Paganism is a broad term that encompasses a variety of spiritual and religious beliefs that are rooted in nature and pre-Christian traditions. It is an umbrella term that includes various traditions, such as Wicca, Druidism, and Heathenry. A: Ancestors Ancestors play a significant role in many pagan traditions. Pagans often honor their ancestors through rituals and practices, seeking guidance and wisdom from those who came before them. B: Belief in the Divine Pagans typically believe in polytheism, the belief in multiple gods and goddesses. These deities are often associated with different aspects of nature and human experience.
Sure-Footed. The yikaria has advantage on Strength and Dexterity saving throws against being knocked prone.
2nd level 3 slots crown of madness, hold person, suggestion 3rd level 3 slots fear, feign death, vampiric touch 4th level 3 slots confusion, dimension door, polymorph 5th level 2 slots dominate person, dream 6th level 1 slot magic jar. This subclass for the sorcerer actually gets bonus hit dice to spend on that feature, and extra healing to make up for the damage, as a way of tying the sorcerer s default magic is in your bloodline theme to the specific blood magic theme.
These deities are often associated with different aspects of nature and human experience. However, some pagans also follow a pantheistic or panentheistic belief system, believing that the divine is present in everything and everyone. C: Celebrations and Festivals Paganism is often characterized by a rich calendar of celebrations and festivals, which mark important seasonal and agricultural cycles.
D&D 5E Monster design: blood mage?
How would you stat up a blood mage as a monster? Either using original ideas, adapted player homebrew material*, or existing monster traits?
*Note that all the player homebrew material for "blood mage" characters I've found has been really fiddly – dealing with hit dice, sorcery points, expending hit points for effects – and I don't think something that fiddly is well suited to a monster. The less work on the DM when running encounters the better!
More specifically, the monster is a yakfolk blood mage, looking for a final CR around 7-9. I have Storm King's Thunder so I'm using the yakfolk stats there as a basis.
- It can manipulate others, similar to the suggestion and dominate person spells. ✓
- It can touch a creature's forehead and send them reeling away in confusion to either erupt in a bloody explosion (like the walking bomb spell of Dragon Age) or make them attack an ally (like the crown of madness D&D spell).
- It has an aura of superstition and terrible majesty around it that makes it hard for creatures to act against it (esp. hard to betray it), kinda like sanctuary against assassins, and it can use this aura to compel weak-minded creatures to speak the truth.
- It can warp creatures into monsters via rituals (e.g. one of these blood mages created the plague of marrashi), probably more of a plot point thing, but I'd like some reflection of that in the stats).
Here's the work-in-progress stat block I have presently.
Yikaria Blood Mage
Large humanoid, neutral evil
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 90 (12d10+24)
Speed 30 ft.
STR 16 (+3) DEX 10 (+0) CON 15 (+2) INT 18 (+4) WIS 15 (+2) CHA 14 (+2)
Saving Throws Int +7, Wis +5, Cha +5
Skills Arcana +7, Deception +5, Perception +5
Senses passive Perception 15
Languages Common, Giant, Primordial, Yikaria
Challenge 7? (2,900 XP)
Life Siphon. When the yikaria reduces a creature to 0 hit points, the creature suffers disadvantage on any death saving throws and the yikaria can use its reaction to cast a spell it has prepared.
Possession (recharges after a short or long rest). See Storm King's Thunder.
Spellcasting. The yikaria is a 12th level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). It has the following wizard spells prepared:
Cantrips: light, friends, mage hand, prestidigitation
1st level (4 slots): detect magic, identify, sleep, ?
2nd level (3 slots): crown of madness, hold person, suggestion
3rd level (3 slots): fear, feign death, vampiric touch
4th level (3 slots): confusion, dimension door, polymorph
5th level (2 slots): dominate person, dream
6th level (1 slot): magic jar
Sure-Footed. The yikaria has advantage on Strength and Dexterity saving throws against being knocked prone.
Use Magic Device. The yikaria ignores all class, race, and other requirements on the use of magic items.
Multiattack. The yikaria makes two melee attacks.
Glaive. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d10+3) slashing damage.
