They're not just clowning around...

We've just released Carnival & Terror for the OGL Modern (and easily applied to other d20 System games). It lets players turn any character class into vehicles of mirth (Jesters) or mayhem (Harlequins) via feats and talent trees.

This post provides some ideas for suitable gear for each kind of clown character and what sort of settings they will work best in. 

Equipment Synergies

Jesters benefit from:

• Costumes: Oversized, brightly-colored silks and velvets with exaggerated proportions; bell-trimmed hats and jingling accessories that announce your arrival

• Props: Juggling clubs, rubber chickens, oversized mallets, confetti cannons, and springloaded gag items that enhance physical comedy

• Acrobatic Gear: Masterwork rope, climbing gloves, and padded vambraces that let you take falls without injury

• Magical Items: Cloak of Billowing (for dramatic flourishes), Boots of Speed (for enhanced mobility), or Gloves of Dexterity (for refined acrobatics)

• Performance Tools: Masterwork instruments, enchanted bells, or a Wand of Prestidigitation for visual gags

Harlequins benefit from:

• Makeup & Masks: Grotesque face paint in stark blacks and whites, porcelain masks with exaggerated grins, or Masks of the Skull that enhance intimidation

• Costumes: Tattered, stained silks in deep purples and blacks; torn ruffles and deliberately disheveled formal wear that suggests something deeply wrong

• Weapons: Wickedly-sharp throwing knives, a Dagger of Venom, or a Whip of Entanglement for sinister control

• Magical Items: Cloak of Shadows (for lurking in darkness), Ring of Intimidation, or a Helm of Telepathy (for psychological warfare)

• Tactical Gear: Smoke pellets, caltrops, and flash-bangs for dramatic entrances and disorienting opponents

Multiclassing and Combinations

The Jester works best with:

• Fast Hero: Maximizes mobility and acrobatic abilities

• Charismatic Hero: Enhances performance and crowd control effects

• Dedicated Hero: Provides durability to survive while entertaining

The Harlequin works best with:

• Charismatic Hero: Maximizes intimidation and psychological effects

• Dedicated Hero: Provides mental fortitude and staying power

• Fast Hero: Adds mobility for hit-and-run terror tactics

Campaign Integration

Jesters fit well in campaigns that feature:

• Circus or carnival settings

• Urban environments with crowds

• Light-hearted or comedic tones

• Teams that need morale support

• Situations requiring non-lethal solutions

Harlequins fit well in campaigns that feature:

• Horror or dark urban settings

• Psychological thriller scenarios

• Villain or anti-hero characters

• Intimidation-focused gameplay

• Gothic or noir atmospheres

To see previews or to get a copy of Carnival & Terrors, click here.