"Greetings, foundlings, and salutations! You have decided to enter the mystical halls of the ’Brews, where you might learn some most astonishing mysteries and solve the most tangled of puzzles. Your task is to present us with something we haven't seen before, and have it make us look upon it with delight. You have but a few tendays to create your product and show it to us, so we suggest you get to work!"
- Meyonmon Merridith, Ex-Candlekeep Scholar
If this is your first time joining us, welcome. The purpose of this thread is to spread a little bit of fun in the form of a friendly competition! Your task: Create an item of homebrew (see below) that is totally original and makes us go “wow!” The end products will be rated by members of the community, and the victor of each category will help create the next Finest ‘Brew contest! The previous contests are linked below:
All competitions thus far have contained a multitude of spectacular and inspired entries, so I suggest you check them out if you haven't already. Now, onto the important stuff:
Timeframe
Entries must be submitted before midnight (EST) on Wednesday, May 31st to be considered part of the competition.
Contest Categories
In each Finest Brew contest, there are three categories. These are so that people with skill in creating, say, monsters, don't end up stuck having to make dungeons. Each category is judged separately. There can only be one entrance per category per account. The category types are as follows:
DM Options: Things that provide tools for DMs to make encounters more interesting and rewards more enticing - such as dungeons/encounters, magic items, monsters, random tables, or even optional rules/mechanics.
PC Options: Things that help a player will build and develop their character - such as homebrew classes, subclasses, spells, feats, backgrounds or race/lineage/species options.
Interactive Options: Things that affect how characters interact with the world, exploring both its social structure and environment - such as NPCs, puzzles, stories/lore, terrain, traps/hazards or even institutions like shops or taverns.
This time, our category themes are:
DM Options: Brick by Brick
Buildings, builders, and demolition. Put something together or take it apart, be it an ancient ruins or new construction. A strange building looms on the horizon… a party of adventurers stumbles upon an ancient ruins destroyed by a forgotten catastrophe… another is beseeched to rescue slaves being forced to build a pyramid… a giant lizard is rampaging across the city… a horn blows and a wall comes crashing down…. a villain seeks to rebuild a monument to an evil god... How can buildings themselves be used to challenge players?
PC Options: Greater Magics
For every Lesser Restoration there is a Greater Restoration, and for every run-of-the-mills Invisibility there is a Greater Invisibility. The existence of these spells outline a rich history of one-up-manship among brilliant mages and devout priests. Many, like sorcerers, will seek unique ways to alter their spellcasting and enhance their magics to new heights. Even non-spellcasters might find themselves touched by some greater magical force, enhancing them in a supernatural manner. What unique empowerment or variation of the mystic arts will your entry introduce? Perhaps a new "greater" version of a classic spell, or a subclass with a novel way to upcast spells without relying on higher slots, or perhaps a feat offering unique boons to the spells and magical effects you produce. The world is your oyster, and as far as magic is concerned, nothing is too grand.
Interactive Options: A Day at the Beach
An ancient sailor sits next to a fire telling haunting tales of pirates. A carefree youth dives into the waves looking for shipwrecks and lost treasures. Hundreds of fish swim in schools through a multicoloured coral reef. While children play in the sand, and a pair of lover lounge in the sun. Who doesn't love a day at the beach?
Voting will start Wednesday June 7th (or thereabouts, once the survey is made) and will end at midnight (EST) on Saturday June 17th. A Google Forms poll for each category will be posted on this thread, and all may vote on it - including and especially contestants. Contestants are encouraged to vote 5 and 5 on their own submissions; all scores will have 5 subtracted from both voting categories. Scores are assigned using a numerical value from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent).
Balance/Playability - This score is about how well the entry would run in game. If this entry is overpowered or underpowered, consider subtracting points. Also, consider subtracting points if it is poorly written or unclear, since that would make it a lot harder to understand and use in game.
Idea/Creativity- This score is about cool, interesting and unique the entry is. If someone's idea does not fit well into the contest category it is submitted for, consider subtracting points. If someone has put alot of extra work into the submission reflected by its length or artistic pieces, consider adding points
Written Feedback - You have the option to give written feedback, should you choose, for any entries on the forms. Written feedback does not factor into a contestants score.
We are hoping that by giving everyone more criteria to vote on for each entry, you will think about each aspect and not feel the need to cram all of your thoughts into a single number. We are also hoping that having multiple scores contribute to the total will make ties less likely to occur.
