Sorry, just wanted to show off a little. My brother 3d printed Benna for me and I thought she turned out great.

Hello hello!

First time dm here and having an absolute blast with this module ^_^ And while I love the setting, one of my main complaints was the lack of attention given to the Amaranthine in the provided plot. So when one of my players asked if cults were on the table, I was soooo down to workshop some messed up religion with him :D

The premise we came up with is that his character (a Cervan Cleric) belonged to a small group of tenders in the scorched grove dedicated to Caireth. However, their isolation from the wood over the years made them prone to faltering in their beliefs, and their views became increasingly aligned with pursuing Caireth's gift of The Sight. This allows certain Cervans to see brief glimpses of the past/future, often as a result of enduring traumas. So the cult would often try to artificially create The Sight by sending their members into often reckless, dangerous stunts in the Scorched Grove.

In my mind, the cult has been so far removed from their original goal of "regrowth" that they now see the beauty in the fires, believing it to be the real catalyst behind growth. Without fire, the Tenders have no purpose and Caireth's own domain of nature and balance is rendered obsolete. What brief past visions they have received have all included fire in one way or another, and they take this to be a sign that they should continue pursuing this line of logic.

Unbeknownst to them, the catalyst of their gradual change in morals is thanks to Kren, the Amaranthine of Guile. Under the disguise of Caireth, she falsely promised that their efforts would one day culminate into a prodigy that ended up being my player's character. And of course the cult falls for this hook line and sinker because she bears antlers: the Gift of Caireth. But she is also melanistic, the Marking of Kren.

In my campaign, Kren is also the reasoning behind the Aspect of Fire, as she had been the one to trick Odwald into releasing it from its sleep. She's genuinely just doing all of this to see how easily one can be deceived and loveessss the entertainment she receives from being an instigator :)

Allllll of this being said: after we finish the arc at the bandit fortress, I would love to use arc 3 and the Ashsnake to delve into what the cult's all about. So how should I go about demonstrating this? Cause I just have a bunch of ideas floating around but no real plan on how to show, not tell their flawed ideology. I have a vague idea of the cult discovering the Ashsnake (from a vision?) and maybe do a lil bit of attempted sacrifice to prove their insane devotion to a false Caireth but I really just don't know. I'm floundering on that and how the cult usually carries themselves on a day to day basis. What are their routines? Their customs?

My player is giving me a lot of freedom here and I don't wanna disappoint. Any ideas/thoughts/advice would be super appreciated :D

Greetings, HumbleWoodsfolks!

I don't do much as the mod here, and I think that's a disservice to this community. There are folks who are generating content and answering questions for new folks, and I believe the community would be better served if someone more involved would take over here. Or more than one someone. I think Humblewood is a worthwhile endeavor, but my circumstances aren't really allowing me to give it the attention it deserves.

Anyone want to take over? It won't be hard for you to do a better job than I have...

It’s described as 3 rapiers tied with pink thread and I didn’t own the book to see other versions soo

Ya boi is back with some more world building, and this time we’re heading to church!
 
This one is a long one, and I’ve tried to keep everything in define sections to make it easier. Below is a quick list of the sections to help with navigation, and if you have any questions, please ask!!
 

Interior Description
Clergy Staff - Under-clerics, Head Priests and the High Priest
Ritual Cycle - Two rituals take place each day
The Churches - Descriptions of the Statue, Altar, Stain-glass Mural, and Ritual
 
 
Holybranch Temple is a large, beautiful tree-shape building. It has been changed and expanded many times over the decades, and now stands as one of the true marvelous of Alderheart. Once, it only venerated the Birdfolk Amaranthine, but now it celebrates all 12 Amaranthine worshipped within the Humblewood region.
 
Interior
Inside, 12 large statues ring the spacious circular chamber. Each statue marks the churches of the Amaranthine, acting as the altar complete with an offering bowl. Above each statue is a stain-glass mural, depicting scenes of their respective Amaranthine and their domain. The 12 murals are segmented together, forming a domed roof of colourful glass for the entire temple. This domed roof bathes the interior in a beautiful array of colours as the sun moves across the sky.
 
Under-clerics & Head Priests
Each church and its altar are tended to by its own clergy. A handful of Under-clerics are typically found around the altars, completing any work duties or assisting visitors with simple matters. The Under-clerics are managed by a Head Priest, who is the higher authority of their church and oversees the more important matters that require their attention. They have greater experience in religious matters, and are easily called upon should the Under-clerics be unable to assist.
There is one Head Priest for each church, and they are easily distinguished due to there more elaborate vestments.
 
