Night Master Reference Screen — Mana Project Studio
"Of all the wrongs done in the world, that of Men was the most serious."
← GM ScreensNightfell runs on 5e-compatible rules with Nightfell-specific additions. The Night Master (NM) adjudicates checks; players use a full set of polyhedral dice. The world is a 5e world reskinned with the Lunar Age's mechanics layered on top.
The key additions are: Soul Points, Grim Weapons, Lunar Phases, Possession, and Wild Dice (Werebeast class).
Roll a d20 + ability modifier (+ proficiency if applicable) against a DC set by the NM.
NM tip: In Nightfell, prefer DCs 13–17. Failure should carry interesting consequences, not just dead ends. Keep tension high without producing frustration.
Formula: (5 + WIS modifier) × character level + spell slots
Warlocks gain 3 SP per spell slot instead of 1.
| Challenge Rating | DC | SP Lost |
|---|---|---|
| CR 1 or less | 10 | 1 |
| CR 2–3 | 11 | 2–3 |
| CR 4–5 | 12 | 4–5 |
| CR 6–7 | 13 | 6–7 |
| CR 8+ | 14+ | = CR |
DC = 10 + ½ CR (rounded down, min DC 10). SP lost = CR (min 1). Immune for 24 h after first encounter of same creature type.
A weapon gains Grim Points equal to the CR of each Aberration, Fiend, or Undead it delivers the killing blow to. Once Grim Points reach the Grim Threshold, it becomes a Grim Weapon.
| Weapon | Grim Threshold |
|---|---|
| Club, Sickle; Dart, Sling | 3 |
| Greatclub, Javelin, Light Hammer, Mace; Blowgun | 4 |
| Handaxe, Quarterstaff, Spear, Trident, Whip; Hand/Light Crossbow, Shortbow | 5 |
| Flail, Morning Star, Scimitar, Short Sword, War Pick | 7 |
| Battleaxe, Longsword, Rapier, Warhammer; Heavy Crossbow | 10 |
| Glaive, Greataxe, Greatsword, Halberd, Lance, Maul, Pike; Longbow | 13 |
Werebeasts have a reserve of Wild Dice (WD) — special dice used to power class features. Spent WD recover on a Long Rest.
| Level | WD Type | WD Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | d4 | 3 |
| 3+ | d6 | Increases per table |
Key uses: healing (Animal Vigor), Hybrid Shape transformation, Fangs and Claws damage.
Triggered by a natural 1 on a Grim Weapon attack (WIS save DC 15 to avoid). Duration: 1d10 minutes.
| d10 | Affliction | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soul Chains | Paralyzed until taking damage. Body feverish and trembling. |
| 2 | Shattered Self | Incapacitated; oscillates between laughing, crying, and babbling. |
| 3 | Dread Visage | Frightened; flees from battle every turn. Eyes filled with blackness. |
| 4 | Tongue of Blight | Speech unintelligible to all except Possessed and Incubi. Tongue black and putrescent. |
| 5 | Dark Rage | Cannot tell friend from foe; automatically attacks nearest creature each turn. |
| 6 | Grievous Delusion | Disadvantage on all ability checks. Ink-black tears flow. |
| 7 | Pathetic Enslavement | Must obey any order (except clearly self-destructive). Bowed head, defeated posture. |
| 8 | Unquenchable Gluttony | Compulsively consumes anything within reach (including rotting remains). Jaw dislocates like a snake's. |
| 9 | Abyssal Gazing | Blinded and Dazed. Gaze turns white. |
| 10 | Abyssal Downfall | Falls unconscious instantly. |
Duration: 1 hour — At least 3 participants required (not counting the Possessed one, bound at center of salt glyph).
Players agree on an order. In turn each makes an INT (Religion) check, DC 10 + 1 per previous attempt.
Prayer: "Come unto us, o moon light / may thy splendor guide our rite / Spawn of void, accursed fiend / to leave this body, our prayer bids / Light be still, stand the will / may life win whatever ill / Thus, we exile thee through the door / of a dark mirror forever more."
The world fell into eternal darkness on the "Last Sun" — the first day of the Lunar Age. The evil that rose in Xivanis spread to every corner. Many races died, cities fell, the underground is uninhabited and haunted. Few strongholds endure as last safe havens.