Please try to take the time to review and vote for every entry, except for your own, in the categories you vote in, as even one vote can easily sway a competition like this. If there's anything you feel very strongly about, also feel free to review it in the thread! Reviews won't count for anything, but it's nice to get feedback!
Determining Winners
Category Winners: Each of the two final scores will be added together to constitute the entry's total score, with the highest score determining the winner of each category.
The winner of each individual category will pick the theme for that category in the next competition. If there is a tie, then they can work together to come up with a theme. If you pick the theme for a category, then you cannot compete in it in the next competition.
Contest Winner: The entry with the highest individual score across the three categories will then be coronated as the contest winner and become the judge of the next competition. To clarify, this means that the highest of the 3 high scores is the winner.
If one person wins two or more categories, they win, regardless of if any of their individual scores are the highest.
If two or more entries are tied for highest score, the contestant with the highest total score for all of their entries will take the crown - so be sure to try and put something forward for every category to win a tiebreaker!
Guides & Mini-FAQ* & Changelog
WAIT! Before you see the 5th level Wall of Text in this FAQ’s* & Guides section, and decide not to submit to the competition because you don’t want to read it, remember that reading this section is COMPLETELY OPTIONAL. You do not need to read any of this to submit something for the competition, to pick a category, or to become the next judge. This is merely a helpful tool if you’re confused. You have no obligation to read or use it!
Guide for Competition & Category Winners.
Competition Winner: The competition winner becomes the next judge, they are responsible for doing the following:
They must start a private message thread between all the other category winners to figure out what themes the next categories will have. The judge must also pick the themes for all the categories they won. When possible, it is best to avoid reusing the same theme for the same category multiple times, though repeating themes for the same categories will be unavoidable eventually.
The judge must start the next competition thread. They can copy & paste most information from the previous competition thread, but must change the relevant information, such as dates and category themes. If you are the next judge and don’t know how long a given part of the competition, such as voting, should last, then just look at how long it lasted in the last competition, and have it be the same length for your competition. The judge should also update the “Contestants” section of their competition with links to each entry, and the name of the user who submitted it.
Once the time to submit entries ends, the judge is responsible for starting the google form for voting. If a judge doesn’t know how to do this, there will most likely be someone from the previous competition who would be willing to help if asked.
The judge should remove troll votes if there are any, and announce the scores and winners of the previous competition, after voting ends. It’s alright not to be able to do this immediately after voting ends, but the judge should try to do it as quickly as they can.
The judge, just like any other category winner, cannot submit anything to a category they created, or significantly impacted the creation of.
Category Winners: A category winner must do the following:
They must pick the next competition's theme for the category they won. Other category winners can help advise you or give you ideas for the theme, but ultimately, it’s up to you to pick it. The judge should start a private message thread with you and the other category winners, and that’s where you tell them your next category idea.
If you pick a category's theme, you cannot participate in it in the next competition. In addition, if you played a very, very significant role in picking another category’s theme, it is best for you not to participate in it. For example, if another contestant gives a list of their five ideas for the next competition and lets you pick it, then you probably shouldn’t participate in that category for when that theme comes up. However, if you just say something like, “Ooh, that sounds like a cool category idea,” or, “I like that idea but it is a little confusing, maybe you could word it differently?” Then you didn’t play that significant of a role in choosing that category, so you can still participate in it.
Mini FAQ* for competition contestants:
Q. Wait, how do I submit?
A. You just make a post in the competition thread with either a link to your entry, or your entry typed out in it. It helps to add what category you’re submitting to, but it is not strictly necessary since it’s pretty easy to figure out what type of category the entry is for.
Q. Can you vote on your own submission?
A. Yes. Contestants are encouraged strongly to vote, and to vote 5 & 5 on their own submissions, as 5 will be subtracted from each score while being calculated. This is to maintain fair voting while encouraging votes.
Q. Where can I find the forms for voting?
A. When the competition submission time ends, voting will start soon. You vote on a google form. The judge should link the forms near the voting section when they’re up, and they will probably also make a post on the thread announcing that voting’s started with the link.
Q. Can I have multiple submissions in the same competition?
A. Yes, you can have multiple submissions for the same competition. HOWEVER, as described in the “Contest Categories” section of this competition, you can only have one entry per category. For example, you can make something for the DM’s Options, PC Options, and Inspirational Options, but you can't make two things for PC Options and one for DM’s.
Q. I’ve already submitted something for X category, can I change my submission for it?
A. Yes, you can change your submission for a specific category as long as the deadline for submissions has not yet been reached. Do remember that if you’re changing your submission, it is best to edit your original post with your first submission to say that it is obsolete, and necessary to make a new one to announce & link your new submission. Also, do keep in mind that it does create a bit more work for the judges when you edit your submission, because they have to update the links. However, it is alright to do so.