STR 16 (+3) DEX 10 (+0) CON 15 (+2) INT 18 (+4) WIS 15 (+2) CHA 14 (+2)
These festivals are often centered around natural events and may involve ceremonies, rituals, and feasts. D: Divination Divination is a practice commonly found in pagan traditions. It involves seeking insight and guidance through various methods, such as tarot cards, runes, or scrying. Divination is seen as a way to connect with the divine and gain knowledge about the present and future. E: Earth-Based Spirituality Paganism is often considered an earth-based spirituality, as it emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature. Many pagans hold a deep reverence for the natural world and seek to connect with the rhythms and cycles of the Earth. F: Folklore and Mythology Folklore and mythology play a significant role in pagan traditions. Many pagans draw inspiration from ancient myths and legends, incorporating them into their rituals and practices. These stories often contain valuable teachings and symbols that hold spiritual significance. G: Goddess Worship Many pagan traditions place a strong emphasis on the worship and reverence of the divine feminine. The Goddess is often seen as a creative force, representing fertility, nature, and nurturing aspects of life. Pagan goddesses are often associated with specific aspects of life, such as love, wisdom, or protection. H: Herbalism and Healing Paganism often embraces herbalism as a form of healing and spiritual practice. Many pagans believe in the power of herbs for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Herbal remedies, teas, and potions are commonly used for their therapeutic properties. I: Initiation and Dedication In some pagan traditions, initiation and dedication ceremonies are important rites of passage. These rituals mark the beginning of a person's journey into a specific tradition and are seen as a commitment to the path and its teachings. J: Journeying and Astral Travel Journeying and astral travel are practices that involve entering an altered state of consciousness to explore different realms and dimensions. These practices are often used for spiritual growth, connecting with spirit guides, and gaining wisdom and insight. K: Karma and Ethics Many pagans believe in the notion of karma, the concept that our actions have consequences and that we are responsible for the energy we put into the world. Pagan ethics often emphasize personal responsibility, harm none, and live in alignment with one's values. L: Lunar and Solar Energies The cycles of the moon and the sun hold great significance in paganism. Many pagan rituals and celebrations are timed with lunar phases or solar events, such as solstices and equinoxes. The moon and the sun are seen as symbols of masculine and feminine energies, respectively. M: Magick and Ritual Magick is a fundamental practice in paganism, involving the use of intention, energy, and symbolism to create change or manifest desires. Rituals are often performed to harness these energies and align with the divine, using various tools and elements to enhance the ritual experience. N: Nature Spirits In paganism, there is a belief in the existence of nature spirits, also known as elementals or fae. These spirits are often associated with specific elements, such as earth, air, fire, and water. Pagans may honor and interact with nature spirits through offerings and rituals. O: Oracle and Seer Oracle and seer are individuals gifted with the ability to receive messages and insights from the divine or spiritual realms. They may use various methods of divination or practice channeling to provide guidance and support to others. P: Priesthood and Priestesshood Pagan traditions often have a concept of priesthood or priestesshood, where individuals are called to serve as spiritual leaders and guides. They may lead rituals, teach traditions, and offer spiritual counsel to their community. Q: Quest for Knowledge Paganism encourages a quest for knowledge and personal growth. Many pagans are avid seekers of wisdom and may study various spiritual traditions, philosophy, and mythology to deepen their understanding of the world and their spiritual path. R: Reincarnation and Rebirth The belief in reincarnation and rebirth is prevalent in many pagan traditions. Pagans often believe in the soul's journey through multiple lifetimes, allowing for growth, learning, and the opportunity to fulfill one's spiritual destiny. S: Sacred Spaces and Altars Creating sacred spaces and altars is an integral part of many pagan practices. These spaces serve as focal points for worship, meditation, and rituals, adorned with symbols, tools, and offerings that hold personal and spiritual significance. T: Totems and Animal Guides Many pagans believe in the spiritual significance of animals and seek guidance from them as totems or animal guides. These animals are seen as spiritual allies, offering wisdom, protection, and support on one's spiritual journey. U: Unconditional Love and Acceptance Paganism often promotes the values of unconditional love and acceptance. Many pagans see all beings as interconnected and valuable, emphasizing the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all. V: Vision Quests Vision quests are a practice found in some pagan traditions, involving an individual undergoing a spiritual journey or ordeal in nature to gain insight, guidance, or spiritual awakening. These quests often involve fasting, solitude, and communion with nature. W: Wheel of the Year The Wheel of the Year is a calendar or cycle that marks the changing seasons and important festivals in pagan traditions. It typically includes eight festivals, such as Samhain, Yule, and Beltane, each representing different aspects of nature and the human experience. X: Crossroads and Transformation Crossroads are often regarded as symbolic places of intersection and transformation in pagan traditions. They are seen as liminal spaces where choices are made and new paths are taken, representing personal growth, change, and the journey of the soul. Y: Yoga and Meditation Yoga and meditation are practices embraced by many pagans as a way to deepen their spiritual connection, cultivate inner peace, and enhance mindfulness. These practices can help quiet the mind, center the spirit, and align with the divine. Z: Zenith and Reverence for the Divine Paganism often encourages reverence for the divine and a deep appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the natural world. The zenith, representing the peak or highest point, symbolizes the pinnacle of spiritual connection and alignment with the divine within pagan practices..
Reviews for "The Essential ABCs of Paganism: A Beginner's Handbook"
- John - 2/5 stars - I found "Abcs of paganism" to be a very basic and surface-level introduction to paganism. The information provided was too general and lacked depth. It felt more like a glossary than an actual guide. I was hoping for more in-depth explanations and practical advice, but unfortunately, this book fell short.
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