Homebrew Player Class: Meteor Mage

Unleashing the Power of the Cosmos: The Meteor Mage

In the vast world of spellcasters, few can match the sheer destructive power and awe-inspiring presence of the Meteor Mage. These masters of celestial destruction wield fire and ice from the heavens, reshaping landscapes and turning battlefields into craters of fire and ice.

Class Overview

Meteor Mages are powerful spellcasters who harness the fury of the cosmos. They call down burning meteors and manipulate celestial energy, making them a rare breed often viewed with both awe and fear. Their magic can reshape landscapes and turn battlefields into craters of fire and ice.

Hit Points and Proficiencies

Meteor Mages have a hit dice of 1d6 per level, with 6 + Constitution modifier hit points at 1st level and 1d6 (or 4) + Constitution modifier per level after 1st. They are proficient with simple weapons, staves, and wands, but do not wear armor. Their saving throws are Intelligence and Dexterity, and they can choose two skills from Arcana, Insight, Perception, Nature, History, or Investigation.

Equipment and Spellcasting

Starting equipment includes a quarterstaff or dagger, a scholar’s pack or explorer’s pack, a spellbook, and a component pouch or arcane focus. Meteor Mages use the Wizard spell list and gain additional fire, cold, and force-based spells. They prepare spells like a Wizard and use a spellbook14.

Unique Abilities

• Meteor Mages have several unique abilities that set them apart:
• Cosmic Knowledge: At 1st level, they learn two additional cantrips from a specific list and always have certain spells prepared at listed levels.
• Meteoric Fury: Starting at 2nd level, they can add their Intelligence modifier to one damage roll of a spell that deals fire, cold, or force damage.
• Starborn Resilience: At 6th level, they gain resistance to fire and cold damage.
• Cosmic Devastation: At 10th level, their spells can ignore resistance to fire, cold, or force damage.
• Meteoric Impact: At 14th level, they can enhance Fireball or Ice Storm with meteoric energy, adding lingering flames or a gravitational surge.
• Apocalyptic Descent: At 18th level, they can call down a massive celestial strike, dealing 12d10 fire, cold, or force damage in a 30-foot radius.

Meet Stariel Boomweaver

One notable Meteor Mage is Stariel Boomweaver, a chaotic neutral cosmic scholar. Stariel's insatiable curiosity drives her to explore the unknown and uncover hidden secrets of the cosmos. Her experiments with celestial magic can be erratic and unpredictable, making her both a formidable ally and a potential hazard on the battlefield.

Stariel's journey into the arcane began when she discovered an ancient celestial tome in the ruins of a long-forgotten observatory. Through years of study and experimentation, she unlocked the secrets of celestial magic, transforming into a Meteor Mage. Stariel constantly pushes herself to cast more powerful and complex spells, often venturing into dangerous and uncharted territories to enhance her magic. 

Download this playable class and character idea here

Teaser 2 for new campaign

 

Character Concept: Grubnik Stonebrace, Troll Civil Engineer

Character Concept: Grubnik Stonebrace, Troll Civil Engineer

Grubnik is not your average troll. While most of his kin are content smashing bridges, Grubnik builds them. A rare troll with a passion for creating rather than destroying, he’s a brilliant (if unconventional) civil engineer. His designs are robust and surprisingly elegant—if you can get past the strange materials and trollish aesthetics.

Key Personality Traits

• Practical and Resourceful: Grubnik is a problem solver who uses whatever materials are at hand. He’s not above using bones or troll saliva in construction, much to the horror of others.
• Proud Artisan: He takes immense pride in his work and is deeply offended by criticism—especially if someone questions the structural integrity of his projects.
• Hungry Diplomat: Grubnik loves to negotiate deals for his services. However, he sometimes accepts odd forms of payment, like livestock, shiny rocks, or recipes for exotic cuisine.

---

Unique Abilities and Skills

• Structural Instincts: Grubnik can intuitively understand the weaknesses in buildings, bridges, and fortifications.
  • Mechanic: Advantage on Investigation checks related to structures.
• Troll Regeneration Construction: Grubnik uses his regenerative abilities in creative ways, such as growing back body parts to serve as temporary scaffolding or binding materials.
• Improvise Materials: He can jury-rig durable structures out of the most improbable materials. (Need a raft made of rocks? Grubnik can do it!)
• Strong as Stone: As a troll, Grubnik has incredible strength, which he often uses to move boulders or drive massive support beams into place.

---

Roleplaying Grubnik

• Voice and Mannerisms: A gravelly, enthusiastic voice peppered with construction jargon. He frequently references the “load-bearing nature” of things or starts rambling about foundational integrity.
• Quirks:
  • Always carries tools like a massive hammer, a sack of rocks, and various adhesives (some troll-produced).
  • Frequently sketches designs in dirt or on any available surface with a claw.
  • Refers to himself as “Grubnik, the Great Builder.”
• Flaws: While a genius builder, Grubnik doesn’t always grasp human (or humanoid) aesthetics or safety standards. His bridges might look like nightmares but are incredibly sturdy... mostly.

