[D&D 5 E] Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

258 Pages·2018·63.7 MB·English

by  Wizards RPG Team

GUILDMASTERS' GUIDE
TDRAVNICA
CREDITS
Lead Designers: James Wyatt, Jeremy Crawford Murphy, Winona Nelson, Terese Nielsen, Karla Ortiz, James Paick,
Designers: Ari Levitch, Ben Petrisor, Mike Mearls, Robert J. David Palumbo, Ryan Pancoast, Adam Paquette, Jung Park, Martina
Schwalb, Chris Tulach Pilcerova, rk post, Livia Prima, Chris Rahn, Jason Rainville, Chris
Rallis, David Rapoza, Jenn Ravenna, Wayne Reynolds, Grzegorz
Managing Editor: Jeremy Crawford Rutkowski, James Ryman, Dan Scott, Bram Sels, Craig J Spearing,
Editors: Christopher Perkins, Kim Mohan, Michele Carter, Phil Anna Steinbauer, Zack Stella, Matt Stewart, Chase Stone, Raymond
Athans, Kate Welch Swan land, Wisnu Tan, Viktor Titov, Randy Vargas, Svetlin Velinov,
Magali Villeneuve, Johannes Voss, Kev Walker, Tyler Walpole, Jack
Art Direction: Shauna Narciso. Ari Levitch Wang, Mark Winters, Richard Wright, Darek Zabrocki, Eytan Zana,
Graphic Designer: Trish Yochum Kirsten Zirngibl, Mark Zug
Additional Graphic Design: Emi Tanji Cartographers: Jonas De Ro, Dyson Logos
Additional Art Direction: Jeremy Jarvis, Jeremy Cranford, Pamela
Ansman-Wolfe, Taylor lngvarsson, Dawn Murin, Cynthia Sheppard, Ravnica World Design: Doug Beyer, Sam Burley, Jeremy Cranford,
Andrew Vallas, Mark Winters Kelly Digges, Brady Dommermuth, Jenna Helland, Cory H.
Herndon, Jeremy Jarvis, Kimberly Kreines, Chris L'etoile, Adam
Cover Illustrator: Magali Villeneuve Lee, Ari Levitch, Alison Luhrs, Shawn Main, Dawn Murin, Richard
Interior Illustrators: Deruchenko Alexander, Even Amundsen, Steve Whitters, Mark Winters, James Wyatt
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Daarken, Florian De Gesincourt, Eric Deschamps, Simon Dominic, Art Administration: David Gershman
Scott M. Fischer, Randy Gallegos, Lars Grant-West, Yeong-Hao Prepress Specialist: Jefferson Dunlap
Han, Josh Hass, Michael C. Hayes, Izzy, Tomasz Jedruszek, Jaime
Jones, Igor Kieryluk, Mathias Kollros, Alex Konstad, Karl Kopinski, Other D&D Team Members: Bart Carroll, Kate Irwin, Christopher
Lius Lasahido, Daniel Ljunggren, Todd Lockwood, Titus Lunter, Lindsay, Shelly Mazzanoble, Hilary Ross, Liz Schuh, Nathan
Howard Lyon, Slawomir Maniak, Seb McKinnon, Aaron Miller, Stewart, Greg Tito
Victor Adame Minguez, Peter Mohrbacher, Willian Murai, Scott
Playtesters: Adrian Farmer, Alea Scheldel, Alex Loney. Alex R Clough, Alexandra Williams.
Allen King, Amy Anne Scott, Andrew Epps, Andrew Oliver, Andrey Sarafanov, Andy
Baker, Andy Xu, Angel Michelli, Arthur Saucier. Arthur Wright. Austin Field, Austin
Haffl<e, Ben Heisler, Benjamin Cook. Bill "Grishnak• Kerney. Bruce LaClair, Bryan
Gillispie, Caleb Zutavern, Carlos Robles. Casey Pierson, Cat Meadors. Charles Wright,
Chase Godfrey. Chase Louviere. Chris •waffles" Wathen, Chris Balboni. Chris Breunig,
Christian Franz. Christian Zoltar Bellomo, Christopher Hackler, Christopher Scoggin,
Cinz1a Ceriani, Cody Helms, Colin Wheeler, Craig Domres. Curt Duval, Dami~o Abreu,
Damon Liddell. Dan Masucci, Daniel Fraire, Daniel 'KBlin' Oliveira, Dario "Uzedh"
Berto, Dave "Obrain'' Brainard, Dave "OJ" Jimenez, Dave Brainard, Dave Jimenez,
Dave Rosser, David Baldeffama. David Brainard, David Francis, David Greener, David
He, David Jimenez, David Kovaric. Deb Bertin. Denise Franz. Oovg Harrison, Dr Paige
Leitman, Dylan Cole, Ed Kraft. Ekaterina Ryabko, Elizabeth Klitgaard, Emilie Gunderson,
Eric Schubert, Evan Jackson, Fabio Stibiel, Flo Velasquez, Frank Fujita. Fredrick Harvey.
