bad borders diffusing clear race

Archon of Boundaries

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

archon overhead is a clear signal that one is entering the wilds. An archon appears as a hooded, spectral rider mounted on a winged elk with glowing antlers and gleaming eyes. Despite this

celestial realms to watch over the boundary of the wilds and protect those who dare to cross it. Sometimes knights of the realm get the idea that they can expand the borders of their land and keep the

Yuan-ti Malison (Type 3) Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

calculated poise, and its deadly strike. Their advanced philosophy taught the virtue of detachment from emotion and of clear, focused thought. Yuan-ti culture was among the richest in the mortal

their race, allowing them to shed their frail humanity like dead skin. Those that did not transform eventually became slaves or food for the blessed of the serpent gods. The yuan-ti empires withered

Dragonborn Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

proudly through a world that greets them with fearful incomprehension. Shaped by draconic gods or the dragons themselves, dragonborn originally hatched from dragon eggs as a unique race, combining the

best attributes of dragons and humanoids. Some dragonborn are faithful servants to true dragons, others form the ranks of soldiers in great wars, and still others find themselves adrift, with no clear

Aarakocra

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

birdfolk. Only when they roost on a branch or walk across the ground is their Humanoid nature clear. Standing upright, aarakocra are typically about 5 feet tall, and they have long, narrow legs that

At 1st level, you choose whether your character is a member of the human race or of a fantastical race. If you select a fantastical race, follow these additional rules during character creation

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

Deck of Many Things Legacy

Magic Items Basic Rules (2014)

30 feet of you. The fighter is of the same race as you and serves you loyally until death, believing the fates have drawn him or her to you. You control this character. Moon. You are granted the

in the hands of monsters, which you must clear out before you can claim the keep as yours. Vizier. At any time you choose within one year of drawing this card, you can ask a question in meditation and

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

everywhere in the world around them, and the priests of a tribe are entrusted with the responsibility of identifying these signs and omens — both good and bad — and deciding how the tribe should

react to them. As a race, orcs have no noteworthy universal social traits, but some commonality does exist in the crude written communication that all orcs employ and in the way that they use

Orc Culture and Beliefs

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

around them, and the priests of a tribe are entrusted with the responsibility of identifying these signs and omens — both good and bad — and deciding how the tribe should react to them. As a race, orcs

communication from the gods. If the tribe has encountered a similar omen before, the priests understand how to interpret it, but if a sign from the gods has no clear explanation, the priests might

Draconic Races

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

section offers three variant dragonborn race options that can be used to create a character with clear connections to a specific draconic ancestry. When you’re making a new character using one of these races, use the rules under “Creating Your Character” to fill out the details.

dragonborn race in the Player’s Handbook is the most direct way to reflect a character with dragons somewhere far back in their ancestry. But for players who want to try a more nuanced approach, this

Far Traveler

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

subterranean cities or settlements, you are probably a member of the race that occupies the place—but you might also have grown up there after being captured and brought below when you were a child

;t a native, your reason for leaving “home” probably has something to do with getting away from a bad situation. Feature: All Eyes on You Your accent, mannerisms, figures of

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

that the yuan-ti have prepared a special ambush at the end of the pursuit. Capture, Not Kill The objective of the yuan-ti as a race is to conquer and enslave others; they don’t espouse the sort

Aldani Basin

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation

foliage enclose the marsh. The basin is named after the aldani, a race of lobsterfolk (see appendix D). Many Chultans recall childhood fables about the eerie lobsterfolk that lived in the rivers and lakes

this basin, where they’ve kept hidden for a century. When the sky is clear, the Heart of Ubtao can be seen floating above the marsh from up to 50 miles distant (roll 1d4 each day to determine how many

Pirate Bosun

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh

tough opponents. Foul Frithoff in The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh is the bosun who protects the cargo aboard the smugglers’ ship. Ever since a bad accident, he has worn a hook at the end of one arm in

place of a hand. Pirate Bosun Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment Armor Class 12 (studded leather) Hit Points 27 (5d8 + 5) Speed 30 ft. STR 16 (+3) DEX 11 (+0) CON

The Mourning

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

the disaster in time to flee. Others survived because they were already beyond the borders of Cyre; the mist stopped mere feet away from the camps of Cyran soldiers holding sections of the Brelish

front. And though the vast majority of people caught in the Mourning died, thousands did survive. Most have no clear memory of the event, and there’s no explanation for why they were spared. The

Bad News

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

Bad News As the party’s ship sails north toward the Thunder Cliffs, a southward-sailing vessel approaches them. The ships drop anchor and the captain of the other vessel, called the Uneasy Alliance

any survivors or salvageable wreckage, so they steered very clear of the area. Captain Winchet also relays that she’s heard other sailors talking about seeing a ghost ship in this area recently. The

Noble

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh

sent here by King Skotti himself. You are expected to keep your ties to the crown secret, the better to gain a clear insight into the region. If folk know that you represent the king, they’ll put their

belt, you can achieve fame in Saltmarsh. 5–6 Your family lost their holdings when Keoland’s enemies pushed back the realm’s borders. In compensation, you have been given a writ by the crown to found a new barony. The trouble is, the land you were ceded has been swallowed by the Drowned Forest.

