The Kanala Class

(Pronounced KAW-nuh-luh)

19

Kanala
A tavern-bound old man turns down an alleyway, but
suddenly feels a blade pressed against his neck. Purple
smoke seeps from his wrinkled fist as the thief tells him to
empty his coinpurse. Upon hearing the sounds of a scuffle, a
nearby guard runs to the alley. However, all he finds is an
elder out for a stroll. No trace of the brigand could be seen.
Tendrils erupt from the arm of a tiefling and grab hold of a
trembling kobold. She lifts the creature just above the ground
while politely asking where all the treasures she came for
had gone. Since the reptile is too frightened to answer, the
tiefling touches a finger to his forehead, blinks twice, and
thanks him before tossing him aside.
A huge maul, seemingly appearing from nowhere, drops
into the grasp of a half-orc. She swings the weapon just as
her hands clutch it, striking true on an encroaching owlbear.
The maul then disappears, just as quickly as it came, as the
monster struggles to hobble away. The half-orc turns back
towards her village's gate and smirks to herself.
20 KANALA | OVERVIEW
⁣
⁣
Each kanala was gifted with a blessing, or a curse, that
destined them for a life of adventuring. Some source of
extraordinary power merged with their body, thereby
allowing the kanala to utilize amazing powers from that point
forward.
Locus of Power
Kanalas learn to control their power quite quickly, since it is
just another part of them. Once they understand the basics,
they can partially externalize and manipulate their inner
power. When this happens, one or two of their extremities
take on a unique appearance and become a locus. These loci
can come in a multitude of forms that the kanala learns and
cultivates through their personal experiences.
A kanala's locus also allows them to cast spells. Using
magic this way can leave them feeling drained, so kanalas
tend to use this part of their power sparingly. Naturally, it
takes patience and confidence to use these abilities well.
Gift Origins in Many Worlds
The source of a kanala's power, which can be received in a
variety of ways, is called their gift. In the Forgotten Realms,
kanalas are considered a rare subset of sorcerers, meaning
that they hold their gift from birth. In Eberron and Ravnica,
technological or magical experimentation on creatures can
create kanalas. In other worlds, kanalas might be purposely
created for military purposes or only ever seen when ancient,
forbidden magicks provide a creature with an esoteric gift.
Creating a Kanala
Start by thinking about the source of your character's inner
power. If you'd rather leave it to chance, you can use the Gift
Source table presented later in the class description.
When filling out your character sheet, consult the following
subsections, which give you hit points, proficiencies, and
starting equipment. Then look at the Kanala table to see
which features you get at each level. The descriptions of those
features appear in the "Class Features" section.
The Kanala
Proficiency
⁣⁣Spells ⁣
⁣ ⁣⁣Spell ⁣
⁣ ⁣⁣Slot ⁣
⁣ ⁣Locus Forms
⁣
Level Bonus Features ⁣⁣Known ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣Slots ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣Level ⁣⁣ ⁣Known ⁣
1st +2 Gaze Detection, Pact Magic 2 1 1st —
2nd +2 Locus Forms 2 1 1st 3
3rd +2 Empowered Bond 3 2 1st 3
4th +2 Ability Score Improvement 3 2 1st 4
5th +3 Extra Attack 4 2 2nd 4
6th +3 Empowered Bond Feature 4 2 2nd 4
7th +3 Nonphysical Protection 5 2 2nd 5
8th +3 Ability Score Improvement 5 2 2nd 5
9th +4 — 6 2 3rd 5
10th +4 Empowered Bond Feature 6 2 3rd 6
11th +4 Extraordinary Attack 7 2 3rd 6
12th +4 Ability Score Improvement 7 2 3rd 6
13th +5 — 8 2 4th 6
14th +5 Shared Physique 8 2 4th 7
15th +5 Empowered Bond Feature 9 2 4th 7
16th +5 Ability Score Improvement 9 2 4th 7
17th +6 —⁣ 10 2 5th 7
18th +6 Empowered Bond Feature 10 2 5th 8
19th +6 Ability Score Improvement 11 2 5th 8
20th +6 Locus Combatant 11 2 5th 8

Quick Build
You can make a kanala quickly by following these suggestio-
ns. First, make Strength or Dexterity your highest ability
score, followed by your choice of Charisma, Intellgience, or
Wisdom. Second, choose the folk hero background.
Hit Points
Hit Dice: 1d10 per kanala level
Hit Points at 1st Level: 10 + your Constitution modifier
Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d10 (or 6) + your Constitution
modifier per kanala level after 1st
level as a kanala: light armor, medium armor,
Proficiencies
Armor: Light armor, medium armor, shields
Weapons: Simple weapons, martial weapons
Tools: None
Saving Throws: Constitution, Charisma
Skills: Choose two from Arcana, Athletics, History,
Intimidation, Religion, Sleight of Hand, and Survival
Starting Equipment
You start with the following equipment, in addition to the
equipment granted by your background:
a martial melee weapon of your choice
a sling and a pouch containing 20 sling bullets
your choice of studded leather armor or scale mail
your choice of a dungeoneer’s pack or an explorer’s pack
Multiclassing and the Kanala
If your group uses the optional rule on multiclassing in
the Player's Handbook, here's what you need to know
if you choose kanala as one of your classes.
Ability Score Minimum. As a multiclass character, you
must have a Strength or Dexterity score of at least 13
to take a level in this class, or to take a level in another
class if you are already a kanala.
Proficiencies Gained. If kanala isn't your initial class,
here are the proficiencies you gain when you take your
first
shields, simple weapons, and martial weapons.
Pact Magic. Add half of your levels (rounded up) in
the kanala class to the appropriate levels from other
classes (i.e., the warlock class) to determine your level
for Pact Magic, then use that level's row on the
Warlock table to determine your available spell slots.
 
