use your reaction to identify a spell and succeed, you immediately regain the use of your reaction. Eldritch Cantrip At 10th level, even your cantrips can benefit from your alien magic. Select one cantrip you know to become a special type of cantrip called an “eldritch cantrip.” When you cast an eldritch spell, you may also cast your eldritch cantrip as a part of casting that spell. When you gain a level in the wizard class, you may change your eldritch cantrip to another cantrip that you know. Mad Genius Beginning at 14th level, your Intelligence score increases by 2, and your maximum Intelligence score is now 22. Your Wisdom score decreases by 2, down to a minimum of 4. Eldritch Madness Effects The effects of eldritch madness are entirely contained within your psyche, as these tables represent beliefs that you adopt, not changes to reality. You may be convinced that some of them are completely real, but they are not, though they may influence you to take actions that have dramatic effects upon the world. d20 LESSER ELDRITCH MADNESS EFFECT 1 When you cast a spell or attempt an ability check, you narrate your actions in a booming, dramatic voice. 2 When you take damage, instead of pain you experience an extreme tickling sensation. 3 Your first instinct whenever you encounter a foreign substance is to taste it. 4 You feel strongly that everything looks more aesthetically pleasing when it is on fire. 5 You become convinced your spellbook is sentient and trying to sabotage your research by changing your writing when you aren’t looking. You constantly edit it and make corrections. 6 You refuse to blink, for if you do the world will disappear forever before you can open your eyes. 7 You are certain the goblin race is an advanced species from another dimension, and you must learn their secrets. 8 It must be true that creatures “killed” by your magic are not slain at all. Instead they are sent to a dimension where they are continually force-fed bread until they choke to death. 9 You have the false belief that one of your companions is a dragon in disguise. You will reveal this secret…for a price. 10 What if you are living in one giant illusion spell? You must ensure creatures and objects are real by poking them repeatedly. 11 Pineapples are deviant and must be purged. 12 You suddenly realize that your shoes are probably trying to eat you, starting with your feet. They must be removed immediately. 13 Unless absolutely necessary, you only communicate by passing handwritten notes, just in case they are listening. 14 If you collect the teeth of more than 100 different species, you believe you will achieve ultimate power. You might have to eat them, but you’re not sure. 15 You now believe that buildings are actually giant mimics waiting for the right moment to strike. The only protection is to taste terrible by not bathing. 16 You sleep standing up—it’s much more efficient that way. 17 Whenever a creature misses an attack against you, you feel terrible and apologize profusely. 18 You suspect that one day your hair will be worth millions. That’s why you routinely tear it out and keep it in a safe place. 19 You develop a secret handshake that you believe all true wizards already know. You are sure any wizard that doesn’t is a doppelganger trying to steal your spellbook. 20 There is no need for violence. You try to resolve conflicts with a sincere and meaningful hug. TYRANTS & HELLIONS Villainous Archetypes 400
d8 GREATER ELDRITCH MADNESS EFFECT 1 That buzzing in your ears is unbearably distracting. You have disadvantage on saving throws to maintain concentration on your spells and abilities. 2 People should feel privileged to experience your magic. When you cast a spell that affects an area or multiple targets, you always try to affect as many creatures as possible. 3 Your fingers twitch and shake uncontrollably. When you cast a spell with a somatic component, you must succeed on a Constitution ability check with a DC of 10 plus the spell’s level or the spell fails, and your spell slot is expended. 4 You just can’t quite get some spells right. When a creature succeeds on a saving throw against one of your spells and would still suffer an effect, it instead suffers no effect. 5 You are eternally fearful of a fearsome creature you are convinced is right behind you. You have disadvantage on ranged spell attack rolls. 6 You are constantly dizzy. Before you cast a spell, you must sit down first, becoming prone. 7 You just want everyone to get along. When you roll initiative or gain this eldritch madness, you are considered charmed by the nearest hostile creature. The condition ends if that creature damages you. 8 Go big or go home! If you can cast a spell at higher levels, you always cast it using the highest-level spell slot you have available at the time. d4 SUPREME ELDRITCH MADNESS EFFECT 1 Why is magic so hard? You may only cast a spell if you do not move and take no other actions on your turn. 2 Your spellcasting is sloppy and unprofessional. When you cast a spell, you must expend a second spell slot of the same level or higher. If you cannot, you instead take 1d10 necrotic damage per level of the spell slot you needed to sacrifice. 3 How is that possible?! When a creature succeeds on a saving throw against one of your spells, you become frightened of that creature for one minute. 4 Why are we stopping? While under the effects of this madness, you cannot gain the benefits of a short rest. TYRANTS & HELLIONS Villainous Archetypes 401
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