Cattipede & Felinid

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D21st Century 1.07

Table of Contents

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3
Race............................................................................................................................................................... 4
Class .............................................................................................................................................................. 5

Barbarian: ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Bard: ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
Cleric: ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
Druid: .................................................................................................................................................... 11
Fighter:.................................................................................................................................................. 12
Monk:.................................................................................................................................................... 13
Paladin: ................................................................................................................................................. 14
Ranger:.................................................................................................................................................. 17
Rogue:................................................................................................................................................... 18
Sorcerer: ............................................................................................................................................... 20
Warlock................................................................................................................................................. 22
Wizard:.................................................................................................................................................. 23
Lifestyle ....................................................................................................................................................... 25
Artist: .................................................................................................................................................... 25
Criminal:................................................................................................................................................ 27
First Responder:.................................................................................................................................... 28
Fundamentalist:.................................................................................................................................... 29
Hometown Hero: .................................................................................................................................. 30
Multi-Level Marketing Recruiter .......................................................................................................... 32
Performer: ............................................................................................................................................ 33
Politician: .............................................................................................................................................. 34
Soccer Mom:......................................................................................................................................... 35
Veteran ................................................................................................................................................. 37
Custom Lifestyle: .................................................................................................................................. 38
Art Credit:.................................................................................................................................................... 40

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D21st Century 1.07

Introduction damaged by them. A massive dragon under city
hall probably won’t be hurt by a bullet, for
Welcome to the 21st Century! You’re probably example.
familiar and comfortable here, or at least your
character is. Your character—a 30 year old Intended Setting:
dragonborn soccer mom who moonlights as a
ranger after the kids go to bed—has lived and D21st Century was written and intended to be
grown up in the modern world, with elaborate used in a Western, preferably in America and at
fantasy realms only existing in fairy tales and least in a moderately urban area or suburb.
Hollywood blockbusters. Explore the modern Characters are supposed to have a life in a
world in this conversion of character creation certain place—a job, family, their school, etc.—
from the Dungeons and Dragons Player’s and campaigns are intended to be played within
Handbook: Fifth Edition. one area. You may have a campaign that’s more
“on the move” traveling in an RV, by Amtrak
How to use: train, etc. but some things might need to be
modified by your DM. A formal setting guide can
This guide is intended to be used alongside the be found here.
Player’s Handbook section covering character
creation. Backgrounds have been completely Communities and Backstory:
replaced by lifestyles. Some classes will look
very familiar in that not much has changed, but Traditional Dungeons and Dragons lends itself
some classes have added or replaced various well to player characters being loners or alone.
archetypes, paths, etc. Races have been lifted Creating a character with a family to come home
directly from the Player’s Handbook and to can be difficult with a traditional campaign of
excludes some races that are not conductive for adventuring in various places on various quests.
the modern setting. D21st Century characters are more grounded in
our modern reality—characters might be
Of course—like everything—these rules are married, have children, live with their parents or
fluid. If your DM and party want to include best friend, etc.
gnomes as playable characters in 2015 New
York City, then simply follow the guidelines Try to avoid backstories such as “My entire
outlined in the Player’s Handbook. Wood elves family was killed, and now I have no one.” Not
might have a space in Seattle, and dwarves only are they cliched, but we are all so
might be commonplace in Appalachia. As connected in the modern world that it’s unlikely
always, the most important part of the game is to your character doesn’t have anyone that they
have fun! care about or who cares about them.

Because this conversion solely covers character Consider in your backstory how your character
creation, some aspects of modern life such as fits into their community—how did they relate to
weapons and armor are not covered. The author their classmates in high school, what’s their
recommends playing with traditional Dungeons relationship like with their boss, and how often
and Dragons weapons as much as possible, to do they see their parents? Try to have at least
keep things recognizable and exciting. How three NPCs that they regularly interact with and
does your ranger hide the crossbow in his relate to.
briefcase? Where does your cleric store their
Warhammer when they’re at a parent-teacher 3
conference? If you intend on using modern D21st Century 1.07
weapons such as guns, grenades, etc. carefully
consider how each monster or adversary can be

Race

Most characters in D21st Century will be
humans. Elves, halflings, dwarves, etc. might
have existed at some point in early history, but
they don’t now, or at the very least no one has
seen them for centuries.

Depending on your campaign, these races may
be appropriate to use, however keep in mind
that D21st Century characters are modern
people navigating the world as they know it, and
races with long lifespans may change the
atmosphere of your campaign.

Most of the time a player character should be
fully human, so try to reflect this in your party. All
player characters should have at least half their
lineage be human.

If you are creating a character that isn’t
completely human, consider what the magical
half of their lineage has meant in their lives. If
they don’t look fully human—how do they hide in
plain sight amongst their coworkers? For
example, a dragonborn might wear an
enchanted necklace to hide his height and
scales, or a tiefling might wear a headband
imbued with illusion magic to hide her horns.

Playable races for D21st Century include:

• Human
• Dragonborn
• Half-orc
• Tiefling

You can find traits and statistics for humans on
page 31 of the Dungeons and Dragons Player’s
Handbook: Fifth Edition.

You can find traits and statistics for dragonborn
characters on page 34 of the player’s handbook.

You can find traits and statistics for half-orcs
characters on page 41 of the player’s handbook.

You can find traits and statistics for tiefling
characters on page 43 of the player’s handbook.

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D21st Century 1.07

Class Creating a Barbarian:

Your class is your primary definition of who your What angers you? Consider being your
character is and what they do. Class and character—what would anger a sixty year old
profession are different—adventuring isn’t your businessman or a nineteen year old college
day job and your class is your higher calling. student?
Your class is what drives your character and lets
them find their place in the world. Now think even deeper. What would enrage that
same nineteen year old? What is so terrible to
Look through all the classes before settling on her that even thinking about it makes her want to
one. You want to know what’s out there. Most punch holes in the wall, kick someone’s teeth in,
DMs will allow you to pick from any class, but be scream until her voice is hoarse?
sure to check in with yours to ensure they’re not
looking to limit or remove certain classes. As What has been her life up to this point? What
you level up you’ll get more powerful, so made her angry as a child? As a middle
carefully consider all aspects of a class before schooler? Maybe her parents got divorced right
making your final choice. before her high school prom and it ruined her
special night, or she had a bully on the
For a quick summary of every class check the elementary school playground that she never
chart on page 45 of Dungeons and Dragons got to get back at. Are those things still making
Player’s Handbook: Fifth Edition. her angry?

Barbarian: When creating a barbarian, figure out how and
why their fury got so overpowering that they
A roller derby skater elbows an enemy skater would now go into a battle rage during even the
hard as she tries to pass her. She laughs in smallest fights.
delight when she sees blood start pouring out of
the other skater’s nose. D21st Century Barbarian:

A politician throws the remote across the room Unlike a traditional barbarian, you do not
after watching the 5:00 news tear him to pieces necessarily have a home in the true wild—the
over his latest legislation. frozen tundra, swampy wetlands and thick
forests don’t invigorate you. Work with your
A teenage girl gets her bra strap snapped for a setting and where your character grew up. They
third time by the boy sitting behind her in math might have grown up as a circus acrobat who is
class. She breaks her pencil, sending splinters most comfortable in the back of an RV. Maybe
flying as she turns around and pushes him away they were raised in the seediest part of New
from her. York City and nothing feels more like home than
gunshots late at night and drug deals openly
As different as these people are they all have happening on the corner. Just remember that
one thing in common—uncontrollable rage, barbarians are in tuned with their animal nature
always lurking just beneath the surface. Not and feel the strongest when they are relying on
simply just anger, their fury is a force to be pure instinct and physicality, as well as their
reckoned with. unbridled rage.

Your character lives for the fight—combat is
when they come alive. When they go into a rage
the world melts away and they feel completely in
tune with their primal instincts, giving them
access to superior strength and a resistance to
some attacks of physical damage.

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Barbarian Quick Build: improvised weapons deal 1d8 bludgeoning
damage. You also gain advantage when using
You can make a barbarian quickly by following improvised weapons. While raging, attacks
these suggestions. First, put your highest ability against you dealing bludgeoning damage are
score in strength, followed by constitution. done with disadvantage. Also starting at third
Second, choose the veteran lifestyle. level, your armed strike uses a d6 for damage if
your strength is above 12.
Class Features:
1-2 PUNCH: Beginning at sixth level, while
See pages 46-50 of the Player’s Handbook for raging you can make two unarmed strikes during
Barbarian class features. Keep everything the your turn in combat for a total of three attacks. If
same and add: you are not using an unarmed strike, you only
make two attacks Also starting at sixth level,
Path of Bar Brawler: your unarmed strike uses a d8 for damage if
your strength if above 14.
Similar to Path of the Berserker barbarians Path
of the Bar Brawler barbarians focus on their rage WHEN THEY COME FOR YOU: Starting at level
as an outlet to unleash violence. Unlike other ten, when you know an enemy is tracking you or
barbarians however, bar brawlers have a focus if you are fleeing combat or the scene of a
on unarmed combat and are skilled at crime, your speed increases to 60 ft. for 1 hour.
outrunning their enemies such as the cops or Also beginning at level ten, your unarmed strike
other bar brawlers they’re fought with. uses a d10 for damage if your strength is above
BAR-BAR-IAN: Starting at level three, you 16.
become proficient with improvised weapons, and
FAST REFLEXES: Beginning at level fourteen,
enemies have disadvantage when they attempt
to make an opportunity attack against you while
you’re raging. If they fail, you may use your
reaction to deal an unarmed strike against them.
Also starting at level fourteen, your unarmed
strike uses a d12 for damage if your strength is
above 18.

Bard:

A young woman reads her latest poem to a
crowd at a political protest in the eleventh hour,
moving them to tears and relighting the passion
in their hearts.

Watching the new semester’s students fill into
his classroom, a college professor looks down at
his curriculum and knows that he has the power
to teach and inspire.

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D21st Century 1.07

The hot lights shining down upon them, a internet browser, taking Google maps tours of
Broadway star belts their final note to a standing Parisian museums, learning a new language
ovation, feeling the rush of adrenaline course and checking a how-to video on YouTube.
through their veins.
Bard Quick Build:
Bards know the inherent magic of words—from
bolstering their allies’ defenses with an inspiring You can make a bard quickly by following these
speech to using cutting insults, successfully suggestions. First, put your highest ability score
manipulating an enemy into taking psychic in charisma, followed by dexterity. Secondly,
damage. choose the performer lifestyle. Finally, choose
the dancing lights and vicious mockery cantrips,
Creating a Bard: along with the following 1st-leveI spells: charm
person, detect magic, healing word, and
A bard loves stories, words and song. They can thunderwave.
take the smallest detail of something and spin it
into a New York Times bestseller. They can read Class Features:
one article about climate change and inspire an
entire conference crowd to start composting and See pages 51-54 of the Player’s Handbook for
bicycling to work. A bard can fill a stadium arena Bard class features, stopping when you get to
with screaming teenage fans, desperate for the Bard College section. Replace both
even one look at the latest global pop sensation. presented colleges with the following:

When creating a bard think about the power of College of Shakespeare
words in your life. Words can motivate us, but
they can also hurt us very deeply. Think about The College of Shakespeare is where you will
your character and how words have impacted find bards most concerned with the written word,
them. Maybe they were cyberbullied as a such as poetry, playwriting, novels, etc. They
teenager and the memories of those insults might have majored in Creative Writing in
haunt them. Or perhaps they were constantly college, or they might not have any formal
praised as a child by their parents and are now training. Either way—bards who pursue the
the most confident person they know. They College of Shakespeare know how impactful
might have heard their favorite song when they stories are to our lives and how central
were eight, and it sent them on a path towards storytelling is to human history. The loyalty of
music. Whatever impact spoken word has had these bards is to an amazing story, and they are
on them, a bard knows exactly how powerful often in pursuit of the next great adventure so
their own voice can be. they can write about it.

