Sneak Peak into the Vault
Take a look at the work in progress material for Vault of the Elders 5E/5.5E
Hey, Brendan here!
I've been toiling away on this manuscript for over a year now, and wanted to share some details. Here's a sneak peak into the vault!
Campaign is launching next week, so make sure to follow so you don't miss out on the best deals!
Layout Updates
Each book I make, I look for ways to improve not only the content, but the presentation. I've had a few ideas to really dial it in.
Chapters
- Chapter title on the left
- Creed epigraph in the footer on the left
- Drop Cap (giant stylized letter) leads the chapter text intro
- Page graphics sit on top of the image
- FYI current image is a placeholder, if you have a killer idea for the ranger class primary image, let me know in the comments
Stat Blocks
Stat blocks got a makeover with the 5.5E version. I've taken the portions that I see as improvements and made updates of my own to make everything as easy to use as possible.
- Combine sections using keywords and | to make it clear what it is, what it can do, and streamline using the stat block.
- Call out modifiers such as initiative if you want to move quickly.
- Streamline the Attack Roll and Saving Throw language.
- Remove unnecessary words and traits. If something doesn't create any value, such as defining something that's already included in the stat block, remove it.
Content
Ranger
Ranger playtesting has continued to pay dividends. There have been a ton of updates and tweaks to improve how the mechanics function in actual play. When the technical editors get their hands on it, there will be another round of adjustments!
Subclasses
The blood summoner is coming along! Illustration is wrapped and the mechanics will be undergoing technical editing shortly!
Spells
New ranger spells with a variety of thematic, tactical, and quality of life upgrades. I've consolidated the whole horde of spells rangers get into one convenient location.
Magic Items
One of my favorite new items is a community member's creation, Lubrol's Book of Personas. A fantastic twist on a consumable item with an endless number of uses.
Adventure
The adventure is designed to have one encounter per spread, making it unbelievably easy to run. Each spread has exactly what you need and nothing you don't:
- Combat, Exploration, and Social options
- Stat Blocks for the encounter
- Readaloud text to inform the GM and Player, eliminating duplicate text
- Modification suggestions to make it easier, hardier, or better fit the group
- No flipping multiple pages to grab the details you need
I'll be dropping more content over the next week leading up to the campaign launch. Follow to make sure you don't miss out!
Talk soon!
- Brendan
