sterlingvermin

Art Preview: Dragontortleborn

Have you ever been stuck trying to decide between playing an awesome dragonborn or an equally awesome tortle? Of course you have! But soon, you won't have to make this painful decision because the final version of the Dragontortleborn is coming complete with this exquisite artwork from Jonathan Reincke. Look forward to it!  

I'm on the final stretch for a big solo project that adds 12 races to the game - some are revised versions of the races I've had available for awhile but most are brand new. The book will also include 2 racial feats for every race included in the book plus every player character race in Volo's AND there'll be a mess of magic items to boot. I'm hoping to have that out before the end of the year but art might hold that up!

- Benjamin

Redboots, the Trapmaking Boss Kobold

Hello there backers!

One of the biggest reasons I'm so focused on player facing content is that the easiest way of making the games more interesting is making the characters, and the character options, more interesting. But it's not the only way! Recently I got to thinking about how I could make bosses and villains more meaningful. I'm kicking around the idea of doing a supplement full of boss battles with short introductions about what kind of schemes that boss might get up to, what their lair might look like, and what kind of swag you could get from beating them. But, for now, I'm just thinking about it.

In the meantime, I wanted to share with you one I came up with this weekend. It's a bit of a proof-of-concept. I may expand on it later with some of the schemes / lair / swag details I mentioned.

Enjoy,

Benjamin

The Scholar Class, 3rd Draft

Hello there patrons!

Presented here is the 3rd Draft of the Scholar class. It includes the Culinarian, Physician, Ritualist, and Tactician. Fans of the Diplomat and Theologian, don't worry, I'm cycling out which archetypes are in each draft just to keep the class digestible for people who want to provide feedback.

I feel like I'm closing in on the final version of the class and expect to start hiring artists soon so if you've been holding back on feedback, now's the time to share it!

Thanks,

Benjamin

Scholar Preview: Culinarian

Hello there backers!

The second public draft of the Scholar class will go up on the blog tomorrow, so keep an eye out for that. In the meantime, I finally put together the first draft of something that I think a lot of people will get a kick out of: the Culinarian archetype for the Scholar class. If you've ever wanted to play a battle chef turning monsters into meals, this is the archetype for you!

While I am relatively happy with the execution here, I'm excited to hear any feedback you have and more than willing to make big changes if I think it would improve the archetype. Please take a look and share your thoughts!

Thanks,

Benjamin

Scholar, v0.5

Hello there backers!

Last month I returned to the Scholar at long last and after many requests. Since that time I've been slowly grinding away on improvements to the core class and adding in four new archetypes. This draft has a few changes from the last public draft:

- Expertise no longer a class feature, now moved to Erudite Application option(s)
- Lowered number of uses of Applied Intelligence
- Added a cost to the Physician's Resuscitating Procedure

- Added Diplomat and Theologian archetypes
- Added Erudite Applications for those archetypes
- Gave a Ritualist EA to the Theologian and came up with a new Ritualist EA

I hope you get the chance to read, enjoy, and play this draft of the Scholar. If you have thoughts, I'm always happy to hear them!

Thanks,
Benjamin

New Cleric Domain: Love

When you check out the blog today, you'll notice some of the gods of Nevermore reference divine domains that don't exist in 5e yet. Curious, isn't it? Well, presented here is a working draft of the Love domain (so that's one mystery solved!).

This draft has three sets of features at 1st level. The final draft will only include one of these. I'm interested in getting feedback about which of these is the most interesting to players and causes the least balance concerns for DM's. After you've given the Love domain a look over, please jump over to the feedback survey (it's brief, I promise) to let me know what you think.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCSdrcXPtJyiVPri03PnizUUGBdg0DMwAsF2-V2l0K8JHGJA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Thanks,

Benjamin

Whiskey Fist, Backer Exclusive Fight Club

Hello there backers!

If you haven't heard the good news, the updated Pugilist class complete with new magic items, heavily revised Additional Fight Clubs, and the new Dog & Hound Fight Club is all ready to go. I plan to put it up on Monday so be sure to check with the DM's Guild then to download the revision!

Because I'm impatient, I wanted to get you this backer exclusive archetype before the weekend. I'm so proud of the way the Pugilist anniversary came together in terms of community support, improvement in design, and the quality of the new art. I hope you are happy with it too!

If you'd like a printer friendly version of the Whiskey Fist, I've got that for you here.

Thanks,

Benjamin

Pugilist Art Preview: Bloodhound Bruiser

Hello everyone!

I am happy to say that the final art has all come in and Nate and I are working to get the 2nd anniversary edition of the Pugilist up on the DM's Guild. Unfortunately due to the holiday and how late in the week it is already we will probably not do a launch until the start of next week - but it is coming soon! In the mean time, feast your eyes on this Bloodhound Bruiser illustration done for us by Fil Cieplak. It's a beaut!

Thanks,
Benjamin

Whiskey Fist Art Preview

This guy looks like he needs a drink...or 12. Right?

Well once he's done this piece by Fil Cieplak will be the official Whiskey Fist Pugilist!

