sterlingvermin

Limited Time Sneak Peek: Magus, Revised Early Draft

Hey backers!!

As you may already be aware in two weeks I will be posting an entry on the blog that simultaneously introduces revised drafts of the Magus and the Scholar. Following that release I will be giving all $5+ backers the opportunity to vote on which class I proceed with (at least for the time being). This is a sneak peek of the revision of the first 5 levels of the Magus!

I will need to send this off to Barkalot to pdf-ify tomorrow night so if you have comments PLEASE try to leave them here or on the google doc today or by tomorrow evening! I look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks,

Benjamin

Rest for the Weary, Scholar v Magus, and other changes

https://sterlingvermin.com/2016/08/08/rest-for-the-weary/

Hello everybody!

Here is your official alert that a new blog entry is up with a new system called, "Rest for the Weary" that provides rules for resting actions. Go check it out now!

I also wanted to give a heads up about two Patreon related things:

1.) I am working on a second draft of the Scholar & the Magus. They will go up on a blog post in two weeks and at that time I will open up voting for which one to get the full class treatment (first?) to the $5+ backers. To allow people to upgrade their pledge to make this vote the voting period will extend into September and probably end on the 7th or so.

2.) Expect some changes on the Patreon page here soon. I haven't really updated it since I launched it those many months ago and as the needs of the blog change and the audience grows I think it could use some refinement! I will be sure to announce any changes as early as I can.

Thanks for your ongoing support!

- Benjamin 

The Magus, Early Draft

Competing for my attention with the Scholar class, the Magus class is a spellsword & arcane archer in one complete and multiflavored package. Check it out!

https://sterlingvermin.com/2016/08/01/the-magus-early-draft/

Rest for the Weary, the Magus, and...maaaaaybe a podcast

https://www.reddit.com/r/sterlingvermin/comments/4vj8ly/rest_for_the_weary_new_rules_for_short_and_long/

Hi backers!

I am working on a system that messes with the idea of short and long rests and would love to get your feedback. You can check it out on the Sterling Vermin subreddit linked on this post!

Coming up in the next few days I'll be revealing another early draft of a base class I've been working on, the Magus. I'm looking forward to hearing all of your thoughts about the class as well as get a temperature test of which you find more exciting - the Magus or the Scholar!

Finally, after a lot of thinking I am going to give the podcast thing a try. I will keep you all informed about that project as it develops!

Thanks,

Benjamin

Monthly Podcast?

Hey everybody!

I wanted to open up a conversation about the possibility of a monthly Sterling Vermin Adventuring Co. podcast that would take questions from patrons and be hosted on the blog. Is that something that would interest you all? Let me know yay or nay and, if yay, what kinds of things you'd like to hear me talk about.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Benjamin

The Skinchanger, Early Draft

Channeling a bit of Paizo (the Advanced Class Guide specifically) earlier this week I started working on a draft of a new class that combined elements of the Barbarian class with elements of the Druid class into something I hoped would be new and interesting on its own. The result is the Skinchanger and I hope you'll check it out and give me your thoughts!

the Pactborn are now on DM's Guild & Backer Exclusive Subraces

Hello everybody!

A day before everyone else I wanted to alert you that the Pactborn are now available in their final form on the DM's Guild. You can find them here:

http://www.dmsguild.com/product/188553/Pactborn-An-Original-Race-for-DD-5e

Also, lucky you guys, Patreon backers get two additional subraces based on the Otherworldly Patrons found in the Complete Arcanist Handbook:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5efO4hwzMAHSS1KMFpXTXBDUEU/view?usp=sharing

Enjoy!

Benjamin

SVAC Workshop: Saurian

Hey everybody! For people who have messaged me or expressed an interest in seeing my work in progress, this is a race I have been working on the last few days that I'm looking to have complete for the blog update later this week. I'd love to hear your thoughts about the idea of the content, your notes on grammar, or how you think the mechanics should work. So check it out and let me know what you think!

Please leave your comments on the google doc, here, or at /r/sterlingvermin!

the Huntsman - A Rogue Archetype with Superiority Dice!

Hi everybody!

As you might have gathered from the title of this update, the superiority die was one of the tied winners for June's archetype. I nearly had an Arcane Archer archetype for Fighter complete when the idea of a Huntsman came to me and I quickly pivoted and came up with this. I hope you like it! I apologize for it being a day late!!

