Preview: Deathrite Harrower

This week's release sees a new faction arise under the ominous tolling of the Burial Bells - leaden bells whose "sound" causes deafening silence to roll over the lands.

The Deathrite

The Deathrite cult strives for a world silenced by death, an unliving utopia of crypts tended to by the mute Gravewardens. To hush those living beings disturbing the sacred silence of the Deathshroud, the Deathrite’s High Crematorians dispatch legions of thralls, both mortal cultists and the Annointed, undead beings bound or birthed into the ranks of the Deathrite.

Among these Annointed are the Deathrite Harrowers, hateful souls that gave their life in service of the Deathrite, now carrying a holy mandate to silence the blasphemous beating of hearts and turn all that is living into blessed ash.

A sullen world, silenced by the Deathshroud.

Deathrite Harrowers

The Deathrite Harrowers mark a great introduction for this faction, as they showcase two abilities shared by most of the Deathrite, especially those counted among the ranks of the Crematorial Conclave - beings directly serving under the command of the High Crematorians themselves, zealous pursuers of all that is living, dedicated to occult flamecraft.

While the mortal acolytes of the Deathrite march under the aforementioned Burial Bells, the Annointed are shrouded in the Sacred Silence the Deathrite so desperately crave to envelop the whole world - the perfect state of unliving equilibrium they call the Deathshroud. 

The Sacraments of Conflagration are what makes the servants of the High Crematorians - and thusly by extension the Deathrite Harrowers - truly terrifying. These violet flames burn with otherworldy intensity, capable of sundering both flesh and soul, making even Magma Wyrms feel the heat. 

The ability to reduce a player's hit point maximum and the looming threat of certain death by instant cremation can have a devastating psychological effect and requires a careful approach by both DM and players. Used with care, it adds an insidious layer to an encounter, perfectly showcasing the dehumanising horror embodied by the Deathrite. 

And this is where it all comes together. As the Harrower solemnly grants the dubious gift of the Deathrite Shroud, the recipient begins a journey that might end up in an urn. While a DC of 14 is not that hard to meet, even the basic 2d6 fire damage become quite dangerous when paired with the aforementioned Sacraments of Conflagration. And that is not the only source of fire damage available to the Deathrite Harrower! But you'll have to wait until tomorrow to get the full picture!

Rare depiction of hallowed ground fallen under the Deathshroud.

By now you should know that this is not all! In addition to the stats, you'll receive magic items from the reliquaries of the Deathrite, as well as a forbidden glimpse into the Spell Lore used by the occult Deathrite Bellringers.

This is just one of several spells included, this one enabling you to try and significantly quickening the demise of someone you really want to see silenced. Maybe the Deathrite are on to something?

This is all we can show you by now as we haven't heard back from our scouts yet.  We're looking forward to unleash the first ranks of the Deathrite  upon you and your players - see you later this week!