bad borders diffusing call risk

Darkling Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

speak of a seelie fey who betrayed the Summer Queen. His true name has been stricken from history, but the stories call him Dubh Catha ("Dark Crow" in Common). So great was the Summer Queen's wrath

, and doing so wizens the creature, much like the effect of rapid aging. For this reason, darklings cover every part of their body with clothing when exposure to light is a risk. The light a darkling

Cadaver Collector

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

of a conquering army on the Material Plane. These fearsome Constructs obey their summoners until they are dismissed back to Acheron, but if a summoner comes to a bad end, a cadaver collector might

can summon the spirits of these cadavers to battle against its enemies. Although these specters are individually weak, a cadaver collector can call up an almost endless supply of them, if given enough

Darkling Elder Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

call him Dubh Catha ("Dark Crow" in Common). So great was the Summer Queen's wrath that she cursed every member of his house. Other fey refer to the descendants of Dubh Catha's house as the dubh sith-or

part of their body with clothing when exposure to light is a risk. The light a darkling absorbs over the course of its lifetime explodes outward when the darkling dies, incinerating the creature and

Cadaver Collector Legacy

Monsters Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes

back to Acheron, but if a summoner comes to a bad end, a cadaver collector might wander the Material Plane for centuries, collecting corpses while searching for a way to return home. Sweeping the Dead

creatures for eventual impalement. Although these specters are individually weak, a cadaver collector can call up an almost endless supply of them, if given time. Constructed Nature. A cadaver collector

Deathlock

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

a good god, while one that serves a Great Old One might hunt for the materials needed to call forth a horrifying entity into the world. To accomplish a difficult goal, the deathlock might be forced

warlock. The consequences of breaking that pact can be dire and, in some cases, lethal. A warlock who fails to live up to a bargain with an evil patron runs the risk of rising from the dead as a deathlock

Failed Merchant

Backgrounds Acquisitions Incorporated

Maybe you come from a long line of merchants. Perhaps you were an entrepreneur. Regardless, your ventures ended poorly. Whether it was because of outside influences, bad luck, or simply because your

clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp Feature: Supply Chain From your time as a merchant, you retain connections with wholesalers, suppliers, and other merchants and entrepreneurs. You can call upon these connections when looking for items or information.

Nilbog

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

call the possessing spirit, as well as the goblin possessed by it, a nilbog (“goblin” spelled backward), and they revel in the chaos a nilbog sows. Whenever goblinoids form a host, there is

possess another goblin. The only way to keep a nilbog from wreaking havoc is to treat it well and give it respect and praise. Among fey courts, the risk of attracting a nilbog has given rise to the

Leonin

Species Mythic Odysseys of Theros

the leonin who call that land home. Leonin and the Gods d6 Attitude 1 I’m amused by the antics of the gods and their earnest, but ultimately deluded, mortal champions, and I

adversaries—incredibly clever and well-prepared to play a long game but ultimately doomed to lose their games. 4 I’m certain every bad thing that happens can ultimately be blamed on the

Firbolg Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

something that put their homeland at risk, such as starting a forest fire or killing a rare or beautiful wild creature. These firbolgs are loners who wander the world in hope of finding a new place to

call home. Orphaned firbolgs are those whose clans or homelands have been destroyed. They become crusaders for nature, seeking to avenge their loss and prevent the further destruction of the natural

Selesnya Initiate

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

proven to be a danger to them. The members of the enclave will shield you from the law or anyone else searching for you, though they will not risk their lives in this effort. In addition, as a guild

conclave has a deeper connection to the Worldsoul than I do. 6 I’m trying to atone for the life of crime I led before I joined the Selesnya, but I find it hard to give up my bad habits

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

hatred of the civilized races of the world and their need to satisfy the demands of their deities, the orcs know that if they fight well and bring glory to their tribe, Gruumsh will call them home to

area is at risk. If orcs come upon a target that is too large to assault directly, they will lurk along supply routes, taking out their frustration on caravans and travelers. Left unchecked, a tribe can

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

, designed to collapse under the weight of any creature heavier than a kobold. On occasion, the route through a kobold lair runs along a ledge that borders a cavern or a crevasse, and the kobolds might

other useful items, but if they are at risk of discovery, they run away rather than attack anyone in the house. By fleeing before they can be seen or identified, they avoid getting into a situation