If you forgo this starting equipment, as well as the items
offered by your background, you start with 5d4 × 10 gp to buy
your equipment.
Class Features
As a kanala, you gain the following class features, which are
summarized in the Kanala table. KANALA | OVERVIEW 21
 Gaze Detection randomly by using the Gift Source table. Once chosen, your
spellcasting ability for this class cannot be changed.
1st-level kanala feature You use the chosen ability whenever a kanala feature or
Your gift allows you to feel a creature's stare as if it was a spell refers to your spellcasting ability. In addition, you use its
pinprick on your skin. As a bonus action, you can focus on modifier when setting the saving throw DC for a kanala spell
this sense and detect the gaze of any creature that sees you you cast and when making an attack roll with one.
and is not a construct. Creatures that you are already aware Spell save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your
of are not detected. You learn the size and type of each creat- spellcasting ability modifier
ure detected this way, as well as either its specific location if
it is within 15 feet of you and on the same plane of existence Spell attack modifier = your proficiency bonus + your
or roughly which direction it is looking from otherwise. spellcasting ability modifier
You can use this feature a number of times equal to your
proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when Kanala Spell List
you finish a long rest. Here's the list of spells you consult when you learn a kanala
spell. The list is organized by spell level, not character level.
Pact Magic Each spell is in the Player's Handbook, unless it has one
1st-level kanala feature asterisk (a spell in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything) or two
As long as you are able to activate your locus, you can use the asterisks (a spell in Xanathar's Guide to Everything).
energy of your gift to cast spells. However, your magic does 1st Level 3rd Level
not appear in the same way as that of wizards or sorcerers;
instead, it alters the appearance of your locus as it physically Absorb Elements ** Blink
flows out from your extremities. Armor of Agathys Dispel Magic
Cause Fear ** Enemies Abound **
Locus Required Color Spray Haste
Your magical effects are produced through your locus. You Comprehend Languages Intellect Fortress *
must have an empty hand when you cast any spell with this Detect Evil and Good Life Transference **
Pact Magic feature (meaning the spell has an "S" component Detect Magic Spirit Shroud *
when you cast it).
After you gain the Locus Forms feature at 2nd level, you Disguise Self Thunder Step **
can also use any active locus form to fulfill this requirement. Expeditious Retreat Tongues
Feather Fall Water Breathing
Spell Slots Longstrider Water Walk
The kanala table shows how many spell slots you have. The Mage Armor
table also shows the level of those slots; all of your spell slots Unseen Servant 4th Level
are the same level. To cast one of your kanala spells of 1st Witch Bolt Elemental Bane
level or higher, you must expend a spell slot. You regain any Zephyr Strike ** Fire Shield
expended spell slots when you finish a short or long rest. Freedom of Movement
For example, when you are 5th level, you have two 2nd- 2nd Level Locate Creature
level spell slots. To cast the 1st-level spell color spray, you
must spend one of those slots, and you cast it as a 2nd-level Alter Self Shadow of Moil **
spell. Blur Stoneskin
Darkvision
Spells Known of 1st Level and Higher Enhance Ability
5th Level
At 1st level, you know two 1st-level spells of your choice from Enlarge/Reduce Bigby's Hand
the kanala spell list. The Spells Known column of the Kanala Mind Spike ** Enervation **
table shows when you learn more kanala spells of your Mirror Image Far Step **
choice of 1st level and higher. A spell you choose must be of a Misty Step Mislead
level no higher than what’s shown in the table's Slot Level Rary's Telepathic Bond
column for your level. When you reach 7th level, for example, See Invisibility
Skill Empowerment
you learn a new kanala spell, which can be 1st or 2nd level. Shadow Blade **
Additionally, when you gain a level in this class, you can Spider Climb Steel Wind Strike **
choose one of the kanala spells you know and replace it with Gift Source
another spell from the kanala spell list, which also must be of ⁣⁣⁣d6 ⁣⁣⁣⁣ Source Ability and Description
a level for which you have spell slots.
Intelligence. A magical artifact merged with
1⁣⁣

Spellcasting Ability

your body some time ago, and you have since

Kanalas receive their supernatural gifts from a variety of

learned how to control its energy through

sources. These different sources require different types of intense study.
mental fortitude in order to be utilized well, meaning that 2⁣⁣
Wisdom. Some great being, unknown to you,
kanalas do not always share a common spellcasting ability.
chose you as the recipient of its favor. You
You instead choose your spellcasting ability from Intelligence,
only realized this when your locus activated on

