Example Rival: Marina Rodemus

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

Example Rival: Marina Rodemus The Rodemus clan was a small but powerful family of traders in the city, but years ago, they pulled up stakes and left town overnight. Marina Rodemus, the youngest child

distant city, out of fear that their secret would be impossible to keep in their former home. After fighting her way to the top ranks of the wererat clans, Marina — along with a small army of followers

Example Rival: High Priest Cheldar

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

Example Rival: High Priest Cheldar The temple of Pholtus, god of the sun, seeks to bring as many folk as possible under its sway. Though it has been in town for only two years, the temple is already

Rival Coin

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide

This gold coin has a creature embossed on each side. The two depicted creatures must be famous rivals or enemies of each other. For example, a Rival Coin might show Iggwilv the Witch Queen;Iggwilv on

Hutijin

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

all their backbiting and betrayal, devils do occasionally display loyalty, offering unwavering service to their masters. One such example is Hutijin, a duke of Cania and loyal servant of Mephistopheles

command, Hutijin can easily crush any rival who gets in his way while also defending Mephistopheles against armies seeking to contest his dominion. Hutijin has amassed enough power to challenge the

Valenar Elf

Species Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

or clever? Whatever their nature, it’s your duty to follow their example. Is this something you proudly embrace, or do you resist it? Each patron ancestor is tied to many Valenar: do you have a

particular rival who channels the same ancestor, or one who channels a rival of your ancestor? It’s also important to think about why you are traveling with a group of player characters

Orzhov Representative

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

needs warrant. For example, you can have a message carried across a neighborhood, procure a short carriage ride without paying, or have others clean up a bloody mess you left in an alley. The DM

activities in crime, banking, or debt collection could tie you to members of other guilds. Roll twice on the Orzhov Contacts table (for an ally and a rival) and once on the Non-Orzhov Contacts table

Izzet Engineer

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

tend to be loud, flashy, or explosive, even when the effect is unremarkable. For example, when you open the portal of a rope trick spell, the portal might be outlined by harmless, showy

even the lowliest attendant to make friends (and enemies) in laboratories across Ravnica. Roll twice on the Izzet Contacts table (for an ally and a rival) and once on the Non-Izzet Contacts table

Adult Moonstone Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

of an arcanaloth seeking a powerful Feywild artifact. 5 An adult moonstone dragon attempts to help a beholder worried that its dreams will soon give birth to a rival beholder. 6 Members of

look to other maps in this chapter as inspiration for the scattered parts of a moonstone dragon’s lair. For example, a well maintained and above-water version of the black dragon lair’s

Creating a Rival

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

created for themselves. Example Rivals d20 Rival 1 Tax collector who is convinced the characters are dodging fees 2 Politician who is concerned that the characters are causing more trouble than they

you describe as altering the campaign in some way. For example, a rival who wants to increase the prestige of the temple of a war god might hold a festival with drink, food, and gladiatorial games. Even

Azorius Functionary

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

cast ensnaring strike, for example, the vines created by the spell might appear as rune-inscribed glowing bands that wrap around the target and hold it in place. Suggested Characteristics

the entire city, your place in the Azorius can easily bring you into contact with members of other guilds, for good or ill. Roll twice on the Azorius Contacts table (for an ally and a rival) and

Boros Legionnaire

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

, inspired by the example of the angels, moved by the plight of the downtrodden, and devoted to the cause of justice. Or you could be a cynic in the ranks, perhaps because you reluctantly followed in the

Boros emphasis on order and community, or bitter enemies among the guilds that represent chaos and destruction. Roll twice on the Boros Contacts table (for an ally and a rival) and once on the Non

Despotic Perspective

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters

; of course the clan of duergar moving into its territory is because a rival is trying to oust it, of course the gang of adventurers in its lair were sent to kill it by a cowardly rival, and so on

, because it is the perfect example of beholderness and all other creatures are jealous. A beholder’s arrogance is a prominent aspect of its personality. Although it isn’t inclined to brag of its

Rival Coin

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide

Rival Coin Wondrous Item, Common This gold coin has a creature embossed on each side. The two depicted creatures must be famous rivals or enemies of each other. For example, a Rival Coin might show