Vladeska's Powers and Dominion

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

executions serve the greater good and impose necessary order, but make it clear that zombies aren’t the realm’s only monsters. Only Bad Decisions. There is one simple truth in Falkovnia: the dead are

about to kill everyone. This sets the stage for countless bad decisions, from leaders making terrible sacrifices or permitting amoral acts to individuals making fatalistic choices. Everyone in Falkovnia

Hermit - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

a frivolous lark. You’ve maintained a solitary vigil outside the cavern entrance ever since. 2 You crossed the Guild in a bad way. Fortunately, its members think you’re dead. Less

a patriar’s scion in an illegal duel. The family swore revenge, and you fled to the slums rather than risk bringing their wrath down on your kin. 6 You aren’t originally from Baldur

Arasta

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

is a formidable enemy under normal circumstances, but to give characters a truly mythic challenge, you can have her call on her Armor of Spiders. Her use of this trait signals a drastic turn in the

it a risk, though, for those who Klothys finds unworthy might be driven mad. There, within Enorasi’s hollow trunk, Arasta awaits the next would-be prophet to make her meal. Her webs stretch

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

body, thought, and emotion. Freed from the limitations of their human bodies, the yuan-ti used their new abilities to conquer new lands and expand their borders. One Race, Many Forms The bodies of all

one city-state were killed and eaten to create the first yuan-ti, and once the news of how to perform these rituals spread to other leaders, the call for slaves to fuel the process increased. As the

Quinn Hightopple

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sleeping Dragon’s Wake

. Personality. “Nice set of teeth you got there. Be a shame if something bad happened to ’em.” Ideal. “No challenge is too big to overcome. As Papa Bartho always says, the bigger they are, the harder

they fall.” Bond. “Nothing’s more important than friendship. That’s why I’ll never leave a friend behind.” Flaw. “I can’t resist punching tall folk in the groin. I call it the Halfling Hello.”

Quinn Hightopple

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm Lord’s Wrath

. Personality. “Nice set of teeth you got there. Be a shame if something bad happened to ’em.” Ideal. “No challenge is too big to overcome. As Papa Bartho always says, the bigger they are, the harder

they fall.” Bond. “Nothing’s more important than friendship. That’s why I’ll never leave a friend behind.” Flaw. “I can’t resist punching tall folk in the groin. I call it the Halfling Hello.”

Quinn Hightopple

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon of Icespire Peak

. Personality. “Nice set of teeth you got there. Be a shame if something bad happened to ’em.” Ideal. “No challenge is too big to overcome. As Papa Bartho always says, the bigger they are, the harder

they fall.” Bond. “Nothing’s more important than friendship. That’s why I’ll never leave a friend behind.” Flaw. “I can’t resist punching tall folk in the groin. I call it the Halfling Hello.”

Quinn Hightopple

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Divine Contention

. Personality. “Nice set of teeth you got there. Be a shame if something bad happened to ’em.” Ideal. “No challenge is too big to overcome. As Papa Bartho always says, the bigger they are, the harder

they fall.” Bond. “Nothing’s more important than friendship. That’s why I’ll never leave a friend behind.” Flaw. “I can’t resist punching tall folk in the groin. I call it the Halfling Hello.”

Special Favors

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

Special Favors A reward might be a favor the characters can call on at some future date. Special favors work best when the individual granting them is trustworthy. A Lawful Good or Lawful Neutral NPC

might pay off favors to protect their reputation. A Chaotic Good NPC is more concerned about doing right by the adventurers, honoring any obligations without worrying too much about personal risk or adherence to the law.

Aarakocra Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

changes in the prevailing winds that they regarded as a bad omen. Unlike the aarakocra of other worlds on the Material Plane, the aarakocra of the Realms rarely travel to the Elemental Plane of Air

, a mission of vengeance, or a catastrophe typically lies at the heart of the aarakocra adventurer’s chosen path. Two other circumstances might call an aarakocra to adventure. First, aarakocra

Roleplaying Lorinda

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

“lostling,” “caterpillar,” or “sweetskin.” She insists that others call her some variation of “mother.” Lorinda relishes the worship of Viktal’s people but treats them as livestock, guarding them fiercely

to prevent the villagers from learning her true nature. Personality Trait. “I’m the greatest parent in the world. I just need children worthy of my love.” Ideal. “Good children get rewards. Bad

Saving Throws

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

Saving Throws In contrast to an ability check, a saving throw is an instant response to an effect and is almost never made by choice. A saving throw makes the most sense when something bad threatens

what kind of saving throw is involved and providing a DC for it. In other situations that call for a saving throw, it’s up to you to decide which ability score is involved. The Abilities, Ability Checks, and Saving Throws table offers suggestions.