Days in Iùrmen are swallowed in unending night. Dawn and dusk pass unseen. Nights are moonlit, yet frigid and somber.
Decades of darkness drew Iùrmen closer to the Dark Mirror. Eternal winter covers the world: harsh winds, snow, dead or spectral forests cloaked in mist. Beasts are ravenous and distrustful.
Mirithlen, the moon goddess, watches over mortals. The moon influences every aspect of Nightfell — its presence or absence alters the entire session. The NM can use the real-world lunar phase or set a custom one.
Each player character has a Birthmoon — the lunar moment they were born under. This provides a positive interpretive effect and interacts with Lunar Divination.
| Birthmoon | Character Feeling |
|---|---|
| New Moon | "I feel upheaval inside me and the ability to turn any failure into achievement." |
| Ascending Moon | "What I long for is getting nearer with each passing day. I am strengthening." |
| Full Moon | "I have confidence in my skills and resources. My resolution never wavers." |
| Descending Moon | "I do not let worries and regrets weigh me down. Everything passes me by." |
Requires 1 hour of silence/meditation outdoors (or visible moon). Officiant must be able to cast 2nd level spells and must expend a 2nd level slot or higher. Witnesses within 10 feet benefit. Cannot repeat within 24 hours.
Roll a Lunar Die (d8):
| d8 | Lunar Moment | Result Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Full Moon | Lunar Blessing |
| 2 | Waxing Gibbous (Warm) | Lunar Influence |
| 3 | First Quarter | Lunar Influence |
| 4 | Waxing Crescent (Humid) | Lunar Influence |
| 5 | New Moon (Black) | Lunar Hex (if not current phase) |
| 6 | Waning Crescent (Cold) | Lunar Influence |
| 7 | Last Quarter | Lunar Influence |
| 8 | Waning Gibbous (Arid) | Lunar Influence |
| Moon Moment | Effect |
|---|---|
| Waxing Crescent | Gain 1d6 Temporary HP and Temporary SP |
| First Quarter | Considered Proficient in all Initiative checks |
| Waxing Gibbous | +1 bonus to all Ability checks |
| Full Moon | Advantage on all Saving Throws while at full HP; Advantage on all Ability Checks while at full SP |
| Waning Gibbous | Adjacent allies can use Taste of Darkness spending only 1 SP |
| Last Quarter | Cleanse all Grim Points from a non-Grim Weapon; regain 2× the cleansed Grim Points as HP or SP (choose one) |
| Waning Crescent | Speed +10 ft; Opportunity Attacks against character have Disadvantage |
| New Moon | Add Proficiency bonus to damage rolls against a creature that caused SP loss (once per turn) |
Followers of Mirithlen, the moon goddess. Founded by the Rizadrin (Moon Satyrs). Led by High Priestess Anvernia. Widespread among the population.
ReligionBased on the Four Truths transcribed by Lagoran in the First Age. Masters of Tradition serve as mentors, healers, and philosophers. Holds most ancient knowledge of Men and Satyrs.
ReligionBelievers in the Primes and guardians of their essence. Led by the semi-immortal Rahidra. Abandoned the Old Tradition for paganism and nature preservation.
ReligionWorshippers of Lycanthropy, followers of Lupecernos. Predominantly evil Werebeasts. Mortals sometimes seek the curse via ritual sacrifice.
HostileFollowers of Heliodorus, a sorcerer who imprisoned his soul in a grimoire (The Five Hundred Tome). Draw power from undeath and dark necromancy.
HostileAncient gatherings of witches, wizards, and arcane scholars. First to deify the moon, calling Mirithlen the Trifold Goddess — keeper of past, present, and future.
NeutralStout and stubborn. An ancient witch's curse gives them bestial traits during specific lunar phases.
Somber, hardheaded, faithful to stone and underground. Fled to the surface after the Last Sun.
Made a pact with Prime Hollon (sun deity) for power over fire. Ancient rivals of the First Men.
Once Human but defiled by Ènferun's power when Xivanis fell. Few in number, often despised, permanently marked by darkness.