Q. Is written feedback optional and does it effect an entries score?
A. Yes, written feedback is optional. No, it does not effect an entries score.
Q. Is the scoring by total score, or by average score?
A. The scoring is done by both average scores (Balance/Playability, Idea/Creativity) being added together for a final score. All scores have -5 when being calculated for reasons stated elsewhere.
Q. How do I know if my submission is more appropriate for the DM category or the Interactive category?
A. If it is not obvious which of the two categories your submission would make sense for, then it really comes down to which pillar of the game you seek to explore. DM Options are more closely tied to combat whereas Interactive Options are more closely tied to exploration and social encounters.
As an example, if you have an NPC with a stat block and you are not sure where to submit, consider whether the goal of incorporating the NPC into a game would be to fight the PCs or for the PCs to gather information from it. Its possible to write a strong, social-focused NPC who still has a stat block just in case things turn towards combat, but if your desire for the NPC is to interact with the PCs through roleplay, then it likely is more fitting for the Interactive Category. If your desire is for the NPC to maybe roleplay a little, but ultimately engage the party in combat, then it would be closer to a "monster" and fit in the DM category.
Changelog
Removed Inspirational Category. Replaced with Interactive Category. Rearranged/introduced submission types for all three categories accordingly
The goal is to expand the non-DM, non-PC options to allow for more creativity and input without being bogged down in the traditionally lengthy options of designing dungeons, character builds, and lore. With the addition of things like NPCs, puzzles, terrain, and hazards, the hope is that there is more room in the third category now for more "bite sized" homebrewing
Added “5 & 5” clause encouraging contestants to vote 5 & 5 on their own submission, and all scores will have -5 when being calculated.
The idea is to encourage contestants to vote, and to prevent imbalance in the number of votes or unfair voting. The previous “don’t vote on yours” was wholly unreliable. This way, contestants will only be at a disadvantage if they do not vote or if they vote lower on their submission.
Appreciator of all things Weird, Wondrous, and/or Yummy
In the Autumn Country, days end quickly, the gloaming hours linger, and the midnights pile one upon the other till the air is thick and flows like twilight syrup.
Wouldn't "Greater X" be difficult to get published on DnDBeyond? I suppose publishing isn't necessary for submissions, but it's still a pretty nice bonus.
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny. Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
Wouldn't "Greater X" be difficult to get published on DnDBeyond? I suppose publishing isn't necessary for submissions, but it's still a pretty nice bonus.
I imagine it would depend on how much it gets reworded. And the submission doesn’t have to be a spell, although it could be, it just has to fit the theme.
For the Player category, I'd like to submit my Snow Elf race, since they have the ability to shape snow and ice with their magic, gain an unique expanded spell list and a racial feat that enhances their spells: https://www.gmbinder.com/share/-NIlRoo9jQVaxlFLUYTZ
Now 14 times before we have had Competitions of the Finest 'Brews, but I believe this time is the first that we shall have a Competition for the Finest 'Brews!
In other words, if there's not a way to change the title of this thread then it will never stop bugging me. I'm sorry. I can't control it. It's simply my nature.
Of course, no offense intended to Sposta. I don't envy having to get everything straight for this thing.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny. Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
Now 14 times before we have had Competitions of the Finest 'Brews, but I believe this time is the first that we shall have a Competition for the Finest 'Brews!
In other words, if there's not a way to change the title of this thread then it will never stop bugging me. I'm sorry. I can't control it. It's simply my nature.
Of course, no offense intended to Sposta. I don't envy having to get everything straight for this thing.
Thread titles can be changed via the original poster turning their phone sideways, clicking on the tools button, and clicking "Edit Thread".
Minor errors aside, I am looking forward to competing in this iteration of the competition.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
BoringBard's long and tedious posts somehow manage to enrapture audiences. How? Because he used Charm Person, the #1 bard spell!
He/him pronouns. Call me Bard. PROUD NERD!
Ever wanted to talk about your parties' worst mistakes? Do so HERE. What's your favorite class, why? Share & explainHERE.
Now 14 times before we have had Competitions of the Finest 'Brews, but I believe this time is the first that we shall have a Competition for the Finest 'Brews!
In other words, if there's not a way to change the title of this thread then it will never stop bugging me. I'm sorry. I can't control it. It's simply my nature.
