Steinhardt’s Guide⁚ Core Content
Steinhardt’s Guide, a 500-page tome, blends Lovecraftian horror and Soulsborne influences. It offers a Victorian setting filled with nightmarish monsters and eldritch threats, enhancing 5e gameplay.
The guide introduces trick weapons, blasphemous magic, and twisted player options. It also features a new artificer subclass and a firearm system.
Nightmarish monsters, eldritch moons, and the ever-present threat of madness populate this grim Victorian world. Expect unique creatures and challenging encounters.
Overview and Inspiration
Steinhardt’s Guide to the Eldritch Hunt is a comprehensive 5e supplement, a sprawling 350-500 page grimoire brimming with dark fantasy content. Inspired by the chilling atmosphere of Lovecraftian horror and the challenging gameplay of the Soulsborne franchise, it plunges players into a gothic Victorian setting rife with nightmarish creatures and the ever-present threat of madness. The core experience revolves around hunting down eldritch horrors in the doomed city of Luyarnha, a place where an eldritch plague transforms citizens into monstrous beasts. The setting is rich with detail, featuring zealous church hunters, crazed occult scientists, and the unsettling presence of eldritch moons that fundamentally alter the world. The Cursed Convoy, the first adventure in the Rise of the Wretched adventure path, serves as a gripping introduction to this terrifying world. This initial adventure, designed for 1st to 2nd level characters, immediately thrusts players into the heart of the action, aboard a speeding train carrying a deadly curse. The overall tone is dark and atmospheric, promising thrilling eldritch mystery and madness.
Gameplay Mechanics and Systems
Steinhardt’s Guide introduces a range of new mechanics designed to enhance the 5e experience and immerse players in its unique setting. A key element is the inclusion of “trick weapons,” providing players with inventive and strategically advantageous tools. These weapons aren’t just visually striking; they offer unique tactical options, forcing players to think creatively in combat. Beyond trick weapons, the guide expands magical options with “blasphemous magic,” a new school of magic that draws power from forbidden sources, introducing potent but potentially dangerous spells. Furthermore, the guide features “twisted player options,” allowing players to customize their characters in ways that reflect the game’s dark themes and unsettling atmosphere; These options might include new character backgrounds, feats, or subclasses that emphasize the horror and intrigue of the setting. The system also includes a comprehensive firearm system, significantly expanding tactical combat options. The integration of firearms necessitates the introduction of new rules and mechanics governing ammunition, range, and accuracy. Alongside these additions, a new artificer subclass is planned, offering further customization and strategic depth for players who prefer a more technological approach. This subclass will likely feature unique abilities and synergies with the other new mechanics included in the guide.
Monster Manual and Creatures
Steinhardt’s Guide to the Eldritch Hunt plunges players into a world teeming with terrifying creatures born from the darkest corners of Lovecraftian horror and Soulsborne-inspired design. The bestiary expands the D&D 5e monster manual with a host of unique and horrifying adversaries. Expect twisted versions of classic monsters warped by eldritch energies, alongside entirely new creations that defy easy categorization. These aren’t merely stat blocks; each creature possesses a detailed description, providing DMs with rich narrative hooks and inspiration for encounters. The guide’s monsters aren’t simply powerful; they embody the themes of madness, cosmic horror, and the unsettling nature of the Victorian setting. Their descriptions often delve into their origins, motivations, and weaknesses, offering tactical and roleplaying opportunities. Beyond the individual creatures, the guide introduces environmental hazards and challenges that reflect the game’s setting. The effects of the eldritch plague, for example, might transform mundane locations into dangerous environments, forcing players to adapt to unpredictable circumstances. From grotesque abominations born of cosmic influence to cunning cultists driven by forbidden knowledge, the creatures in Steinhardt’s Guide promise thrilling and unforgettable encounters. The design of these monsters reflects the game’s blend of Lovecraftian dread and Soulsborne-style challenge, pushing players to adapt, strategize, and overcome terrifying odds.
