2024 Bastions

[Laerun]

Bastions

PDF link for manually tracking.
https://media.dndbeyond.com/compendi...tion-sheet.pdf

Some personal insights into the 2024 DMG Optional Bastion feature.

The 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide introduces Bastions—a system allowing players to establish personalized strongholds, such as fortresses, wizard towers, or taverns. These Bastions offer mechanical benefits, including income generation, magic item crafting, and unique role-playing opportunities, thereby enhancing player immersion and investment. ​​
I also see potential for cartographers and artists to develop and create premade and themed assets for Bastion to make it easier for GMs to integrate into their campaigns.

However, integrating Bastions can increase the Dungeon Master's workload. Managing Bastion turns, overseeing hirelings, and handling potential Bastion events require additional preparation and coordination. This complexity may be challenging, especially when consistent player attendance and engagement are already concerns. ​​Additional assets might be needed. Player access to Bastion related content is limited like most VTTs.

To balance the benefits of Bastions with the potential for increased effort:

Assess Player Interest: Determine if your group is enthusiastic about incorporating Bastions. If interest is low, it might be best to omit this feature.

- Simplify Management: Streamline Bastion mechanics by focusing on essential aspects, reducing the administrative burden.

- Delegate Responsibilities: Encourage players to take an active role in managing their Bastions, fostering engagement and distributing the workload.

- Integrate with Existing Narratives: Align Bastion development with current storylines to maintain cohesion and relevance.

Preview:
https://www.youtube.com/live/hRT7Y00...s-GBfF4fqPL8GY

Example:
https://youtube.com/live/z7xZGGP9M50