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By Jacob Tegtman December 12, 2025
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GBbHsUFBR8 Transcription Visit the Final Fantasy Tabletop Roleplaying Legend Edition Website . Final Fantasy fans… it’s finally happening. A brand-new tabletop RPG built specifically to capture the tactical, job-swapping, limit-breaking chaos we love from the Final Fantasy series. But… for those of you who are familiar with Final Fantasy d20, and other predecessors to this Legend Edition, why make a whole new system when Final Fantasy Tabletop RPGs have already existed in the past? And what makes the Final Fantasy Legend Edition so special? Today, we’re diving in to the game that aims to become the definitive way to play in Ivalice—or any Final Fantasy world—at your table. Oh, and did I mention that this is a professionally-designed game book and PDF assets for every conceivable part of your game – and it’s all 100% free? That’s right, free. This is a passion project brought to you by Mildra the Monk and his amazing team that they’ve been working on for years. It’s absolutely incredible what they’ve put together, and you can get it for your table today – at no cost. Hey everyone, welcome back to ETTRPG—your home for tabletop news, deep dives, and world-building inspiration. If you love Final Fantasy, Tactics-style combat, or job systems with way too many builds to ever be able to properly enjoy it all, today’s video is for you. So, Final Fantasy TRPG: Legend Edition is a spiritual successor to the long-running Returners’ Final Fantasy RPG and its offshoots like Final Fantasy 4e and Omega Fantasy. But this isn’t just a rehash—this is a completely modernized, research-driven rebuild of the whole system. The devs, among them Mildra the Monk, who has been a big supporter of us at Eternity TTRPG for years, spent three years dissecting the games, the lore, the combat, and all the unique systems that Final Fantasy fans love. The result? An intermediate-complexity tabletop RPG laser-focused on recreating the true Final Fantasy experience – at the table—without any confusing crunch, or decade-old legacy rules. Ok, as I mentioned, there are other Final Fantasy tabletop systems already. But here’s what it boils down to for why it was worth it for Mildra and his team to create this new system. Number one: Simplicity None of the previous games fully capture the mythos of Final Fantasy while still giving players complete setting freedom . Where earlier systems often tied you to a specific world, tone, or era, Legend Edition was built around a single core design principle, which is: “Mythos over setting.” This means the rules capture the soul of Final Fantasy—Summons, Jobs, elemental affinities, cinematic abilities—but they don’t lock you to Ivalice, Gaia, Spira, or any one timeline. Using this game system, you can: Recreate your favorite Final Fantasy world. Mash up multiple games. Or build your own world entirely from scratch. This is FF energy, but not FF rails , that makes it such a big deal. So, moving on, What Makes Legend Edition Stand Out? The first piece is: Ridiculously Modular Character Building. In the future, I plan to do more videos on Final Fantasy Legend Edition. But let’s content ourselves today by summarizing – at least for this section – that there’s 50+ Jobs drawn from across the franchise. Included are fan favorites and long-time classics such as Dragoon, Black Mage, Thief, Time Mage, Gunbreaker, and dozens more. Using these 50+ Jobs, you do in fact have over 25,000 job combinations available to you, as a player. And these aren't “same-y” class splashes. The track-based advancement system makes each mix feel meaningful, distinct, and highly customizable. Oh—and there are 14 playable races taken from the Final Fantasy universe , each with their own unique ability. This is one of the most flexible JRPG-inspired character engines out there. The second big item that makes the Legend Edition Stand Out is Streamlined, Row-Based Combat, like your favorite Final Fantasy games from back in the day. Legend Edition offers an easy-to-learn row-based combat system that keeps the spirit of classic Final Fantasy battles while speeding everything up. You still get things like: Elemental affinities, Status effects, Skills with cinematic alt uses, And powerful Limit break moments. But, the math is way smoother than you’d expect. You won’t need a calculator, like if you took Final Fantasy I directly to your table. Next up is that the book provide you with Mythos-Driven Campaign Systems. Final Fantasy stories, across all games even back to the originals, are political. Big factions, world tension, and meaningful alliances are core to the franchise. Legend Edition builds this directly into play with: A Reputation & Affiliation system . You also have what’s called “The Holdings system” to build your very own base. The game comes with expanded NPC creation rules, and a robust Skill Game system for non-combat set pieces. This is the stuff that makes your campaign feel like a Final Fantasy game, not just another “game like D&D,” but with a “Final Fantasy” sticker slapped on their for flavor. As if all of the core game’s features are not enough, The Expansion Books Are pretty Wild. The Ultimania Expansion adds: 28 new races , 4 new jobs , 300+ sample items , Airship & Mecha creation systems , plus More Skill Games and Affiliations. Meanwhile, the Enemy Intel Field Guide brings you 200 full NPC stat blocks , a Fully detailed bestiary, and Drop-in encounter prep tools. Basically, everything you need as a Dungeon Master to prep your game with maximum Final Fantasy feel, and minimal effort. Additionally, if you want to run FF Tactics, FFIX, FFX, or even a fully original world—these books give you all the toys for each of those specific settings. Wrapping it all up, Legend Edition emulates the cinematic spirit of Final Fantasy with its Big narrative beats, Cutscene-worthy skill moments, Dramatic faction politics, Summons that feel truly mythic, and Job classes that are meaningful extensions of character identity. If you’ve ever said “I wish Final Fantasy had a premier tabletop version,” this is the game you need to try out at your table, next. So, if you’ve made it this far, I think you and I both know it’s time for you to download your free copy of Final Fantasy Legends Edition. I’ve got that link in the video description below. But I want to hear from you: what do you think? Does Legend Edition finally deliver that top-quality Final Fantasy tabletop experience we’ve all been waiting for? And if so, what will be the first Job class you’ll try out? Let me know in the comments. Hit like, subscribe, and share this video with your party. Let’s get Mildra and his team the recognition on this masterpiece that they truly deserve. Until next time—may your crits be big, and your summons be even bigger.
