Grim Hollow Transformations Explained! | D&D 5e 2024

[@JackOfHeartsRPG]

I love that you're using the bloodied condition in some of the designs.

[@dantherpghero2885]

A key feature of the werewolf is their legendary skill with basketball. I saw a movie about it once.

[@joshdavid9256]

A true classic.

[@mateokirstine9782]

Oh thank goodness! Had a wizard with a piddly 6 str get bitten by a weretiger and suffer through the old lycanthrope rules. I was so tempted to try and make the mechanics works, but it was miserable. Did get a cool roleplay moment of an npc adventurer doing much better with it and my character just beating herself up relentlessly for it, wondering if she was just too weak. These seems so much cooler and addresses just how weak Lycans felt compared to the other transformations! Excellent job, guys looking forward to your future work as always!

[@memeslich]

I want to be an aware wolf.🧘‍♂️

[@GhostfireGaming]

High Wisdom and Perception are a must. 😑

[@jacobwillis7596]

Werewolf monk

[@bomber3165]

I cast invisibility. Where wolf?

[@benf9708]

I want to dress nicely as a Wear Wolf

[@lloydnicholls1439]

Everybody's saying "where wolf", but nobody's asking "how wolf"?

[@bigstones8739]

I do think it would be kinda cool for Vampires to choose between different flaws or something. I mostly say this because I know Others (including myself) will want to play as vampire rogues who sneak into enemy locations that they may be held up like a mansion or something and do their thing (Stealing, Killing, Observing, ect). But am willing to admit my bias LMAO. Overall though, I'm happy this revision in happening and I cannot wait for more grim hollow content. My friends and I will end up playing Valikan Clans and Im excited to play a Dark Envoy rogue. Thank you for all your hard work. I can easily say Grim Hollow has been one of the greatest addition to the DND community

[@Usernamesdontmatter1]

Idk I genuinely like that flaw of vampires. It forces you to think outside the box. Also the rules specifically say occupant must invite you in. Not owner. Not resident. You could bring a friend or a familiar and they lean in and invite you in. You could befriend a spirit who would phase through the wall and beckon you inside. Hell you could burn down the manor and force your quarry to come outside confused and into a trap of your design ala fright night. Flaws aren't meant to be convenient thats what makes them fun. The situation you just described I can think of multiple ways around the situation and I have done so in games with decent enough results.

[@Nyrufa]

Idea for a Lycanthrope Wizard - Struggles with the curse, because their life's work has been focused on intellectual pursuits and mastery of the arcane, but they constantly risk devolving into a feral beast any time they're agitated.

[@Endercoloss]

Excited for the new playtest and kickstarter next month

[@dezopenguin9649]

Love the new Shadowsteel Ghoul and more lore on Shadowsteel's place in Etharis, and the more coherent lore/playability combinations for werebeasts (esp. the removal of ability score requirements--imagine a bunch of werebears sitting around and wondering why their clan can't get any wizards since none of them meet the STR requirement! And it doesn't feel much like a "curse" if the way to avoid it is...to just be weak). The interesting thing about the Shadowsteel Ghoul is that it directly addresses one of the problems I had with the original lich transformation (something I hope can be addressed in the upgraded version of the lich), which is that the Ghoul, despite being infected by an evil, corrupting power, isn't required by the nature of their transformation to _be_ evil. They certainly _can_ be, doubling down on the monstrous nature of their transformation and embracing the accursed power within them, but they can also choose to fight that even though their transformed nature will forever set them at arm's-length from others because Shadowsteel is 100% bad juju (also good for a campaign which takes the Dael Kingsmill view of necromancy). Others are similar--vampires are predatory by nature, but can subsist on freely donated or negotiated-for blood (or blood taken from legitimate enemies), werebeasts are at risk of losing control, aberrant horrors are eldritch abominations. Even fiends don't actually have to be evil (and seraphs, likewise, may choose to use their divine powers for decidedly unholy ends; if it works for the Arcanist Inquisition, it can certainly work for a PC!). But liches...there's no way of getting around the fact that they have to consume souls for both power and existence. Even in a game-world where rendering an enemy dead can be completely justifiable behavior under law and morality, consuming a soul is an inescapably evil act (even the fiend only claims it in servitude!). There's none of the "struggle against the beast" for the lich (and unlike other transformations, one cannot have lichdom thrust upon one, another thing that sets them apart); just to become a lich in the first place they have to go flying past the moral event horizon into irredeemable evil. This sets them apart from every other Grim Hollow transformation, because it locks them into only being useful for one kind of campaign unless you homebrew it away.