Of course, no offense intended to Sposta. I don't envy having to get everything straight for this thing.
You are descended from a great wizard, like Tasha, Mordenkainen, or Vecna. You were shunned by your house for not being you know, a wizard. Good Luck on your journey.
At certain levels, these spells are added to your list of prepared spells.
At sixth level, You add your CHA modifier to the damage of any Cantrip you cast.
Magical Energy
At sixth level, you gain a new Metamagic option, which does not count against the number of Metamagic options available to you: When you cast a spell using a spell slot of third level or higher, you can expend Sorcery Points as shown on the table below to upcast the spell. This means you cast the spell at a higher level, as shown on the chart below. For example, if you cast fireball using a 3rd level spell slot, you can spend 3 sorcery points to cast it as a 4th level spell, but expending a 3rd level spell slot. This Metamagic option can be used along with others.
Magical Energy Upcast Table.
3rd level, upcast 1 level, 3 points
4th, upcast 1 level, 4 points
5th, upcast 1 level, 5 points
6th, upcast 2 levels, 7 points
7th, upcast 2 levels, 9 points
Overchannel
At 14th level, You can maximize the damage of any spell cast using a SPELL SLOT of 5th level or lower. You can do this once per long rest, and once you do so you gain one level of Exhaustion, which can only be removed by a long rest.
Power Surge
At 17th level, You can expend 4 sorcery points to regain all spell slots that are 3th level or lower.
I would love feedback, I want to know if this if unfair. I think the only problem for some dms would be spending 13 spell points to do a 25d6+40 damage Disintegrate, which for the record is an average of 127 damage if it hits or upcasting meteor swarm. It is similar to Critical role subclasses in the sense that it is more meta(out of game) abilities, like being able to control if a dice roll just misses or just hits.
For my PC option, I give you a variety of new epic boons fit for an archmage.
Epic Boon of Arcane Reach
When you cast a spell that has a range of Touch, you can make the range of the spell 30 feet.
Epic Boon of Counterspelling
You can cast the counterspell spell, without using a spell slot or any components. If you successfully counter the target's spell, and the spell targets only you (not in an area of effect), the spell has no effect on you and instead targets the caster, using the slot level, spell save DC, attack bonus, and spellcasting ability of the caster. Once you do so, you can’t use this boon again until you finish a short rest.
Epic Boon of Elemental Mastery
When you cast a spell that deals a type of damage from the following list, you can change that damage type to one of the other listed types: Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, Poison, Thunder.
Epic Boon of Emergent Magic
Spells that dispel magic, including counterspell and dispel magic, can't automatically end your spells, and a spellcaster attempting to dispel your spells has disadvantage on their ability check made to do so.
In addition, you can momentarily create a spark of magic where it otherwise can't exist. As an action, you can create an emergent spark in an antimagic field or region of dead magic. Until the end of your next turn, you can use magic normally in the affected region. Once you do so, you can’t do so again until you finish a short rest.
Epic Boon of the M Current*
As an action, you can tap into the M current, the rarest and most powerful current of magic, for 1 minute. For the duration, you have a +3 bonus to your spell attack rolls and your spell save DC. In addition, any spell slot you expend to cast a spell counts as a spell slot of one level higher. When the duration ends, you suffer two levels of exhaustion.
For the Player category, I'd like to submit my Snow Elf race, since they have the ability to shape snow and ice with their magic, gain an unique expanded spell list and a racial feat that enhances their spells: https://www.gmbinder.com/share/-NIlRoo9jQVaxlFLUYTZ
I hope this fits the category!
Here are screenshots of my submission, as GMBinder likes to mess up formatting in some browsers:
Hope you like it! As always, I'd appreciate feedback :-)
You are descended from a great wizard, like Tasha, Mordenkainen, or Vecna. You were shunned by your house for not being you know, a wizard. Good Luck on your journey.
Added Spells
Armor of Agathys(1st)
Acid Arrow(2nd)
Crusader's Mantle(3rd)
Death Ward(4th)
Steel Wind Strike(5th)
Potent Spellcasting
At second level, You add your CHA modifier to the damage of any Cantrip you cast.
Magical Energy
At sixth level, you gain a new Metamagic option: When you cast a spell using a spell slot of third level or higher, you can expend Sorcery Points as shown on the table to upcast the spell.
