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The Grave Warden - 5e Class

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Grim Press

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GP 5e Compatible Content

Introducing the Grave Warden - a new 5th edition compatible class!

Interested in livening up your D&D 5e games? How do you feel about the lore surrounding life and death? Take a look at the Grave Master, an arcane caster interested in manipulating necromantic magic!

The Grave Warden is in intelligence-based caster obsessed with the dark arts. They specialize in spells and incantations that allow them to harness the very life-force that flows through all creatures. Where a life-force is not present, they are able to instill a mimicry of foul life, rising these dead creatures from their once peaceful earthen resting places to serve a greater purpose. Flavor of undeath oozes from this class: unholy appendages, undead servants and necromancy specialization. To obtain these gifts, the grave wardens forgo study in the other arcane disciplines (drastically reducing their spell list in favor of becoming more like the undead they keep in their company). The Grave Warden is a complete D&D 5e class with four fully detailed archetypes, called requiems, that will give players unique options when creating and playing their characters. The archetypes are: Requiem of the Ash, Requiem of the Frigid, Requiem of the Haunt, and Requiem of the Torpor.

The included PDF contains instructions on creating a Grave Warden, how they might fit into your DM’s world, and detailed descriptions for all their abilities. Also, the PDF has full custom art detailed lore! Check out the Full-sized preview for more details!

www.GRIMPRESS.net

Discord: discord.gg/grimpress
Facebook: facebook.com/grimpress
Twitter: @thegrimpress

Harbringers of Life and Death [BUNDLE]

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Reviews (2)

Discussions (18)

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Sophia R April 17, 2022 9:30 pm UTC

Hi there! Is this the same class from the Disturbed Graves supplement that you all put out?

Trevor A February 15, 2023 7:41 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

Hi Sophia,

No, this class is completely different from the Pale Master included in Disturbed Graves.

Christopher P February 06, 2022 5:13 am UTC

PURCHASER

An underwhelming class. The elemental focus of the subclasses was also not to my liking.

Trevor A February 15, 2023 7:43 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

I'm sorry to hear this, but thanks for sharing your thoughts. If you'd like to give us feedback directly, please feel free to join our Discord:

https://discord.gg/grimpress

Zach M May 11, 2020 7:18 pm UTC

PURCHASER

Is there a Fantasy Ground mod file version of this?

Trevor A May 21, 2020 4:57 am UTC

PUBLISHER

Hi Zach,

Yes, there is, but the update to the Grave Warden is not live yet:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/244991/Harbingers-of-Life--Death-Deathseer-Pale-Master-and-Vicar-Fantasy-Grounds-5e-Class-Pack?affiliate_id=1549348

You can also purchase the FG version from the Fantasy Grounds store:

https://www.fantasygrounds.com/store/product.php?id=IPFG5EGEHOLDDPMAV

When ready, the update will be free.

Trevor A May 07, 2020 11:39 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

Hey All,

This class has undergone a name change to differentiate itself with another Grim Press product on the DMsGuild. The OGL Pale Master is no more - this class has now become the Grave Warden. Mechanically, it is the same as our OGL Pale Master, but may see a few updates in the future to slightly alter its lore. As always, all future update are free (simply download the newest PDF from your product list).

If you are currently playing as our OGL Pale Master in an ongoing campaign, feel no need to alter anything with your character. This change was only made to bring our products more inline with each other.

If you are interested in our primary take on the 5e Pale Master, you can check it out on the DMsGuild: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/293314/Disturbed-Graves?affiliate_id=1549348

If you would like to discuss this (or any of our other products), we encourage you to join our Discord server and engage with us: https://discord.gg/N7MM93a

Thanks,...See more

Ross R April 24, 2020 9:07 pm UTC

PURCHASER

Hi, something I've noticed in a campaign I'm running (Curse of Strahd) is the lack of Pale Master abilities that can actually harm undead. What I mean is that all their spells are necromancy spells, which a lot of undead have resistance to or immunity from. So my buddy who's running a pale master is nearly useless in fights at an early level. They almost died to the Duro fight and every time he'd try and cast something, I'd have to remind him it wouldn't really hurt the vampire, playing it off as his character would know this. Is this intentional? I figured a class that is supposed to master death would also know how to destroy it, so I've added the cleric "Destroy Undead" ability to him for the 5th level to compensate, but I just think its strange if a pale master, the lord of undeath, master of necromancy, can't cast any spells on a ghost.

