My character is a Changeling Hexblade Warlock of level 4, almost level 5. My name is Chance, but I do not go by this at most times. I ride a pegasus in combat, named Flair, and use a +2 greatsword that is my Pact Weapon. My patron is Karsus, the ancient wizard that destroyed Netheril on accident. My long term goal is to restore Netheril in modern Toril, and making Karsus a deity.
So, the campaign started in Ascore, but it was covered by sand and a village is now built on top of it. I killed the mayor, took their place, and have militarized the city, now having an army of around 80 soldiers, 15 scouts as archers, and a group of Ogres that I got to side with us with some spellcasting trickery. (I disguised myself as an ogre sent by Vaprak, and ordered them to join my army)
We currently are in Hartsvale, just took Castle Hartwick, and are working with the ogres in the valley to conquer the rest of Hartsvale and beyond.
So, any ideas on how to conquer the Sword Coast and the rest of Faerun? I'm going to start by conquering the rest of Hartsvale and then the Silver Marches. I just could use any advice for tactics on how to claim other towns and civilizations, any battle tactics, recommendations for character choices in terms of Eldritch Invocations and feats and other options, and any general advice or thoughts you have for this.
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I have no idea how you would conquer the sword coast, but for a hexblade with a great sword?
your gonna wanna have GWM obviously, and to help you hit more, you are going to want darkness/devils sight combo. I personally like the glaivelock, but you already have a nice magic weapon. you are a changeling, so mask of many faces is useless, but it is my favourite invocation. cause you can shift I recommend the actor feat, it is hilariously fun to play. obviously you are gonna want thirsting blade and (when you get there) life drinker. when you reach level 7 switch out devils sight for tomb of Levistus, which will help you tank, and get shadows of moil as a spell. it will give you advantage on attacks, your opponents disadvantage, and a small damage buff. get half plate as soon as possible. possibly after level 12 a 2 level dip into fighter for defence and action surge.
imo hex blades after level 14 are really lacklustre. I would do a dip or a multiclass to make up for that.
hope this helps
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“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
I have no idea how you would conquer the sword coast, but for a hexblade with a great sword?
I have an army, and we're already in control of 2 settlements. I am a changeling so I can also sneak my way into other cities, assassinate leaders, take their places, and stuff like that to get them to join my nation without all out war.
your gonna wanna have GWM obviously, and to help you hit more, you are going to want darkness/devils sight combo. I personally like the glaivelock, but you already have a nice magic weapon. you are a changeling, so mask of many faces is useless, but it is my favourite invocation. cause you can shift I recommend the actor feat, it is hilariously fun to play. obviously you are gonna want thirsting blade and (when you get there) life drinker. when you reach level 7 switch out devils sight for tomb of Levistus, which will help you tank, and get shadows of moil as a spell. it will give you advantage on attacks, your opponents disadvantage, and a small damage buff. get half plate as soon as possible. possibly after level 12 a 2 level dip into fighter for defence and action surge.
I do have Great Weapon Master already. Until recently I was using a lance and shield on horse-back, but the magic sword kind of forced me to change my weapon of choice. I have the Actor Feat as well (granted by a free feat at level one).
I will get Thirsting Blade at level 5, and will take Life Drinker later as well. I will try to get Half Plate. I also will not multiclass, my campaign is using our homebrew rules for level 21-30 characters, so I'm going to stick till the end so that I can get the capstone ability for Warlocks. Hexblades aren't great after Eldritch Spammers pass them up in power, but I want to try to do more damage if possible than an Eldritch Spammer.
This helps a bit, thanks. Any other ideas from you or anyone? Anything related to the places I should conquer?
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Get extra planer allies. Make treaties with gods and demons. Don't be afraid to sacrifice morality for power. Use entities of the Far Realm whenever you can.
On a smaller scale, focus on controlling resources. If you want to take a walled town, first conquer the fields that feed it. Then control the trade routes, and wait until they surrender.
Focusing more specifically on Warlockary, if you are going to not spam eldritch blast then focus on invocations that punish people for hitting you. Shadows of Moil is great, Cloak of Flies is gross but intimidates people, and Tomb of Levistus is a great panic button. Being the most powerful soldier in your army is a double edged greatsword. Going to the front lines to crush foes can greatly benefit your army, but you will also have a huge target on your back. Instead, go directly to their centers of command and assassinate the leaders. Do it in a draatic way if you can, to demoralize the enemy troops.
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A fool pulls the leaves. A brute chops the trunk. A sage digs the roots.
Get extra planer allies. Make treaties with gods and demons. Don't be afraid to sacrifice morality for power. Use entities of the Far Realm whenever you can.
