Embark on a chilling adventure where Soulsborne and Lovecraftian themes collide, offering a grim Victorian world filled with mystery, eldritch horrors, and the enigmatic First Hunters.
Overview of the Guide
Steinhardt’s Guide to the Eldritch Hunt is a 500-page grimoire blending Soulsborne and Lovecraftian themes, offering a dark, immersive experience for 5e players. Set in a grim Victorian world, it features nightmarish monsters, eldritch moons, and the enigmatic First Hunters. The guide introduces the Jaeger class, subclasses, and unique mechanics like the Madness System. Players will explore advanced tracking techniques, summoning, and survival strategies. With exclusive loot, legendary equipment, and a rich bestiary, this supplement is perfect for DMs and players seeking horror and mystery. Its detailed setting and innovative mechanics promise unforgettable adventures in a world of cosmic terror and untold riches.
Blending Soulsborne and Lovecraftian Themes
Steinhardt’s Guide masterfully merges the atmospheric horror of Lovecraft with the challenging gameplay of Soulsborne. Players face existential dread, cosmic horrors, and the relentless pursuit of eldritch truths. The setting’s grim Victorian aesthetic, combined with the eerie, otherworldly elements, creates a hauntingly immersive experience. Mechanics like the Madness System reflect the psychological strain of confronting the unknown, while the Jaeger class embodies the relentless pursuit of answers in a hopeless world. This blend of themes challenges players to survive not only the monsters but also the crushing weight of cosmic indifference, making every triumph feel hard-won and fleeting.
The Eldritch Setting
A grim Victorian world intertwined with cosmic horrors, where eldritch moons hang low in the sky, casting an ominous glow over the hunt for ancient, forbidden truths.
A Grim Victorian World
Step into a foreboding Victorian era where steam-powered machinery coexists with ancient eldritch magic. The atmosphere is thick with dread, as flickering gas lamps barely pierce the perpetual gloom. cobblestone streets are lined with decrepit buildings, their walls whispering tales of forgotten rituals and forbidden knowledge. The air is heavy with the scent of coal and decay, while distant echoes of unseen horrors linger in every shadow. This is a world where progress and madness entwine, creating a haunting backdrop for the hunt. Survive the unsettling blend of industrial ambition and cosmic terror that defines this grim reality.
The Mystery of the First Hunters
Unravel the enigma of the First Hunters, ancient figures who once braved the unknown to combat eldritch threats. Their origins shrouded in mystery, these legendary beings left behind cryptic artifacts and forbidden knowledge. Their legacy whispers through the ages, guiding modern hunters in their perilous quests. The remnants of their battles with otherworldly entities now serve as both a warning and a beacon, drawing brave souls into the shadows. Discover how their forgotten rituals and ancient pacts forged the world, and how their actions continue to shape the ever-present danger that looms over the land. The truth lies in the fragments they left behind.
Character Creation
Forge unique characters in a grim Victorian world, blending Lovecraftian horror with Soulsborne intensity. The Jaeger class offers complex, high-damage playstyles, while subclasses add depth to your hunt.
The Jaeger Class
The Jaeger class is a formidable and complex option, offering absurdly high damage output and intricate mechanics. Designed for experienced players, it demands constant awareness and strategic thinking. Its strength lies in its versatility and ability to adapt to various combat scenarios, making it a challenging yet rewarding choice. The Jaeger’s power comes with a steep learning curve, as managing its abilities requires precise timing and resource allocation. This class is ideal for those who enjoy mastering intricate systems and seek a high-risk, high-reward playstyle in their Eldritch Hunt adventures.
Subclasses and Their Mechanics
Subclasses in Steinhardt’s Guide to the Eldritch Hunt introduce unique playstyles, each with distinct mechanics tailored to enhance the game’s dark, eldritch atmosphere. Players can choose from subclasses that emphasize summoning otherworldly allies, wielding arcane madness, or mastering terrifying combat techniques. These subclasses are designed to integrate seamlessly with the game’s themes of survival and horror, offering deep customization and strategic depth. Each subclass provides a fresh perspective on the Jaeger class, allowing players to craft a character that aligns with their preferred approach to the hunt. The mechanics are crafted to create a challenging yet immersive experience.
Eldritch Elements
Eldritch elements bring cosmic horror and madness into the game, featuring otherworldly beings, sanity mechanics, and mysterious celestial events that enhance the eerie atmosphere and gameplay.
Mechanics of Madness
The Mechanics of Madness introduce a sanity system, where players face psychological strains from eldritch encounters. As characters experience horrors, their grip on reality falters, triggering madness effects like phobias, paranoia, or hallucinations; These mechanics add unpredictability, forcing players to manage their characters’ mental states alongside physical health. The system deepens immersion, creating a sense of vulnerability and enhancing the Lovecraftian horror theme. Players must balance survival with the risk of descending into madness, adding strategic depth to the game. This unique feature ensures every encounter carries both physical and psychological consequences, making the hunt as challenging as it is thrilling.
Otherworldly Beings and Monsters
Delve into a realm of terrifying creatures inspired by Lovecraftian lore, where nightmarish beings stalk the shadows; From grotesque, tentacled abominations to spectral entities, each monster is crafted to evoke dread and challenge even the most seasoned hunters. The Jaeger class must confront these eldritch horrors, utilizing their unique abilities to survive. The guide offers detailed descriptions and stats for these otherworldly beings, ensuring each encounter feels fresh and unpredictable. These monsters embody the essence of cosmic horror, making the hunt a test of both skill and sanity in a grim Victorian world filled with existential threats.
Tracking and Survival
Master advanced tracking techniques using magical items, spells, or summoned spirits to navigate a grim Victorian world filled with eldritch dangers, where survival demands both skill and instinct.