Gabriel F. Machado, Gage. Gail D'Silva, Garrett Col6n, Cary West, Genesis E. Martinez
Gonzalez, Ginny Loveday, Gleb Masaltsev, Greg Parovichnikov, Greg Waters, Gregory
Smith, Grigory Parovichnikov. Guerson Cabrera. Helano Luciano, Hugo Mendieta, Ian
Hawthorne, Jackson Lucas. Jacob Charboneau, Jacob DelMauro, Jake Keifer, Jame "J.P."
Hunter, James Endicott, James Harrison, James Kirtley, James Sanford, James Schweiss,
)anaina Michelli, Jared Williams. Jason fransella, )awsh Murdock, Jay Anderson, Jeanette
Detwiler, Jenna Schmitt, Jeramie Cooper, Jeremey Arnold, Jeremiah Jaggers, Jeremy
Hochhalter, Jesse Davidson. Jessica Coif, )ia )ian Tin, Jim Berrier, Jim McKay,)) Tin, )oao
ON THE COVER Eduardo Dantas, JoDee Murch, Joe Alfano, )oe Boerjes. foe Irizarry, )oe Kelly, Joe Louie,
Joe Maranda, Joe Mooney, )oe Reilly. Joel Thompson, Johanna Murch, John Montgomery,
A wizard of the lzzet League exults in the success of her latest john Wilcox, Jonathan Duhrkoop, Jonathan Reitz, Jordan Brass, Joshua Hart, Julie
Wright, Justin Faris, Justin Michelli, Justin Turner, Kai'Tauri Johnson, Karen Eastman,
experiment, while the draconic master of her guild looks on- and a
Karl Resch, Katherine Arnold, Ken Beckman, Kenny Morris, Kerry Kaszak, Kevin Grigsby,
detachment of Boros Legion angels hurries to ensure no innocents Kevin Moore, Krupal Desai. Kurt Waldkirch, Kyle Garms, Kyle Turner. Laura Thompson,
are harmed. Artist Magali Villeneuve has been painting MAcic Laura Wiley, Lauren Smith, LeShaun Bessant Jr, Linda Pajaujis, Lou Michelli, Louis
cards since 2013. Gentile, luca "Jace. . Andreolli, lociano Michelli, Ly·za Sryandinskaya, Mara Kovacevic,
Marc Soucy, Marcello De Velazquez, Mark A. Miller, Mark Denholm, Mark Detwiler,
Mark Price, Matt Eastman, Matt Maranda. Matt Vincent, Matteo "Seriale. . La Rosa,
Disclaimer: The Uving Cuildpoct is nor responsible for the fore oft hose who ore orresred by Matthew Pennington, Matthew Roderick, Matthew Roman, Meghan Henderson, Melanie
the Azorius, beaten by rhe Boros. dodged by the Dimir, grossed our by rhe Colgori, gored Chandler, Melissa Schubert, Michael Lydon, Michael Thomas. Mike Secker. Mike Hicks.
by rhe Cruul, imploded by the lzzet, ourwiued by the Orzhov, rousted by the Rakdos. sub· Miranda McFadden, Nel Pulmanco. Nick Graves, Nicole Maselli, Nikolay Sinushkin,
sumed by the Selesnyo. or s1'cktned by the Simic, jo;n or leave '1 g"ild ot your own risk, and Paige Miller, Patrick Beach, Paul Thomas, Peter Hopkins. Phil Davidson, Philip Koop.
ger caught up in guild politics at your peril. Poly Hubbard, Preston Chandler, Randall L. Shepherd, Richard Marino, Robert Alaniz,
Robert Allison. Ron "Laronn .. Franke, Ryan Conklin, Sam Jackson. Sam Robettson,
Sarnh Minkiewicz.Breunig, Scott Chipman, Scott Smith. Sean Hemmingway, Sean
CE Payne, Shawn Bergseng, Sofia-Melissa But, Stephanie )awitz, Stephen Lindberg, Sterling
620CS835000001 EN Hershey, Stuart Tindall, Tarin .. Spacecase" He"on, Taytor Fisher. Teos Abadia, Terese
Nelson, Thomas Kocanjer, Tom Duchaine, Tori Galiel, Travis Fuller. Tristan Andrews,
ISBN: 978-0-7869-6659-2 Troy Sandlin, Vanessa F. Pinheiro. Victor B. Pimentel, Von Bringhurst, Walter Nau, Wes
First Printing: November 2018 Farnsworth, Will DeSain, Willi Burger, Yorcho Diaz, Yosefat Nava, Zachary Pickell
987654321
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Magic: The Gathering. Magic. Wizards of the Coast, <he dragon ampersand, Player's Handbook, Monster Manual, Dungeon Moster'< Cuidt, Cuildma"
rers' Cvide ro Rovnico. guild names and symbols, the planeswalker symbol, all other Wizards of the Coast product names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the
Coast in the USA and other countries. All characters and their distinctive likenesses are property of Wizards of the Coast. This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United
States of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained herein is prohibited without the exptess written permission of Wizards of the Coast.
