I hope summer is treating you well! We survived a heat wave here in Montreal, and my kids are now officially able to ride their bikes on two wheels! I’m a proud papa!

In last month’s newsletter, I focused on how magic works in The World of Kiynan, and went into specifics of how I’m translating that into my upcoming The World of Kiynan (2nd edition) 5E compatible rulebook, through my House Magician class. This month, I want to give you a preview of my custom subclasses for Barbarian, Fighter, Rogue and Monk.

But first, I have a few quick announcements about some exciting promotions.

Promotions! *cue airhorn*

Featured Author

If you’re looking for something a little different, but still within fantasy, check out Discovery by Louise McLaughlin. It’s “like Good Omens had a cup of tea with Yes Minister and invited the gods, witches and aliens over for a surprise party.” If this sounds up your alley, be sure to sign up for her newsletter.

itch.io Bundle

I’m happy to share that The Conquest of Kiynan is part of an incredible bundle on itch.io featuring 16 science fiction and fantasy books by Canadian authors – all for just $20 USD! That’s only $1.25 per book.

Smashwords Summer Sale

All three books in The Kiynan Chronicles series are currently available as part of a promotion on Smashwords for the month of July: the 17th Annual Summer/Winter Sale! This is a great chance to get my books, along with books from many other great authors, at a discount so you can get right to reading.

Martial Sub-Classes in The World of Kiynan

While reading historical fiction, particularly Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom series, I was absolutely fascinated by the shield wall tactic, which was fundamental for infantry from ancient Greece all the way into the Middle Ages. That visceral image of warriors moving as one, shields locked in an unbreakable line, directly inspired the “sword and board” style of play for my Iceborn Warrior sub-class in The World of Kiynan.

Iceborn Warrior (Barbarian Path)

While the Iceborn of Varice are renowned as wild and savage warriors, like any effective military force, they are highly disciplined. While they have been known to break ranks when the bloodlust is upon them, they are trained first and foremost to work together in the shield wall.

I always felt D&D Barbarians could be more than just mindless smashers. That’s why the Iceborn Warrior is designed for a more tactical, defensive playstyle. They’re all about the shield, gaining powerful advantages like increased Armor Class for themselves and nearby allies. But, naturally, they still excel at dealing damage, even using their shield as a formidable weapon!

Next up is the Knight of Paladia Fighter sub-class, a concept deeply rooted in the unwavering principles of Paladia’s military. These Knights are the ultimate team players, focusing on discipline, tactics, and above all, teamwork. Paladia’s King has no interest in brutes or show-offs; their training grounds often echo with their mantra “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” A Knight of Paladia isn’t just a warrior—they’re a team captain, constantly raising up their comrades and working together against the enemy.

Knight of Paladia (Fighter Archetype)

The Knight of Paladia stands as a beacon of battlefield support, deeply committed to protecting their allies and ensuring no one is left behind. They are masters of immediate battlefield aid, capable of swiftly providing crucial relief from poisons and expertly binding wounds to keep their comrades fighting. Beyond immediate care, these Knights inspire and lead their group, capable of rallying their allies for a united stand that grants everyone nearby significant defensive bonuses, turning their formation into an unbreakable bulwark against any threat.

From disciplined ranks and unified defense, we pivot to a different kind of combatant: the Rogue Vandal. This sub-class embodies overwhelming devastation, a master of thrown and placed explosives who excels at ambushing unsuspecting enemies. Ingenious and versatile, Vandals are just as adept at devising disabling effects as they are at unleashing devastating attacks from the shadows.

Vandal (Rogue Archetype)

A master of chaos and explosive ingenuity, from the moment they choose this path, a Vandal becomes adept at delivering devastating ranged attacks with thrown explosives, striking with precision and applying their signature Sneak Attack damage from a distance. They are adept at crafting their own volatile devices, both for throwing and for placing traps. As they advance, Vandals become experts at dismantling devices left by others, salvaging materials and turning an enemy’s defenses into their own destructive arsenal.

From explosive ingenuity, we shift our focus skyward to the Way of the Skyfighter Monk. In the city of Spire, the Inventor’s Guild recently revealed their Skyhook, a new device that has redefined battlefield mobility. It consists of compressed gas tanks worn as a backpack, a flexible grappling hook, and a gas-powered launcher. This setup allows a skilled individual to move quickly through the air, swinging from their tether. Truly mastering the Skyhook demands extensive training, granting the wielder entry into a group of specialized mercenaries who use the device’s unique mobility to serve clients who can afford their expertise.

Way of the Skyfighter (Monastic Tradition)

The Skyfighter traverses the battlefield as if it were a vertical playground. From the moment they embrace this path, Skyfighters become one with their Skyhook device, using its reach for precise melee strikes or to swiftly propel themselves across the environment. They can also use the hook to pull enemies closer or entangle them, dictating the flow of combat. As they master their aerial momentum, Skyfighters learn to unleash devastating Hook Charges and Falling Attacks, using gravity and positioning to strike with overwhelming advantage, bashing and toppling opponents, all while evading attacks by pulling themselves to safety with a quick, agile swing.

That wraps up this peek into the martial sub-classes of The World of Kiynan (2nd edition)! I had a blast designing these unique playstyles, and I hope they’ve piqued your curiosity. Which of these new ways to play sparks your imagination the most, and what kind of character would you envision playing?

Thanks for reading! Take care!