House Rules

The Steinhearts campaign uses D&D 5e (2014 rules) with homebrew modifications from the Steinhearts setting.


Core Rules

  • System: D&D 5e (2014 edition, NOT 2024)
  • Setting: Gothic horror — quarantined city, Scourge plague
  • Theme: Dark, gritty, consequences matter

Homebrew Classes

Jaeger

A hunter class unique to the Steinhearts setting. Corbin is a Sanguine Jaeger.

FeatureDescription
Momentum DiceCan bank up to 6; spent on special abilities
Focus PointsResource for class features
Blood DrainCON save; deals necrotic damage, heals Jaeger for half
FlourishBonus action ability
Dodge StepReaction — move 5ft without provoking opportunity attacks
ParryReaction — weapon damage roll + ability mod blocks incoming damage
Weapon SwapCan freely sheathe and unsheathe weapons without using an action
Bloodied BonusGets bonuses when enemies are below half HP

Cursed Blood (Race)

A homebrew race. Ossivar is Cursed Blood.

FeatureDescription
SizeSmall
Ballad of the Nameless City30ft AoE, STR save or pushed 10ft and knocked prone. Once per short rest.
Physical traitsHorns, gangly limbs

Trick Weapons

A setting-specific weapon system. Details TBD — the DM mentioned that features like Cleave could be tied to trick weapons in the future.


Combat Rules

RuleDetail
Natural 20 (Death Save)Stand back up at 1 HP
Hit at 0 HPCounts as 2 death save failures
Forced MovementDoes NOT provoke opportunity attacks
Pack TacticsAdvantage when ally is within 5ft of target (ally must be adjacent)
ProneMelee advantage, ranged disadvantage. Standing costs half movement.
ShoveUses an attack action (not bonus action). Shield Master feat allows bonus action shove.
Natural 1sSituational effects (may cause disarming, etc.) — not always automatic failure

Barbarian Specifics

  • Rage ends if knocked unconscious
  • Limited rages per long rest
  • Gluthoric (Orc) has Powerful Build (carries as one size larger, up to 510 lbs) and Aggressive (bonus action Dash toward enemies)

Spellcasting Notes

  • Guidance: 1d4 bonus to ability checks
  • Bardic Inspiration: 1d6 bonus, lasts 10 minutes
  • Some 2014 spell mechanics differ from 2024 (e.g., Chill Touch is ranged 120ft in 2014)

VTT

The campaign is played on Foundry VTT.