Printed in the USA. ©2018 Wizards of the Coast LLC, PO Box 707, Renton, WA 98037-0707, USA. Manufactured by Hasbro SA, Rue Emile·Boechat 31, 2800 Delemont, CH. Represented
by Hasbro Europe 4 The Square Stockley Park lJxbridge Mjddfesgx UBJJ JET UK
CONTENTS
Index of Stat Blocks .................................... 4 Orzhov Syndicate ...................................... 71 Rakdos Riteknife ................................ 180
Orzhov Characters ................................ 72 Skyblinder Staff .................................. 181
Welcome to Ravnica. ................................. 6
Background: Orzhov Spies' Murmur ..................................... 181
City of Guilds ................................................ 6
Representative ................................... 72 Sunforger .............................................. 181
History of Ravnica ....................................... 7
Orzhov Guild Spells ............................. 73 Sword of the Paruns .......................... 181
The Guildpact .......................................... 7
Cult of Rakdos ............................................ 77 Voyager Staff ........................................ 181
A Precarious Peace ................................ 7
Life in the Big City. ...................................... 8 Rakdos Characters ............................... 79 Chapter 6: Friends and Foes .............. 183
Currency: Zibs and Zinos .......................... 9 Background: Rakdos Cultist .............. 79 Creatures by Guild .................................. 183
Comforts of Civilization ............................. 9 Rakdos Guild Spells ............................ 80 Bestiary. ..................................................... 188
Languages ..................................................... 9 Selesnya Conclave ..................................... 84 Stat Blocks by Creature Type .......... 188
Selesnya Characters ............................ 85 NPCs by Guild .......................................... 226
Chapter 1: Character Creation ............ 1 I Background: Selesnya lnitiate. .......... 86 Azorius NPCs ...................................... 226
Choosing a Guild ....................................... 11 Selesnya Guild Spells .......................... 86 Boros NPCs. ......................................... 229
Races ............................................................ 12 Simic Combine. .......................................... 91 Dimir NPCs .......................................... 232
Human ..................................................... 12 Simic Characters .................................. 92 Golgari NPCs. ...................................... 234
Elf. ............................................................. 14 Background: Simic Scientist ............. 93 Golgari Lairs ........................................ 236
Centaur .................................................... 15 Simic Guild Spells ................................ 93 Gruul NPCs .......................................... 237
Goblin ...................................................... 16
Chapter 3: The Tenth District .............. 99 Izzet NPCs ............................................ 240
Loxodon. .................................................. 17
The Six Precincts ...................................... 99 Orzhov NPCs ....................................... 244
Minotaur. ................................................. 18
Major Trade Ways ...................................... 99 Rakdos NPCs ...................................... 246
Simic Hybrid .......................................... 20
Beneath the Streets .................................. 99 Rakdos Carnival .................................. 250
Vedalken .................................................. 21
Precinct One ............................................. 103 Selesnya NPCs .................................... 251
Classes by Guild ........................................ 23
Precinct Two. ............................................ 106 Simic PCs ..........................................2 54
Subclass Options ....................................... 25
Precinct Three ......................................... 109
Cleric: Order Domain. .......................... 25 Sidebars
Druid: Circle of Spores ........................ 26 Precinct Four. ........................................... 112 Random Guilds ............................................ 7
Precinct Five ............................................. 115 Ravnica's Calendar ..................................... 8
Chapter 2: Guilds ofRavnica ............... 29 Precinct Six .............................................. 119 Guild Insignia ............................................... 9
Guild Membership .................................... 29
Chapter 4: Creating Adventures ....... 123 Rule Tip: AC Calculations
Guild Spells ................................................ 29
Guild-Based Advcntures ........................ 123 Don't Stack .............................................. 18
Bonds and Contacts .................................. 29
Choosing a Guild ..................................... 124 Rule Tip: Temporary Hit Points
Renown ........................................................ 30
Involving the Characters. ....................... 126 Don't Stack .............................................. 27
Styles of Membership. .............................. 31
Complications. .......................................... 127 The Guild less ............................................. 29
Changing Guilds ........................................ 31
Azorius Senate ......................................... 129 Three Capitals ............................................ 36
Azorius Senate ........................................... 32
Boros Legion ............................................ 132 A Proud Martial Tradition ....................... 38
Azorius Characters. .............................. 33
House Dimir ............................................. 135 Tajic, Blade of the Legion ........................ 42
Background: Azorius Functionary ... 33
Golgari Swarm ......................................... 138 Dark Elves of the Golgari ........................ 51
Azorius Guild Spells ............................ 34
Gruul Clans ............................................... 141 Itching for a Fight ...................................... 59
Boros Legion .............................................. 38