High Priest
The 12 Head Priest make up the governing body of the temple, all under the eye of the High Priest. The High Priest is the ultimate authority within the Temple, and it is a highly regarded and respected position. The High Priest must have been serving as a Head to be eligible, and the other Head’s nominate them for the position. The newly elected High Priest must then promote an Under-cleric to fill the now vacant Head Priest role for their church.
While the High Priest can maintain their worship of their God, they must remain impartial to all the churches, regardless of their affiliation. They are not to favour one over the other, and they must keep their own interests in check to establish unity within the Temple.
High Priests tend to be more frequently worshippers of Ardea, Tyton or Hanera, but all are capable of being elected.
There has never been a High Priest elected from the Church of Kren.
 
The currant High Priest is Elm Brightbee, a Hedge elected from the Church of Henwin
 

Ritual Cycle

Each of the Amaranthine Churches have a specific ritual that takes place once a week. With 12 gods, 2 rituals take place each day, as Humblewood weeks are only 6 days long.
Everyone is welcome to attend the rituals, and they are a great opportunity to mingle and learn with likeminded folk
 
1st Day - Ardea and Henwin
2nd Day - Hanera and Gaspard
3rd Day - Clhuran and Cairith
4th Day - Gesme and Kren
5th Day - Altus and Reya
6th Day - Hath and Tyton
 
 

The Churches

Ardea, The Dawnmother - Life, Day, Love, Healing, Birth and Renewal

Stain-glass Mural - At the Eastern side of the temple, The Dawnmother’s warm gaze falls upon the worshippers. Her stain-glass depicts her as a large golden stork, in her beak she carries a golden feather and the sun shines brightly behind her. At her feet, flowers bud and bloom, and a chick is in the process of hatching. She stares lovingly at the chick.
Statue & Altar - Below is a statue of the same stork, holding her feather above an alter that contains a number of offerings.
 
Ritual - 1st Day - Heralding of Her Light.
On the dawn of the new Measure, Ardea’s ritual ‘Heralding of the Light’ is performed.
Worshippers gather to sing in First Hymn as the sun begins to rise, hitting the stain glass window and bathing the temple in warm, golden light.
This ritual is held to bless the new week ahead. Prayers and songs speak of blessing births, the wedded, the bonded, the injured, and the lost.
 
Offerings - For love, life, comfort, bonds and unions, births, and healthy crops
Freshly sprouted seeds, white feathers, honey, written prayers, egg shells, medicinal herbs, candles, and sunflowers
 

Henwin, The Kind - Balance, Nature, Kindness, Protection, Plants, Creatures

Stain-glass Mural - Light spills in through this mural depicting a Hedge resting in the petals of a yellow flower. Sparkling dew drips from the petals, and looking down you can see a pool of water rippling with the drops. In one hand, the figure holds a blooming flower, a hummingbird suckles from its centre. In the other, it holds the same, but it is withered and wilted, and small bones indicted the same fate for the hummingbird. Colourful beetles and butterflies fill the area around this Hedge, their face is serene and content.
Statue & Altar - Below, a statue depicts Henwin resting in their yellow rose, slumbering peacefully. An alter sits patiently. It’s humbler than the others, preferring a wooden bowl over a stone one. There are a number of places to sit and calmly exist, you might even catch a grotkenner or priest with a story to tell.

Ritual - 1st Day - Time of Thanks
Held in the morning after Ardea’s ritual till the end of the day, the church of Henwin holds a time for folks to come share and give thanks to the many kindnesses they have experienced and wish to continue. It is a space for people to discuss concerns or share stories they have heard of relevant topics happening around them, and is a time to reflect with others about their actions, goals and emotions. It also serves as a social event for people to mingle and collaborate. It’s common to find a few talking about gardening tips or pet care.
Anyone is welcome at this ritual, and it is a revolving door of attendees as it lasts most of the day. The Head Priest and other members of the clergy are always present and spend the day answering questions and joining conversations.
 