Stephen T March 09, 2020 1:37 pm UTC

PURCHASER

Hi quick question - does the Pale Marsters servant gain an extra attack at 5th Level (ala a fighter) or do you think this would be overpowered? I just wondered if at lets say 9th level the servant is only doing 1d6+3 damange a round might be a little lack luster?

Thanks

Trevor A March 27, 2020 1:01 am UTC

PUBLISHER

Hi Stephen,
The servants do not gain extra attack. It may seem lackluster, but this balanced alongside the pets that Beast Master Rangers get. However, at 10th level, they do gain feats from a predefined list, so they can become stronger over time.

Zac K August 29, 2019 8:39 pm UTC

PURCHASER

thanks zarchary bought the pdf and got grimlores i was wonder why Larloch's Minor Drain isnt in pale mater spell list when it is a necromancy spell

Trevor A October 11, 2019 7:03 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

Just an oversight. Larloch's Minor Drain was recently added to the grimoire, and the Pale Master was not updated with the new spells. I have another update for the grimoire coming in the next few weeks, so I will make sure the PM is updated afterwards.

As a general rule, any spell from the Necromancy school should be added to the Pale Master's spell list.

Bálint K October 12, 2019 4:47 pm UTC

PURCHASER

so if we found anything, be that cantrip (toll the dead is not on the class list) or a lvl 9, we should tell the DM about your intent, and not wait for the update?
I have a fault of treating thigns written in character options as some sort of gospel, working on it... :/

Trevor A October 17, 2019 3:19 am UTC

PUBLISHER

Absolutely let them know the intent.

However, all spells not in the SRD (such as toll the dead) are not actually allowed to be mentioned, due to copyright. I will tighten up the wording in a future update, but for now:

The Pale Master has access to all spells from the school of necromancy, and those granted by their requiem.

Zac K August 26, 2019 10:29 am UTC

PURCHASER

curious before i get does the class still have the undead graft or as it been removed curious been really thinking about to get i would aslo like to know how does everyone like this i have seen some good things

Zachary M August 29, 2019 3:30 am UTC

PURCHASER

The class gains an undead graft specific to your subclass at level 3 and it continues to become more powerful as you gain levels.

Zachary M July 04, 2019 11:31 pm UTC

PURCHASER

I recently bought the pale master and as I was going through the spell lists I noticed that the Requiem of the Ash is given both cure wounds and mass healing word along with other restorative spells. My first assumption is that their given such support spells to enhance and maintain their army of skeletons. The one big issue with that is that both cure wounds and mass healing word do not work on undead creatures. So my question is does the pale master still follow these rules or are they allowed to use these spells for the purposes of healing their undead? I'm playing a Requiem of the Ash Pale Master in a game this saturday and from how things are written currently my DM and I agree it's too risky to allow my spells to heal undead since it's not explicitly stated to do so and we don't want to imbalance the game mistakenly.

PS: I think that giving the Pale Master the ability to cast spells on their minions that normally should not be able to would be a really flavorful way to make the pale master feel...See more

Trevor A August 08, 2019 6:38 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

Sorry for the tardy reply (DTRPG doesnt give me comment notices like the DMsGuild does).

I hope your game with the Ash Pale Master is going well (I'm also currently playing one in HotDQ right now). I would agree with your DM that healing spells do not work on the undead creatures. This is why they have been given the 'Dark Mending' ability, which doubles for their servant. I love your idea, but it would need playtesting through a long campaign to see where the balance falls. If you DM is willing, I would say healing spells can work on your servant, but not normal animated undead (as it works similar to a beastmaster's pet)

Regarding the PS: any spell that targets a "creature" would buff your minions.

