The Hexpedition (5e Hack) - The Journey is the Adventure

Hello!

I've been developing a system called "The Hexpedition" which is about making 5e adventures that focus on survival/exploration within normal 5e rules (8 hour long rests, no banned spells, etc.). I've developed this for about 6 or 7 years now, involving playtesting as well as rewriting the system.I keep it in onenote for easy editing of sections, but the system itself is complete. You can even find a ready-to-go adventure in appendix B!

Concept Images: https://imgur.com/a/30LLtum

Onenote Design Doc: https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21AKWPBLuigXykD8M&id=E5E025FCDC1D0AB9%219346&cid=E5E025FCDC1D0AB9&action=defaultclick

BAD PDF VERSION: https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21ABF9IViJXzJWIeY&cid=E5E025FCDC1D0AB9&id=E5E025FCDC1D0AB9%219783&parId=E5E025FCDC1D0AB9%219395&o=OneUp

These rules have gone through significant changes over the course of development. I try my best to updated everything as I go, but I miss stuff sometimes. If you see references to "DAN" or "RES" or other things, and you're like: what? Then ask or assume it's old design and probably has an analogous different name (and let me know plz).

The newest design is always the Left-most STUFF whatever it is. Some of the later appendices are not in the best shape, but you should be able to get a decent idea of what's going there and what it might look like in its final state.Happy reading!

Preface

The Hexpedition is a kind of D&D5e adventure where the characters attempt to find their way across a landscape in search of a particular location. Along the way they must travel, overcome hazards, sleep in camps and manage their supplies while facing lingering harm and setbacks. The land is relentless and wears them down at every step.

Most times, when adventures talk about a fortress hidden in mountain peaks, a long-lost civilization, or a forest where a hag makes her lair the effort to find these locations is often of little consequence. There is an forgotten road, a stream to follow, a landmark for the GM to describe and maybe a major encounter to show that there are creatures that live out in the woods. Using supplies along the journey often comes down tracking rations, water, and feed over days. Navigating the wilderness might come down to a survival check or two. If you have a Ranger in the party their class features may even cause the group to skip travel rules entirely. I wanted a better way.

The Hexpedition makes the search for lost cities the adventure. The rules provided will make supplies matter without tracking rations. Characters will manage simple resources as they traverse the landscape and overcome the hazards found. The group will make camps, discover hidden locations, and map out the wilderness. All this will be done while giving those specialized to the task (Rangers, and those with the outlander background as examples) a chance to be in their element without invalidating their choice or preparation done by the GM.

Welcome to the Hexpedition!

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What you'll Need

A Place to Find

There is something to find in an expanse of wilderness. This could be a previous expedition that has not been heard from. This could be an old abandoned mineshaft rumored to have rich veins of mithril there for the taking… as long as you don’t mind all the kobolds.

A Wilderness to Explore

Within the vast landscape, the expedition will encounter a variety of environments and points of interest. The players' quest will take them overland giving the GM a chance to display the world’s history of crumbling ruins and mystical locales.

Macro Play

The Hexpedition simulates travel over days and dayparts which, by more conventional methods, might otherwise become a boring slog or get hand-waved away. This is done by using a play style which relies heavily on ability checks, group activities, and roles while allowing the group to delve deeper into mechanics and story beats as it suits them.

A Small Group

The Hexpedition rules account for a group of 10 creatures or fewer.

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PLAYTESTING!

I'll be running playtests of the system and encourage feedback, questions, comments, playtesters (Players & GMs), etc. If that sounds interesting to you, please let me know here or DM me for invite on discord: Weapons of Peace#5899