22
Wisdom, or Charisma. Alternatively, you can determine it
its own during a turning point in your life.
KANALA | CLASS FEATURES
 ⁣⁣⁣d6 ⁣⁣⁣⁣ Source Ability and Description
Charisma. Your gift is actually a mythical
3⁣⁣
creature held within your very body. Leeching
its power for yourself has become a habit, for
better or worse.
Intelligence. Your research unearthed a hidden
4⁣⁣
potential that is present in all humanoids, but
its unsealing process fails horribly for anyone
but you.
Wisdom. Another soul has come to inhabit
5⁣⁣
your body. By forming a connection with this
guest, you have found that you can
accomplish great feats.
6⁣⁣
Charisma. An experiment or ritual gave you
your kanala abilities, and your internal
monologue has not sounded quite like it used
to ever since.
Locus Forms
2nd-level kanala feature
Your locus is more than just a part of you: it is a multi-tool for
solving the countless obstacles you face as an adventurer.
You know three locus forms of your choice. Your options
are detailed in the "Locus Forms" section at the end of the
class description, where you will also find the general rules of
locus form activation. When you gain certain kanala levels,
you gain additional forms of your choice, as shown in the
Locus Forms Known column of the Kanala table.
Additionally, when you gain a level in this class, you can
choose one of the forms you know and replace it with another
form that you could learn at that level.
Empowered Bond
3rd-level kanala feature
Your relationship with your gift has matured to the point
where you gain specialized benefits from it. Choose from the
Bond of the Fool, the Bond of the Host, the Bond of the Lion-
heart, the Bond of the Savant, or the Bond of the Vessel, each
detailed at the end of the main class description. Your bond
grants you features at 3rd level and again at 6th, 10th, 15th,
and 18th level.
Bond Spells
Each bond has a list of associated spells. You learn these add-
itional spells at the levels specified in the bond description if
you don't already know them. These spells don't count again-
st the number of kanala spells you know.
If you gain a bond spell that doesn't appear on the kanala
spell list, the spell is nonetheless a kanala spell for you.
You can cast each of your bond spells once at their lowest
level without expending a spell slot or material components.
Once you cast a bond spell this way, you can't do so again
until you finish a long rest.
Ability Score Improvement
4th-level kanala feature
When you reach your 4th level and again at 8th, 12th, 16th,
and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your
choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your
choice by 1. As normal, you can’t increase an ability score
above 20 using this feature.
⁣
Extra Attack
5th-level kanala feature
You can attack twice, instead of once, when you take the
Attack action on your turn.
Nonphysical Protection
7th-level kanala feature
Your gift fortifies your mind and helps you withstand the
elements. While you are not incapacitated, acid, cold, fire,
lightning, necrotic, poison, psychic, radiant, and thunder
damage that you take is reduced by 3.
Extraordinary Attack
11th-level kanala feature
The cognitive strength required to control your gift helps you
keep your focus during battle and swiftly defeat your foes.
You can now attack thrice, instead of twice, when you take
the Attack action on your turn.
When you make your third attack as part of the Attack
action, you must add your spellcasting ability modifier, inst-
ead of Strength or Dexterity, to the attack and damage rolls.
Shared Physique
14th-level kanala feature
Your gift is able to restrict your body's movement whenever
you can't control it. As a result, you can no longer be forced to
take actions against your will by effects or spells such as
dominate person. Additionally, your locus now replaces any
missing limbs, functioning identically to a limb it replaces.
Locus Combatant
20th-level kanala feature
On your turn, you can take one additional bonus action. This
additional bonus action can only be used to activate a locus
form you know.
Empowered Bonds
Each kanala uses the power of their gift in a way that reflects
their connection with it. Any hardships faced along their
journey only serve to make this bond stronger.
Bond of the Fool
Fools are the type that stumbled into becoming a kanala.
They stuck their nose, or more often their hand, somewhere it
shouldn't have been and came out fortunate. With their new-
found powers, these kanalas continue delving into dungeons,
exploring the unknown, and collecting trophies that might
KANALA | CLASS FEATURES 23
 one day sum up to a trove as valuable as their gift. Combat Preparation
In some worlds, fools refer to themselves as collectors in 10th-level Bond of the Fool feature
order to avoid easy criticism. While this name is fitting, the By using your Always Prepared feature, you can now conjure
kanala must still live with the embarrassing knowledge of
how they received their gift. magical bombs. As an action, you can throw a conjured bomb
up to 60 feet, causing it to detonate on impact.
Bond Spells Each bomb has its own gp value and detonation effect, as
3rd-level Bond of the Fool feature shown in the Magical Bombs table. You can only have one
You gain bond spells at the kanala levels listed. You can cast magical bomb conjured at a time.
each of your bond spells once at their lowest level without Magical Bombs
expending a spell slot or material components. Once you do, Bomb Value Detonation
you can't do so again until you finish a long rest.
Black 30 Each creature in a 10-foot-radius
Bond of the Fool Spells Dragon gp
sphere centered on the detonation


point must make a Dexterity saving
Kanala Level Spell

throw against your spell save DC,
3rd hunter's mark, identify

taking 8d8 acid damage on a failed


save or half as much on a success.
5th lesser restoration, locate object
Myst
10 Nonmagical flames in a 30-foot-
9th Leomund's tiny hut, remove curse
gp
radius sphere centered on the
13th fabricate, locate creature

detonation point are extinguished,


and the area becomes heavily
17th creation, legend lore

obscured for the next 10 minutes or


until a wind of moderate or greater
Welcome Distractions

speed disperses the mist.
3rd-level Bond of the Fool feature A 20-foot-radius, 90-foot-high
Tie- 20
You gain proficiency with one gaming set or musical Down
gp

cylinder of space centered on the

instrument of your choice.

