Explorers Guide to Wildemount introduced exciting new options for players, expanding character builds with unique subclasses born from Critical Role’s world․
These additions seamlessly integrate into existing Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, offering fresh roleplaying opportunities and tactical depth․
The guide’s subclasses reflect the rich lore and diverse environments of Exandria, enhancing the overall gaming experience for everyone involved․
Overview of Explorers Guide to Wildemount
Explorers Guide to Wildemount, a collaborative effort between Wizards of the Coast and Critical Role, serves as a comprehensive sourcebook detailing the continent of Wildemount․
It’s more than just a setting; it’s a fully realized world brimming with detailed histories, cultures, and, crucially, new character options․ The book’s primary contribution lies in its introduction of ten unique subclasses, each deeply rooted in Wildemount’s narrative․
These subclasses aren’t simply reskins; they offer distinct mechanics and roleplaying hooks, enriching the Dungeons & Dragons experience and providing players with compelling new avenues for character development․
The Significance of Critical Role’s Influence
Critical Role’s immense popularity significantly shaped Explorers Guide to Wildemount, transforming a successful streaming campaign into official Dungeons & Dragons canon․
The book isn’t merely a transcription of their adventures; it’s a carefully curated expansion, reflecting Matt Mercer’s design philosophy and the collaborative storytelling style of the group․
This influence is particularly evident in the subclasses, which embody the themes and character archetypes frequently explored within their campaigns, resonating deeply with the existing fanbase․
The Blood Hunter Subclasses
Explorers Guide to Wildemount unveiled the Blood Hunter, a unique class focused on monster slaying, with three distinct subclasses offering varied playstyles․
Each order provides specialized abilities and crimson rites, enhancing combat prowess against specific threats within Exandria’s dangerous landscapes․
Order of the Lycan
The Order of the Lycan, detailed in Explorers Guide to Wildemount, allows Blood Hunters to embrace the power of lycanthropy, transforming into beast-like forms during combat․
This subclass centers around managing the risks and rewards of transformation, utilizing Crimson Rites to enhance their lycanthropic abilities and control the savage urges․
Players must carefully balance the potent strength gained with the potential for losing control, making for a compelling and challenging roleplaying experience, deeply rooted in the lore․
The mechanics emphasize a constant struggle against the beast within, adding a unique layer of complexity to the Blood Hunter’s skillset․
Lycanthrope Transformation Mechanics
Lycanthrope Transformation, within the Order of the Lycan, is triggered by expending a Crimson Rite die, granting enhanced strength, speed, and natural weapons․
The transformation isn’t merely cosmetic; it alters the Blood Hunter’s statistics, providing significant combat advantages but also imposing vulnerabilities․
Maintaining control requires Wisdom saving throws, failure resulting in a frenzy, potentially harming allies alongside enemies, a core risk-reward element․
The duration is limited, and reverting carries exhaustion, demanding strategic use of this powerful, yet taxing, ability․
Crimson Rite Variations for Lycans
Crimson Rite variations for the Order of the Lycan offer tailored transformations, enhancing specific aspects of the lycanthrope form․
Moon’s Fury emphasizes raw power, boosting damage output, while Heart of the Stag prioritizes speed and evasion, granting tactical mobility․
Claws of the Bear focuses on resilience, increasing hit points and natural armor, providing a durable frontline presence․
These variations allow Blood Hunters to customize their lycanthropic abilities, aligning with their preferred combat style and party role․
Order of the Ghost
The Order of the Ghost Blood Hunters forge a connection with spectral entities, becoming conduits for chilling power and ethereal resilience․
They specialize in harnessing negative energy, inflicting spectral wounds and manipulating the boundaries between life and death․
This subclass emphasizes a haunting playstyle, utilizing fear and control to debilitate enemies while remaining elusive on the battlefield․
Order of the Ghost hunters are masters of stealth and deception, embodying the chilling essence of the spirit world․
Spectral Hound Companion Details
Order of the Ghost Blood Hunters gain a Spectral Hound companion, a ghostly canine bound to the hunter’s service through a dark ritual․
This hound isn’t a typical pet; it exists partially on the Ethereal Plane, offering unique tactical advantages like scouting and flanking maneuvers․
The hound’s abilities scale with the hunter, growing in strength and gaining new spectral powers as they progress in level․
It serves as both a loyal ally and a terrifying extension of the hunter’s spectral might, enhancing their combat prowess․
Haunting Curse and its Applications
The Order of the Ghost’s signature ability is the Haunting Curse, a chilling power that allows the Blood Hunter to inflict spectral wounds on their enemies․
