illrigger 5e pdf
The Illrigger is a custom class for D&D 5e, created by MCDM, offering a versatile armored warrior with supernatural abilities tied to infernal power. It combines mobility, stealth, and combat prowess, making it a unique addition to any campaign.
Class Features
The Illrigger class features include supernatural abilities, versatile gameplay, and unique mechanics like seal placement. It offers mobility options and spellcasting, blending combat and strategic play seamlessly into its design.
2;1 Versatility
The Illrigger’s versatility shines through its adaptability in various playstyles. Players can craft characters as stealthy assassins, heavily armored commanders, or even illusionists. This flexibility allows the class to excel in multiple roles, making it a dynamic choice for any party composition. The design encourages creative builds, catering to different preferences and strategies. With options to focus on melee, ranged, or even social interactions, the Illrigger adapts seamlessly to diverse gameplay scenarios. This adaptability is a key feature, ensuring the class remains engaging and powerful in any campaign setting. Its versatility is further enhanced by unique abilities that allow for both combat and non-combat effectiveness, making the Illrigger a standout choice for players seeking a multi-faceted character.
2.2 Supernatural Abilities
The Illrigger’s supernatural abilities are a hallmark of the class, drawing power from infernal sources. These abilities include sealing powers, which allow the class to impose divine judgment, and mobility enhancements that enable fluid movement in combat. The class also gains access to unique spells that reflect its otherworldly origins, further distinguishing it from traditional classes. These abilities are central to the Illrigger’s identity, offering both utility and combat effectiveness. The infernal influence grants the class a distinct flavor, making it a compelling choice for players seeking a character with a dark, mystical edge. The supernatural elements are seamlessly integrated into the class’s mechanics, ensuring a balanced yet impactful play experience. This blend of power and theme makes the Illrigger’s abilities a standout feature in the world of D&D 5e.
Subclasses
The Illrigger class offers three distinct subclasses, each expanding on its core abilities. These subclasses provide unique playstyles, from stealthy assassins to battlefield commanders, enhancing the class’s versatility and depth.
3.1 Subclass 1
Subclass 1 introduces the Hellbound Enforcer, a fearsome combatant who channels infernal power to dominate the battlefield. This subclass excels at close-quarters combat and can impose debilitating effects on enemies. By leveraging their infernal connections, Hellbound Enforcers can inspire fear and control the flow of battle. Their abilities include enhanced combat maneuvers and the capacity to summon minor fiendish aid, making them formidable opponents in direct confrontations. This subclass is ideal for players seeking a mix of martial prowess and supernatural influence, allowing them to dictate the terms of engagement and assert their dominance over foes. With this path, the Illrigger becomes a relentless enforcer of Hell’s will, striking fear into the hearts of all who oppose them.
3.2 Subclass 2
Subclass 2 introduces the Shadowfire Trickster, a cunning and elusive variant of the Illrigger. This subclass emphasizes stealth, deception, and misdirection, allowing players to outwit enemies rather than confront them directly. The Shadowfire Trickster excels at manipulating perceptions, creating illusions, and moving through shadows to strike from unexpected angles. Their abilities include enhanced mobility, the power to create confusing spectacles, and the capacity to evade detection effortlessly. This subclass is perfect for players who enjoy playing a more cerebral and agile character, using wit and cunning to outmaneuver foes. The Shadowfire Trickster’s abilities make them ideal for roles such as scouts, spies, or even charismatic leaders who prefer to manipulate events from behind the scenes. This path transforms the Illrigger into a master of shadows and deception, capable of turning the tide of battle with clever tactics and unpredictable strategies.
3.3 Subclass 3
Subclass 3, known as the Hellforged Commander, is a powerful and charismatic leader who excels at inspiring allies and controlling the battlefield. This subclass focuses on enhancing the Illrigger’s ability to command and protect their companions, drawing on infernal power to bolster morale and coordination. The Hellforged Commander gains access to aura-like abilities that improve allies’ combat effectiveness, such as granting advantage on attack rolls or increasing their resistance to certain types of damage. Additionally, this subclass introduces a unique mechanic called “Infernal Command,” which allows the Illrigger to issue orders that grant temporary boosts to speed, attack damage, or spellcasting ability. The Hellforged Commander also gains the ability to summon and control a swirling aura of hellish energy, which can both protect allies and devastate enemies. This subclass is ideal for players who enjoy taking on a leadership role and orchestrating their party’s success through strategic commands and Infernal might.
Gameplay Mechanics
The Illrigger combines supernatural abilities with versatile combat styles, offering mobility and spellcasting. Players can adapt to situations, using infernal powers for stealth, illusion, or direct combat, making each encounter dynamic and strategic.
4.1 Spellcasting
The Illrigger’s spellcasting system revolves around infernal power, drawing from a unique spell list. Players prepare spells from this list, selecting a number based on their class level. The class utilizes a distinctive mechanic involving “seals,” which serve as a resource for casting spells. These seals can be regained through specific actions or during long rests, adding a strategic layer to spell management. The Illrigger’s spells reflect its infernal origins, offering abilities that blend combat, stealth, and deception. This system encourages players to balance spell usage with other class features, creating a dynamic playstyle that adapts to various situations. The spellcasting mechanics are designed to complement the class’s versatility, making the Illrigger a formidable and flexible character in both combat and roleplay scenarios.