detonation point becomes

magically-charged. The ground

Always Prepared

within this zone is difficult terrain,

3rd-level Bond of the Fool feature

and the flying speed (if any) of

creatures there is reduced to 10
Whether in a warm tavern or on a snowswept peak, your gift

feet. The zone returns to normal

makes sure you always have what you need on hand. As an

action, you can conjure one piece of Adventuring Gear—such
as one arrow or one day's rations—from the opening of an
opaque container within your reach. For examples of items
you can create, see the Adventuring Gear table in the equip-
ment chapter of the Player's Handbook. If the item can't fit in
your hand, it appears in an unoccupied space within 5 feet of
you. The gp value of the item can't be more than 5 times your
kanala level, which is also your gp limit for this feature.
You can conjure multiple items this way, using a separate
action for each one, but their sum total value can't surpass
the gp limit. Any item valued under 1 gp instead has a value
of 1 gp for this limit. A potion of healing has a value of 10 gp
for this limit. You can also conjure a gaming set or musical
instrument that you are proficient with, treating its value as 2
gp for this limit regardless of its normal value.
When you finish your next long rest, each item conjured
this way disappears if it hasn't already been consumed or
destroyed, and your sum total value of conjured items returns
to 0 gp.
Foolproof Fail-Safe
6th-level Bond of the Fool feature
You've learned how to magnify the defensive ability of your
locus for when you inevitably get into trouble. When you take
damage from a trap, a long fall, a spell, or an attack made by
creature you can see within 60 feet of you, you can use your
reaction to reduce all incoming damage to 0 for that single
instance. Once you do, you can't do so again until you finish a
long rest.
24 KANALA | EMPOWERED BONDS
after 1 minute.
Fool's Errand
15th-level Bond of the Fool feature
As an action, you can try to exhaust a creature that you can
see within 20 feet of you, either with your gift or your insipid
blathering. That creature must succeed on a Constitution
saving throw against your spell save DC or suffer three levels
of exhaustion. This feature can't cause a creature to die of
exhaustion, however.
At the end of each of its turns, the creature's exhaustion
level is reduced by 1 if it is conscious and not within 20 feet
of you. This reduction can occur up to three times per use of
this feature.
Once you use this feature, you can't do so again until you
finish a long rest.
Peerless Preparation
18th-level Bond of the Fool feature
Though you still might not entirely understand your gift, it
nevertheless comes in handy. You can now use your bonus
action to conjure items with your Always Prepared feature.
Additionally, its gp limit increases by 20 gp.
Bond of the Host
It is important to remember that not all gifts are totally silent.
Some even have their own nefarious goals and motivations.
While there are many kanalas who persist despite the intrus-
ive thoughts brought on by these kinds of gifts, hosts in parti-
cular must keep their destructive impulses in check, lest they
be consumed by them entirely.
⁣ for a spell you cast that deals necrotic damage, you can treat
Bond Spells
3rd-level Bond of the Host feature
You gain bond spells at the kanala levels listed. You can cast
each of your bond spells once at their lowest level without
expending a spell slot or material components. Once you do,
you can't do so again until you finish a long rest.
Bond of the Host Spells
Kanala Level Spell
3rd inflict wounds
5th blindness/deafness
9th vampiric touch
13th blight
17th contagion
Feed the Beast
3rd-level Bond of the Host feature
Your gift constantly craves organic matter if you are low on
magical energy, causing you to have terrible insomnia and
near-constant feelings of hunger and thirst.
If you have at least one expended spell slot, you can allow
your gift to consume the remains of a Medium or smaller
creature that is neither an elemental nor a construct. The
remains are consumed over the course of 1 minute as long as
they remain within your reach. Immediately after the remains
are consumed, you can regain one expended spell slot, the
level of which can be no higher than the level of the spell slots
provided by this class' Pact Magic feature.
Once you regain a spell slot this way, you can't do so again
until you finish a long rest, but you can still allow your gift to
consume remains within the normal limitations.
Necrotic Adept
3rd-level Bond of the Host feature
Your spells deal necrotic damage in a manner that goes
beyond withering. As a result, spells you cast ignore resist-
ance to necrotic damage. In addition, when you roll damage
any 1 on a damage die as a 2.
Improved Bond Spells
6th-level Bond of the Host feature
When you cast one of your bond spells using the Empowered
Bond feature, you cast it as if you had expended a spell slot of
one level higher than the spell slots provided by this class'
Pact Magic feature, up to a maximum of 5th level.
Necrotic Expert
10th-level Bond of the Host feature
The benefits of the Necrotic Adept feature now apply to any
weapon attacks you make, locus forms you activate, features
you use, and spells you cast that deal necrotic damage.
Invasive Rot
15th-level Bond of the Host feature
After reaching your 15th level, you can use your action to
make a ranged spell attack against up to five creatures that
you can see within 60 feet of you. On a hit, part of your gift
enters the target and begins to destroy it from the inside,
dealing 2d12 necrotic damage and leaving it tainted. On each
of your subsequent turns, you can use a bonus action to deal
1d8 necrotic damage to each tainted creature automatically.
At the end of each of a tainted creature's turns, it can make
a Constitution saving throw against your spell save DC. On a
success, it is no longer tainted.
Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you
finish a long rest.
Necrotic Master
18th-level Bond of the Host feature
Once per turn when you roll one or more dice to deal
necrotic damage, choose one of those dice, roll it again, and
add that roll to the necrotic damage dealt.
Bond of the Lionheart
The Bond of the Lionheart is a relationship that spurs one to
action. Kanalas with this bond carry one of two specific moti-
vations: a duty to help others or a desire to conquer them.
Regardless, lionhearts share a confidence that people can't
ignore. If they live long enough to make a name for thems-
elves, these kanalas become heroes and villains of legend.
Bond Spells
3rd-level Bond of the Lionheart feature
You gain bond spells at the kanala levels listed. You can cast
each of your bond spells once at their lowest level without