The Huntsman: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5efO4hwzMAHS1NvYldnQmxrUGc/view?usp=sharing

- Benjamin

Psst...Additional Fight Clubs for Pugilist is now available on the DM's Guild!

http://www.dmsguild.com/product/186640/Additional-Fight-Clubs-for-the-Pugilist-Class

This Month's Archetype & Preview of Final Pugilist Archetype

Hi backers!!

I wanted to address the fact that we were getting pretty close to the end of the month here and I have yet to release a backer exclusive piece of content. That's bad! I super apologize for that. I am optimistic that I could still get you a new archetype (the result of this month's poll) before the end of the week but I also wanted to let everyone know that if that somehow doesn't happen you can expect 2 Patreon backer exclusives in July. I am totally open to feedback about this so please let me hear your thoughts here or in a private message.

Speaking of the poll, it ended in a tie and...I'm not going to tell you the results right now! Regardless, I am planning to create both archetypes but release one as a backer exclusive and do the other as a DM's Guild release (which will be PWYW so backers will get it free).

And lastly and possibly most importantly (for some of you), I wanted to present you the final-ish draft of the last Pugilist Fight Club. I am hoping to get the document put together and up on DM's Guild this week so if you have any thoughts, please let me know here!

Thanks again to everyone,

Benjamin

Arena Royale

Pugilists in the Arena Royale fight club travel the world as equal parts performers and gladiators. Whether performing in staged physical competitions or fighting it out in real brawls, pugilists in the Arena Royale care as much about the theatrics of a fight as they do its outcome. Pugilists in this fight club also care deeply about their reputation and work to build up local and regional legends about their performing alternate personas.

Persona Libre

Starting when you choose this Fight Club at 3rd level, you create an alternate persona that you can adopt or discard as an action. When you create an alternate persona you should give the persona a striking name as well as some physical signifier (such as a mask or colorful cape) or another prominent idiosyncratic feature.

When you adopt your alternate persona you may make a Charisma (Disguise Kit) ability check with advantage. Creatures whose passive Insight is lower than the result of that roll will not recognize you as the same individual if you encounter them later, or have encountered them earlier, while not in the persona. Additionally, while you have adopted your alternate persona and you are not wearing any armor or using a shield, your Armor Class equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Constitution modifier.

Work the Crowd

At 6th level, while you have adopted your alternate persona you can use your action to inspire fear and adoration in those nearby. When you do, make a Charisma (Performance) ability check and decide whether you are trying to inspire adoration or fear. All creatures within 30 feet who can see you must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw with a difficulty of that ability check result or be charmed if you chose adoration or frightened if you chose fear for the next minute. You can use this feature again after you complete a long rest.

High Flyer

Starting at 11th level, while you have adopted your alternate persona your base movement increases by 10 feet, your jump distance is tripled, and you can use your bonus action to take the Dash action.

Signature Move

Starting at 17th level, you create a signature move that you can use while you have adopted your alternate persona. Give your signature move a name and a description. You can replace one of your unarmed attacks or attacks with a pugilist weapon on your turn with this signature move.

When you use your signature move, you jump 15 feet, make an attack roll against a creature in range of your attack and if you hit the attack is a critical and the creature is stunned until the end of its next turn.

Unless you reduce a creature to 0 hit points with your Signature Move, you must finish a long rest before you can use it again.

Suggest an Archetype!

Hey there Patreon backers!

I was hemming and hawing about what Patreon backer exclusive content to create this month when I realized that it would be so much easier to let you all decide instead! If you have an idea for a class archetype, leave it here. By the end of next week I'll compile all the responses this post has received and put together a survey for our $5+ backers to vote on for which one will get turned into the next backer exclusive. So let's hear your great ideas!

- Benjamin

Psst...the Pugilist is on the DM's Guild now!

Hello there backers!

The Pugilist has made it to the DM's Guild! It's pay what you want but I highly encourage all of you to download the pdf for free - you have done so much for the Sterling Vermin already! Even if you already have the pdf, I encourage you to head over to the DM's Guild and download it again and leave a review if you can. The DM's Guild has a rating system where the more downloads a given piece gets the better ranking it gets so let's see how far we can take this!!

I will be promoting the Pugilist release over the next week starting tomorrow with a blog update but please feel free to share the release wherever you want before I do!

Linky: http://www.dmsguild.com/product/184921/The-Pugilist

Thanks!

Benjamin

Final Pugilist Class

Hello backers!