This unique approach to spellcasting sets the Illrigger apart from traditional spellcasters in D&D 5e.
4.2 Mobility
The Illrigger’s mobility is a standout feature, blending supernatural movement with tactical positioning. Utilizing infernal powers, they can employ abilities like “mist walking,” allowing them to traverse through keyholes or bypass obstacles, enhancing their stealth and versatility. This ethereal movement grants them unparalleled agility on the battlefield, enabling swift repositioning and surprise attacks. The class’s mobility is tied to resource management, with seals regaining during long rests, ensuring strategic use of these abilities. Playtesting by MCDM has balanced these features to prevent overpowering, maintaining harmony within D&D 5e mechanics. Subclasses further diversify mobility: assassins excel in evasive maneuvers, while tank-like subclasses focus on defensive positioning. Thematic elements of dark, otherworldly movement add narrative depth, distinguishing the Illrigger from other classes. Mobility seamlessly integrates with combat and spellcasting, enhancing overall effectiveness. Thus, the Illrigger’s mobility is a key element in their dynamic and formidable playstyle.
Character Creation
Creating an Illrigger involves balancing ability scores for melee or spellcasting builds. Strength or Dexterity enhances combat, while Charisma boosts supernatural abilities. Species selection impacts playstyle, with options like Tiefling or Half-Elf complementing the class’s infernal theme and versatility.
5.1 Ability Scores
When creating an Illrigger, ability scores play a crucial role in shaping the character’s effectiveness. For melee-focused builds, prioritize Strength or Dexterity to maximize combat prowess. If opting for a more supernatural or spellcasting-oriented Illrigger, Charisma becomes essential, as it powers their infernal abilities. Constitution is also vital for survivability, ensuring the character can withstand the rigors of battle. Wisdom and Intelligence, while less critical, can still contribute to perception and skill versatility. Balancing these scores allows players to craft a well-rounded Illrigger capable of adapting to various combat and role-playing scenarios, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience in any campaign setting.
5.2 Species Selection
Selecting the right species for an Illrigger is crucial, as it enhances the class’s versatility. For melee-focused builds, species like Goliath or Half-Orc are ideal due to their Strength bonuses and resilience. Light Cleric races, such as Tiefling or Aasimar, complement spellcasting Illriggers, boosting Charisma for infernal abilities. For a more stealthy or cunning Illrigger, Halfling or Half-Elf are excellent choices, offering Dexterity and skill bonuses. Dragonborn and Dwarf species are also viable for their defensive traits, making them formidable tank-like Illriggers. Ultimately, the choice depends on the desired playstyle, ensuring the species traits align with the subclass and ability scores. This synergy allows players to craft a unique and balanced character, tailored to their vision of the Illrigger’s role in the campaign.
Official Information
The Illrigger 5e PDF is MCDM’s first custom class for Dungeons & Dragons, officially released in 2024. It aligns with the updated D&D 5e rules and introduces unique infernal abilities. Developed by MCDM, it’s the first non-Wizards of the Coast official class, marking a significant milestone in third-party content integration.
6.1 Developer Background
MCDM, known for titles like Flee, Mortals and the Draw Steel system, developed the Illrigger class. Matthew Colville led the design, with contributions from Lars Bakke. This class is MCDM’s first official D&D 5e class, showcasing their expertise in creating balanced and engaging content. The development involved extensive playtesting over two years, ensuring the class’s mechanics and lore were refined for optimal gameplay. MCDM’s goal was to create a unique, infernal-themed class that stands alongside Wizards of the Coast’s offerings, reflecting their commitment to innovation and quality in third-party content.
6.2 Publication Details
The Illrigger class was published in 2024 by MCDM, a renowned third-party publisher, as part of their expanded D&D 5e content. The Illrigger PDF includes the core class, three subclasses, five new spells, an Illrigger NPC, and three retainers compatible with the Followers rules. Available on platforms like DriveThruRPG, it has garnered a 4.7/5 rating with over 38,859 downloads, reflecting its popularity. This release marks MCDM’s first official custom class for D&D 5e, highlighting their growth and dedication to creating high-quality content. The document was developed over two years, with extensive playtesting ensuring its balance and appeal. Its success underscores MCDM’s role as a major contributor to the D&D community, offering fresh and innovative ideas to enrich campaigns.
Design Process
The Illrigger underwent a two-year development journey, involving extensive playtesting and feedback from a growing network of designers. This iterative process ensured the class was balanced, engaging, and met player expectations.
7.1 Development Journey
The Illrigger class began as a concept explored by MCDM, aiming to create a unique, infernal-themed warrior. Initial designs focused on blending mobility with supernatural abilities, drawing inspiration from the Nine Hells. Over two years, the class evolved through playtesting, with feedback from a growing network of designers and players. This iterative process involved refining mechanics to ensure balance and fun. The developers paid close attention to community feedback, addressing concerns and tweaking features to enhance playability. The class’s versatility was a key focus, ensuring it could adapt to various playstyles. This journey culminated in a polished, official release, marking MCDM’s first custom class for D&D 5e.