expending a spell slot or material components. Once you do,
you can't do so again until you finish a long rest.
Bond of the Lionheart Spells
Kanala Level Spell
3rd heroism
5th hold person
9th fly
13th banishment
17th hold monster
KANALA | EMPOWERED BONDS 25
 Locus Shield ⁣
3rd-level Bond of the Lionheart feature
You gain the shield locus form, which is described below. It
doesn't count against the number of locus forms you know.
See the "Locus Forms" section at the end of the subclass
descriptions for the general rules of locus form activation.
Shield
Activation Time: 1 reaction, which you take at the end of
your turn
Range: Self
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: 1 round
This form provides you with a +2 bonus to AC as long as you
are not already wielding a shield. The form deactivates on its
own at the beginning of your next turn.
Offensive Action
6th-level Bond of the Lionheart feature
You often find ways to make an attack while performing other
actions. If you take an action other than the Attack action, you
can make one weapon attack as a bonus action. If you know
the locus weapon form, you can activate it before making this
attack as part of the same bonus action.
You can use this feature a number of times equal to your
spellcasting ability modifier (minimum of once). You regain
all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Lion's Courage
10th-level Bond of the Lionheart feature
The gift you hold makes you feel completely invincible. You
are immune to being frightened, and when another creature
attempts to frighten you, you instead regain 2d6 hit points as
the mere thought of its futile attempt emboldens you.
Power Overwhelming
15th-level Bond of the Lionheart feature
You can use your bonus action to enter an empowered state
and conduct the energy of your inner power all around you.
When you do, each creature you choose within 5 feet of you
must succeed on a Strength saving throw against your spell Bond Spells
save DC or be pushed 5 away from you and knocked prone. 3rd-level Bond of the Savant feature
You remain in this state for 1 minute. During that time, You gain bond spells at the kanala levels listed. You can cast
your weapon attacks score a critical hit on a roll of 17–20. each of your bond spells once at their lowest level without
After you use this feature, you must finish a long rest expending a spell slot or material components. Once you do,
before you can use it again. you can't do so again until you finish a long rest.
Pride of the Willful Bond of the Savant Spells
18th-level Bond of the Lionheart feature Kanala Level Spells
You channel the ferocity of an apex predator each time an
attack you make strikes true. When you score a critical hit on 3rd detect magic, detect poison and disease
a creature, it becomes frightened of you until the end of its 5th calm emotions, detect thoughts
next turn. Additionally, you can now use your Power 9th counterspell, tongues
Overwhelming feature twice between long rests. 13th arcane eye, confusion
Bond of the Savant 17th modify memory, Rary's telepathic bond
For some kanalas, the close-combat abilities of a locus come Ritual Casting
second to its other uses, such as prying into the minds of 3rd-level Bond of the Savant feature
other creatures. These savants tend to be book-smart, caut-
ious, and always ready with a clever contingency plan. You can cast a kanala spell that you know as a ritual if that
26 KANALA | EMPOWERED BONDS
spell has the ritual tag.
⁣ Warding Locus
Magical Aptitude
3rd-level Bond of the Savant feature
You gain a single 1st-level spell slot to use as you see fit. You
can expend it to cast any spell of its level or lower from any
spell list, and you regain it after finishing a long rest.
Casting a spell this way does not mean you know that spell.
Your locus actually produces a magical effect that imitates
the spell you wished to cast, even if you already know it.
The spell slot's level increases as you gain more levels in
the kanala class: it becomes 2nd-level at 6th level, 3rd-level at
10th level, 4th-level at 15th level, and 5th-level at 18th level.
Expertise
6th-level Bond of the Savant feature
Choose four of your skill proficiencies. Your proficiency
bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that uses
either of the chosen proficiencies.
10th-level Bond of the Savant feature
Your locus allows the world's magic to fill and pass through
you, creating a natural warding effect as it does. As long as
you aren't incapacitated, you have resistance to damage from
spells.
Interplanar Escape
15th-level Bond of the Savant feature
At any time during your or another creature's turn, you can
use your reaction to slip into a demiplane of your own
creation, which borders the plane that you vanish from.
While on your demiplane, you can see and hear the plane
you originated from, but you can't see anything there more
than 120 feet away. You can affect creatures on the plane that
you originated from, but you can only be affected by other
creatures on your demiplane. Creatures that aren't there can't
perceive you or interact with you, unless they have the ability
to do so.
You remain in your demiplane until the beginning of your
second turn after using this feature. At that time, you return
to an unoccupied space of your choice that you can see within
60 feet of the space you vanished from.
Boundless Ability
18th-level Bond of the Savant feature
The deeper understanding of the multiverse that your gift
provides has granted you incredible mental capabilities. Your
spellcasting ability score increases by 2, and your maximum
for that score is now 22.
Bond of the Vessel
Vessels are kanalas that view themselves and their gift as one
complete entity. Their self-assuredness and determined
nature make them truly cherish competition for its own sake.
In general, they'll accept even minor reasons to let loose. If
you fight one, just remember that a vessel is never truly
alone.
Bond Spells
3rd-level Bond of the Vessel feature
You gain bond spells at the kanala levels listed. You can cast
each of your bond spells once at their lowest level without
expending a spell slot or material components. Once you do,
you can't do so again until you finish a long rest.
Bond of the Vessel Spells
Kanala Level Spell
3rd longstrider
5th warding bond
9th haste
13th death ward
17th destructive wave
First In, Last Out
3rd-level Bond of the Vessel feature
Your inner power stands ready to jolt your muscles into swift
action, whether you are conscious or not. You can now add
your spellcasting ability modifier to the| EMPOWERED
KANALA
result of any BONDS
death 27
saving throw, Strength check, or Dexterity check you make.
 Part of Me
6th-level Bond of the Vessel feature
You gain an ability that helps deceive your enemies and
