Pre-Approved Third Party Materials
Third-Party materials I feel get a bad reputation because some of what is out there is broken and/or gimmicky. However, I feel there is also some pretty amazing stuff too. When WotC was getting really bad press for trying to strongarm third party publishers, one of the points made by opponents of the move was how some of the third party publishers actually made better stuff. I found myself agreeing.
Also, I have opened up Third Party in the past, and have found that not too many people take me up on it. I've even had cases where no one tries it out of 20+ applicants. This further leads me to the conclusion that offering Third Party doesn't open up the floodgates, is pretty manageable from a GM standpoint.
I have three third party books that I feel are professionally made. I'm perfectly good with official material. If anyone is interested in any of the below options, but don't have access to the rules, let me know and I can give you the rules rundown for them as I own the physical books:
Key: ISU = Islands of Sina Una; TR = Tal'Dorei Reborn; TO = Tales of Obojima
New Lineages
- Mixed Ancestry (TR)
- People of the Islands (ISU): Balat-Kayo (Half-Orcs), Umalagad Dragonborn, Volcano Dwarves, Balete Elf, Gold Gnome, Mangrove Halfling, Carabao Tiefling
New Classes
- Babaylan (ISU): Intelligence-based full caster who are intermediaries between the spirit realm and mortal world. Archetypes include the Call of Clairvoyance (Divination-focused), Call of Sacrifice (Healing), and Call of Wrath (Gish).
- Blood Hunter: (Can be found for free, legally online at D&D Beyond)
- Headhunter (ISU): Melee class that are good at tracking and getting information on a targeted foe. Archetypes include Omen of Knowledge (Can draw on several abilities and change some each day), Omen of Strife (Extra damage and fear-based abilities), and Omen of Swiftness (1/3 caster).
New Archetypes
- Barbarian - Path of the Black River (ISU): Powers around not be impeded by conditions or obstacles
- Barbarian - Path of the Juggernaut (TR): Move others, be immovable
- Bard - College of Siday (ISU): Powers primarily on boosting combat for allies and self
- Bard - College of Tragedy (TR): Benefits from misfortune
- Cleric- Blood Domain (TR): Blood-based powers
- Cleric - Moon Domain (TR): Moon and duality powers
- Cleric - Volcano Domain (ISU): Fire damage along with damage and renewal
- Druid - Circle of the Blighted (TR): Corruption-based powers
- Druid - Circle of Tides (ISU): Extra senses and turning damage to healing
- Fighter - Kawal (ISU): Abilities on drawing enemies near, other defensive capabilities
- Monk - Way of the Cobalt Soul (TR): Knowledge and investigative skills
- Monk - Way of Kaluluwa (ISU): Split the soul and body and fight with both
- Paladin - Oath of Blood (ISU): Protect and avenge allies
- Paladin - Oath of the Open Sea (TR): Freedom, water powers
- Ranger - Mangangayaw (ISU): Generalist good at diplomacy, speed, protecting others
- Rogue - Graverobber (ISU): Bringing curses onto others
- Sorcerer - Diwata Bloodline (ISU): Spirit-based bloodline with access to some Druid spells
- Sorcerer - Runechild (TR): Runes to boost defense and other abilities
- Warlock - Mooneater Patron (ISU): Destructive-based powers
- Wizard - Blood Magic (TR): Use lifeforce to augment spells
- Wizard - Mentala (ISU): Create bamboo scrolls others can use
New Feats
ISU: Adept Conduit, Cannoneer, Headhunting Master, Oceanborne Warrior, Unrelenting Hunter
TR: Cruel, Flash Recall, Mystic Conflux, Remarkable Recovery, Spelldriver, Thrown Arms Master, Vital Sacrifice
New Backgrounds
ISU: Lorechanter, Mangangalakal, Panday, Sea Raider, Voyager, Aswang Lineage
TR: Ashari, Clasp Member, Myriad Operative, Lyceum Scholar, Reformed Cultist, Whitestone Rifle Corps