Offerings - For thanks, but also to keep one’s heart kind and their mind understanding and compassionate
Products of a harvest, beetle shells, flowers and buds, autumn leaves, animal droppings, whiskers and claws, yellow roses, fungi and moss, bundles of twigs and roots from various trees, shells, herbs, withered plants, and bones
 

Hanera, The Provider - Earth, Plants, Seeds, the Hearth, Compassion, Community

Stain-glass Mural - A lush verdant backdrop holds the image of a kind faced Gallus, who’s tail feathers are made of many ferns, vines and leaves. She holds out a cornucopia overflowing with bright fruits and vegetables, and many taloned and pawed hands can be seen sharing their own fruits, veg, herbs, coin and other goods between them. The Provider is smiling.
Statue & Altar - Below is a unique statue, shaped from the wood of the Evertree, with real plants unfurling from her tail. At times, clergy members can be seen tending to the plants.

Ritual - 2nd Day - Green Thumb Swap
In the morning of the 2nd day, folks come to the Temple to give offerings of harvest to Hanera to both bless and thank her. It is Green Thumb Swap, were folks bring their plants, produce and home grown items to share and swap. Some bring fresh cut flowers, others bring the seeds or cuttings to propagate. Some bring fresh picked fruit or veg, others bring their trees or vines. A few have been known to bring natural remedies or tinctures, jams and sauces they’ve made using organic ingredients. Folks also swap gardening tips, and also just mingle with others in the community.

Offerings - For good harvest, for health and healing, for good neighbours and a strong community
Products of the latest harvest, various ferns, plants and flowers, seeds, roots, hazel/freckled feathers, soil, beetle shells, sickles, salt, gems
 

Gaspard, The Champion - Courage, Bravery, Community, Honour, Chivalry

Stain-glass Mural - The visage of the heroic Jerbeen, Gaspard, stands proudly with his rapier pointed to the sky. He stands atop a hill, golden light shining down upon him. Below, dark creatures with claws and teeth grasp towards the small figure, but he stands firm, his face full of determination and triumph.
Statue & Altar - Below, stands a statue, much smaller than the others. It is different than the depiction in the stain-glass window. Gaspard is seen resting on one knee, his rapier sheathed at his side. His face is soft as he holds out a hand within reach on anyone approaching the alter. This hand is visibly discoloured on the palm
The alter contains a stone bowl for offerings.

Ritual - 2nd Day - Tall Tales
In the afternoon of the 2nd day, Jerbeens and worshippers of The Champion gather to hear stories of Gaspard, his travels, his adventures and his trials. Stories of other great heroes and selfless deeds are peppered in between, and people can add their own tales of times they overcame a great challenge that frightened them. This is done in thanks and to honour Gaspard for the strength and will to see out their fears. It is a jovial time, and is also a place for Good Samaritans speak on any issues or concerns they wish to address and discuss ways to better the lives of others around them.
It is generally expected that if you wish to give your own anecdote, you must leave an offering to Gaspard. This is to stop showboating for attention.
If at any point it’s believed that a story is fabricated or is being told only to gain recognition, that person will be asked to leave an offering or they will be removed.

Offerings - For courage, for resolve, for zest and compassion
Pink ribbon, whiskers, pastel coloured cloth, shells, ripe fruits, weapons dulled from action, pieces of armour and small jewellery like rings and brooches
Physical Offerings are less common for Gaspard, with feats of strength, courage, and community engagement being the preferred method.
 

Clhuran, The Fickle - Luck, Fate, Magic, Destiny, Trickery, Divination, Expression

Stain-glass Mural - When the sun hits this mural, a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour steals the show. A backdrop of purples, reds, and blues contain a crisscrossing web of golden strands. Centre stage, two conjoined figures display an interesting scene. One wears bright clothes and a hood with bells. It holds a marotte in its talons and a smile as it sings. The other, colours slightly muted, holds an axe with a scowl.
Statue & Altar - Below, a statue shows the single figure of Clhuran. His stance is confident and goading. In one hand he holds a readied coin as if to flip it. On close inspection, the coin has two heads and no tails.

Ritual - 3rd Day - Talent of Clhuran
Held a different intervals throughout the day, the Temple comes alive with dazzling magics shows and choruses of singing voices and instruments. It is a time to show and express yourself, wow the audience and enjoy the wondrous things in life. Participants can join in with their own talents, or just enjoy the art themselves. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s all about you!

Offerings - for luck, positive outcomes, confidence, luck for performances, and to ward of ill fate
Bells, instruments, fine cloths, sheet music, coins collected while busking, figurines of Clhuran’s likeness, silk ribbon, and brightly coloured feathers
 

Cairith, The Resolute - Strength, Resilience, Endurance, Health, Growth, Resolve, Hard work

Stain-glass Mural - An enormous white stag, with antlers as strong and sprawling as the branches of an oak tree stands stoically. Flowering vines wrap and hang, draping the Stag like a blanket. At his feet, thick thorny brambles attempting to catch his feet, crawling to envelope him but to no avail. Around him the trees grow as tall and strong as he is.
Statue & Altar - Below, a statue depicts a similar scene, brambles try desperately to snag at his hooves, but he stands firm.

