The year is 12337, our setting is on the continent of Mor-Thir, home to four nations; Covania, Reton, Oxtrad, and Greyhawk. Covania, Reton, and Oxtrad are in a super alliance known as the Royal Conglomerate which was formed when a demonic invasion known as the Ashlem War occurred 65 years ago, leading to outlawing of Tieflings, Aasimar, Changelings and Dragonborn, however 14 months ago all but Tieflings were absolved of their outlawing but many are still subjected to prejudiced by the public, their freedom in part because of the Greyhawk rebellion which declared their independence from Reton and claiming themselves as a safe place for all, including Tieflings. We begin in the southern region of Covania, a nation formed ~3,500 years ago in a war known as the Dragon Crisis, where a militia grew to a large army and in a 200 year long war overthrew their Dragon overlords.

A sudden and violent illness has claimed the life of the esteemed Lady Mondegreen. Mourners and opportunists gather in the coastal city of Rairest for her funeral. Whether or not you knew her, the Lady’s funeral marks the start of something far greater.

We begin in Rairest, a coastal city in Harburns Woods region of Covania. You’ve been invited to a funeral, that of Lady Mondegreen who was notable not just in her political strength within Rairest but her kindness and hospitality was known far and wide. She died from a sudden and rapid illness that began a month ago. At her funeral it seems all kinds have gathered, from family, to nobility, politicians, mages, criminals, and priests. Whether a mourner, an opportunist, or just passing by to pay respect. It is up to you how you knew (or didn’t know) Lady Mondegreen, why you are attending, coming from near or afar, and if you know other guests or complete strangers. But her death and your gathering has set events in motion that will change your lives forever.

Draw Steel is: Tactical meaning played on a grid, taking turns. Strategy and teamwork is encouraged. Heroic think Hercules, Robin Hood, Merlin, Aaragon, larger than life characters that overcome impossible odds. Cinematic like the legends and stories around heroes, they're dramatic and powerful, the game invites you to think theatrically. Fantasy the game is set in a world of sword and sorcery, you know what fantasy is. (I hope)

Coming from D20: Attacks automatically deal damage, no longer roll and miss your turn. You're always making progress and so is the enemy just a matter of who is making progress faster. You don't need to rest all the time, in Draw Steel resting is used to regain stamina and recoveries, and to convert victories to xp, there are no limited resources such as spell slots, arrows, action surges, etc. Character options are different, I recommend before forming character ideas in your head based on 5e, we'll go through the classes and ancestries, be inspired by them rather than trying to make your desired 5e class in Draw Steel. (See Character Creation quick steps and Ancestry art & introductions).

Game Core whenever you make an attack, use an ability, make a resistance roll, or general test you make a Power Roll which is 2d10+Characteristic. Results have 3 tiers, lowest is 11 or lower, mid is 12 to 16, and highest is 17 or higher. When rolling a natural 19 or 20 you crit or succeed with an additional reward and lets you take an additional action immediately after. Your characteristics or abilities are Might, Agility, Reason, Intuition, and Presence.

Stamina not health Winded is half of max, dying is below zero, dead is negative value of your winded value. Recoveries heal a third of your max health.

Skills Smaller bonuses and lots of skills, most of the time you'll only receive a bonus or penalty of 2 and there a ton of skills, in skill tests you pick what is relevant to apply as skills aren't tied to abilities, for example you could request to make a presence ability check and add your climbing skill to impress the duke with a story of how you climbed the mesas of the cunning expanse.