D21st Century Bard: BONUS PROFICIENCIES: When you join the
College of Shakespeare at third level, you gain
A D21st Century bard is not always tied to music, proficiencies in two additional skills of your
unlike a traditional bard. Your character might be choice.
a musician, but most D21st Century bards are
not. Instead it is poetry, lectures, speeches, INSPIRING WORDS: Also at third level, you can
novels, etc. that modern bards draw their power use your connection to stories to weave an
from, with the exception of bards that go the inspirational tale to your fellow adventuring
College of Beatlemania route. party. You may use this feature to give up to five
allies within 30 feet of you who can hear you an
Also unlike traditional bards, you are not driven additional 1d6 temporary hit points. You roll the
to travel the lands for stories and knowledge. hit dice. You may use this feature a number of
You have the internet, baby! Bards are the most times equal to your Charisma modifier per long
likely class to have ten tabs open on their rest. You may include yourself. Add an
additional d6 at levels six and fourteen.

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PHANTASMAL FRIENDSHIP: At level six, you not have any scores below 10 then you can add
may conjure a phantasmal figure as an action to 2 to any ability score.
read romantic poetry to an enemy if they are
within 60 feet of you. If they fail on a Charisma EXPANDED KNOWLEDGE: At fourteenth level,
saving throw, they become charmed by you until you gain a small magical object that takes the
the end of your next turn. If they succeed, form of your choice. Once per long rest, you can
nothing happens. You can do this per long rest a physically hit an enemy with your magical object
number of times equal to half your proficiency to permanently learn one of their spells. The DM
bonus, rounded down. choses which spell you learn from your enemy.
If your enemy does not know any spells, then
STEPHEN KING NOVEL: Beginning at level this item has no effect. In combat, this counts as
fourteen, you receive an enchanted Stephen your action. If the spell you learn is one you do
King novel. Once per long rest, as an action, you not ordinarily have access to, such as an
can read some of it. Each hostile creature within exclusive wizard spell, you can still cast it
120 feet of you that hears you must succeed on provided you have the appropriate spell slot.
a Wisdom saving throw or become frightened of
you for 1 minute, and take 4d8 psychic damage. College of Beatlemania
Creatures who succeed on their saving throw do
not feel the effects and take half damage, and The College of Beatlemania teaches young
creatures under the frightened effect may make bards how to harness the power of music to gain
an additional Wisdom saving throw at the end of throngs of adoring fans. Beatlemania bards use
their turn to end the effect. their bardic powers to inspire their party
members with music and dances.
College of TED Talks
Bards who study at the College of Beatlemania
Bards who attend the college of TED Talks are may be international pop sensations or enjoy a
inspired by knowledge. They know a great many quieter life, but they all understand the power of
things and want to share it with the world. They fun, catchy music.
may be life coaches, postpartum doulas,
psychologists, etc. They might an elderly BONUS INSTRUMENTS: When you join the
grandfather, always showing off his historical College of Beatlemania at third level, you gain
artifacts to his young grandchild. proficiencies in two additional musical
instruments.
College of TED Talks bards are just as
fascinated with learning as they are teaching. BARD’S ROBES: At third level you gain bardic
These bards will be in the university library until robes in the form of your choice of a leather
three a.m., surfing Google while they should be studded jacket or a bedazzled jean jacket. This
working and are always asking questions. acts as light armor. Your AC is now equal to 10
plus your charisma modifier.
BONUS LANGUAGES: When you join the
College of TED Talks at third level, you learn 1980s SOUNDTRACK: At sixth level you gain
two new languages. an old cassette player and cassette tape, which
is imbued with your character’s favorite pop
ADDITIONAL SPELLS: Also at third level you song from the 1980s. When you press play on
learn the message cantrip and the first level the cassette player as a bonus action, you can
spell comprehend languages. distribute up to three additional charges of 1d6
bardic inspiration to creatures of your choice
SELF-HELP LITERATURE: At sixth level, you within 30 feet. You may not give yourself
can increase a single ability score to 10, inspiration.
regardless of how low it was before. If you do
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MORE POPULAR THAN JESUS: At fourteenth San Francisco. They don’t intend to. However
level, you can use your action in combat to your character arrived at their domain, be sure
conjure phantasmal fans once per long rest. The to hold those values above anything else.
fans crowd completely around you in a radius of
10 feet and take the appearance of whatever D21st Century Cleric:
you want. Enemies will be disadvantaged on all
attacks against you since you are hiding Your cleric differs in a major way from a
amongst your fans. Your phantasmal fans last traditional cleric—they probably don’t have a
one minute. god or goddess that they follow. If they do, it’s
not tied to their clerical powers.
Cleric:
Your 29 year old stay-at-home dad probably
A wave of healing springs from an ER nurse, does not worship Zeus. Your party’s firefighter
flooding over downed allies as enemies make doesn’t go to Sunday worship of Uthgar. If they
their final advances. His allies stand back up belong to a religion, it’s more than likely a major
and continue to fight alongside him. religion and common for your area.

Undead creatures wander a busy farmers This is not to say that these gods and
market as civilian cower under booths and goddesses don’t exist in the world, just that your
behind fruit displays. A young cleric steps out character more than likely doesn’t worship them.
from behind an apple stand and whispers an
incantation, instantly destroying the horde. When you’re choosing your domain, do not take
into consideration a deity when deciding which
A treacherous curse takes hold of a teenager path your character will take. Instead it’s the
wizard as she struggles to take a breath. She principle your character values that will impact
feels her life ending until her father lays a hand which domain you choose.
on her shoulder, curing her of her curse and
allowing her to rejoin the fight. Your holy symbol now becomes a symbol of
something that ties you to your domain.
Depending on their domain, clerics range from Examples include a book for the knowledge
awe-inspiring healers to blessed warriors to domain or lightning bolt shaped earrings for the
sneaky tricksters. One thing they all share in tempest domain. When using the Divine
common though is that their devotion to their Intervention feature you may call upon an
cause gives them unbelievable power. ancient spirit to help you, the god of whatever
religion your character might follow, a symbol of
Creating a cleric: your domain or something else. Work with your
DM to decide how you want your domain to be
When you create a cleric, you should consider represented during your Divine Intervention.
first and foremost what your character values
the most. At first level you choose your domain, For example: A tempest cleric might call upon
which will define your character. Choose a the Spirit of the First Storm in the final battle
domain that embodies how you want to play against the tarrasque in Times Square.
your character.
Cleric Quick Build:
Once you have chosen a principle create your
backstory to give explanation as to why that You can make a cleric quickly by following these
principle to so important to your character. Were suggestions. First, Wisdom should be your
they fourth generation soldiers who now value highest ability score, followed by Strength or
war as a way to solve conflict? Maybe they Constitution. Second, choose the first responder
belong to the city domain and have never left lifestyle.

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D21st Century 1.07

Class Features: HEALING HEARTS: Starting at level six, once
per long rest you can target up to three
See pages 56-63 of the Player’s Handbook for creatures in your sight that your character loves.
Cleric class features. Do not replace any You decide if your character loves them. Be
domains. Instead, add the City Domain found in reasonable in this decision. Those creatures
Wizards of the Coast’s Unearthed Arcana 7 - gain 1d6 temporary hit points if they have taken
damage in combat. At level fourteen this moves
Modern Magic here: up to a d10.
COME TO HELP: Starting at eighth level you
http://dnd5e.wikidot.com/cleric:city-ua can use dash as a bonus action if moving will
put you within five feet of an ally.
Also add: PROTECT THEIR HEARTS: Starting at level
seventeen once per long rest, you can give up to
Love Domain ten loved ones a +2 to their AC if they are within
30 feet of you. You take -2 to your AC when you
Philia. Eros. Ludus. Agape. Pragma. Philautia. use this ability. This ability lasts eight hours.
The different ways you can love and be loved
swirl around your cleric in the purest form of 10
magic. Clerics of the love domain have the D21st Century 1.07
greatest respect for relationships of all kinds—
the childhood love you had for your best friend,
laying under the stars with your husband of thirty
years, and dancing on a bar with your girlfriends
are the moments love domain clerics value the
most. They are fiercely protective of their loved
ones, and in a fight, can be counted on to
bolster their allies’ defenses.

LOVE DOMAIN SPELLS:

Cleric Level: Spells:
1st shield of faith,
sanctuary
3rd aid, warding bond
5th protection from
energy, magic circle
7th aura of life, freedom of
movement
9th skill empowerment,
reincarnate

BONUS CANTRIP: When you chose this
domain at first level you gain access to the
guidance cantrip.

SHIELDING: Also at first level, your shield of
faith grants an additional +1 bonus to AC for the
direction, bringing a total of +3 to AC.

CHANNEL DIVINITY: FAST FRIENDS: Starting
at level two you can use your Chanel Divinity to
gain advantage on all Charisma checks for ten
minutes.

Druid: D21st Century Druid:

A search and rescue officer speaks with a In the modern world, your druid is deeply
moose to find a missing hiker, sending a friendly concerned with the effects of climate change,
grizzly bear ahead of him to retrieve her. When mass extinctions and deforestation. They are
he finds her, he touches her gushing head trying to lead plastic-free lives and live a life with
wound to heal her injuries as she dangles from a a small carbon footprint. You won’t catch them
cliff. Confused, her fingers slip and she begins on an airplane or a gas guzzling car—sailboats,
falling. The druid turns into a giant eagle to catch buses and trains are the way to travel. In a rural
her and lands them both safely on the ground. setting they probably travel through town by
bicycle, horseback or on foot. They donate to
A city druid in the middle of Seattle conjures accredited animal orphanages and sanctuaries,
woodland beings, calling forth the Discovery as well going to or leading protests and
Park pixies to join her party and take out the demonstrations in front of the state capitol for
ogres terrorizing a wedding. climate change policies.

Druids are innately attuned with natural and wild Druid Quick Build:
elements of the earth and its creatures. They
embody nature’s perseverance, unpredictability You can make a druid quickly by following these
and wrath. They would never presume to know suggestions. First, Wisdom should be your
everything about nature or assume they have highest ability score, followed by Constitution.
any control over the natural elements of the Second, choose the politician lifestyle.
world. Instead they are nature’s students and
see the wild as an extension of themselves. Class Features:

Creating a Druid: See pages 64-69 of the Player’s Handbook for
Druid class features. Do not replace any circles,
When you create a druid, consider why your but remove the Underdark option from Circle of
character has such a close bond with nature. the Land. Add the following:
Maybe they were born into a crunchy granola
family and lived in a homesteading community Circle of the City
growing up. Your character could have been a
devoted Girl/Boy Scout and learned to The Circle of the City is made up of druids living
appreciate the wilderness during their many in sprawling urban cities. Circle of the City druids
campouts. Maybe your character grew up in the are able to find the wilderness in the most
heart of a bustling city and saw smog, acid rain unexpected places, and long to bring about an
and extreme temperatures affect the health of age of urban development happening alongside
their loved ones. greenification of existing spaces. The circle’s
wisest members began community gardens in
How did your character get their start as a the 1960s and became environmental engineers
druid? Were they first simply part of a and green architects. As a member of this circle,
Greenpeace demonstration that opened their your magic is closely tied to your particular city.
eyes to the natural world? Did they grow up with
woods in their backyard and held a deep BONUS LANGUAGE: Starting at level two, you
appreciation for its power and beauty? Whatever have access to an additional language due to
the reason they took on druidic powers, the one the melting pot of cultures around you in the city.
certainty is that they have deep love and respect
for the natural world. ADDITIONAL PROFICIENCIES: Also level two
you gain proficiencies in insight and history.