Undead figures in a city at night, with one playing a stringed instrument under a large, crescent moon.
By Jacob Tegtman December 6, 2025
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwDiy7u-wUo Transcription In Kalero, the canyon walls sing.  Not literally — but if you listen closely, as the desert wind slips through the stone crypts and carved tombs, you’ll hear something. A rhythm. A pulse. A beat. And when the Crooked Moon dips behind the cliffs, figures begin to emerge — their bones glowing with blue light, their skulls crowned with curls or braids, their steps half-dance, half-swagger. These are the Relicborn — the living memories of Kalero. Dressed in vibrant fabrics, lacquered patterns, and sometimes… a flashy swashbuckler’s cape or rapier at their side. Today on Eternity TTRPG, we’re diving into one of the most joyful, most soulful, and most stylish ancestries in all of Druskenvald. Crooked Moon continues to be one of my favorite adventure supplements of all time, and you can pick it up on D&D Beyond. Whether you’re a player wanting a character with flair, you’re a DM craving new cultural flavor for your campaign, or you’re just a lore-nerd who loves stylish undead — this one’s for you. The Relicborn are a species native to Kalero, a province lined with towering canyon walls carved into catacombs and mausoleums. But despite being born from tombs, they are anything but gloomy. These are living skeletons , decorated with any number of colors, hand-painted motifs, and glowing patterns. Their bones are encased in a translucent magical substance that gives them full humanoid shape. And if your Relicborn wants big curly swashbuckler hair? Yes. They can actually grow it from their skulls. Where they come from is unique: they’re formed in the crypts of Kalero, rising from ancestral memory and celebratory magic rather than necromancy. Theirs is not a culture of undeath — it’s a culture of joy , reflection , and honoring the past through celebration. Every Relicborn is essentially a walking festival — a living memory kept alive through music, dance, and stories. Relicborn society is built on a delicate balance: the energy of a vibrant celebration and the quiet reflection of ancestral remembrance. Imagine communities built along canyons, with lantern-lit walkways leading into ancient tomb-shrines. Families gather at night to play music, tell stories, and dance under blue and purple moonlight — while their ancestors' spirits look on. Their festivals can last days. Their moments of silence last just as long. They thrive in community — in the stories of who came before, and who they themselves will become. Relicborn live roughly 250 years , and when their time ends… they simply collapse gracefully into a pile of bones, returning to the crypts that first birthed them. All of the fun roleplaying stuff aside, let’s break down how their mechanics reflect their culture, starting with the most signature ability: Dance of Death As a bonus action, you make a DC 15 Charisma Performance or Instrument check. If you succeed, your next attack roll this turn has advantage . If you succeed by 5 or more? You roll one of your Hit Dice (without spending it!) and gain temporary hit points . This is perfect for swashbucklers, bards, rogues — anyone who wants to flavor combat like a deadly dance. Next, they have: Eternal Party Relicborn don’t sleep. Instead, they complete a long rest in four hours so long as they spend it in revelry — music, storytelling, gentle dancing, or shared celebrations. Imagine your party taking a rest and your Relicborn swashbuckler quietly jamming with a bone flute while keeping watch. This one’s pretty good: Moment of Remembrance When a creature you see within 30 feet fails a d20 test, you can use your reaction to add 1d4 to their roll. Once you turn a failure into a success, you can’t use it again until a rest. Relicborn are bursting with character potential. They have Incredible aesthetics. From glowing bones to swashbuckler outfits — you can lean into a Day-of-the-Dead style undead, a pirate, a festival style, or something Gothic. If you were to play a Relicborn… What would your glowing bones look like when you’re afraid, happy, or angry? And when your long life ends — what do you hope those you care about remember about you? Drop your ideas in the comments. And if you enjoyed this deep dive into the Relicborn, hit like, subscribe, ring the bell, and join me next time as we explore another Crooked Moon ancestry. Until then — Keep the music playing. Keep the celebrations bright. And may every memory lead you to your next dance.