protect your allies. As an action, your gift absorbs up to 3
willing or unconscious creatures of your choice within 10 feet
of you along with any equipment they have.
While absorbed, each creature shares your senses and is
immune to all damage. They can speak, but their voice is only
heard by you and any other absorbed creatures. The only
action that absorbed creatures can take is to exit your gift.
After one hour, all creatures are forced to exit. You can also
force any absorbed creatures to exit as an action. If you fall
unconscious or die, the absorbed creatures exit immediately.
When a creature exits your gift, it enters the nearest unoccu-
pied space with all of its equipment intact.
Once you use this feature, you can't do so again until you
finish a long rest.
Tenacity
10th-level Bond of the Vessel feature
You can choose one ability when you finish a short or long
rest. You gain proficiency in that ability's saving throws until
you choose a different one with this feature.
From the Brink
15th-level Bond of the Vessel feature
When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright,
you can instead drop to 1 hit point and gain a number of tem-
porary hit points equal to your Constitution score times 5.
Your gift envelops you like a second skin, leaving few open-
ings for a finishing blow. While these temporary hit points
persist, you can use your action to remove any number of
them and deal half that much necrotic damage to a creature
that you can see within 20 feet of you.
Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you
finish a long rest.
Persistent Concentration
18th-level Bond of the Vessel feature
You can't lose your concentration on a spell as a result of
taking damage if you are the spell's only target.
Locus Forms
Each form description begins with a block of information,
including the form’s name, prerequisites, activation time,
range, somatic requirement, and duration. The rest of the
entry describes the form’s effect.
Prerequisites. If a locus form has prerequisites, you must
meet them to learn it. You can learn the form at the same
time that you meet its prerequisites. A level prerequisite
refers to your level in this class.
Activation Time. Many locus forms require a single bonus
action to activate, but some forms require an action or a
reaction to activate.
Range. The target of a locus form must be within the
form’s range. Some forms have ranges expressed in feet.
Other forms can target only a creature or object that you
touch. Other forms, such as the bolster form, affect only you.
These forms have a range of self.
Somatic Requirement. Each locus form requires one or
28 twoKANALA
of your| hands to be empty in order to be activated. While
LOCUS FORMS
The Most Important Rules
Locus forms have specific somatic requirements and
durations in order to limit how they can be used with
weapons, shields, spellcasting foci, and other locus
forms. Careful consideration of these rules is necessary
for balanced gameplay.
For instance, it is impossible to activate the splitter
locus form while any other locus form is active, since
it requires two hands for its activation.
a form is active, the hand(s) that you used to activate it can't
be used for anything outside the scope of that form's effects.
Duration. A locus form's duration is the length of time that
it can persist before deactivating on its own. Duration can be
expressed in rounds or minutes, but many forms are instant-
aneous: the form harms or alters a creature or an object in a
way that only requires it to be active for an instant. Some
forms specify that their effects last until the forms are deact-
ivated. You can deactivate one of your active locus forms at
any time on your turn (no action required). If you become
incapacitated, your active forms deactivate instantly.
Saving Throws. Some of your locus forms require your
target to make a saving throw to resist the form’s effects. The
saving throw DC is equal to your spell save DC for this class.
Appendage
Activation Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: Instantaneous
An appendage extends straight out from your locus to a point
that you can see within range. The appendage can manipula-
te an object, open an unlocked door or container, stow or
retrieve an item from an open container, or pour the contents
out of a vial before it is retracted.
The appendage can fit through a space as narrow as 1 inch
wide. It cannot attack, activate magical items, or carry more
than 10 pounds.
Bolster
Prerequisite: 10th level
Activation Time: 1 bonus action
Range: Self
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: Instantaneous
Your locus spreads along your skin and quickly scabs over
your cuts and scrapes. You gain a number of temporary hit
points equal to 1d8 + your spellcasting ability modifier.
Dissociation
Prerequisite: Wisdom 13 or higher
Activation Time: 1 action
Range: 200 feet
Somatic Requirement: Two hands
Duration: 1 minute
You focus your hearing in order to listen to a specific sound,
including verbal speech, that is originating from a point with-
in range. In order to so, you must either be able to faintly
hear the sound you wish to focus on or see the sound's sou-
rce. While focusing, you can hear the sound clearly and even
discern its source if you are familiar with it.
You can also choose to focus on a point that you can see
within range and hear sounds as if you were standing in the
chosen spot. While focusing this way, you are deaf to the
sounds in your immediate vicinity.
Elevent
Prerequisite: 7th level, locus energy form
Activation Time: 1 action
Range: Self (15-foot cone)
Somatic Requirement: One hand, which must be the same
hand you used to activate the locus energy form this turn
Duration: Instantaneous
You instantly release your stored energy in a cone in front of
you, deactivating the locus energy form and forcing each cre-
ature within range to succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or
take 3d6 damage of the chosen type. This damage increases
to 4d6 when you reach your 11th level in this class.
Flare
Activation Time: 1 bonus action
Range: 60 feet
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: Until deactivated
Your locus begins to shed bright light in a 20-foot radius and
dim light for an additional 20 feet. When you activate this
form, or as a bonus action while it is active, you can send the
light to a spot that you can see within range. You can recall
the light back to your hand by using a bonus action, but it is
automatically recalled when it exceeds the form's range.
Guise
Prerequisite: 7th level, Charisma 13 or higher
Activation Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: 1 minute
For the duration, you have advantage on all Charisma checks