Fled the underground. Stealthy wanderers skilled at navigating haunted places while avoiding the horrors within.
Humans with deep bond to nature and the Earthly World's energies. Primary wardens against the vanguard of darkness.
Common and adaptable Humans. Overcrowd the largest cities in the Eastern Border. Hold most political power in the Lunar Age.
Ancient creatures predating the Lunar Age. Said to have been conceived by a Perchta from the void of Ènferun. Bestial humanoids.
Active every round on init count 20; lasts until init count 20 of the next round. Check creature stat blocks for favored terrain.
DC 13 CON save or take 5 (2d4) cold damage.
DC 13 CHA save or lose 5 (2d4) SP and become Frightened.
DC 13 WIS save or lose 5 (2d4) SP.
Dark energies seep into the area. NM determines effect.
Click dice to add to pool — click again to add more — then roll. Modifier can be negative.
Roll a d8 during Lunar Divination. See Eternal Night tab for outcomes.
Roll the appropriate Wild Die for Werebeast class features. Choose die type based on level.
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AC 12 (leather) • HP 22 (3d8+9) • Speed 30 ft
Skills Deception +1, Perception +2 • Senses Darkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Whisper of the Echoes • Favored Terrain Snowy
Actions:
AC 14 (studded leather) • HP 68 (8d10+24) • Speed 30 ft
Skills Deception +2, Intimidation +2, Perception +2 • Senses Darkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Whisper of the Echoes • Favored Terrain Arctic/Snowy
Actions:
AC 13 (natural) • HP 36 (8d8) • Speed 0 ft, fly 50 ft (hover)
Saves WIS +3, CHA +3 • Senses Darkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 11
Languages Understands all it knew in life, but cannot speak • Favored Terrain Graveyards/Mounds
Resistances: acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder; bludgeoning/piercing/slashing from non-magical weapons
Immunities: necrotic, poison •
Condition Immunities: charmed, exhausted, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained
AC 14 (natural) • HP 27 (8d6) • Speed 0 ft, fly 20 ft (hover)
Saves DEX +4 • Skills Deception +5, Perception +4 • Senses Darkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Whisper of the Echoes • Favored Terrain Unholy Site
Resistances: necrotic, poison; bludgeoning/piercing/slashing from non-magical weapons
Location: Between Mairan and Northern Lookout (cursed tomb)
Enemies: 1 Munaciello, 2 Skeletons
Post-AdventureLocation: Holy Spirit Gorge, near Asvizert's World borders (graveyard)
Enemies: 2 Encaged Ones
Post-AdventureAs long as the character holds the staff, they can use a bonus action to awaken the aura of the Saint (the previous owner). The staff inflicts 1d4 extra radiant damage until end of the turn.
All School of the Moon spells are Holy Spells (do not cost SP to cast). Key spells from the Quickstart:
| Spell | School | Key Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing Snare | Illusion | DC WIS save; fail = Disadvantage on attacks & Initiative until next turn. Silver coin, 30 ft range, Conc 1 min. |
| Globe of Eclipse | Necromancy | Ranged spell attack; 1d6 necrotic + Disadvantage on next save. Auto-bypasses undead necrotic resistance. Scales. |
| Glyph of Mirithlen | Abjuration | Self. Resistance to spell and magic weapon damage until end of next turn. |
| Instill Moonlight | Evocation | Touch. Infuses item with moonlight: bright 10 ft, dim 10 ft for 1 hour. |
| Moonlit Captivation | Enchantment | Advantage on CHA checks vs. non-hostile humanoids. Conc 1 min. Requires visible moon. |
| Silver Droplet | Conjuration | 60 ft. DEX save or 1d8 radiant + surrounded in silver light (cannot hide/go invisible). Scales to 4 spheres. |
| Trifold Goddess's Amulet | Transmutation | 10 min. Advantage on next 3 sight-based Investigation/Insight/Perception checks. 8 hours. |
| Trifold Goddess's Gaze | Divination | Self. Advantage on next attack roll before end of turn. |