Aarakocra

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)

birdlike humanoids guard the windy borders of their home against invaders from the Elemental Plane of Earth, such as gargoyles, their sworn enemies. Enemies of Elemental Evil. In service to the Wind

it takes to guard against the incursions of Elemental Evil. Aarakocra have no concept of political borders or property ownership, and the value of gems, gold, and other precious materials means

Soth's Ascent

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

Soth’s Ascent As the party gets clear of the tower, read the following text: You find yourself amid disaster as ragged stone islands and crumbling buildings rise into the sky. Chaos confounds the

Dragon Army troops throughout the city. Dragonnels dodge stones in the skies, while winged draconians race to escape cracking streets. To the south, violet flame lights the sky. At its center, a solid

Elves

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

relationships with people other than your kin. Qualinesti High Elves In Qualinesti, a scout warns of threats encroaching on the elven city’s borders Long ago, a group of high elves left Silvanesti, desiring

, Qualinesti elves even enjoyed good relations with the dwarves of Thorbardin. Since the Cataclysm, however, they’ve withdrawn from the world, and few outsiders dare approach their well-guarded borders. As

The Mourning

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

mists was horrifically transformed. Over a million Cyrans were killed on the day of Mourning. Those who survived were soldiers fighting in enemy territory, those living on the borders who were able to

state of shock. Who could unleash such power? Was this a weapon, and if so, when would those responsible issues their demands? Were the borders of the lingering walls of mist stable, or could they

Dragonborn

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

with fearful incomprehension. Shaped by draconic gods or the dragons themselves, dragonborn originally hatched from dragon eggs as a unique race, combining the best attributes of dragons and humanoids

. Some dragonborn are faithful servants to true dragons, others form the ranks of soldiers in great wars, and still others find themselves adrift, with no clear calling in life.

Dragonborn

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

with fearful incomprehension. Shaped by draconic gods or the dragons themselves, dragonborn originally hatched from dragon eggs as a unique race, combining the best attributes of dragons and humanoids

. Some dragonborn are faithful servants to true dragons, others form the ranks of soldiers in great wars, and still others find themselves adrift, with no clear calling in life.

Halflings

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes

this tome, the elves set down thoughts regarding the power of innocence. They recounted how they had long observed the halfling race, watching as the chaos of the world swept around them and left

off bad luck or to bring good fortune. Villages or even families might have superstitions observed by no one else, such as the following: For a safe journey through a forest, leave a few seeds or a

Rules of Conduct

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

it’s not even clear to other residents of Prismeer when a rule has been broken. For example, brigands are able to take what they want from other folk without paying for it, and nothing bad seems to

The Darkening

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Locathah Rising

see the “darkening” up ahead. It’s difficult to see anything clearly within its borders, though you can vaguely make out the outline of a mountain of sunken ships resting on the sea floor, grown over

he opened (Umberlee’s Maw) have created an area in the ocean that acts like a beacon for strong, irregular currents and bad weather. Underwater, the effect manifests as a general darkness in an oddly

Guard Reactions

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

to wait for 6d10 minutes for no clear reason. 3 The guards refuse to admit anyone with animals, unusual weapons, or obvious magic items. 4 The guards don’t let anyone through the gate. Those wishing

their belongings. 6 The guards clear the gate swiftly to let a patriar’s litter pass through. 7 The guards skip the search if a traveler pays 1 gp for “express gate” service. 8 The guards wave travelers

Guard Reactions

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

of travelers to wait for 6d10 minutes for no clear reason. 3 The guards refuse to admit anyone with animals, unusual weapons, or obvious magic items. 4 The guards don’t let anyone through

through without searching them or their belongings. 6 The guards clear the gate swiftly to let a patriar’s litter pass through. 7 The guards skip the search if a traveler pays 1 gp for “express

Humans Transformed

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

, becoming like the gods in 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

Your Character's Abilities

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

Your Character’s Abilities Take your character’s ability scores and race into account as you flesh out his or her appearance and personality. A very strong character with low Intelligence might think

his homeland—so Bob chooses the folk hero background for his dwarf. He notes the proficiencies and special feature this background gives him. Bob has a pretty clear picture of Bruenor’s personality

Adventure Structure

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

with some secondary villains, culminating in a bloody confrontation at a noble estate. In chapter 4, the characters race to find the gold. The encounters in this chapter and the order in which they

goal is to prevent the gold from falling into the hands of the bad guys. If all goes well, some of the gold will find its way into the characters’ pockets. Characters will have a hard time claiming it

Plane of Air

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

and the encroachment of the Elemental Chaos. They are served by aarakocra and a little-known race called the vaati. The region of the Plane of Air nearest the Great Conflagration is called the Sirocco

make travel difficult. Here and there, ash clusters into floating realms where outlaws and fugitives take shelter. At the other end of the plane, near the Frostfell (the plane of ice that borders the

Trading Post

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries

mud-brick edifice, decorated with the preserved carapaces and claws of giant crabs, where commerce is normally conducted. The ground around it, usually clear of construction, now houses a host of

Jans will transport the characters as far as he can, then drop them off just outside the crab maze that borders the community before turning back south.

Archon of Boundaries

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monstrous Compendium Volume Four

meets the wilds, marking the boundary between safety (for the people of the realm) and danger. The sight of an archon overhead is a clear signal that one is entering the wilds. An archon appears as a

. Sometimes knights of the realm get the idea that they can expand the borders of their land and keep the wilds at bay simply by driving archons deeper into the wilds. Such efforts are futile; not only are

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

at the actions or deeds of other races. They aren’t forgiving of other races, and they enjoy nursing their hatred until they get a chance to wreak revenge on a creature or a race that has wronged

Life in Akharin Sangar

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

Life in Akharin Sangar Despite the rumors outside its borders, Akharin Sangar is markedly hospitable. By long-standing custom, every Sangarian is a potential host and must be prepared to entertain

curfew after sundown, and everyday interactions are tinged with restraint to steer clear of Atash’s forbiddances. Sangarians reserve intimacy for family and close friends, lowering their social guard

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