Zachary M August 14, 2019 9:38 pm UTC

PURCHASER

Understood, thank you for the reply.

I am currently playing my Path of Ash Pale Master in a different friends game, and it's been my favorite character I've ever made thanks to the amazing flavor and utility of the Pale Master and my personal draw towards anti-heroes and necromancers. So all I say is thank you for making a great homebrew class that finally gives necromancers the love they've been clearing missing.

Leandro B May 07, 2019 10:34 pm UTC

PURCHASER

Ash Servant:

Hit Points, Ability Scores & Skill Proficiency. For each pale master level you gain after 1st, your servant gains an additional hit die and increases its hit points accordingly.

Frozen Ghost Servant:

Hit Points, Ability Scores & Skill Proficiency. For each pale master level you gain after 1st, your servant gains an additional hit die and increases its hit points accordingly.

Haunt:

Hit Points, Ability Scores & Skill Proficiency. For each pale master level you gain after 3rd, your servant gains an additional hit die and increases its hit points accordingly.

Torpor:

Hit Points, Ability Scores & Skill Proficiency. For each pale master level you gain after 3rd, your servant gains an additional hit die and increases its hit points accordingly.

Version 3.2. Is this a typo mistake?

Trevor A May 12, 2019 4:50 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

Yes, that is a typo for Haunt & Torpor. It has been fixed for V3.3. Thanks for pointing it out!

Gabriel C April 06, 2019 5:36 pm UTC

PURCHASER

Cursed with Undeath: is that unlimited? (Is the following correct?)
1) dude drops
2) curse
3) coup de grace
4) Zombie

Trevor A April 13, 2019 6:09 am UTC

PUBLISHER

If you DM would allow a coup de grace on a downed target freely (during combat), then sure. Remember it is limited by your number of spell slots.

Me personally, I would only have a damaging attack against a downed target have them fail a death saving throw (IE not an instant coup de grace), but this is totally up to your DM.

Trevor A March 21, 2019 4:44 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

If anyone would like to discuss balance changes or share other feedback, please feel free to join my community discord server: https://discord.gg/N7MM93a

Bryson A March 15, 2019 8:18 pm UTC

PURCHASER

Can you use two weapon fighting with the graft? Does it count as a light weapon? Also I'm assuming Bulwark works with armor? Lets say I multi-class from fighter to Palemaster and have plate mail = 18 + bulwark with a 3 proficiency = 2 AC bonus, Shield, and Defense weapon style. Holy 23 AC!

Trevor A March 21, 2019 4:33 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

Hi Bryson,

Yes, you can dual wield with the Graft if you have a weapon in your offhand. The Graft would not be a light weapon (it only has the properties listed).

Bulwark should not work with armor, and the wording as such is an oversight. I'll release a revision with wording similar to a Monk's unarmored defense.

Bryson A April 18, 2019 7:15 am UTC

PURCHASER

Ok excellent, I also had a question on the spell grasping hands in your Grimoire. Would I need to make a dex saving throw or take 3d6 if I was standing in the hands as a Pale Master?

Bryson A April 18, 2019 7:28 am UTC

PURCHASER

AC equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your intelligence modifier for Bulwark?

Trevor A May 16, 2019 5:08 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

For your Grasping Hands question, do you mean the spell Death's Grasp?

Death's Grasp
1st-level necromancy
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, S
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
Classes: Warlock, Wizard
Grasping spectral hands sprout from the ground in a 10-foot square starting from a point within range. For the duration, these hands turn the ground in the area into difficult terrain.
Creatures ending their turn in the area must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 3d6 necrotic damage from the spectral hands.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using certain higher-level spell slots, the area covered by the spell increases. With a 3rd-level slot, the area covered becomes a 20-foot square. With a 5th-level slot, the area covered becomes a 30-foot square. With a 7th-level slot, the area covered becomes a 40-foot square. With a 9th-level slot, the area covered becomes a 50-foot square.