This curse bypasses conventional defenses, dealing damage directly to a creature’s life force and leaving them vulnerable to further spectral attacks․
It’s incredibly versatile, usable in melee or ranged combat, and can be strategically applied to disrupt enemy formations or focus down key targets․
Mastering the Haunting Curse is crucial for maximizing the Order of the Ghost’s effectiveness․
Order of the Profane Soul
The Order of the Profane Soul diverges from traditional Blood Hunter paths, embracing a dangerous pact with dark entities for immense power․
These hunters willingly sacrifice their morality, channeling eldritch energies to enhance their combat prowess and unleash devastating abilities․
This subclass offers a unique blend of martial skill and arcane might, appealing to players who enjoy morally grey characters and potent offensive capabilities․
Expect a darker, more unsettling playstyle with the Order of the Profane Soul․
Pact with Dark Entities
The core of the Order of the Profane Soul lies in its unsettling pact with dark entities, granting access to forbidden knowledge and eldritch power․
This isn’t a benevolent agreement; it demands sacrifice and risks corruption, shaping the Blood Hunter’s personality and worldview․
The nature of the entity varies, influencing the hunter’s abilities and the flavor of their dark magic, creating a truly personalized experience․
Players must carefully consider the consequences of this pact, as it defines the character’s path․
Profane Implement Options
Order of the Profane Soul Blood Hunters channel their dark pact through a profane implement, a physical focus for their eldritch energies․
These implements aren’t mere tools; they’re conduits to the entity, each offering unique benefits and shaping the hunter’s combat style․
Options include a skull, a heartstone, or a twisted branch, each resonating with different aspects of the dark power source․
The implement choice impacts the flavor and effectiveness of the hunter’s abilities, adding customization․
The College of Eloquence Bard Subclass
College of Eloquence Bards master persuasive arts, wielding words as weapons with Unfailing Inspiration and a potent Silver Tongue for unmatched influence․
Unfailing Inspiration Feature Breakdown
Unfailing Inspiration, a core feature of the College of Eloquence, dramatically alters the Bard’s inspirational dice mechanic․ Unlike standard Bardic Inspiration, this feature ensures that a Bard’s inspiration die always triggers its maximum effect․
This consistent success rate makes the Eloquence Bard incredibly reliable in supporting allies, guaranteeing a critical hit or substantial bonus when inspiration is spent․ It removes the element of chance, providing a powerful and predictable advantage in crucial moments during combat or skill challenges․
Effectively, it amplifies the Bard’s supportive capabilities, making them a cornerstone of any adventuring party․
Silver Tongue and its Combat Utility
Silver Tongue, a defining feature of the College of Eloquence Bard, grants a potent advantage on Persuasion and Deception checks․ However, its combat utility is surprisingly significant․
By using a reaction, the Bard can force a creature provoking an opportunity attack to succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be charmed until the end of their turn․ This effectively shuts down enemy movement and disrupts their attacks․
It’s a versatile tool for controlling the battlefield, protecting allies, and turning the tide of combat through clever manipulation․
The Circle of the Wildfire Druid Subclass
Wildfire Druids harness the power of elemental fire, summoning a Wildfire Spirit companion and gaining enhanced spellcasting focused on flames and renewal․
Wildfire Spirit Companion Abilities
The Wildfire Spirit is a crucial component of this subclass, acting as a mobile source of flame and healing․ It can be summoned as a bonus action and follows the Druid, offering tactical advantages in combat․
This spirit possesses unique abilities, including dealing fire damage to nearby enemies and providing temporary hit points to allies․ As the Druid levels up, the spirit gains enhanced capabilities, becoming a more potent force on the battlefield․
Its presence significantly alters the Druid’s playstyle, encouraging a dynamic approach to both offense and support․
Enhanced Spellcasting with Fire Magic
Circle of the Wildfire Druids gain a distinct advantage with fire-based spells, enhancing their potency and versatility․ Their spells inflict additional damage and can create lingering effects, controlling the battlefield․
This subclass features unique spellcasting modifications, allowing Druids to imbue their existing spells with fiery energy․ This synergy creates powerful combinations, maximizing damage output and tactical options․
The enhanced spellcasting truly embodies the Wildfire’s theme, transforming the Druid into a formidable force of elemental destruction and renewal․
The Oath of the Watchers Paladin Subclass
Oath of the Watchers Paladins defend against otherworldly threats, vigilantly guarding the material plane․ Their tenets emphasize duty, awareness, and proactive defense against cosmic evils;
