Dungeons & Dragons has unleashed a fiery new class upon the tabletop realm: the Illrigger. Fresh off the heels of the Player’s Handbook 2024 and Dungeon’s Master Guide 2024 releases, this MCDM creation allows players to wield the infernal might of the Nine Hells. D&D Beyond describes the Illrigger as a soldier of hell, bound to carry out the dictates of their archdevil patron. While reminiscent of a hellish paladin, the Illrigger boasts unique features that offer a distinctly original player experience.
This versatile class caters to a variety of playstyles, from elite soldiers and battlefield commanders to shadowy assassins and cunning advisors. While the Illrigger’s inherently edgy nature presents exciting roleplaying opportunities, it also invites potential party conflicts. A clash of ideals between good-aligned heroes and their infernal companion or an archdevil’s manipulative influence could create high-stakes drama at the table. Ultimately, the possibilities are limitless.
Embracing Flexibility: The Illrigger’s Diverse Subclasses
Despite their infernal origins, Illriggers aren’t locked into evil alignments. MCDM has crafted a class that can integrate seamlessly into any campaign setting, offering ample flexibility for players to craft compelling characters. Five distinct subclasses provide unique playstyles to suit diverse preferences.
The Shadowmaster excels in stealth and subterfuge, offering a blend of combat versatility and utility that rivals even the most optimized Rogue. Sanguine Knights are healers and hemomancers, sustaining allies and weakening foes through blood magic. Painkillers are frontline damage dealers, specializing in powerful attacks and battlefield control. Hellspeakers are charismatic enchanters, manipulating social situations to their advantage. Finally, Architects of Ruin channel the power of Asmodeus, wielding destructive spells and hindering enemy magic.
Unleashing Infernal Power: Baleful Interdict and Interdict Boons
The Illrigger boasts unique class features that set it apart in the D&D landscape. One such feature is Baleful Interdict, gained at level 1. This ability allows the Illrigger to place a magical seal on a creature within 30 feet, either through an attack or a bonus action. When the target takes damage from any source other than an Illrigger’s seal, the Illrigger can burn these seals to inflict additional fire or necrotic damage. The number of seals and their damage increase with the Illrigger’s level. This mechanic is similar to the Warlock’s Hexblade’s Curse but offers greater versatility with damage type selection and activation options.
Further enhancing their abilities are Interdict Boons, granting special benefits upon successful seal application. Soul Eater, for instance, provides temporary hit points equal to the Illrigger’s level. Other boons enhance armor class, proving invaluable for a class that can function as both a martial combatant and a spellcaster.
Conclusion: Wield the Power of the Nine Hells
The Illrigger offers a unique and compelling addition to the D&D world. With its diverse subclasses, potent abilities like Baleful Interdict and Interdict Boons, and the inherent drama of its infernal origins, the Illrigger is sure to ignite the imaginations of players and Dungeon Masters alike.
H/T D&D Beyond
