Boon Runes are back and infused with the wrath of the Nordic gods! Boon Runes: Viking is a deck of digital cards that operate as a reward for players who go above and beyond the call of duty, make their names worthy a saga, or otherwise dispatch their foes in a suitably epic fashion. Boon Runes: Viking are designed for D&D 5e to reflect the Norse Pantheon detailed in the 5e. Player’s Handbook.
There are 20 unique Boon Runes in this deck, and each card explains when it can be played and its function within the game.
DMs determine when player’s earn Boon Runes. A DM might award a Boon Rune for RP that further develops a character in a nuanced way, a noble sacrifice for the greater good, or dealing the death blow to an ancient dragon with a nat 20—it’s up to you.
Players decide when they play their Boon Runes and may do so at any point they wish.
New Powers: Each card draws on the strength of a particular god from the Norse Pantheon, buffing the player with powers within that god’s lore or portfolio.
Passive and Active Uses: each card has two functions: passive and active. Players benefit from a passive function so long as they hold it. A player may use the active ability by discarding the card. Active abilities are exceedingly powerful, the perfect push for when you’re all out of tricks.
Hand Size Constraints: The gods are fickle and jealous beings. As such, a player may only invoke the blessings of a few. To reflect this the cards are separated by tribe: the Aesir (Purple) and the Vanir (Yellow). Some gods represent both tribes and some others represent neither tribe. Players may only have one of each color/tribe in their hand at anyone time. If a player is awarded another Boon Rune when their hand is full, they must either activate one and discard it or exchange one with the new Boon Rune.
Boon Runes: Viking adds a new complexity for both combat and reward systems in-game. Just like standard Boon Runes, these cards are meant to cause chaos befitting a demi-god - Loki’s Charm lets you turn into any animal you want! These cards are a great way to balance stale combat, emphasize elements of heroic fantasy, a provide a safety valve for those catastrophic nat 1’s.
If you’re a player, Boon Runes: Viking will make your actions that much more saga worthy. You have a chance to remake your fate or vanquish your foes with devastating results. If you’re a player AND a viking, then you will find your seat at Odin’s table - literally.
If you’re a DM, Boon Runes: Viking affords you with two coveted DM techniques: a flexible reward system for excellent play, and an opportunity to be merciless - your players have Surutur’s Charm, so they’ll (probably) be fine. Want to run a Norse campaign? Hammer that theme home, and bring the gods to life for you players. How pleased is Odin, you ask? Here’s his spear: gungnir.
Want the original Boon Runes? Find them here.
License: Roll20 End User License Agreement
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