Character Options
Go BackBelow is an overview of legal character options for both Daggerheart and D&D 5.5e
Character Creation for the West Marches Campaign
Due to the nature of the conceit of the campaign and each PC's allegiance to the
VendariThe Vendari are an order of the Cured who diagnose and cure Dissent plague victims, binding
those healed into service to help contain the spreading corruption and protect others.
, character creation has some limits and specifications.
-
Every PC is afflicted with the
Dissent.Dissent is a slow-spreading plague that twists minds with paranoia, misanthropy, and hatred. Left untreated, the afflicted descend into paranoia and violence, becoming willing agents of the disease’s relentless spread.
- They are a member of Vendari, by choice or by debt.
- They might have been infected weeks, month, or up to a year ago. The Cure is being administered, but for each person, it takes a different amount of time to take effect.
- To receive the Cure, they had to join the Vendari. To join the Vendari, they had to swear off previous allegiances.
- While a member of the Vendari, a PC is reminded to stay politically neutral, to act in accordance with the code of then Vendari, and to dedicate themselves to the eradication of the Dissent.
- Once cured, PCs may stay with the Vendari, or return to their previous lives.
- Vendari live chaotic, dangerous lives.
- Max Level for D&D character is 10.
Game Principles
-
The World Does Not Wait
Events continue between sessions. Factions act. Problems grow or change. Don't expect the same Status Quo for every adventure. -
No One Sees Everything
Your character will only witness a small part of the world's story. Rumors, reports, and other adventurers help reveal the larger picture. -
Every Expedition Matters
A simple scouting mission may uncover information that changes the future of the campaign. Treat every journey as meaningful.
Player Principles
-
Be Curious
The world is full of mysteries, ruins, monsters, and stories. Pursue questions, investigate strange happenings, and follow threads that interest you. A forgotten monument, a strange superstition, or an unusual creature is rarely meaningless. -
Leave Your Mark
Your character is part of a living world that changes over time. Make choices. Build relationships. Create consequences. Even small actions can become part of the world's history. -
Play To Discover
You do not need to know the truth behind every mystery. Allow yourself to be surprised by the world, by other characters, and by the consequences of your actions. -
Be Part Of The Story
Even if your character is cautious, sceptical, or reluctant, find reasons to engage with adventures, rumours, and opportunities. -
Embrace Consequences
Not every problem has a perfect solution. Success may create new problems. Failure may create new opportunities. Explore both.
Vendari Principles
-
Duty Before Comfort
The work is difficult, dangerous, and often thankless. People need help regardless of whether they appreciate it. -
The Plague Is The Enemy
The Dissent Plague corrupts people, beasts, places, and communities. Whenever possible, fight the disease rather than those afflicted by it. -
Stand Together
The Vendari come from every land, ancestry, and background. Whatever divides the world beyond the Isle, Vendari stand together against threats that endanger everyone.
Daggerheart
| Legal Classes | Legal Ancestries | Legal Communities |
|---|---|---|
| All Classes.
Unofficial Classes:
|
All Ancestries. | All Communities, as they are available for each region. See the Communities section below. |
Dungeons & Dragons 5.5e (2024)
| Legal Classes | Legal Ancestries | Legal Backgrounds |
|---|---|---|
If not further specified, the only legal source is the 2024 PHB.
Barbarian
Bard
Cleric
Druid
Fighter
Monk
Monster Hunter (Grim Hollow: Player's Guide 2024)
Paladin
Ranger
Rogue
Sorcerer
Warlock
Wizard
|
It is unlikely homebrew ancestries will be allowed, but you may present them
anyway and decide together. Only ancestry with Daggerheart-equivalents are
listed below and legval.
Lorwyn: First Light
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
Spelljammer: Adventures in Space
Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
One Grung Above
Northlands Worldbook
Obojima: Tales from the Tall Grass
Heliana's Guide to Monster Hunting: Part 2
Grim Hollow: Player's Guide
|
Backgrounds that exist outside of this, both for 5e and 5.5e can be adjusted
and can be legal. Please discuss them with me.
Player's Handbook (2024)
Grim Hollow: Player's Guide (2024)
|
Daggerheart and D&D Ancestries and Lore
In general, only D&D ancestries are allowed that map onto Daggerheart ancestries. In general, the ancestries are equated as shown below.
| Daggerheart Ancestry | D&D Ancestries |
|---|---|
| Clank | Warforged |
| Drakona | Dragonborn |
| Dwarf | Dwarf, Baugsmidr Dwarf, Fjord Dwarf |
| Elf | Elf, Alfar, Ice Elf, Elf (Obojima) |
| Faerie | Faerie, Fairy |
| Faun | Satyr |
| Firbolg | Firbolg |
| Fungril | Mycelian |
| Galapa | Tortle |
| Giant | Goliath, Giantkin |
| Goblin | Goblin |
| Halfling | Halfling |
| Human | Human |
| Infernis | Tiefling, Feral Tiefling |
| Katari | Tabaxi, Leonin |
| Orc | Orc |
| Ribbet | Grung, Nakudama |
| Simiah | Hadozee |