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Returning 35 results for 'badly being diffusing contests rather'.
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Legacy
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Backgrounds
Player’s Handbook (2014)
life — and maybe get some payback on all the rich people who treated them badly.
d8
Personality Trait
1
I hide scraps of food and trinkets away in my pockets.
2
I ask a lot
;d rather kill someone in their sleep than fight fair.
5
It’s not stealing if I need it more than someone else.
6
People who can’t take care of themselves get what they deserve.
Backgrounds
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
; and maybe get some payback on all the rich people who treated them badly.
d8
Personality Trait
1
I hide scraps of food and trinkets away in my pockets.
2
I ask a lot of questions
from a fight.
2
Gold seems like a lot of money to me, and I’ll do just about anything for more of it.
3
I will never fully trust anyone other than myself.
4
I’d rather
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a4
1. Spiral Staircase The staircase is badly rusted but appears to be sturdy. The air inside the passageway is warm, humid, and rather foul. You reach the bottom of the stairs with a splash—the floor
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
Flight to Steel Springs Assuming the characters head to Steel Springs, they arrive as Kalaman’s forces engage the Dragon Army. However, Kalaman received faulty intelligence, and its troops are badly
outnumbered. Rather than joining the Kalaman forces in their advance, the characters find themselves defending a retreat. The adventure unfolds in one of two ways: With Mass Combat. If you’re using
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
petty contests, victories, and embarrassments, he grew increasingly arrogant, orchestrating events that left his rivals scarred by his spells or their own backfiring magic. During these feuds, there was
impress his people’s rulers and gain their patronage. Instead, the zulkirs revealed that Indreficus had not betrayed him. Rather, the zulkirs had watched the pair’s ascent and, wary of their potential
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
unknown assailants and their temples desecrated.
6 An archmage is corrupted by Mogis and begins summoning demons to savage the population.
7 A badly wounded caravan guard (bandit captain
associated with vicious monsters bent on wholesale destruction. He isn’t at all concerned with subtlety, but rather with creating mayhem. Adventures that bring characters into conflict with agents of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
. Contests A contest is a kind of ability check that matches two creatures against each other. Use a contest if a character attempts something that either directly foils or is directly opposed by another
creature’s efforts. In a contest, the ability checks are compared to each other, rather than to a target number. When you call for a contest, you pick the ability that each side must use, deciding
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
weather, both natural and supernatural in origin. Nylea is the best archer in the world, and contests of archery are often held in her name. Those who hunt their own food pray to Nylea for success, and
, blaming her fellow gods for the spread of civilization rather than the mortals themselves. Divine Relationships Nylea seldom comes into open conflict with the other gods, and she would say that all her
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
, you can add some action for those who remain behind by having a small number of the demons summoned by the ritual attracted to the site of the ritual rather than the location of the dark heart
chapter 16 is a good potential site. If the vast fungal colony is already dead or badly damaged by its abuse at Zuggtmoy’s hands, it’s in no position to object. Otherwise, it opposes becoming a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
buried in a rock slide, badly injured and unable to recall what happened—or the location of the dragon’s lair.
4 A reclusive, eccentric noble who sometimes employs adventurers turns out to be a
copper dragon working through various intermediaries.
