Wooden Ones have little need for the written word, how would leaving messages in Druidic work?

@Guardian Angel Haruki

Druidic is special, of course. Likely they are a unique role among Wooden One society like a priest or a noble; Aratea, known as a princess, was a druid for example. They would be more in tune with the Everbloom and more likely to be a heroic/guiding figure in their society.

[Fading Memory]

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/188094-aesithas/ooc#post-5357091

Here we are, everyone. Welcome aboard. Everyone who's posted a CS so far may post it in the Character Sheets tab, just make sure to read the Character Expectations post and give me the info I request.

[karamonnom]

@Fading Memory

Thank you! And I'm thinking of making my Kensei weapons the Wakizashi (short sword) and a short bow.

[Goldmarble]

For a sixth, I have a concept for a Human Forge Cleric.

8
13
13
13
14
15

[Fading Memory]

@Goldmarblefeel free to join us in the Ooc I linked here;

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/188094-aesithas/ooc#post-5357091

Here we are, everyone. Welcome aboard. Everyone who's posted a CS so far may post it in the Character Sheets tab, just make sure to read the Character Expectations post and give me the info I request.

@Fading Memory

If anyone else is interested in the game shoot me a PM or come say hi in the OOC; 6 was my soft cap, but I may allow more! I’m on the fence a out it but it’s always possible :)

[Fading Memory]

For those lurking or who have missed the OOC link above, Exit has let me know that they need to bow out and rescind their interest; the Kin of Du’Eld slot is available once more.

[Neianna86]

I'm eager to play. I'll see if I can work together with @Fading Memory to create something fun.

[Fading Memory]

Bumping due to having room for one more player; the party is now level 4 and we are out of the 'intro' and about to take our first steps on the Quest.

[Lucius Cypher]

@Fading Memory

I'd be down to clown. Anything in particular I should know before diving into this?