Collaborative

Dungeon Masters, you must work with your players, and Players, you must work with your DM before implementing this villain into your world and story, especially if this is not at the beginning of your campaign. Ensure everyone is on the same page about how much the Chained Goddess is in control of a PC, as well as emotional boundaries regarding some of the dark themes explored here.

Story-Telling

Many of the subclasses and weapons described here are not maximized for combat or social encounters; they are not the most powerful subclass or weapon you could choose for your Player Character. These subclasses, weapons, and features were created with story elements in mind. Is your Character trying to stop the ebbing away of their personality? Is your Character willing to sacrifice the sanctity and privacy of their mind in exchange for power or revenge? Is your Character's naivete letting them believe they can change the Chained Goddess? Ask yourself these questions as you choose features from this compendium.

Additionally, ensure that dark story elements can fit into your campaign, or modify the story and lore here to make things a little more PG. As a DM, are you willing to let your PC's be morally grey/bordering evil? Are your PC's okay with death and fire being left in their wake?

Game

Above-all, and most importantly, Dungeons and Dragons is a game. If you are not having fun while/after implementing this compendium, drop it like a hot rock. There are many powerful mechanics described here that would be game-breaking without the nerfs associated with those subclasses. I play tested many of these subclasses, but some not completely to level 14-18. Any feedback is always welcome (jenshitaomashi@gmail.com)!

Final Thoughts

I implemented the Chained Goddess into my campaign from the very beginning. She has a fully formed cult surrounding her, and works towards her ends (even if my players do not interact with her). She is dark and cruel and sad, but petulant and needy. I think every good villain has a human flaw, and I'm curious what you will choose.

This compendium is six years in the making, with all my love, sweat, and tears filling all the cracks you may find in the lore. I can't wait to hear what you think!

Playlist While You Read

Check out this YouTube playlist I made with Chained Goddess themes!

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Lore

In the eons before mortals walked the earth, Asmodeus, the Lord of the Nine Hells, knew he needed a successor. Of all his sons and daughters conceived by demonspawn, Asmodeus saw none worthy of his title. And so, he banished them, locking them deep within a core of Nessus, his children lost to the ages.

Asmodeus began his efforts anew, his eye fixed on the singular plane he could not access: the heavens. What better successor could be found than one who could traverse the heavens and the depths of hell at will. No such creature had ever existed, for who could lay with that which is opposite your very being? And so Asmodeus schemed.

The Gods themselves were meanwhile occupied, creating the races we know now walk the mortal realms. During these times, a god would alight on the mortal plane for a time, taking in the beauty of the space and deciding what aspect of the project known as Humanity they wished to lead. Asmodeus knew of these excursions and commanded the goddess Tiamat to design a ritual enabling him to walk on the mortal plane alongside the Gods.

Thus the Great Seduction began, and from these dalliances, a child was born every year for ten years. These ten are known as Asmodeus' Firsts. Nearly all of the children were born with black horns, but in all other ways, appeared beautiful and soft like the Gods who bore them. Asmodeus commanded Tiamat to steal the children away in their 6th month of life, though in some cases the God would leave the child on the mortal plane to die or be taken away.

Asmodeus sent a child to each of the Dark Eight hells, and the final Firsts, a set of twins, were given to Gargoth, to mentor and train. He did not teach his children himself, preferring to observe them when it suited him, relishing in their misery, studying their physiology, and encouraging their anger. These Firsts soon earned the name Nephilim LINK HERE, angels fallen from the heavens and surviving down in the hells.

The Lord of the Nine Hells continued his experiments meanwhile, though not so frequently as the Great Seduction, and as time and the world spun on and on, many more of these Nephilim were born, each unique based on the God that bore them.

One of these was Omayaba, the Chained Goddess, born of Mya, the dwarven goddess of motherhood and wisdom.

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.