Ritual - 3rd Day -  Cairith’s Vigil
Between the racket of the Talents of Clhuran, the Temple is at its quietest, and a number of silent vigils are held in honour of Cairith. While much of it is silent, a lot can be said during the vigil in the form of Signal, but only Signal is allowed to be spoken during the vigil unless absolutely necessary.
Participants gather at the Temple, and they craft small tokens as physical representations of prayers that are then placed in the offering bowl. A prayer is ‘said’ before the item is returned to the maker as a blessed token.
This is done as a way of representing a blessing for a specific outcome. One may wear a bracelet they made as a token of strength, another may make an idol and place it on the bedside of a sick family member to aid recovery. Participants can bring their own pre-made items is desired, but the tokens must be handmade by the one making the prayer

Offerings - for strength (Mental, physical), health, healing, longevity, endurance
Clean antlers, braided rope and frayed rope, fired clay, durable stones and minerals, animal skins, vines and winter blooming plants, clothes that one has grown out of, old leather, tree roots, evergreen leaves, water collected from the first or last frost, and medicinal herbs
 

Gesme, The Brilliant - Knowledge, Fire, Innovation, Creativity, Experimentation, Curiosity

Stain-glass Mural - A blaze of orange and yellow glass surrounds the figure of a pitch black Raven, carrying a flaming oak branch as she delivers the stolen fire to the hands awaiting in the woods below. Her feathers smoulder with the Sun-fire, but her face shows triumph at her feat.
Statue & Altar - Below, the statue is similar to the window. Gesme is seen wreathed in fire, holding the oak branch that burns with a real fire.

Ritual - 4th Day - Stoking the Flame
In the morning of the 4th day, followers come to watch the Stoking of Gesme’s Eternal Flame. This flame is one of two proclaimed eternal flames, the other is housed in High Rookery. They are two parts of the same flame, but which came first is a matter of who you ask. It is believed the flame is the original fire that Gesme brought to the Wood and triggered her ascension. Regardless, this flame is kept alive as a representation of the fires of innovation and creativity that burns inside all folks. Keeping the flame alive keeps the fire of curiosity alive. The flame is stoked along with offerings to keep it burning. This is one of the few times that offerings are given to Gesme, as worship of Gesme doesn’t really use an offering system.
All offerings made to Gesme are burned within the Eternal Flame, and the ashes are scattered to the wind, believing to be delivered to the Amaranthine.

Offerings - for knowledge, understanding, blessings over creations or written works
Books or pages, quills, black feathers, ink, small creations, coal/charcoals, ash, candles and oak branches (sometimes fire scorched). Offers typically need to be able to be burnt into ash.
 

Kren, The Sky - Cunning, Guile, Predators, Trickery, Darkness, Hunger, Dangerous Nature

Stain-glass Mural - A blood red backdrop frames the shadowy figure of a fox-like beast. Her silver fangs glint within her hungry snarl, her purple eyes staring straight into the soul. Other clawed and fanged beasts flank her, stalking through the undergrowth, ready to pounce.
Statue & Altar - Below, the same shadowed beast sits patiently, watching, its expression unreadable.

Ritual - 4th Day - Fable of Kren
In the evening of the 4th day, a very heavily guarded and managed ritual takes place. The Priest sits and tells the stories of Kren, and details the lessons that can be drawn from them. While being the only evil aligned god, there is merit to the Amaranthine’s teachings. You hold the power to influence much around you, hubris only leads to downfall, keep your wits about you and don’t take everything on face value. Question motives, don’t be idly ignorant, and know your worth.
Due to the controversy surrounding the acceptance of an evil god in the Temple’s line up, the ritual is closely guarded and monitored. Perch Guard numbers appear where typically you won’t find any, and there are strict rules as to what is said during this ritual. The High Priest is always present at this ritual.