lzzet League .............................................. 143 In the Name of Magical Science!.. ......... 64
Boros Characters .................................. 39
Orzhov Syndicate .................................... 147 Millennial Platform ................................... 99
Background: Boros Legionnaire ....... 40
Cult of Rakdos .......................................... 150 Random Nonplayer Characters ............ 127
Boros Guild Spells ............................... 40
Selesnya Conclave ................................... 153 Safe House Wards ................................... 135
House Dimir ............................................... 45
Simic Combine. ........................................ 156 Guildless Villains .................................... 160
Dimir Characters .................................. 46
Krenko's Way ............................................ 160 Mizzium ..................................................... 179
Background: Dimir Operative ........... 46
Firemane Nevena .................................... 190
Dimir Guild Spells. ............................... 46 Chapter S: Treasures ............................ 173
Debts Paid ................................................. 191
Spell: Encode Thoughts ...................... 47 Coins in Treasure .................................... 173
Storrev. ....................................................... 198
Golgari Swarm ........................................... 51 Guild Charms ........................................... 173
Winged Felidars. ...................................... 199
Golgari Characters ............................... 52 Magic Items. .............................................. 174
Orzhov Spirits ......................................... 206
Background: Golgari Agent ................ 53 Guilds and Magic ltems ..................... 174
Winged Kraut Warriors ......................... 213
Golgari Guild Spells ............................. 53 Guild Keyrune ..................................... 177
Gruul Clans ................................................. 58 Guild Signet ......................................... 178 Ludmilla, the Tunnel Viper ................... 222
Lavinia, Steward of the Guildpact. ...... 226
Gruul Characters .................................. 59 lllusionist's Bracers ............................ 178
Geetra ......................................................... 228
Background: Gruul Anarch ................ 60 Mizzium Apparatus ............................ 179
faoni, Devkarin Matka. ........................... 234
Gruul Guild Spells ................................ 60 Mizzium Armor ................................... 179
Nikya of the Old Ways ............................ 237
lzzet League ................................................ 64 Mizzium Mortar. .................................. 179
Master Chemister Grozgrox ................. 240
lzzet Characters .................................... 66 Moodmark Paint ................................. 180
Mizzix of the lzmagnus .......................... 243
Background: lzzet Engineer. .............. 66 Pariah's Shield. .................................... 180
Teysa Karlov ............................................. 244
lzzet Guild Spells. ................................. 66 Peregrine Mask ................................... 180
Judith. the Scourge Diva ........................ 246
Spell: Chaos Bolt ................................... 67 Pyroconverger ..................................... 180
Emmara Tandris. .....................................2 53
NPCs
INDEX OF STAT BLOCKS - MONSTERS AND
Anarch ........................................................2 39 Hybrid Shocker ........................................ 218 Rakdos ....................................................... 247
Archon of the Triumvirate ..................... 192 Hybrid Spy ................................................. 218 Rakdos Lampooner ................................ 248
Arclight Phoenix ...................................... 193 Indentured Spirit.... ................................ 206 Rakdos Performer. .................................. 249
Aurelia ........................................................ 230 lsperia ........................................................ 227 Reckoner .................................................... 231
Battleforce Angel ..................................... 189 Jarad Vod Savo ......................................... 235 Rubblebelt Stalker .................................. 239
Biomancer ................................................. 256 Kraut Death Priest .................................. 214 Scorchbringer Guard ............................. 243
Blistercoil Weird ...................................... 207 Kraut Warrior ........................................... 213 Servitor Thrull ......................................... 221
Blood Drinker Vampire .......................... 223 Krenko ....................................................... 168 Shadow Horror ........................................ 205
Blood Witch ..............................................2 48 Lawmage ................................................... 228 Sire of lnsanity. ........................................ 197
Blood fray Giant ....................................... 200 Lazav .......................................................... 232 Skittering Horror. ....................................2 05
Borborygmos ............................................ 238 Loading Rig .............................................. 170 Skyjek Roc ................................................ 219
Cackler ....................................................... 195 Master of Cruelties .................................. 196 Skyswimmer ............................................. 220
Category 1 Krasis .................................... 210 Mind Drinker Vampire ........................... 224 Soldier ........................................................ 226
Category 2 Krasis .................................... 211 Mind Mage ................................................ 233 Sunder Shaman ....................................... 202
Category 3 Krasis .................................... 212 Nightveil Specter ..................................... 215 Thought Spy ............................................. 233