Special Favors

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

Special Favors A reward might come in the form of a favor that the characters can call on at some future date. Special favors work best when the individual granting them is trustworthy. A lawful good

good or neutral NPC might pay off favors to protect his or her reputation. A chaotic good NPC is more concerned about doing right by the adventurers, honoring any obligations without worrying too much about personal risk or adherence to the law.

Citadel Defenses

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Radiant Citadel

required, Arayat, commander of the Shieldbearers, also mobilizes his Shieldbearer veterans, while the other Speakers for the Ancestors call on the citizenry to bolster the city’s defense. The Auroral

Diamond’s illumination also provides strong protection. It radiates bright light throughout the city and dim light 1,000 feet beyond the city’s borders. This light is akin to sunlight, which many natives of the Ethereal Plane and evil Undead abhor.

Hermit

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus

where to go in the Lower City and Outer City for anonymity. In these slums and alley camps, you can get a damp bed and a bad meal, but also a degree of privacy and no questions asked. Living here

. 2 You crossed the Guild in a bad way. Fortunately, its members think you’re dead. Less fortunately, maintaining that deception might require you to stay in hiding until you actually are. 3

Hermit

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer

where to go in the Lower City and Outer City for anonymity. In these slums and alley camps, you can get a damp bed and a bad meal, but also a degree of privacy and no questions asked. Living here

crossed the Guild in a bad way. Fortunately, its members think you’re dead. Less fortunately, maintaining that deception might require you to stay in hiding until you actually are. 3 You study the

Meeting Atiba-Pa

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel

’ ancient traditions are lost forever, and that their loss puts his homeland at risk. Hearing of others’ commitment to reclaiming lost lore acts as a balm for his bleak moods. Personality Trait. “It isn’t

honor to serve my homeland. I will not pass beyond our borders for any reason.” Flaw. “I can’t let them see me when I’m like this. The melancholy in my bones is mine alone to bear.”

Citadel Defenses

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel

required, Arayat, commander of the Shieldbearers, also mobilizes his Shieldbearer veterans, while the other Speakers for the Ancestors call on the citizenry to bolster the city’s defense. The Auroral

Diamond’s illumination also provides strong protection. It radiates bright light throughout the city and dim light 1,000 feet beyond the city’s borders. This light is akin to sunlight, which many natives of the Ethereal Plane and evil Undead abhor.

Continuing the Adventure

compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->One-Shot Wonders: Holiday Adventure Pack

Regions The citizens of Mirabilis share much, including a common language, but different regions also have their own unique identities. Villages in the Jabali Tundra are often cut off due to bad

safety and security, more adventurous souls are often drawn to coastal towns, unable to resist the siren’s call of exploration and new experiences offered by life at sea. The southernmost region of

Resolving Interactions

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

. For tasks or actions that require no particular risk, effort, or cost, friendly creatures usually help without question. If an element of personal risk is involved, a successful Charisma check might

be required to convince a friendly creature to take that risk. An indifferent creature might help or hinder the party, depending on what the creature sees as most beneficial. A creature’s indifference

Dark Fantasy

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

keep in mind the role of heroes and ensure places for light in your dark fantasy domain. If a domain holds no place for hope, there’s also little call for resistance and meaningful plots. In addition

and evil are blurred. Choices involve deciding which outcome is least bad. Corruption and suspicion flourish among organizations and individuals. Magic and magic items might be rarer or require a

Chamber Campaign Themes

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

different ways that the demons and the dragons could be interpreting those words. Ultimately, the adventurers might be in the position of having to choose between an outcome that is bad for them but good

for the world in the long term, or a short-term triumph that carries tremendous risk for the world in the distant (or not too distant) future. Another possibility is that the adventurers are openly

Outcast Adventurers

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

their homeland at risk, such as starting a forest fire or killing a rare or beautiful wild creature. These firbolgs are loners who wander the world in hope of finding a new place to call home. Orphaned

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