7.2 Playtesting Insights
Playtesting the Illrigger revealed valuable insights into its design and balance. Early feedback highlighted concerns about the class being overpowered, particularly in its mobility and supernatural abilities. Players noted the versatility of the class, but some felt it overshadowed other D&D 5e classes. To address this, MCDM refined the mechanics, ensuring the Illrigger could shine without disrupting game balance. Playtesters praised the class’s narrative depth, especially its infernal theme, which added unique roleplaying opportunities. The ability to adapt to different playstyles, such as stealthy assassins or heavily armored commanders, was a major highlight. Feedback also emphasized the importance of clear rules for seal placement and mistwalking. Overall, playtesting shaped the Illrigger into a balanced, engaging, and immersive class that resonated with players and DMs alike.
Additional Content
The Illrigger PDF introduces five new spells, an Illrigger NPC, and three retainers compatible with the Followers rules, enriching gameplay with fresh mechanics and story-enhancing elements.
8;1 New Spells
The Illrigger PDF includes five new spells that complement the class’s infernal theme. These spells enhance mobility, deception, and combat versatility, offering unique playstyles for Illrigger characters in D&D 5e campaigns.
8.2 NPCs and Retainers
The Illrigger PDF introduces a unique NPC and three retainers, expanding the class’s integration into D&D 5e campaigns. These characters are designed to interact with Illriggers, offering diverse roles such as scouts, enforcers, or mysterious allies. The NPC, specifically crafted for the Illrigger, adds depth to the class’s lore and infernal themes, while the retainers provide players with loyal companions that enhance gameplay. Each retainer is tailored to align with the Illrigger’s supernatural abilities, offering strategic advantages in combat and exploration. These additions enrich the class’s narrative potential, allowing players to build complex relationships and storylines. The retainers also tie into the Followers rules from Strongholds & Followers, making them a seamless addition to any campaign. This content enhances the Illrigger’s versatility, offering new ways for players to engage with the world and its inhabitants.
Community Reception
The Illrigger class has received enthusiastic reception, with a 4.7/5 rating and over 38,000 downloads. Players praise its versatility, unique abilities, and thematic depth, finding it both fun and balanced in gameplay.
9.1 Ratings and Downloads
The Illrigger class has garnered significant popularity, boasting an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating based on 2,348 votes. This high rating reflects the community’s appreciation for its unique design and gameplay potential. With over 38,859 downloads, it stands as one of the most sought-after custom classes for D&D 5e. The class’s success is further highlighted by its consistent presence in discussions and playtesting sessions, where players and Dungeon Masters alike praise its balance and versatility. The Illrigger’s ability to blend supernatural abilities with martial prowess has made it a favorite among those seeking a fresh yet familiar playstyle. Its popularity continues to grow, making it a testament to the creativity and dedication of its developers at MCDM.
9.2 Player Feedback
Players have praised the Illrigger class for its unique blend of versatility and supernatural abilities, with many highlighting its ability to adapt to various playstyles. Feedback often emphasizes the class’s creativity, particularly in its infernal mechanics and mobility options. Some players noted that the class feels overpowered in certain builds, especially at lower levels, but this has sparked constructive discussions rather than widespread criticism. The community has also appreciated the developer’s active engagement, as MCDM has incorporated player feedback into revisions. Many players enjoy the subclasses’ distinct identities, though some suggest further differentiation could enhance replayability. Overall, the Illrigger has been well-received, with players appreciating its fresh take on martial and arcane combat. Its popularity in home games and online forums underscores its potential as a staple in D&D 5e custom content.
Impact on D&D 5e
The Illrigger class has made a significant impact on D&D 5e, setting a new precedent for third-party content. As the first official class not created by Wizards of the Coast, it demonstrates the growing influence of community-driven design. Its success has encouraged other third-party creators, showcasing the viability of high-quality custom content. The class’s unique mechanics, such as its infernal powers and versatility, have inspired players to explore new playstyles, enriching the game’s diversity. Additionally, its integration into official gameplay has opened doors for more collaborative content between publishers and the community. The Illrigger has proven that D&D 5e’s ecosystem can thrive with innovative, externally developed ideas, potentially shaping the future of class design and official content. Its popularity highlights the game’s adaptability and the importance of community engagement in its evolution.
The Illrigger class represents a groundbreaking addition to D&D 5e, blending versatility, supernatural abilities, and infernal themes into a cohesive and engaging playstyle. Its unique design, developed by MCDM, has resonated with players and DMs alike, offering a fresh perspective on armored warriors. The class’s versatility allows for diverse builds, from stealthy assassins to battlefield commanders, making it adaptable to various campaign settings. Its supernatural mechanics and infernal seals add depth, encouraging creative problem-solving and strategic thinking. The Illrigger has set a new standard for third-party content, proving that high-quality, community-driven designs can enrich the D&D 5e experience. With its strong reception and continuous refinement, the Illrigger stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the D&D community and its ability to innovate and evolve.