ConclaveDryad ........................................ 194 Niv-Mizzet. ................................................. 241 Troslani ...................................................... 252
Cosmotronic Blaslseeker ...................... 242 Nivix Cyctops ............................................ 216 Undercily Medusa ................................... 222
Counterflux Blastseeker ........................ 242 Obzedat Ghost .......................................... 245 Winged Thrull .......................................... 221
Deathpact Angel ...................................... 191 Orzhov Giant ............................................. 202 Wurm .......................................................... 225
Devkarin Lich ........................................... 198 Precognitive Mage ................................... 228 Zegana ........................................................ 255
Druid of the Old Ways ............................ 239
Felidar ........................................................ 199
Firefist ........................................................ 231
Firemane Angel ....................................... 190
Flux Blastseeker ...................................... 242
Fluxcharger. ............................................. 208
Flying Horror. ........................................... 203
Frontline Medic. ....................................... 231
Galvanic Blastseeker .............................. 243
Galvanice Weird ......................................2 09
Gloamwing ................................................ 215
Goblin Gang Member ............................. 167
Golgari Shaman ....................................... 236
Guardian Giant ........................................ 201
Horncaller ................................................. 253
Hybrid Brute ............................................. 217
Hybrid Flier. .............................................. 217
Hybrid Poisoner ....................................... 217
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WELCOME TO RAVNICA
ROM THE BACK OF HER SOARING ROC, A SKY Race and class are only the skeleton of a character,
knight surveys the spire-studded cityscape below. though, and chapter 2 is aimed at helping you add flesh
to those bones in order to make a character who is an
As the morningfogdissipates under the chill au
integrated part of Ravnica's tapestry of guilds. The
tumn sun, the city spreads out as far as she can see:
ten guilds are detailed in chapter 2, and each section
lofty cathedrals. squat courthouses, towering apartments, includes a background that reflects a character's mem
sprawling tenements, cobblestone plazas, and broken ruins bership in the guild. This chapter also describes oppor
tunities for characters to advance in rank and position
where once-majestic buildings have crumbled to rubble.
within their guilds by acquiring renown.
She imagines the teeming masses below her: humans, elves, The focus of chapter 3 is on the city itself- and par
vedalken, minotaurs. goblins, /oxodons, and other peoples. ticularly on the Tenth District, which is the heart of
Ravnica. The important precincts and neighborhoods
as some of them rise to greet the morning and others retire
of the district are described in broad overview, allowing
after a hard night of work or play. They are the reason she
you, as DM, plenty of leeway for developing the specifics
is here: sworn to protect them, she leads a flight of roe riders of places and NPCs.
toward the fires raging in Precinct Three. Soldiers on the Chapter 4 is all about adventures in Ravnica, expand
ing on the material in the Dungeon Master's Guide with
ground will put out the flames, while it's her job to deal with
hundreds of seeds that can grow into full-fledged adven
their source: the dragon she can just make out. clinging to tures in the fertile ground of a DM's imagination. This
the spire of a distant tower. Standing in her stirrups and chapter also includes a short starting adventure you can
use to launch a Ravnica campaign.
raising her sword, she turns her mount toward the dragon,
Chapter 5 includes magic items and other treasures
read)' to battle once again/or the sake of Ravnica.
for use as rewards in a Ravnica campaign. Many of
these magic items are D&D interpretations of specific
Ravnica is a whole new world for your DUNGEONS & MAGIC artifact cards-not literal translations of their
DRAGONS campaign to explore. A vast, sprawling city mechanics from one rules system to the other, but game
that covers the whole of the known world, Ravnica elements inspired by the flavor and abilities of the cards.
teems with intrigue and adventure, driven by the con Chapter 6 presents new monsters and NPCs, again
tlicts among the ten powerful guilds that rule the city. reflecting the creatures seen on MAGIC cards as well
Ravnica originally appeared as a setting for the as the nature of each guild. The guildmaster of each
MAGIC: TuE GATHERING trading card game. It has been guild is detailed in this chapter, as are a variety of
the subject of eight card sets: 2005-6's Ravnica: City of guild members.
Guilds, Guildpact, and Dissension; 2012-13's Return to
Ravnica, Gatecrash, and Dragon's Maze; and 2018-19's C ITY OF GUILDS
Guilds ofR avnica and Ravnica Allegiance. Among fans
In all their fantastic diversity, the cosmopolitan citizens
of MAGIC, Ravnica is one of the most popular settings, in
of Ravnica go about their daily business in bustling mar
part because the world's ten guilds strongly support the
way players build MAGIC decks. kets and shadowy back alleys. Shambling pack animals
As it turns out, Ravnica's ten guilds also provide a (mammals, reptiles, insects, and bizarre hybrids alike)
great framework for a DUNGEONS & DRAGONS cam carry their loads through the streets, while untamed
paign. They offer character archetypes, competing wild things lurk in verdant greenbelts, rubble-strewn
ruins, and sewers. And interwoven throughout it all, ten
factions that player characters can join, and abundant
guilds vie for power, wealth, and influence:
opportunities to develop and drive a campaign driven by
the guilds' schemes and interactions. Azorius Senate. The Azorius Senate functions as the
This book, then, is your point of entry into Ravnica government of Ravnica, built on the three columns of
as a setting for your D&D campaign. It guides you a legislative, a judicial, and an executive branch under
through the process of creating characters and adven the leadership of lsperia, the sphinx Supreme Judge.
