Welcome to Curious Quill, an original content resource for d20 roleplaying.

Here at the Chronicles of the Curious Quill, we have introduced you to the setting of Taluma, its people and monsters, and also looked at ways to enhance role-playing in 5e (2014 & 2024). Now we will bring it all together to explore two characters from Taluma: a duo of heroes called Jorgmur Bestbeard and Ghil Grimeye. Maybe we will even share some of their tales.

Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Adding Flavor: Cleric Deities vs. Domains

In 5e, clerics that make it to 3rd level and beyond select a subclass that is a Domain. The domains represent types of clerics more so than deities and their characteristics as well as the qualities of their faith and followers. Domains can be shared between clerics of different deities. So, how can you give your character flavor through other character traits to represent the specific deity that they follow?

Read More about how you can do so.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Custom Species: Revisting Urchins

In 5e, you have the ability to create your own species. You can do this on paper, and even make a playable species in DDB. You can express your creativity by coming up with anything you want. But there actually is a simple way to make your own species without a lot of work.

Read More about how you can do so.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Construction Werk: Customizing Traits

There are often many ways to build characters with similar abilities, and finding the best option(s) to choose can be challenging, but challenging can be fun and rewarding. In the Construction Werk feature we will look at various tips and recommendations on the early phases of creating a character versus builds into even the early levels. This is about creating a solid foundation for your character.

This time we will look at how to use your imagination and creativity to, with the DMs approval, change the descriptions of things as long as they have the same effects.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Sub-Classes: Alternative ‘Rogue’ Builds

In the substitute classes (Sub-Classes) features we will look at ways to make different classes work in similar ways through combinations of backgrounds and class and subclass selections along with class feature and spell selection. This time we will look at how to build characters similar to the rogue class: a martial melee weapon martial fighter with stealth, mobility, many skills, and the ability to increase their damage.

Read More about making an skulker.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Construction Werk: Character Themes

There are often many ways to build characters with similar abilities, and finding the best option(s) to choose can be challenging, but challenging can be fun and rewarding. In the Construction Werk feature we will look at various tips and recommendations on the early phases of creating a character versus builds into even the early levels. This is about creating a solid foundation for your character.

This time we will look at how to build characters by using a theme or motif for the character and making selections based on that.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Construction Werk: Feat vs. Multi-Class

There are often many ways to build characters with similar abilities, and finding the best option(s) to choose can be challenging, but challenging can be fun and rewarding. In the Construction Werk feature we will look at various tips and recommendations on the early phases of creating a character versus builds into even the early levels. This is about creating a solid foundation for your character.

This time we will look at a possibly big decision, whether to multi-class or get your first Feat.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Sub-Classes: Alternative ‘Barbarian’ Builds

In the substitute classes (Sub-Classes) features we will look at ways to make different classes work in similar ways through combinations of backgrounds and class and subclass selections along with class feature and spell selection. This time we will look at how to build characters similar to the barbarian class, a melee weapon fighter that can increase their damage.

Read More about making an alternative raging warrior.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Construction Werk: Order of Operation

There are often many ways to build characters with similar abilities, and finding the best option(s) to choose can be challenging, but challenging can be fun and rewarding. In the Construction Werk feature we will look at various tips and recommendations on the early phases of creating a character versus builds into even the early levels. This is about creating a solid foundation for your character.

This time we will look at our recommended order to make your initial selections at 1st-Level, which is applicable even if your campaign starts at a higher level.

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Lore Kevin Frank Lore Kevin Frank

Sub-Classes: Alternative ‘Paladin’ Builds

In the substitute classes (Sub-Classes) features we will look at ways to make different classes work in similar ways through combinations of backgrounds and class and subclass selections along with class feature and spell selection. This time we will look at how to build characters similar to the paladin class, combining melee weapon combat with divine/radiant magic.

Read More about making an alternative radiant warrior.

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