Al-Qadim Archetypes

33 Pages·2016·5.18 MB·English

by  Jeremy Forbing

Please see copyright disclaimer on next page.
AL-QADIM ARCHETYPES:
Scimitars against the Dark

Version 1.2
An Adventurer’s Guide to Banishing the Shadows of Zakhara
Converts material from the article “Campaign Journal: Scimitars against the Dark”
from Dragon Magazine #198, with additional material from Al-Qadim: Arabian Adventures, The Complete Thief’s
Handbook, the Al-Qadim Monstrous Compendium, and The Complete Arcane.

by Jeremy Forbing

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CCCCoooonnnntttteeeennnnttttssss
Contents ......................................................................................................... 1 Elemental Blade ................................................................................. 20
How to Use This Document .................................................................. 2 Frightful Strike ................................................................................. 20
Class Archetypes ........................................................................................ 3 Reaver’s Touch ..................................................................................... 21
Defender Domain .................................................................................. 3 Equipment .................................................................................................... 21
Janissary ................................................................................................... 6 Cutlass ..................................................................................................... 21
Oath of Enlightenment .................................................................... 8 Razor Claw ............................................................................................. 21
Mariner ................................................................................................... 10 Monsters ..................................................................................................... 22
Tomb Robber ........................................................................................... 12 Deep Cultist .......................................................................................... 22
School of the Sungazer ................................................................... 14 Great Ghul.............................................................................................. 23
Races ............................................................................................................... 18 Pseudonatural Creature ................................................................ 25
Sea Dragonborn ................................................................................... 18 Example: The Rat-Thing (Pseudonatural Rat) ..................... 26
Spells .............................................................................................................. 19 Example: The Black Dog (Pseudonatural Hell Hound) .. 27
Spell Lists ................................................................................................ 19 Rom ............................................................................................................ 28
Challenger’s Mark ............................................................................. 19 Zakharan Kraken ............................................................................... 30
Dread Mercy .......................................................................................... 19
Al-Qadim Archetypes: Scimitars Against the Darkv1.2 1
A Land of
Dark Fate
“Listen and grow wise, my
children, that you may
avoid the darkness that has
claimed my sight. Though
the sun shines bright on the
sands of Zakhara, the earth
beneath hungers for blood,
and the night hides mad
genies, howling for
vengeance. We have no Fate
but the Fate we are given;
may your Fate not be a
dark one.”
—Ali ben Ali, blind prophet
Not long after the debut of the Al-Qadim How to Use This Document
campaign setting, one of that product line’s most
prolific authors, Wolfgang Baur, wrote an article on Though the rules herein adapt material originally
a new campaign style for Al-Qadim games. Inspired intended for the Al-Qadim campaign setting—which
by the fictions of Tanith Lee, H.P. Lovecraft, and describes the continent of Zakhara, far to the south
Clark Ashton Smith, this article, “Scimitars Against of the default Forgotten Realms setting of Faerun—
the Dark” detailed a more sinister side to the Land this content can also easily be used in any D&D
of Fate. This version of the setting was described as campaign setting.
“A setting of tyrannical caliphs, man-eating ghouls, In an area of the Forgotten Realms such as the
and mad genies” where there were “whispering Sword Coast, characters with these class
terrors in the dark, and treks deep into the bowels of archetypes can obviously be visitors from Zakhara,
the earth… Dark cults and heartless tyrants… the taking their pursuit of ancient evils from their
struggle against encroaching shadow gives the native land to less civilized northern climes.
campaign a clear focus. The villains are ruthless, However, these archetypes can also represent
homegrown heroes aligned against such dark
lurking just out of sight, stronger or smarter than the
forces. The mariner and tomb robber require no
PCs, but the glory to be had is that much greater
adaptation at all to be natives of traditional fantasy
because of it.”