Next week the Pugilist will finally go up on DM's Guild but I wanted to provide all of you with an advanced copy today. Please take a look when you get the chance and, if you notice anything odd about it, now is the time to let me know! Otherwise, expect this file to be taken down next week as the rules of DM's Guild stipulate that I cannot offer the pdf anywhere else once it is available there.

I previously had said that the full final release of the Pugilist would include 5 archetypes. I have since changed my mind and instead will be splitting that release into 2 parts. This part, the 1st part, includes the base class and the first two archetypes. The second part of the final Pugilist class will release about a month behind the full class and will add three archetypes (the Bloodhound Bruiser, Salt & Vinegar, and one as-of-yet unnamed Lucha Libre fight club!).

Anyway...

***If you are late to this post and just reading this now, the Pugilist class is available at Pay What You Want on the DM's Guild now - I highly encourage backers to download the pdf at $0 as a token of my gratitude for their support!!***

http://www.dmsguild.com/product/184921/The-Pugilist

Pugilist Art Preview

Hello everyone!

I have just submitted the revisions to the core base class & 2 archetypes to Barkalot for revisions and including the art this campaign has been able to purchase! I expect to give you an early release copy of this pdf within the next week before it goes on DM's Guild (when it does I will have to remove it from here due to the rules of the DM's Guild but it will be pay-what-you-want there so it's no big deal).

Anyway, I wanted to share with you this absolutely gorgeous piece by spelljammer. Enjoy!

About the Martial Artist Feat...

Hello Sterling Vermin!

Last Wednesday the Sterling Vermin Adventuring Co. blog released the Martial Artist & SIfu feats introducing even more ways to play an unarmed combatant in D&D 5e. Following the release I heard a lot of good talk around the internet about the feat and also a lot of really solid feedback on some elements that need refining.

While I work on that I was wondering if any of my backers had ideas for additional martial arts styles I could / should include when I make those revisions. So if you have any ideas, sound off here!

- Benjamin

The Way of Internal Alchemy

Hello again backers!

This month's Patreon backer exclusive is a new subclass for Monk, the Way of Internal Alchemy.  Many thanks to everyone who participated in the survey about backer interest. It seems like most backers are interested primarily in additional subclasses, feats, and spells but that doesn't mean I will forget to include other types of content as well! In particular I got a request for another non-spellcasting class and I am very interested in doing that after the Pugilist is complete!

Anyway, as for the Way of Internal Alchemy...

Monks of the Way of Internal Alchemy learn that dynamic and opposing forces flow throughout the multiverse. Rather than attempt to control these forces in the multiverse, these monks learn to manipulate the energies in their own body with the understanding that control of one’s self is essential to control of one’s surroundings. Depending on the monastery a monk attends they may be encouraged to pursue yang ki, an energetic force of activity and life, yin ki, a subtle force of quiescence and death, or a balance between the two.

Patreon Backer Content Poll

Hey backers!

Just wanted to conduct a poll to see what kind of content people were hoping to get in the upcoming months as part of their Patreon pledges. Normally voting is reserved for $5+ backers but I wanted to give everyone a voice here so I could get a good gauge on why people are pledging and what will keep them interested enough to retain their pledges!

The poll: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AUlbCeRK2Fh0K99dkQSquT5g7xJkCSg-MVHrQWqEcto/viewform

Sailing the Astral Flow is up!

Hi everybody!

I couldn't contain my excitement until  tomorrow morning and released Sailing the Astral Flow, Part 1 just now! I wanted all of you to be the first to know so go check out the first part of our new series on starships in D&D!!

- Benjamin

https://sterlingvermin.com/2016/04/26/sailing-the-astral-flow-part-1/

Sneak preview of spaceship rules for 5e!

Hey everybody!

I'm working on a new article series called Sailing the Astral Flow. The whole series will be released over 3 ~ 5 parts but I have the first part in a google doc today and would love feedback! One hazard when you have been thinking about an idea for a long time is that you might overlook writing something down because it's been in your head so long you forgot you haven't written it yet - so please check it out and let me know if you have any thoughts! Feel free to leave your comments directly on the google doc or here, whichever you prefer.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/13DUdl-kk6chTVTThATH85nF4GKYtZ9ouH3QDNi_NltI/edit?usp=sharing

I'm back!

Hello backers!