5 An adult copper dragon wants griffons nesting near the dragon’s lair gone but hopes to have the griffons—and their eggs—relocated rather than
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
condescending noble might wish to see a group of upstart adventurers fail so as to keep them from becoming rivals for the king’s attention, thwarting them with slander and scheming rather than direct threats
the creature cares about. They can guess, but doing so runs the risk of shifting the creature’s attitude in the wrong direction if they guess badly. After interacting with a creature long enough to get
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight
creature has fewer than half its hit points remaining, you can describe it as being badly wounded or on the ropes. Such information gives the players a sense of accomplishment and might spur them to press
double damage from a fireball spell, be sure to let players know how badly the fire hurt it. Don’t be afraid to dole out information to characters who have the applicable knowledge. If you’re not sure
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
advantage on this check if they brought their own fishing gear to the contest rather than borrowing gear. If a character fails this check by 10 or more, they are pulled into the water and are out of the
Contests. Characters can participate in the fish catch as many times as they like. On future rounds, the best villager catches fish totaling 1d4 + 3 feet. Mayor Raven doesn’t participate again. Bad
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hoard of the Dragon Queen
, she would much rather send them against her rival than fight them. At the same time, she knows she cannot be seen as disloyal to the cult’s interests. Negotiating with Talis Talis is wary of the
, and the kobolds from area 12 running, and even yells out the window for Trepsin the troll. Pull out all the stops — and if things go badly, Talis climbs out a window and flees into the woods or through
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
turned to her advantage, she would much rather send them against her rival than fight them. At the same time, she knows she cannot be seen as disloyal to the cult’s interests. Negotiating with Talis
6, and the kobolds from area 12 running, and even yells out the window for Trepsin the troll. Pull out all the stops—and if things go badly, Talis climbs out a window and flees into the woods or
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
drow pick up the trail once more. NARROW ESCAPES
If an encounter with the drow is going badly and you don’t want the characters recaptured, you can always have fate intercede on their behalf with
tunnel between the party and their pursuers, and dropping the pursuit level by 1 or 2.
Don’t do this so often that the players feel they haven’t earned it, but use it as an option to keep the pursuit going rather than coming to an anticlimactic conclusion.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
on a hit. These townsfolk act on the same initiative count. Rather than make saving throws for the commoners to end the effect of the dragon’s Malevolent Presence on them, roll a d6 at the end of each
19, the figure is a badly wounded member of the local militia (an unarmed tribal warrior with 1 hit point remaining). On a roll of 20, the figure is an uninjured, opportunistic doppelganger posing as
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
gold rather than stone. Treasure. The gold circlet is a circlet of blasting. 39b. Bugbear Den Three bugbears sit in the middle of the floor, eating from a sack of dead rats and stirges. One of them
scraps of moldy food in this long hall.
Dead Goblin. A twentieth goblin lies dead on the floor, the victim of an argument that ended badly.
39d. Old Forge Ettins. Two ettins, a female named Krung-Jung
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
regional, and usually involved bragging rights or hunting territory. Differences were settled by individual contests of might, wits, or skill. That situation persisted for generations, until the red
northern sea might pay homage to Thrym rather than to Stronmaus. Giants that have given up hope of rising in the ordning sometimes worship Vaprak the Destroyer, who is recognized by giants as the father
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
“civilized” folk for a short time — but occasionally, a strong hand or a skilled warrior can be culled from the bunch. While this event is going on, Yartar is overrun with visitors it would rather not welcome
Fortuitous Happenstance. The Shieldmeet festival features a number of games of chance, skill, and bravery, from dice and darts, to drunken running, to wrestling and other physical contests
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
her father of her clever deeds rather than her feats of strength: she solved a sphinx’s riddles, plumbed the secrets of the ocean, and stole a string of pearls from a god of the kuo-toa. Through these
cleverer of the two, often outwitting his brother in contests where Thrym’s greater strength might otherwise let him prevail. Their history of competition ranges from striving to outdo each other in
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
Military Force The whole machine of war is barbaric. In a sane world, conflicts would be resolved by contests of apocalyptic magics or by continent-reshaping brawls between titanic, soul-fueled
force. 2 Mercenary Company. Hard-bitten veterans of numerous conflicts, mercenaries serve an employer for coin rather than out of loyalty. 3 Expeditionary Force. This military force is far from home