settings such as Faerun. The priest-defenders who
The text of the article describes Dungeon
follow the Defender domain can easily be converted
Mastering techniques, motifs, and themes for
to followers of a protective god such as Helm or
running such campaigns, making the original
Torm. A janissary can represent a member of a
invaluable reading for a game set among the
multi-generational, long-standing mercenary
eldritch shadows of Zakhara. This document does
brotherhood, especially one with administrative
not seek to improve on or reproduce that invaluable
duties over a nation or city-state. The Paladin of the
DM advice, but converts character options,
Oath of Enlightenment (a conversion of the faris
monsters, and other rules stated or suggested in
from the original Al-Qadim) works best as the
that article, for the 5th Edition of Dungeons &
exemplar who brings what they believe to be a more
Dragons. It also converts material from the original
advanced way of life to the common people of the
Al-Qadim tome and other books directly referenced
realm. And of course, the wizard meddling with
or related to concepts in the article as well, and
dark forces that could turn him to evil or insanity is
provides some new rules in order to give players
a long-standing trope of many fantasy settings,
and DM’s everything they need to create such a
making the School of the Sungazer an easy
campaign with the existing core rulebooks. These
conversion as well. Sea dragonborn should work as
rules also focus on the two kinds of geographic
written in most campaigns, as should all new spells
features that perhaps most define the Land of Fate:
and equipment.
the deserts and the seas.
As for the monsters, they can strike anywhere at
all…
Al-Qadim Archetypes: Scimitars Against the Darkv1.2 2
Class Archetypes
Cleric Domain:
Defender Domain
There is a secret faction within your faith,
an order that includes members of certain
allied religions as well. The god or gods you
worship grant unique powers to you and
your fellow members of this order, for your
sacred task is keeping all of Zakhara safe.
You are a priest-defender, charged with
protecting civilization from the dark
primordial forces that still haunt the
shadows of the Land of Fate. There are very
few of you, and being organized at all is
very new for clerics called to your divine
mandate. It is only through alliance with a
legion of mamluks, known as “abd-Haris,”
or the Vigilant, that clergy with the
knowledge of these secret threats have now
banded together. All priest-defenders are
allied with the Vigilant, and those of higher
level serve a crucial function for these
warriors. When absolutely necessary, they
alter the memories of those who have
encountered those dark forces against
which priest-defenders and the Vigilant
have made common cause. Most clerics of
this domain are loathe to violate the minds
of the innocent, but sparing common folk
such knowledge is considered a mercy, and
often prevents a near-certain loss of sanity.
Priest-defenders are usually equipped
much like mamluks of the Vigilant. They
are often armed with maces, scimitars (a
people and locations from an enemy advance. Any
traditional weapon of Zakhara), or with huge
creature within 30 feet that you hit with an attack
scimitar-like greatswords. Their armor and clothing
(including both weapon attacks and spell attacks)
are commonly embroidered. painted or inlaid with
must make a Wisdom saving throw against your
sacred verses, holy writings, and religious symbols.
spell DC or have its speed reduced by half until the
Unlike their farisan allies, priest-defenders often
end of its next turn.
care little for their own appearance, but maintain
Bonus Proficiency
their tools devotedly.
When you choose the Defender Domain at level 1,
Defender Domain Spells
you gain proficiency with heavy armor, as well as
Cleric Level Spells the scimitar and the greatsword.
1st alarm, shield
Sacred Enemy
3rd cloud of daggers, magic mouth
5th conjure animals, wind wall Starting at 2nd level, your faith grants you special
7th private sanctum, stoneskin power when you face certain enemies. You can
9th modify memory, wall of force choose a sacred enemy from the following:
Anointed Defender aberrations, constructs, dragons, fey, fiends, giants,
monstrosities, or oozes. Whenever you use your
In addition to your magical abilities, you are trained
Turn Undead feature, instead of affecting undead
in special combat techniques that help you defend
Al-Qadim Archetypes: Scimitars Against the Darkv1.2 3
with this ability, you may
choose to affect either the
type of monster you chose
for your sacred enemy, or
to affect elementals
(including genies).