Dark illustration of a crooked, spooky house under a full moon. Title
By Jacob Tegtman December 2, 2025
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl3c6djcgbo Transcription Imagine your character in a folk-horror saga — not just another adventurer, but someone with a personal fate, a hidden thread that drags them deeper into shadows and tragedy… or redemption. That’s exactly what Fateweaving brings to Druskenvald in The Crooked Moon. The Crooked Moon isn’t just another D&D book. It’s a 600-plus-page folk-horror campaign that plops players into a sun-starved realm of nightmares, rituals, and haunted rails. Welcome back to Eternity TTRPG, your home for deep-dive D&D news breakdowns, world-building insights, and tools to level up your tabletop storytelling. Whether you’re a forever-DM, a lore-monster, or someone who appreciates a well-crafted adventure, we tackle the big ideas behind the games you love. And today, as with many videos I’ve created over the past several months, The Crooked Moon gives us plenty to sink our teeth into. What sets Crooked Moon’s System apart from the standard “roll dice, then fight monsters” is the optional system called Fateweaving — a way to bind each character’s past, motivations, and desires directly into the core of the campaign. Fateweaving gives each character a Thread of Fate — one of 13 possible personal arcs. At character creation (or early on), each player picks a Thread that defines a personal goal: lost memories, cursed lineage, spiritual duty, monstrous ambition — you name it. Then, throughout the campaign’s story, the GM weaves in six Narrative Touchpoints specific to that Thread. These form a full character arc , culminating in a personal climax and catharsis that runs parallel to the main story – they’re something much greater than just “side quests.” The first touchpoint, Incitement , ties a character’s personal quest to the campaign’s opening (often aboard the spectral Ghostlight Express or within the Crooked House). As the story progresses, the character meets allies or NPCs connected to their fate, uncovers secrets, faces a personal trial, then pushes through to their own climax — all while the main horror unfolds. In the end, during the epilogue, each character receives Catharsis — the emotional and narrative payoff for their arc. This means every player is actively living their own horror-tale inside the larger one of your full campaign. You might ask: why bother with all this Fate Weaving stuff? It does add potential complexity to your campaign, after all. So why not just run a normal campaign? It’s because Fateweaving transforms The Crooked Moon – or, any campaign you’re running –into a deeply personal story, for the players. It gives each character agency and meaning — their choices and their backstories matter. It increases emotional engagement for players : horror, hope, tragedy — when stakes are personal, every failure and every success resonates. It helps GMs balance player spotlight : with distinct Threads, you can weave in scenes tailored to each player without derailing the main plot. For players who love roleplay and character development — this is the sweet spot. Let’s pick an example Fateweaving Thread — say the Thread of Deliverance – and run through it really quick, just to give you an idea for how this works. The character begins lost, ejected from the spectral train, given only a broken compass. (this is the “Incitement” step) Later, at a trading post, a shady merchant hints he knows of strange artifacts. (this then, is the “Connection” step) On a creepy riverboat, the character recovers the first piece of a broken family heirloom. (with the “Discovery” step) In a haunted cemetery sanctuary, they wrestle the second piece from a statue’s grasp. (the “Confrontation” step) After the final boss — the Crooked Queen — they reclaim the last piece, reforge the heirloom, and choose either to become a ferryman of souls… or walk away free. (culminating in the “Climax + Catharsis” step) Suddenly, your campaign isn’t just “we stopped the big bad.” It’s the players’ story. Their redemption. Their choices. And in this case – even their soul. If you want to try out Crooked Moon’s Fateweaving system, here’s some very easy ways to get started: L et your players pick Threads early in the campaign – or, if you’re already running one, let them pick at your next session – then collaborate to weave their backstories into the world you’re running. Keep the Touchpoints flexible: treat them as narrative prompts — adapt to what your players do rather than forcing them. Be generous with spotlight time: Fateweaving only works if each character actually plays their arc, and gets to express their character through each important moment. Use Touchpoint rewards to drive engagement: use boons, stat bonuses, and narrative closure — they reinforce the importance of the arc. Don’t be afraid to deviate: mix endings, merge threads, or create custom ones — Crooked Moon’s Fateweaving system is meant as building blocks for you, not a cage you have to live in. If you run your next horror campaign in Druskenvald — or any other world where Crooked Moon’s spooky setting fits — consider using Fateweaving. It’s not just good for story… it’s the kind of DM fuel that turns players into protagonists, and campaigns into personal sagas . That’s it for today! If you enjoyed this breakdown, don’t forget to hit like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more RPG-craft content. And hey — maybe share in the comments which Threads of Fate you’d gravitate toward first. Thanks for watching.
By Jacob Tegtman November 25, 2025
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgWieYGo8k8 Transcription In Druskenvald, the fields whisper. When the harvest is ready, something else rises too — figures of burlap and bone, lit from within by ancient green magic. Welcome to Druskenvald, under the eerie light of the Crooked Moon, where the Harvestborn stand as living scarecrows bound to the land, the harvest … life and death. Crooked Moon has become one of my favorite adventure supplements of all time, and you can get a copy from D&D Beyond. Today on Eternity TTRPG , we’re diving deep into one of the most unique ancestries in the Crooked Moon setting: the Harvestborn . Whether you’re a player looking to build an unforgettable character, you’re a DM planning your next atmospheric campaign, or just someone who loves rich D&D lore, this video is for you. We’re breaking down who the Harvestborn are, where they come from, what makes them so magically eerie, and how their mechanics and lore work together to create incredible storytelling opportunities. Think of this as your complete guide to understanding — and playing — these scarecrow-souled guardians of