, Aurore Folny Ring of X-ray Vision, Rival Coins, Robe of Eyes Drawbacks. A Light spell cast on the robe or a Daylight spell cast within 5 feet of the robe gives you the Blinded condition for 1 minute

Complications and Rivals

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

, and how the franchise’s enemies — or potential enemies — might get caught up in those complications. When a complication or a rival comes into play during downtime or franchise activities, the DM

suit the campaign. Who’s Watching? An easy way to focus on complications and rivals in a campaign is to think about who might be paying attention to a franchise’s activities. For example, a successful

Rival Houses

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer

sometimes boil out into conflict within the house. A Rival Houses Arc This example arc presupposes that the characters generally stay neutral in disputes among the dragonmarked houses. The characters

other motivates them to maintain peace. If the characters belong to a single house, you can adapt this example by using their house as one of the rival factions. Based on that initial assumption, the

Dragonmarked Conflicts

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer

Dragonmarked Conflicts A dragonmarked intrigue campaign might feature three significant campaign conflicts tied to the nature of dragonmarks: Rival Houses. The most significant and persistent

ones of your own devising. For example, if your campaign involves the issues between House Deneith and House Tharashk over the latter’s expansion into the mercenary trade, the powers of Droaam could

Borca Campaign Arc

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ravenloft: The Horrors Within

–6. The scheming noble or a rival offers the characters a way out of their predicament, but this involves a dangerous confrontation or daring infiltration. Supernatural forces—such as jilted

’ activities attract the attention of Ivana Boritsi or Ivan Dilisnya. The Darklord invites the characters to their estate or corresponds with them from afar, using them as agents in their rivalry. For example, either Darklord might task the characters with seeking out the missing will of Ivana’s father, Klaus.

Monsters and Motivations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

. A powerful creature encountered early in the dungeon sets an exciting tone and forces the adventurers to rely on their wits. For example, an ancient red dragon might slumber on the first level of a

d20 Goals 1–2 Find a sanctuary 3–5 Conquer the dungeon 6–8 Seek an item in the dungeon 9–11 Slay a rival 12–13 Hide from enemies 14–15 Recover from a battle 16–17 Avoid danger 18–20 Seek wealth

Creating an Artificer

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

Creating an Artificer When creating an artificer, think about your character’s relationship with the artisan who taught them their craft. Does the character have a rival? Talk to your DM about the

found throughout the D&D multiverse. In the Forgotten Realms, for example, the island of Lantan is home to many artificers, and in the world of Dragonlance, tinker gnomes are often members of this class

Elves of Valenar

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

you’re a ranger, was your ancestor a famous blademaster, or a stealthy hunter? Was your ancestor chivalrous or merciless? Bold or clever? Whatever their nature, it’s your duty to follow their example

. Is this something you proudly embrace, or do you resist it? Each patron ancestor is tied to many Valenar: do you have a particular rival who channels the same ancestor, or one who channels a rival of

Phenax's Champions

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros

one of the necropoleis in expanding or dealing with various threats. Plots and schemes are Phenax’s lifeblood, suggesting a complex, shifting campaign full of surprises and twists. For example, a

simple heist could be the triggering event for a series of major conflicts between two rival temples that ends in a citywide conflagration. Champions of Phenax could also serve as a bulwark against more

Watchtower

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things

’ protective spells, but characters might agree to remove these wards as part of a deal with the death tyrant. A character who is aware of the wards and able to perceive them (for example, via the

—volcanic activity, for example, spreading from Mekkalath’s lair—could also break the wards and release the creatures trapped within. The death tyrant is desperate to escape the watchtower and promises

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

keen intellect and magic to discover the secrets of making steel. Its military shattered rival tribes and developed advanced tactics for fighting in forests and open plains. The civilization grew into a

. (Any) 5 Inspiration. My actions set an example for the lesser castes to emulate. (Any) 6 Power. Everything I choose to do is determined by whether it will make me smarter and stronger