3rd level, upcast 1 level, 3 points
4th, upcast 1 level, 4 points
5th, upcast 1 level, 5 points
6th, upcast 2 levels, 7 points
7th, upcast 2 levels, 9 points
8th, upcast 2 levels, 10 points
9th, upcast 3 levels, 13 points
For 8th and 9th level, increase the damage as if the spell was a lower level, or ask you DM what the effects are, (no action required)
Overchannel, 14th level
You can maximize the damage of any spell you cast a spell using a SPELL SLOT of 5th level. You can do this once per long rest
Power Surge, 17th level
You can expend 7 sorcery points to regain all expended spell slots that are 4th level or lower.
I would love feedback, I want to know if this if unfair. I think the only problem for some dms would be spending 13 spell points to do a 25d6+40 damage Disintegrate, which for the record is an average of 127 damage if it hits or upcasting meteor swarm. It is similar to Critical role subclasses in the sense that it is more meta(out of game) abilities, like being able to control if a dice roll just misses or just hits.
Yeah, it definitely needs some reformatting to make it easier to read and comprehend. It’s kinda hard to give a solid review until then.
You are descended from a great wizard, like Tasha, Mordenkainen, or Vecna. You were shunned by your house for not being you know, a wizard. Good Luck on your journey.
Added Spells
Armor of Agathys(1st)
Acid Arrow(2nd)
Crusader's Mantle(3rd)
Death Ward(4th)
Steel Wind Strike(5th)
Potent Spellcasting
At second level, You add your CHA modifier to the damage of any Cantrip you cast.
Magical Energy
At sixth level, you gain a new Metamagic option: When you cast a spell using a spell slot of third level or higher, you can expend Sorcery Points as shown on the table to upcast the spell.
3rd level, upcast 1 level, 3 points
4th, upcast 1 level, 4 points
5th, upcast 1 level, 5 points
6th, upcast 2 levels, 7 points
7th, upcast 2 levels, 9 points
8th, upcast 2 levels, 10 points
9th, upcast 3 levels, 13 points
For 8th and 9th level, increase the damage as if the spell was a lower level, or ask you DM what the effects are, (no action required)
Overchannel, 14th level
You can maximize the damage of any spell you cast a spell using a SPELL SLOT of 5th level. You can do this once per long rest
Power Surge, 17th level
You can expend 7 sorcery points to regain all expended spell slots that are 4th level or lower.
I would love feedback, I want to know if this if unfair. I think the only problem for some dms would be spending 13 spell points to do a 25d6+40 damage Disintegrate, which for the record is an average of 127 damage if it hits or upcasting meteor swarm. It is similar to Critical role subclasses in the sense that it is more meta(out of game) abilities, like being able to control if a dice roll just misses or just hits.
Yeah, it definitely needs some reformatting to make it easier to read and comprehend. It’s kinda hard to give a solid review until then.
Having adapted to the Eldritch, you grow more able to exploit the powers of invocations. You learn one Eldritch Invocation option of your choice from the warlock class. Your spellcasting ability for the invocation is Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma (choose when you select this feat). You do not need to be a warlock to choose an Invocation with a prerequisite, but you do still need to meet the prerequisite. If you are a warlock and choose this feat, you can ignore any Pact Boon related prerequisites, though other prerequisites do still count for you.
Whenever you gain a level, you can replace the invocation with another one from the warlock class.
The Competition of the Finest Brews I - Judged by Yamana_Eajii. (Thread accidentally deleted)
The Competition of the Finest Brews II - Judged by Thauraeln_The_Bold.
The Competition of the Finest Brews III - Judged by TabaxiRogueFighterClericWarlock
The Competition of the Finest Brews IV - Judged by Kaboom979
The Competition of the Finest Brews V - Judged by ThorukDuckSlayer
The Competition of the Finest Brews VI - Judged by Semako
The Competition of the Finest Brews VII - Judged by MilestoGo_24
The Competition of the Finest Brews VIII — Judged by Heartofjuyomk2
The Competition of the Finest Brews IX— Judged by IamSposta
The Competition of the Finest Brews X — Judged by Kaboom979
The Competition of the Finest Brews XI - Judged by BoringBard
The Competition of the Finest Brews XII- Judged by ThorukDuckSlayer
The Competition of the Finest Brews XIII - Judged by Kaboom979
The Competition of the Finest Brews XIV- Judged by MilestoGo_24
All competitions thus far have contained a multitude of spectacular and inspired entries, so I suggest you check them out if you haven't already. Now, onto the important stuff:
Timeframe
Entries must be submitted before midnight (EST) on Wednesday, May 31st to be considered part of the competition.
