Dungeons & Dragons: How To Build A Powerful Magic Bastion

Player bastions in Dungeons & Dragons can prove to be an incredibly powerful resource if used correctly. This is especially true for magic users in particular, as many different types of facilities you can construct at your bastion will aid in your magical prowess. But, if you’re brand new to bastions, where should you start?

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There’s a lot to consider when you first get your player bastion at level five. What types of special facilities should you construct? And, how does your bastion vary depending on the type of magic you wield? This guide has you covered. Here’s everything you need to know to make a powerful magic bastion.

How To Create Bastion Facilities

Starting at level five, when you first get your bastion, you’ll gain two basic facilities and two special facilities.

Most basic facilities are fun, but they won’t help when it comes to your magic. These include things like bedrooms, parlors, or other standard rooms.

You'll want to focus your energy on special facilities. These are facilities you construct at different levels that have in-game benefits.

Here’s how earning special facilities works in bastions:

Player Level

Special Facilities

5

2

9

4

13

5

17

6

You may also want to enlarge these facilities at certain points to get more magical bonuses.

Upgrading and enlarging these facilities works on a case-by-case basis, so be sure to look at the rules for each facility to see how to enlarge them.

What Type Of Caster Are You?

When it comes to designing a powerful magic bastion, you need to be aware of whattype of magic wielder you are. There are two types of casters in Dungeons & Dragons.

1. Arcane Magic - Arcane magic users pull their power from the weave of magic, which runs throughout the world and can be accessed through study or innate ability.
2. Divine Magic - Divine magic users pull their power for gods or beings of nature. Their power is gifted to them by these entities and can be taken away.

Sorcerers, warlocks, and wizards are typically considered to be arcane magic users, while clerics, paladins, rangers, and druids are typically considered divine magic users.

While the difference here is largely based on flavor and characterization, you’ll want to focus on different special facilities depending on the type of magic user you are.

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How To Build A Divine Magic Bastion

For divine magic users, you'll want to focus on facilities that buff your religious strength and garner further divine rank. There are a handful of special facilities worth checking out as you level up your bastion.

Primary Special Facilities

Here’s a breakdown of primary facilities you’ll want to consider. Prioritize these above all else.

Special Facility

Prerequisite

Level To Build At

Key Benefits

Sanctuary

Ability to use a Holy Symbol or Druidic Focus.

Level 5

Can craft holy symbols or druidic focuses.

Can gain the ability to cast Healing Word without expending a spell slot.

Sacristy

Ability to use a Holy Symbol or Druidic Focus.

Level 9

Can craft Holy Water, as well as uncommon or common magic relics.

Regain one expended spell slot of level five or lower after a short rest in your bastion.

Reliquary

Ability to use a Holy Symbol or Druidic Focus.

Level 13

Gain a magical charm that allows you to cast Greater Restoration without using a spell slot or needing material components.

Harvest a specialty talisman that you can use in place of other material components.

Sanctum

Ability to use a Holy Symbol or Druidic Focus.

Level 17

Gain a magical charm that allows you to cast Heal without expending a spell slot.

Gain temporary hit points through empowerment.

Can always keep Word of Recall prepared, using your Sanctum as the destination.

Secondary Special Facilities

By the time you reach level 17, you can have a grand total of six special facilities. While there’s some flexibility here, here are some options for secondary special facilities.

Special Facility

Prerequisite

Level To Build At

Key Benefits

Armory

None.

Level 5

Stock your bastion with shields for your use. This is great for clerics or paladins.

Greenhouse

None.

Level 9

Can make greater healing potions.

Create Fruits of Restoration to cast Lesser Restoration on any who consume it.

Observatory

Ability to use a specllasting focus.

Level 13

Can gain a charm to cast Contact Other Plane.

Empower yourself or another creature with Charms of Heroism or Vitality.

How To Build An Arcane Magic Bastion

For arcane magic users, you'll want to focus on facilitiesthat strengthen your intelligence and maximize your spellcasting. There are a few different special facilities you’ll want to prioritize.

Primary Special Facilities

Here’s a breakdown of primary facilities you’ll want to consider. Focus on these first.

Special Facility

Prerequisite

Level To Build At

Key Benefits

Arcane Study

Ability to use an Arcane Focus.

Level 5 or Level 9

Can cast Identity without expending a spell slot.

Can craft a new Arcane Focus, spellbook, or an uncommon or common magic item.

Scriptorium

None.

Level 9

Scribe spell scrolls.

Observatory

Abilty to use a Spellcasting Focus.

Level 13

Can gain a charm to cast Contact Other Plane.

Empower yourself or another creature with Charms of Heroism or Vitality.

Demiplane

Ability to use an Arcane Focus.

Level 17

Empower yourself with Temporary Hit Points.

Create a nonmagical item of your choice.

Secondary Special Facilities

As before, you can will have six special facilities by the time you reach level 17. Here are some secondary special facilities you might want to consider.

Special Facility

Prerequisite

Level To Build At

Key Benefits

Garden

None.

Level 5

Create rations or potions of healing as well as various material components like perfume.

Library

None

Level 5 or 9

Research lore on various creatures or foes.

Teleportation Circle

None

Level 9 or 13

Recruit spellcasters to cast spells for you while in your bastion.

Archive

None.

Level 13

Research various tomes to get advantage on specific Intelligence checks.

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