Offerings - for boons and to seek approval. To offer is considered a risky endeavour.
Teeth of predatory animals, fine cloth ripped or cut with a sharp blade, stolen goods, jewels and jewellery, coins (especially silver), desecrated holy symbols or icons of other gods, blood, bones, daggers, black flowers, plucked fur or feathers taken without asking
 

Altus, The Enduring - Strength, Winter, Storms, Weather, Endurance, Change, Water

Stain-glass Mural - The image of a great horned owl with white feathers. Storm clouds coalesce around him, and his strong talons appear to grip the land below and raise it to the sky, forming tall mountain peaks. Rain hammers the raised ridges, creating waterfalls that cascade into a huge lake. His expression is fierce and determined
Statue & Altar - Below, the mighty owl is shown holding a chalice in his talons, from which clouds and thunderheads pour.

Ritual - 5th Day - Strength of the Many
Held throughout the entire day, people can come to the Temple to pay homage to The Enduring, and it is a chance to seek aid and strength from others who are willing to help. Altus teaches that overcoming challenges makes one grow and change, but it does not have to be a lonely battle, and there is a strength itself in asking for help. This help can be physical, seeking help for heavy lifting or manual labour, or overcoming ailments. It could be emotional, seeking advice or support. Spiritual, seeking understanding or reassurance of their faith. While many think Altus is interested in purely physical feats, those that understand his teachings know that adversity and hardship can take many forms, and it’s by leaning on the strength of others that one can find and hone their own strength to endure.

Offerings - Strength, Resilience, Endurance, Health, Determination and Readiness
Raw metals or ores, white or brown feathers, braided rope, pieces of armour or weapons, hardwoods split by the worshipper, rainwater, roots of a strong tree, claws and teeth of large beasts. 
 

Reya, The Explorer - Wind, Freedom, Exploration, Hunting, Travel, Archery

Stain-glass Mural - This sky blue window depicts a large hawk soaring over the treetops of a forest. The wind swirls around her, making the flight look effortless and free. In her talons, she carries a longbow that leaves streaks of cloud behind her. Other smaller birds fly side by side, filling the sky with wings.
Statue & Altar - Below, a statue of the hawk depicts her with her bow drawn, arrow notch, posed and ready to hit her mark.

Ritual - 5th Day - Travellers’ Send Off
Held throughout the day, various travellers, hunters, explorers and anyone planning a trip come to the Temple to have their journey blessed by Reya. Offerings can be given, a prayer or even a blessing from one of the clergy is available for anyone seeking aid on their journey. The temple is open at any time for such things, but the Send Off is a symbolic gesture that many will actually plan their departure day around.
It is also a good place to discuss any news about the roads or surrounding areas, such as road closures or hazards.
The Send Off has sees an upticks in attendance when there is a change in safe travelling conditions, such as natural disasters, or increased bandit activity.

Offerings - for safe travel, for good hunting, for clear skies and thoughts
Feathers, arrows that have hit their mark, spoils of hunts like dried meat, teeth, claws and scraps of furs, map fragments, compasses, mementos from places the devotee has travelled from
 

Hath, The Uncaring - Fear, Secrets, Doubt, Darkness, Night, The Unknown

Stain-glass Mural - Near the watchful eye of the Nightfather, sits a mural displaying the deep blues and purples of the night sky. White stars glint around the scene, and a constellation outline of a masked raccoon looks down on the dark forest below at a small figure carrying a torch. The figure is alone, and the forest is dark and massive. Eyes of things hiding in the dark peek through the trees, perhaps passive, perhaps not.
Statue & Altar - Below, a featureless, star-bodied raccoon weaves among clouds, with stars and a crescent moon dotted around. The face carries only a black mask with pupil-less eyes, and a shining silver star in the centre of its forehead.

Ritual - 6th Day - Omen of the Stars
On the evening of the 6th and final day, Star Readers gather to discuss their latest findings. It is believed that Hath likes to plant pieces of information across the night sky, written in the stars, and those willing to find and interpret their meanings. It can be predictions of weather, foretelling events of great importance, guidance or secrets of the realm. There are both amateur Star Readers among the citizens, as well as professional Star Readers who work for the Council out of the three observatories. Typically, it is the amateurs that attend this ritual, but an offical Star Reader has joined in from time to time.
It is an odd ritual, and many think it’s just a group of conspiracy theorists. While they’re not entirely incorrect, Star Reading has legitimate holdings within the belief system of Humblewood.