Enoch.” The Harvestborn are somewhat like other mechanical races in D&D — but their spooky scarecrow model just makes for great stories, worth telling. In The Crooked Moon / Druskenvald setting, each ancestry (or “species”) does have a sort of “home province,” but that doesn’t necessarily mean they only exist there. Harvestborn are a constructed species native to the province of Enoch in Druskenvald. According to lore, they are crafted with great care by the lord of Enoch, Methuselah. These constructs are infused with a vibrant, green magic — the same life-essence that flows through the fertile fields of their homeland. Methuselah is the patient, almost paternal figure who oversees the province of Enoch . He is deeply attuned to the green magic of his land — not merely as a ruler, but as a guardian of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth: under his watch, Harvestborn are created, nurtured, and eventually laid to rest so they may be reborn. Though he is a lord, Methuselah is less interested in dominion through fear, and more through stewardship: his role is tied to growth and harvest, not conquest. This makes him a figure of both authority and nurture — one who shapes his people not just from straw and wood, but with intention and magic. In a province-overview document for Enoch, Methuselah is described as: “a black-furred cat-man with eyes as gold as the province’s grain fields …” For role-playing, you could lean into the mystery of who this creator of Harvestborn is, and how his Character affects the Harvestborn: Where did this mysterious, and obviously powerful figure come from? What is his magical or ancestral origin? Does he share any soul-link with his Harvestborn creations? Back to the Harvestborn, they resemble scarecrows — bodies of wood, straw, metal, and other implements. Their heads glow, sometimes made from pumpkins, turnips, or even burlap sacks. But though they look like eerie husks, they are deeply tied to life … and to death. In their society, they live in harmony, focusing on community, fellowship, and the cycles of growth. Food is their harvest; death is their rebirth. Mechanically, Harvestborn are constructs — not quite living, but driven by magic. They are Medium size, approximately 4 to 7 feet tall, and in-game move at 30 feet per round. One of their defining traits is called Culling : when a Harvestborn damages a creature that is already wounded, they can deal an extra 1d12 necrotic damage . That’s powerful — especially when you’re finishing off a foe.” But like their creator, they’re not just about dealing death. Harvestborn also have Gift of the Green . As a bonus action, you can touch the ground and grant healing: a friendly creature within 30 feet can roll a Hit Die, and they heal the amount rolled plus your proficiency bonus. Then there’s Jack-O-Lantern : you know the Dancing Lights cantrip, and you choose whether your spellcasting ability is Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma. Being constructs, you don’t need to breathe, eat, or drink. That’s the Scarecrow Nature trait. And for rest, you can actually skip sleep entirely: instead, you can take a Watchful Rest — staying motionless and conscious for 4 hours, but still count it as a long rest. The Harvestborn are deeply thematic. Their existence is a living tension between life and death — they harvest crops, but they also harvest life’s vital essence. Their cycle of rebirth is intrinsic: they often live around 100 years , and then ‘accept death’ … only to be reborn again. As a player, this opens up incredible role-playing opportunities. Do Harvestborn remember their past incarnations? Do they cherish each lifetime, or dread what comes next? Are they fully aware of their created nature … or do they feel things in a way similar to how a living soul does? From a thematic standpoint, Harvestborn embody folk horror beautifully: agricultural rituals, seasonal death and rebirth, quiet sacrifices in the fields. Their identity is bound to community — they grow and heal their people, they protect the land … but they are also constructs, perhaps seen as eerie or uncanny by outsiders. On a personal level: what memories do Harvestborn carry between lifetimes? Do they still form strong bonds with people of other ancestries, knowing they might reincarnate only to find their friend permanently dead? And then, perhaps, do they fear what it means to be reborn? “So — why pick a Harvestborn for your Crooked Moon game? First, for the unique flavor: you’re not a typical D&D race. You’re a magical construct with deep roots in folk horror. Your mechanics reflect a duality: offensive power (Culling) and support (Gift of the Green), with cycles of death and rebirth.” “Second, the role-playing potential is huge. Harvestborn come built in with internal conflict, an apparently never-ending cycle of life and death, the mystery of reincarnation — that’s rich ground for character development. And third, they fit the Fall/ Harvest time aesthetic: moody fields, harvest rituals, green magic shimmering in twilight — Harvestborn are made for a Harvest/ Halloween setting.” At the end of the day, Harvestborn are more than just scarecrows — they are echoes of the land itself, vessels of green magic, and agents of an eternal cycle. In the folk-horror world of The Crooked Moon, they also bring a unique combination of power, mystery, and heart.” But now, it’s your turn. If you were to play a Harvestborn in your next game, how do you think you’d face your life, knowing that even after death – you’d simply be reborn? Would you welcome rebirth — or resist it, knowing that you’d never be able to outrun yourself, even at the end of your life? And if you could carry something forward into your next life – experiences you’ve had, love you’ve shared, desires you’ve felt, what would that be?” “Drop your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear your cool Harvestborn roleplay ideas. And if you enjoyed this deep dive into one of Crooked Moon’s coolest ancestries, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell. Next time, we’ll explore another one of Crooked Moon’s lineages. Until then, may your roots stay deep, your light burn bright, and may every ending lead you toward your next beginning.
Critical Role episode 3 summary graphic. Four fantasy characters stand before a golden logo.
By Jacob Tegtman November 22, 2025