Steinhardt’s Guide⁚ Setting and Story
Steinhardt’s Guide unfolds in Luyarnha, a doomed Victorian city plagued by an eldritch horror. The Rise of the Wretched adventure path begins with “The Cursed Convoy,” a thrilling 1st-2nd level adventure.
Luyarnha⁚ City of the Damned
Luyarnha, the heart of Steinhardt’s Guide’s grim Victorian setting, is a city teetering on the brink of annihilation. A horrifying eldritch plague twists its inhabitants into grotesque beasts, blurring the line between humanity and monstrous aberration. The city’s once-proud architecture now crumbles under the weight of this unnatural affliction, its shadowed streets echoing with the cries of the damned and the whispers of unseen horrors. Zealous church hunters, driven by blind faith and fear, clash with crazed occult scientists, their desperate experiments fueling the very plague they seek to eradicate. This volatile mix of religious fervor and scientific hubris creates a cauldron of chaos, where the desperate struggle for survival is overshadowed by the creeping dread of encroaching madness. The air itself crackles with an unnatural energy, a palpable sense of dread that permeates every cobblestone street and decaying building. Luyarnha is not merely a setting; it’s a character in itself, a festering wound upon the world, reflecting the encroaching darkness that threatens to consume all. The city’s fate hangs precariously in the balance, awaiting the intervention of brave heroes who dare to venture into its cursed depths. Will they succeed in liberating Luyarnha from the clutches of the eldritch horror, or will they succumb to its insidious influence, becoming yet another victim in its ever-growing legion of the damned?
The Rise of the Wretched Adventure Path
Delve into “The Rise of the Wretched,” a captivating adventure path within Steinhardt’s Guide, designed for 1st to 2nd-level characters. The narrative unfolds within the cursed city of Luyarnha, a place where the veil between worlds is thin and the line between sanity and madness constantly blurs. The adventure begins aboard a speeding train, “The Cursed Convoy,” carrying a malevolent curse that threatens to consume all who come into contact with it. Players will encounter a series of terrifying challenges as they unravel the mystery behind the curse’s origin and its connection to the encroaching eldritch horror that plagues the city. Each encounter is carefully crafted to provide players with a thrilling mix of combat, investigation, and roleplaying, forcing them to make difficult choices that will shape the narrative and determine their ultimate success. Prepare for heart-pounding chases, morally ambiguous decisions, and terrifying encounters with creatures born from nightmares. The path is designed to test the players’ resolve and their ability to cooperate under pressure, pushing them to the very limits of their abilities. The Rise of the Wretched promises a dark and suspenseful journey into the heart of darkness, where survival depends on wit, courage, and a healthy dose of luck. Will your heroes uncover the truth behind the curse, or will they become another tragic footnote in Luyarnha’s grim history?
Key NPCs and Factions
Steinhardt’s Guide introduces a diverse cast of memorable NPCs and influential factions, each playing a crucial role in shaping the narrative and the players’ experiences within the grim world of Luyarnha. Among them are zealous church hunters, driven by religious fervor to eradicate the eldritch corruption, and crazed occult scientists, pursuing forbidden knowledge with reckless abandon. These factions often clash, their ideologies and methods in direct opposition. Players will encounter Malach, a shadowy figure whose conspiracies weave through the events of the adventure, adding layers of intrigue and suspense. The Radiant Church, with its imposing sigil, represents a powerful force attempting to maintain order amidst the chaos, though their methods are often questionable. Opposing them are various occult groups, seeking to harness the power of the eldritch entities for their own ends. The NPCs themselves range from helpful allies and enigmatic guides to terrifying antagonists and deceptive manipulators. Each character is richly detailed, with their own motivations, secrets, and unique interactions with the players. Forming alliances and navigating the complex relationships between these factions will be essential to survival and success in Luyarnha. Players must carefully consider their actions and choose their allies wisely, as the fate of the city hangs precariously in the balance. The decisions they make will have lasting consequences, shaping the outcome of the adventure and determining the future of Luyarnha.
Steinhardt’s Guide⁚ Production and Release
The Kickstarter campaign successfully raised over 2;6 million, exceeding expectations. Production faced delays due to unforeseen circumstances, including shipping challenges and a dock workers’ strike.