tures set here. Boros Legion. Led by the angel Aurelia, the Boros Le
Chapter 1 is all about building characters. It offers gion pursues the cause of justice, not merely law en
new race and class options, reflecting the unique char forcement. Boros serves as Ravnica's standing army.
acter of Ravnica as a MAGIC setting, and the creatures House Dimir. House Dimir is in the business of infor
and characters seen on MAGIC cards. You can also use mation, operating an espionage organization behind a
this material in any other D&D setting. facade of messengers, investigators, and archivists. Its
enigmatic leader, Lazav, wears many faces.
G WELCOME TO RAVl'IC1\
RANDOM GUILDS HISTORY OF RAVNICA
Sometimes you might want to choose a guild at random.
More than ten thousand years ago, a war tore across the
Here's a table you can use in those situations.
world of Ravnica. Ten armies battled for control of the
dlO Guild world in a conflict that ended with the creation of a mag
1 Azorius Senate ical contract of immense power known as the Guildpact.
The leaders of each of the ten armies-ancient beings
2 Boros Legion
known as paruns- were the signatories to the Guild
3 House Dimir
pact, and they became the first guildmasters of Ravnica.
4 Golgari Swarm
The text of the Guildpact spelled out specific roles for
5 Gruul Clans
each guild within the infrastructure of Ravnica, allow
6 lzzet League ing the city to grow while the guilds coexisted in relative
7 Orzhov Syndicate peace. But the true power of the Guildpact was the
8 Cult of Rakdos strength of its magically binding force, which absolutely
9 Selesnya Conclave prevented large-scale violence among the guilds.
10 Simic Combine For ten millennia, the city grew and flourished under
this structure as the guilds evolved into unique and
powerful forces, often venturing far from their origi
Golgari Swarm. An elf lich named Jarad guides the
nal purpose.
Golgari Swarm's masses as they lurk in the undercity,
The signing of the Guildpact marked the beginning
where they process the city's waste and see to the new
of the modern Ravnican calendar. Years prior to that
life that emerges from death and decay. pivotal event are denoted as "Al Concordant." or AC, and
GruuJ Clans. Raging against civilization and its defile counted backward from I AC. Years after the signing
ment of the natural world. the loose alliance of the
are "Zal Concordant," ZC. The current date is 10,076
Gruul Clans is led by the cyclops Borborygmos.
ZC, usually referred to as '76.
Izzet League. Led by the dragon Niv-Mizzet, the Izzet
League is a guild of scientists and engineers who THE GUILDPACT
build and sustain Ravnica's infrastructure while con
ducting wild experiments in magic-efforts that usu During the Decamillennial Celebration of 10,000 ZC,
commemorating a monumental anniversary of the
ally involve barely controlled elemental energy.
Guildpact's signing, the pact was broken, the ancient
Orzhov Syndicate. A sinister combination of church,
bank, and organized crime syndicate, the Orzhov Syn balance was shattered, and Ravnica was thrown into
dicate is controlled by the Obzedat, a cabal of ancient chaos. It didn't take long for wealthy power-mongers to
spirits often called the Ghost Council. begin seizing control of elements in the city, turning the
Cult of Rakdos. The demonic Cult of Rakdos is the guilds to their service instead of the other way around.
jester in Ravnica's culture, using satire and perfor Eventually, the ten-thousand-year-old guild culture
mance to skewer the powerful and embolden the and division of duties reasserted itself. The ten guilds
weak. But it is a cruel and bloodthirsty jester, in the regained their dominant positions, but without the
manner of its demonic leader, and it supplements par magically binding force of the Guildpact to maintain the
ody and levity with blood and fire. balance among them.
Selesnya Conclave. The Selesnya Conclave is led by Years later, in 10,075 ZC, the lzzet guildmaster dis
Trostani, three dryads who are fused together with covered that Azor, founder of the Azorius Senate, had
one another and with Mat'Selesnya. a manifestation of created a contingency plan that would take effect if the
the soul of the world. The guild seeks to bring nature magic of the Guildpact were ever broken. An intricate
and the city into balance. network of ley lines sprawling across the districts of
Simic Combine. Under the leadership of Prime Ravnica, called the Implicit Maze. offered a test to the
Speaker Zegana, the biomancers of the Simic Com guilds: if they could cooperate to solve the maze, they
bine apply magic to the life sciences. Striving to create would secure the power of a new Guildpact. That power
a harmonious future where creatures of all kinds are was eventually bestowed- incarnated, actually-in the
perfectly adapted to their ever-changing environment, person ofjace Beleren, who became the Living Guild
the Simic magically hasten the process of evolution pact. His word became the binding law ofRavnica. Any
law he verbally confirmed became magically unbreak
and adaptation of life.
able, and the responsibility of keeping the guilds in bal
These ten guilds stand as the foundation of power on
ance fell to him.