WILD PLACES: Starting at sixth level when you
enter a park or other natural space in your city
you have one additional charge of Wild Shape

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D21st Century 1.07

for a total of three Wild Shapes. This additional behind him, grabs his shield magically disguised
charge of Wild Shape is only when you are in a as a FitBit and rushes the goblins, taking them
natural space and ends immediately when you out one by one with his Warhammer, which he
leave the space. If you are currently transformed conveniently stashed under the player’s bench.
using your third charge when you leave the
natural space you immediately turn back into A karate instructor dismisses his class early as
your regular body. You only get a maximum of ghouls come creeping up out of his basement.
three charges per long or short rest, regardless He dons his karategi armor and grabs a sword
of if you enter a park multiple time - i.e. you off the wall—his student’s parents think it’s
cannot run in and out of a natural space for simply decorative. His cuts down the ghouls
infinite charges. quickly before his next class is set to begin,
changing into sweats afterwards to hide the
MELD INTO BRICK: Starting at tenth level you sticky green ghoul blood.
can cast Meld into Stone and exit in a different
area where you entered. You must have Meld Fighters are seasoned warriors who commit
into Stone prepared. You can move through themselves to learning and understanding
brick and concrete and gain access to areas weapons, fighting styles and shielding. They’re
usually sealed by locks or security systems. You who you want next to you in combat, rushing
may move into rooms blocked by insulation, forward and taking on the enemies as they’ve
drywall, studs, etc. as long as one part of the been trained to do.
wall is concrete, bricks, stones, etc. Doing this
takes up your action and uses a spell slot, and Creating a Fighter:
may only be used twice per long rest.
When you create a fighter, think about why and
GREEN MIRAGE: Starting at fourteenth level, how your character has chosen to become a
once per long rest, you can create an illusion of skilled warrior. What happened that made them
your dream for your city—be it sprawling rooftop seek out this training? Did they have a mentor?
gardens, bicycle roads where cars aren’t How did they gain access to a wide range of
permitted, towering trees shading pedestrian weapons while living in white picket fence
sidewalks, etc. Your illusion spreads up to a one suburbia?
mile radius. Any hostile creature that starts their
turn in your illusion must make a Wisdom saving Perhaps they were completely self-taught—an
throw at the beginning of their turn, or be abused child who found safety in makeshift
charmed by you and your vision for the future for weapons they could hide under their bed. Your
five minutes. Creatures may make a Wisdom character trained themselves every waking
saving throw at the end of their turn to end the moment to finally push back against their
charmed effect but the illusion stays for 5 abuser.
minutes regardless.
Maybe they were a seasoned soldier, and spent
Fighter: years of their adult life using weapons overseas
before becoming an instructor to others.
The star of his high school football team, an
eighteen-year-old boy runs off the field still in his However they became master warriors, fighters
gear towards a horde of goblins coming out from are lethal in battle, and always ready to jump
under the bleachers. He tells his team to get into the fray. Create a character that reflects
that.

D21st Century Fighter:

Modern fighters are different from traditional
fighters in that most of the time they’ll have to
hide their expertise. Think Batman or Spider-

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D21st Century 1.07

Man. Bruce Wayne is a master fighter, but most A retired businessman and his husband go for
people don’t know that until he dons the cowl an afternoon walk around the duck pond. As his
and goes out on the Gotham streets. Of course, husband throw bird seed to the ducks, the
your character doesn’t have to dress up in retiree hides in a tree before jumping on top of a
spandex and Kevlar and go be a superhero, but hidden juvenile bugbear, brandishing his
most people probably wouldn’t know the extent shortsword and remembering his training from
of your character’s fighting prowess. when he was a child in the Monastery of the
Crouching Tigers, Hidden Dragons.
Think of ways your character keeps their Whatever training they received at their
knowledge secret. Maybe they’re a personal monastery, monks are ultimately united by their
trainer by day and that’s how they maintain a ability to harness the energies that flow within
cover for their level of physical fitness, or they’re them and channel those energies into combat
a historical reenactor and practices with rubber skills, defense and speed.
swords during their Battle of Gettysburg
reenactment. Creating a Monk:

Fighter Quick Build: When you create your monk, consider their
connection to their monastery. They probably
You can make a fighter quickly by following spent their childhoods or adolescence in the
these suggestions. First, make Strength or monastery. Why? Did their parents send them
Dexterity your highest ability score, depending every day after school to study the same path
on whether you want to focus on melee that they themselves once walked? Were they
weapons or on archery (or finesse weapons). foster children who wound up in the monastery’s
Your next-highest score should be Constitution, care? Maybe they were a homecoming queen
or Intelligence if you plan to adopt the Eldritch who was saved from certain death by monks
Knight martial archetype. Second, choose the belonging to the Order of Damsels in Distress,
veteran lifestyle. and she vowed to join the order to save others.
However they ended up with the monastery,
Class Features: consider why they then left to seek adventure
away. What pulled them away from the life they
See pages 71-75 of the Player’s Handbook for were so deeply entrenched in? Maybe in a fit of
Fighter class features. Do not change anything,
and pick from the suggested archetypes. 13
D21st Century 1.07
Monk:

A McDonald’s worker takes the trash out to the
dumpster late at night, the darkness filling the
alley. She’s attacked by two shadow assassins
sent by her order’s oldest enemy, the Monastery
of the Water Lilies. They attempt to best her, but
her fists are too fast for them, and she quickly
fends them off before picking up the garbage
bags she dropped and throwing them in the
dumpster.

teenage rebellion, your character ran away the as she’s desperately looking for the fiends
monastery your family has called home for three hidden amongst the cops.
hundred years. Maybe you were kicked out after
a humiliating defeat. Consider your character’s A National Guard soldier leads the search
full journey from vowing to walk the ways of your through flooded houses after Hurricane
monastery to then leaving. Esmeralda tore through the streets of Houston.
He touches his American flag patch, feeling
As a result of the structured life of a monastic patriotic devotion wash over him. When he finds
community and the discipline required to people desperate for first aid, he thinks of white
harness ki, monks are almost always lawful in picket fences, apple pie and July 4th fireworks as
alignment. healing flows through him into the injured.

D21st Century Monk: Whichever path your paladin takes, they are on
the front lines in the battle of good versus evil.
As you craft a twenty first century monk, try to Whether taking an oath of vengeance, just
avoid the obvious tropes. Your monk does not audible to you, as your parents lay shot from a
have to a martial art instructor that hails from mugging gone wrong or vowing in a room with
China, or a Tibetan expat who took a vow of forty other men to defend the American
silence. Leave stereotypes, particularly Asian constitution from all enemies, or chanting on
stereotypes, at the door when creating your Wall Street as you protest income inequality, a
character. D21st Century monks are hidden in paladin’s oath is sacred. Their oath gives them
plain sight, deeply loyal to the foundations in extraordinary powers, and bounds them to their
which they were trained, and very aware of values.
things like the emotional atmosphere of
situations and other people’s energies. Creating a Paladin:

That’s not to say that your monk couldn’t be a The most important part of a paladin is your
modern-day ninja hailing from Japan, but quest. Your quest gives you a reason to get up
consider expanding your horizons or deeply in the morning—sure, you might work at a
considering what a modern-day ninja looks and daycare changing diapers all day, but when
acts like. you’re working towards your quest you feel alive.

Monk Quick Build: Consider what your quest is, and which oath
best suits that quest. You won’t get the benefits
You can make a monk quickly by following these of your oath until you’re level three, but this is
suggestions. First, make Dexterity your highest something to plan ahead for, so look over each
ability score, followed by Wisdom. Second, oath carefully. Remember that the ultimate goal
choose the soccer mom lifestyle. for any paladin is the triumph of good over evil,
so your quest should reflect that.
Class Features:
Consider who and what helped your paladin
See pages 77-81 of the Player’s Handbook for along the way with their training. Was this an
Monk class features. Do not change anything, ideal they were raised with? Did they hear a call
and pick from the suggested traditions. to action one night as they tried to sleep in their
freshman dorm? How did they arrive at where
Paladin: they are now in their quest?

Protesting for racial justice, a middle aged D21st Century Paladin:
paladin devoted to social justice casts detect evil
and good into the crowd of oncoming riot police Similar to clerics, the biggest difference between
traditional paladins and D21st Century paladins
is the absence of a religious motivation. Again,

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D21st Century 1.07

similar to clerics your paladin will more than Equality. All people have equal value to others.
likely worship whatever religion is popular in
your setting—Judaism in New York City, Baptist Benefit of the Doubt. You believe that most
in the American south, etc. people doing the best they can, and you give
others the benefit of the doubt when things
With paladins the focus instead shifts on what seem sketchy.
your character has a religious devotion to. If they
belong to the oath of vengeance, then they Protest. Fight for the future you want to see.
would have a devotion to enacting justice on
wrongdoers, for example. Education. Take the responsibility to educated
yourself on the issues people in your community
To create a modern paladin think about what are facing.
exactly motivates your character, and remove
religion from the equation in most OATH SPELLS: You gain the following spells at
circumstances. the paladin levels listed:

Paladin Quick Build: Paladin level: Spells:
3rd Detect evil and good, purify
You can make a paladin quickly by following food and drink
these suggestions. First, Strength should be 5th Prayer of healing, zone of truth
your highest ability score, followed by Charisma. 9th Remove curse, crusader’s
Second, choose the hometown hero lifestyle. mantle
13th Aura of purity, private sanctum
Class Features: 17th Dispel evil and good, skill
empowerment
See pages 84-88 of the Player’s Handbook for
Paladin class features. Keep Oath of CHANNEL DIVINITY: When you take this oath
Vengeance, but replace Oath of Devotion and at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel
Oath of the Ancients with: Divinity options:

Oath of Social Justice Sacred weapon As an action, you can imbue
one weapon that you are holding with positive
The Oath of Social Justice aims to bring peace energy, using your Channel Divinity. For one
and prosperity to all people. Social Justice minute, you add your Charisma modifier to
paladins think all people deserve access to food, attack rolls made with that weapon (with a
water, housing and medical treatments. minimum bonus of +1). The weapon also emits
bright light in a 20-foot radius and dim light 20
Paladins who swear themselves to the Oath of feet beyond that. If the weapon is not already
Social Justice hold themselves to the highest magical, it becomes magical for the duration.
standards in terms of donations to the needy,
joining marches and educating themselves on You can end this effect on your turn as part of
various issues. Their quest towards a utopia for any other action. If you are no longer holding or
all people keeps them going, and they’re often carrying this weapon, or if you fall unconscious,
handing out flyers, speaking at school council this effect ends.
meetings and staging protests outside the state
senate. Ignore gear As a bonus action, you can begin to
ignore the bonus to AC a humanoid opponent
TENETS OF SOCIAL JUSTICE: Paladins of the gets from wearing heavy armor for one minute.
Oath of Social Justice typically uphold the
following tenets: AURA OF JUSTICE: Starting at 7th level, you
create a 10-foot area around yourself that is a
Charity. Give whatever you can for the
betterment of mankind. 15
D21st Century 1.07

place of refuge for those who might need it. Any Oath of Patriotism
allied creature in this aura gains a bonus to their
ability checks, attack rolls, and saves equal to Paladins who take the Oath of Patriotism are
your Charisma modifier (minimum of 1). fiercely devoted to their country and everything
Additionally, any damage dealt to allied they know it can be. They see beyond the flaws
creatures (and yourself) is reduced by a number in society and believe that, despite everything,
equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of 1). there really is no better place on Earth.
At 18th level, this aura increases to 30 feet.
Oath of Patriotism paladins believe in the
HELP!: Beginning at level 15, you can take the American dream—that anyone can be anything.
Help action as a bonus action on your turn They believe in pulling yourself up by their
targeting a creature of your choice within your bootstraps and want every Thanksgiving to feel
Aura of Justice. like a Norman Rockwell painting. They might be
politicians pushing their ideological agenda or a
CALL YOUR SENATOR: At level twenty, as an naive high schooler who dreams of joining the
action you gain the ability to have every friendly Air Force.
or neutral person within two hundred feet of you
flood the minds of your enemies within sixty feet TENETS OF PATRIOTISM: Paladins of the
of you. Enemies must make a Wisdom saving Oath of Social Justice typically uphold the
throw against your spell save DC, or be under following tenets:
the incapacitated condition for one minute due to
all incoming thoughts of people’s dreams and Sacrifice. Sometimes one must sacrifice for the
hopes for the future. Enemies who fail their greater good.
saving throw may make an additional Wisdom
saving throw at the beginning of each of their Culture. American culture has many moving
turns to come out of the effect. Enemies who parts, each better than the last.
pass their saving throw are unable to be
incapacitated from this effect for 24 hours. You Freedom. We must protect against tyranny and
may do this ability once per long rest. uphold our freedoms.

Growth. My country will flourish in the future,
and I want to help it get there.

Brotherhood. I want to help my countrymen be
the best they can be through inspiring words or
actions.