---

Plot Hooks

1. Building a Better Bridge: The party hires Grubnik to construct a bridge across a dangerous ravine, but local villagers are uneasy about trusting a troll.
2. Fortress Under Siege: A lord enlists Grubnik to reinforce their castle’s defenses before an impending attack. His unconventional methods may lead to unexpected outcomes.
3. Rival Architect: A rival builder (perhaps a snobby dwarf or elf) mocks Grubnik’s work and challenges him to a public contest. The party can help Grubnik gather rare materials or sabotage his rival.
4. A Troll’s Legacy: Grubnik is working on his magnum opus—an indestructible fortress. But a local monster or group of raiders seeks to destroy his dream, and the party must defend his work.

---

In-Game Mechanics

If you’re playing this character, consider the following class options:

• Artificer (Battle Smith or Artillerist): Perfect for someone who builds complex structures or defenses.
• Barbarian (Totem Warrior): If you want to lean into the troll's natural physicality while tying in his engineering prowess as a “spiritual connection” to rocks and stone.
• Rune Knight Fighter: A thematic fit if you want to incorporate the idea of inscribing mystical runes into his creations.

Character Concept: Smaugdar the Creditor

Smaugdar, the Creditor

Smaugdar is an ancient red dragon who once reveled in pillaging kingdoms, hoarding gold, and bathing in the fear of mortals. But as the centuries rolled by, Smaugdar discovered that his endless raids were exhausting—and frankly, inefficient. Why torch villages when you can make the gold come to you? Now, Smaugdar has rebranded himself as a "financial entrepreneur," offering high-interest loans to desperate adventurers, merchants, and even kings.

The Nexus Codex: 3rd Day of the Third Moon, Year of the Owl

Date: 3rd Day of the Third Moon, Year of the Owl

Location: Twenty leagues beneath the surface, near the Great River of Luminalis

Today, our excavation uncovered what appears to be a glyph-strewn passageway, hidden for untold centuries beneath layers of volcanic ash. The air here is heavy, yet charged with a faint hum of energy, as though the very walls breathe with latent power. The passage is adorned with intricate carvings depicting the life of the Explorers from the Stars. Towering crystal structures reach toward the heavens in these images, while serene figures with angular faces and flowing tendrils stand in harmonious poses, surrounded by glowing glyphs and radiant energy. These depictions speak to a civilization of immeasurable wisdom and technological mastery.

Among the rubble, we unearthed an artifact of unmistakable importance. Carved from a smooth, opalescent platinum-metallic substance that shimmers with a glowing Opalite, iridescent crystal-like effect in red, green, blue, yellow, orange, red, purple. it radiates elemental energy. Its design is alien like—a perfect fusion of artistry and utility. My instincts tell me this is a key, though to what, I cannot yet determine.

Translation of Glyphs:
"In the time of Harmony, the stars embraced us, their warmth guiding our steps. We were builders of wonders, shapers of the unseen, guardians of the balance. From the heavens, we brought the light of understanding, and upon this land, we shared our gifts."

"Yet the Heart of the Nexus grew restless. It sang with the power of the Four, and we asked too much. The Nexus bled, and its pain was our undoing. The balance unraveled, and from the depths came fire, ash, and silence."

"We cried out to the stars, but they turned away, for we had betrayed their trust. Only the few could flee, and even they carried the weight of our folly. The Heart still beats, though corrupted, a mirror of our hubris. Beware the Heart. Beware its song.”

...The phrase "The Heart of the Nexus grew restless" is troubling. I suspect it refers to an ancient energy source or focal point tied to this civilization's power—perhaps even their lifeblood. The mention of "the power of the Four" could be a reference to elemental forces: earth, air, fire, and water. If these beings manipulated such forces directly, then their collapse may have been inevitable. My concern lies in the artifact we found. Could it be tied to this Heart? Could we have disturbed something best left buried?

Teaser Trailer for new campaign

 

Thalassian Elementeran Energy Shield

The Thalassian Elementeran Energy Shield is a marvel of ancient Thalassian technology, designed to harness the raw power of Elementera to create an impenetrable barrier. This shield is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Thalassian civilization, blending advanced engineering with arcane magic.

Design and Construction: 

The shield is crafted from a rare alloy infused with Elementera crystals, giving it a distinctive, ethereal glow. Its surface is etched with intricate glyphs that channel and amplify the energy of the Elementera, creating a shimmering barrier that can deflect even the most powerful attacks.

Functionality:

When activated, the Elementeran Energy Shield generates a protective field that surrounds the user. This field is capable of absorbing and dissipating energy from various sources, including physical blows, magical spells, and elemental forces. The shield's energy reserves are replenished by ambient Elementera, ensuring that it remains operational even in prolonged battles.