Wood Elves: The Tairnadal

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

their example. Is this something you proudly embrace, or do you resist it? Do you know another elf with the same patron ancestor, and what’s your relationship to that character? Do you know an elf

whose patron ancestor was a bitter rival of yours? Also consider why you are traveling with a group of player characters (who are presumably not also members of your war band) instead of serving with the

Creating an Artificer

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

Creating an Artificer When creating an artificer, think about your character’s relationship with the artisan who taught them their craft. Does the character have a rival? Talk to your DM about the

found throughout the D&D multiverse. In the Forgotten Realms, for example, the island of Lantan is home to many artificers, and in the world of Dragonlance, tinker gnomes are often members of this class

Linking Hoards

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

many more pieces need to be collected. Sometimes the correct number is obvious (the number of pieces in a chess set or cards in a deck, for example), but consider having an item found early on be

Regalia—an orb, a crown, a scepter, and so forth—belonging to a recently deposed monarch 8 Pieces of a full suit of armor that once belonged to an ancient hero 9 A set of teeth from a rival

Campaign Characters

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide

players for thoughts about the campaign. Indirect Input. The choices a player makes, starting at character creation, can indicate what they want to see in the game. For example, a Rogue player likely wants

rival midcampaign should be handled carefully to avoid straining credulity. Make sure a player is comfortable with new developments about their character before introducing them. Character-Focused

Guild Membership

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica

of guild spells that epitomize the type of magic the guild favors. The Boros Legion, for example, tends to prefer using spells of fire magic and holy light, and its guild spell list reflects that

with three contacts: an ally in their guild, a rival in their guild, and an ally or rival in another guild. (House Dimir is an exception.) Tables in each guild section help you determine who these

Running the Test

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

rival or a non-spellcasting ally steps between those trying to escape and the oncoming dragon. Unaware of the character, this rival uses the incredible magic of a glowing staff to hold off the dragon

more dramatic: Altered Magic. Spellcasting or other class features could function differently during the test. For example, perhaps each time the character casts a spell using a spell slot, they take

Battle Tactics

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters

see its opponents before 60-foot darkvision sees it. A beholder always has several backup plans ready. When dealing with one, I have three plans of my own: run, hide, and distract. Rival adventurers

are always a good distraction. Rival beholders are the best one. — Volo Best of all, if ye can learn what schemes a beholder holds dearest, threaten those schemes. Its lured attention will at

Background

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lost Laboratory of Kwalish

Barrier Peaks. His studies of an ancient, crashed planar craft set him on a path that might have seen him rival Ioun and Heward — until his experiments overtook him, and he became lost to the ages

. All that’s left of his legacy is a single example of his earliest work — the apparatus of Kwalish that is the only way most folk now know his name. It was Kwalish’s foray into the Barrier Peaks that set

Treasure

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters

can use as personal gear. A beholder’s body can’t use many kinds of humanoid-type magic items because it doesn’t have the body parts to wear them; for example, it can’t use gloves or boots because it

rival beholder (or any parts it can recover from a battle) would certainly be a prized trophy, as would be the skull of a defeated dragon, the clothing of a famous adventurer the beholder killed, or

Religious Order

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

empowers civilization, this order travels far to help the downtrodden, seeking to draw new believers by their virtuous example. 5 Militant Inquisitors. This dogmatically rigid hierarchy seeks to stamp out

deity. Religious Order Contact d6 Contact 1 Shadow Tongue. A mysterious speaker for your order advises your next steps but fears being discovered by a powerful rival faith. 2 Inspired Creator. A

Guild

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

aren’t suited. For example, guards, explorers, negotiators, and spies can be useful to a guild, whether its interests lie in trade goods, entertainment, or more questionable ventures. Whether a guild

for a guild project or for a paying client. Your group must gather the missing components from a dangerous location or a recalcitrant owner while outpacing a rival to the prize. 3 Eliminate a Rival

Franchise Tasks as Narrative

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

questions to help narrow down options. As an example, consider a group of characters whose franchise headquarters is a submersible ship, and whose staff are largely former pirates. While the characters head

franchise, the ship that fought off the franchise’s pirates might remember a few details about the franchise crew. Or perhaps the plundered vessel belongs to a franchise rival, or even a foreign dignitary

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