When she had spent a thousand years in her cave, a young man with long raven hair discovered her. Something about his blood sang to Omayaba, and she felt a pang, different than any she'd felt in her time alone. The young man introduced himself as Azrael, a mercenary sent to kill her. Perplexed and intrigued, Omayaba found herself transfixed by this stranger, not as a plaything, but a man. She spoke with Azrael for hours, asking about the world above her and his place in it. He obliged, and over the course of several weeks, he came to visit her everyday, at first to talk, and then for more.

One night, curled in the arms of her lover, she felt a blade against her back. Violently, she wrested the blade away, pressing it into Azrael's throat. "Would you kill me now, after everything?" she whispered. Azrael looked away. "Our father has placed this burden on us, and I must oblige him." Omayaba slit his throat and carved Azrael's heart from his chest, consuming him until there was nothing left. A painful metamorphosis followed, and she grew and changed, gaining both the power and soul of Azrael's, containing it in her new form. Some say she whispered to herself often, but perhaps she whispered to her dead lover, his soul trapped within her, chained to mortality.

Having learned her lessons, Omayaba took her bruises and used them as fuel for her plans. If the Lord of Hell's domain mattered more than her, she would claim it. If the Gods had forgotten her, she would help them remember. At times, her cause is just, a victim claiming their birthright. Other times, her cause is vengeance, reclaiming the power stolen from her and making her enemies pay.

She beckons mortals to come to her, calling to them in their darkest hour, preying on the insecure, the power hungry, the enraged. She uses their vulnerability to bring her closer to her release. Perhaps, if you prove useful, she will not kill you outright.

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Dreams

The Chained Goddess has access to the deep recesses
of your mind, and night time is her favorite time to
play. Be prepared to answer probing questions:
she likely already knows whatever it is you are
hiding, but she wants to hear you say it out loud.

Doing her Bidding

As you grow in power, the Chained Goddess may wish to
play with her new toy. You may awaken from a restful
slumber to find you are alone in an abandoned house or
with a new sword at your side. You may be psychicly forced to save someone's life or take it. You have disadvantage on saving throws against such effects.

Shunned by Society

Your physical appearance does not go unnoticed without concealment. The inhabitants of villages and towns you visit may refuse to sell to you or house you unless you can prove you mean no harm. Even then, some may chase you out of town.

Solitary Worship

In your journeys, you may come across others marked by the Chained Goddess. Be wary: the Chained Goddess appreciates competition for her approval amongst her followers, and thus not all may be friendly towards meeting you.

You may find worshipers of the Chained Goddess along the way. Temples of the Chained Goddess are likely placed in abandoned buildings or forest hollows. These temples are typically ornate, with ancient chandeliers, chain tapestries, or candelabras.

There is one high priest or priestess of the Chained Goddess, but any may become a priest or priestess. This is a life dedicated to the service of preaching the Chained Goddess's existence and beseeching others for help in her escape.

Marked by the Chained Goddess

+3 AC bonus
Resistance to fire damage
Disadvantage on saving throws against the Chained Goddess's control
Available Subclasses

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Instruments

Miscellanous Items

Magic Items

Flame Robe

A thin white loop of ribbon, draped over the shoulders.

This thin circlet covers you in flames upon speaking the command word. You gain +4 to intimidation for the duration against anyone not immune or resistant to fire damage. Melee attacks deal an additional 2d6 fire damage. You may expend one action to light something on fire, provided it is flammable. A creature that you set on fire may expend its action to douse the flames. Each round the creature/item is on fire, it will take 3d6 fire damage. If you are reduced to half health, a fiery explosion occurs, dealing 4d6 fire damage to everything/everyone within a 10 foot radius, after which you must roll a d6. On a 5 or higher, the armor regains all expended uses. Otherwise, you cannot use the armor again for 48 hours. You have 3 activations. Each activation lasts 2 rounds. You are immune to the fire this item creates as long as you wear it.

Weight: N/A

Cost: 2,500 gp.

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Kusari-gama

Attacks with this weapon have disadvantage at 5 foot range.