Otherwise, the effect is
identical to when you Turn
Undead
Expert Defender
Beginning at 6th level,
opportunity attacks are
made against you with
disadvantage. In addition,
choose one of the following
types of monsters:
elementals, undead, or
your sacred enemy. When
a creature of that type
attacks a target within 30
feet of you, you can use
your reaction to impose
disadvantage on the attack
roll.
Defender’s Wrath

At 8th level, when you hit a
creature with a weapon
attack that has made an
attack roll against you in
the last minute, you can
choose to inflict an
additional 1d8 radiant
damage. In addition,
choose one of the following
categories when you gain
this ability: elementals,
undead, or your sacred
enemy. When you hit a
creature of the chosen type with a weapon attack or Additional Ability
a spell attack, you can choose to inflict the same Because this ability uses less common game mechanics
extra 1d8 radiant damage, whether the creature and can have larger effects on your party’s ability to
has attacked you or not. Either way, you can only defeat encounters, it requires your DM’s approval before
you acquire it in-game.
inflict this extra damage once per turn.
Vigilant Allies
Uncanny Protector
Starting at 8th level, at the beginning of a game session,
Starting at 17th level, when an attacker that you can or at another time the DM deems appropriate, you can
see hits you or a creature within 5 feet of you with spend 10 downtime days to summon three guards from
the Vigilant to assist and protect you in battle. If you
an attack, you can use your reaction to halve the
spend 15 downtime days, a veteran comes leading them
attack's damage.
as well. The guards stay with you until they have assisted
you in combat on two separate occasions, after which
time they return to their post.

Al-Qadim Archetypes: Scimitars Against the Darkv1.2 4
Warrior Roles: The Mamluk Creating a Mamluk
Most mamluks have the Soldier background. Most
Fanatically loyal professional soldiers educated from
mamluks in a Scimitars Against the Dark campaign join
youth in the disciplines of war, leadership, and politics,
the Vigilant, but you can also choose or roll using the
mamluks are the unequalled masters of large scale battle.
table below to determine the mamluk society you serve.
The unpleasant root of most mamluk legions is slavery,
A great martial archetype for mamluk fighters (especially
as the oldest such orders began as cadres of child slave
members of the Vigilant) is the Janissary (see next page).
soldiers, and to this day many operate in this way.
Another suitable archetype, the Commander, will appear
However, in the current era of Al-Qadim, not all mamluk
in the forthcoming Adventurer’s Guide to Al-Qadim.
legions are based in such atrocities, and at this point
leadership positions are nearly always held by the d12 Legion
mamluks themselves, rather than an outside “owner.” 1 The Dauntless: Specialists in exploration and
Still, it is traditional for all members to start in their recovery of lost relics, based in Qudra and Huzuz.
youth, as the mamluk system of training demands it, and 2 The Defenders: Focused on defense of Qudra, City
all the legion are sworn to a nation, leader, or cause they of Power, seat of the mamluks’ power.
serve with unwavering devotion. 3 The Devoted/Devout: Religious crusading
Whether they begin as slaves, orphans, younger children mamluks of I’tiraf and Kadarastro, respectively.
of large families, offspring of older mamluks, or choose 4 The Dutiful: Largest mamluk society stationed
this path for themselves, these scholar-warriors receive throughout Zakhara, very loyal to Grand Caliph.
an education as good as any aristocrat. In the societies
5 The Exalted: Moralist mamluks of Pantheist
they serve, they operate as the infrastructure of the
League seeking to make Zakhara lawful and
government and civil service as well as the professional
civilized.
military. Instead of earning position by being born with
6 The Honored: Eunuchs and independent women
the right name or connections, they advance based on
serving as harem guards for the Grand Caliph.
their own aptitude and determination, making mamluk
7 The Parched: Mamluks of Talab protecting the
orders and the governments they compose true
water supply and nearby oases.
meritocracies. This emphasis on personal excellence as a
8 The Respected: Mamluks of Muluk, more loyal to
path to authority pays off, and mamluks (also called
the kings of Muluk than the Grand Caliph.
janissaries) often end up entirely ruling the countries
9 The Studious: Qudra-based specialists in
they once merely served.
espionage and communication.
