D&D 5E: Fall of the Feywild - Characters

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ABILITY SCORES

To determine your character's Ability Scores for this game, either use the standard array or follow the Variant: Customizing Ability Scores section on pp 13 of the PHB, and distribute 27 points between your six ability scores at the costs listed on the Ability Score Point Cost Table (reproduced below with relevant modifiers), with no ability score set higher than 15 before racial adjustment and no ability score set below 8.

Ability Score	Ability Score Cost			Ability Score Modifier				Ability Score	Ability Score Cost			Ability Score Modifier
8	0			-1				13	5			+1
9	1			-1				14	7			+2
10	2			0				15	9			+2
11	3			0				16	N/A			+3
12	4			+1				17	N/A			+3

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Racial Ability Score Adjustments

The following replaces the standard ability score adjustments for race and subrace. After you have set your base ability scores, increase one ability score of your choice by 2 and another ability score by 1, OR select three different ability scores and increase each by 1.

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Language Template Changes

The following setting languages replace language options listed in the PHB:

• Dwarven Trade Tongue replaces Common
• High Dwarven replaces Dwarven
• Gnomes do not have a unique language for their race. Gnomes speak High Dwarven and Dwarven Trade.
• Halflings do not have a unique language for their race. Halflings speak Human and Dwarven Trade.
• Humans speak Human and Dwarven Trade.
• Tieflings speak Outsider (replaces Infernal and includes the ability to communicate with Abyssal, Celestial, and Infernal beings alike) and Dwarven Trade.
• There is no Underdark in this setting. Deep Speech is replaced by Primordial. There is no Undercommon.
• If a race or background grants a bonus language of the player's choice, choose one additional language following the guidelines listed below.

Bonus Language Options

If you get an unspecified bonus language from a racial, class, or background feature, choose from the Mortal or Exotic language options listed below.

• Mortal: Dwarven Trade, High Dwarven, Elvish, Human, Orcish
• Exotic: Draconic, Giantish, Outsider (Abyssal/Celestial/Infernal), Primordial, Sylvan
• Secret: Druidic, Thieve's Cant

Only one exotic language total may be chosen when selecting bonus languages (though if you receive a specific exotic language as a racial or class feature, such as Dragonborn being able to speak Draconic or Warlocks being able to speak the specific language of their Patron, that does not count against your total allowed exotic languages).

There is no limit to exotic language choices when selecting languages for the Linguist feat.

Secret languages are only available via explicit class feature.

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Variant Option

This is not a specifically human-centric setting, and the Variant Human as described in the sidebar on pp 31 of the PHB is not an option for this game. Instead, players can opt to discard 2 points of their starting racial ability score adjustment at first level (regardless of race) and instead gain a single feat if they desire.

Feats are also available in lieu of ability score adjustments as you level up.

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CHARACTER RACES

All races and subraces from the Player's Handbook are acceptable for this game. Additionally, to reflect the influx of magic and change brought about by the Feywild intruding on the mortal realm, the following changes apply to existing races, and a selection of additional subraces are available as player options for certain races.

Remember, all race/subrace ability score modifications are preempted by the universal ability score modifier rules above. This particularly affects the structure of the standard Human.

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[Note: Players who choose to take a Feywild subrace template are considered natives of the mortal realm who have been changed by the invading magic of the Feywild, not Feywild natives].

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Dragonborn

Other than Ability Score and Language (above), Dragonborn characters observe the following changes to their traits [replaces normal Draconic Ancestry trait]:

• Primary Draconic Ancestry: Chose one Draconic Ancestry. Your Breath Weapon with this ancestry does one more die of damage than normal and recharges after a short or long rest. You are immune to this type of damage.
• Secondary Draconic Ancestry: Chose another Draconic Ancestry (should utilize a different energy type from the first). Your Breath Weapon with this ancestry does normal damage but only recharges once per long rest. You are resistant to this type of damage.

Dwarf

Other than Ability Score and Language (above), there are no changes to the base template for Dwarf.

• Barrow Dwarf: In addition to the mortal subrace options for dwarf, the Feywild subrace, Barrow Dwarf, is available as a player option. Barrow Dwarves are the guardians of Faerie mounds on both sides of the Veil. On the Feywild side, the Mounds are courts and palaces of the highest Fey. In the mortal realm, they are the barrows of great and long dead heroes and kings, from which the Barrow Dwarves take their name.
  • Barrow Blade: As a bonus action, you can summon an axe or a sword to your hand from the burial mounds of the ancient kings (treat as Long Sword or Battleaxe for stats). You are considered proficient with this weapon and cannot be disarmed while holding it. You can dismiss the weapon back to its barrow simply by letting go of it. This feature replaces the Dwarven Combat Training trait.
  • Spriggan: As an action, you can increase in size as described in the Enlarge spell. Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you have completed a long rest. At every fifth character level your character gains an additional use this feature per long rest.