Chain Whip

Attacks with this weapon have disadvantage at 5 foot range. You can use your action to attempt to trip instead of doing damage. On a successful attack, the target falls prone.

Chained Morningstar

Attacks with this weapon have disadvantage at 5 foot range.

Chain Dagger

Attacks with this weapon have disadvantage at 5 foot range (excluding Daggerbound Rogues).

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"An angel, but for his eyes."

—Mother of a newborn Nephilim.

History

As part of his great experiment, the Lord of the Nine Hells continues to have children with the Gods and other Celestial beings. Some of these creatures are given to parents to raise, some are left on the doorsteps of churches, and some are left in the wilderness alone to fend for themselves. Nephilim are not bound to a culture or an identity, and usually live a life desperate for a family they did not have, a culture that does not exist, and a place in the world in which they were left but were not born from.

Appearance

Nephilim display traits from both their Celestial and Infernal parentage. Oftentimes, they may look like Tieflings, save for some distinguishing difference. Most are born black, white, or red horns. Some have pupil-less white or blue eyes. Their hair may be stark white or raven black. Their skin is usually very pale. Additionally, Nephilim will contain some trait related to the God who birthed them. For instance, a child of Tymora may have bright green eyes. Work with your DM to determine this characteristic.

Nephilim Names

Nephilim do not have a standard naming convention. A Nephilim being raised by Tieflings will likely use Tiefling naming conventions. An orphaned Nephilim growing up alone may choose a name based on their environment or a memory. A Nephilim may also be given a name by one of their parents, though Asmodeus has never named any of his children to date.

Nephilim Traits

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by one, and your Intelligence score by 2.

Age. Nephilim age in the same way as Tieflings. Your lifespan is nearly exactly 100 years, as without growing in power, your Celestial and Infernal blood create a biological nightmare within your body. Nephilim may extend their life through consumption of other Nephilim.

Alignment. Your alignment depends entirely on your relationship with your parents as well as the alignment of the God who birthed you.

Size. Your size is Medium, though your height is based on the God who birthed you. Your size increases to Large after consuming 2 Nephilim. Your size increases to Huge after consuming 7 Nephilim. Your size increases to Gargantuan after consuming 15 Nephilim.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Languages. You know Infernal, Celestial, and Common.

Hellish Background. You have resistance to fire damage.

Magical Blood. You know Thaumaturgy and Light. These do not count towards your known spells.

Sibling Feed. When you consume part of one of your siblings, you absorb part of their soul but also gain part of their power. If you completely consume your sibling, you will have all of their soul and power in addition to yours. This causes a physical metamorphosis to occur in order to deal with the extra power.

Consumed a Sibling

When you consume your first Nephilim, you gain the following benefits:

Righteous Fury. Injustice speaks to you on a deep primal level, inciting an anger far in your core. When these acts occur, you may expend three hit dice to teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space you can see, exploding with radiant fire on impact. Each creature within 10 feet of the space that you arrive at must succeed a Dexterity saving throw against your spell save DC, halved. On a failure, each creature will take 1d8 + your charisma modifier radiant or fire damage (DM discretion). On a success, the creature will take half damage. Once per day.

Ancient Appearance. You have proficiency in Intimidation and Persuasion skills.

Taller. Your height increases by 2 feet.

Consumed Two Siblings

When you consume your second Nephilim, you gain the following benefits:

Untouchable. You have immunity to fire damage.

Hell's Angel. A glowing red halo appears above your head, and you gain a pair of horns in addition to any horns you already have. Additionally, your body temperature increases. You do not require cold weather gear in harsh cold environments, however spending more than 1 round on icy terrain will cause 5 square feet of that ice to melt.

Taller. You are considered a Large creature.

Consumed Seven Siblings

When you have consumed seven Nephilim, you gain the following benefits:

Fire at your Fingertips. You can cast Flaming Sphere at will.

Winged Demon. Black wings sprout from your back. Once per day, you can use these wings to fly for 1 hour.

Taller. You are considered a Huge creature.