OATH SPELLS: You gain the following spells at
the paladin levels listed:

Paladin level: Spells:
3rd Bless, heroism
5th Find steed, warding bond
9th Elemental weapon, blinding
smite
13th Freedom of movement, faithful
hound
17th Wall of force, legend lore

CHANNEL DIVINITY: When you take this oath
at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel
Divinity options:

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D21st Century 1.07

To the flag: Starting at third level, if you use STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
your action to say the pledge of allegiance with 19 14 16 7 (-2) 14 10
your hand over your heart, you gain ten (+4) (+2) (+3) (+0)
temporary hit points. Your hit points last until you (+2)
take a long rest, or until they are taken away by
combat. You may use this feature twice per long Skills Perception +4
rest.
Senses Passive Perception 14
American Dream: Starting at third level, you
may imbue one ally with the spirit of American Charge: If the bison moves at least 20 feet
opportunity. Channeling your divinity, you touch straight toward a target and then hits it with a
one creature. That creature’s range for ram attack on the same turn, the target takes an
opportunity attacks doubles for one minute. extra 2d6 damage. If the target is a creature, it
must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw
AURA OF FREEDOM: Beginning at seventh or be knocked prone.
level, you and friendly creatures within 10 feet of
you can’t be charmed or frightened while you Actions
are conscious. At level 18, this range increases
to 30 feet. Ram: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10
ft., one target. Hit: 2d6 + 4 bludgeoning damage.
WHITE PICKET FENCE: Beginning at level 15,
you and up to five friendly creatures can enter a Hooves: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach
pocket dimension for up to ten minutes where 5 ft., one prone creature. Hit: 4d8 + 4
you will be healed for 5d6 hit points. The bludgeoning damage.
entrance to the dimension is magically disguised
as a flag pin that you wear. The pocket Ranger:
dimension looks like a white picket fence, lush
green lawn and a big, friendly house built just for As a harpy soars over the Venetian Causeway
you. in Miami, an animal control officer draws his
archery bow magically disguised as a
WILD SHAPE: At level twenty, you can wild tranquilizer gun before he shoots poison arrows,
shape once per long rest into one of the attempting to bring down the beast before it
following American animals: crosses the causeway.

• Bald eagle A hunter’s beastly companion sniffs the ground
• Grizzly bear as the two track a hippogriff through the thick
• Bison forest, trying to find the monster before it
reaches the sleepy town waiting just beyond the
Use the rules of Wild Shape on pages 66-67 of woods. The hippogriff screams in the distance,
the Player’s Handbook. For a bald eagle, use and the ranger with his companion races
the Giant Eagle stats. For a grizzly bear, use the towards the sound, a shortsword in his hand and
Brown Bear stats. For a buffalo, use the a pounding in his heart.
following stats:
Whether a natural hunter or a friend to beasts, a
Armor Class 14 (natural armor) ranger seeks to push back the tide of monsters
and keep their town safe. They are generally
Hit Points 39 (5d10 + 8) loners who are willing to get their hands dirty
and fight. Rangers are on constant alert, and
Speed 60 ft.

17
D21st Century 1.07

keep an unending watch on the monsters that Ranger Quick Build:
threaten innocent people.
You can make a ranger quickly by following
Creating a Ranger: these suggestions. First, make Dexterity your
highest ability score, followed by Wisdom.
When creating a ranger, think about how and (Some rangers who focus on two-weapon
when they received their training in monster fighting make Strength higher than Dexterity.)
hunting. Did they come from a long line of Second, choose the criminal lifestyle.
hunters, dating all the way to the Revolutionary
War? Traditions might have been passed on Class Features:
from father to son, mother to daughter for
centuries. Or perhaps they got quick on-the-job See pages 90-93 of the Player’s Handbook for
training when a vampire broke into their house Ranger class features. For the Natural Explorer
and began feeding on their mother when your feature, replace the Underdark with Urban
ranger was only thirteen. terrain. Otherwise, keep everything the same
and pick from the suggested archetypes.
What does their life as a monster hunter look
like? Are they on the move—tracking werewolf Rogue:
sighting throughout the Midwest? Do they have
one neighborhood in Boston that they patrol A woman accidentally runs into a Wall Street
every night to push back the tide of ghouls investment banker as they two pass each other
threatening to overrun Fenway Park? on a busy New York street. She apologizes as
he rolls his eyes and keeps walking, arguing
If your adventuring party has already met--what loudly on his cell phone. Ten minutes later, he
made your ranger give up their life of solitude realizes that his wallet is missing from his pocket
and join a group? as she’s a mile away counting her cash and
throwing the rest of the wallet into the garbage.
D21st Century Ranger:
A thirty five year hacker scoffs at some teenager
When creating your modern ranger, consider determined to take down a human trafficking
monster of the week shows such as The X-Files, site. These kids don’t know what they’re doing.
Supernatural or Buffy: The Vampire Slayer. You? You were raised during the boom of
What do these shows and characters have in technology and have been hacking just as long.
common? Are there any tropes or cliches that The trafficking site is down within a day, and
you find interesting? every computer that’s ever accessed it has a
traceable virus, thanks to you.
Modern rangers browse Facebook for
information about their high school crush, go to A man, armed with an attractive smile and
drinks after work with their coworkers and just so perfectly tailored suit, charms his way into a
happen to kill wendigos on the weekends. In billionaire’s party. He dances and schmoozes all
between college exams, they find time to take night before finally slipping into the billionaire’s
care of the ghost possessing their Tinder match. bedroom, slitting his throat when the billionaire
stumbles in late that night.
They might belong to a long line of hunters, like
Buffy Summers, or were trained since they were Rogues are defined by their carefully honed
a child, like Dean Winchester. Consider how skills in deception, stealth and ability to get the
your character feels about this bloody, upper hand in any situation. They are willing to
dangerous, lonely life—do they live for the hunt
or in their heart of hearts do they dream of 18
sleepy Saturday mornings and a family? D21st Century 1.07

do whatever it takes to get to their goals, plan to emphasize deception and social
including breaking the law when needed. They interaction. Second, choose the criminal
prioritize using their cunning and charisma to get lifestyle.
out of sticky situations over strength. Rogues
are treasure hunters, opportunists, and Class Features:
investigators, always seeking the next big score.
See pages 95-98 of the Player’s Handbook for
Creating a Rogue: Rogue class features. Including all archetypes
and include ChaseC311’s Hacker archetype with
When creating a rogue, consider how your some modification’s from this guide’s author:
character relates to the law. Are they a known
criminal, hiding in plain sight to avoid the police? Hacker
Have they gotten on government watchlists?
Have they completely fooled law enforcement The hackers knows all about technology. They
into thinking they’re nothing more than an can create a computer virus, leak sensitive
upstanding citizen? documents and wire money. Hackers are also
ghosts—operating in the shadows, they know
What was the reason you left your old life how to keep the lowest of profiles. They can tap
behind? Maybe you were a runaway foster kid, into the spellweave and control tech even when
forced to turn to theft to survive. Maybe you they’re not in front of their computer.
were a successful businessman who grew sick
of always playing by the rules. You might have BONUS PROFICIENCIES: Starting at 3rd level,
been an investigative journalist who realized that your skills at circumventing artificial problems
stories pay more than you’re the subject than grants you proficiency in hacker's tools*.
the writer. Whatever the reason is, you left your
old life behind for something. What was it? INCOGNITO: When you Dodge, you can choose
to cloak yourself and render yourself invisible to
D21st Century Rogue: the eye. As you're cloaked, you are considered
invisible. This lasts until the end of your next
Modern day rogues are criminals that know how turn. While in incognito, your speed increases by
to work the system to their advantage. When 10 feet. The invisibility ends early if you are hit
creating your character, think about who, how with an attack, or if you make an attack or cast a
and why they learned their trade. spell. You can use this feature a number of
times equal to your Intelligence modifier
Someone helped them along the way—who? (minimum of once) per long rest.
Why did they take on your character as an
apprentice and how do you both ensure you ARCANE NETWORK: Starting at 3rd Level,
won’t turn each other in? using your hacker's tools, you are able to tap
into the spellweave in order to figure out what
What steps does your character take to remain magical strings are tied to an object or person.
under the radar or out of police’s hands? You can cast Identify and Detect Magic as
Consider all modern surveillance equipment, rituals if you have your hacking tools and the
and how your character avoids them. spell components on you during the ritual's
casting time.
Rogue Quick Build:
SHUTDOWN: Using your hacking skill, you can
You can make a rogue quickly by following utilize technological weaknesses to your benefit
these suggestions. First. Dexterity should be and another's detriment. Starting at 9th level,
your highest ability score. Make Intelligence your you can target a creature or piece of technology
next-highest if you want to excel at Investigation as an action and attempt to lock down their
or plan to take up the Arcane Trickster or Hacker access to their tech:
archetypes. Choose Charisma instead if you
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D21st Century 1.07

As an action, you can force a creature within 60 their draconic ancestor’s laugh echoes in their
feet of you to make an Intelligence Saving head.
Throw. The DC equals 8 + Your Intelligence
Modifier + Your Proficiency Bonus. On a failed A little boy hides in the closet as his parents fight
save, the target cannot use any technology on downstairs. A surge of emotions courses
their person until the end of your next turn. The through him, and suddenly he’s surrounded by
creature suffers disadvantage on the saving faint, ethereal music for the next minute,
throw if they are have technology integrated into drowning out his parents’ screams.
their body (like if they rely on the use of a
mechanical arm). You can use this feature twice, An incredibly rare spellcaster, a sorcerer gets
regaining all expended uses at the end of a long their power from their bloodline or exposure to
rest. You gain an additional use of Shutdown at an otherworldly source. Magic is imbued into
13th and 17th level. every single part of themselves; mind, body and
soul all ready to tap into their power whenever
BROADBAND: Due to your success in the sorcerer might need.
exploiting glitches and coding flaws, your
incognito capabilities have broadened. Starting Creating a Sorcerer:
at level thirteen, when you use your incognito
ability, you can choose to cloak nearby allies. The most important aspect to your sorcerer is
where they get their power. When you create
As an action, you can expend a use of Incognito your character, you’ll choose an origin for your
and cause a number of allies (including yourself) sorcerer’s powers, but that’s just the beginning.
within 30 feet of you equal to your Intelligence Where the power comes from in the important
Modifier (minimum of twice including yourself) to part. Was their family cursed centuries ago by a
gain the benefits of Incognito. Once you use dragon who was never seen again? Were they
Broadband, you must take a long rest before chosen by their city’s guardian spirit to help
you can do so again. bring magic back to St. Louis? Or perhaps your
sorcerer went looking for this magic—trekking
VPN: Your ability to mend technology and magic into bat filled caves or searching the ocean floor
to your will has hastened. Starting at 17th level, for the lost artifact rumored to give people power
you gain the following benefits: beyond their imagination.

• You have advantage in saving throws However you got your power, now it’s always
against hacking. there lurking beneath the surface. Is it a
blessing? Is it a curse? What are you going to
• Your Shutdown DC increases by 2. do with this tremendous power?

*Hacker tools include: A laptop with various hacking D21st Century Sorcerer:
software installed, and hacking hardware including
cables, etc. Modern sorcerers are tied to the past—your own
personal history, or history dating back
Sorcerer: thousands of years.

A drug dealer gets backed into an alley corner If you’re a wild magic sorcerer, consider how the
after their buyer turns on them, pulling out a unpredictable nature of your magic has gotten
knife and inching closer to the dealer. The you into trouble. Have you been fired from a job
nineteen year old sorcerer feels the rush of for accidentally setting the clothing rack on fire
power flood their veins as they cast a powerful after unknowingly casting fireball? Perhaps your
spell to ward off the encroaching buyer, and parents kicked you out after the sixth time a third
eye appeared on your forehead. How has your
wild magic gotten you out of trouble? Maybe you
teleported 60 feet out of a dangerous situation or

20
D21st Century 1.07

you calmed a situation when illusory butterflies Class Features:
and flower petals fluttered in the air at your
sister’s wedding after your aunt wore a white See pages 100-104 of the Player’s Handbook
ballgown. for Sorcerer class features. Keep everything the
same and pick from the suggested origins or
If you’re a draconic bloodline sorcerer, consider choose:
how you or your ancestors made a bargain with
a dragon, and what that means for your Demigod Origin
character living in modern Brooklyn. Does this
dragon owe you a debt? What does it mean to Your internal magic derives from a godly parent
be studying at Harvard Law and have draconic or grandparent. They operate in the secret these
blood flowing through your veins? What did your days—no one has worshipped at your godly
ancestors have to do for the dragon in exchange bloodline in at least a millennium. But still, they
for this power that’s just simmering in your took a trip to Portland twenty years ago and here
bones now? you are. Ancient power runs through your veins,
even if you haven’t heard from your otherworldly
Sorcerer Quick Build: parent in decades.