The most important structural element of mamluk society
10 The Valiant: Qudra-based specialists in lightning
is rank. The scholar-warriors are raised for absolute
loyalty to their comrades in their legion, and they are raids and ambushes, facing impossible odds.
known for strict obedience to those of higher rank. 11 The Wanderers: Mamluk navy throughout
Disputes are arbitrated based on rank, and the only time Zakhara.
a trained mamluk will disobey an order from a higher 12 The Wondrous: Parade troops and palace guards
ranking member of their legion is of they are of the island of Afyal.
countermanded by someone of even higher rank.
The 13th Legion: The Vigilant
In order to make these ranks clear to all, mamluks
The most ancient and powerful of the mamluk societies
receive special facial tattoos that indicate their position in
are the renowned twelve listed above. However, in the last
the legion, as well as to which legion they belong. Though
century or so, a new legion of mamluks has emerged, one
different orders use different tattoos, the systems are
of the first such societies to be led entirely be their own
similar enough that anyone from a society where
kind, rather than as slaves of an outside authority. Called
mamluks are prominent can recognize one’s rank on
“abd-Haris,” or the Vigilant, they are based in the frontier
sight, and likely can identify which legion they belong to
regions of Zakhara, including the Free Cities, the Ruined
as well.
Kingdoms, and the Crowded Sea, and dedicated to the
In general, adventuring mamluks have been given leaves
extermination of evil creatures beyond the Enlightened
of absence from regular duties to perform some task or
lands. They have made close alliance with the holy
larger tactical objective, ranging from spying or scouting
warriors known as the farisan (including paladins of the
to master-minding an entire slave rebellion. While they
Oath of Enlightenment) and the priest-defenders (clerics
are expected they send reports whenever possible, these
of the Defender Domain) to cover up the existence of the
leaves usually have few limitations, as they are granted to
forces of darkness. They hide such knowledge fanatically,
exemplary scholar-warriors known to for their
even calling upon their cleric allies to erase memories
adaptability and personal prowess. Such individuals are
when necessary, in order to to protect the innocent from
expected to have the discipline to operate in the long-term
things that would only terrify them, and to keep eldritch
without direct oversight, in the belief that if they are
lore away from those who might seek to learn more.
worthy they will gain the field experience necessary to
Members of this legion prefer the term “janissary” to
become great leaders, and that if they are unworthy they
mamluk, and are best represented by the Janissary
will at least die well, without endangering their fellows.
martial archetype described on the next page.
Al-Qadim Archetypes: Scimitars Against the Darkv1.2 5
Martial Archetype: marks of rank you possess and the grim, relentless
Janissary personal bearing you’ve gained as you’ve risen in
the ranks lets even mindless beasts know you are
You are a member of a sworn alliance that defends
not to be trifled with. But for those who know, your
one or more kingdoms or city-states from dire
rank testifies to your unquestionable battle
threats. The oath you share bonds you and your
prowess. You have advantage on Charisma
comrades together as brothers and sisters,
(Intimidate) checks against any creature that can
foreswearing all outside ambitions and any social
see your face, and advantage on all Charisma
ranks or obligations to which you were born.
checks against members of any organized military
Perhaps you’re a watcher on a wall at the far end of
hierarchy (such as a mamluk society).