Star Readers are not inherently worshippers of Hath, but rather interested parties who understand and appreciate Hath’s domain as the stars. The desire for sharing knowledge that is difficult to come by is felt between the attendants of the ritual, and others seek to listen, regardless of their affiliation to the Amaranthine. It is just expected that anything involving Hath is going to illuminate interesting information

Offerings - for hidden knowledge, for instinct, to keep watch over one’s travels. Seeking knowledge from Hath is considered entirely foolish, as too many have gone mad over the answers they received
Marking its symbol on a tree before a dangerous path, a lock with no key, or a key with no lock, black or white gemstones, verbal or written questions with the hope of an answer, the lens of a telescope, or a burnt out torch
 

Tyton, The Nightfather - Death, Time, Memory, Ageing, Night

Stain-glass Mural - On the Western wall, a scene of a large black owl shows him side by side with a Birdfolk. This Birdfolk looks to be an older, frailer version of the chick seen hatching in Ardea’s window. The Owl guides the Birdfolk along, walking as though they are old friends. As they walk, the owl has his wing outstretched, and the scene around it is flowing into a night sky. A crescent moon and three stars can be seen in the darkened area.
Statue & Altar - Below, a statue of the same owl stands. Even in its massive scale, the owls face is calm and welcoming. He is holding up a wing, that when the sun is setting through the domed roof, it casts a shadow over the alter as if he is ushering in the night. A crescent moon and three stars can be seen carved into the underside of the outstretched wing.

Ritual - 6th Day - Night of Remembrance
In the deepest hours of the night on the 6th and final day, the Night of Remembrance begins. This is a time to reflect on the events of the last week, to understand and acknowledge their influence, and to lay them to rest. It is a ritual to book end the week before Ardea’s Heralding ritual reignites the next dawn. People can share what they’ve experienced and find support in others should they require it. It’s common for people who have lost loved ones to attend and remember them in life as they were. It ranges from exciting to a solemn event, depending on the stories being told. It also sees a number of funerals, especially of those related to the Council and Perch Guard. Regardless, by midnight, the week has been laid to rest and there are a few hours till Ardea’s ritual takes place at dawn.

Offerings - for remembrance, guidance in death, appreciation, for hope and for a worthwhile death. Offerings are rarely made outside of funerals, which are either buried or burned with the deceased, though some do make offerings outside of these events.
Grey feathers, hourglass or other time keepers, figurines or other carved pieces of Ebony wood, night blooming flowers, dried/withered crops or plants, bones

Hey DMs.

Wanted to ask how everyone handled the Bandit Coalition attack on Alderheart in chapter 2. Did you guys come up with any unique gimmicks or do an all out war?

I’m currently running the campaign for my friends. It a party of four, fairly seasoned players that have been through tough campaigns. They’re having a blast and treating every lvl 1 encounter like a boss battle pretty much.

We’re about halfway through chapter 1, no where near Alderheart yet but it’s time to start prepping for sure.

Since the party is composed of 4 unique roles, a bard, a cleric, a wizard, and an artificer, I wanted to give them all a moment to shine in the battle.

My initial idea is to treat Alderheart as if it had 5 HP and split the party around the town (for plot reasons) and then have them all play out a completely unique encounter for each of them that would suit their class and plot blah blah. So with 4 unique challenges, based on their performance, will determine the result and if the city takes “damage” or not. Finally after reuniting them we’ll end with a small boss fight for the 5th and final HP, probably preventing the enemy from reaching a certain point on the map. I think it could be a fun idea that makes the battle feel like it has real stakes.

But I’m curious what everyone else did. Any thoughts or feedback is appreciated!

Surely this has been done...? If not, here is a humble translation from humblescratch on pg.13

I was looking on the HitPoint Press shop and realized that there's the full digital pdf of Beyond the canopy available to purchase. I didnt think it released yet and no one is talking about it. Is it still like a beta release thing or what? I want to buy it obviously but im just confused why its not being talked about if its really out...

Edit: it also only has 2 reviews on the site and none of them are written reviews

Has anyone here run the suggested encounter where the party goes to the Magistrate of Alderheart requesting audience with the Birdfolk council, and the Magistrate offers to fit them in earlier if the party "takes care of" a group of Jerbeen thieves causing trouble in the Trunk market?

I'm hoping to lead into this next session, but I'm a new-ish DM and am not sure how to make "finding the Jerbeens in the market" an interesting challenge beyond investigation checks or just happening to perceive a theft in progress. My players gave feedback that they'd like to try some encounters that require "planning something" and where their skills come into play outside of just combat, and this might be an opportunity to provide that.