[@gregorygreenwood-nimmo4954]

I do love the Grimhollow transformation system. The concept is inspired and the execution is excellent, with all sorts of opportunities for roleplaying. Tying transformations to curses offers ready made and very gothic adventure hooks, and of course gives monster hunters more creature to hunt, something which in itself could be fun as an infected or cursed party member might want to conceal the fact that they are afflicted from an 'ally' who might get all 'kill first, ask questions never' should they learn the truth.

[@Invader_Rin13]

If there's anything I personally want for the Lycanthrope transformation is how to create new ones. Since there so many more than just werewolves, bears, and rats. Just thinking about weretigers and werecrocs makes me want to add to what special traits to give to players.

[@Zer0Dakilla]

Werecrocs and Weresharks I need desperately. Admittedly you could have the croc use the bear rules and the shark use the wolf rules.

[@jacobwillis7596]

I really hope yall include guidance on when to advance player transformations and guidance for starting with a transformation

[@norfemignissius4936]

I was already homebrewing the "ability score" bonus & restriction but it's good to see some evolution here. Excited for some Shadowsteel content though.

[@jeffersonian000]

I’ve been playing a Werewolf in our 5e campaign, who has been a Werewolf from lvl1 (Changeling Moon Druid/Beast Barbarian/Long Death Monk), taking advantage of the weapon size rules from the DMG, ie, large weapons are 2x weapon dice. At lvl1, he Shapechanges (racial ability) while using Primal Savagery. From lvl2 until he gains claws from Beast Barbarian, he goes Brown Bear (size large, 2d6+Str claw attack with a 1d8 bit attack) for the multi-attack while still using Shapechange to literally be a large humanoid wolf. Once he has claws and starts taking Monk levels, he goes Dire Wolf (size large, bite attack that knocks opponents prone, pack tactics), which moves his claws to 2d6+Rage+Str that now hits twice on an attack action plus another 1-2 claw attacks (martial arts, Flurry of Blows) for 3-4 claw attacks. Once he gets a second attack per round, he’s dealing 4-5 claw attacks at 2d6+Rage+Str plus all the movement abilities, unarmored defense, a fear inducing blood curdling howl, regaining temp HP by killing opponents, etc, and will eventually get to 2d8+Rage+Str at higher levels. Still limited to fully hulking out just twice a day between rests, but he can still look the part and deal martial arts damage at any time. It’s my favorite build to date.

[@andrewhalverson6974]

I've got three player character s in my game that are going through transformations. A Barbarian werebear an paladin celestial, and a bard aberrant horror.

[@callmev3531]

3:12, If certain aspects of these monster species subclasses have stages, an interesting idea could be first requiring certain saves to resist losing control or identity during the transformations, with each success being what unlocks new features and traits (making it a kind of leveling system) while each failure makes it increasingly difficult to control the transformation or monster form, leaving the DM to take over the transformed character. Essentially a blend of both original and updated rules, giving characters the opportunity to progress and gain further control over their monstrous state and the abilities it grants (though certain weaknesses or limitations may still persist, making the battle to maintain control a constant effort) or be instead controlled and twisted by it due to lacking the will to overcome their new nature (which could also make for pretty interesting character development as they struggle with their condition in a similar manner to an illness or substance abuser, never being exactly "cured", but needing constant vigilance to remain stable while tempted or forced by circumstance to lose that stability for the power their condition gives). 4:51, In the same vein, the increase for certain attributes could still be heightened in person form depending upon which werebeast (or therianthrope) a character is, but not nearly to the same degree as their bestial form, meaning a character can still experience some of the benefits of their therianthropic condition when in person form, a taste of the power it could give them, but wether they are able to master it fully remains a matter of how well they can retain their identity in their bestial form, resisting instinct and savagery from consuming their minds.

[@redhoodie4111]

You could always play as a werewolf in 5e. The rules do not require you to surrender control of your character to the DM. That's explicitly an optional thing. A player that becomes a werewolf uses the Werewolf stat block when they transform, but they're humanoid form uses your standard character sheet. People seriously need to start reading the books and pay closer attention.