Not really going to go down that route of extraplanar creatures, probably. If I have the chance, and it benefits me, I might make a deal with a devil or something to boost my army, but if the opportunity doesn't present itself, I won't seek it out.
My character isn't really moral at this point either. I'm open to nearly any tactic, from seducing an NPC for political power, to murdering a dwarf king to take their place, to full on sending my army of Ogres against a certain city for a demonstration of power.
On a smaller scale, focus on controlling resources. If you want to take a walled town, first conquer the fields that feed it. Then control the trade routes, and wait until they surrender.
Okay, that helps. I now know that if I want to take Waterdeep, I need to take Goldenfields and hold it for ransom. (Waterdeep will be a problem, I could use help on that)
Focusing more specifically on Warlockary, if you are going to not spam eldritch blast then focus on invocations that punish people for hitting you. Shadows of Moil is great, Cloak of Flies is gross but intimidates people, and Tomb of Levistus is a great panic button. Being the most powerful soldier in your army is a double edged greatsword. Going to the front lines to crush foes can greatly benefit your army, but you will also have a huge target on your back. Instead, go directly to their centers of command and assassinate the leaders. Do it in a draatic way if you can, to demoralize the enemy troops.
Yeah, I'll probably focus on the invocations that help me deal more damage before I choose the others, though. I have the one that gives me False Life at will, and Improved Pact Weapon currently. At level 5, I have to take Thirsting Blade to be viable.
So, I guess what I need help with on the part of character building is if I should keep the infinite False Life, or next level switch it out? If so, what for?
Also, thanks for the recommendation on killing the leaders. I typically do stuff like that anyways. I used strategy and deceit to take both Deadsnows and Stagwick. In this realm of advice, I would like suggestions on how to get other leaders on my side, or kill them and make their settlement join my nation. (My background is Charlatan, and my flaw is that I never use the same scam twice, so when I am making others join me, I can only use the same way once, and I need to find another tactic each time)
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Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Focusing more specifically on Warlockary, if you are going to not spam eldritch blast then focus on invocations that punish people for hitting you. Shadows of Moil is great, Cloak of Flies is gross but intimidates people, and Tomb of Levistus is a great panic button. Being the most powerful soldier in your army is a double edged greatsword. Going to the front lines to crush foes can greatly benefit your army, but you will also have a huge target on your back. Instead, go directly to their centers of command and assassinate the leaders. Do it in a draatic way if you can, to demoralize the enemy troops.
Yeah, I'll probably focus on the invocations that help me deal more damage before I choose the others, though. I have the one that gives me False Life at will, and Improved Pact Weapon currently. At level 5, I have to take Thirsting Blade to be viable.
So, I guess what I need help with on the part of character building is if I should keep the infinite False Life, or next level switch it out? If so, what for?
Also, thanks for the recommendation on killing the leaders. I typically do stuff like that anyways. I used strategy and deceit to take both Deadsnows and Stagwick. In this realm of advice, I would like suggestions on how to get other leaders on my side, or kill them and make their settlement join my nation. (My background is Charlatan, and my flaw is that I never use the same scam twice, so when I am making others join me, I can only use the same way once, and I need to find another tactic each time)
I personally don't like Fiendish Vigor. I don't know why, but something about it puts me off. But if you have the usual 6-8 encounter per day, then it can give something in the ballpark of 40-70 temporary HP, so it is mathematically pretty good.
If you want to influence someone, then think about what motivates them. Fear works well, as does greed. On the other hand, you could allie yourself with some idealistic revolutionaries, saying that your new rule would usher in a new age of prosperity. Since you are a changeling, you could shift shapes into the ruler themself and say things that the people dislike, to spread distrust and encourage them to join your cause. That's all I have now, but I will post more ideas when they come to me.
Finally, a little reading suggestion. It's called The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli, and is a guide for a medieval ruler. This might seem boring, but I believe Machiavelli coined the phrase "the ends justify the means." It's in the public domain, and isn't super long.
An example of one of the above tactics: First, assassinate a prominent member of the Lords Alliance (This is a high-level tactic.) Then, have one of your trusted soldiers impersonate you by wearing your armour on the battlefield, while you go to a Lords Alliance meeting in the guise of the person you assassinated. At the meeting, declare that you have decided to use undead/fiends/monstrosities to protect your kingdom from attack. Now the Lords Alliance will likely sever ties with the kingdom whose leader you impersonated, allowing you to conquer them quickly and easily. You could say (as yourself) that you "saved" the people from becoming undead at the hands of the previous ruler.
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A fool pulls the leaves. A brute chops the trunk. A sage digs the roots.