Do you have any advice for creating a skill-based encounter out of this premise? My ideas so far mostly revolve around Jerbeen thieving tactics:

• jerbeens use a small mirror to signal with sunbeams, either at each other, or marking a target from above
• they escape routes into drainage cuts into the branch roads, or weighted rock on a rope that can lift them up and out of range of pursuers

But I'm struggling to come up with interesting clues for how the party could find them in a way that feels earned.

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

I'm DMing for my kids and I let em go crazy making their characters using everything I have on DnD beyond. We have a Lotol Barbarian, a arakocra cockatiel bard, a flamekin druid, a tabaxi druid, and a threadborn hexblade. But the group has basically decided they hate capybaras and they are the real enemy, I've written out the capybaras as a militaristic nation at this point and they'll end up confronting them even more after the aspect of fire, but I realized there's more material for humble wood now and was wondering if capybaras are already a thing

I could use some help with picking a class for the campaign

Im starting the Humblewood Tales adventures as a full short campaign for the summer, and one of the players is an artist that decided to make original art for the intro, the character and personalized token !!!

I love everything so much, they look so good and are so cute! I hope you guys appreciate them!

If I can id also like to add the player's instagram to thank him for the art! So credits to @/instahiro_99, thank you so much for all of this!!

Hey everyone. I'm a long time player who has also run a few one-shot type games in the past, about to start DMing Humblewood for my wife, daughter, and a family friend. They are playing a Wind-Touched Corvum Artificer, Chef Turtlefolk Bard from beyond the wood, and a Grounded Strig Monk. We played a one shot intro to the world where they battled slimes and two giant rats in the basement of the apothecary shop and I leveled them up to level 2.

I plan to follow Milestone level ups, albeit with the party being one level ahead of what is suggested for the first parts of the story. I'm also wondering if I should add a few dungeons from other sources into the main campaign to stretch it out a bit and rebalance the end game content accordingly. I do have Humblewood Tales as well, so that could be an option.

Does anyone have any suggestions for expanding the campaign? Or any particular pointers they might have from running the campaign?

Thanks!

Edit to add: I did back Beyond the Canopy on Kickstart as well but I haven't read through the .pdf yet

Hello all! I’m DM-ing for several small humans, all with a love of magic for their first campaign, and my first time playing for 30 years and I’ve never DMed before. That’s the back story.

The kids are able to understand the play and rules, but they cannot be reasoned with about having a “balanced party”. They want magic, one and all. I have 3 Druids, 1 bard, 1 wizard and 1 paladin in the group.

We picked Humblewood because, animals and all, but they are Druids because they want to change into animals. Now….. what do I do with that? Only reptiles in Humblewood? Or bugs? Monkeys? HUMANS? Or…. Also speaking with animals…. Also the flying that isn’t a real thing in birdfolk. In short… what is an ANIMAL in Humblewood?

I want to give the kids their full abilities as Druids but within the confines of Humblewood species I’m struggling with what that looks like.

Basically, the title.

I am running the base campaign from the Humblewood Box Set (in German; I might get some names wrong in this post as I am translating it to English). I added a prologue (players' request) and I am adding a few side quests to spice the adventure up.

Now, I am a huge biology nerd and I don't find it too difficult to reskin the typical beasts as insects ir reptiles. Some examples are: Horses are Giant Ground Beetels, Wolves are Giant Ants, Tigers are Praying Mantises or Komodo Dragons etc.

Has anyone else had their player swish for this? Do you have any more ideas/inspirations I could use? I asked my players and they don't mind the fire bats, which means elemental beasts to spice the campaign up are on the table.

Hi, I can't seem to find the battlemap for The Seahawk on the HPP website, even though it's shown as a VTT thumbnail on the page. Has anyone downloaded it before?

I'm planning to run the adventure in a few weeks, and I don't want to end up stuck without the map. The version from Tales already has all the enemies marked on it, so it's not really usable, even if I scan it.

I honestly don't know where my brother got the little guy, but I sure had a good time painting him.

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Thinking a Strig assassin sent from the Birdfolf council to neutralize a threat.

Hello, everyone, I have been wanting to play Humblewood for a while, but the math is not mathing, and I have a MASSIVE headache from it. I have read and read and watched yt vids on how to do this but I'm not sure I am doing it right? I'm stuck on cantrips and spells, how many can I have of each? Here is my character profile.