directed at one creature of your choice. When the form deact-
ivates, the creature must make a Wisdom saving throw. If it
succeeds, it realizes that you used magic to change its mood
and becomes hostile toward you. A creature prone to violence
might attack you. Another creature might seek retribution in
other ways (at the DM’s discretion), depending on the nature
of your interaction with it.
Your Gift Externalized: The Locus
Your locus is the physical, materialized part of your
gift. Normally, it will only appear when you cast a spell
or activate a locus form. However, some gifts (like
magical replacement limbs) are always visible, meaning
that the locus forms are the exchangeable/temporary
tools/weapons that are used/produced by those gifts.
Some loci look very similar to limbs or simply add a
magical sheen to a kanala's body. Yours could utilize
organic growths, turn your arm into a specific element
for a short time, or, in more technologically-advanced
settings like Ravnica or Eberron, involve a prosthetic
limb that you upgrade each time you gain a new locus
form. It is encouraged for you to imagine a different
appearance for each of your known locus forms.
Hasten
Prerequisite: 4th level
Activation Time: 1 bonus action
Range: Self
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: Instantaneous
This form increases your speed by 20 feet and doubles your
jump distance until the end of your turn.
Implement
Prerequisite: 4th level
Activation Time: 1 bonus action
Range: Touch
Somatic Requirement: Two hands
Duration: 1 round
Your locus morphs into various handheld implements. You
can use these implements to perform an action that would
normally require a specific tool or set of tools. You can add
half your proficiency bonus to any ability check you make
while using these implements as long as the ability check
doesn’t already include your proficiency bonus.
The form deactivates at the beginning of your next turn
unless you use your bonus action to keep it active.
Introspect
Prerequisite: 4th level, Intelligence 13 or higher
Activation Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Somatic Requirement: Two hands
Duration: Instantaneous
You touch a creature that has a speed of 0, is incapacitated, or
is willing. You then force it to remember a subject that you
choose, such as its boss, a treasure, or last night's dinner.
One of its relevant memories, no longer than 6 seconds, then
surfaces in the creature's mind as well as your own. If the
memory includes speech, it is limited to 15 words or less.
The memory's detail and level of accuracy both depend on
the creature's Intelligence and sanity. For example, using this
form on a pet might allow you to visualize the owner, but their
speech would be heard as unintelligible gibberish if the pet
does not comprehend their language.
Repeated use of this form on the same creature makes
subsequent memories more obscured than the last, with
them becoming incomprehensible after three such uses. This
effect is reset after 24 hours of not being affected by the form.
Leash
Activation Time: 1 bonus action
Range: 20 feet
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: Until deactivated
While this form is active, the target of any grapple attempt
you make can be any creature within the form's range, but the
creature must be no more than one size larger than you. The
hand that you use to grapple a creature this way must be the
hand that you used to activate this form.
If you target a creature that is not within arm's reach, a
sizable leash reaches out to it. If you succeed in grappling the
creature, the leash connects it to your arm while you are
more than an arm's length away fromKANALAit. | LOCUS FORMS 29
   While grappling a creature this way, you can use your
movement to move either the creature or yourself. Your speed
is not halved when doing so. For example, with a speed of 30
feet, you could grapple a creature that is 15 feet away from
you, move it 15 feet closer, then walk 15 feet away from it.
Creatures can attack the leash (AC 11 + your proficiency
bonus), but all damage it takes is taken by you instead. The
form deactivates early if the target is ever outside of the
form's range.
Locus Energy
Activation Time: 1 bonus action
Range: Self
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: 1 round
You begin stockpiling energy of one the following damage
types of your choice: acid, cold, fire, lightning, necrotic, or
thunder. While this form is active, your weapon attacks deal
an extra 1d4 damage of the chosen type on a hit.
If the weapon is a locus weapon, all bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing damage that it deals becomes damage of the
chosen type until this form is deactivated.
The form deactivates at the beginning of your next turn
unless you use your bonus action to keep it active.
Locus Weapon
Activation Time: Special, see description
Range: Self
Somatic Requirement: One or two hands
Duration: Instantaneous
When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can acti-
vate this form and create a locus weapon in your empty hand.
You can choose the form that this melee weapon takes each
time you create it (see chapter 5 of the Player's Handbook for
weapon options). You are proficient with it and can't be disar-
med of it while you wield it. If you plan to engage in two-
weapon fighting, you can create two locus weapons at once,
assuming you have two empty hands to work with.
If you can make multiple attacks as part of the Attack
action, you can freely change the form of your locus weapon
or create a new one before each attack. At the end of your
turn, all of your locus weapons retract back into your locus
and disappear.
Your locus can assimilate a magic melee weapon and turn
it into a locus weapon by accommodating the weapon over
the course of 1 hour, which can be done during a short rest.
The weapon must be within your grasp during this time. After
1 hour, the weapon melds with your locus and becomes a
locus weapon for you, allowing you to choose it whenever you
create a locus weapon. You can’t affect an artifact weapon in
this way. If the weapon is sentient, you must gain its consent
before accommodating it. Sentient locus weapons share your
senses and can converse telepathically with you.
You can have up to three accommodated weapons. If you
attempt to accommodate a fourth magic weapon, you must
reconstitute one of the other three. That weapon appears at
your feet and ceases to be one of your locus weapons. If you
die, your accommodated weapons reconstitute immediately.
30
KANALA | LOCUS FORMS
Mend
Activation Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Somatic Requirement: Two hands
Duration: Instantaneous
This form repairs a single break or tear in an object you
touch, such as broken chain link, two halves of a broken key,