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRQRNqRGVMs Transcription Hey everyone, welcome back to Eternity TTRPG.  With the last recap of Critical Role’s fourth campaign, in episode 2, the Falconer’s Rebellion echoed through Dol-Makjar, and an angel’s bloodline rewrote what faith looks like in the series. This third episode — The Snipping of Shears — pulls those threads tight: divine secrets, infernal bargains, and a murder that changes everything. As a quick note before jumping in, if you haven’t seen my prior recaps of this Critical Role campaign, you should know that A LOT happens in these 4.5hr-ish episodes. Cutting all of that down to about 10minutes means that there will be a lot of summarization. If there’s anything you don’t quite follow, check out my previous recaps for more context. This episode opens with Teor Pridesire, the soldier trying to live quietly under the banner of the Candescent Creed. Sir Filoneus Halovar hires him as Wick Halovar’s new bodyguard and sends him to the Mercanaud Couturier — a tailor’s shop with more whispers than fabric. In the bustling Ogrimok Market, where magic is forbidden, Teor runs into Sir Julien Davinos, who’s searching for Occtis Tachonis. Julien recognizes the Couturier’s name — they make problems disappear for the Halovars. Teor, unaware, walks straight toward them. Back in Villa Aurora, Wick faces a truth that upends everything he believes. Photarch Yanessa Halovar reveals that the chained celestial beneath their temple — Aetheon — is his grandfather. After the gods fell, she took Aetheon’s blood and wished for a child touched by the sun. That child became Godard, Wick’s father — and the foundation of the Candescent Creed. The Halovars turned divine theft into religion. Yanessa built her empire of light to survive a world without gods — and tells Wick the rules of faith are for others. His duty is legacy: marry well, expand Filament, and remember that true power runs in the family’s blood. For Wick, his prior belief has just curdled into this sickening feeling of betrayal. Reeling from the truth, Wick turns to the only person who’s ever been somewhat(?) fully honest with him — his demon companion, Tyranny. She was crafted by the Prince of Demonkind, to serve the Creed’s image, and bargain for souls. But Tyranny hates her purpose. She’s bound to Wick alone, and begs him not to send her back to the Pit. They realize they’re both trapped by family expectations — a believer and a demon chained by faith and fear. Wick promises she’ll stay free, and together they plan to rescue Teor before the Halovars decide that he’s expendable. In another corner of Dol-Makjar, the hunt for Occtis grows dangerous. At the Penteveral, Murray Mag’nesson stands up to Primus Tachonis himself — and is promptly cursed for it. Meanwhile, Occtis, Thimble, and Kattigan are ambushed by the Crow Keepers in the Guard Tower. Vaelus bursts in mid-fight, saving Thimble from a grisly end. The gang learns that Casimir — Thimble’s former ally — had been stealing from the Crow Keepers, paid his debt in blood, and left behind a deed to a fortress, now stolen by Cyd. It’s one more piece in a spreading puzzle of betrayal. While others fight and scheme, Thaisha and Hal Fang build something new — the Hallowed Round, a theatre rising from Dol-Makjar’s old scars. Once a temple of oppression, it’s now reclaimed for art and community. An orc musician reminds Thaisha that rebellion isn’t just war — it’s creation. At the Couturier, Teor meets the Mercanaud brothers — charming, unsettling, and reeking of infernal power. Before he can act, he’s trapped in a circle carved into the floor — a nine-pointed star that reeks of sulfur. Calastro Mercanaud begins cutting Teor’s shadow apart, piece by piece, with silver shears. Then, salvation: Wick and Tyranny arrive under false orders, bluff their way in, and free Teor. The three escape, but Tyranny’s terror says everything — they’ve just angered something far darker than House Halovar. At Hal’s home, the pieces finally align. Hal attunes to Thjazi’s sword — the Liar’s Blade — and sends Thimble north to avenge their brother. Wick, Tyranny, Teor, Thimble, and Kattigan form a small band: the Soldier’s Table. Azune watches them ride out, whispering the names of the fallen. It feels like history beginning again. At the Palazzo Davinos, the story turns from politics to nightmare. Julien watches in frozen horror as an invisible assassin reaches into his father’s skull and pulls it free. Upstairs, Occtis and Aranessa are trapped by silence as his brother Ethrand arrives — holding the Stone of Nightsong. He orders the ghouls to open Occtis’s chest and put the stone ‘where it belongs.’ And then? Fade to black. Alright — here’s why The Snipping of Shears hits so hard, and what you can learn from it for your own table.” 1. Secrets mean more when they’re personal. When Wick learns that his faith is built on a lie — that his family’s light was stolen from a fallen celestial — it’s devastating not just because it’s awesome lore, but because it’s his grandmother telling him the truth. That’s the lesson: don’t dump exposition from an old scroll. Deliver it through someone the character trusts. When revelations come from family, mentors, or companions, the heartbreak feels real, and the fallout drives roleplay for sessions to come. 2. Make corruption generational. The Halovars inherited sin. Yanessa’s wish twisted faith into an empire, Godard’s blood carries celestial power as a burden, and Wick now bears that legacy whether he wants it – or in this case, definitely not. And that’s the power of it. Tyranny’s existence also mirrors that cycle — a demon born into a contract she never chose. If you want emotional weight, make power in your world come with ancestry, or family, attached. Maybe a magic sword remembers every life it’s taken, or a player’s bloodline is blessed by something they don’t believe in. Legacy as corruption creates tension between destiny and free will — one of the best engines for storytelling in D&D. 3. Mix horror with heart. The Couturier scene in this episode works because of what’s being taken. Teor’s shadow — his literal sense of self — is being cut apart. It’s a nightmare. And it is the kind of horror that lingers. When using horror at your table, think beyond monsters. Ask, ‘What does this threaten about who the character is, at their core?’ A curse that erases memories, a haunting that whispers a player’s thoughts back to them — those are the scares that deepen character growth. And that’s it for Episode 3. Celestial secrets, infernal contracts, and one unforgettable assassination. What do you think — is Wick destined for redemption or ruin? Drop your theories below, and join me next time as we follow the Soldier’s Table north. Until then — let your dice fly, and may your stories be legendary.
Table display of D&D gifts and game inspiration; dice holders, artwork, and character cards.
By Jacob Tegtman November 22, 2025
Know someone who’s a D&D fan? Not sure what to get them for Christmas? Or are you a D&D player and want to treat yourself?
Woman in armor, mohawk, tattoos, and spiky gauntlets.
