Keystone Feats
In the harsh worlds of the Kagoma System, survival isn't just about strength or power—it's about change. About defining moments that reshape who you are, that carve a keystone into the foundation of your identity. Keystone Feats are not chosen. They are earned.
What are Keystone Feats?
Keystone Feats are unique, character-specific enhancements that emerge from major turning points in your personal journey. These feats represent a defining truth about your character—something that sets you apart, crystallized through pain, triumph, failure, sacrifice, or revelation. They are not part of the normal feat selection process and cannot be gained through level-up alone. Instead, they must be unlocked through story progression, milestones, and roleplay. Each Keystone Feat is a custom mechanic, homebrewed collaboratively between the player and the DM.
Core Principles
One Keystone Feat may be gained per character, earned over the course of the campaign (though it may evolve over time). Must be deeply tied to your character’s backstory, philosophy, trauma, transformation or in game experience. Represents an inflection point—a decision or event that forever altered who you are. Unlocked at the DM’s discretion after major narrative developments, usually after a defining personal moment. Players are encouraged to propose ideas or request a Keystone Feat if a moment feels right to them.
Mechanics
Keystone Feats grant powerful, thematic benefits that reflect your character’s identity. They may grant mechanical bonuses, narrative abilities, limited magical effects, or passive talents. These feats are designed to reinforce the story you are telling—not overshadow balance, class design or existing feats.
Creating Your Keystone Feat
Want a Keystone Feat? Talk to your DM! These are crafted together to reflect your growth. Consider:
What’s been your defining moment so far?
What are you willing to sacrifice to become who you’re meant to be?
What truth about your character deserves to become power?
Example: Warforged Rebel – “I Am Not Code”
After resisting a reprogramming protocol meant to erase his mind, the warforged solidifies his sentience—burning the code away with raw will.
Effect: The warforged becomes immune to Charm and Fear effects. Once per day, he can automatically succeed on an Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma saving throw.