Consumed Fifteen Siblings

When you have consumed fifteen Nephilim, you gain the following benefits:

Birthright. You can cast Flame Strike twice per day.

New Home. Though you are not welcome amongst mortals, you know where you belong. Once per day, you can cast Plane Shift and choose a level of Hell to visit. This spell only allows you to travel there, and no others.

Taller. You are considered a Gargantuan creature.

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The Chained Goddess

Huge fiend, Neutral Evil

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• Armor Class 14
• Hit Points 273 (26d12 + 104)
• Speed 35 ft.

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STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
15 (+2)	18 (+4)	18 (+4)	22 (+6)	18 (+4)	26 (+8)

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• Saving Throws Int +10, Cha +12
• Skills Deception +16, Intimidation +16, Persuasion +12, Religion +10
• Damage Resistances fire, radiant
• Damage Immunities bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
• Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled, stunned
• Senses blindsight 120 ft., darkvision 300 ft., passive Perception 14
• Languages Celestial, Common, Dwarvish, Infernal, telepathy 1000 ft.
• Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)

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Innate Spellcasting. The Chained Goddess's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 20, +12 to hit with spell attacks). She can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

At will: Calm Emotions, Command
3/day each: Summon Lesser Demons

The Goddess of Chains. The Chained Goddess can summon a maximum of 12 chains. Each chain has its own Attack action.

Legendary Resistance (1/day). If the The Chained Goddess fails a saving throw, She can choose to succeed instead.

Actions

Chain Whip. The Chained Goddess's chain can target anyone within 20 feet of it. The chain makes a single attack (1d20+12). On a hit, the creature takes 4 (1d8) bludgeoning damage.

Chain Hold. The Chained Goddess's chain can target anyone within 20 feet of it. The target must make a Dexterity (Acrobatics) or Strength (Athletics) check DC 16. On a failed save, the target is Grappled.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage.

Legendary Actions

The Chained Goddess can take 1 legendary action at the end of another creature's turn. The Chained Goddess regains spent legendary actions at the start of Her turn.

Summon Chains. The Chained Goddess summons two chains anywhere within a 50 foot radius.

Grief-Stricken. All creatures in a 60 foot radius must make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, a creature is overcome by grief, and is considered Stunned and Blinded until the start of its next turn.

The Chained Goddess

Huge fiend, Neutral Evil

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• Armor Class 16
• Hit Points 472 (45d12 + 180)
• Speed 35 ft.

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STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
15 (+2)	22 (+6)	18 (+4)	24 (+7)	18 (+4)	30 (+10)

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• Saving Throws Int +12, Cha +15
• Skills Deception +20, Intimidation +20, Persuasion +15, Religion +12
• Damage Immunities fire, radiant; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
• Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled, stunned
• Senses blindsight 120 ft., darkvision 300 ft., passive Perception 14
• Languages Celestial, Common, Dwarvish, Infernal, telepathy 1000 ft.
• Challenge 16 (15,000 XP)

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Legendary Resistance (3/day). If the The Chained Goddess fails a saving throw, She can choose to succeed instead.

Innate Spellcasting. The Chained Goddess's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 23, +15 to hit with spell attacks). She can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

At will: Calm Emotions, Suggestion, Command
3/day each: Summon Lesser Demons
1/day each: Conjure Celestial

The Goddess of Chains. The Chained Goddess can summon a maximum of 12 chains. Each chain has its own Attack action.

Actions

Chain Whip. The Chained Goddess's chain can target anyone within 20 feet of it. The chain makes a single attack (1d20+15). On a hit, the creature takes 4 (1d8) bludgeoning damage.

Chain Hold. The Chained Goddess's chain can target anyone within 20 feet of it. The target must make a Dexterity (Acrobatics) or Strength (Athletics) check DC 19. On a failed save, the target is Grappled.

Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (3d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) piercing damage.

Legendary Actions

The monster can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The monster regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Grief-Stricken. All creatures in a 60 foot radius must make a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, a creature is overcome by grief, and is considered Stunned and Blinded until the start of its next turn.