| Spell | School | Key Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Gleam | Divination | Adv CHA(Persuasion), DisAdv DEX(Stealth). Dim glow for 8 hours. |
| Horror | Necromancy | 10 min. Adv CHA(Intimidation). End early: target WIS save or Frightened 1 min. |
| Lunar Beacon | Evocation | 60 ft, 20 ft area. Reveals invisible; 2d4 radiant (DEX save halves). Undead/Fiends/Aberrations auto-fail. Scales +1d4/slot. |
| Lunar Blessing (Ritual) | Abjuration | 1 hour, touch. +1d4 to all saving throws until end of current Lunar Phase. +1 target/slot above 1st. |
| Lunar Glamour | Enchantment | 30 ft. WIS save or Incapacitated staring at moon. Re-saves each turn or when damaged. |
| Lunar Runes | Illusion | 100 words on a surface. Invisible until True Sight or same Lunar Phase moonlight. 100 days. |
| Mirithlen's Kiss | Evocation | Touch. Heal by Lunar Phase: New Moon 1d6, Ascending/Descending 1d8, Full Moon 1d10 (+ primary mod). Outdoors only. |
| Moonrain | Conjuration | Self, 10 ft radius. 1d6 radiant + 1d6 piercing (DEX save halves). Fail = blinded & deafened until end of caster's turn. |
| Moonstairs | Transmutation | Self. Climb/walk on moonlight (Difficult Terrain). Conc 1 min. Scales to 1 hour at 3rd, no Conc at 5th. |
| Spell | School | Key Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Blade of the Four Moons | Transmutation | Bonus action. Solid moonray blade: 2d6 radiant, Light/Finesse/Ranged 20/60. Phase bonuses: New Moon = 4d6 necrotic; Ascending = splash damage; Full Moon = 2d6 temp HP + Blind; Descending = cold + line attack. |
| Fare for Memories | Enchantment | 100 ft. WIS save or: forget a 3rd lvl spell; forget 2d6 minutes; caster sees a memory. Scales to more targets. |
| Mooncloak | Abjuration | Touch. +1 AC & saves for 1 hour. During caster's Birthmoon phase: also reduces slash/bludgeon/pierce by 1. |
| Moonluck | Divination | 10 min, 10 ft. Reroll any attack/save/check once, keep either result. Scales to more targets. |
| Moonsong of Renewal (Ritual) | Evocation | Outdoors. Creatures in 20 ft may spend 1 Hit Die to heal (result + caster's primary mod). Scales. |
| Nova Luna | Evocation | Self, 30 ft radius. Semi-darkness; natural/magical light (2nd lvl or less) reduced to dim. Effects treat area as New Moon. During actual New Moon: full magical darkness (even Darkvision). Does not work during Full Moon. |
| Plena Luna | Evocation | Self, 30 ft radius sphere of silvery light + dim 30 ft. Treats area as Full Moon. During Full Moon: extinguishes all light in 300 ft. Does not work during New Moon. |
| Shroud of the New Moon | Necromancy | Touch, 1 day. Target appears Undead. Immune to disease/poison, ignores first 5 Exhaustion levels, doesn't age or need food/breath. Identifiable as Undead by spells; DC = spell save DC (WIS/Insight). |
| Phase | School |
|---|---|
| New Moon | Necromancy |
| Waxing Crescent | Evocation |
| First Quarter | Conjuration |
| Waxing Gibbous | Transmutation |
| Full Moon | Abjuration |
| Waning Gibbous | Divination |
| Last Quarter | Illusion |
| Waning Crescent | Enchantment |
SP loss is the primary cause of death in Nightfell — Possessed characters with 0 HP die instantly. Balance SP loss at approximately character level + 2 per day. Possession is a death trap; make players feel the weight of it without overusing it.
For this setting use DCs 13–17 as the standard range. Make significant checks more challenging. Failure should produce interesting narrative consequences, not just blocked progress. Keep tension high but avoid frustration.
Set the Lunar Phase at session start — it affects monster power, Lunar Divination results, Birthmoon effects, and spell power. Use the real moon or invent custom phases. Changes between sessions create natural pacing shifts.
Nightfell is gothic dark fantasy horror. Lean into: unending cold winter, spectral forests, the creeping influence of Ènferun on everyday life, moral dilemmas with monsters, and the ever-present corruption of the Dark Mirror seeping into reality.