By Jacob Tegtman November 18, 2025
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BYfKn3_nXc Transcription What if I told you that Dark Sun , the brutal, sun-scorched D&D campaign setting, might be making a serious comeback … not with a full book yet, but through new Unearthed Arcana subclasses? That’s exactly what’s happening — and today, we’re breaking down those four apocalyptic subclasses and what they might mean for the future of Athas.  First, some context. Dark Sun is one of D&D’s grimmest, most apocalyptic settings — magic is destructive, the world is a harsh desert wasteland, and mighty Sorcerer-Kings rule with an iron fist. That desolation comes from the fact that in Dark Sun, magic doesn’t just draw power — it devours life . That’s why many mages, called defilers, siphon life from the land or even from living beings to fuel their spells. Historically, Dark Sun has also leaned heavily into psionics , making it very distinct among D&D worlds. Now, Wizards of the Coast has dropped a new Unearthed Arcana (UA) called “Apocalyptic Subclasses” , and all four subclasses in it feel very Dark Sun-inspired. Fans are interpreting that as a possible signal that a full on 5.5E Dark Sun sourcebook could be coming. To understand these Apocalyptic Subclasses, picture yourself stepping onto the cracked earth of a dying world. The sun hangs low and cruel, magic scorches the life around you, and survival is never guaranteed. That’s the energy these four subclasses channel. So let’s break them down — not just what they do, but how each one captures a different piece of Dark Sun’s brutal legacy. 1.Circle of Preservation Druid These druids focus on restoring life. In an apocalyptic wasteland, they represent the fragile hope — trying to heal and revitalize what’s left. Their mechanics emphasize “purifying” conditions or restoring vitality, meaning that they actively reverse the environmental damage caused by defiling magic — turning dead ground fertile again, cleansing blighted areas, and preserving what little life remains. Roleplay-wise: these could be preservers in the classic Dark Sun sense, using magic to bring back life instead of destroying it. 2. Gladiator Fighter A charismatic, show-man-warrior. Gladiators are huge in Dark Sun lore — arenas, duels, brutal spectacles. Mechanically, this subclass leans into “performance + combat.” According to community feedback, it uses weapon mastery and charisma in interesting ways, intimidating foes, rousing allies, and performing daring maneuvers that blend martial prowess with theatrical flair. In a Dark Sun campaign, gladiators could be slaves, champions of sorcerer-kings, or rebels. 3. Defiled Sorcery (Sorcerer) Now this is very Dark Sun. These sorcerers draw life energy — either from the environment or even from other creatures (hit dice) — to fuel their magic. The risk/reward is huge: you get powerful magic, but at a terrible cost. Perfect for a wasteland where magic is taboo and destructive. 4. Sorcerer-King Patron (Warlock) Warlocks who’ve made a pact with a Sorcerer-King — those tyrannical, magically powerful rulers of Athas. The patron imbues them with fear, command, and the oppressive power of their masters. This is a really flavorful pick: warlocks aligned with Sorcerer-Kings could be enforcers, gladiator-lords, or even secret agents of tyranny. To be clear with all of this Dark Sun speculation though, nothing is confirmed by Wizards of the Coast, yet. Unearthed Arcana is playtest material. Just because these subclasses are Dark Sun–flavored doesn’t guarantee a full sourcebook. Still, for longtime Dark Sun fans, this could be the biggest hint yet that Athas is returning in 5.5E. Understanding these subclasses is one thing — but using them in your campaign is where they really come alive. These options have strong thematic identities tied to survival, corruption, and power. So, here’s how DMs and players can integrate them into their campaigns in meaningful, story-rich ways. As a DM: Consider running a campaign set in a Dark Sun–inspired wasteland , even if you don’t go full canonical Athas. These subclasses give you hooks: gladiator arenas, life-draining magic, tyrant warlocks, and more. Think about NPCs: Defilers (sorcerers) and Sorcerer-King warlocks make for excellent villains. The preservation druids can even be the rebels. As a Player: If you want flavor: pick one of these subclasses to lean into the “wasteland survivor” vibe. Think about backstory: why does your defiler steal life? which Sorcerer-King did you make a pact with? That will drive roleplay. Just remember with all of this though because it's not final : some features might change or be removed. Also, balance could be off, currently: some players in the community already think certain features are strong or need tweaking. So yeah — these four apocalyptic subclasses are awesome, and they are giving major Dark Sun vibes . While they don’t guarantee a full Dark Sun 5.5E book, they’re definitely a strong signal. Whether you’re a fan of Athas already or just love grim, high-stakes fantasy, these subclasses open up some very cool possibilities . Let me know in the comments: which subclass do you want to try first? And do you think Wizards of the Coast is actually building toward a Dark Sun comeback?
D&D: Forgotten Realms book cover with heroes. Characters in action with blue energy, forest background, and pre-order text.
By Jacob Tegtman November 14, 2025
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpPgFjr-hhg Transcription Want to take your character from just another face in the crowd to a legend whose name echoes through the halls of the Forgotten Realms? Today we’re diving into the brand-new sourcebook that gives players power, story, and world in one package: Heroes of Faerûn. It’s just out as of a couple days ago, and we’re here to show you why this one could change the way you play characters in the Realms. First up: what exactly is Heroes of Faerûn? The book is a 192-page hardcover sourcebook by Wizards of the Coast set in the Forgotten Realms for 5.5 edition D&D rules. What’s included? Eight new subclasses, a new Circle Magic system (for group spellcasting!), dozens of feats and backgrounds, regional equipment, a breakdown of the Realms’ regions, factions, deities — everything a player needs to plug their character into Faerûn. In short: this is a player-centric book — not just for DMs. Many Realms books lean DM-heavy, but this one is about you the player stepping into the legend. Why is this book a big deal? Here are three reasons:  1. Expanded Player Options — Eight new subclasses means fresh ways to play: you’re not just rehashing what everyone else plays. And when you pair that with new backgrounds, feats, and special “regional” equipment — that gives some serious customization. 