the known world, the defender of a keep on the
Allied Enemy
caliphate’s borderlands, or a mamluk guard
At 10th level, you are a specialist in infantry tactics,
stationed in a lawless city, but wherever you serve,
as well as in dispatching enemies of the
you seldom enjoy civilian comforts. You spend long
organization to which you are sworn. Work with
hours training in armor amid the extreme
your DM to determine an appropriate type of enemy
conditions of your protectorate and its adjoining
for the organization to which you belong (for
wilds, whether they be scorching deserts or frozen
example, members of the mamluk order known as
wastelands. gaining phenomenal endurance. Your
the Vigilant are likely to choose aberrations or
fighting style relies on this indomitable vigor, and
undead). You can choose one allied enemy from the
on leveraging the tactical advantages provided by
following: aberrations, beasts, constructs, dragons,
close collaboration with allies.
elementals, fey, fiends, giants, monstrosities, oozes,
Stalwart Ally
plants, or undead. Alternatively, you can select two
Beginning at 3rd level when you choose this
races of humanoids (such as humans and goblins)
archetype, if you successfully hit and damage an
as legion enemies. When you hit with a weapon
opponent with a weapon attack on your turn, you
attack against a creature that is within 5 feet of one
can use the Help action as a bonus action to assist
of your allies, or that is your allied enemy, the
an ally in striking that same opponent.
creature takes an extra 1d10 damage.
Steel Yourself
At 18th level, you choose a second allied enemy.
At 3rd level the unforgiving training regimen you live Unyielding Comrade

by helps you to resist threats to your morale as well
Starting at 15th level, you are stirred to greater
as the extreme temperatures of your home. You
prodigies of valor by dire threats to your comrades.
gain different benefits depending on your legion’s
When an ally fails a death save, if you have no uses
favored climate. Choose one of the following:
of your Action Surge ability remaining, you regain
Colder Climate: You can use your reaction to
the ability to use it once. If the death save is the
gain advantage on saving throws against cold
second one that ally has failed, you also regain the
damage, psychic damage, fear, sleep, paralysis, or
use of your Second Wind ability if you have no uses
being charmed until the end of your next turn, and
remaining. In addition, as long as you have an ally
you are considered naturally adapted to cold
within 30 feet, you cannot be charmed or
climates as long as you are wearing armor.
frightened, and you cannot be forced to sleep by
Warmer Climate: You can use your reaction to magical effects unless you choose to be.
gain advantage on saving throws against fire Lord Commander
damage, psychic damage, fear, sleep, paralysis, or
At 18th level, you become a legendary role model in
being charmed until the end of your next turn, and
your organization, regardless of your actual rank.
you are considered naturally adapted to hot
You gain resistance to psychic damage, you are
climates when you are not wearing heavy armor.
proficient in Wisdom saves, and you have
Marks of Rank
advantage on all weapon attack rolls against
At 7th level, you have attained a powerful reputation enemies within 5 feet of an ally. In addition, you
in the alliance you serve, developing a natural mien gain a resistance dependent on the type of legion
of authority. In a mamluk legion, this includes you chose for your steel yourself feature. If you
impressive facial tattoos that intimidate foes. Even chose colder climate, you gain resistance to cold
those who don’t know of your standing are inclined damage; if you chose warmer climate, you gain
to take you seriously. The combination of any resistance to fire damage.
Al-Qadim Archetypes: Scimitars Against the Darkv1.2 6
Additional Abilities for Mamluk Fighters Legendary Legionnaire
The abilities below are intended to represent a mamluk’s Starting at 15th, your status in your legion is such that
true power: being part of larger organization. However, even jaded sergeants and proud officers will flock to your
because they use less common game mechanics and can banner, even crossing great distances to fight by your
have larger effects on your party’s ability to defeat side. At the beginning of a game session, or at another
encounters, they require your DM’s approval before you time the DM deems appropriate, you can spend 20
acquire them in-game. downtime days to summon a total or three mamluks (who
can be any combination of knights and veterans) to serve
Ranking Mamluk
you in completing your mission. These seasoned soldiers
At 7th level, because of your rank, whenever you are in a
are led to you by a competent scout, so they can reach
settlement with at least 1,000 inhabitants, you can spend
you anywhere within reason. The scout will not stay and
5 downtime days to recruit a knight or veteran (your
fight for you, but he can be trusted to deliver a message
choice) from your order of mamluks or an allied military
back to your legion if you wish. They knights or veterans
force to assist you. The knight or veteran stays with you
stay with you until they have performed their assigned
until they have performed their assigned task, provided it
task, provided it is reasonable and possible for them to
is reasonable and possible for them to perform, or until
perform, or until they have assisted you in combat on two
they have assisted you in combat on two separate
separate occasions, after which time they return to your
occasions, after which time they leave you to resume
legion and report what has occurred.
duties at their regular post.
