The Comprehensive Guide to D&D's Bastion System Unveiled
Discover the innovative Bastion system in Dungeons and Dragons' One D&D playtest materials Delve into the captivating mechanics of these powerful entities, enhancing your gameplay experience like never before
Article Key Points
One DnD is introducing Bastions, an intricate and customizable system for players to build and manage headquarters for their characters in Dungeons and Dragons.
Bastions provide a range of advantages, such as the opportunity to acquire magical items, a steady flow of gold, bonuses like enchantments and gear, and chances for immersive roleplaying with hired help and defenders.
Operating on a structured timeline, Bastions allow players to take turns every seven in-game days to give instructions to their facilities and accumulate Bastion Points. By offering unique facilities tailored to different class archetypes, the game becomes more diverse and exciting.
The One DnD playtest for Dungeons and Dragons has primarily focused on character creation. Each character class has undergone significant adjustments, with some being revised multiple times already. Additionally, spells and other important materials have also been extensively modified. However, the latest document introduces a unique element that was absent in the fifth edition of Dungeons and Dragons. One DnD introduces Bastions, a detailed and highly customizable system that allows players to construct and manage headquarters for their characters.
While player-controlled bases are not new to the TTRPG genre, they are a notable addition to the definitive new edition of Dungeons and Dragons. Although Bastions may initially appear overwhelming due to their extensive customization options, they are actually quite straightforward to use and provide numerous advantages for players. Bastions not only enhance mechanical capabilities but also create exciting roleplaying opportunities, making them a valuable asset to any campaign.
Spending Bastion Points to gain magic items or buff players
Earning passive gold income
Gaining bonuses like spell effects and equipment from Bastion facilities
Roleplaying with player-designed hirelings and Bastion Defenders
Encountering NPCs through random Bastion events and facility uses
How Dungeons and Dragons' Bastions Work
Bastions adhere to a strict schedule. When a Dungeons and Dragons player's character reaches level 5, they are granted a Bastion. Subsequently, every seven in-game days, the player is entitled to a Bastion turn. During this turn, the player can issue instructions to any of the specialized facilities within the Bastion or opt to maintain it. In either case, the facilities generate Bastion Points that can be utilized for various purposes while fulfilling their designated functions.
Bastion Mechanic | Impact |
Bastion Points | Mainly spent to gain magic items. Players can also spend 100 Bastion Points to revive at their Bastion when they die, or gain temporary advantage on Charisma checks after leveling up. Generated passively every Bastion turn. |
Basic Facilities | Every Bastion starts with two basic facilities; players can add more by spending gold. Provides no mechanical benefit but allows player to customize the facility for roleplaying opportunities and immersion. |
Special Facilities | Each Bastion starts with two special facilities, gains two at level 9, then one more at levels 13 and 17. When issued an order or visited for an extended time, can give players an extra spell to cast, temporary proficiency in a skill, a new magic item, etc. Can't be added with gold, but can be replaced with another Special Facility on leveling up. |
Bastion Events | When a Bastion follows the Maintain order, there's a 50% chance of a random event occurring. Random events include visitors staying in the Bastion for some time, hirelings having various misadventures, and even hostile forces laying siege to the Bastion |
In Dungeons and Dragons, special facilities play a crucial role in enhancing the Bastion experience. These facilities are operated by NPC hirelings who diligently carry out their assigned functions whenever a player issues an order. Although each facility is limited to performing one specific type of order, they each possess a unique way of executing these orders. With a wide range of facility options to choose from, players can expect a diverse and varied gameplay experience.
All players have access to basic features such as libraries, trophy rooms, and armories. However, certain facilities like arcane studies, reliquaries, or war rooms are designed to cater to specific class archetypes and require specific qualifications, such as the ability to use an Arcane Focus, expertise in a skill, or possessing a Fighting Style feat.
Pubs, guildhalls, menageries, and gaming halls are among the unique facilities that add character to Bastions. These unconventional amenities contribute to the emphasis on granting power to the players. While specific facilities have predefined sizes, basic ones offer modularity. Additionally, the inclusion of doors and hallways does not incur any additional cost, allowing players ample freedom to personalize the layout of their Bastions. The hirelings in Bastions are designed to cater to the players' convenience. The rules assume that the Bastion generates income to cover the payment of hirelings, eliminating the need for players to meticulously manage gold. Furthermore, Wizards of the Coast encourages players to imagine the appearances and personalities of their entire Bastion staff.
Altogether, Bastions have the potential to be one of the most exciting features in this new edition of Dungeons and Dragons. While we anticipate that they will undergo significant changes, it would be highly valuable to incorporate any form of base-building mechanic for players.
Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons, crafted by Gary Gygax, is a tabletop game where players have the freedom to create their own worlds and embark on adventurous journeys through enigmatic realms featured in companion materials. Regarded as one of the most exceptional role-playing games ever created, it has also been adapted into various video games and other forms of media.
Franchise: Dungeons & Dragons
Original Release Date: 1974-00-00
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Designers: E. Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am excited about the introduction of Bastions in Dungeons and Dragons' One D&D playtest materials. The concept of building and managing a headquarters for my character adds a new level of depth and customization to the game. I can't wait to explore the different facilities and hirelings available and see how they can enhance my gameplay experience.
I also appreciate the emphasis on roleplaying opportunities with the Bastion system. Interacting with NPCs and managing the day-to-day operations of my Bastion will surely lead to memorable moments and stories. Overall, I believe that Bastions are a great addition to Dungeons and Dragons and I can't wait to see how they evolve in future playtest materials.