You can make a sorcerer quickly by following GODLY BLOODLINE: At first level, choose from
these suggestions. First, Charisma should be the follow domains for your godly parent to
your highest ability score, followed by belong to: Knowledge, Life, Light, Nature,
Constitution. Second, choose the artist lifestyle. Tempest, Trickery, War, Love. The domain will
Third, choose the light, prestidigitation, ray of be used at a later level.
frost, and shocking grasp cantrips, along with
the 1st-level spells shield and magic missile. Also at first level you learn Celestial, and gain
advantage when using charisma checks against
celestials.

HOLY GLOW: At level one, your skins emits a
faint, warm glow due to your divine origins. You
automatically receive darkvision at level one with
a range of 30 feet and have resistance to cold
damage.

DIVINE SPELLS: Starting at level six, you gain
the ability to cast the following spells related to
your domain if you do not already have them:

Knowledge See invisibility, zone of truth
Life Prayer of healing, feather fall
Light Chromatic orb, moonbeam
Nature Healing spirit, spike growth
Tempest Thunderwave, scorching ray
Trickery Disguise self, mirror image
War Divine favor, magic missile
Love Cure wounds, warding bond

I ALWAYS WANTED A HORSE: Beginning at
level fourteen, you can call forth a gift from your
heavenly parent—a Pegasus to ride on once per
long rest. The Pegasus may make attacks and

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D21st Century 1.07

should be included in initiative. The Pegasus will contact with an imp when they were a six year
disappear when it drops to zero hit points, or if old on the playground?
you dismiss it.
Consider how your character feels about this
MOMMY’S BLESSING: Starting at level pact now that it’s been made. Are they happily
eighteen, you may spend 5 sorcery points once accomplishing the tasks that they’re given, or do
per long rest to call down your godly parent’s they yearn for a way out of the pact?
blessing. You use your action to do this. This
effect lasts one minute. During this time your Consider the things your own character might
skin’s faint glow grows more powerful until you not know. What plans does your patron have for
are emitting such a brilliant light that all you? Why did they pick you? How do they feel
creatures that begin their turn within sixty feet of about you? If needed, work with your DM to
your bright aura must succeed on a DC 20 create a background that suits everyone at the
constitution saving throw or become blinded for table.
the rest of the minute. Creatures who succeed
on their saving throw do not become blinded. D21st Century Warlock:

Warlock: When creating your warlock and their patron,
consider how your character’s patron views all
A Pixie court calls upon the president of the the trappings of the modern world. Does your
United States, reminding him of pact they made fiend patron hope to gain a foothold on TikTok
with one another three decades ago, and the and how are you going to get him more followers
president vows to uphold their agreement in on Instagram? Does the Summer Court fey you
continued exchange for the power that helped owe your life to host grand parties in the
him rise through the political ranks. presidential suite of the nicest hotel in town?
How does your character feel about this?
A cult leader summons his followers to behold
the unicorn they all worship. Their worship Modern warlocks and patrons are in more
makes the unicorn more powerful, and with the consistent communication than this kind of
unicorn’s power growing, so does the cult relationship might have been three centuries
leader’s. ago. Does your character enjoy getting
snapchats from a Dryad on the weekends? Do
Warlocks are defined by the pact they once they wish they could set their phone to auto
made with an otherworldly being. Friend or foe reject calls from The Unending Silence?
to the human race, it doesn’t matter—what Consider how all the technology at both your
matters is that an agreement was made, and an character’s and their patron’s fingertips
exchange of power for favors was had. Warlocks influences the relationship.
are driven by their need for influence and
knowledge, which is why they made the pact in Warlock Quick Build:
the first place. For better or for worse, they’re
stuck now. You can make a warlock quickly by following
these suggestions. First. Charisma should be
Creating a Warlock: your highest ability score, followed by
Constitution. Second, choose the Multi-Level
As your warlock gets created, think carefully Marketing Recruiter lifestyle. Third. choose the
about their patron. It’s easy to see why your eldritch blast and chill touch cantrips, along with
middle manager would make a deal with the the 1st-leveI spells ray of sickness and witch
devil for a promotion, but what does the devil bolt.
need from you? How did your character make

22
D21st Century 1.07

Class Features: sicken an enemy with just one look. Wizards are
scholars, studying the old ways and questing for
See pages 106-111 of the Player’s Handbook new magical knowledge.
for Warlock class features. Keep everything the
same and pick from the suggested patrons or Creating a Wizard:
choose ChalkyChelsea’s The Company patron:
When creating a wizard, think about how they
https://www.gmbinder.com/share/-LwpPUGOc- first came into contact with magic. Were they
sIPJUzrKbb raised in a witch’s house, like Kiki in Kiki’s
Delivery Service? Did they have one terrifying
Wizard: encounter with the Dragon of the Met that a
wizard saved them from? How did they discover
A young witch races to a job interview in a they had an aptitude for magic?
packed subway station, the crowds slowing her
down as the clock ticks. She checks to make Most wizards are devoted to their studies and
sure no one is looking at her, pulls her arcane practice often. Does yours? Or do they have a
focus out of her hoodie pocket and casts a spell natural talent that makes them the envy of their
that makes her move at an incredible pace, peers?
allowing her to navigate the crowds more easily
and get to her interview. Why are you adventuring instead of studying
ancient lore and techniques? Consider what
An elderly wizard, past his adventuring years drew your wizard away from their scholarly
and now a mentor to a young boy in his pursuits towards adventure.
borough, goes outside and feels the blast of cold
air and sees heavy snow falling. He forgot to D21st Century Wizard:
check the weather this morning. He takes her
quarterstaff out from his hall closet and points it Modern wizards differ from traditional wizards in
at the sky, changing the weather to a pleasantly that they have access to technology. Is your
cool, overcast day. spell book stored in an app that you have to
magically access? Perhaps your arcane focus is
A princess of a small European nation is bored a stylus for your iPad, or your magical school is
in the gardens. She’s studying with tutors from a website masquerading as an online college.
the school of evocation just like her mother, but
has been forbidden from destroying the palace Do you find your spell components in a back
grounds with her recently learned spell lightning room of the corner bodega, run by a potion
bolt. She turns to see her minder has gone maker that you’ve known since you were a
inside for a moment, so she casts her new spell, child? Maybe you have to sit in traffic for three
setting the gardens ablaze with lightning hours every weekend to get to the only shop this
damage. side of the country that sells all the components
you need.
Wizards are supreme magic users, studying at
their chosen school of magic and united to Wizarding schools also look different in the
others who do the same. They have access to modern day. Work with your DM and your
brutal mind-control powers, can call down a setting to decide what is best for you campaign.
meteor shower from the heavens, and can trap Are there professors at Yale that can teach you
their enemies in elaborate prisons of their Enchantment? Is there an underground society
making. Conjuration magic can create a that teaches young witches divination when
teleportation circle and necromantic magic can they’re allegedly in detention? Consider how
magic is perceived in your setting and work from
there on how, when and where you study your
magic.

23
D21st Century 1.07

Wizard Quick Build:

You can make a wizard quickly by following
these suggestions. First, Intelligence should be
your highest ability score, followed by
Constitution or Dexterity. If you plan to join the
School of Enchantment, make Charisma your
next-best score. Second, choose the politician
lifestyle. Third, choose the mage hand, light, and
ray of frost cantrips, along with the following 1st-
leveI spells for your spell book: burning hands,
charm person, feather fall, mage armor, magic
missile, and sleep.

Class Features:

See pages 113-119 of the Player’s Handbook
for Wizard class features. Keep everything the
same and pick from the suggested colleges.

24
D21st Century 1.07

Lifestyle mingling with fellow artists and fans of your
work. You may have found the success you’ve
What does your character do when they’re not always dreamed of, or you may still be hustling
saving the city, their family or the fellow party for your big break.
members? Who were they before they
discovered the world of magic? How does that Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion, performance
influence who they are now? Your monk might
have been a religious fundamentalist or a Gulf Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan's tools
War veteran. Your wizard could be drug dealer
or multi-level marketing recruiter. A lifestyle may Languages: One of your choice
not always be your day job but some are—
choosing the first responder lifestyle, for Equipment: A set of artisan's tools (one of your
example, is both your career and your general choice), business cards
lifestyle.
Artist Types: Like a moth to a flame, you’ve
Choosing a lifestyle provides you with important always been attracted to a specific kind of art.
story cues about your character's identity. The Maybe you’ve dabbled in some other forms of
most important question to ask about your art throughout the years, but one in particular
lifestyle is how does your character balance always calls you home. Roll a d8 or pick your
modern life and adventuring? Does your soccer favorite from the table.
mom tuck the kids into bed before going out at
night to be a seasoned fighter? How does your 1 Painter
cleric deal with shifts at the hospital and healing 2 Sculptor
wounded fairies? 3 Glassblower
4 Illustrator
To choose a lifestyle, pick one of the listed 5 Weaver
suggestions or create your own. Indicate on your 6 Fashion designer
character sheet your new proficiencies, 7 Performance artist
languages, equipment and feature. Then 8 Photographer
choose one personality trait, ideal, bond and
flaw from the tables. Feature: Artist’s Studio

Work with your DM to create a character that You have a studio where you do all your work.
usually makes it work. When things get tough— You’ve kept its location secret from your
does your character throw aside their magical colleagues so no one knows what you’ll unveil
responsibilities or their regular life? next. When you’re on the run or trying to hide
you can go to your studio for a long rest without
Artist: the possibility of them finding you.

Art is all around us, and it’s always come Suggested Characteristics
naturally for you. As you’ve honed your craft
over the years you’ve become a fixture in the art Artists have a reputation of being aloof,
world. Your nights are spent at galleries, confident and eccentric. Are you? Or are you a
suffer for your art kind of painter—sensitive and
poetic with a dash of depression? Decide what
kind of artist you are and pick traits that
represent that. Then decide who you aspire to
be and pick bonds and ideals to reflect your
hopeful future.

25
D21st Century 1.07

1d8 Personality Traits: 1d6 Bond:

1 I’m incredibly stubborn and refuse to admit 1 I have a print or copy of my favorite artist’s
when something isn’t working. work in my home, and it centers me every
time I see it.
2 I’m always working towards bettering my art
through interesting life experiences. 2 I still have the artistic tools my parents first
gave me as a child.
3 I’m my own worst critic, and am fixated on
my life choices wondering if I made a 3 A local curator took pity on me when I was
mistake along the way. just getting my start, and I owe them
everything.
4 I’m indecisive and constantly change my
mind about my art and my life in general. 4 My elementary school art teacher saw
something in me, and took me on tours of
5 I pour myself, my insecurities, my dreams, local museums on the weekends when I
everything into my art. was her student.

6 I’m a famous artist and am always shocked 5 There’s another local artist that I am in
when people haven’t heard of me. friendly competition with.

7 I’m torn between wanting fame and fortune 6 I look to my mentor’s art whenever I’m
and wanting to maintain my artistic integrity. stuck.

8 I’m sensitive to the extreme—even the 1d6 Flaw:
smallest critique makes me cry.
1 I genuinely believe I’m the best artist in the
1d6 Ideal: world—and I let everyone know it.

1 Persistence: I worked for many years to 2 I can’t let go of my insecurities.
achieve what I have now. (Lawful) 3 I believe you’re only a true artist if you’ve

2 Passion: My art is as important to me as had formal training.
eating and drinking. (Chaotic) 4 I can’t accept a compliment.
5 I believe you can’t be taught art and reject
3 Adventure: I’ve traveled the globe looking
for inspiration. (Any) all trained artists as lesser.
6 I have terrible stage fright, and struggle
4 Discipline: I’m rigorous in my schedule and
have never missed a deadline. (Lawful) presenting any of my work.