An example of one of the above tactics: First, assassinate a prominent member of the Lords Alliance (This is a high-level tactic.) Then, have one of your trusted soldiers impersonate you by wearing your armour on the battlefield, while you go to a Lords Alliance meeting in the guise of the person you assassinated. At the meeting, declare that you have decided to use undead/fiends/monstrosities to protect your kingdom from attack. Now the Lords Alliance will likely sever ties with the kingdom whose leader you impersonated, allowing you to conquer them quickly and easily. You could say (as yourself) that you "saved" the people from becoming undead at the hands of the previous ruler.
Oh, thanks. You gave me an idea. I can assassinate/impersonate a member of the Lord's Alliance, pull us out of the faction, and then have my army attack their town. I was wondering what I should do about them. (My flaw will make this only useful once, but it will help.)
Which town in the Lord's Alliance should I attack first?
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Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
1. For showing you aren't human make your skin be: a) Completely black b) Have eerie blood-red markings c) Be completely black with eerie blood-red markings
3. For seeming like you are beyond mere mortals: a) Cast fly and hover above the ground b) Cast elemental weapon (type fire) on your Hexblade weapon c) Not quite sure how but make yourself wreathed in flames
Congratulations! People will now think you are a demon lord!
1. For showing you aren't human make your skin be: a) Completely black b) Have eerie blood-red markings c) Be completely black with eerie blood-red markings
I've been actually planning on doing something like this. If I want to scare the living crap out of someone my skin will be completely blood-red, dark-black stripes will cover my body.
I was thinking either wearing no armor or clothing, except a possible loincloth, or making it so I don't have genitals while in this form. The armor idea is cool, I'll try to do that if possible.
3. For seeming like you are beyond mere mortals: a) Cast fly and hover above the ground b) Cast elemental weapon (type fire) on your Hexblade weapon c) Not quite sure how but make yourself wreathed in flames
Congratulations! People will now think you are a demon lord!
Now, the spells. I will eventually get Elemental Weapon and Fly, so I will try to do that. I'll also try to get more flames, too.
Great idea, I'll try it some time.
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Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
An example of one of the above tactics: First, assassinate a prominent member of the Lords Alliance (This is a high-level tactic.) Then, have one of your trusted soldiers impersonate you by wearing your armour on the battlefield, while you go to a Lords Alliance meeting in the guise of the person you assassinated. At the meeting, declare that you have decided to use undead/fiends/monstrosities to protect your kingdom from attack. Now the Lords Alliance will likely sever ties with the kingdom whose leader you impersonated, allowing you to conquer them quickly and easily. You could say (as yourself) that you "saved" the people from becoming undead at the hands of the previous ruler.
Oh, thanks. You gave me an idea. I can assassinate/impersonate a member of the Lord's Alliance, pull us out of the faction, and then have my army attack their town. I was wondering what I should do about them. (My flaw will make this only useful once, but it will help.)
Which town in the Lord's Alliance should I attack first?
Not Waterdeep, but choose a somewhat major relatively undefended city. Next scare the heck out of everyone else using my tactic above.
An example of one of the above tactics: First, assassinate a prominent member of the Lords Alliance (This is a high-level tactic.) Then, have one of your trusted soldiers impersonate you by wearing your armour on the battlefield, while you go to a Lords Alliance meeting in the guise of the person you assassinated. At the meeting, declare that you have decided to use undead/fiends/monstrosities to protect your kingdom from attack. Now the Lords Alliance will likely sever ties with the kingdom whose leader you impersonated, allowing you to conquer them quickly and easily. You could say (as yourself) that you "saved" the people from becoming undead at the hands of the previous ruler.
Oh, thanks. You gave me an idea. I can assassinate/impersonate a member of the Lord's Alliance, pull us out of the faction, and then have my army attack their town. I was wondering what I should do about them. (My flaw will make this only useful once, but it will help.)
Which town in the Lord's Alliance should I attack first?
Maybe Yartar? They have a large criminal organization called the Kraken Society that you could sway to your side. Or, better idea, you could take Triboar. It has enormous strategic value because almost every trade caravan passes through for supplies along the Triboar trail. Then you can control trade and do many fun things, such as cutting off supplies to a certain large city south of it.
Okay, quick summary of the campaign:
My character is a Changeling Hexblade Warlock of level 4, almost level 5. My name is Chance, but I do not go by this at most times. I ride a pegasus in combat, named Flair, and use a +2 greatsword that is my Pact Weapon. My patron is Karsus, the ancient wizard that destroyed Netheril on accident. My long term goal is to restore Netheril in modern Toril, and making Karsus a deity.