Needle. The Chained Goddess chooses a creature within a 50 foot radius that can hear Her. It must make a Wisdom saving throw DC 23. On a failed save, the creature has disadvantage on all Attacks, Ability checks, and Saving throws until the start of its next turn.

Summon Chains. The Chained Goddess summons two chains anywhere within a 50 foot radius.

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Maneuvers

• Backwhip Maneuver. When an enemy is behind you on your turn, you can expend a Superiority die to swing your chain backwards. Make an attack and add your superiority die to the Attack roll.
• Browbeat Maneuver. If you successfully hit a creature within 10 feet of you, you can expend a Superiority die to drive in the hurt by grabbing a 30 centimeter portion of the chain and making an additional short burst attack. Move five feet towards this enemy, without provoking opportunity attacks, and make an Attack roll. On a hit, add your Superiority die to the damage.
• Catch Maneuver. If an ally within your chain's range will fall prone, you can expend a Superiority die and use your reaction to catch your ally.
• Double Chained Maneuver. On your turn, you may expend a Superiority die to grab the middle of your chain and create two smaller chain weapons that act as Manriki chains. You make four attack rolls and deal Manriki chain-damage for each hit. Add your superiority die to one of the damage rolls.
• Drag Maneuver. If a target is Grappled, Restrained, Prone, or Unconscious within range of your chain, and you did not cause it, you may expend a Superiority die and use your Reaction to drag the target. Make a ranged attack against the creature's AC with advantage. On a success, you may move up to half your movement speed and drag the target in that direction. The target will not provoke opportunity attacks, but you will.
• Grab Maneuver. When a creature attacks you unarmed or with a weapon within five feet of you, you can expend a Superiority die and use your reaction to grab their arm. Make a contested Dexterity check. On a success, you grab their arm, causing all their attacks on you to have disadvantage until the start of your next turn.
• Grapple Maneuver. When a creature within range of your weapon attacks you or an ally, you may use your Reaction and expend a Superiority die attempt to grapple them. Roll a Strength (Athletics) check against the creature's Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics). On a success, the target is considered Grappled, and their first attack on this turn has disadvantage.
• Snap Maneuver. You can use your Reaction on enemy you can see within range to attempt to snap an object out of their grasp. Roll a Dexterity check against your target's Strength saving throw, adding your Superiority die to the roll. On a success, the object flies out of their hands. Roll a d4, where 1 is North, 2 is East, etc. The object flies 10 feet in that direction.
• Strangle Maneuver. When you hit an enemy, you can expend a Superiority die to attempt to strangle your enemy. Make a Strength (Athletics) check against the target's Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. If you fail, you can add your Superiority die to the roll, otherwise you deal bludgeoning damage equal to your Superiority die roll. If you succeed, your chain wraps around the target's neck, Restraining it.
• Tornado Maneuver. If there are more than one enemies within range of your chain at the end of your turn, you can expend a Superiority die to spin your Chain over your head. Make a single attack roll that will be for all enemies. Roll damage for each individual target and add your Superiority die to one of the damage rolls.
• Trip Maneuver. When a target ends its turn within range of your chain, you can expend your reaction to attempt to trip them. Roll a Dexterity check against the target's Dexterity saving throw. On your success, the target trips and falls Prone.
• Wrap Maneuver. On your turn, if you hit a target and beat its Armor Class by 5, you can expend a Superiority die and move up to half your movement speed to wrap your target in your chain. The target is considered Grappled and must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, the target is considered Restrained.

Check out some chain fighting techniques and see if you can come up with some additional maneuver ideas!

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Eldritch Chains

Enchantment Cantrip

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 60 feet
• Components: V, S
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

You fling forth eldritch chains from the core of your being and attempt to bind another creature with these chains. An unwilling creature must make a Dexterity saving throw, on a failure the creature is bound to the effects determined by your patron. These effects last for one minute or until either you or the targeted creature are reduced to 0 hitpoints.