5 Eccentricity: I don’t let other’s opinions of 26
me stop me from what I’m doing. (Chaotic) D21st Century 1.07

6 Patience: I bided my time to get to the top.
(Any)

Criminal: redeemable, but you would help them hide from
the police on their tail. Pick traits and bonds that
You’re an experienced 21st century criminal with balance out their flaws.
a history of running from the law. You’ve spent
time with your fellow criminals, and have all the 1d8 Personality Traits:
connections you need. You could hack
passwords, fence stolen artwork or burgle any 1 I always know my exit strategies, and have
high rise. You’ve worked around the rules, and a plan for when things go sideways.
know how to get out of a scrap.
2 Somewhere along the way my vice took
Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Stealth over. I’ll do anything for a hit.

Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set, 3 When I’m on a job, nothing and no one can
thieves' tools distract me from my prize.

Equipment: A set of dark casual clothes, 4 I’m very slow to trust others. I’ve been
including a hood and gloves, and $1500 burned in the past.
emergency fund stored under your mattress
5 The bigger the risk, the bigger the payoff. I
Criminal Specialty love a dangerous job.

There are many different modern crooks. Roll a 6 I take advantage of any and all downtime—
d8 or pick from the table, and then decide how even if it’s in the middle of a job.
you fell into the life.
7 My criminal enterprises take place online. I
1 Museum thief always have at least three smartphones on
2 Burglar me.
3 Mafia enforcer
4 Fence 8 I enjoy the finer things in life. I have custom
5 Hacker made suits, top shelf liquor and access to
6 Hired killer the best tech.
7 Pickpocket
8 Forger 1d6 Ideals:

Feature: Criminal Contact 1 Honor: I’ll never make a move against
another criminal. (Lawful)
You have many contacts from your criminal life,
some more trustworthy than others. You think 2 Jealousy: I grew up poor, and will now
you know who has your back, but there’s always always work against the wealthiest guy in
a tinge of doubt. When you need information for the room. (Chaotic)
a criminal job, roll a d4. On a 2 through 4 your
contact has the correct information and has your 3 Friendship: I’m loyal to my crew above all
back. On a 1 your contact betrays you in some else. I’ll take any risk for them. (Good)
way. Let your DM decide how.
4 Greed: I would do anything for power. (Evil)
Suggested Characteristics 5 Creativity: My jobs are known for excessive

Criminals get a bad rap, and some rightfully so. ingenuity. I never do things the same way
However, get to know some others and you’ll twice. (Any)
find some lovers not fighters. They might not be 6 Lawless: I make my own rules, and break
them often. (Chaotic)

1d6 Bond:

1 I owe a lot of money to a loan shark, and
he’s looking to collect.

2 My children are my life. They’ll never know
about my job.

3 A job went terribly wrong. I hope I can be
forgiven someday.

4 My mentor got caught. I’m trying to figure
out a way to break them out of jail.

5 I made a mistake on a once-in-a-lifetime job,

27
D21st Century 1.07

and my crew left me for it. 1 Firefighter
6 I’ll become (in)famous for my crimes. 2 Police Officer*
3 Paramedic
1d6 Flaw: 4 Dispatch
5 Search and Rescue
1 I can’t stop myself from shoplifting. 6 EMT
2 I’m willing to take a chance with my crew’s
Feature: CPR Instructor
lives if it means a big payoff.
3 I’m an awful liar. You’ve been trained and recertified in CPR and
4 I pinned a crime on my childhood bully, and first aid so many times you could teach it. When
you or someone within 10 feet of you makes a
they went to jail. I feel good about it. medicine check they gain advantage on their
5 I go off of the plan whenever I want. roll.
6 I’ll always help myself first, and will snitch if
Suggested Characteristics
needed.
Long overnight shifts on Christmas, discounted
Criminal Variant: Drug Dealer coffee at the place around the corner, lots of
boredom with moments of extreme excitement—
You’re a low level drug dealer. Pick your drug of this is your life. You’re mostly waiting around for
choice, and why you’re dealing that one. You’re a call to come in, but when it does you’re ready
not a big player in the criminal underworld, but to answer. When you’ve been on the job, you’ve
you have your loyal clients. You might have big seen things that haunt you. Balance the bonds
aspirations in your life plans, or you might be and ideals that drew you to your job with the
happy being a small fish in a large pond. traits and flaws you’ve picked up while working.

First Responder: 1d8 Personality Traits:

You’re just beginning a 24 hour firefighter shift in 1 I let the little things roll off my back.
downtown Brooklyn; hopefully all is quiet for the 2 I feel most alive when the sirens go off and
next few hours so you can catch some sleep.
You’re a search and rescue officer working all I’m on my way to a scene.
night to find a missing hiker. You’ve worked as a 3 I’m plagued by nightmares of the things I’ve
paramedic for years. No matter what kind of first
responder you are, you’re a loyal civil servant seen, and hardly sleep. I always have coffee
and have devoted your life to helping people. in my hand.
4 I keep a positive attitude in any situation.
Skill Proficiencies: Medicine, Investigation 5 I’m terrified something horrible will happen
to my family and I won’t be able to help
Tool Proficiencies: Herbalism kit them.
6 I’m a library of knowledge about my chosen
Equipment: First aid kit, herbalism kit, work ID field and spout off random facts about it
card whenever I can.
7 I can’t turn my work brain off and notice
First Responder Types: You felt a calling to a building not being up to code, safety
certain type of first response. Roll a d6 or pick hazards, traffic violations, etc. even when
your favorite from the table. I’m off duty.
8 I date around—people find my job hot.

28
D21st Century 1.07

1d6 Ideal: uphold immoral laws. Talk to everyone at the table
about their hard and soft limits surrounding the police
1 Empathy: I am able to quickly empathize or if they are even comfortable having a cop in their
with anyone (Good) party. Respect whatever the outcome and change
your character if needed.
2 Fitness: I’m devoted to my body and spend
nearly all my free time working out (Lawful) Fundamentalist:

3 Selflessness: I will always put others first. You grew up in a strict religious household.
(Good) Perhaps you wore jean skirts to your ankles,
weren’t allowed to cut your hair, or couldn’t be
4 Positivity: I shout inspirational phrases to alone with the opposite sex. Maybe you were cut
my coworkers and adventuring party when off from modern technology or rushed into
times get tough. (Chaotic) marriage at an early age. Your parents probably
had many children, or they themselves were
5 Ambition: I want to rise through the ranks young when they got married. Pick a
and lead my department someday. (Any) fundamentalist or extreme religion and do some
research to round out your character.
6 Vigilance: I can assess any situation Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Religion
quickly and efficiently. (Any) Languages: One of your choice
Equipment: A holy symbol such as a family
1d6 Bond: Bible or a Star of David, religious reading
materials such as your church’s recruitment
1 I was a Boy or Girl Scout and my troop pamphlets, family photo
leader worked in my chosen field. They’re Feature: Encyclopedic Knowledge
my hero. You remember waking up at 5:00 a.m for Bible
study. You knocked on a thousand doors trying
2 I spend so much time at work that I consider to recruit people to your religion. You stood
my coworkers my found family. outside liquor stores as a child reciting scripture.
Even all these years later, you remember every
3 I was involved in an emergency when I was verse and debate technique – for better or for
a kid, and first responders saved my life.
29
4 I keep up with the people I’ve saved and D21st Century 1.07
help them any way I can even years later.

5 My first time on the job I got into a
dangerous situation and my immediate
superior rescued me.

6 I rely on my therapist to help me work
through everything I’ve seen.

1d6 Flaw:

1 I get a pit of dread in my stomach whenever
I’m called to an emergency.

2 I’m an adrenaline junkie, and always seek
out new danger.

3 My first emergency was to help a child. I
failed and can’t let go of my mistake.

4 When I’m off duty I’m terribly shy.
5 I refuse to go to therapy.
6 My anxiety is out of control.

*Author’s Note: Black lives matter and are important
today, tomorrow and yesterday. If you or your player
choses to play a cop, seriously consider the role
police play in your city. It’s easy to wave it off and say
“well the police aren’t bad here” but think about the
deeply racist historical role the police have always
played, as well as the fact that even “good” cops

worse. You gain advantage on all religion and 1d6 Bond:
persuasion checks.
1 I owe my adult life to the friend who helped
Suggested Characteristics me escape my religion.

Fundamentalists’ entire lives are shaped by their 2 Everything I do is for my family.
religion and traditions. In your research, learn 3 I will do anything to avoid falling back into
what the main tenants of your chosen religion
are and shape your character around that. Their fundamentalism.
flaws may be based on a judgmental religious 4 I will never stray from my religious path.
society, and their ideals may be created on what 5 I want to preserve my way of life from the
they’re taught to value.
modern world that wants to destroy it.
1d8 Personality Traits: 6 I seek a higher understanding of my place in

1 I can find common ground between the the world.
fiercest enemies, empathizing with them
and always working toward peace. 1d6 Flaw:

2 I am antagonistic towards others with 1 I judge others harshly, and myself more
differing beliefs from me. Heretics! severely.

3 I see signs from my god at every turn. They 2 I have left my religion, and an extremely
are speaking to me; I just have to listen. judgmental of the pious.

4 I (mis)quote my sacred text in almost every 3 My faithfulness sometimes leads me to
situation. blindly trust those that profess faith in my
religion.
5 I only have experience interacting with
others of my faith. I have trouble connecting 4 I am inflexible in my thinking.
with people on the outside. 5 I am suspicious of those that do not follow

6 I didn’t have access to technology growing my religion, and expect the worst in them.
up. The modern world confuses and delights 6 I am extremely socially conservative, and
me.
loudly criticize anyone more liberal than I
7 My parents were extremely strict. I follow am. Women shouldn’t wear pants or cut
laws and rules exactly to avoid punishment. their hair!

8 I have left my religion. I rebel against the Hometown Hero:
rules I grew up with every chance I get.
You’ve clean up the local river every Saturday
1d6 Ideal: since you were eight; you volunteered 30 years
ago to run the local soup kitchen; you raised
1 Charity: I will always help those in need, no thousands of dollars for a local children’s
matter the personal cost. (Good) hospital. Whatever it was—people around here
love and respect you for your acts towards
2 Power: I hope to someday rise to the top of helping the city. You love it here too, and are
my religious order. (Lawful) always willing to help out. You might not have
always been from here, you might have lived
3 Rebellion: I want to make my family question here since birth but one thing is clear—you
their dedication to their religion. (Chaos) would do anything for your neighborhood,
borough or city.
4 Aspiration: I want to prove myself worthy of
my religion’s Heavenly or highest afterlife. Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion
(Any)
Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan’s tools
5 Faith: I trust that my higher power will watch
over me and lead me on the right path. 30
(Lawful) D21st Century 1.07

6 Traditions: The modern world should
remember the old ways of worship. (Any)

Equipment: A set of artisan's tools (one of your 5 Attention: I want the spotlight, and I’ve
choice), local news clipping about whatever earned it. (Chaotic)
made you well known
6 Helpful: I am always looking for a new way
Feature: Help Me Out to support people in my town. (Lawful)

People in your area want to know you and be 1d6 Bond:
close to you. They’re willing to go the extra mile
for you if you really need them. When you need 1 I protect the natural beauty of my city.
help from an NPC from your area, roll with 2 I keep a memento with me to remind me
advantage on all your persuasion checks, unless
helping you puts them in direct physical danger. why I do what I do.
3 I keep detailed records of everything that
Suggested Characteristics
happens in town.
Hometown heroes aren’t flashy billionaires, 4 The most important thing to me is that my
ambitious politicians or outsiders. You’re a
person of the people—kind, energetic, humble. children follow in my footsteps.
Be on the lookout for those that would tarnish 5 I haven’t seen my family in years. I hope to
your reputation with your flaws.
reconnect with them again someday.
1d8 Personality Traits: 6 I love to make people laugh.