Political Intrigues
Marshal Soldiers
At 18th level, your importance in your legion of mamluks
At 10th level, you have such a natural mantle of
makes you an influential mover-and-shaker in the
command that you can recruit soldiers even when away
politics of Zakhara. By spending 20 downtime days
from your legion. At the beginning of a game session, or
whenever you are in a settlement with at least 1,000
at another time the DM deems appropriate, you can
inhabitants,, you can cause an assassin to target and
spend 10 downtime days to recruit three guards to your
attempt to kill a humanoid of your choice. It is up to the
cause. If you spend 15 downtime days, you can instead
DM to determine how long the assassination attempt
recruit three scouts. They stay with you until they have
takes to plan and execute, whether or not it succeeds,
performed their assigned task, provided it is reasonable
and how long it takes you to get word of the result.
and possible for them to perform, or until they have

assisted you in combat on two separate occasions, after
which time they return to their previous lives.
Al-Qadim Archetypes: Scimitars Against the Darkv1.2 7
Paladin Oath: Tenets of Enlightenment
Oath of Enlightenment
Inspiration. You are a model and protector to the
To swear the Oath of Enlightenment binds you to common folk, and must conduct yourself in a
live the holy and civilized beliefs that unite the manner that inspires them. including distributing
honorable peoples of Zakhara, You become known any excess wealth you obtain as alms for the poor.
as a faris, a faithful warrior who brings others to Duty. When you are called upon to redress
the true path. You know that Fate walked the lands attacks against your church or its devoted
of Al-Qadim as the shadow of a woman in ancient adherents, you must answer with action, and when
times, leaving her teachings with the illustrious you are asked to join in wars which the church has
Loregiver, who recorded the code of honorable declared holy, you must fight and die if necessary.
behavior for all to follow. These are not merely Revelation. The fame of your deeds is an
manners of custom, but the commandments of opportunity to shine the light of the Loregiver’s
divine revelation. You strive to embody these ideals truth as a beacon for those following benighted
as a holy warrior, sworn to serve only a righteous ways.
cause. You devote yourself in particular to the Faith. You are champion of your faith and your
common folk, seekng to bring them enlightenment people, in that order, and your religious beliefs
and truth. You’ve sworn to fight for them and require absolute devotion, even beyond mortal
inspire them, both by living honorably and by your perceptions of ethics or morality.
willingness to die for your cause. Righteousness. So long as you fight only for holy
If a faris worships a god associated with a causes that enjoy the support of the people, any
particular weapon, they always carry that weapon misdeeds will be forgiven and your soul redeemed.
on their person, whether or not they ever fight with
Oath Spells
it. They are certain to always carry the holy symbol
You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed.
of their faith as well, and often have sayings from
Oath of Enlightenment Spells
holy works or writings of their religion inscribed in
Paladin
beautiful Midani calligraphy in various places on
Level Spells
their armor and arms. They maintain a
3rd charm person, faerie fire
meticulously clean appearance whenever possible,
5th detect thoughts, enhance ability
in keeping with the Loregiver’s principles of purity.