If so, the save...See more

Leandro B February 23, 2019 1:45 am UTC

PURCHASER

I have some questions and sugestions.

About the Undead Servant feature: is not clear to me if this feature only apply to ONE servant or several. If you can have more the one Undead Servant, how many?

I miss the Undead Thralls feature from Wizard-Necromancer. I still have the impression that a Necromancer is more efficient at creating undead minions than a Pale Master. Why the Pale Master can have it (since is a specialist in that)?

I'm about to running a solo-game to a friend and she will be a Pale Master. I will try to give her the Undead Thralls feature somehow, but I would like to hear your opinion about it.

Trevor A March 21, 2019 4:24 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

Hi Leandro,

Sorry for the late reply (DTRPG doesn't seem to give notifications like the DMs Guild). For the undead servant, you only get one (comparable and balanced similarly to the Ranger Beastmaster archetype).

For Undead Thralls, you certainly can add something like that to the Pale Master. However, it is not included because you already get an additional minion (undead servant) which is permanent and strong than animated dead. Also, the lore vision around the Pale Master not only about creating minions, but that they themselves are moving closer to an undead form - becoming like those they surround themselves with.

If you are running a solo game with a Pale Master, I see no reason you couldn't give them the Undead Thrall ability though. In a standard game, a legion of summoned zombies slows the game down a lot, but in a solo game you should be fine. I'd give the ability 7th level personally (instead of 6th like a Necromancer), as 6th level grants a requiem feature already...See more

Luke P December 31, 2018 5:15 pm UTC

PURCHASER

What "servant" does Dark Mending refer to?

Also there are a lot of abilities that you can use a number of times equal to your intelligence modifier, and several of them (like dark mending) are weak enough that I'd consider just using the action/bonus action cost enough for them.

Trevor A January 14, 2019 9:25 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

Hi Luke,

I'm sorry for the tardy reply. The servant for Dark Mending always refers to the Pale Masters' own pet.

What other abilities do you deem are too weak? The Pale Master has gone through tonnes of rounds of edits - but I'm always interested in hearing more opinions and potential changes.

Having a full caster with a pet (granted with a much reduced spell list), is very strong so I'd be worried about making things too strong. I would, however, encourage you to chat with your DM to see if he is open to you making a few changes.

James C July 25, 2018 3:00 am UTC

PURCHASER

Is there a list of supplements containing the spells on the Pale Master's list? Some of them are detailed in this PDF, but many(such as Bones of the Earth) aren't in the PHB.

Trevor A August 02, 2018 5:30 am UTC

PUBLISHER

Currently, I do not have that information in the PDF but can add it on a future revision. As a general guide, if the spell isnt in the PBH, it is in EE and/or XGtE (such as Bones of the Earth, Page 15 in EE Players Companion)

James C August 10, 2018 8:58 pm UTC

PURCHASER

Ah ok, I have XgtE but hadn't looked at EE yet - only just realized the PDF is free! Thanks!

Trevor A August 19, 2018 10:43 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

My pleasure! I hope you are enjoying the Pale Master!

Shameless mention - I've actually just released a massive homebrew spell supplement as PWYW on the DMsGuild and many of the spells would be fitting for Pale Master antics!

https://www.dmsguild.com/product/250265/Grimlores-Grimoire

James C October 02, 2018 12:09 am UTC

PURCHASER

I actually just introduced my Pale Master DMPC/fill-in, and she's pretty interesting. Can't wait until the class gets into full swing!

I picked up Grimlore's Grimroire, looks great so far. I suspect some of those necromancy spells will make their wait into a certain Pale Master's repertoire...

Trevor A November 28, 2018 5:05 pm UTC

PUBLISHER

Hi James, just an update to let you know that my Pale Master class has seen a huge revision based on further playtesting & feedback. I (humbly) think it is in a great place now, so please check it out and let me know your thoughts (you can get the new version by redownloading the file).

See 16 more