D&D 5.5E: New Details on the Bastion System

New details have been revealed about the Bastion System, an upcoming feature in the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide for Dungeons & Dragons 5.5E. Introduced during last week’s guide premiere, this system gives players the ability to build and customize their own strongholds.

The Bastion System allows characters to establish their own base of operations, which can take many forms—from a fortress to a wizard’s tower or even a tavern. Players can acquire a Bastion in various ways, such as receiving it as a reward, capturing it, or building it from scratch. The system becomes available to characters once they reach level 5, though players can choose to expand and develop their Bastion as they level up.

Each Bastion starts with a set of basic and special facilities. Basic facilities, such as bedrooms or storage areas, provide roleplaying opportunities, while special facilities offer mechanical benefits. For example, an Arcane Study might allow characters to craft magical items, while a Greenhouse could produce healing herbs or dangerous poisons. These facilities can be customized and expanded as characters progress through their campaign.

A key part of managing a Bastion is the use of hirelings. Each special facility comes with its own trained NPCs who help run the Bastion and carry out orders issued by the player. This allows the Bastion to function even while the characters are away adventuring.

Players will take Bastion turns every in-game week to manage their stronghold. These turns allow characters to issue orders to their hirelings, such as crafting items, researching, or preparing defenses. Bastions can come under attack during these turns, leading to events where players will need to rely on their Bastion Defenders—units that protect the stronghold in times of need.

The Bastion System will be included in the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide, which is set for release in November, with early access to the guide starting in late October for subscribers.