Channel Divinity: Watcher’s Vigil Explained
Watcher’s Vigil, a core ability, allows Paladins to impose disadvantage on an enemy’s attack roll or ability check, representing their heightened awareness․ This potent effect requires concentration and a bonus action, effectively disrupting enemy actions․
Furthermore, it grants advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks to detect hidden creatures within 60 feet, embodying the Watcher’s constant vigilance․ The ability’s utility extends beyond combat, aiding in investigations and uncovering secrets․
It’s a powerful tool for controlling the battlefield and ensuring the safety of allies, perfectly aligning with the Oath’s protective nature․
Sacred Oath Tenets and Roleplaying Implications
Oath of the Watchers tenets center around defending the mortal realm from otherworldly threats, demanding constant vigilance and proactive intervention․ Paladins must protect against incursions and unravel cosmic mysteries, often operating in secrecy․
Roleplaying implications involve a character burdened with knowledge of hidden dangers, leading to a cautious and observant demeanor․ They may struggle with the weight of their responsibility, questioning the motives of both allies and enemies․
This oath encourages a nuanced approach to morality, prioritizing the greater good above all else․
The Path of the Storm Herald Barbarian Subclass
Storm Herald barbarians channel elemental power, manifesting as desert, sea, or tundra storms; This Wildemount subclass enhances rage with potent, weather-based abilities․
It offers unique combat styles and thematic roleplaying opportunities for players seeking a primal connection to the elements․
Desert, Sea, and Tundra Storms – Detailed Analysis
Desert storms inflict fire damage, creating a scorching aura that hinders enemies and emphasizes relentless aggression․ Sea storms summon chilling winds and waves, slowing foes and offering tactical control․
Tundra storms unleash icy blasts, potentially freezing opponents and disrupting their movements․ Each storm offers distinct advantages, influencing combat strategy and character flavor․
The Storm Herald’s choice dictates not only damage type but also the overall feel of their barbarian, impacting roleplaying and party synergy within Wildemount․
Rage Feature Variations and Synergies
The Path of the Storm Herald enhances Rage with elemental power, creating potent synergies․ Desert’s fire damage complements strength-based builds, while Sea’s slows benefit control-focused barbarians․
Tundra’s freezing effects disrupt enemy tactics, offering opportunities for allies․ These variations aren’t merely damage boosts; they fundamentally alter how a barbarian approaches combat․
Combining storm-specific effects with feats and multiclassing unlocks unique character builds, maximizing the Storm Herald’s potential within Wildemount’s dynamic world․
The School of Chronurgy Wizard Subclass
Chronurgy Wizards manipulate time itself, gaining access to spells like Temporal Shunt and Momentary Stasis․ This Wildemount subclass offers strategic control․
They excel at battlefield manipulation and disrupting enemy plans, making them invaluable assets to any adventuring party․
Temporal Shunt and its Strategic Uses
Temporal Shunt, a defining feature of the Chronurgy Wizard, allows for the instantaneous swapping of positions with another creature within range․ This ability isn’t merely a repositioning tool; it’s a potent strategic maneuver․
Imagine rescuing an ally from immediate danger, disrupting an enemy’s formation, or even forcing a powerful foe into a hazardous area․ The tactical applications are vast, demanding clever thinking and quick reflexes from the player․
Mastering Temporal Shunt requires understanding positioning and anticipating enemy actions, transforming the wizard into a dynamic and unpredictable force on the battlefield․
Momentary Stasis and its Tactical Advantages
Momentary Stasis, exclusive to the School of Chronurgy Wizard, offers a brief but impactful control effect – suspending a creature in time for a single round․ This isn’t a full incapacitation, but a crucial window of opportunity․
Tactically, it allows the wizard and their allies to focus fire on other threats, reposition for advantage, or prepare powerful spells without interruption․ It’s a game-changer in challenging encounters․
Effective use demands careful timing and target selection, maximizing the disruption and minimizing wasted potential, solidifying the Chronurgy Wizard’s role as a battlefield controller․
The Way of the Cobalt Soul Monk Subclass
Way of the Cobalt Soul monks prioritize knowledge and investigation, embodying the Cobalt Soul’s dedication to uncovering secrets and preserving lore․
This subclass enhances intelligence and investigative skills, offering unique abilities for puzzle-solving and information gathering․
Cobalt Soul Philosophy and Lore
The Cobalt Soul, also known as the Order of the Illuminated, is a widespread monastic order dedicated to the pursuit and preservation of knowledge across Exandria․
They operate vast libraries and scriptoriums, meticulously collecting and archiving information from all corners of the world, believing knowledge is power and enlightenment․