As you hopefully read in the last blog update, I was away the past week and a half traveling. I just wanted to post a message here to let everyone know that I've returned! The blog will resume it's at least once weekly publishing on Wednesday. I also wanted to say welcome to all the new pledgers as we have several since I left so...welcome!

I'm still suffering major jetlag today so I won't be working on any new content today but if I start working on anything exciting tomorrow I will be sure to come back here and let you all know. I got a ton of excellent feedback on the Pugilist to incorporate from just before my trip!

Thanks and welcome,

Benjamin

Whiskey Fist!

Ladies & gents, here it is!

The first Pugilist archetype exclusive to Patreon backers, the Whiskey Fist Fight Club! Whiskey Fist pulled in an exceptionally close 2nd in our final ballot - so close I felt bad not writing one up! The art included in this piece is original art made specifically for the Sterling Vermin Adventuring Company using the proceeds of this Patreon campaign so, in addition to enjoying the Whiskey Fist, pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

Exclamation points!

Benjamin

And the winner is...

The Lucha Libre archetype!

The complete list of archetypes that will appear in the final version of the Pugilist are: the Sweet Science (boxing!), the Squared Circle (wrestling!), Salt & Vinegar (swearing and dirty tricks!), Bloodhound Bruiser (detective with fists!), and Lucha Libre (probably not the name I'll actually use but it's effective at communicating its point!).

Within the next two days the blog will update with the Pugilist v0.82 which you all have seen. I was really hoping to have the Lucha Libre archetype created and included by that time but I am really struggling with how to implement it and I am leaving the country in a few days and am burning the candle at both ends. So rather than pump out a poorly constructed Lucha Libre archetype I'm going to think on it and get back to you all with it when I return!

BUUUUUUUUUUUUT

The final ballot WAS really close. Whiskey Fist was a very close second place and I found it much, much easier to write for so that archetype will be coming as a Patreon backer exclusive in the next couple of days.

That's all for now but if you have any advice for me about 1.) what kinds of features a luchador / pro-wrestler pugilist should have or 2.) what to do in Japan, I'd appreciate it!

- Benjamin 

Magus v0.2

Hello everyone!

It has been a busy, busy weekend with the Sterling Vermin. I cooked up a new class over the last few days and thankfully had enough steam to push through a full 1-20 level treatment on it. It is currently lacking fluff but, after including any revisions that might come up over the next few days, I expect this will make it to the blog in pdf form with fluff included in the next month.

The class is the magus, a catch all class for half-caster / half-martial types. Arcane archers, swordmages, rune fencers, seekers, etc. from older editions all have a new home in the magus class. In an earlier draft I played with the idea of the magus having 2 archetypes (1 based on the type of magic practiced and 1 based on martial style) but that was seen as unnecessarily confusing so it's been hemmed in. This version includes three archetypes (wizard-alike, druid-alike, and elemental-alike) and you can choose to play a gish type, an arcane archer type, or even a sorcerous sentinel type.

So give it a look and let me know what you think!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ci7Wauph_keQqxHP2yhy1NIhzAXouY1jmqFlhNhkzE4/edit?usp=sharing 

Final Pugilist Archetype Ballot is Live!

Hello there backers!



And at the end of the ballot they get a special treat! So if you've been debating kicking up your pledge amount to get in a vote on the final Pugilist archetype, now's the time! I'm looking forward to finding out with all of you what our last archetype's gonna be!Very excite,Benjamin

The final Pugilist archetype ballot is live and in the digital hands of the $5+ backers! They have three options this time around, including...

Lucha Libre. Some pugilists find that fighting brings out the entertainer in them. Pugilists in the Lucha Libre fight club adopt exaggerated personas to do battle and their fighting style is as effective as it is entertaining. Mechanically I could see this archetype getting some generic abilities like “High Flyer” that would let them jump really far / high (and maybe deal more damage when they attack out of a jump) as well as having features that depend on the persona they pick (personas would be based on common pro-wrestler character archetypes.) If you’ve been begging me for a pro-wrestler or luchador archetype for pugilist, this is the one to vote for!

Way of the Closed Fist. Combining elements of the pugilist with elements of the monk, the Way of the Closed Fist is a fight club for those pugilists who elevate their art to a science. Mechanically this would give pugilist some monk tricks and mirror the Way of the Open Hand. Since the core class has gone so far to distinguish itself from the monk, an archetype dedicated to blurring the line again might be fun!

Whiskey Fist.