1 When I’m not out with the people, I’m a total 1d6 Flaw:
homebody. I love relaxing on the couch.
1 I posted something awful online a few years
2 I love mediating whenever there’s fighting ago, and can’t remember the login to the
amongst the locals. account to delete it.

3 I have ambitions for something beyond my 2 I’m on the run from someone in my past,
hometown, but I don’t know how to leave. and moved here to escape them.

4 I get up at 5:00 A.M., go to bed at midnight, 3 I lied to get my position years ago, and no
and stay busy every moment in between. one has ever found out.

5 I go out of my way to give random acts of 4 I’ve had to cut some deals behind closed
kindness. doors with unsavory people.

6 I’ve been in my area since birth, and I’ll 5 I’m desperate for attention and awards.
never leave. 6 I have a weakness for the vices that my city

7 I refuse any award or recognition; I want the has to offer.
focus always to be on my business.
Author’s Note: Consider how big your city is. If you
8 I moved to my area as an adult and fell in live in a suburb or smaller, then you can have a
love with the people. I’ll do anything for relationship with almost everyone in your town. If you
those that welcomed me. live in a major city, consider having a neighborhood in
one borough or area be your “hometown.” It is
1d6 Ideal: unrealistic that one person would hold all of Los
Angeles’ heart, but in Small Town, USA everyone
1 Confidence: I feel totally comfortable in my might know everyone.
place in the world. (Lawful)
31
2 Energy: I am moving all day, every day for D21st Century 1.07
the people around me (Chaotic)

3 Respect: I’m deserving of the admiration of
the people in my area. (Any)

4 Sincerity: What you see is what you get—
I’ve never pretended to be someone I’m not.
(Any)

Multi-Level Marketing loves art supplies. You’ve got them all, for
Recruiter: a price.
6 Weight Loss supplements—You profit
You’ve always been tricky, especially when it from body images issues and are happy
comes to people. You could pull over a fast one to do it. Don’t hate the player; hate the
on your parents, convince your friend to give you game.
her new bracelet, sweet talk your way onto the
varsity team. You’ve been conning your way into Feature: Door-to-Door Sales
a better life since you learned to talk. It may be
unsavory, but it’s treated you and your wallet You can always find some chump willing to shell
well. out for anti-aging lotion, science kits for kids, or
weight loss smoothies. If you spend one hour
When you found multi-level marketing going door-to-door and selling, you can muster
companies you knew it was your calling. You up some extra cash. Roll a d4 to see how much
can pretend to love helping stay-at-home moms you got.
make some money on the side, or personal
trainers sell protein powder but the truth is – you 1 $100
love the con. You can play your high school 2 $300
classmates like fiddles and trick the people in 3 $500
your office to buy MLM starter kits like magic. 4 $700
You say buy and they say how much?
Suggested Characteristics
Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Persuasion
MLM recruiters outwardly care deeply about
Tool Proficiencies: Disguise kit, forgery kit self-improvement and the betterment of others.
Inwardly, they look to bring others into their fold
Equipment: Brochures and samples from your to hold money and power over them. Look even
favorite con, forgery kit, various business cards deeper and they may be insecure in their place
associated with your cons in the world or have an uneasy conscience.

Favorite Schemes: Every con has a favorite 1d8 Personality Traits:
scam. Roll a d6 or choose from the table to see
which MLM you prefer and let that dictate who 1 I can get out of anything through flattery and
your victims and clients are. flirting.

1 Skincare – you sell sparkle lotions to 2 I am constantly lying, even when I don’t
tweens, wrinkle ointment to grandmothers need to.
and moisturizers to young moms. Is that a
pimple I see? Let’s get you some acne 3 I am self-obsessed and think I’m the most
cream. attractive, charming and funny person in the
room.
2 Make-up – Eyeshadows, lipsticks, blush:
all are your specialties. The more gaudy 4 I can instantly pick up on any insecurity and
the better. like to point them out to people.

3 Essential oils – It’s not snake oil! It’s 5 I love to needle out secrets from people,
lavender, tea tree and lemon. And they’re even strangers.
all essential.
6 I’m glued to my phone. I need to keep up
4 Clothing—Athletic leggings, tunics, with all my businesses.
sandals and windbreakers, your clients
have a passion for fast fashion. 7 I keep my cons secret from everyone I love.
I’m constantly concerned that they’re
5 Children’s toys—Karen’s eight year old snooping through my stuff.
needs a new bike; Amanda’s four year
8 My business acumen has allowed me to live
a lavish lifestyle. I’m always bragging about
my glamorous trips, expensive cars and

32
D21st Century 1.07

luxury clothing. Performer:

1d6 Ideal: Living statue, subway busker, theme park
caricature artist—you love making people smile
1 Fairness: I only scam people who I deem through your chosen medium. You can draw
as deserving of losing a few dollars. (Lawful) people in, and convince them to spare you a few
bucks. It might not have been your exact dream
2 Aspiration: I'm determined to make a name to do stand-up comedy in a state college’s
for myself. (Any) basement bar, but every minute you’re onstage
is still a rush. You’ll never give up entertaining.
3 Independence: I’m my own boss. No one
tells me what to do. (Chaotic) Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics, Performance

4 Friendship: The other recruiters are just Tool Proficiencies: Disguise kit, one type of
like me—cunning and charismatic. We’ll be musical instrument
friends forever. (Good)
Equipment: Materials for your chosen routine
5 Worldly: I love spending my hard-earned (face paint for birthday clowns, typewriter for
money on rare or exotic items. (Any) street poets, etc), tip jar containing $100

6 Charitable: I like to spend my time paying Performer routines: You’ve done this and that
off GoFundMes or pledging to exciting over the years, maybe even hold a degree in art
Kickstarters. (Good) or theater, but there’s one routine in particular
that you always come home to. Roll a d8 or
1d6 Bond: chose your favorite from the table.

1 I was once scammed out of everything I 1 Living statue
had. 2 Busker
3 Caricature artist
2 I’ll never let anyone know the real me. 4 Clown
3 I love my parents. I send money home to 5 Street poet
6 Magician
them every chance I get. 7 Stand-up comedian
4 I conned someone who didn’t deserve it. 8 Contortionist

They lost everything. I will never forgive Feature: Ear to the Ground
myself.
5 I’ll never go back to my hometown after I got When you’re hustling on the street, you see
caught scamming the mayor. hundreds of people a day, most of who walk
6 My mentor retired. I’m still trying to convince right by you. There’s a certain amount of
them to come back to the con. anonymity in your job. People look right at you,
but no one expects you to be listening to them.
1d6 Flaw: Spend an hour on the street to listen for and find
clues related to your latest adventure.
1 I can’t genuinely connect with other people.
2 I’ve led dozens of people to financial ruin, Suggested Characteristics

and I don’t feel bad about it. On the outside, performers are extroverted,
3 My arrogance leads me to think I could enthusiastic, and funny. You make your living
hooking people’s attention, but it’s never totally
never get caught.
4 I am constantly prying into people’s lives, 33
D21st Century 1.07
even when I should mind my own business.
5 I can’t help myself from conning people I

think of as rich or powerful.
6 I’ve never used any of the products I’m

selling. I could be outed as a fraud at any
time.

clear if they’re laughing with you or at you. Your despise. I have to perform better than them.
insecurities are always lurking just below the 5 I graduated from performing arts school with
surface. Consider picking ideals for the kind of
performer you want to be and the flaws that are top honors, and expected to do bigger
preventing you from achieving your goals. things.
6 I had an elementary school teacher that
1d8 Personality Traits: taught me the basics of performing, art,
poetry, etc. I owe everything to them.
1 I was a theater kid to the extreme. I can and
do quote any musical. 1d6 Flaw:

2 I’m a wallflower in my day-to-day life, and 1 I can’t turn performing off even when the
prefer to blend into the background. situation calls for it.

3 I need to be the center of attention, and will 2 My mood dictates my performances, and
do anything to get there. when I’m in a sour mood I can’t perform .

4 I’m a perfectionist, and pick apart every one 3 I’m extremely competitive with other
of my performances. performers.

5 I always have an instrument in my hand, 4 I would do anything to gain fame.
and am ready to break in my Wonderwall 5 I feel like I’m better than what I’m doing.
cover at any moment. 6 I once made fun of a powerful

6 I can turn around any heckler to make the businessperson while performing and must
crowd laugh. now avoid them and their cronies.

7 I take pride in being as different as I can, Politician:
and love dressing outlandish.
Your family’s been in politics for decades and
8 I am always “on” and can diffuse any tense you’re hungry for your turn with the power.
situation with my humor. You’re willing to do anything to hold onto it. Or
maybe you’re a champion of the people, a high
1d6 Ideal: school dropout funded entirely through
grassroots efforts that ran on police reform and
1 Aspiration: I want to see my name in lights. raising the minimum wage. Either way you and
(Any) your policies help shape the landscape of your
town, state or country. You’ve worked hard to
2 Creativity: I switch up my performances get what you want, and you intend on staying in
every time, and would never do the same power.
thing twice (Any)
Skill Proficiencies: History, Deception
3 Freedom: I would never work for someone
else. (Chaotic) Languages: One of your choice

4 Individuality: I march to the beat of my own Equipment: A passport, a closet full of suits,
drum, and am happy to do it. (Chaotic) reelection pamphlets, business cards with your
personal cell phone written on the back
5 Extroverted: I love connecting with people
on the street. (Lawful) Feature: Town Hall

6 Traditions: I’m classically trained, and keep People have questions, comments and concerns
things as traditional as I can in my about whatever you’ve been voting for at work.
untraditional job. (Lawful)
34
1d6 Bond: D21st Century 1.07

1 I failed out of my performing arts school and
it’s my biggest embarrassment.

2 I’ve been practicing my routine since I was a
little kid.

3 My mother taught me my routine, and I think
of her every time I perform.

4 There’s another performer in my circle that I

They want to opportunity to talk directly to you. 6 Kennedys: You were elected solely because
You have the ability to call up a meeting with the of your family name, and you’ve always been
locals in a twenty mile radius whenever you taught that family comes first. (Any)
want—regular humans, bard fairies, sorcerer
vampires, everyone. Unless someone is 1d6 Bond:
specifically hiding from you, they’ll be at your
local town hall. 1 My loyalty to my constituents is unwavering.
2 I’m active on social media to keep in touch
Suggested Characteristics
with my voters.
Politicians are as varied as the rest of us—are 3 Everything I do is for my family.
you solely in for the money and power being a 4 I had a life changing experience that drove
politician gets you, or do you genuinely want to
make a difference in the world? Maybe you me towards politics.
started out young and optimistic, but years of 5 The expectations my family dynasty holds
filibusters and back-door deals have worn you
down. Work with your DM to figure out the tone keeps me going.
of your campaign, and what kind of PC politician 6 Without a powerful corporate donor I would
works for your game.
never get elected. Promoting their interests
1d6 Personality Traits: is the most important thing to me.

1 I’m able to flatter and charm anyone I meet. 1d6 Flaw:
2 My constituents love me for my honesty and
1 There’s a small group of constituents
kindness. determined to get me out of office.
3 I’m a boring representative, and my
2 I value my own money more than my
constituents hardly even know my name. constituents.
4 My passion for the issues is endearing to
3 I don’t care about making political allies, so
some and annoying to others. I’ve racked up quite a few enemies.
5 I know I’ll be on TV and am obsessed with
4 I bend to the will of my party, even if I
keeping up my appearances. disagree with them.
6 I’m outspoken when I disagree.
5 I’m an idealist to the extreme, and don’t
1d6 Ideal: understand how the political game is played.