Physical copies are being shipped to backers via Loot Tavern and BackerKit. Digital content is available on the official website⁚ monkeydm;shop.
Updates are provided regularly via BackerKit and the official website, addressing production challenges and future content plans. A 5.5e conversion is under consideration.
Kickstarter Campaign and Fulfillment
Steinhardt’s Guide to the Eldritch Hunt launched a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, exceeding its funding goal significantly and raising over $2.6 million. This overwhelming support demonstrated a strong community interest in the unique blend of Lovecraftian horror and Soulsborne mechanics within a Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition setting. The campaign promised a substantial 500-page grimoire packed with new content, including a detailed Victorian setting, nightmarish monsters, and challenging adventure paths. Early bird backers received exclusive perks and add-ons, further incentivizing participation and generating considerable excitement. However, the fulfillment process faced unexpected hurdles. Initially, shipping was delayed due to a confluence of factors, including a dock workers’ strike in the US and adverse weather conditions affecting sea freight. Further complicating matters, a misprint on the Radiant Church sigil in the poster box necessitated a reprint, causing additional delays. A shortage of Moon D20 dice, resulting from a spreadsheet error, required an expedited air shipment to ensure timely delivery to early backers. Despite these challenges, the creators maintained open communication with backers throughout, providing regular updates on the progress of production and shipping, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction. The team’s dedication to resolving these issues and ensuring the successful delivery of the product to its eager audience underscores their commitment to their project and its community.
Physical and Digital Distribution
Steinhardt’s Guide initially offered a free PDF to Kickstarter backers but transitioned to a paid digital version priced at $30 after the campaign concluded. The physical book, a substantial 480-500 page tome, was produced in mass quantities. Distribution involved navigating various international shipping logistics, initially encountering delays due to a US dockworkers’ strike and adverse weather conditions. The creators rerouted shipments around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid risks in the Red Sea, adding to the travel time. The fulfillment process utilized multiple warehouses strategically located to expedite delivery to backers worldwide. Tracking numbers were provided to backers once items reached the respective fulfillment centers. The creators took extra precautions to ensure the safe arrival of the books, prioritizing Kickstarter backers before opening sales to the general public. Despite unforeseen logistical challenges and a misprint requiring a reprint of the Radiant Church sigil poster box, the team maintained transparent communication with backers, providing regular updates on the progress of fulfillment. In addition to the physical book and the digital PDF, all digital content, including additional adventure modules, was made available on the official website, allowing broader access to the expanding world of Steinhardt’s Guide. This multifaceted distribution strategy aimed to satisfy the diverse needs and preferences of the game’s community, ensuring widespread access to the game’s core and supplemental materials. The team also addressed issues related to Foundry VTT compatibility, promising a fully compatible version.
Updates and Future Development
Following the Kickstarter campaign, the creators of Steinhardt’s Guide consistently provided updates to backers, detailing the progress of the physical book’s production and distribution. These updates addressed various challenges, including shipping delays caused by weather, strikes, and geopolitical events. They also showcased new content, such as additional adventure modules released in parts, with parts 1-3 offered free to backers. Further parts were offered at a discounted price on the official website, with the price increasing as more content was added. The team committed to transparency, sharing details about production hiccups, such as a misprint on the Radiant Church sigil and a shortfall in Moon D20 dice, explaining the solutions implemented and maintaining a proactive communication style. Beyond the core book, future developments included the creation of a Trick Weapon Workshop, slated for release in 2-3 weeks, allowing players to customize their arsenals. A new, free artificer subclass was also planned. The creators were actively considering whether to charge for a 5.5e conversion, and sought feedback from the community. The team’s commitment to continuous updates and post-launch support showcased their dedication to the community and their eagerness to expand upon the existing content of Steinhardt’s Guide. Despite the success of the Kickstarter and the high demand, the creators explicitly stated that a sequel, Steinhardt’s 2, was not in development. Their focus remained on delivering the current project to the highest standard before taking on new projects. This commitment to quality underscored the overall dedication to the project.