Variant Classes and Spell Points
We have received many requests for instructions on how to modify existing classes to change some aspect of an existing class, especially around published variants of classes like the revised Ranger. While it is possible to change an existing class that can quickly get confusing since you likely don’t want to use just the modified class. Creating a copy of an existing class mostly works, but doesn’t copy the subclasses or support new subclasses without lots of manual copying. To support this scenario, we introduced variant classes in this week’s update.
Oath of Radiance
Marduk held aloft his warhammer, shouting a prayer to his god. The weapon burst alight with the radiance of the rising sun, shining in the darkness like a beacon amidst the undead horde. The paladin roared in defiance at the undead, now recoiling from him, ‘Feel now, the wrath of the LIGHT!”
College of Entropy
Surrounded by enemies on all sides, Meera took out her lucky coin. She flipped it in the air, calling upon the chaotic magic that always seemed to get her out of these situations, and as her enemies became entranced by its glint, she pulled out her rapier and charged into their midst, a smile on her face.
Stacking the Cards
With the increasing number of character options available on Shard, we have found that it has become harder to find and make selections, and as we ready new settings this will only become more challenging. To improve the selection process, today’s release introduces a new card-based selection model for races, classes, backgrounds and feats along with extension enhancements to prioritize options.
Minotaur (Playable Race)
Aimil gritted her teeth as the all-too-common insult rang in her ears. “Let it go,” muttered her companion, Kamdoth. Before he could stop her, she charged at the boisterous drunks with a sudden swiftness, trampling one beneath her powerful hooves, nearly impaling another with her silver-tipped horns, and sending the third flying across the room. As the dust settled, she looked around the bar and asked, “Is there anyone else here who would care to call me a ‘cow-person’?”
Circle of Roses
Kel swung his quarterstaff in a wide arc in front of him, leaving a flurry of petals in its wake, as the cultist dodged out of the way. “Ha, you missed!” mocked the robed man. Kel smiled, as the cultist’s nostrils flared, and his eyes suddenly glazed over, his dagger falling limp at his side. “Who said I was trying to hit you?”
Spore Sorcerer
As the bandits entered the damp cave in search of their prey, heedless of the deadly spores that floated silently through the air, they heard a voice in their heads, “You shouldn’t have come here.”
Alternate Map Images
Shard now supports having multiple images for a single map and easily switching between them while maintaining fog state, map position and all tokens.
While working with map makers and other content creators, we discovered that it is fairly common to have multiple versions of the same map.
Extending 5E
Part of the appeal of 5E is the large variety of settings and game styles available. While they all build on top of the core 5E game mechanics, these settings and styles also frequently bring their own twists as well. Many of these we have been able to support just by allowing the creation of everything from custom races and classes to items and custom types. Working with content providers, we have also discovered the need for more basic changes to the character sheet. Our new support for extensions addresses this need.
Sword-Dancer
Sable wheels right and then left in a blur of steel. Enemies fall and yet she remains untouched, fluid and motionless at once.