1 Grassroots: I believe in the power of the 6 I’m constantly wishing that my constituents
people, and don’t accept anything from large were unable to contact me.
corporations. (Lawful)
Author’s Note: Politics might make a big difference
2 McConnell: I will always put my own self- in your fellow players and your DM’s lives. While you
interests ahead of anyone and anything else. may think it’s fun to play the most evil politician you
(Evil) can think of, consider how your character’s attributes
effect those around the table. Work with your DM and
3 Idealism: I know there’s good in everyone. fellow players to find everyone’s comfort levels on
(Good) difficult real-world topics before committing to your
character’s political ideology.
4 Untraditional: I reject traditions and connect
with my constituents in the modern ways— Soccer Mom:
Twitch, Instagram, etc. (Chaotic)
The PTA bake sale is on Wednesday. Your
5 Charitable: I give away the money I earn to daughter’s choir concert is on Saturday night
my constituents’ nonprofits more than I keep
it. (Good) 35
D21st Century 1.07

and her gymnastics meet is that afternoon. Your balance of heroism and family, and the things
son needs to be driven to his Boy Scout meeting that get in the way.
early this week. Don’t forget to drop off your
spouse’s dry cleaning. 1d8 Personality Traits:

You juggle your family’s lives with ease—on the 1 I am ready to scream at any moment from
surface at least. Underneath you’re barely the stress of keeping up with everything.
treading water keeping up a busy family.
However, you’ve kept up the façade this long 2 I genuinely love spending time and playing
and you don’t intend to slip up anytime soon. with my kids.

Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion, Insight 3 I soak up every moment of quiet I can.
4 I refuse to curse and use alternatives to
Tool Proficiencies: Playing card set
cuss words.
Equipment: Mini-van, playing card set 5 I feel pulled in every direction, and am
somewhere in the backseat of the mini-van,
child-sized GPS tracker bracelet overwhelmed with my responsibilities.
6 I would never miss a soccer game, school
Feature: Creative Weaponry
play, etc.
Knitting needles, hockey blades, lacrosse 7 I am unable to say sorry, especially to my
sticks—you have access to them all. Work with
your DM to give you two unconventional own kids.
additional weapons that make sense for your 8 I love being busy and am always looking for
character to have, and have your DM give them
damage stats. something to do.

Suggested Characteristics 1d6 Ideal:

Your life revolves around being a mother and 1 Staying Active: I sign my kids up for every
spouse. Being the perfect mother and spouse. extracurricular activity I can. (Chaotic)
Any extracurricular activities you might have with
your adventuring party threaten your place in 2 Parenting: I want to be the best mother I
your family. Think about ways to find the can be for my children. (Good)

3 Appearances: I need to be the hottest mom
in the PTA. (Chaotic)

4 Maternal: I want to make sure everyone in
my adventuring party is warm, fed and
happy. (Good)

5 Secretive: What my family doesn’t know
won’t hurt them. (Any)

6 Vanity: I want to prove to all the other
neighborhood moms that I’m the best
mother on the block. (Any)

1d6 Bond:

1 I would do anything to keep my family safe
from my adventures.

2 My own parents live with us—and my mom
taught me everything I know from my
adventuring class.

3 I put my children in self-defense classes to
protect them.

4 My wedding ring never leaves my left
hand—even when it’s covered in monster
guts.

5 My spouse is worth dying for.
6 I’ve always dreamed of my perfect house

and life in the suburbs.

36
D21st Century 1.07

1d6 Flaw: used you and threw you aside when you finished
the work.
1 I want my children to be winners and will
argue with any teacher or referee that Skill Proficiencies: Survival, Athletics
makes them fail.
Languages: One of your choice
2 I wanted more from my life, and let my
family responsibilities slide when I’m Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set
adventuring.
Equipment: A medal of valor, a trophy from a
3 My family comes first and my adventuring fallen enemy, veteran ID card
party will have to wait until the kids are in
bed. Feature: Veteran’s Discount

4 If my “me time” is interrupted by family or “Do you offer a veteran’s discount?” is the first
adventuring I’ll ignore them to give myself a thing you say whenever you make a purchase.
chance to recharge. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Roll a
d4. If it’s a 1 or 2, you get a discount of your
5 My spouse handles my family’s financials, DM’s choosing while shopping for anything you
and I spend as if we’re made of money. need. On a 3 or 4 the shop doesn’t offer a
discount.
6 I’ll never admit to a mistake.
Suggested Characteristics
Soccer Mom Variant: Stay At Home Dad
What you saw overseas changed you, for better
You stay home all day, every day with the kids or for worse. It’s affected your relationships,
while your spouse kicks ass in the corporate ideals and personality, as well as left you with
world. The moms at Mommy and Me yoga were some serious flaws to work out.
confused the first time you showed up with your
infant son in tow, but you’re happy to buck 1d6 Personality Traits:
gender roles if it means your spouse gets to
handle the stress of the office while you deal 1 I have a crude sense of humor.
with diaper duty, after school snacks and 2 I have a million stories of my time in the
extracurriculars.
military—from colorful scraps off duty to
Veteran: cautionary tales for the next generation.
3 I’m always respectful to the people in
You grew up hearing tales of brave WWII heroes charge.
storming the beaches of Normandy, and 4 I was dishonorably discharged for a stupid
revolutionaries throwing off the shackles of mistake and am determined to right my
oppression. The American troop was idealized wrongs.
and beloved. When you became a troop yourself 5 Over the years, I’ve grown cut off from my
you found that things weren’t quite what you had emotions as a way of dealing with my
always imagined. When you got home, things PTSD.
were even more different than you thought they 6 I was drafted, and now I hate my country
would be. Instead of a parade for the local hero, and its leaders for it.
you got the VA not calling you back for three
months. Perhaps you faced homelessness upon 1d6 Ideal:
your return home, or got set up with a charity to
help you navigate the mental illness you picked 1 Trust: I’ll never steer someone to the
up overseas. Either way—your government military without giving them all the facts first.
(Good)

2 Brotherhood: I believe in one for all, and all
for one (Lawful)

37
D21st Century 1.07

3 Authority: I’m deserving of increased To create your own lifestyle, come up with the
authority over those that haven’t served following:
(Any)
• Two skill proficiencies
4 Health: I’m working my hardest to manage • An additional language if it makes sense
my PTSD productively (Lawful)
for someone of your background to
5 Power: It’s not about right or wrong, it’s only speak it
about who’s the strongest (Evil)
o An international diplomat, for
6 Peace: I no longer believe in war of any example, probably speaks three
kind. (Good) languages in addition to English,
but a dog walker probably
1d6 Bond: doesn’t.

1 My best friend died overseas. I carry his dog • One to two tool proficiencies
tags with me wherever I go. • One to four pieces of starting equipment

2 I would still die for any of my fellow soldiers. You’ll also need a feature of the lifestyle. This is
3 Someone refused to leave my side when I something that gameplay-wise is unique to your
character and gives them an edge based on
was injured in the field. Now I’ll never leave how they live their lives. This can include
someone behind. additional equipment or proficiencies, gaining
4 A social worker at the VA helped me get advantage on certain skill checks or an aspect
back on my feet. I volunteer there every that otherwise gives you a leg up on everyone
Saturday as a way to pay it forward. else. Be reasonable with your feature so as not
5 My fellow veterans and I play poker once a to break the game or become too powerful right
month together. off the bat, and run your feature by your DM to
6 My medal of valor is polished and cleaned ensure it’s balanced enough for them.
every week. It’s my most prized possession.
Next you’ll need to create a personality trait,
1d6 Flaw: ideal, bond and flaw. These give you a jumping
off point for who your character is. Sure they
1 I won’t go to therapy even though I need it. might be an archeologist, but who are they as a
2 The smallest things provoke me to lash out person?

in anger towards everyone around me. • Personality trait: This is what sets your
3 I expect special treatment for my service. archeologist apart from everyone else.
4 I won’t accept any charity’s efforts to help Traits are generally a small glimpse into
who you are, and should be specific to
me. you. For an archeologist “I’m
5 I’m so angry at the government for not accomplished” is not a personality trait
but “I’ve been on 20 successful dinosaur
helping me when I got back that I actively digs” is. Traits might describe what your
sabotage every local military recruitment character likes and dislikes, what
effort. they’ve accomplished, their mannerisms
6 I’m addicted to a vice to keep my mind off or their fears.
the horrors of war.
• Ideal: What does your character value?
Custom Lifestyle: Who do they want to be? Ideals tell us
what direction or path your character
It’s completely acceptable to throw out all the wants to go on. Ideals also correspond
suggested lifestyles and create one of your own to things like good vs evil and chaotic vs
choosing. Maybe you want to play a MMA fighter
by day, paladin by night or a teenager balancing 38
school and gaming with being a warlock. D21st Century 1.07

lawful. A true neutral archeologist’s ideal
might be the following:
o Pursuit of Knowledge: I will do

anything to uncover ancient truths.
• Bond: Bonds are the things that

connect our current lifestyle to other
people, our past and our surroundings.
No man is an island and that goes for
your character too. Someone or
something helped your character along
the way; your character has some
special place they go to when things get
tough. Create a bond that gives your
DM a hook for some great character
moments. Our archeologist’s bond might
be:
o I met my first great love at a dig site

15 years ago.
• Flaw: Nobody’s perfect. Flaws define us

in different ways, but are just as
significant to who your character is. A
flaw might be something in the past that
your character is running from, or a
negative characteristic that they just
can’t help. Just like the personality trait,
your character’s flaw should be specific
to them. “I’m annoying” isn’t a flaw for
an archeologist, but “I can’t stop talking
about my most exciting dig, even if
everyone in the room has heard the
story ten times” is.

Present your custom lifestyle to your DM and
work together for any tweaks they recommend
or require.

39
D21st Century 1.07

Art Credit: Special Thanks

No art featured in this conversion is property of Special thank you to reddit user u/KoyukiTei13
the author. All art in credited in order of for thoughts, critiques, encouragement and
appearance. The author extends all her respect reworking of features. Wording of the Aura of
to the artists. If you are the artist and want your Justice and Help! features of the Paladoi Oath of
art removed, please contact the author. Social Justice subclass are theirs.

Envar by snatti89 D21st Century is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the
https://www.deviantart.com/snatti89/art/Envar- Fan Content Policy. Not approved or endorsed by Wizards.
859280902 Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the
Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.
Rainy day by snatti89
https://www.deviantart.com/snatti89/art/Rainy- 40
day-858276972 D21st Century 1.07

Character Design - Roller Derby Girl by MeoMai
https://www.deviantart.com/meomai/art/Charact
er-Design-Roller-Derby-Girl-588031943

Breakfast by smokepaint
https://www.deviantart.com/smokepaint/art/brea
kfast-891441754

Moose by Lelpel
https://www.deviantart.com/lelpel/art/Moose-
506217423

“We Can Do It!,” by J. Howard Miller
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rosie-the-
Riveter

Dragon's lake by Ellysiumn
https://www.deviantart.com/ellysiumn/art/Dragon
-s-lake-805129292

Pleinaire by Lelpel
https://www.deviantart.com/lelpel/art/Pleinaire-
606042547

fire level catastrophic by Lelpel
https://www.deviantart.com/lelpel/art/fire-level-
catastrophic-820133698

White Study 2013 by Kelly Reemtsen
http://www.kellyreemtsen.com/paper/2016/5/4/w
hite-study-2013

Books i love - The Ritual by snatti89
https://www.deviantart.com/snatti89/art/Books-i-
love-The-Ritual-855078270

Update 1.01 Update 1.05
Updated Circle of the City subclass
Table of contents added and reformatting of Updated introduction
sections and subsections for ease of reading Update 1.06
Updated Path of the Bar Brawler subclass
Setting changed from strictly American to Updated Hacker subclass
Western societies Updated introduction
Various typos addressed
Clarification of races and why certain races are Update 1.07
limited Updated Path of Bar Brawler subclass
Updated all Bard subclasses
Rewording of the Bar-Bar-Ian feature of the Bar Updated Hacker subclass
Brawler subclass Updated love domain
21st Century Rogue description added Updated Circle of the City subclass
Updated all Paladin subclasses
Inclusion of the demigod origin in the Sorcerer Special thanks added
class

Various typos fixed

Update 1.02

Updated Path of the Bar Brawler subclass

Updated College of Shakespeare subclass

Various typos fixed

Art titles and artist names added to art credit
page

Update 1.03

Updated race description

Updated the Call Your Senator feature of the
Oath of Social Justice subclass

Updated Holy Glow feature of the Demigod
Origin subclass.

Various typos addressed

Update 1.04

Updated Bath of the Bar Brawler subclass

Updated College of Shakespeare subclass

Updated Oath of Social Justice subclass

41
D21st Century 1.07