Mindscourge: A Compendium of Mental Afflictions for DnD 5e

Sanity is a fragile thing, and in this world where ancient horrors lurk beyond the veil and arcane forces twist reality, the mind is as much a battleground as the body.

From the creators of Ailments & Remedies, we are proud to bring to you our next title - Mindscourge!

Mindscourge

Push the boundaries of horror and psychology with this handbook! This 70+ page handbook features brain diseases, madnesses, magic items, backgrounds, and feats for D&D and other TTRPGs.

*book mockups are subject to change and may not represent the final output.

Dymphna

This handbook is written from the point-of-view of Dymphna, a weathered mind-healer who has traveled across four corners of the world attending to outbreaks of madness. 

Through her writings, she shares not only her clinical observations but also the haunting stories of those she has encountered.

This book is her final contribution to the world before she retires. 

Madnesses & Brain Diseases

Mindscourge divides its content into two distinct categories: Brain Diseases and Madnesses. Brain Diseases function similarly to traditional 5e diseases, often infectious, sometimes magical, and occasionally parasitic or cursed.

These afflictions can spread between creatures, manifest physical symptoms, and be treated (or worsened) through mundane or magical means. They are systemic conditions of the brain, often tied to strange rituals, otherworldly entities, or forgotten plagues.

Madnesses, on the other hand, follow the standard 5e framework of short-term, long-term, and indefinite madness effects. These represent psychological breaks, mind-shattering experiences, or cursed mental states. While some entries may blur the line, this division helps DMs and players handle afflictions with clarity.

Magic Items

"A healer is only as good as the implements at hand—herbs to dull the mind, knives to open it, charms to bind what words cannot."

This chapter presents a collection of both mundane magical items tied to the treatment (or cause) of madness. Some are designed to soothe the broken mind, others to manipulate it. A section also includes cursed items that can cause or amplify madnesses.

Feats and Backgrounds

"Some people are born cracked, others are split open by the world, and a few industrious souls manage to break themselves entirely through sheer persistence."

This handbook includes 10+ dark feats and backgrounds that add a level of imperfection and depth to your characters. Some of these backgrounds are even designed to serve as plot hooks. 

Choose from backgrounds that provide unique skills and advantages, such as the Asylum Attendant, the Psychiatrist, and the Alchemical Neurothurge.

Eldritch Horrors

There exist entities beyond mortal comprehension—beings not of flesh and bone, but of thought, nightmare, and raw insanity. They do not consume food or drink, nor do they seek gold or power. Instead, their sustenance is consciousness itself.

They latch onto mortal minds until they are hollowed out into gibbering husks. This section explores various mind-consuming entities, their origins, and the mechanics of their influence, providing monsters, plot hooks, and afflictions that can be woven into your campaign.

Stretch Goals

Reward Tiers

Timeline