a torn cloak, or a leaking wineskin. As long as the break or
tear is no larger than 1 foot in any dimension, you mend it,
leaving no trace of the former damage.
This form can physically repair a magic item or construct,
but the form can’t restore magic to such an object. It can also
heal constructs in the same manner as the mending spell.
Metamorphosis
Prerequisite: 14th level
Activation Time: 1 bonus action
Range: Self
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: Instantaneous
You gain the ability to cast the polymorph spell this turn,
targeting yourself. If the spell is cast this way, you do not need
to provide material components. You must still use your
action and expend a spell slot to cast the spell, as normal.
You retain your Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores
once you transform. You also retain all of your skill and
saving throw proficiencies, in addition to gaining those of the
chosen creature. If the creature has the same proficiency as
you and the bonus in its stat block is higher than yours, use
the creature’s bonus instead of yours.
Additionally, your transformation does not limit your ability
to use your instantaneous locus forms.
Negate
Prerequisite: 14th level
Activation Time: 1 reaction, which you take when you fail a
saving throw
Range: Self
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: Instantaneous
Your locus tries to counteract the magical or physical force
that is overwhelming you. You gain a bonus to the triggering
saving throw equal to your spellcasting ability modifier.
Practice
Activation Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: Until deactivated
You change a minor aspect of your body. Choose one of the
following effects each time you activate this form:
Your locus takes on the visage of a creature you are
familiar with, becoming akin to a hand puppet.
You groom yourself without moving a finger. For example,
you could smooth your hair or adjust your undergarments.
You alter the appearance of your eyes, teeth, or both.
Your locus layers thinly over your skin, allowing you to
form scars, tattoos, or other markings on your body.
You begin to emit a familiar scent of your choice.
Prolong
Prerequisite: 4th level
Activation Time: Special, see description
Range: Self
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: Until the end of your next short or long rest
When you cast a spell that has a duration of 1 minute or
longer, you can activate this form as part of the casting
process. If you do, the spell persists until this form is deacti-
vated instead of until it reaches its maximum duration.
This form immediately deactivates if the spell ends early. If
the spell must be maintained with concentration, the Const-
itution saving throws you make to keep your concentration
are made with disadvantage.
Retaliate
Prerequisite: 10th level
Activation Time: 1 reaction, which you take when you are hit
by an attack from a creature
Range: 20 feet
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: Instantaneous
Your locus seeks out the creature that harmed you, punishing
the offender even if you can't see them yourself. The creature
instantly takes necrotic damage equal to 1d10 + your spellca-
sting ability modifier as long as it is within the form's range.
Ruse
Prerequisite: 14th level, Intelligence 13 or higher
Activation Time: 1 reaction, which you take when a creature
within 120 feet of you notices you for the first time
Range: 120 feet
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: 10 minutes
You quickly attempt to fool the creature's vision, making it
think as though your existence was just a trick of the light.
The creature must make an Intelligence saving throw. If it
fails, you and your held equipment are considered to be
invisible to that creature for as long as this form is active. The
form deactivates early if the target is ever outside of the
form's range or if you harm it in any way.
Splitter
Prerequisite: 7th level, locus weapon form
Activation Time: 1 bonus action
Range: Self
Somatic Requirement: Two hands
Duration: Instantaneous
You create a special locus weapon with the finesse and two-
handed properties. It deals 1d4 slashing damage on a hit and
counts as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance
and immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage. As with all
other locus weapons, it disappears at the end of your turn.
Each time you attack with this locus weapon, you can
target up to two creatures that are both within 5 feet of you.
You make a separate attack roll for each target.
Track
Prerequisite: 4th level
Activation Time: 1 reaction, which you take when a creature
that you can see attempts to move behind cover, burrow
underground, turn invisible, or enter the ethereal plane
Range: 90 feet
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: 10 minutes
You send a tiny part of your locus to a creature that is
attempting to break line of sight with you. Make a ranged
spell attack against the target. On a hit, the creature takes
1d4 necrotic damage, and you know its location as long as it
remains within range. While this form is active, you can use
your bonus action to instantly deal 1d4 necrotic damage to
the creature again. The form deactivates early if the creature
dies or is ever outside of the form's range.
Alternatively, you can use your action to touch a willing
creature and apply the tracking effect of this form to it
without making an attack or dealing damage.
Trip
Activation Time: 1 reaction, which you take when a creature
that you can see moves out of your reach
Range: Touch
Somatic Requirement: Two hands
Duration: Instantaneous
Your locus grasps at the creature's limbs, forcing it to make a
Strength saving throw. If it fails, the creature takes 1d12
necrotic damage and is knocked prone.
Weave
Prerequisite: 7th level
Activation Time: 1 bonus action
Range: Self
Somatic Requirement: One hand
Duration: Instantaneous
Until the end of your turn, you can move through the space of
any creature, regardless of its size, without treating occupied
spaces as difficult terrain. Additionally, your movement does
not provoke opportunity attacks for the rest of the turn.
As normal, you can't willingly end your turn in another
creature's space.
Credits
Original Homebrew Content by Acenm5.
Context: D&D 5th Edition by Wizards of the Coast, LLC.
Page 20 Subject Art: Three Warriors (1) by Chaehoon Kim.
Page 20 Compass Art: Joshua Art 017 by Studio Aught.
Page 20-21 Art: Vestige of the Seven Dawns - Establishing
  by Finnian MacManus.
Page 23 Art: Necromancer by Youngjin Jeon.
Page 25 Art: Travel Backpack by Tottor.
Page 26 Art: Three Warriors (2) by Chaehoon Kim.
Page 27 Art: Project V by Chaehoon Kim.
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