Another Scholar Archetype Preview

Hello backers!

Presented here is archetype #5 for the Scholar class, the Theologian.  Theologians are scholars who dedicate their studies to the dogmas and mythology of divine beings. Unlike other scholars, theologians are able to cast spells due utilizing their extensive familiarity of the gods. Unlike clerics, theologians do not devote themselves to a single god but instead recognize and honor all deities.

I still have an Erudite Application to make for the Theologian but I wanted to share what I had before we went into the weekend. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts and I hope you are looking forward to the soon to be released Pugilist update!

Thanks,

Benjamin

Scholar Archetype Preview

Hello backers!

Presented here is the first draft of the newest Scholar archetype, the Diplomat. The Diplomat focuses on themes of travel, language, and social bonds. They also have an increased ability to dip their toes into the specialties of other Scholars! I’m excited to hear what you think.

Thanks as always for your support,

Benjamin

Grimalkin Art Preview

Hey everybody!

Remember the Grimalkin? Well now they have art! I commissioned the totally great Tze-Chiang Lim who has done art previously for the Saurian race and elsewhere and I love what he came up with. He also did a Grimalkin mage for me but I want to leave you something to look forward to, so I'll leave you this weekend with this dashing figure! Is it a Rogue? A Bard? A Scholar?

Have a great weekend,

Benjamin

the Complete Martialist Handbook

Hello backers!

Out today is my collaboration with Ross Leiser, the Complete Martialist Handbook! I hope you have enjoyed all the previews of the product and plan to pick it up yourself. As you'll see on the blog post, along with the full product there is also a smaller sample called the Incomplete Martialist Handbook.

Enjoy!

Benjamin

Dog & Hound, v0.3

Hello backers!

This update includes minor changes to the Dog & Hound v0.2, clearing up linguistic concerns with the features in that draft. Please let me know if you think this is ready for prime time!

ALSO

I have recently wondered if Dog & Hound is too similar to Bloodhound Bruisers. A previous (unreleased) draft of this archetype was called Backalley Bulldog. Which do you prefer? Or do you have another suggestion for the Fight Club name?

Thanks,

Benjamin

Pugilist Anniversary Magic Items Preview

Hello there backers!

In case you can't tell already, I'm gearing up heavy for this year's Pugilist anniversary. That's because this is the year I feel like I have finally circled back around to and put a neat little bow on all the loose ends of the class. I hope you feel the same way!

When I asked Sterling Vermin fans what other kinds of content they'd like to see in the Pugilist update this year it was unanimous that they wanted more magic items. So I wrote some new ones! I'm not sure I'm done writing them yet, but I wanted to share what I have already.

Thanks,

Benjamin

Pugilist Anniversary Art Preview #2

Yesterday I received the final art for the Dog & Hound Fight Club and I'm excited to share it with you! I you missed it, I posted a second draft of the mechanics for this Fight Club earlier this morning. I also posted a preview of the Complete Martialist Handbook on the SVAC twitter & facebook pages so check those out!

Thanks,

Benjamin

Preview: Dog & Hound, v0.2

 Hello backers!

Linked here is the second draft of the Dog & Hound subclass for the Pugilist. This is a Fight Club concept I have long wanted to put into the class and I'm excited to finally be doing so on the Pugilist's 2nd anniversary. I've included many updates based on the feedback you gave on the first draft. Please continue to share your thoughts!

Thanks,

Benjamin

Preview: Dog & Hound

 Hello backers!

Linked here is the first draft of the Dog & Hound subclass for the Pugilist. This is a Fight Club concept I have long wanted to put into the class and I'm excited to finally be doing so on the Pugilist's 2nd anniversary. I am on the fence about whether or not this first draft is the best draft so take a look and tell me what you think!

Thanks,

Benjamin

Pugilist Anniversary Art Preview

Hello there backers!

Today I got some line art back from an artist I've commissioned to do the illustration for the newest Fight Club. I hope it piques your curiosity - you only have to wait til the 12th to get to see my first draft of the Fight Club it's based on!

Enjoy,

Benjamin

Preview: Piss & Vinegar, 2.0

Hello backers!

Linked here is my proposed anniversary revisions to the Piss & Vineger (formerly Salt & Vinegar) subclass. I am very pleased with the way the revisions came out but what matters more to me is that YOU are pleased - so take a look and tell me what you think! This month we're celebrating the pugilist turning 2 and for the occasion I plan to make my final revisions to all of the original pugilist content (the class & first five archetypes). Plus hopefully more stuff!

Thanks,

Benjamin

Backer Exclusive: Whiskey Fist, v2.0

Hello there backers!

I hope I am not spamming you too much with updates but I wanted you all to get to take a look at the Patreon backer exclusive Pugilist Fight Club, Whiskey Fist. It is getting the anniversary treatment and, like the others, I'm really happy with the changes. I'll be sharing an update of the final original additional Fight Club, Salt & Vinegar, when I've solidified the changes I want to make. Then maybe it's time for the Pugilist to get its first new Fight Club in nearly two years...

