Design Dials

Dial your D&D designs up to 11 by focusing on the elements that bring your intended fantasy to life.

The Gunslinger Misfire

Examining the Gunslinger's Misfire mechanic as a cautionary tale for importing character options from other games. Why to never base a class on a "critical fumble" mechanic.

Way of the Word (Monk)

This shout-based Monk subclass charges up different power words to attack with elemental force and to fortify abilities with enhancements.

Critical Saving Throws

Adding mechanical benefits to critical saving throws so players don't feel like their 20 is wasted.

Sandshifter (Sorcerer)

Elemental sorcerers seem such a natural fit. But for some reason, elemental always means fire. In order to break that trope, here's a sorcerer that draws their power from the Elemental Plane of Earth! Let's dig in...

Circle of Spirits (Druid)

There's no telling when inspiration will strike. I was recently watching the Indiana Jones trilogy (don't tell me otherwise) for the millionth time, when I was struck with an idea for a new subclass. You know that scene at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark where the nazis open the Ark of the … Continue reading Circle of Spirits (Druid) →

Path of the Impaler (Barbarian)

Vlad Țepeș was the medieval ruler of Wallachia, a Romanian principality. Vlad's strict legal code and penchant for violently colorful punishments earned him the name Vlad the Impaler. Though you may know him by another nickname: Dracula.

Path of the Impaler Barbarians follow in Dracula's steps to enforce their code with ruthless displays of punishment.

Shield Slinger (Fighter)

Fighters who train as shield slingers use defense as their best offense. As they hone their shield toss technique, they learn how to ricochet attacks off multiple foes and make charging attacks. Shield slingers also improve their defensive techniques, gaining more benefit to their armor class than other fighters, and even reflecting magical attacks.

Sunchaser (Ranger)

Sunchaser Rangers dart around the battlefield without incurring attacks, channel the fire and radiance of the sun into their strikes, escape harrowing situations, illuminate targets for attack advantages, and leave fire in their wake across the battlefield.

Check out our build notes for the Sunchaser (Ranger) subclass.

College of the Unheard (Bard)

The College of the Unheard is a bardic tradition that caters to characters who do not have their full capacity for hearing. Whether hard of hearing or deaf, members of this college are unfazed. Rather, they harness their capabilities to communicate and cast spells in unique fashion.

Bards of this college call themselves The Unheard because their invisible disability often goes unconsidered by others. Yet, anyone who underestimates The Unheard will quickly learn the folly of their ways, as these bards are equally capable as their peers and boast incredible talent.