2. Setting Integration — The Forgotten Realms has been around for decades, but sometimes the player options feel generic. This book leans into lore: it gives eight factions, a primer on 42 gods, and overviews on ten Realms’ regions. That depth gives your character a place and a story. 3. Innovation: Circle Magic & Group Play — One of the standout mechanics is what’s called “Circle Magic.” This isn’t just another spell list: it’s a system where casters can combine efforts for enhanced effects. It opens up group tactics, teamwork for roleplaying magic casting, and can shake up how your table views magic on the whole. So, if you’re a player who wants more than “I show up and roll dice” — this book gives you tools for story, mechanics and flavor. Let’s dig into the contents (and I’ll highlight the ones I’m most excited about): The 8 new subclasses are: College of the Moon (Bard), Knowledge Domain (Cleric), Banneret (Fighter), Oath of the Noble Genies (Paladin), Winter Walker (Ranger), Scion of the Three (Rogue), Spellfire (Sorcerer), and Bladesinger (Wizard) There are also 18 backgrounds, over 30 new feats, 19 new spells, 3 magic items, 12 mundane items, 2 monsters, 13 maps, and overviews for 10 regions of Faerûn. There’s also Faction membership for eight classic and emerging factions (like the Harpers, Zhentarim, and Purple Dragon Knights) that offer character hooks, renown, and special rewards. Now for Highlights that I’m particularly keen on trying, myself: The oath of the noble genies (Paladin). These paladins draw power from the Elemental Planes through pacts with powerful genies, wielding elemental abilities like Elemental Smite which enhances a Divine Smite with effects such as grappling enemies, dealing fire damage, or knocking foes away. The region overviews: these let you pick lesser-used Realms locales as your homeland, giving characters unique flavor rather than defaulting to the Sword Coast. Circle magic: I am very excited to see exactly how this pans out with my gaming group, but I think the potential here for spell casters to enhance each others’ effects, and create group casts, is amazing. If you pick up Heroes of Faerûn, here are some tips for how to get the most from it: Talk to your DM early. Especially regarding Circle Magic and faction mechanics — decide how renown works, and how group casting will work specifically for your group. Pick a region + faction combo. Let your background tie you to a place (say, Tethyr or Calimshan) and a faction (Harpers, Zhentarim) so your character has immediate hooks. Use the new subclasses to complement the setting. If you’re from the north-wastes of Faerûn, maybe the Winter Walker Ranger is a better fit than a typical forest-walking ranger. Be proactive with story. Since the book emphasizes lore, lean into it: pick a god early, pick your renown path, choose an equipment piece from your region. These add role-play texture. Don’t let the feast of options overwhelm. With 18 backgrounds, 34 feats, and many spells — pick a few you like, then build from there. No need to try everything at once. So: if you’re a player who wants more (mechanics, flavor, story) and you’re set in the Forgotten Realms, Heroes of Faerûn might be your next go-to book. If you give it a try or if you liked this breakdown, hit like, subscribe and ring the bell for future D&D news and breakdowns. In the comments: tell me which subclass from the book you’re most excited about, or which faction you’d join in Faerûn. Thanks for watching — and may your name echo through the Realms.
A D&D Beyond adventure cover: a skeletal figure with a glowing sword stands in ruins.
By Jacob Tegtman November 12, 2025
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_0s9az8hmo Transcription Free adventures on D&D Beyond? You love to see it. This week, Wizards of the Coast dropped The Tenebrous Stone — a brand-new, totally free Forgotten Realms adventure that pits your party against cultists, undead, and a mysterious demonic artifact. But here’s the kicker: it might also hint at new DM tools for 5.5E’s upcoming Adventures in Faerûn. Let’s dive in.  Welcome back to Eternity TTRPG , your go-to source for everything happening across the planes of Dungeons & Dragons — from new books and adventures to the coolest things happening in Faerûn and beyond. Last week, Wizards quietly released The Tenebrous Stone — a free adventure available right now on D&D Beyond. It’s set in classic Forgotten Realms territory: the chilly reaches of Damara , where a cult of Orcus has hidden a demonic stone in a basalt quarry near the town of Helmsdale. The artifact radiates despair, turns workers into undead, and — as always — it’s up to your level 3 party to fix everything before the entire region becomes a necrotic wasteland. The adventure clocks in at about three encounters — perfect for a single evening session or if you can work your DM magic to stretch it out a bit, a spooky two-shot. It’s also fully preloaded into D&D Beyond’s new Maps VTT , and you don’t even need a subscription to run it. That’s a pretty smart way for Wizards to get more DMs testing the platform. But here’s what really caught people’s attention: The Tenebrous Stone is labeled as a ‘Deity Adventure’ — language we haven’t seen before. That phrasing suggests Wizards might be introducing a new adventure tagging system in the upcoming Adventures in Faerûn , a book we still know surprisingly little about.” Imagine a system where adventures are organized by which gods or faiths they involve — Ilmater, Lolth, Tyr — making it easier for DMs to build campaigns around divine themes. It’s a small detail, but it could mean a huge leap forward for campaign-building tools. Right now, though, that ‘Deity’ tag doesn’t do much mechanically. But it gives us a glimpse into what Wizards might be cooking — especially for Dungeon Masters who’ve been asking for better adventure-creation tools. Bell of Lost Souls’ blog coverage on this topic also ends with a great point: DMs carry the game. They create the world, the encounters, the tension — and while that’s rewarding, it’s also a lot of work. If Wizards can use tools like these ‘Deity Adventure’ tags to streamline prep or inspire new story hooks, that could be a win for the entire community. Perhaps – a way to streamline DM prep and inspire great adventures. So whether you’re looking for a one-shot full of undead cultists or just curious what 5.5E’s adventure system might look like, The Tenebrous Stone is worth checking out. It’s free, fun, and a peek behind the screen at what’s coming next for Faerûn. So — what do you think? Are you – like me – downloading The Tenebrous Stone for your next game night? Would you want to see more deity-themed adventures in D&D 2025? Drop your thoughts in the comments — and while you’re there, hit like , subscribe , and ring that bell so you don’t miss our next dive into the world of tabletop chaos.