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Hold Access. A wooden grate covers a hole in the deck that leads down to area 12. The grate is badly rotted and covered in webs, and its unsafe nature can be noticed only by a character who probes the
quarterstaff. He has the flaming sphere spell prepared rather than animal messenger. In addition to Krell, this cabin also contains two giant spiders lurking in a far corner, and Krell’s pet phase
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
their emotions and instincts rather than out of reason and logic. Only certain charismatic orcs, those who have been directly touched by the will and might of Gruumsh, have the capacity to control the
their superior strength and endurance through cruel contests against their tribe mates, acts of unprovoked belligerence, and great success in battle. It is through these tests of strength that
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
adventurers goes badly. Any villain likely has at least one fallback plan. Take Hostages. Most adventurers wouldn’t be willing to attack the villain if they fear that the villains’ lackeys are about to
). Organizations as Villains. Rather than use an individual as a recurring villain, you could think in terms of the organization the villain belongs to or represents. For example, low-level adventurers
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh
6. 15. Ned’s Bedroom The door to this room is locked. The key to the room has been left rather obviously in the hallway outside the room and can be spotted by someone who makes a successful DC 10
Damp mold covers portions of the walls and ceiling in this large bedroom, and rubbish is strewn liberally around the floor. In the center is a single mattress that has been badly torn, from which
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
is Captain Mergen Truff (NG female elf veteran), a laconic figure who would rather be doing “real work” than standing here warning off vagrants too foolish to avoid falling into a massive hole in the
15 Wisdom (Medicine or Perception) check allows a character to notice that Feather moves stiffly, as if her shoulder is badly injured. Jolly does his best to get the adventurers out of his shop as
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a5
fight goes badly for him, he surrenders. He offers his skeleton key and one piece of lore if he’s allowed to flee to the gatehouse. Curse of Fortune. High and low d20 results matter more in this area
, the Red Wizard, is the overseer of this sector. He cares little for his underlings, including them in area effects if it means harming more characters. If the fight goes badly, he uses the black
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
drinking a potion of greater healing (see “Treasure”). Reinforcements. These hobgoblins are often loud, engaging in training or contests. The forces in area E6, E7, and E8 might investigate a
. If it becomes obvious that the fight is going badly for the cultists, the efreeti retreats to his lair in the fire node (see chapter 5) via area E14. If the characters arrive with salamanders or azers
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
. Many festhalls sponsor Founders’ Day costume contests, with prizes going to those who wear the best recreations of the garb of historical personages. Once banned as frivolous and distracting, the
martial skill, and stage mock battles. Those desiring to join their ranks are given a chance to demonstrate their prowess, usually with wooden practice weapons in contests against veteran soldiers
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
leave this level of the dungeon, the cultists replace these guards with four Crushing Wave reavers from area C23. C10. Gargoyle Fountain This chamber has been badly damaged. Several collapsed columns
sculpture has been badly damaged — two of the merfolk are missing their arms, and the third is missing her head. Hallways lead north, south, and east from this chamber. A glimmer of torchlight comes from the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin
the clifftop above. The kakkuus rush toward any opportunity for combat, so characters can draw them away with any ruse that promises bloodshed. A badly injured kakkuu flees the area, hoping to hide
players can handle a truly monumental challenge, you can use Miska’s stat block in appendix B rather than the effects listed in the “Miska Intervenes” section. In this case, the portal is wide enough
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh
their roofs appear progressively more inhabitable as they rise up into the polluted sky. The overall effect is that of a canyon, with walls made from the cross-section of a decaying shantytown rather
the deck disappears into a wall of boarded-up and badly weathered buildings. The only cleared pathway across the tilted deck leads from the bridge to a pair of massive wooden doors leading into the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation
but suffers no serious damage and can continue seeking a passage through. If the check fails by 5 or more, a rock causes significant damage; the ship lists badly and its speed is halved until the hull
over lost revenues and spilled blood. He’d rather seek lost treasures and magic items, but not by digging into ruins and tombs; instead, he’ll happily pursue adventurers across jungles and oceans to
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation
badly it appears as if it could collapse at any moment. Several buildings once stood outside the forge, but they’ve been reduced to their foundations.
The entrance gradually narrows to just 5 feet
. The box is made of iron and resembles a book, and it opens from both sides, rather like the front and back covers of a book. One side bears the dwarven rune for “beginnings,” the other bears the rune