So, the campaign started in Ascore, but it was covered by sand and a village is now built on top of it. I killed the mayor, took their place, and have militarized the city, now having an army of around 80 soldiers, 15 scouts as archers, and a group of Ogres that I got to side with us with some spellcasting trickery. (I disguised myself as an ogre sent by Vaprak, and ordered them to join my army)
We currently are in Hartsvale, just took Castle Hartwick, and are working with the ogres in the valley to conquer the rest of Hartsvale and beyond.
So, any ideas on how to conquer the Sword Coast and the rest of Faerun? I'm going to start by conquering the rest of Hartsvale and then the Silver Marches. I just could use any advice for tactics on how to claim other towns and civilizations, any battle tactics, recommendations for character choices in terms of Eldritch Invocations and feats and other options, and any general advice or thoughts you have for this.
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms
I have no idea how you would conquer the sword coast, but for a hexblade with a great sword?
your gonna wanna have GWM obviously, and to help you hit more, you are going to want darkness/devils sight combo. I personally like the glaivelock, but you already have a nice magic weapon. you are a changeling, so mask of many faces is useless, but it is my favourite invocation. cause you can shift I recommend the actor feat, it is hilariously fun to play. obviously you are gonna want thirsting blade and (when you get there) life drinker. when you reach level 7 switch out devils sight for tomb of Levistus, which will help you tank, and get shadows of moil as a spell. it will give you advantage on attacks, your opponents disadvantage, and a small damage buff. get half plate as soon as possible. possibly after level 12 a 2 level dip into fighter for defence and action surge.
imo hex blades after level 14 are really lacklustre. I would do a dip or a multiclass to make up for that.
hope this helps
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
I have an army, and we're already in control of 2 settlements. I am a changeling so I can also sneak my way into other cities, assassinate leaders, take their places, and stuff like that to get them to join my nation without all out war.
I do have Great Weapon Master already. Until recently I was using a lance and shield on horse-back, but the magic sword kind of forced me to change my weapon of choice. I have the Actor Feat as well (granted by a free feat at level one).
I will get Thirsting Blade at level 5, and will take Life Drinker later as well. I will try to get Half Plate. I also will not multiclass, my campaign is using our homebrew rules for level 21-30 characters, so I'm going to stick till the end so that I can get the capstone ability for Warlocks. Hexblades aren't great after Eldritch Spammers pass them up in power, but I want to try to do more damage if possible than an Eldritch Spammer.
This helps a bit, thanks. Any other ideas from you or anyone? Anything related to the places I should conquer?
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms
Get extra planer allies. Make treaties with gods and demons. Don't be afraid to sacrifice morality for power. Use entities of the Far Realm whenever you can.
On a smaller scale, focus on controlling resources. If you want to take a walled town, first conquer the fields that feed it. Then control the trade routes, and wait until they surrender.
Watch out for Elminster.
A fool pulls the leaves. A brute chops the trunk. A sage digs the roots.
My Improved Lineage System
Focusing more specifically on Warlockary, if you are going to not spam eldritch blast then focus on invocations that punish people for hitting you. Shadows of Moil is great, Cloak of Flies is gross but intimidates people, and Tomb of Levistus is a great panic button. Being the most powerful soldier in your army is a double edged greatsword. Going to the front lines to crush foes can greatly benefit your army, but you will also have a huge target on your back. Instead, go directly to their centers of command and assassinate the leaders. Do it in a draatic way if you can, to demoralize the enemy troops.
A fool pulls the leaves. A brute chops the trunk. A sage digs the roots.
My Improved Lineage System
Not really going to go down that route of extraplanar creatures, probably. If I have the chance, and it benefits me, I might make a deal with a devil or something to boost my army, but if the opportunity doesn't present itself, I won't seek it out.
My character isn't really moral at this point either. I'm open to nearly any tactic, from seducing an NPC for political power, to murdering a dwarf king to take their place, to full on sending my army of Ogres against a certain city for a demonstration of power.
Okay, that helps. I now know that if I want to take Waterdeep, I need to take Goldenfields and hold it for ransom. (Waterdeep will be a problem, I could use help on that)
Yeah, I need to look out for him, and the other NPCs (Drizzt, Jarlaxle, Laeral Silverhand) as they could very easily destroy me.
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms
Yeah, I'll probably focus on the invocations that help me deal more damage before I choose the others, though. I have the one that gives me False Life at will, and Improved Pact Weapon currently. At level 5, I have to take Thirsting Blade to be viable.
So, I guess what I need help with on the part of character building is if I should keep the infinite False Life, or next level switch it out? If so, what for?