Thanks,
Benjamin

Preview: The Scholar Class, v0.4x

Hello backers!

I have gotten SO many requests to revisit the Scholar class over the past year or so and I am really pleased to say that I've finally given it a thorough revision that I'm happy with. Presented here is a draft of that revision.

This draft includes a few new additions and alterations:

- The inclusion of a new thirdcaster archetype, the Ritualist (who can cast spells from ANY class!)
- Erudite Applications are restructured to branch off of archetypes now instead of skill proficiencies. I liked (and still like) the idea of EAs based off of skill proficiencies but, in practice, they weren't working out. Restructured around archetypes is already much more thematically cohesive.
- I've added some opening fluff description
- Every features from 11th level on has been extensively revised and/or replaced
- The primary method of damage scaling for Scholars is in there new Analyze Enemy feature and secondarily in their, very late, Critical Eye feature

I hope you all enjoy this new draft and feel that the class is moving in the right direction. Whether or not you do, I hope you'll sound off in the comments and let me know what you think prior to this draft being revised again and made public next month.

As always, thank you for your support,

Benjamin

Preview: Bloodhound Bruisers, 2.0

 Hello backers!

Linked here is my proposed anniversary revisions to the Bloodhound Bruisers subclass. I am very pleased with the way the revisions came out but what matters more to me is that YOU are pleased - so take a look and tell me what you think! Next month we'll be celebrating the pugilist turning 2 and for the occasion I plan to make my final revisions to all of the original pugilist content (the class & first five archetypes). Plus hopefully more stuff!

Thanks,

Benjamin

Backer Preview: Arena Royale, 2.0

Hello backers!

Linked here is my proposed anniversary revisions to the Arena Royale subclass. I am very pleased with the way the revisions came out but what matters more to me is that YOU are pleased - so take a look and tell me what you think! Next month we'll be celebrating the pugilist turning 2 and for the occasion I plan to make my final revisions to all of the original pugilist content (the class & first five archetypes). Plus hopefully more stuff!

Thanks,

Benjamin

New Race: Giff

Hello backers!

After it's inclusion in Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes I've been hearing a lot of chatter about how to make a playable version of the Giff. Tonight I got ambitious and decided to create just such an option! Lucky for me (and you, I guess!), I found some great stock art and Nate had the time to crank it out.

I plan to put this up on the DM's Guild probably within the week so please download this as soon as you get the chance as I will have to take it down when it goes up on the DM's Guild. When it goes up it will *not* be PWYW.

Thanks!
Benjamin

EDIT: Had to take this down as it is now available on the DM's Guild - message me if you were pledged in May and missed this download!

Backer Preview: Grimalkin

Hello everyone!

Yesterday I shared a brief snapshot of the grimalkin not realizing that a lack of sleep continuing into the night would mean I'd have an entire rough draft finished by this evening - so sorry for the double post!

I'm not sure where the grimalkin, book wyrms, and other races I'm currently working on will end up in the future but I have a few ideas. Regardless I'll be getting art for them soon and having an editor do a pass and then share them with you again!

Thanks,

Benjamin

Backer Preview: Book Wyrm

Hello there backers!

Presented here is a preview of the first draft of a new race, book wyrms. I have a couple other rough ideas for some weird races I plan to write soon and then do a little blitz of new races on the DM's Guild. As usual, backers will get early access to those final drafts as I complete them!

Thanks for your support,

Benjamin

j5e alpha v0.1 feedback

Hi everybody!

I hope you've had the chance to check out and enjoy the v0.1 alpha of j5e. I already have quite a number of alterations and additions planned but am seeking feedback to help me refine those plans further. Please share your thoughts if you have them!

Thanks,

Benjamin

Project: j5e, v0.1

Hey everybody!

I apologize for the radio silence for most of April - I have been writing so much I had lost track that I hadn't been keeping you up to date!

If you follow me on twitter you might have noticed I've been talking an awful lot lately about making a Japanese RPG inspired hack of D&D 5e...and, well, I finally got ambitious enough to actually try it. Linked here is the earliest draft of the hack that is as much a proof of concept as it is anything else. I hope you'll consider giving it a look over and sharing your feedback here, by tweeting at me (@sterlingvermin), or by commenting on the subreddit (r/sterlingvermin). With your support, I'd like to continue to work on additional material for standard D&D and develop a fully fleshed out hack for 5e that lets people play out JRPG inspired games.

Thanks for your support and I hope you enjoy project: j5e!

Benjamin

Lupin Preview

Hello backers!

This week it's back to new races as I shift gears and start catching up on work I wasn't able to give my attention to while pushing to the end of the finish line with The Complete Martialist Handbook. The lupin will be featured in an upcoming yet-to-be-announced product along with several other original races (and a compilation of my previously released races).

With the release of the tabaxi, I felt like it was a real shame that dog-lovers didn't have their own anthropormophic race so I studied up on the lupin and brought them into 5e. I hope you enjoy!

Thanks,

Benjamin