Contest Categories
In each Finest Brew contest, there are three categories. These are so that people with skill in creating, say, monsters, don't end up stuck having to make dungeons. Each category is judged separately. There can only be one entrance per category per account. The category types are as follows:
This time, our category themes are:
DM Options: Brick by Brick
Buildings, builders, and demolition. Put something together or take it apart, be it an ancient ruins or new construction. A strange building looms on the horizon… a party of adventurers stumbles upon an ancient ruins destroyed by a forgotten catastrophe… another is beseeched to rescue slaves being forced to build a pyramid… a giant lizard is rampaging across the city… a horn blows and a wall comes crashing down…. a villain seeks to rebuild a monument to an evil god... How can buildings themselves be used to challenge players?
PC Options: Greater Magics
For every Lesser Restoration there is a Greater Restoration, and for every run-of-the-mills Invisibility there is a Greater Invisibility. The existence of these spells outline a rich history of one-up-manship among brilliant mages and devout priests. Many, like sorcerers, will seek unique ways to alter their spellcasting and enhance their magics to new heights. Even non-spellcasters might find themselves touched by some greater magical force, enhancing them in a supernatural manner. What unique empowerment or variation of the mystic arts will your entry introduce? Perhaps a new "greater" version of a classic spell, or a subclass with a novel way to upcast spells without relying on higher slots, or perhaps a feat offering unique boons to the spells and magical effects you produce. The world is your oyster, and as far as magic is concerned, nothing is too grand.
Interactive Options: A Day at the Beach
An ancient sailor sits next to a fire telling haunting tales of pirates. A carefree youth dives into the waves looking for shipwrecks and lost treasures. Hundreds of fish swim in schools through a multicoloured coral reef. While children play in the sand, and a pair of lover lounge in the sun. Who doesn't love a day at the beach?
Voting
Here’s the Survey for the Competition of the Finest ‘Brews XV
Voting will start Wednesday June 7th (or thereabouts, once the survey is made) and will end at midnight (EST) on Saturday June 17th. A Google Forms poll for each category will be posted on this thread, and all may vote on it - including and especially contestants. Contestants are encouraged to vote 5 and 5 on their own submissions; all scores will have 5 subtracted from both voting categories. Scores are assigned using a numerical value from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent).
Written Feedback - You have the option to give written feedback, should you choose, for any entries on the forms. Written feedback does not factor into a contestants score.
We are hoping that by giving everyone more criteria to vote on for each entry, you will think about each aspect and not feel the need to cram all of your thoughts into a single number. We are also hoping that having multiple scores contribute to the total will make ties less likely to occur.
Please try to take the time to review and vote for every entry, except for your own, in the categories you vote in, as even one vote can easily sway a competition like this. If there's anything you feel very strongly about, also feel free to review it in the thread! Reviews won't count for anything, but it's nice to get feedback!
Determining Winners
Guides & Mini-FAQ* & Changelog
WAIT! Before you see the 5th level Wall of Text in this FAQ’s* & Guides section, and decide not to submit to the competition because you don’t want to read it, remember that reading this section is COMPLETELY OPTIONAL. You do not need to read any of this to submit something for the competition, to pick a category, or to become the next judge. This is merely a helpful tool if you’re confused. You have no obligation to read or use it!
Guide for Competition & Category Winners.
Competition Winner: The competition winner becomes the next judge, they are responsible for doing the following:
Category Winners: A category winner must do the following:
Mini FAQ* for competition contestants:
Q. Wait, how do I submit?
A. You just make a post in the competition thread with either a link to your entry, or your entry typed out in it. It helps to add what category you’re submitting to, but it is not strictly necessary since it’s pretty easy to figure out what type of category the entry is for.
Q. Can you vote on your own submission?
A. Yes. Contestants are encouraged strongly to vote, and to vote 5 & 5 on their own submissions, as 5 will be subtracted from each score while being calculated. This is to maintain fair voting while encouraging votes.
Q. Where can I find the forms for voting?
A. When the competition submission time ends, voting will start soon. You vote on a google form. The judge should link the forms near the voting section when they’re up, and they will probably also make a post on the thread announcing that voting’s started with the link.
Q. Can I have multiple submissions in the same competition?
A. Yes, you can have multiple submissions for the same competition. HOWEVER, as described in the “Contest Categories” section of this competition, you can only have one entry per category. For example, you can make something for the DM’s Options, PC Options, and Inspirational Options, but you can't make two things for PC Options and one for DM’s.