[@Eaglebrace]

An older character of mine is a werechimera, he is a character that had a split-personality at one point were "blessed" by a ancient fey of hunt, in this form its extremely agonizing processes as he not just tries to tackle just one mind, but two others of his inner primval urgest that he constatly fights to control over him, to let it all out. Hes uniqe of his kin and unlike a were-creatue - monster hunters who have tried to pursued him were not prepared for what they would face. A fun concept i ever played and for sure with the upcoming grim hollow its gonna be absolutely more monstrous than ever!

[@akashambatwamiller6924]

It's amazing how a 5-minute video can spark such excitement that you can't help but share the link with your DM for a campaign that's still a year away! In just 30 minutes, you've crafted the background story and defined the character goals, all before even laying eyes on the play test materials!✍

[@SpellhawksPressLive2014]

Oh this is cool! immediately thought of a cool character for this. Wererat Rogue Griven Gnawclaw!

[@Bonebite]

So excited to see more of the "new" grim hollow

[@googleaccount846]

SO HYPED

[@1337Pope]

Can’t wait for the new books!

[@joshuabuddo2803]

This all looks fantastic, not sure about the vampires thirst getting stronger as you get older, always thought vampires get better with the thirst thing as time passes

[@jeroenimus7528]

I'd like to see Vampiric Bloodlines (or for that matter other "sub"transformations) which impact the non-combat pillars of roleplay. (look at the various VtM bloodlines for inspiration). While combat is a big thing in many d&d games it's not the only thing. And imo Etharis has an incredibly nurturing foundation for these other pillars which the standard d&d settings seem to miss.

[@alexinfinite7142]

I love grim hollow so much!

[@jasonlyon5675]

Most of my players wanted a transformation that synergizes well with class. I just gave them the +2 +1 attributes bump with no caps. With this a player could have a 22 attribute which seems like a monstrous thing above limits but an additional+1 to something is not game changing.

[@LupusLore-l5c]

This sounds amazing for almost every version of dnd not just 5e XD

[@natezabinski5615]

Playing a lich is so tantalizing. I hope that this errata lets us take the transformation at a lower level.

[@markt7177]

Looks amazing!!!

[@BSRJR]

I love this feature, but I honestly think making them feat based is the way to go. It’ll be a better sell for wary DMs and it’d be better for balance purposes and character progression. You could make the feats more powerful than your average feat, but also have each feat come with an appropriate flaw. You could create epic boons for each transformation archetype. It would also translate more seamlessly into D&D beyond. I urge you to consider at least having alternate rules for feat based transformations.

[@pranakhan]

Badass, great delivery! I loved hearing about it on the podcast, definitely looking into this

[@GhostfireGaming]

Awesome, thank you!

[@AJ-yl5lt]

They should make a Necromancer class, it would be sweet, could create structures out of the flesh and bone of enemies and summon skeletons and zombies. A red wizard character perhaps.

[@DoinItforNewCommTech]

I'm still on the fence about the 2024 rules. I'm hardly expecting 2014 rules to be supported in the book (the original Grim Hollow already covers that, after all!) but it would DEFINITELY be appreciated! Is there any word on conversion guidelines, maybe in a glossary at the back, for people who want to play these updated transformations with the 2014 game? Even as a stretch goal, I think it would be great.

[@blackguardunlimeted]

Waiting for October 1st 🎉

[@Tomha]

Will there be a way for Transformed players to get more boons? From what I understood in the original books, you only get 1 boon per level and nothing suggested you could grab another like a feat. The idea of a Eldritch Knight mastering the Vampires magics and weave it into swordplay sounds badass.

[@0huckleberry]

I am looking forward to runnuing a campaign. Every video gives me new ideas. what other metals are exclusive in Grim Hollow?

[@0huckleberry]

I am not sure of the homebreewing logistics but could a box be made out of Shadowsteel, glass and Soul Gems to house a Demilich? . It could be a Trophy case for a Expert Monster Hunter. Think of Dr. Doom's Trophy Room

[@shmee123ful]

I'd personally love to see an aboration transformation

[@GhostfireGaming]

It’ll definitely be included in the final book!

[@chrism6315]

Love you guys and even don't mind too much the 'ironic' youtube faces you do for the podcast, but could we refrain from outright misinformation? The monster manual (released September 30th 2014) on page 207 lists ways for player charachters to be lycanthropes, be better.