Monks of this order aren’t necessarily scholars, but rather agents tasked with seeking out lost lore, deciphering ancient texts, and safeguarding vital information․
Their philosophy emphasizes neutrality and objectivity, valuing understanding above all else, making them invaluable allies and cautious observers․
Bonuses to Intelligence and Investigation
Way of the Cobalt Soul monks receive a +1 bonus to Intelligence, reflecting their order’s dedication to scholarly pursuits and mental acuity․
More significantly, they gain proficiency in Investigation, a crucial skill for uncovering hidden clues, deciphering secrets, and analyzing information․
This proficiency synergizes perfectly with the Cobalt Soul’s core tenets, empowering them to excel in unraveling mysteries and acquiring knowledge․
These bonuses make Cobalt Soul monks exceptional detectives, researchers, and lorekeepers within any Dungeons & Dragons campaign․
The Artificer Subclasses from Wildemount
Wildemount expanded the Artificer class with three distinct subclasses: Alchemist, Armorer, and Battle Smith, each offering unique magical and technological paths․
These options provide diverse playstyles, focusing on potions, armor, or a mechanical companion․
Alchemist Artificer
The Alchemist Artificer specializes in creating potent elixirs, offering both healing and offensive capabilities․ Experimental Elixirs are a core feature, allowing for temporary but powerful effects, though with a risk of Threatened Discovery․
This subclass emphasizes resourcefulness and adaptability, as the alchemist can quickly concoct solutions to various challenges․ Mastering the art requires careful planning and a willingness to experiment, potentially leading to unpredictable outcomes․
It’s a dynamic playstyle suited for players who enjoy a blend of support and damage dealing․
Experimental Elixirs and their Effects
Experimental Elixirs are the Alchemist’s signature ability, granting temporary benefits like increased speed or healing․ However, each elixir brewed carries the risk of a Threatened Discovery, resulting in unpredictable side effects․
These effects range from minor inconveniences to significant drawbacks, adding an element of chance and excitement to the alchemical process․ Careful planning and risk assessment are crucial for maximizing benefits while minimizing potential harm․
Mastering elixir creation is key to the Alchemist’s success․
Threatened Discovery Mechanics
The Threatened Discovery mechanic introduces a unique risk-reward system to the Alchemist Artificer․ Whenever an elixir is created, a roll determines if a detrimental side effect manifests alongside the intended benefit․
These discoveries can range from temporary stat reductions to bizarre physical transformations, adding an unpredictable element to gameplay․ Managing this risk is vital, requiring players to weigh potential gains against possible consequences․
Clever players can even leverage discoveries strategically․
Armorer Artificer
The Armorer Artificer specializes in magically enhanced armor, becoming a formidable frontline combatant․ This subclass revolves around the Infusion: Arcane Armor, allowing the artificer to create and customize powerful suits of armor․
Players can choose between the Guardian or Infiltrator models, each offering distinct combat advantages․ The Guardian Model provides exceptional defense and a powerful ranged attack, while the Infiltrator focuses on stealth and mobility․
It’s a truly unique and versatile option․
Infusion: Arcane Armor Explained
Infusion: Arcane Armor is the cornerstone of the Armorer Artificer, allowing them to create a suit of magical armor․ This isn’t simply enhancement; it’s a complete transformation, granting unique abilities and combat options․
The armor requires Arcane Stones to function, providing different effects like enhanced strength or ranged attacks․ Players can customize their armor with various infusions, tailoring it to their preferred playstyle․
It’s a powerful and defining feature of this subclass․
Guardian Model and its Combat Role
The Guardian Model for the Armorer Artificer is a defensive powerhouse, designed to protect allies and control the battlefield․ This bulky armor form significantly boosts AC and provides advantage on Strength checks and saving throws․
Its primary combat role revolves around drawing enemy fire and mitigating damage, acting as a mobile shield for the party․ The Guardian also gains a potent ranged attack․
It excels in frontline engagements, offering unparalleled durability․
Battle Smith Artificer
The Battle Smith Artificer uniquely blends magical ingenuity with martial prowess, centered around their loyal Steel Defender companion․ This construct serves as both a protector and an offensive force, enhancing the Artificer’s combat capabilities․
They excel at battlefield control, utilizing infusions and spells alongside their Defender to disrupt enemies and support allies․
This subclass offers a dynamic playstyle, balancing spellcasting with tactical deployment of a mechanical ally․
Steel Defender Companion Details
The Steel Defender is a loyal construct built by the Battle Smith Artificer, functioning as a steadfast companion in combat and exploration․ It boasts impressive hit points and AC, making it a durable frontline presence․