Elf

Other than Ability Score and Language (above), all elven subraces (including the Ur Elf) gain the following trait:

• Fey Step You can cast Misty Step. Once you have used this feature, you cannot use it again until you have completed a short or long rest.

Additionally, the following changes apply to the mortal subrace, Drow:

• Drow: Because there is no Underdark in this setting, the Drow are associated with the shadowy places of the deep forests and mountain passes. They do not gain the Superior Darkvision trait, but neither do they suffer from the Sunlight Sensitivity trait. Other racial traits remain unchanged. Choose Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma for your spellcasting ability for racial spell effects. Once chosen, this cannot be changed.
• Ur Elf: In addition to the mortal subrace options for Elf, the Feywild subrace, Ur Elf, is available as a player option. Ur Elves represent elves as they were before they left the Feywild for the mortal realm. Tall and lithe, with exceptional physical senses and intuition, Ur Elves have an uncanny knack for seeing through illusions and glamours.
  • Ur Sight: You have advantage on Investigation checks to see through illusion and glamours.
  • Ur Weapon Training: You may select one weapon you are proficient with that does not have the Two Handed or Heavy property and treat it as a finesse weapon. Once chosen, this cannot be changed.
  • Ur Magic: You know two cantrips of your choice from any list. Choose Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma as your spellcasting ability for this feature. Once chosen, this cannot be changed.

Gnome/Halfling

Other than Ability Score and Language (above), there are no changes to the base template for these races.

• Wildling: In addition to the mortal subrace options for Gnomes and Halflings, the Feywild subrace, Wildling, is available as a player option. Wildlings are fey and feral versions of several small humanoids native to the Feywild.
  • Limber Climber: You have a climbing speed equal to your base walking speed, and you have advantage when making Acrobatics and Athletics checks for the purpose of movement.
  • Nimble Escape: You can take the Disengage or Hide action as a bonus action on each of your turns.
  • Wild Sting: As a reaction when you take damage you can cast Magic Missile as a first level spell. You cannot use this feature again until you have finished a short or long rest.

Half Elf

Other than Ability Score and Language (above), Half Elf characters gain the following additional trait:

• Wayfarer: You are well traveled and versed in the way of other peoples. You are proficient in any one weapon of your choice. You also have advantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks and Intelligence (History) checks.

Half Orc

Other than Ability Score and Language (above), Half Orc characters gain the following additional traits:

• Always Ready for a Fight: You gain the benefits of the Alert feat.
• Blood Mark: As a bonus action you can cast the Hunter's Mark spell using this feature. Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you have finished a short or long rest.
• Blood Curse: As a reaction when you take damage from a creature marked by your Blood Mark, force that creature to take that amount of damage as well. Once used, this feature cannot be used again until you have finished a short or long rest.

Human

Other than Ability Score and Language (above), Human characters gain the following additional traits:

• Mundane: As a reaction, you can ignore completely the effects of one spell or spell-like effect. Once you have used this feature you cannot use it again until you have finished a short or long rest.
• Adaptable: When it would make a difference to do so, you may choose to add the modifier from your highest ability score to your die roll rather than the one called for for the task at hand. You may wait until after you roll the dice (but before the results of the roll have been revealed) to decide. Once you have used this feature, you cannot use it again until after you have finished a short or long rest.

Tiefling

Other than Ability Score and Language (above), there are no changes to the base template for Tiefling.

• Mistborn Tiefling: As a player option, you can opt to instead use the Feywild racial template Mistborn Tiefling. This template replaces the traits Hellish Resistance and Infernal Legacy. Unlike their infernal brethren, Mistborn are bound tight to the Fey and speak Sylvan instead of Outsider (Infernal). In appearance they are more delicate than infernal tieflings, with smaller horns and bone ridges and smaller tails, or no tail at all. Many have cloven hooves instead of feet.
  • Hidden Step: As a bonus action, you can become invisible until the start of your next turn or until you attack, make a damage roll, or force someone to make a saving throw. Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
  • Weight of Mist: As a reaction you can slow your rate of descent in a jump or fall as with the Feather Fall spell. Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you have finished a short or long rest.
  • Mistweaver: When you reach 3rd level, you can raise a dense mist as per the Fog Cloud spell. Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you have finished a short or long rest. When you reach 5th level, as a bonus action, you may cast Dissonant Whispers once against a single creature within your mists as a first level spell. Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you have finished a short or long rest. Choose Intelligence, Wisdom or Charisma as your spellcasting ability for this feature. Once chosen, this cannot be changed.

