Dungeons & Dragons, the name synonymous with epic adventures and exciting storytelling, is venturing into fresh terrains with its latest Unearthed Arcana: the Bastion System. The game, which has long celebrated the spirit of exploration, is introducing players to a new realm of creativity and customization.
At the heart of this revelation is the concept of 'bastions'. These are not merely fortified places but reflections of the aspirations and achievements of the characters. The D&D Design Team has hinted that this innovative system is set to grace the pages of the 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide. It's been designed to offer players an opportunity to create unique strongholds, be it a joint venture among party members or a personalized haven for a lone character.
But what can you actually do with these bastions? For starters, once your character reaches Level 5, you can invest gold into crafting and enhancing your stronghold. From basic utilities to specialized facilities managed by hirelings, the system offers a plethora of choices. Picture this: a dedicated arcane study where new potions are brewed, a smithy crafting legendary weapons, or even a war room where great battles are strategized. What's more, certain facilities have unique abilities activated through specific commands, adding layers of strategy and gameplay.
These facilities aren't just static. They generate 'Bastion Points', which can be traded for magical items, of course, with the DM's approval. To keep things dynamic, the system introduces 'Bastion Events', serving as both adventure hooks and interactive episodes for the stronghold's inhabitants.
But the updates in the latest Unearthed Arcana don't stop there. The team also took the opportunity to recalibrate certain cantrips, nudging them towards better balance. Notable changes include a revision of the True Strike cantrip to align with a player’s spellcasting attribute, and a tweak to Shocking Grasp, enhancing its defensive potential.
In the end, these additions and changes are a testament to D&D’s commitment to evolving with its community, offering new ways to play, innovate, and, most importantly, tell unforgettable stories.