Pugilists in the Whiskey Fist fight club like fighting almost as much as they like drinking. When a Whiskey Fist pugilist gets in his cups he turns into the proverbial raging bull in the china shop. Thematically, the Whiskey Fist is a fight club for hard drinking, hard fighting types that want a pugilist whose greatest strength is his greatest weakness (and most likely mechanically represented by a rage-like feature).

Pugilist v0.82

Hello there Sterling Vermin!

I am pleased to finally unveil the Pugilist v0.82! This version incorporates the winner of our last round of Fight Club voting, the Bloodhound Bruisers!!

As you take a look through this version you will also see that I noticed I had written a complete pile of dung when I drafted the Salt & Vinegar fight club so now every feature from that Fight Club has been rewritten! I am still up in the air about how much I love it...but I’d love to hear all of your feedback about that.

I wanted to get this out to you as soon as I could so, for today, these are all the pugilist goodies you get. Look for our final Fight Club vote to go up by Sunday. The final ballot will run until April 3rd.

Enjoy and, as always, I love hearing from you all about your initial impressions and your experiences with the material at the table!

Talk to you again tomorrow!

Benjamin

A Long Overdue Art Update

Hello backers!

First, for $5+ backers - go vote on the next pugilist archetype if you haven't yet!!! For real!

Second, and what this update is really about, I have finally sent off my style guide and art notes to two artists. I have requested one piece from each of them. These first two pieces will both be for the pugilist as I'd like to have it illustrated with completely original art when it is finished. And...that's it!

I don't want to say too much more about the style guide or the specific pieces I requested just incase anything changes between now and then but, as I start getting drafts from the artists, I will check back in here with updates. Hopefully within the next two weeks I will at least have something to start spoiling for you all! Exciting times!

Once again, thanks for all your support!

Benjamin

The Exorcism Domain

Sometimes a world is so forsaken that clerics cannot hope to call their patron’s power into that dark place and instead must satisfy themselves with lessening the darkness by casting it out. When unnatural creatures infest a region or world, gods may choose to empower their clerics with the Exorcist Domain in place of their more traditional spheres of influence. As their work compels them to constantly confront the supernatural horrors arrayed against the mortal world, exorcists tend towards the grim and serious as a rule.

Pugilist Archetypes Round 2 repost for the Recruit pledgers!

Hello recruits!

The ballot has just opened on the 4th of 5 archetypes for the final pugilist. $5+ backers will be placing their votes starting tonight and the results will be announced by the 14th! Here is the ballot they got...

Greetings adventurers and upwards!

It’s time for the next round of voting on the 4th of 5 pugilist archetypes! This time around the archetypes are all centered around the theme “not quite multiclassing”. One of the things an archetype can do in 5e is ride a thematic line between two classes, broadening what a class means and making it so multiclassing isn’t necessary to play the style of character you want. Examples of archetypes that do this in the PHB are the bard’s College of Valor, the fighter’s Eldritch Knight, and the monk’s Way of the Shadow. Here are your options for the pugilist:

Bloodhound Bruiser

Combining elements of the pugilist with elements of the ranger & rogue, the Bloodhound Bruiser fight club is an urban ranger or private eye archetype for the pugilist. Mechanically and thematically the Bloodhound Bruiser would add depth to the pugilist class as a whole by providing an archetype that is more based on the exploration pillar of the game than on the combat pillar, which the pugilist base class and other archetypes rest on heavily.

Tooth & Claw

Combining elements of the pugilist with elements of the barbarian & druid, the Tooth & Claw fight club is for savage outsiders who grew up outside of civilization, possibly even raised by feral beasts. Mechanically they would probably get access to some abilities to allow them to speak to beasts and charm them, maybe even summon them, and then possibly something rage-like although probably not a direct copy of rage.

Way of the Closed Fist

Combining elements of the pugilist with elements of the monk, the Way of the Closed Fist is a fight club for those pugilists who elevate their art to a science. Mechanically this would give pugilist some monk tricks and mirror the Way of the Open Hand. Since the core class has gone so far to distinguish itself from the monk, an archetype dedicated to blurring the line again might be fun!

That’s It!

Please submit your vote by March 14th for it to count! 

May the best archetype win!

• Benjamin

Pugilist v0.81

Hello backers!

Included here are a few minor revisions to the core class since v0.8 and the inclusion of (drum roll please)...

the Salt & Vinegar Fight Club.

This weekend I plan to put up the next ballot, in the mean time enjoy the pugilist v0.81!