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GPG Issue #21 has arrived!
🕑 Added 2023-11-11 16:36:33 +0000 UTC
Hey all, it's time for the latest issue of the Gate Pass Gazette, the official magazine of Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition! Happy reading!
Harvest Hall
Many mortals have heard of the wild feasts of the Dreaming, but the most raucous is that of the Harvest Hall. Breathing life into every harvest celebration across the Dreaming, the hall is first discovered by a random satyr around the last moon of autumn. As it enters, the satyr grows to nearly twice its size, becoming the Ruler of the Hall and setting both the feast hall’s appearance and the requirements to leave it. The ruler, with the unwelcome assistance of other satyrs wielding pointy sticks, makes every effort to stay awake, as only while they are conscious will the Hall remain. This article introduces spells, magic items, and challenges one is likely to find in the mystical Harvest Hall, but can be used in any game that calls for some fey-flavored chaos. By Marc Kenobi.
Baleful Behemoth: The Wailrus
While most undead come from the intense emotions of sapient creatures, the wailrus is a special case. Called forth by a spirit of the sea and embodied in the form of an enormous walrus, this unliving terror occupies an interesting place in the field of undead study. This is likely very cold comfort to those unfortunate sailors that encounter it, however, as they are driving into the icy seas themselves in search of the source of a mournful song. This article introduces the undead wailrus, as well as the more mundane giant walrus and its slightly smaller counterpart. By Anthony Alipio.
Chivalry is Alive: The Gallant Heart Combat Tradition
Not all warriors are battle-bred berserkers or levelheaded deadeyes. Dwelling among knightly orders and noble courts, the martially-inclined hone a more urbane tradition. Among their number are honorbound knights who protect the meek, vivacious debonaires who seek every thrill, and ruthless manipulators who prey on the weak. This article introduces the Gallant Heart combat tradition, a suite of maneuvers that turns combat into a resplendent and stylish affair, the new fixated condition, and a complimentary feat. By Jagger A Dillon.
Mindwalkers: Cerebral Archetypes
Many mortals know their minds have untapped power, but few truly explore it. Those who do realize their inner potential can manipulate and exploit that power, creating wondrous examples of mental achievement. Whether one manipulates the physical structure of the brain, the forgotten truths left behind by lapses of memory, or the mind’s remarkable ability to adapt to strange circumstances, these mindwalkers open up a new dimension of adventuring skill. By Charlie Brooks
Comments
The Rosamund Project
There’s nothing technically preventing existing traditions from getting new maneuvers, but the problem is that if one tradition is way bigger than others, it becomes too obvious of a choice.
I don't fully understand the idea behind combat maneuver balance. Oftentimes underwhelming effects given odd strictures and even sometimes cost 2-3 exertion points. Combat traditions are so close to being exactly what martial classes need, but are treated so timidly. A bizarre fear of making martial classes "too strong" permeates throughout them and yet we're told to treat a combat manuever the same way a spellcaster would treat a spell. If that is the case, embrace the fantastical nature of the setting and be more willing to give martial characters awesome effects and not have to jump through so many hoops to achieve them. There's no reason I can't have a 4th or 5th degree manuever that's straight up a Judgement Cut End or something. That would be so rad! Also, existing combat traditions NEED to be allowed to get new manuevers.
Anton
The Cerebral Archetypes mentions, "a trio of archetypes," but I only see two (Mentalist and Synaptic Surgeon).
