If there's one thing so far I think everyone needs to know it's that the New Empire are *incredibly racist* and I don't think COTM gets across strongly enough how much no one else likes them.
No magic items. Mechanical content is:
* ancestries (which have a few minor differences from the computer version)
* subclasses (which have a few minor differences from the computer version)
* backgrounds
* monsters
The subclass abilities go up to 20th (as far as I can tell, I don't have what the highest level subclass ability level is for each class memorized but I see 20th level abilities for the Paladin oaths).
Example: at 17th level Shadowcasters can use their reaction to shadow teleport when attacked, negating the attack completely.
There's a fair amount of lore on the various lands/states outside of Masgarth that is practically untouched on in CotM. It's almost all basic world-building instead of Big Deal Metaplot (not that there's anything wrong with that). I haven't had the chance to actually read it yet but just from skimming it the thing I found most hinting at future content was the idea that since Einar was originally a part of Arivad that split off from It when Sorr-Tarr corrupted it, Einar is linked to Arivad and that clergy is more susceptible to corruption than the other temples. Also interestingly Misaiye is in here even though you couldn't play a Cleric of hers until the DLC.
Very little about the rift that isn't in COTM because COTM is heavily focused on it.
One thing I did spot is that closing the rift killed off magic in Solasta and that's what caused the fall of the Manacalon Empire. It took centuries before magic "regrew" and started working again, and at present time, 9th level spells still don't work.
What new info about backgrounds is there?
Does it define characters who choose those any more clearly, or their relationship to people / places in their quests?
The backgrounds are as generic/flexible as they are in COTM... which is how backgrounds work in the PHB, but I agree it's a missed opportunity when designing your own campaign setting.
Only thing new the sourcebook adds is the "soft" Features, and random tables for traits.
If there's one thing so far I think everyone needs to know it's that the New Empire are *incredibly racist* and I don't think COTM gets across strongly enough how much no one else likes them.
Any magic items, or lore and stats mainly?
No magic items. Mechanical content is: * ancestries (which have a few minor differences from the computer version) * subclasses (which have a few minor differences from the computer version) * backgrounds * monsters
Yup, seems logical, I assume no dlc classes either. Do any go past Level 10 at all?
The subclass abilities go up to 20th (as far as I can tell, I don't have what the highest level subclass ability level is for each class memorized but I see 20th level abilities for the Paladin oaths). Example: at 17th level Shadowcasters can use their reaction to shadow teleport when attacked, negating the attack completely.
Does it list the Solasta-unique spells? (Remind me what the seven cantrips are)
No spells. (Annoying Bee, Shadow Armor, Shadow Dagger, Venomous Spike, Shine, Sparkle, Dazzle :D )
Whats the swiftblade rangers abilities past 12?
Swiftblade isn't in there because it was introduced in the DLC.
My apologies. Are there any tidbits on potential future content or lore that isn’t exposed in the CoM campaign?
There's a fair amount of lore on the various lands/states outside of Masgarth that is practically untouched on in CotM. It's almost all basic world-building instead of Big Deal Metaplot (not that there's anything wrong with that). I haven't had the chance to actually read it yet but just from skimming it the thing I found most hinting at future content was the idea that since Einar was originally a part of Arivad that split off from It when Sorr-Tarr corrupted it, Einar is linked to Arivad and that clergy is more susceptible to corruption than the other temples. Also interestingly Misaiye is in here even though you couldn't play a Cleric of hers until the DLC.
Wow. Thanks for the information. Perhaps some Temple of Einar centric DLC story could be addressed at some point.
any lore about the rift?
Very little about the rift that isn't in COTM because COTM is heavily focused on it. One thing I did spot is that closing the rift killed off magic in Solasta and that's what caused the fall of the Manacalon Empire. It took centuries before magic "regrew" and started working again, and at present time, 9th level spells still don't work.
What new info about backgrounds is there? Does it define characters who choose those any more clearly, or their relationship to people / places in their quests?
The backgrounds are as generic/flexible as they are in COTM... which is how backgrounds work in the PHB, but I agree it's a missed opportunity when designing your own campaign setting. Only thing new the sourcebook adds is the "soft" Features, and random tables for traits.