Q. I’ve already submitted something for X category, can I change my submission for it?
A. Yes, you can change your submission for a specific category as long as the deadline for submissions has not yet been reached. Do remember that if you’re changing your submission, it is best to edit your original post with your first submission to say that it is obsolete, and necessary to make a new one to announce & link your new submission. Also, do keep in mind that it does create a bit more work for the judges when you edit your submission, because they have to update the links. However, it is alright to do so.
Q. Is written feedback optional and does it effect an entries score?
A. Yes, written feedback is optional. No, it does not effect an entries score.
Q. Is the scoring by total score, or by average score?
A. The scoring is done by both average scores (Balance/Playability, Idea/Creativity) being added together for a final score. All scores have -5 when being calculated for reasons stated elsewhere.
Q. How do I know if my submission is more appropriate for the DM category or the Interactive category?
A. If it is not obvious which of the two categories your submission would make sense for, then it really comes down to which pillar of the game you seek to explore. DM Options are more closely tied to combat whereas Interactive Options are more closely tied to exploration and social encounters.
As an example, if you have an NPC with a stat block and you are not sure where to submit, consider whether the goal of incorporating the NPC into a game would be to fight the PCs or for the PCs to gather information from it. Its possible to write a strong, social-focused NPC who still has a stat block just in case things turn towards combat, but if your desire for the NPC is to interact with the PCs through roleplay, then it likely is more fitting for the Interactive Category. If your desire is for the NPC to maybe roleplay a little, but ultimately engage the party in combat, then it would be closer to a "monster" and fit in the DM category.
Changelog
Removed Inspirational Category. Replaced with Interactive Category. Rearranged/introduced submission types for all three categories accordingly
Added “5 & 5” clause encouraging contestants to vote 5 & 5 on their own submission, and all scores will have -5 when being calculated.
Contestants
DM Options: Brick by Brick
Player Options: Greater Magic
Interactive Options: A Day at the Beach
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
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Hurrah! Hurrah! Let the brewing commence!
These are some interesting ideas.
Wouldn't "Greater X" be difficult to get published on DnDBeyond? I suppose publishing isn't necessary for submissions, but it's still a pretty nice bonus.
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny.
Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
I imagine it would depend on how much it gets reworded. And the submission doesn’t have to be a spell, although it could be, it just has to fit the theme.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
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Yes, they are. I’m a li’l jelly that I can’t participate in this one. 😜
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Here is my submission for the DM category: the big lizard that is rampaging across the city!
https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters/2013530-tarrasque-revised
(Fun fact: that was my very first releasted homebrew monster, the monster that started it all for me).
For the Player category, I'd like to submit my Snow Elf race, since they have the ability to shape snow and ice with their magic, gain an unique expanded spell list and a racial feat that enhances their spells: https://www.gmbinder.com/share/-NIlRoo9jQVaxlFLUYTZ
I hope this fits the category!
Now 14 times before we have had Competitions of the Finest 'Brews, but I believe this time is the first that we shall have a Competition for the Finest 'Brews!
In other words, if there's not a way to change the title of this thread then it will never stop bugging me. I'm sorry. I can't control it. It's simply my nature.
Of course, no offense intended to Sposta. I don't envy having to get everything straight for this thing.
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny.
Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
Looking forward to participating!
Come participate in the Competition of the Finest Brews, Edition XXII?
My homebrew stuff:
Spells, Monsters, Magic Items, Feats, Subclasses.
I am an Archfey, but nobody seems to notice.
Extended Signature
Thread titles can be changed via the original poster turning their phone sideways, clicking on the tools button, and clicking "Edit Thread".
Minor errors aside, I am looking forward to competing in this iteration of the competition.
BoringBard's long and tedious posts somehow manage to enrapture audiences. How? Because he used Charm Person, the #1 bard spell!
He/him pronouns. Call me Bard. PROUD NERD!
Ever wanted to talk about your parties' worst mistakes? Do so HERE. What's your favorite class, why? Share & explain
HERE.All fixed.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
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I have one for this one! Huzzah!
Presenting Greater Compelled Duel, which I just threw together on a moments inspiration and would love feedback on its balance! (PC Options!)
Make your Artificer work with any other class with 174 Multiclassing Feats for your Artificer Multiclass Character!
DM's Guild Releases on This Thread - latest release; the Harvest Sprite, a playable Jack-o-Lantern Race!
Or check them all out on DMs Guild!
DrivethruRPG Releases on This Thread - latest release: The Promethean Scientist (Dr Frankenstein) Artificer Subclass!!