By Jacob Tegtman November 11, 2025
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXPtTnjy5wU Transcription “Hey everyone, welcome back to Eternity TTRPG. Today we’re unpacking Critical Role Campaign 4, Episode 2: ‘Broken Wing’ — an episode that moves with quick flashbacks, a slow-burning mystery, and unveils one genuinely unsettling artifact. If you missed the premiere, don’t worry — I’ll give you the lay of the land so you can follow every twist.  My goal here with these recaps is to keep them at about 10minutes, so you can follow the main beats of Critical Role without the huge time investment. On that note, be sure to check out the summary for Episode 1 just earlier this week if you want to get caught up! The episode opens not in the present, but in the middle of a past war — the Falconer’s Rebellion — where we meet younger versions of characters who’ll matter later. There’s Teor, a hulking soldier who feels every weight he carries; Kattigan, the quick-witted fighter; and a 15-year-old Azune, whose future as an Arcane Marshal is only hinted at here. They’re pinned down, wyverns tear at the sky, and the scene is chaotic and desperate — a sobering hook that tells you: this world has history, and it’s messy. In the middle of that chaos we get a small but important moment: Thjazi Fang, a figure whose past actions ripple through the episode, is injured — and Casimir, a thornier face in the city’s underworld, scoops him to safety. That moment matters later. Now, cut to present-day Dol-Makjar: Hal and Thaisha — two careworn, sympathetic figures who run a refuge of sorts — find a shattered black ceramic mask in their home. The shards exhale a cold, silver mist, and Thaisha collapses, hearing a nightingale’s song in her head. The mask isn’t just creepy set dressing: Bolaire and Murray, two more scholarly voices in this corner of the city, quickly identify the object’s box as a coffin — etched with the name ‘Obsidia’ in Kessian, an ancient halfling script, and plated with celestial symbols. That combination — halfling religious iconography wrapped around something new and grotesque — immediately reads as blasphemy and trouble. The cast reconverges at Hal’s: Teor, Kattigan, Occtis, Azune, and Thimble are there around Thjazi’s body. Thimble — who’s small in stature but enormous in feeling — collapses onto Thjazi and blames Vaelus, demanding the Stone of Nightsong, a keepsake with emotional resonance for her. This is where the episode tightens: the friends learn Thjazi’s safehouse was ransacked, and Azune, ever the investigator, finds a magical forgery hidden in Thjazi’s coat. It looks like someone set a frame — betrayal stinks in the air. To complicate matters, Casimir and Cyd (Teor’s brother) are unaccounted for, and black feathers were found at the scene — a small clue that points to the Crow Keepers, a thieves’ guild Casimir is tied to. Thimble vows to go find answers. It’s a nice sequence of grief turning into action: the personal drives the plot. Meanwhile, the episode spends time in the halls of power. At Villa Aurora — home of House Halovar and the Candescent Creed — we meet new faces and old tensions. Wick, an eager acolyte, witnesses Teor rescue and heal a worker, and Teor’s act of mercy wins him attention. But not everyone is thrilled. Photarch Yanessa Halovar, a high-ranking cleric, quietly urges her house to distance itself from the Torn Banner and cozy up to House Tachonis — a rival power with suspicious influence. Yanessa even suggests Thjazi’s death was orchestrated by Tachonis. Translation for what we’re learning about this world? Every helpful act in Aramán has strings attached, and alliances are fragile. Quick context: The Halovars are powerful religious aristocrats; the Tachonis are another noble house with their own, shadowy agenda. Political intrigue is the bedrock here. Back in the quieter rooms, Bolaire and Murray dissect the coffin. The wood comes from the Wastes, the silver plates are ancient Kessian — the name Olbalad appears, which translates to a kind of halfling angel of death. A coffin referencing a celestial figure, newly crafted and oozing mist. It’s old magic — but it’s also a deliberate mockery or corruption of something sacred. When they drop a tool into the coffin, it falls forever — no sound, no impact. That silence is bone-chilling and tells us whatever this thing is, it doesn’t obey normal physics. The episode doesn’t stop on small horrors — it ends on something huge and awful. At the Villa Aurora’s Prismatic Retort — a massive machine that channels the ‘light’ powers of the Candescent Creed — Photarch Yanessa and Wick’s grandfather reveal what looks like an enormous iron maiden: inside, a chained, thirty-foot angel with siphoning taps in its body. It reads like religious science fiction and lands with a visceral, ‘did I just see that?’ finality. For an audience member, that visual hits differently from a dagger in the dark — it’s the campaign saying plainly: celestial things are broken here, and larger forces are being manipulated. At the end of each of these episodes I want to do a quick unpacking of what makes these Critical Role sessions so awesome, and what you can take away to your own next gaming session. Alright — so what can Broken Wing teach your table? 1. Try using flashbacks like living memories. Flashbacks like the Falconer’s Rebellion are emotional scaffolding. Instead of dumping lore about who fought who, we see Teor, Kattigan, and young Azune under fire. We feel their fear and loyalty, which gives context to their choices later. If you want to bring that to your table, drop players into short scenes from their characters’ pasts — five minutes tops. Let them play out the betrayal, the lost battle, the friendship they’ll mourn later. That way, when those memories resurface in the present, the emotion feels earned, and hit hard. 2. Make artifacts carry more than stats. The shattered mask and the Obsidia coffin are perfect examples of magic items that do something narratively. They carry history, faith, and fear. As a DM, whenever you hand your players a relic, ask yourself: Who made this, and why? What happens if it’s misused or broken? Maybe the item reacts to emotions, or maybe its power has cultural consequences — like this coffin blaspheming against celestial law. And finally, three: Keep your politics gray. One of the strengths of this episode is how every side believes it’s right. The Halovars see loyalty as survival; Tachonis treat manipulation as necessity. In your campaign, that’s gold. Let your factions and rulers have good reasons for bad choices. Make the players ask, “Are we helping the right people, or just the ones who smile at us?” When you blur those moral lines, every decision becomes roleplay fuel — and every revelation feels earned. So, remember — flashbacks plant emotion, artifacts anchor lore, and gray politics keep tension alive. Use those tools, and you’ll craft sessions that your players will talk about for months. So that’s Broken Wing — we got war-scarred flashbacks, an unnerving coffin that might be blasphemous, betrayal in the shadows, and an iron-maiden angel that raises more questions than it answers. Drop your wildest theory in the comments: who forged that coffin? What is the Stone of Nightsong actually holding? Subscribe for more recaps, DM tips, and quick takes. Next time we’ll dig into Episode 3 and follow the threads this one has left hanging.
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