Historical Significance: 

The Thalassian Elementeran Energy Shield was a crucial component of Thalassia's defense systems, used by the Aegis Vanguard to protect the city from both internal and external threats. Its design reflects the Thalassian philosophy of balance and harmony, integrating seamlessly with the city's other technological and magical systems.

Legacy: 

Although Thalassia has long since fallen, the Elementeran Energy Shield remains a symbol of the civilization's advanced understanding of both technology and magic. Artifacts like this shield continue to inspire modern researchers and adventurers, offering glimpses into the lost wonders of Thalassian society. 

Thalassian Elementera Energy Shield

Armor, Rare (Requires Attunement)

Description:
This translucent shield hums faintly as it resonates with Elementera energy. Its smooth surface ripples with elemental light, shifting hues depending on its current resistance setting. A subtle mechanism on the grip allows the wielder to attune the shield to a specific element.

Properties:

Defense Bonus: +1 AC.

Elemental Resistance: As a bonus action, the wielder can shift the shield’s resistance to one of the following damage types: fire, cold, lightning, or radiant. This resistance lasts until changed again.

Elementera Corruption:

Each time the shield blocks elemental damage, roll a D100 Corruption Check.

·         Base chance of corruption: 5%.

·         Add +5% if the blocked attack exceeds 20 damage.

Unveiling the Power of Elementera: The Weapon of Thalassia

 

In the ancient and enigmatic civilization of Thalassia, a weapon of unparalleled power and sophistication was forged, harnessing the raw energy of Elementera. This weapon, a testament to Thalassian ingenuity, stands as a symbol of both their technological prowess and their ultimate downfall.

The Essence of Elementera

Elementera, a rare and potent energy source, was the lifeblood of Thalassian society. Tied to the primal forces of nature—earth, fire, water, air, and spirit—Elementera powered everything from the city's infrastructure to its most advanced constructs. The weapon, infused with this vibrant energy, was capable of feats beyond the imagination of modern societies.

The Prismatic Order's Masterpiece

Among the Arcanomechanists, the Prismatic Order emerged as the leading force in weapon development. Their groundbreaking technique, Prismatic Overloading, allowed Elementera crystals to absorb more magical energy than they could naturally handle, creating a temporary surge in power. This technique, while dangerous, unlocked unparalleled magical potential, making the weapon a formidable tool in both defense and offense.

A Double-Edged Sword

However, the power of the weapon came at a steep cost. The process of Prismatic Overloading left behind unstable, corrupted shards known as bleeding Elementera. These shards, while powerful, introduced instability and corruption into the weapon's systems. Arcanomechanists who utilized bleeding Elementera suffered physical mutations and psychological corruption, leading to a fanatical belief in the crystals' supposed evolutionary benefits.

The Weapon's Role in Thalassia's Downfall

As the Prismatic Order's influence grew, their experiments with bleeding Elementera seeped into every facet of Thalassian life. The weapon, once a symbol of Thalassian might, became a harbinger of chaos. The unchecked ambition of Thalassia's leaders led to reckless over-mining of Elementera veins, further exacerbating the instability. The weapon, now corrupted and volatile, played a pivotal role in the Great Collapse, as the city's constructs turned on their creators, and elemental rifts opened across the region.

Legacy of Hubris

The weapon of Thalassia stands as a cautionary tale of unchecked ambition and the dangers of overexploitation. Its legacy, however, is not entirely one of destruction. The ruins of Thalassia, scattered with bleeding Elementera and corrupted constructs, hold untold knowledge and power. For those daring enough to venture into the depths, the weapon's secrets offer both a warning and a promise of what could be achieved with balance and respect for the natural world.

Thalassian Elementera Longsword

Weapon, Rare (Requires Attunement)

Description:
This longsword is sleek and lightweight, its blade pulsating with vibrant colors that shift as the grip is twisted. The hilt is adorned with alien glyphs that glow softly in response to the wielder’s touch.

Properties:

Melee Attack: 1d8 slashing damage + 1d6 elemental damage (fire, cold, lightning, or radiant).

Elemental Shift: As a bonus action, twist the grip to change the weapon’s elemental damage type. The new type remains until changed again.

Elementera Corruption:

Each time the Longsword strikes, roll a D100 Corruption Check.

·         Start with a 5% chance of corruption.

·         Increase the chance by +10% if the environment is severely unstable

New Campaign in the making - D&D Fantasy, meets Jules Verne, meets Atlantis

 I've had this idea running through my head...actually, a bunch of ideas running through my head and I just wasn't sure how to put them altogether...until an epiphany hit my lack of sleep state mind. 

I've played a lot of video games, board games, I've read a lot of fantasy and science-fiction books and something I wanted to try and do was find a way to merge science fiction, steam punk and fantasy. 

I'm not sure yet if this will be an adventure that starts out at level 1, or this is an adventure something much more experienced.