Artificers can command the Defender to attack, defend, or even take the Help action, providing versatile support․
Upgrades enhance its capabilities, allowing for customization to suit various tactical needs, solidifying its role as a crucial asset․
Battle Ready Upgrades
Battle Smith Artificers can significantly enhance their Steel Defender with potent upgrades, tailoring it to specific combat roles․ These modifications include increased armor class, enhanced weaponry, and even the ability to inflict elemental damage․
Upgrades allow the Defender to become a ranged attacker or a heavily armored tank, adapting to diverse battlefield scenarios․
Strategic application of these upgrades is key to maximizing the Defender’s effectiveness and solidifying the Artificer’s combat prowess․
Comparing Wildemount Subclasses
Wildemount subclasses offer varied power levels and roleplaying potential, catering to diverse playstyles․
Some excel in combat, while others shine through unique narrative opportunities and utility within a party․
Power Level Assessment
Wildemount subclasses demonstrate a range of power, with some consistently outperforming others in optimized builds․ The Artificer subclasses, particularly the Battle Smith, often rank highly due to their Steel Defender companion and versatile abilities․
Conversely, certain subclasses, like the Oath of the Watchers Paladin, require more strategic play to maximize their effectiveness․ Assessing power requires considering both raw damage output and utility, alongside synergy with party composition․
Ultimately, player skill and campaign context significantly influence a subclass’s perceived strength․
Roleplaying Potential
Wildemount subclasses excel in providing rich roleplaying opportunities, deeply connected to the setting’s lore and themes․ The College of Eloquence Bard, for example, embodies persuasive power and intrigue, fitting seamlessly into political campaigns․
Similarly, the Order of the Lycan Blood Hunter offers compelling internal conflicts regarding control and primal instincts․ Each subclass encourages unique character motivations and backstories, enhancing immersion․
The setting’s detailed cultures and histories further inspire nuanced character development․
Integrating Wildemount Subclasses into Campaigns
Wildemount subclasses easily blend into existing settings, though DMs should consider balance and narrative fit to maintain campaign cohesion and player enjoyment․
Balancing Considerations for DMs
Dungeon Masters integrating Wildemount subclasses must carefully assess their power levels relative to existing options․ Some, like the Blood Hunter, initially faced scrutiny regarding complexity and potential for imbalance․
Adjusting encounter difficulty or providing alternative character options can mitigate concerns․ Consider the narrative impact; a powerful subclass might necessitate a more challenging storyline․
Encourage collaborative storytelling, allowing players to define their characters within the world, rather than solely focusing on mechanical optimization․ Flexibility and open communication are key to a harmonious game․
Character Creation Tips
When crafting characters utilizing Wildemount subclasses, delve into the lore! The Explorers Guide provides rich backgrounds and motivations tied to Exandria’s history and cultures․
Consider how your subclass’s origins influence your character’s personality and goals․ A Cobalt Soul Monk, for example, might prioritize knowledge and investigation․
Don’t be afraid to collaborate with your DM to weave your character’s story into the campaign world, creating a truly immersive and personalized experience for everyone involved․
Resources for Wildemount Players
Online communities and forums offer valuable insights, character builds, and discussions about Wildemount subclasses․
Wizards of the Coast provides official materials, including errata and supplemental content, for enhanced gameplay․
Online Communities and Forums
Numerous online platforms serve as vibrant hubs for Wildemount players, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing regarding the new subclasses․
Reddit’s r/DnD and dedicated Critical Role subreddits are excellent starting points for discussions, character optimization, and campaign advice․
Discord servers dedicated to Explorers Guide to Wildemount provide real-time interaction, allowing players to ask questions, share experiences, and find groups․
Websites like D&D Beyond host forums where players can delve into specific subclass mechanics and roleplaying possibilities, enriching their gaming experience․
Official Wizards of the Coast Materials
Wizards of the Coast provides essential resources for mastering the Wildemount subclasses, ensuring accurate gameplay and a deep understanding of their mechanics․
The Explorers Guide to Wildemount itself remains the primary source, detailing each subclass’s features, abilities, and lore with comprehensive clarity․
D&D Beyond offers digital access to the book, including character builders and searchable rules, streamlining character creation and in-game reference․
Official errata and updates released by Wizards address any ambiguities, maintaining balance and consistency across campaigns utilizing these subclasses․