Ravnica. Each maintains a distinctive identity and civic
function, a diverse collection of creatures, and a sub A PRECARIOUS PEACE
culture of its own. The guilds' history is a web of wars,
jace is a Planeswalker, with the ability to travel from
intrigue, and political machinations stretching over the
world to world, and his attention never remains focused
millennia during which they have vied for control of the
on Ravnica for long. Thanks to his involvement with
world. Their roles were established thousands of years
other Planeswalkers, he spends extended periods of
ago in a magical treaty called the Guildpact, which not
time away from Ravnica. During his absences, Ravnica
only assigned each guild a function, but also enforced an
has to fend for itself, and that means that the guilds re
uneasy peace among them.
turn to their old habits of fighting with each other over
VillCOM'fTO RA\NICA 7
RAVNICA1S CALENDAR LIFE IN THE BIG CITY
Ravnica's year of 365 days is made up of twelve months,
each of which has the same number of days as its Ravnica is a vast city, covering the entirety of the world
counterpart in the Gregorian calendar. The year begins in many layers of construction, from deep sewers and
with 1 Seleszeni, which corresponds to March 1. catacombs to sky-raking spires. No single map can en
compass the tremendous scope of its sprawl, and its bor
Month Name ders (if it has any) are unknown. except possibly to those
1 Seleszeni (March) who live near the edges.
2 Dhazo (April) The story of Ravnica focuses on its core. Sometimes
3 Prahz (May) called the city proper. this core is divided into ten dis
4 Mokosh (June) tricts, each of which is a huge urban environment in its
5 Paujal (July) own right. The districts are named in simple numerical
order from the First to the Tenth. No correlation exists
6 Cizarm (August)
between the ten guilds and the ten districts; all ten
7 Tevnember (September)
guilds are active in all ten districts. The Tenth District,
8 Golgar (October)
in particular, is a hotbed of activity where all the guilds
9 Quaegar (November) maintain their primary headquarters. It is the focus of
10 Xivaskir (December) chapter 3.
11 Griev (January) A huge avenue called the Transguild Promenade runs
12 Zuun (February) through all ten districts, making it the most notable
landmark for navigation through the city's heart. Lined
The annual celebration of the Guildpact begins on 28 Zuun with markets, small parks, and colonnades, the Prom
and extends overnight into 1 Seleszeni. enade is a commercial thoroughfare used to transport
loads of cargo. On celebration days, it becomes the city's
the smallest scraps of influence that could tilt the bal most popular parade route. Even when guild conflicts
ance of power in their favor. run hot, Ravnicans respect the sanctity of the Prome
These conflicts erupt in a variety of forms. Sometimes nade as neutral ground.
guilds clash violently in the streets: Boros forces try to Beyond the core are an uncounted number of other
quell Gruul riots, Azorius arresters raid a Rakdos mur districts, which originated as outlying cities that gradu
der show, or Selesnya forces come together to repel a ally melded into the expanding metropolis. Well-known
Golgari incursion. More often, sinister plots unfold in se districts outside the core include the Smelting District,
cret, through infiltration, sabotage. theft, and deception. I rbitov (the mausoleum district), and ]ezeru (the lake
Schemes are hidden beneath layers of other schemes, district).
making the intention behind them nearly impossible to Districts, whether in the city proper or beyond it, are
discover. The guildmasters are often the source of these the fundamental configurations that define Ravnica.
plots, but sometimes subordinates attack other guilds to They are informally divided into various quarters, neigh
gain more influence within their own. In the absence of borhoods, and the like. Some of these areas extend
the Guildpact, some people believe that it's only a matter across district boundaries. Deadbridge, for example,
of time until these schemes and skirmishes escalate existed as a well-defined neighborhood before Ravnica
into all-out war on a scale that Ravnica hasn't known for City was formally divided into ten districts, and that di
ten millennia. vision was made without consideration of Deadbridge's
With the precarious peace always hanging in the informally acknowledged boundaries. Part of Dead
balance, opportunities abound for adventurers to serve bridge, known as Deadbridge Chasm, occupies much
their guilds or advance their own agendas. Whether of the Tenth District's Precinct Six, but it extends out
delving into the dungeons of the undercity, pursuing into the neighboring area. Similar neighborhoods, both
assassins through the bustling streets, negotiating ac within and outside the city proper, include the Steam
cords among the rich and powerful, or sniffing out cor bath Quarter. the Wrights' Quarter, and Mahovna, the
ruption in the halls of law, the characters in a Ravnica Haven of Moss.
campaign have a world of adventure to explore.