9th beacon of hope, tongues
Warrior Roles: The Faris
13th freedom of movement, greater restoration
A faris (plural farisan, pronounced FARE-iss-ahn) is a 17th commune, hallow
holy warrior sworn to fight only in divine causes. Not all Channel Divinity
farisan are paladins of the Oath of Enlightenment, or
When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the
even paladins, but all pledge their bodies and souls to
their faith. No mortal is without sin, but the Loregiver following two Channel Divinity options
wrote clearly in her scrolls that those who go to battle as Holy Light. You can use a holy symbol on your
champions of the enlightened ways and wage war only in person to distract your enemies. As long as you
the service of holiness will be redeemed. No matter what
have a symbol of your faith displayed openly on
the sins of a faris’s past, the paradise of the afterlife will
your person, you can dazzle an attacking enemy.
one day be welcome them, so long as they ensure that
When you are attacked by a creature within 30 feet
they fight only the good fight. A truly just and holy war is
of you that you can see, you can use your Channel
one that enjoys the popular support of the people, and
Divinity as a reaction to impose disadvantage on
which is righteous according the teachings of the faith.
A fighter, ranger, or paladin with the Acolyte, Folk Hero, the attack roll, before it hits or misses, as the light
and Soldier backgrounds is a good fit to be a faris, from the symbol flashes at just the right angle to
though a Criminal background also suits the faris’s quest distract the attacker. At that moment, the attacker
for redemption. is also filled with fear of the power you are granted
The Faris Paladin & The Faris Fighter by your faith, taking 2d6 psychic damage. An
A paladin of any oath may be a faris, but a good choice attacker that can't be blinded is immune to this
for paladins following the Enlightened gods is the Oath of feature.
Enlightenment. Such paladins are always farisan,
Turn the Unenlightened. You can use your
The Faris Fighter. An archetype for fighters who walk the
Channel Divinity to rebuke fiends as well as genies
path of the faris, the Holy Warrior, appears in the
and other elementals with the holy sayings of the
forthcoming Adventurer’s Guide to Al-Qadim.
Loregiver. As an action, you present your holy
Al-Qadim Archetypes: Scimitars Against the Darkv1.2 8
symbol and speak an appropriate scripture, and or frightened. At 18th level, the range of this effect
each elemental or fiend within 30 feet of you that increases to 30 feet. In addition, when you are
can hear you must make a Wisdom saving throw. mounted, opportunity attacks against you and your
On a failed save, such a creature is turned for 1 mount are made at disadvantage.
minute or until it takes damage. Holy Enlightenment
A turned creature must spend its turns trying to
Beginning at 15th level, your religious studies have
move as far away from you as it possibly can, and
fortified you against the occult. You have advantage
it can’t willingly move to a space within 30 feet of
on saving throws against spells and resistance
you. It also can’t take reactions. For its action, it
against fire and necrotic damage.
can use only the Dash action or try to escape from
Battlefield Prayer
an effect that prevents it from moving. If there’s
When you reach 20th level, you can focus your mind
nowhere to move, the creature can use the Dodge
with prayer to gain legendary mettle and
action.
unmatched martial prowess. Using your action, you
If any other creatures are charmed and/or
gain the following abilities for one minute:
frightened by the turned creature at the time it is
• You increase your walking speed and the speed
turned, any such charming and frightening effects
of any mount you ride by 20 feet.
are suppressed while it is turned. Any suppressed
• You and your mount ignore difficult terrain.
effect resumes when the duration of the turning
• You have resistance against all damage inflicted
ends, provided that its duration has not expired in
by spells or non-magical weapons.
the meantime.
• When you inflict damage on a creature with a
Cavalry Leadership
melee weapon attack, that creature must make
Beginning at 7th level, you are an experienced
a Strength saving throw against your spell save
battlefield leader, especially comfortable leading
DC. If it fails, it is knocked prone. Once per
from atop your steed, and those who fight alongside
turn, when a creature is knocked prone by this
you feel a sense of security from your very presence.
effect, you may choose to move it 10 feet away
You and all creatures you choose within 10 feet of
from you if you wish.
you have resistance to psychic damage and
Once you use this feature, you can't use it again
advantage on saving throws against being charmed
until you finish a long rest.
Al-Qadim Archetypes: Scimitars Against the Darkv1.2 9