These chains in particular burn the very soul of whoever is afflicted with them. Upon failing their Dexterity saving throw, the targeted creature takes 1d6 Fire damage. Additionally while concentrating on this spell you can use your bonus action to apply the 1d6 fire damage again, though the target will make another Dexterity saving throw at disadvantage.

At 5th level the damage is increased to 2d6 on initial and subsequent turns. At 11th level the damage is increased to 3d6. At 17th level the damage is increased to 4d6 and the targeted creature is considered to have fire vulnerability.

Condemnation

Designed by Aelsius

Enchantment Cantrip

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 30 feet
• Components: V, S
• Duration: Instantaneous

You point your finger and condemn a target you can see within 30 feet. It must be able to see and hear you. The target makes a Wisdom saving throw or it takes 1d4 radiant damage and its speed is reduced to 0 until the end of its next turn.

This spell's damage increases by 1d4 when you reach 5th level (2d4), 11th level (3d4) and 17th level (4d4).

Eldritch Invocations

In addition to other Eldritch Invocations, you may choose from the following Eldritch Invocations.

Bringing Hell to You. Prerequisite: Level 6. You can add Summon Lesser Demons to your list of known spells. When you cast this spell, each of the demons you summon will deal an additional damage die on a hit, though the spell lasts for Concentration, up to 30 minutes.

Chained Avatar. Prerequisite: Pact of the Chained Goddess, Level 10. Your body can now withstand allowing the Chained Goddess to use your body as an avatar. Once per long rest, you can call upon her to take over your body for 15 minutes.

Compelling. Prerequisite: Pact of the Chained Goddess, Level 4. You can cast Compulsion once using a warlock spell slot. You can't do so again until you finish a long rest.

Come Here. Once on each of your turns, when you hit a creature with Eldritch Chains, you can move that creature five feet in a straight line towards yourself, which does not provoke opportunity attacks.

Friends with Foes. Prerequisite: Must have taken the Bringing Hell to You invocation. When you cast Summon Lesser Demons, all demons are friendly to you and your allies. You no longer need the components for this spell. Additionally, roll d12. On a 6 or a 9, the number of demons you summon doubles.

Kneel. When you attempt a Charisma (Intimidation) check and you succeed, the target falls prone. The target does not need to expend half its movement to stand up.

Minions. Prequisite: Level 9. When you summon a creature, you can roll a Charisma (Persuasion) or Charisma (Intimidation) check against the creature's Wisdom check. On a success, the creature will remain with you for 24 hours, though it might not fight alongside you (per the DM's discretion).

Born Anew. Prerequisite: Pact of the Chained Goddess. In addition to your current racial features, you are now also a Tiefling. You gain access to Hellish Resistance, Darkvision, the language Infernal, and your Charisma goes up by 2.

Pact Boon

Pact of the Chained Goddess.

• You have advantage on all Wisdom saving throws against effects you can see.
• When you eat other members of your race, you regain hit points. For every 30 minutes you eat, you regain a health potion's-worth of health.
• Your Constitution score goes up by 3.

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Metamagic

Chained Spell. After casting a spell of 1st level or higher, you can expend 4 sorcery points and a spell slot to cast a spell of one level lower. For example, if you cast a 3rd level spell, you could cast a 2nd or 1st level spell.

Imprisoned Spell. On your turn, you can expend a sorcery point to reroll your choice of damage dice, and take the higher of the rolls. You must not have moved on your turn in order to use this, and your speed is reduced to zero until the start of your next turn.

Murderous Spell. If your spell ends the target's life, you can expend a sorcery point to carry any leftover damage to another target within range.

Rage Spell. If you have less than half your maximum hit points, you may expend two sorcery points to cast a spell as a reaction.

Treacherous Spell. You can expend two sorcery points to cast a spell stealthily. A creature must roll a Wisdom (Perception) check against your spell save DC
in order to know you are casting the spell, and they
have disadvantage on the roll.

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