Beyond introducing an entirely new setting into the expansive lore of Dungeons & Dragons, the latest sourcebook, Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos, is bringing a wealth of new mechanics.
Speaking to Polygon, co-lead designer Amanda Hamon teased some of the new features players can look forward to. While adventuring through the magical school of Strixhaven, pulled from the lore of Magic: The Gathering, players will be able to engage in all kinds of mischief. Curriculum of Chaos is set to include mechanics for "gamifying romantic relationships with non-player characters, a system for taking exams, and a vaguely Quidditch-like ruleset for the popular intramural sport of Mage Tower." Harmon didn't go into great detail on these mechanics, which will likely be explained in the near future.
Hamon also opened up about how creative Dungeon Masters will be able to use the location of Strixhaven in their campaigns. The setting has been designed so that fans who may not be enthusiastic about Magic's particular brand of fantasy can simply slot it into their preferred world. "It’s a campus that is self contained, that can be dropped within any setting, as it makes sense for other people’s campaigns. That was very important for us. We wanted it to be its own world," said Hamon.
Players who enroll in Strixhaven will certainly have their hands full. Curriculum of Chaos includes adventures that span over four years, emulating the amount of time it usually takes for a magic-user to finish their studies. Dungeon Masters can run these chapters as individual games, divorced from any kind of over-arching narrative, or unite them into one grand saga. "If you do that, the book provides you instructions for how to change the narrative, [how to inform your players on] what it is that is driving the action forward, and what the satisfying resolution is if you play each chapter," explains Hamon.
Beyond the new college-inspired mechanics, Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos includes a wealth of new tools for Dungeons Masters and players alike. The sourcebook will introduce new spells, feats, backgrounds and over 40 creatures. A new playable race, the Owlin, will also be added.
Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos launches on Dec. 7. Dungeons & Dragons fans eager to get their hands on the new sourcebook can preorder it now.
Source: Polygon