Introduction
The Hand of the Gods The Book of Eldritch Might deals with the arcane. But the divine is just as potent a force. It is literally the might of the gods manifest in a mortal realm—an immortal expression of intervention in a world where lesser beings barely comprehend their own motives and existence, let alone those of deities.
hose who wield divine power are often more than simple spellcasters—they are the representatives of the gods on earth. They not only have to worry about the mechanics of spellcasting, but about what the gods want them to do and how to best represent those desires. They concern themselves with other worshippers in their faith, and with maintaining and defending places holy to their chosen patron(s). In many ways, it is more challenging to be a practitioner of divine magic than of arcane. From the DM’s point of view, having divine spellcasters in a game is more work as well. More than other classes, these individuals are tied directly to the campaign and the details you have created involving cosmology, mythology, and society. Still, it is worth the work. The player of the divine spellcaster is the DM’s friend—he helps define the world around the group of player characters (PCs). He represents the campaign’s bigger picture, even when the PCs are simply exploring a dungeon or fighting off a tribe of goblins. Despite this important role, divine casters sometimes get short shrift in supplements devoted to new magic. That’s why this book is specifically for them. In addition, much of the content applies to the champions of good, enhancing their power for the fight against vile evils. The Book of Hallowed Might covers these topics: • Divine Spellcasters in Campaigns: Offers notes on running clerics, variant ranger and paladin classes, and a new optional alignment system • Prestige Classes: Presents three new prestige classes: the blessed prelate, hallowed mage, and Knight of the Pale • Feats: Contains 20 new feats for divine spellcasters and others, including two new types: the blessed feat and the oath feat • Spells: Includes almost four dozen new spells plus a description of the new Light domain • Magic Items: New armor, shields, weapons, rings, and wondrous items • Creatures: Details the angels of the elements and blessed children
T
Using This Book This book is a new edition of the previously published version of The Book of Hallowed Might. In this edition, we have updated the material to conform to the v. 3.5 revision of the core rules, corrected a few typos, included some material from Monte Cook’s website, and added a new appendix with tips for using these feats, classes, spells, items, and creatures with Monte Cook’s Arcana Unearthed. Everything else in the book has stayed the same—if you already have the previous edition of The Book of Hallowed Might, this update does not invalidate your version. The material in this sourcebook is suitable for characters of all levels. The Book of Hallowed Might was designed to be a companion volume to The Book of Eldritch Might arcane magic series from Malhavoc Press. Throughout this sourcebook, the spells, items, feats, etc. introduced in this book are marked with a single dagger (†). Otherwise, all references to spells, feats, and other rules not otherwise marked are from the v. 3.5 revision of the three Core Rulebooks: the Player’s Handbook, DMG, and MM. Sidebars in most chapters offer special information and guidelines for the DM. Bonus source material and ideas to augment the information in The Book of Hallowed Might appear on Monte Cook’s website. Find the links to these free web enhancements at the book’s product page online at the following address: <www.montecook.com/mpress_BOHM.html>. This sourcebook is protected content except for items specifically called out as Open Game Content on the title page. For full details, please turn to page 63. Open content is not otherwise marked in the text of this book. Those who can call down power channeled from the gods command the very forces of creation. Let The Book of Hallowed Might supercharge your divine spellcasters!
3