I also dabble in art on here (my art thread)
Arcane Bloodline(Sorcerer)
You are descended from a great wizard, like Tasha, Mordenkainen, or Vecna. You were shunned by your house for not being you know, a wizard. Good Luck on your journey.
At certain levels, these spells are added to your list of prepared spells.
Cure Wounds(1st), Jim's Magic Missile(1st)
Acid Arrow(3nd), Flame Blade(3rd)
Blinding Smite(5rd), Aura of Vitality(5th)
Death Ward(7th), Otiluke’s Resilient Sphere(7th)
Arcane Hand(9th), Bigby's Hand(9th)
Potent Spellcasting
At sixth level, You add your CHA modifier to the damage of any Cantrip you cast.
Magical Energy
At sixth level, you gain a new Metamagic option, which does not count against the number of Metamagic options available to you: When you cast a spell using a spell slot of third level or higher, you can expend Sorcery Points as shown on the table below to upcast the spell. This means you cast the spell at a higher level, as shown on the chart below. For example, if you cast fireball using a 3rd level spell slot, you can spend 3 sorcery points to cast it as a 4th level spell, but expending a 3rd level spell slot. This Metamagic option can be used along with others.
Magical Energy Upcast Table.
3rd level, upcast 1 level, 3 points
4th, upcast 1 level, 4 points
5th, upcast 1 level, 5 points
6th, upcast 2 levels, 7 points
7th, upcast 2 levels, 9 points
Overchannel
At 14th level, You can maximize the damage of any spell cast using a SPELL SLOT of 5th level or lower. You can do this once per long rest, and once you do so you gain one level of Exhaustion, which can only be removed by a long rest.
Power Surge
At 17th level, You can expend 4 sorcery points to regain all spell slots that are 3th level or lower.
Player Character Option
BREAKING NEWS! BREAKING NEWS! BREAKING NEWS! NEWS!
The Pinguino: Speeding through stealing Dnd books(but mostly Premium seafood, preferably squid)!
I would love feedback, I want to know if this if unfair. I think the only problem for some dms would be spending 13 spell points to do a 25d6+40 damage Disintegrate, which for the record is an average of 127 damage if it hits or upcasting meteor swarm. It is similar to Critical role subclasses in the sense that it is more meta(out of game) abilities, like being able to control if a dice roll just misses or just hits.
BREAKING NEWS! BREAKING NEWS! BREAKING NEWS! NEWS!
The Pinguino: Speeding through stealing Dnd books(but mostly Premium seafood, preferably squid)!
Seems like an interesting idea, but could definitely use some re-formatting to make it easier to read and more "official" looking
Three-time Judge of the Competition of the Finest Brews! Come join us in making fun, unique homebrew and voting for your favorite entries!
For my PC option, I give you a variety of new epic boons fit for an archmage.
Epic Boon of Arcane Reach
Epic Boon of Counterspelling
Epic Boon of Elemental Mastery
Epic Boon of Emergent Magic
Spells that dispel magic, including counterspell and dispel magic, can't automatically end your spells, and a spellcaster attempting to dispel your spells has disadvantage on their ability check made to do so.
In addition, you can momentarily create a spark of magic where it otherwise can't exist. As an action, you can create an emergent spark in an antimagic field or region of dead magic. Until the end of your next turn, you can use magic normally in the affected region. Once you do so, you can’t do so again until you finish a short rest.
Epic Boon of the M Current*
*Inspired by Monte Cook's Book M.
Here are screenshots of my submission, as GMBinder likes to mess up formatting in some browsers:
Hope you like it! As always, I'd appreciate feedback :-)
Yeah, it definitely needs some reformatting to make it easier to read and comprehend. It’s kinda hard to give a solid review until then.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
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Done!
BREAKING NEWS! BREAKING NEWS! BREAKING NEWS! NEWS!
The Pinguino: Speeding through stealing Dnd books(but mostly Premium seafood, preferably squid)!
PC Options: Greater Magics
Greater Eldritch Adept
Prerequisite: Eldritch Adept Feat
Having adapted to the Eldritch, you grow more able to exploit the powers of invocations. You learn one Eldritch Invocation option of your choice from the warlock class. Your spellcasting ability for the invocation is Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma (choose when you select this feat). You do not need to be a warlock to choose an Invocation with a prerequisite, but you do still need to meet the prerequisite. If you are a warlock and choose this feat, you can ignore any Pact Boon related prerequisites, though other prerequisites do still count for you.
Whenever you gain a level, you can replace the invocation with another one from the warlock class.
I am also here.
Am snek.
I am currently judging the Competition of the Finest 'Brews XXIV