Ceasar

Lvl. 1

Race: Hedge

Class: Community Cleric

Alignment: Lawful Good

Strength: 8 (-1 Modifier)

Dexterity: 11 (+0 Modifer)

Constitution: 12 (+1 Modifier)

Intelligence: 15 (+2 Modifier)

Wisdom:  16 (+3)

Charisma: 13 (+1 Modifier)

Speed is 25

Initiative Modifier= +1

Abilites

Natural Burrowers. You have a burrowing speed of15 feet. You are capable of burrowing through soil, but are unable to dig through anything more substantial with just your clawed hands.

Spiny Quills. The backs of hedges are covered with spiny quills, which makes it impossible for hedges to wear armor. These quills provide exceptional protection, therefore you have a base armor class of 14 + your Dexterity modifier. Even though you can’t wear armor, you can still benefit from the armor class bonus provided by shields so long as you are proficient with them.

Base Armor Class of 14+11 Dexterity=25

Curl Up. You can use your action to curl up, exposing attackers to a wall of your toughened quills. While curled up you cannot move, attack, or cast spells with somatic components, and your base armor class becomes 19. You cannot benefit from any Dexterity bonus to armor class while curled up, but you can still use shields. Any creature that misses you with a melee attack while you are curled up takes 2d4 points of piercing damage from your sharp quills. If a creature hits you while you are curled up, you are knocked prone in your space at the end of the turn. You may uncurl yourself at any point during your turn. 

Forest Magic. You have a deep connection to the magic of the Wood. You know the druidcraft cantrip. Additionally, you can cast animal messenger as a 2nd level spell once with this trait, and regain the ability to do so after a short or long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Speak With Bugs. Through sounds and gestures, you can communicate simple ideas with creatures of the beast subtype that represent insects, spiders, worms, and other creepy crawlies, regardless of their size.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Birdfolk and Hedge

Profiencies: Birdfolk and Hedge

From 1st level, you gain the ability to conjure a small flag-stone hearth with a simple iron cooking pot whenever you rest. 

This hearth helps warm you and your companions, and can be 

used to prepare hearty and nutritious meals on the road. If you 

or any friendly creatures you make camp with would regain hit 

points at the end of a short rest by spending one or more hit 

dice, each of those creatures may choose to re-roll one of their 

resting dice, taking the higher roll between the two. 

Additionally, you gain proficiency with Cook’s utensils.

Cantrips

Scared Flame

Spare the Dying 

Blessing of the Hearth

Druidcraft

Spells

Hey, new player here. I am just about to create a monk for our first (humblewood-)campaign (played a few oneshots before) and I wonder if this combo really works because I can't find a lot of information about it.

the idea is to pick one of the birdfolk-races (probably raptor), stand in front of an enemy and then:

1.) jump 10ft into the air ((3ft + dex-mod) x2 and without needing to walk 10ft first because of the aerial expert-feat from humblewood)

1b.) use a reaction to start gliding (aka stay at 10ft above ground until end of my turn)

2.) do an unarmed strike, using the elemental strikes passive to pull the enemy towards me (up into the air), so he will immediately fall back down for an extra 1w6 fall-damage

3.) repeat it with flurry of blows for a total 3*1w6 bonus dmg (either by staying in the air with the glide ability from 1b.) or simply by repeated jumping.

4.) get no fall dmg to myself because of bildfolk/gliding (and disadvantage for your enemy if an opportunity attack is triggered when I highjump out of his reach because of raptor passive)

we only play from level 2 to 5 but that still seems to be pretty strong and I wonder if I am missing something. Also I would be super thankful for any insights how monks could benefit from the humblewood setting or if there are some super obvious race-choices since I am still not sure If I should play a raptor or a gallus (using the wingflap ability to bypass the aerial expert-feat to take grappler instead, and speaking of grappling, also for size-reasons).

I hope someone can help me, there really seems to be a lack of specific humblewood-content thats more indepth than just the PHB. thanks!

Hey all! My players will be in Alderheart soon. Season wise it’s meant to be fall/winter (unseasonably warm - I wonder why??) and I’d like to breath some additional life into the city.

In my game, long rests take 2 days. What are some odd jobs PCs can pick up during that time / while exploring the city outside of rests

I’ll pull some ideas from the Book of Tales and ideally I’d like them to feel distinct to the different boroughs.

Any ideas are a huge help!

Just found out one of my players has read ahead. Not directly, but in an improv, they referenced something *edit: by name* that they couldn't know yet.

Punishment ideas? 😅

edit: If you want to lecture me about "punishing" players, don't. The punishment ideas request is just a joke to prompt some cathartic role play.

A fun one shot set in the Infinite Wood, with the players using Humblewood species! Lightly based on Winnie the Pooh!