D&D: Five Sci-Fi Elements Lurking in the Rules
We all know that fantasy and sci-fi are basically two ends of the same spectrum. And here are five different ways to put some sci-fi in your D&D.
Sci-fi and fantasy are good friends. Always crossing over into each other, like the Jetsons coming together to meet the Flintstones.
Well did you know that D&D is chock full of science fiction, despite being a game of fantasy heroics? Hidden in the rules (and some not even that well) are five different sci-fi weapons, monsters, and more, any of which would be right at home in the soaring vistas of the final frontier.
Antimatter Rifle
Antimatter Rifles are in the rules as written if you know where to look. And where to look is inside the Dungeon Master’s Guide. There, you’ll find a number of sci-fi devices, including laser rifles. Antimatter rifles are where it’s at though, since a single shot from one deals 6d8 necrotic damage, making it perfect for any character who fights at range, especially if they have the Sharpshooter feat.
Autognomes
Autognomes are sentient robots who were designed by Gnomes. Each of them has a special purpose for which they were built. Now whether they try and live up to it and embrace their design, or spend their lives rebelling against the fact that they only exist to pass the butter, these robotic gnomes are a great addition to any campaign as NPCs or even player options.
Rocketship to the Moon
In Candlekeep Mysteries, one of the adventures centers around a particular tower of the venerable magical library. This tower has been outfitted with actual rockets and has been so equipped for a mission to space. And depending on how you play through the adventure, you may find out what happens if a homebrewed rocket tries to leave the atmosphere… spoiler alert, it’s not a great time.
Cybernetic Limbs
In the magitech world of Eberron, a player can find a cybernetic limb pretty easily. The artisans of the Dragonmarked houses make prosthetic limbs that can replace a missing one with no deleterious effects. While you might not be able to hack them, like you can in other cyberpunk games, the technology exists to be rebuilt.
Modrons
Modrons are monsters that permeate the entirety of the Clockwork Perfection of Mechanus. They are little robot guys whose whole purpose is to get out there and make sure that the cogs of the world are turning the way they’re supposed to. They come in a variety of flavors, each more complex (and powerful) than the last, all the way up to Primus (not the band), who rules overall.
What’s your sci-fi/D&D crossover dream?