[@MrFoxxy18]

PLAYER CHARACTERS AS LYCANTHROPES "A character who becomes a lycanthrope retains his or her statistics except as specified by lycanthrope type. The character gains the lycanthrope’s speeds in nonhumanoid form, damage immunities, traits, and actions that don’t involve equipment. The character is proficient with the lycanthrope’s natural attacks, such as its bite or claws, which deal damage as shown in the lycanthrope’s statistics. The character can’t speak while in animal form. A non-lycanthrope humanoid hit by an attack that carries the curse of lycanthropy must succeed on a Constitution saving throw (DC 8 + the lycanthrope’s proficiency bonus + the lycanthrope’s Constitution modifier) or be cursed. If the character embraces the curse, his or her alignment becomes the one defined for the lycanthrope. The DM is free to decide that a change in alignment places the character under DM control until the curse of lycanthropy is removed. The following information applies to specific lycanthropes. Werebear. The character gains a Strength of 19 if his or her score isn’t already higher, and a +1 bonus to AC while in bear or hybrid form (from natural armor). Attack and damage rolls for the natural weapons are based on Strength. Wereboar. The character gains a Strength of 17 if his or her score isn’t already higher, and a +1 bonus to AC while in boar or hybrid form (from natural armor). Attack and damage rolls for the tusks are based on Strength. For the Charge trait, the DC is 8 + the character’s proficiency bonus + Strength modifier. Wererat. The character gains a Dexterity of 15 if his or her score isn’t already higher. Attack and damage rolls for the bite are based on whichever is higher of the character’s Strength and Dexterity. Weretiger. The character gains a Strength of 17 if his or her score isn’t already higher. Attack and damage rolls for the natural weapons are based on Strength. For the Pounce trait, the DC is 8 + the character’s proficiency bonus + Strength modifier. Werewolf. The character gains a Strength of 15 if his or her score isn’t already higher, and a +1 bonus to AC while in wolf or hybrid form (from natural armor). Attack and damage rolls for the natural weapons are based on Strength." this?

[@nathanasaurusrex71]

Can I be a Werehouse? I need the buff to my encumbrance value! 😂

[@iskandarthegreat0487]

You should listen to the "Empire of the Vampire" series

[@XeroStrife5]

Super excited for new stuff. Slightly bummed cause the transformation deck was really neat and I got it. Are you doing some sort of updated version, or is this just going to be a book/pdf?

[@Itachi45481]

Wait does that mean the old transformation mechanics are gone with the new book I thought the new book was a reprint? Do I need the new book? Or is this just an update?

[@kcthonian]

It's a new version but still mostly 5e. They made slight changes to some rules, spells, classes, races, etc. So, it isn't just a reprint of the exact same info. As to whether you need the new books or not... it depends on if your group plans to transition to the new ruleset or not. I know a lot of people that are just sticking to the original 2014 rules and don't plan to switch over like my group. We don't see the need or have the desire and there isn't really anything in the new systems catching our attention. Then there are others planning to switch only after all the new books are out or only after they've finished their current campaign. So, sort of a personal choice.

[@Itachi45481]

@@kcthonian cool thanks for clarification much appreciated

[@Lcirex]

Still hoping for a Lamia and/or arachne transformations down the line.

[@7913AJunior]

Once again begging for a list of credits/references to the media clips and music you use. I recognize some of it but not all and would like to be able to look it up afterwards.

[@jasonsunday2932]

How well would the updated Transformation rules work with other 5e games such as Tales of the Valiant and Level Up 5E?

[@GhostfireGaming]

A little hard to say because transformations are designed for 5e 2024, specifically. They’ll use 5e 2024 specific language, and it’s possible unintended mechanical combinations or clashes may arise (for better or worse) with other systems. That said, Transformations are a relatively discrete set of rules that could be modularly added to other 5e systems. The language should be intuitively understood by experienced players and GM’s.

[@dragothdarqlaw156]

Still not picking up a 5e book. Ill stay with 3.5 and its bloat.

[@JAH711]

Any chance Ghostfire have been looking at other TTRPGs or even looking at making your own? Excited to use this in 5e, probably using Nimble. Just curious 👀

[@MegaRyuki]

You sold your fish very well, ill buy it

[@Drolomath66]

Why doesn’t dnd just use this

[@soldierbreed]

Weretiger?

[@MortSalazar]

There A wolf Why is this a revelation though? Am i too homebrewed to get it?

[@The_RealWilliam]

Not in 2024 PHB

[@Andyyybeeeee]

Annoying as i not long purchased the books and now they are getting changes *Sigh*

[@devonbickett349]

is Grim Hollow a video Game?

[@bustertn2014]

Yawn. We could play ad Werewolves in 3.5 as well.