Also, thanks for the recommendation on killing the leaders. I typically do stuff like that anyways. I used strategy and deceit to take both Deadsnows and Stagwick. In this realm of advice, I would like suggestions on how to get other leaders on my side, or kill them and make their settlement join my nation. (My background is Charlatan, and my flaw is that I never use the same scam twice, so when I am making others join me, I can only use the same way once, and I need to find another tactic each time)
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms
I personally don't like Fiendish Vigor. I don't know why, but something about it puts me off. But if you have the usual 6-8 encounter per day, then it can give something in the ballpark of 40-70 temporary HP, so it is mathematically pretty good.
If you want to influence someone, then think about what motivates them. Fear works well, as does greed. On the other hand, you could allie yourself with some idealistic revolutionaries, saying that your new rule would usher in a new age of prosperity. Since you are a changeling, you could shift shapes into the ruler themself and say things that the people dislike, to spread distrust and encourage them to join your cause. That's all I have now, but I will post more ideas when they come to me.
Finally, a little reading suggestion. It's called The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli, and is a guide for a medieval ruler. This might seem boring, but I believe Machiavelli coined the phrase "the ends justify the means." It's in the public domain, and isn't super long.
A fool pulls the leaves. A brute chops the trunk. A sage digs the roots.
My Improved Lineage System
An example of one of the above tactics: First, assassinate a prominent member of the Lords Alliance (This is a high-level tactic.) Then, have one of your trusted soldiers impersonate you by wearing your armour on the battlefield, while you go to a Lords Alliance meeting in the guise of the person you assassinated. At the meeting, declare that you have decided to use undead/fiends/monstrosities to protect your kingdom from attack. Now the Lords Alliance will likely sever ties with the kingdom whose leader you impersonated, allowing you to conquer them quickly and easily. You could say (as yourself) that you "saved" the people from becoming undead at the hands of the previous ruler.
A fool pulls the leaves. A brute chops the trunk. A sage digs the roots.
My Improved Lineage System
Oh, thanks. You gave me an idea. I can assassinate/impersonate a member of the Lord's Alliance, pull us out of the faction, and then have my army attack their town. I was wondering what I should do about them. (My flaw will make this only useful once, but it will help.)
Which town in the Lord's Alliance should I attack first?
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms
1. For showing you aren't human make your skin be:
a) Completely black
b) Have eerie blood-red markings
c) Be completely black with eerie blood-red markings
2. For armor:
a) Get cool black or dark grey armor
b) Get smoldering armor and a dread helm
3. For seeming like you are beyond mere mortals:
a) Cast fly and hover above the ground
b) Cast elemental weapon (type fire) on your Hexblade weapon
c) Not quite sure how but make yourself wreathed in flames
Congratulations! People will now think you are a demon lord!
There is no dawn after eternal night.
Homebrew: Magic items, Subclasses
I've been actually planning on doing something like this. If I want to scare the living crap out of someone my skin will be completely blood-red, dark-black stripes will cover my body.
I was thinking either wearing no armor or clothing, except a possible loincloth, or making it so I don't have genitals while in this form. The armor idea is cool, I'll try to do that if possible.
Now, the spells. I will eventually get Elemental Weapon and Fly, so I will try to do that. I'll also try to get more flames, too.
Great idea, I'll try it some time.
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms
Not Waterdeep, but choose a somewhat major relatively undefended city. Next scare the heck out of everyone else using my tactic above.
There is no dawn after eternal night.
Homebrew: Magic items, Subclasses
Also, what pact boon did you choose?
There is no dawn after eternal night.
Homebrew: Magic items, Subclasses
I presume blade, because he is fighting with a greatsword.
A fool pulls the leaves. A brute chops the trunk. A sage digs the roots.
My Improved Lineage System
Maybe Yartar? They have a large criminal organization called the Kraken Society that you could sway to your side. Or, better idea, you could take Triboar. It has enormous strategic value because almost every trade caravan passes through for supplies along the Triboar trail. Then you can control trade and do many fun things, such as cutting off supplies to a certain large city south of it.
A fool pulls the leaves. A brute chops the trunk. A sage digs the roots.
My Improved Lineage System
Fire Shield might work, or you could go with Shadow of Moil for a more "dark and evil" vibe.
A fool pulls the leaves. A brute chops the trunk. A sage digs the roots.
My Improved Lineage System
Yes, it's pact of the blade.
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms
Yeah. I looked at it, and I'm taking Shadow of Moil eventually.
I just leveled up, and now have Blink and Thunderstep as my 3rd level spells. I'm now level 5, and have Thirsting Blade.
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms
Just solved the Elminster problem, probably. I got a spell scroll of Imprisonment and Power Word Kill.
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms