Difference between revisions of "Hyrulean Guidelines"

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{{Guide}}
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Hyrulean content assumes the following rule changes are used.  If you are running a campaign primarily using ''Legends of Hyrule'', it is recommended your campaign uses these rules.  If only using piecemeal content like a few monsters or races, you can safely ignore these.
 +
 +
See [[Variant Rules]] for additional rule changes to consider.
 +
 +
==Contents==
 +
;Fundamentals
 +
* [[#Rupees replace coins|'''''Rupees replace coins''''']], with one rupee equaling one silver piece.
 +
* [[#Quick rest|'''''Quick rests''''']] are used to speed up [[short rest]]s, making it feel more like a ''Zelda'' video game.
 +
* [[#Magic points|'''''Magic points''''']] are used by most Hyrulean spellcasters to fuel their spells, replacing spell slots.<!--
 +
* [[#Stamina points|'''''Stamina points''''']] are used by [[fighter]]s and [[opportunist]]s to enhance their techniques.-->
 +
 +
;Combat
 +
* [[#Wisdom-based initiative|'''''Wisdom-based initiative''''']] is used by default in place of {{dex}}-based initiative.
 +
* [[#Target strikes|'''''Target strikes''''']] are made with attacks to either hit monsters' weak points, or deal maximal damage at the cost of accuracy or stamina.
 +
* [[#Improved two-weapon fighting|'''''Improved two-weapon fighting''''']] helps to balance two-weapon fighters in Hyrule, and frees up the wielder's [[bonus action]].
 +
 +
;Subtle mechanics
 +
* [[#Bonus die|'''''Bonus die''''']] is a die you add to damage rolls or a d20 roll, and is granted by some effects like spells or feats.  You can't add more than one bonus die to a roll.
 +
* [[#Other considerations|'''''Other considerations''''']] list a few quick notes that aren't vital information.
 
__NOTOC__
 
__NOTOC__
−
All content within this compendium can be used interchangeably with the fifth edition of ''Dungeons & Dragons.''  To make the game feel more ''Zelda''-like, use the following rules.  Everything within this compendium assumes these rules are used, but their use is optional.
 
  
 +
== Rupees replace coins ==
 +
:''See [[equipment]].''
 +
{{Image|imagelink=https://zelda.gamepedia.com/Rupee|image=https://i.imgur.com/LPZuc0k.png}}
 +
The primary currency in Hyrule is rupees.  All items in this compendium have their value listed in rupees.  One rupee is equal in value to one silver piece.
 +
 +
Rupees appear as small, uniformly-shaped gems of various bright colors. Different colors of rupees are of proportionally different value.  Just as a modern 10-dollar bill is worth 10 dollars, a yellow rupee is worth 10 “rupees.”
 +
 +
Conversions from silver and gold pieces are listed below.
  
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
| Green Rupee || 1 r || 1 sp
 +
|-
 +
| Blue Rupee || 5 r || 5 sp
 +
|-
 +
| Yellow Rupee || 10 r || 1 gp
 +
|-
 +
| Red Rupee || 20 r || 2 gp
 +
|-
 +
| Purple Rupee || 50 r || 5 gp
 +
|-
 +
| Silver Rupee || 100 r || 10 gp
 +
|-
 +
| Gold Rupee || 300 r || 30 gp
 +
|}
 +
<sub><nowiki>*</nowiki>''Any item which would cost less than 1 sp effectively has a cost of 1 rupee.''</sub>
 +
 +
For the sake of simplicity, the narrator could elect to use only green rupees (1 sp each) for all transactions.  If converting from gold pieces, simply times the amount by ten&mdash;or add a zero on to the end.
 +
{{clear}}
 +
==Quick rest==
 +
{{Aside|1-Hour Short Rest Alternative|If ''LoH'' content would be starkly underpowered if using 1-hour short rests, a sidebar such as this one will feature a suggestion for empowering the content to be more useful in a campaign that uses 1-hour short rests.}}
 +
:''See [[rest]].''
 +
Hyrule employs a variant of rest like one found on page 267 of the ''Dungeon Master's Guide''.  Under this rule, long rests stay the same, but short rests are much quicker.
 +
 +
To gain the benefits of a [[short rest]], you need only rest 5 minutes, but at the end of the rest you must expend one of your [[Heart Containers]] (or "Hit Dice").  If you merely rest for 5 minutes without expending Heart Containers, you do not gain any benefits of a short rest.  Since NPCs usually don't have Heart Containers, they usually don't benefit from short rests.
 +
 +
This changed rule is closer to ''Zelda'' games in which combat is routine and healing is quick.  These quick rests can make sequential combat easier, but a concerned narrator can compensate for this by increasing the [[Challenge Rating]] of encounters.
 +
 +
Hyrulean classes are balanced assuming this rule is used.  This is particularly noticeable with [[fighter]], which is expected to burn through short rest reserves in every combat encounter.
 +
{{clear}}
 
== Magic points ==
 
== Magic points ==
 +
{{Aside|Spell Level Alternative|Although ''Legends of Hyrule'' assumes magic points will be used, most applicable content will feature a sidebar such as this one.  This sidebar will describe how the content can be used with traditional spell levels, if necessary.}}
 
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px;"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px;"
 
! Spell<br/>Level !! Magic<br/>Points
 
! Spell<br/>Level !! Magic<br/>Points
Line 23: Line 82:
 
| 8th || 11
 
| 8th || 11
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| 9th || 12
+
| 9th || 12+
 
|}
 
|}
−
:''See [[spells]].''
+
:''See [[spellcasting]].''
 +
Spells in Hyrule are ranked not by spell level but by '''magic points''', a variant of the Spell Points variant rule described on page 288 of the ''Dungeon Master's Guide.'' 
  
−
[[Spells|Spellcasting]] [[classes]] available to player-characters use a version of the Spell Points variant rule described on page 288 of the ''Dungeon Master's Guide,'' referred to here as Magic Points.
+
Hyrulean spells have levels, but are predominately listed by the number of magic points needed to cast them.  For example, a classic spell of 3rd-level would be listed here as a "5-point" spell.  The adjacent table lists equivalents if using spell points to cast leveled spells, or if using spell slots to cast point spells.
  
−
Magic points are used primarily to cast spells and replace spell slots in Hyrule.  Casting a spell requires the expenditure of a specific number of magic points.  See the adjacent table.
+
The [[researcher]] and [[scion]] classes each provide a pool of magic points, and casting a spell requires spending a number of these magic points equal to the spell's point value.  Some game effects can provide a player-character with a pool of magic points too, or increase the pool they otherwise have.  Any character with magic points always regains them all upon finishing a [[long rest]].
  
−
Initially, casting a spell requires expending a number of points equal to 1 + spell level.  From 3rd level spells up, it requires 2 + spell level.  From 6th level spells up, it requires 3 + spell level.
+
The [[sage]] class uses more traditional spell slots, but even these are ranked by the 13 point values instead of the 9 spell levels.
  
−
A character can cast a spell at a higher level than normal by expending additional magic points.  For example, casting ''[[magic missile]]'', a 1st-level spell, normally costs 2 magic points.  It can be cast as a 3rd level spell, improving its damage output, by expending the magic points needed to cast a 3rd level spell&mdash;which is 5 magic points.
+
<!--[[Spells]] use a version of the Spell Points variant rule described on page 288 of the ''Dungeon Master's Guide,'' referred to here as "magic points." Magic points are used primarily to cast spells and they replace spell levels in Hyrule.  For [[researcher]]s and [[scion]]s, casting a spell requires the expenditure of a specific number of magic points.
  
−
Spells of 6th level and higher are particularly taxing to cast.  Once a character casts a spell of 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th level, the character cannot cast a spell of that level again until after completing a long rest, even if there are magic points to spare.
+
A player-character's total number of magic points, if any, are determined primarily by their [[class]] and their current level in that class.  Other effects can increase a character's magic points, or provide some.  Casting [[spells]] and sometimes other features requires you to spend some of these magic points.  You cannot cast spells or use features which require spending magic points you lack.
  
−
Magic points are fully restored after a [[long rest]].  Some class features and [[magic item]]s can restore a limited amount of magic points.
+
Any spent magic points are fully restored after a [[long rest]].  Some class features and [[magic item]]s can restore a limited amount of magic points otherwise.
  
−
{{clear}}
+
=== Point values ===
−
==Stamina points==
+
Hyrulean spells have levels, but are predominately listed by the number of magic points needed to cast them.  For example, a classic spell of 3rd-level would be listed here as a "5-point" spell.   
−
Stamina points are expended mainly to make [[#Called Shots|called shots]], for certain [[class]] features, and for a few [[magic items]].  Only characters of certain classes gain stamina points.
 
  
−
Normally, your stamina points are fully replenished upon completing a [[short rest]].
+
The most magic points you can expend on a single spell when you cast it is your "magic limit."  Your magic limit is determined by your class(es) and level.
  
−
===Spellcasting with stamina points===
+
=== Overpowering spells ===
−
Any character with stamina points can expend them in place of magic points.  Doing so simply requires expending 1 stamina point for every 1 magic point that would need to be expended.  Any stamina points used in this way do not replenish until the character completes a [[long rest]].
+
Like normal classic spells, some Hyrulean spells can be cast "At Higher Levels."  To '''overpower''' a spell, you must spend extra magic points as the spell describes.  For example, casting {{Spell|Life}} normally costs 2 magic points.  You can improve the amount of {{hp}} it recovers by expending extra magic points when you cast it.
  
 +
When overpowering a spell, the number of magic points you expend at once still cannot exceed your magic limit.
  
−
==Called shots==
+
If you cast a spell from a special feature or a magic item instead of a class, you can only overpower the spell if your class(es) and levels enable it.
−
Just before making a weapon attack roll, a player-character can make a called shot either by expending 2 [[#Stamina Points|stamina points]], or by taking [[disadvantage]] on the attack roll.  One cannot make a called shot if the attack roll would have [[disadvantage]] anyway.
 
  
−
A called shot generally aims for wherever the target is most vulnerable, such as gaps in a warrior's armor, or the large and exposed eye of a monster. This kind of called shot maximizes the damage dice rolled on a hit (e.g., treating 1d8 as simply 8), including any extra dice rolled as part of a [[critical hit]] or from other features.
+
=== Sage ===
 +
The [[sage]] class notably uses more traditional spell slots, but even these slots are ranked by a spell's point value instead of a "spell level."-->
 +
{{clear}}
 +
==Wisdom-based initiative==
 +
:''See [[combat]] and [[Variant Rules#Initiative|variant rules for initiative]].''
  
−
Some creatures in Hyrule have specific weaknesses to called shots made against a part of its body, referred to as a "[[:Category:Creatures with the Weak Point trait|weak point]]." Generally, a player-character should be able to identify a weak point fairly easily unless it is specifically concealed.  Making a called shot targeting a specific weak point (e.g., "I aim for its tail") induces a particularly debilitating condition or extra damage, as described under the Weak Point trait of a relevant creature.
+
Hyrulean races and classes are balanced assuming {{wis}} is used for [[initiative]] checks instead of {{dex}}.  In Hyrule, initiative mostly represents the character’s ability to perceive enemies, detect threats, notice vulnerabilities, and make decisions.  It is much less considered a measure of physical agility; this is partially why {{wis}} is used in place of {{dex}}.  
 +
<!--While not for everyone, it can accelerate combat to give a more ''Zelda''-like feel, and is particularly suitable for smaller groups of three or fewer players.
 +
--><!--
 +
While ''Zelda'' doesn't feature turn-by-turn combat, it often employs a back-and-forth in which the protagonist(s) are looking for their chance to strike.  This may be best represented with {{wis}}-based group initiative.
  
 +
Combat is structured with groups instead of individuals.  All player-characters make a {{wis}} check for initiative (instead of a {{dex}} check), and the median result of these checks is used on behalf of the player-characters' group.  The narrator makes a similar roll on behalf of the antagonistic group.  The higher roll wins the initiative; re-roll ties if they occur.  When it is a group's turn, all members of that group can act in any order they choose, or even act simultaneously.
  
 +
If there are more than two groups in combat, each rolls its initiative separately.  In the rare circumstances an individual's allegiance changes mid-battle, it either joins the appropriate initiative in the next round, or rolls a separate initiative for the next round, as appropriate.
 +
...
 +
In Hyrule, initiative mostly represents the character’s ability to perceive enemies, detect threats, notice vulnerabilities, and make decisions.  It is much less considered a measure of physical agility; this is partially so {{wis}} is used in place of {{dex}}. 
  
−
== Wisdom-based initiative ==
+
In official material, {{dex}} is such an overwhelming useful ability score in part because everyone uses it for initiative, AC, attack, rolls, the most common saving throw, '''''and''''' damage rolls.  Consequently this rule also helps keep one ability from being so overpowered compared to the other five.
−
When determining [[initiative]] order in [[combat]], every participant makes a [[Wisdom]] check instead of a [[Dexterity]] check.  In Hyrule, initiative mostly represents the character’s ability to perceive enemies, detect threats, and jump to the mental conclusion to fight before others.  It is much less considered a measure of physical agility.  Hyrulean [[Classes (Hyrule Supplement)|classes]] are balanced assuming this rule is used.
+
-->
  
−
To help quicken the pace of combat, it is suggested that the DM have initiative scores for monsters rolled in advance.
+
To help speed up combat, it is suggested that the narrator have initiative scores for monsters rolled in advance. Consider also including [[variant rules]] for initiative like [[Variant Rules#Group Initiative|Group Initiative]], [[Variant Rules#Round-Table Initiative|Round-Table Initiative]], and [[Variant Rules#Moxie Dice|Moxie Dice]]. Narrative transitions between turns can help smooth out initiative, too.
−
 
+
==Target strikes==
−
 
+
:''See [[combat]].''
−
== Rupees replace coins ==
+
Just before making a weapon attack roll, a player-character can make a target strike either by expending 1 [[#Stamina Points|stamina point]], or by taking [[disadvantage]] on the attack roll.  One cannot make a target strike if the attack roll would have [[disadvantage]] anyway.
−
<div class="externalimage-holder" style="width:5%; float:right"><center>https://i.imgur.com/LPZuc0k.png<br/>[https://zelda.gamepedia.com/Rupee Source]</center></div>
 
−
The primary currency in Hyrule is rupees.  These appear as small, uniformly shaped crystal gems. Different colors of rupees are of proportionally different value.  Just as a modern 10-dollar bill is worth 10 dollars, a Yellow Rupee is worth 10 “rupees.”
 
−
 
 
−
Conversions from gold pieces are listed below.
 
−
 
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
| Green Rupee || 1 r || 1 sp
 
−
|-  
 
−
| Blue Rupee || 5 r || 5 sp
 
−
|-
 
−
| Yellow Rupee || 10 r || 1 gp
 
−
|-
 
−
| Red Rupee || 20 r || 2 gp
 
−
|-
 
−
| Purple Rupee || 50 r || 5 gp
 
−
|-
 
−
| Silver Rupee || 100 r || 10 gp
 
−
|-
 
−
| Gold Rupee || 300 r || 30 gp
 
−
|}
 
−
<sub><nowiki>*</nowiki>''Any item which would cost less than 1 sp effectively has a selling price of 1 rupee.''</sub>
 
  
−
For the sake of simplicity, the DM could elect to use only green rupees (1 sp each) and yellow rupees (1 gp each) for all transactions.
+
A target strike generally aims for wherever the target is most vulnerable, such as gaps in a warrior's armor, or a monster's eye.  This kind of target strike maximizes the damage dice rolled on a hit (e.g., treating 1d8 as simply 8), including any extra dice rolled as part of a [[critical hit]] or from other features.
  
 +
Some creatures in Hyrule have specific weaknesses to target strike made against a part of its body, referred to as a "[[:Category:Creatures with the Weak Point trait|weak point]]."  Generally, a player-character should be able to identify a weak point fairly easily unless it is specifically concealed.  Making a target strike that targets a specific weak point (e.g., "I aim for its tail") induces a particularly debilitating condition or extra damage, as described under the Weak Point trait of a relevant creature.
  
−
== Heavier armor ==
+
Hyrulean classes are balanced assuming stamina points and target strikes are used.  Consequently, some classes may be much weaker than official classes if these rules are omitted or ignored.
−
:''See [[armor]].''
 
  
−
If you do not meet the [[Strength]] score requirement of the armor you are wearing, you are restricted as though you lack proficiency with that armor.  This means you would have [[disadvantage]] on any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll that involves [[Strength]] or [[Dexterity]].  You would also be unable to cast [[spells]].
+
==Improved two-weapon fighting==
 +
:''See [[combat]].''
  
 +
The following rule replaces the more restrictive rule used in official material for two-weapon fighting.  Essentially, a character can gain the full benefits of using two weapons without having to lose their bonus action, and Hyrulean classes are balanced around this change.<!-- For example, unlike a rogue's Sneak Attack, an opportunist's Sneakstrike cannot trigger from the extra attack without spec.-->
  
−
== Bonus Die ==
+
When you take the Attack action and attack with a [[Weapon Properties|light]] melee weapon or an [[unarmed strike]] using one hand, <u>as part of that same action</u> you can use your other hand to attack with an unarmed strike or a different light melee weapon.  If you can otherwise make multiple attacks as part of your Attack action, you can still only make one attack with your other hand.  You don't add your ability modifier or any [[bonus dice]] to the damage of this additional attack, unless that modifier is negative.
−
Some game effects can grant you a "Bonus Die" for certain ability checks, attack rolls, saving throws, or damage rolls.  For example, the {{Feat|Yogi}} feat grants you a d4 Bonus Die on saving throws to maintain [[concentration]].
 
  
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If you have several Bonus Dice which apply to the same roll, they do not combine.  Use only the largest Bonus Die that applies.
+
If either weapon has the [[Weapon Properties|thrown]] property, you can throw the weapon, instead of making a melee attack with it.
  
−
== Ability score maximum ==
+
== Bonus die ==
−
Normally, the maximum score a player-character can have for any [[ability score]] is 20. This can be considered the "soft cap." 
+
:''See [[Using Ability Scores]].''
 +
Some class features grant you a "bonus die" for certain [[ability check]]s, [[attack roll]]s, [[saving throw]]s, or [[damage roll]]s.
  
−
The [[Paragon]] [[feat]], [[Magic Items (Hyrule Supplement)|magic items]], [[blessings]], and other features can permanently increase a character's ability score maximum above 20.  For particularly powerful high-level characters, these effects can combine to push it even higher.  For example, a high-level [[fighter]] can use the [[Fighter (class)#Champion|Champion]] feature to increase her [[Dexterity]] score maximum by 2, and also use the [[Paragon]] feat to increase her [[Dexterity]] score by an additional 2.  This fighter would thus have a maximum [[Dexterity]] score of 24.
+
If you have several bonus dice which apply to the same roll, they do not combine.  Use only the largest bonus die that applies.
  
−
Even in cases of these extremely powerful characters, an ability score can never&mdash;ever&mdash;be pushed above 30.  This can be considered the "hard cap."
+
== Other considerations ==
 +
What follows are not transformative rule changes, but veteran players may wish to note these differences:
 +
* "Hit points" and "Hit Dice" are instead referred to as "heart points" and "Heart Containers," respectively.  This is a purely aesthetic change.
 +
* The player who runs the game is called the "narrator."  The term normally used for this role has legal protection.
 +
* [[Feats]] are an inherent part of the game.  Under [[Character Creation|default rules]] a player of any [[race]] can gain one as early as 1st level.
 +
* [[Downtime]] is structured differently.
 +
* Typically, Hyrulean content which grants a bonus to [[Armor Class|AC]] includes the following line: "{{ACLimit}}"
 +
* The ability score limits (or "caps") present in classic material are more clearly codified in [[Using Ability Scores]].
  
 +
===Classes===
 +
* The default [[character creation]] and classes assume a character will not have a Background.  The benefits normally afforded by a Background are rolled into each class, but each class has a sidebar Option for using the class with a Background.
 +
* When you gain a level in a Hyrulean class and choose to roll for heart points, you can re-roll a 1.  (This makes the average equal to the reliable choice, instead of being slightly lower.)
 +
* Subclasses have a much larger effect on a character's capabilities than they typically do in classic material.
  
−
== Other considerations ==
+
===Equipment===
−
What follows are not global transformative rule changes, but veteran ''D&D'' players may wish to note these differences:
+
* Some classic [[weapons]] are adjusted.  The {{Item|blowgun}}, {{Item|lance}}, and {{Item|whip}} each have an additional special property unique to each of them. The {{Item|blowgun}} and {{Item|trident}} are classified as simple weapons instead of martial.  Several weapons' costs are adjusted to be more balanced based on each weapon's usefulness.
−
* "Hit points" are instead referred to as "heart points."
+
* Potions and most consumable magic items can be used with a [[bonus action]] instead of an action.
−
* Hyrulean [[classes]] grant extra proficiencies for higher {{int}} scores.
+
* [[Magic items]] are implied to be more abundant and available than they are in classic material.  It's assumed player-characters can buy any common or uncommon magic items with relative ease.
−
* Hyrulean classes are balanced assuming [[stamina]] and [[called shots]] are used.  Consequently, some classes may be much weaker than official classes if these rules are omitted or ignored.
+
* A few magic items are of even greater rarity than "legendary," which are referred to as "master." This sixth tier of magic item exists primarily to cater to canonical ''Zelda'' items with effects too powerful for classic standards, such as the {{MI|clock}} or {{MI|red ring}}.  They don't appear in [[Treasure|Treasure Chests]].
−
* For a player-character, using a formal "background" is optional.  The compendium encourages any player to create their own background. <!--
 
−
* [[Feats]] are still optional for any player-character, but the compendium treats them as an inherent part of the game. -->
 
−
* [[Downtime]] is structured differently but still serves the same purpose.
 
−
* [[Magic items]] are more abundant and available than they are assumed to be in official ''D&D'' material.  It's assumed player-characters can be any common or uncommon magic items with relative ease.
 
−
* The {{Item|blowgun}}, {{Item|lance}}, and {{Item|whip}} weapons each have an additional special property unique to each of them.  The {{Item|trident}} is classified as a simple weapon (instead of martial) considering it shares its statistics with the {{Item|spear}}.  Several weapons' costs have been adjusted to be more balanced based on each weapon's usefulness.
 
  
 +
===Monsters===
 +
* The races listed in [[character creation]] and in the Navigation header are the most suitable races for player-characters, and are meant to replace races found in the ''Player's Handbook.''  However, this compendium also includes race traits for creatures as bizarre as [[Octorok (race)|octorok]]s and rare as [[Horsehead (creature)|horsehead]]s.  These unusual races cannot be used for player-characters under default rules.  Weird races should only be allowed by the narrator on an individual basis.  See [[races]].
 +
* Some creatures have a "Treasure Chest" text box that describes gear it can drop, omitting the need for a narrator to separately assign treasure.  [[Generic Treasure Chests]] can be used for any creatures which don't have their own unique chest.  See [[Treasure]] for full details.
 +
* Many creatures, especially "boss monsters," are empowered to be more of a threat to a party than they are in their canonical appearances.  If all transcriptions from canonical ''Zelda'' were as mathematically accurate as possible to canon, few creatures would be any challenge to a party full of adventurers.  In-world this can help emphasize just how unbelievably capable the legendary hero actually is.
 +
* Many creatures have alternate stat blocks to represent different Challenge Ratings.  Sometimes this reflects ''Zelda'' lore, such as {{C|Red Tektite}} versus {{C|Blue Tektite}}.  Other times it is merely to enable narrator options, as is the case with {{C|Chilfos}}.
 +
* Many creature pages have a cost or wage listed.  These prices are based on the creature's capabilities, and not the creature's disposition, the market's supply-and-demand, or Hyrulean culture.  As with all prices these should be adjudicated by the narrator.
  
 
[[Category:System Reference]]
 
[[Category:System Reference]]

Latest revision as of 11:00, 21 January 2022

Navigation
Warning: Legends of Hyrule is still very unfinished and its content may radically change. In particular, there are plans to radically revision classes.
Please download an offline copy of any page you may need. "Alt+Shift+P" can be used to make a printable PDF of any page. See also archives.

Player's Guide

Character Creation
the next level
Classes
champ, opportunist, researcher, sage, scion
Species
gerudo, goron, hylian, rito, zora
anouki, deku, korok, twili, zonai
Equipment
armor, weapons, gear, tools, goods, services

System Reference

Hyrulean Guidelines
Using Ability Scores
str, dex, con, int, wis, cha
Time & Movement
Environment
Rest
Combat
Conditions
Downtime
Dungeon Mastering
encounters, progression, treasure, variant rules

Compendium

Languages
Feats
Fighting Styles
Techniques
Spellcasting
spell list, spell gallery
Creature Overview
monsters, NPCs, other creatures
Magic Item Overview
item list, item gallery
3cuTCbz.png

Hyrulean content assumes the following rule changes are used. If you are running a campaign primarily using Legends of Hyrule, it is recommended your campaign uses these rules. If only using piecemeal content like a few monsters or races, you can safely ignore these.

See Variant Rules for additional rule changes to consider.

Contents

Fundamentals
Combat
Subtle mechanics
  • Bonus die is a die you add to damage rolls or a d20 roll, and is granted by some effects like spells or feats. You can't add more than one bonus die to a roll.
  • Other considerations list a few quick notes that aren't vital information.


Rupees replace coins

See equipment.
LPZuc0k.png
source

The primary currency in Hyrule is rupees. All items in this compendium have their value listed in rupees. One rupee is equal in value to one silver piece.

Rupees appear as small, uniformly-shaped gems of various bright colors. Different colors of rupees are of proportionally different value. Just as a modern 10-dollar bill is worth 10 dollars, a yellow rupee is worth 10 “rupees.”

Conversions from silver and gold pieces are listed below.

Green Rupee 1 r 1 sp
Blue Rupee 5 r 5 sp
Yellow Rupee 10 r 1 gp
Red Rupee 20 r 2 gp
Purple Rupee 50 r 5 gp
Silver Rupee 100 r 10 gp
Gold Rupee 300 r 30 gp

*Any item which would cost less than 1 sp effectively has a cost of 1 rupee.

For the sake of simplicity, the narrator could elect to use only green rupees (1 sp each) for all transactions. If converting from gold pieces, simply times the amount by ten—or add a zero on to the end.

Quick rest

1-Hour Short Rest Alternative
If LoH content would be starkly underpowered if using 1-hour short rests, a sidebar such as this one will feature a suggestion for empowering the content to be more useful in a campaign that uses 1-hour short rests.
See rest.

Hyrule employs a variant of rest like one found on page 267 of the Dungeon Master's Guide. Under this rule, long rests stay the same, but short rests are much quicker.

To gain the benefits of a short rest, you need only rest 5 minutes, but at the end of the rest you must expend one of your Heart Containers (or "Hit Dice"). If you merely rest for 5 minutes without expending Heart Containers, you do not gain any benefits of a short rest. Since NPCs usually don't have Heart Containers, they usually don't benefit from short rests.

This changed rule is closer to Zelda games in which combat is routine and healing is quick. These quick rests can make sequential combat easier, but a concerned narrator can compensate for this by increasing the Challenge Rating of encounters.

Hyrulean classes are balanced assuming this rule is used. This is particularly noticeable with fighter, which is expected to burn through short rest reserves in every combat encounter.

Magic points

Spell Level Alternative
Although Legends of Hyrule assumes magic points will be used, most applicable content will feature a sidebar such as this one. This sidebar will describe how the content can be used with traditional spell levels, if necessary.
Spell
Level		 Magic
Points
1st 2
2nd 3
3rd 5
4th 6
5th 7
6th 9
7th 10
8th 11
9th 12+
See spellcasting.

Spells in Hyrule are ranked not by spell level but by magic points, a variant of the Spell Points variant rule described on page 288 of the Dungeon Master's Guide.

Hyrulean spells have levels, but are predominately listed by the number of magic points needed to cast them. For example, a classic spell of 3rd-level would be listed here as a "5-point" spell. The adjacent table lists equivalents if using spell points to cast leveled spells, or if using spell slots to cast point spells.

The researcher and scion classes each provide a pool of magic points, and casting a spell requires spending a number of these magic points equal to the spell's point value. Some game effects can provide a player-character with a pool of magic points too, or increase the pool they otherwise have. Any character with magic points always regains them all upon finishing a long rest.

The sage class uses more traditional spell slots, but even these are ranked by the 13 point values instead of the 9 spell levels.

Wisdom-based initiative

See combat and variant rules for initiative.

Hyrulean races and classes are balanced assuming Wisdom is used for initiative checks instead of Dexterity. In Hyrule, initiative mostly represents the character’s ability to perceive enemies, detect threats, notice vulnerabilities, and make decisions. It is much less considered a measure of physical agility; this is partially why Wisdom is used in place of Dexterity.

To help speed up combat, it is suggested that the narrator have initiative scores for monsters rolled in advance. Consider also including variant rules for initiative like Group Initiative, Round-Table Initiative, and Moxie Dice. Narrative transitions between turns can help smooth out initiative, too.

Target strikes

See combat.

Just before making a weapon attack roll, a player-character can make a target strike either by expending 1 stamina point, or by taking disadvantage on the attack roll. One cannot make a target strike if the attack roll would have disadvantage anyway.

A target strike generally aims for wherever the target is most vulnerable, such as gaps in a warrior's armor, or a monster's eye. This kind of target strike maximizes the damage dice rolled on a hit (e.g., treating 1d8 as simply 8), including any extra dice rolled as part of a critical hit or from other features.

Some creatures in Hyrule have specific weaknesses to target strike made against a part of its body, referred to as a "weak point." Generally, a player-character should be able to identify a weak point fairly easily unless it is specifically concealed. Making a target strike that targets a specific weak point (e.g., "I aim for its tail") induces a particularly debilitating condition or extra damage, as described under the Weak Point trait of a relevant creature.

Hyrulean classes are balanced assuming stamina points and target strikes are used. Consequently, some classes may be much weaker than official classes if these rules are omitted or ignored.

Improved two-weapon fighting

See combat.

The following rule replaces the more restrictive rule used in official material for two-weapon fighting. Essentially, a character can gain the full benefits of using two weapons without having to lose their bonus action, and Hyrulean classes are balanced around this change.

When you take the Attack action and attack with a light melee weapon or an unarmed strike using one hand, as part of that same action you can use your other hand to attack with an unarmed strike or a different light melee weapon. If you can otherwise make multiple attacks as part of your Attack action, you can still only make one attack with your other hand. You don't add your ability modifier or any bonus dice to the damage of this additional attack, unless that modifier is negative.

If either weapon has the thrown property, you can throw the weapon, instead of making a melee attack with it.

Bonus die

See Using Ability Scores.

Some class features grant you a "bonus die" for certain ability checks, attack rolls, saving throws, or damage rolls.

If you have several bonus dice which apply to the same roll, they do not combine. Use only the largest bonus die that applies.

Other considerations

What follows are not transformative rule changes, but veteran players may wish to note these differences:

  • "Hit points" and "Hit Dice" are instead referred to as "heart points" and "Heart Containers," respectively. This is a purely aesthetic change.
  • The player who runs the game is called the "narrator." The term normally used for this role has legal protection.
  • Feats are an inherent part of the game. Under default rules a player of any race can gain one as early as 1st level.
  • Downtime is structured differently.
  • Typically, Hyrulean content which grants a bonus to AC includes the following line: "This bonus cannot increase AC above 25, before adding cover or a shield bonus."
  • The ability score limits (or "caps") present in classic material are more clearly codified in Using Ability Scores.

Classes

  • The default character creation and classes assume a character will not have a Background. The benefits normally afforded by a Background are rolled into each class, but each class has a sidebar Option for using the class with a Background.
  • When you gain a level in a Hyrulean class and choose to roll for heart points, you can re-roll a 1. (This makes the average equal to the reliable choice, instead of being slightly lower.)
  • Subclasses have a much larger effect on a character's capabilities than they typically do in classic material.

Equipment

  • Some classic weapons are adjusted. The blowgun, lance, and whip each have an additional special property unique to each of them. The blowgun and trident are classified as simple weapons instead of martial. Several weapons' costs are adjusted to be more balanced based on each weapon's usefulness.
  • Potions and most consumable magic items can be used with a bonus action instead of an action.
  • Magic items are implied to be more abundant and available than they are in classic material. It's assumed player-characters can buy any common or uncommon magic items with relative ease.
  • A few magic items are of even greater rarity than "legendary," which are referred to as "master." This sixth tier of magic item exists primarily to cater to canonical Zelda items with effects too powerful for classic standards, such as the clock or red ring. They don't appear in Treasure Chests.

Monsters

  • The races listed in character creation and in the Navigation header are the most suitable races for player-characters, and are meant to replace races found in the Player's Handbook. However, this compendium also includes race traits for creatures as bizarre as octoroks and rare as horseheads. These unusual races cannot be used for player-characters under default rules. Weird races should only be allowed by the narrator on an individual basis. See races.
  • Some creatures have a "Treasure Chest" text box that describes gear it can drop, omitting the need for a narrator to separately assign treasure. Generic Treasure Chests can be used for any creatures which don't have their own unique chest. See Treasure for full details.
  • Many creatures, especially "boss monsters," are empowered to be more of a threat to a party than they are in their canonical appearances. If all transcriptions from canonical Zelda were as mathematically accurate as possible to canon, few creatures would be any challenge to a party full of adventurers. In-world this can help emphasize just how unbelievably capable the legendary hero actually is.
  • Many creatures have alternate stat blocks to represent different Challenge Ratings. Sometimes this reflects Zelda lore, such as red tektite versus blue tektite. Other times it is merely to enable narrator options, as is the case with chilfos.
  • Many creature pages have a cost or wage listed. These prices are based on the creature's capabilities, and not the creature's disposition, the market's supply-and-demand, or Hyrulean culture. As with all prices these should be adjudicated by the narrator.
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