Advanced Tracking Techniques
Unleash the power of magical tracking tools and summon spirits to locate elusive prey in a grim Victorian world. Advanced techniques blend spellcraft with survival instincts, enhancing hunters’ abilities to navigate the shadows and uncover hidden threats. With the aid of enchanted items and celestial guidance, players can decipher cryptic clues and follow faint trails, ensuring no monster remains undetected. These methods are vital in a realm where madness looms, and the line between reality and the eldritch blur. Mastering these skills is essential for survival in the hunt, where every second counts and every decision could mean life or death.
Magic and Summoning in the Hunt
Magic and summoning are pivotal in the hunt, offering hunters extraordinary abilities to combat eldritch horrors. Players can wield arcane spells to weaken foes or summon ethereal allies for support. The system introduces a balance of power and risk, as overreliance on magic can invite madness. Summoned spirits, from minor familiars to powerful entities, aid in tracking and combat, but demand careful resource management. This mechanic enriches the game with strategic depth, blending seamlessly with the grim Victorian setting. With customizable spellcasting options, hunters can tailor their magical arsenal to suit their playstyle, enhancing both survival and storytelling in the Eldritch Hunt.
The Bestiary
Delve into a terrifying collection of nightmarish monsters and eldritch beings, each embodying cosmic horrors and ancient mysteries, with celestial events like eldritch moons foretelling doom.
Nightmarish Monsters
Step into a realm of terror with the Nightmarish Monsters section, featuring terrifying entities like the Eldritch Hound and Crawling Chaos. These beings embody cosmic dread and madness, blending Victorian-era myths with Lovecraftian horrors. Each monster is meticulously crafted to instill fear, with unique mechanics that reflect their otherworldly origins. From corpse-like creatures crawling with eldritch energy to towering abominations that defy reality, this section offers a diverse array of foes to challenge even the most seasoned hunters. Prepare your players for unforgettable encounters that will leave them questioning their sanity and survival skills in this grim Victorian world.
Eldritch Moons and Celestial Events
Discover the eerie influence of Eldritch Moons, where celestial events like the Blood Moon or the Shattered Moon bring forth unholy transformations. These events reshape the world, summoning eldritch powers that amplify madness and empower otherworldly beings. The lunar cycles are tied to cosmic horrors, creating opportunities for dark rituals and summoning. Players must navigate shifting environments and heightened monster abilities during these events, adding layers of unpredictability to the hunt. Each moon holds unique properties, from the crimson glow of the Blood Moon to the fractured light of the Shattered Moon, each bringing its own brand of terror and mystery to the grim Victorian world.
Loot and Rewards
Uncover exclusive treasures, from ancient Eldritch Relics to cursed artifacts, each offering powerful abilities but at a terrible cost, reflecting the game’s dark Victorian setting.
Exclusive Loot and Treasures
Discover a trove of unique treasures, from cursed artifacts to ancient Eldritch Relics, each offering extraordinary powers but at a dire cost. Unearth the Star-Eclipsed Orb, granting visions of the unknown, or the Tome of Forgotten Names, holding secrets of forbidden knowledge. These treasures, scattered across the grim Victorian world, are as deadly as they are alluring. Surviving their power requires sacrifice, adding depth to your hunt. Exclusive loot awaits, but beware the madness they may bring.
Legendary Deals and Equipment
Acquire powerful gear to aid in your survival, such as the Cursed Blade of Carcosa, which cleaves through eldritch horrors but slowly drains your sanity. The Aether-Forged Rifle offers ranged precision but requires rare celestial ammo. Don the Veil of the Deep, granting stealth against otherworldly beings but obscuring your vision. Each piece of equipment comes with a price, challenging players to balance power with peril. These legendary items, scattered across the grim Victorian world, are key to thriving against the ever-present threat of madness and the Nightmarish Monsters that lurk in every shadow.
Community and Support
Join a thriving community backing the Kickstarter campaign, with regular updates and exclusive content. Access public support resources and stay engaged with fellow hunters.
Kickstarter Campaign and Backer Updates
The Kickstarter campaign for Steinhardt’s Guide to the Eldritch Hunt was a massive success, with physical items selling out quickly. Backers received exclusive updates and early access to content, including alpha-PDFs for testing. The campaign delivered a deluxe box and core box, thrilling supporters with its 500-page grimoire. Regular updates kept the community engaged, showcasing the fusion of Soulsborne and Lovecraftian elements. With content now being distributed to backers, the project continues to build excitement, offering a unique blend of horror and adventure for 5e enthusiasts.
Public Support and Resources
A dedicated public support portal is available for Steinhardt’s Guide to the Eldritch Hunt, ensuring players and GMs have access to updates, resources, and troubleshooting; Regular updates from MonkeyDM keep the community informed about new content and fixes. A GitHub repository hosts additional materials, including homebrew adaptations and community contributions. Players who supported the Kickstarter can access exclusive content through the portal. With a focus on transparency, MonkeyDM actively engages with backers and fans, fostering a strong community around this Lovecraftian-inspired 5e supplement. This support system ensures the guide remains dynamic and player-friendly.
Steinhardt’s Guide to the Eldritch Hunt offers a captivating blend of Soulsborne and Lovecraftian themes, immersing players in a grim Victorian world filled with nightmarish monsters and cosmic mysteries. By combining the eerie atmosphere of Lovecraft with the challenging gameplay of Soulsborne, this supplement delivers a unique 5e experience. Players and GMs alike will find endless thrills in unraveling the mysteries of the First Hunters, surviving madness-inducing horrors, and uncovering legendary treasures. With its rich lore, innovative mechanics, and dedicated community support, this guide invites you to embrace the darkness and join the eldritch hunt.