CHARACTER CLASSES

All classes and subclasses from the PHB and Xanathar's are allowed with the following exceptions or modifications:

• Barbarian - Class Feature Tweaks.
  • Totem Warrior Path - In addition to casting Beast Sense and Speak with Animals as rituals, you gain the ability to cast each one once per long rest as an at will ability (no components needed except your totem object as a focus).
  • Ancestral Guardian Path - You carry a chip of consecrated bone from one of your tribal ancestors. When you select this path, once per long rest you can consult with your ancestor as if with the Speak with Dead spell. Language is not a barrier. The form of communication is psychic.

• Bard - As Written.

• Cleric - As Written.

• Druid - Wild Shape is a bonus action for Druids and a free action for Circle of the Moon Druids. You can stay in that form for a number of hours equal to your level. Reverting to your normal form is a free action.

• Fighter - As Written.

• Monk - As Written.

• Paladin - All Paladins gain the cantrip Thaumaturgy when they gain the ability to cast spells.

• Ranger - The Gloomstalker is associated with the gloaming and dark wilds in the Feywild rather than subterranean places. All class features remain the same. All Rangers gain the cantrip Druidcraft when they gain the ability to cast spells.

• Rogue - Arcane Trickster can cast Find Familiar as a ritual starting at L3. This does not count against spells known.

• Sorcerer - Wild Magic Origin Sorcerers must roll 1d10 (+ the level of the spell cast) every time they cast a spell. On a result of 10 or higher they trigger a surge of Wild Magic, forcing them to roll on the Wild Surge Table (below). As a bonus action, you may attempt to weave the surge to your advantage, adding or subtracting up to your character's total Sorcerer levels from the naturally rolled table result. Once you use this feature, you must complete a long rest before you can use it again.
  • Wild Surge Table

• Warlock - Warlocks gain one bonus exotic language (determined by patron). [This does not count against your total for exotic languages].
  • Archfey: Sylvan
  • Celestial: Outsider
  • Fiend: Outsider
  • Great Old One: Primordial
  • Hexblade: Outsider

• Wizard - If a Wizard casts a cantrip as their action they can cast a second cantrip as a bonus action regardless of the normal casting time for that cantrip (provided they still have a bonus action available to them).

CHARACTER BACKGROUNDS

Instead of using the published backgrounds, please flavor your character's background to fit your specific vision of that character (within the scope of what is reasonable for the setting), using the steps below to flesh out the mechanical benefits of that background.

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Languages, Skills, Tools

Typical template is 1 bonus language, 2 bonus skills, and a bonus tool proficiency. But you can mix that up however you like within the following parameters.

• No more than 4 of the above things in total.
• No more than one bonus language can be an exotic language. This is cumulative with any other 'bonus' languages that you might get (such as the half elf or human choice to select one bonus language), so your character should only end up with one exotic language total from player choice language options. Specifically named exotic languages that your character gets elsewhere (such as the dragonborn's ability to speak Draconic) do not count against this total.
• No more than 3 bonus skills from background. [Bonus skills from other sources do not count against this total].

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Background Feature

Pick a specific NPC or NPC group you are associated with, such as a mentor or a guild. This NPC or group should give you a specific benefit that you can use in specific situations. You don't have to come up with this specific benefit up front, but the benefit should match the relationship. A mentor might be expected to provide advice or guidance or a recommendation or somesuch. Guild membership on the other hand might provide referrals, supplies, or a place to work, study, or sleep.

[Note: If your class would already provide a group affiliation (such as a monk to a monastery), do not use that as your background feature, unless you are building on that base relationship in some fashion that would conceivably allow a higher level of benefit from the relationship].

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Heirloom Item

Finally, choose a single Heirloom Item. This could be something passed down to you from whoever trained you in your craft, a generational family item, or just this strange thing you randomly found (ala Bilbo and the Ring). This item can be just about anything you can wear or carry or otherwise typically have on or about your person.

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Ancillary Background Elements

Feel free to include more than just the mechanical bibs and bobs above to flesh out your character. I find different players have a different tolerance for premeditated character structure vs revealing a character as they play, so the steps below are totally optional.

• Traits, Ideals, Flaws, and Bonds: Examples of these can be found in the PHB and online if you want to use this formula to flesh out your character's quirks and motivations.

• Alignment: Please ignore alignment suggestions included in the racial descriptions in the PHB. As a general thing, most races will land on some flavor of neutral with wide variation among individuals, so if you want to pick an alignment for your character, you are not directly or indirectly limited by the listed racial trend.

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[Note: This is an aside from building your character's background, but if you are into studying up on the monsters you will be encountering, please also ignore their alignment suggestions included in the MM (or whatever source you are perusing). I typically don't follow them, instead choosing some flavor of neutral as a general rule for type with specific alignments varying widely between individual NPCs of that type].

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CHARACTER ADVANCEMENT

Character advancement for this game will be via Milestones rather than by tallying experience. I've just found that model works better for D&D 5E in PBP games.

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