These things are shared by the city's diverse peoples,
GUILD INSIGNIA
Members of Ravnica's guilds typically carry guild insignia who enjoy a life adorned by a variety of species, gender
with them, though in some cases (notably House Dimir) identities, and sexual orientations.
the insignia might be carefully hidden. A replacement Well-established systems undergird society, largely
insignia costs S gp and is available only to members of through the efforts of the guilds. The Azorius Senate
the guild. Any character can use the insignia of their guild crafts, codifies, and enforces a comprehensive (some
as a spellcasting focus, as described in chapter 10 of the would say oppressive) set of laws. The banks of the
Player's Handbook.
Orzhov Syndicate offer secure vaults and complicated
financial arrangements. The lzzet League maintains the
CURRENCY: ZIBS AND ZINOS_ _ city's infrastructure, and the Golgari Swarm ensures
that waste is disposed of (or recycled). House Dimir cou
This book uses standard D&D coinage, as detailed in
riers deliver messages and parcels across the city, and
the Player's Handbook, but in Ravnica, citizens refer to the Simic Combine addresses issues of public health.
their money as zibs and zinos, with 100 zibs to 1 zino. Ravnica lacks any large-scale agriculture operations,
There is no central mint, as coins are created by the
its citizens depending on food produced in Selesnya
Azorius, the Boros. and the Orzhov. The Ravnica Cur
gardens and underground Golgari rot farms. Few parts
rency table summarizes the various guilds' coinage and
of Ravn ica cou Id be considered wilderness; the rubble
its value. belts, areas where the city has decayed and been re
claimed by natural forces, are the only truly wild areas.
RAVNICA CURRENCY
Value Azorius Boros Orzhov COSMOPOLITAN CONVENIENCES
l cp copper zib copper alms-coin Item Cost
25 cp silver 25-zib Cup of coffee 10 cp
coin Newspaper 15 cp
1 ep electrum SO- Pendulum clock 100-250 gp
zib coin Spectacles 25 gp
1 gp gold zino gold zino Spyglass 50-100 gp
s gp gold 5-zino coin
1 pp platinum 10-zino LANGUAGES
coin
Dozens of languages can be heard in any of Ravnica's
10 pp platinum 100-
marketplaces, and every tongue has dialects and re
zino coin
gional variations. In order for the guilds to function, the
Common language is essential. But other languages re
COMFORTS OF CIVILIZATION main widely used in homes and clan gatherings.
A mixture of technological advancement and sophisti
cated magic offers amenities to the people ofRavnica STANDARD LANGUAGES
that would be extraordinary to folk in most D&D worlds, Language Typical Speakers Script
except one like Eberron. The nicer neighborhoods of the
Abyssal Demons, devils Infernal
city enjoy central heating and plumbing (thanks to the
Celestial Angels Celestial
work of the Jzzet League), elevators, and spacious apart
ments. Even poorer neighborhoods boast clean and Common Humans Common
smooth roads and sturdy construction. No one needs Draconic Dragons Draconic
to go hungry in Ravnica, because the Golgari Swarm Elvish Elves Elvish
provides a bare minimum of sustenance to anyone who Giant Ogres, giants Minotaur
can't afford better food, though it is best not to think too Goblin Goblins Common
much about where the thick gruel comes from. (In prac
Kraul Kraul Kraul
tical terms, even a character who can't afford more than
Loxodon Loxodons Elvish
a wretched lifestyle doesn't need to go hungry.)
The citizens of Ravnica enjoy plenty of leisure time, Merfolk Merfolk Merfolk
and the city offers an abundance of ways to fill it. Minotaur Minotaurs Minotaur
Ravnica features restaurants with extensive collections Sphinx Sphinxes
of fine wines, cafes serving coffee and tea, street ven Sylvan Centaurs, dryads Elvish
dors offering portable meals, and bakeries that sell a Veda I ken Veda Ik en Vedalken
wide variety of breads and pastries. Travelers can stay
in luxury hotels or simple hostels, or they can rely on A few secret or exotic languages are used on Ravoica
their personal or guild-related contacts to find housing. as well. Druidic exists and allows a secret communica
Diversions and entertainments abound, including rau tion among druids in different guilds, such as Selesnya
cous street-side theater (including the circus-like spec and Golgari, but such communication is rare. Thieves'
tacles of the Cult of Rakdos), operas and symphonies, cant is widely used among street gangs and occasionally
illegal fight clubs, sporting events held in vast arenas, among rogues in House Dimir and the Golgari Swarm.
throwaway popular novels. and great works of literature.
11 ~ Lt;OME TO JU\\'." ICA 'l