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Returning 35 results for 'bards been deception cult rites'.
Classes
Player’s Handbook
Plumb the Depths of Magical Knowledge
Bards of the College of Lore collect spells and secrets from diverse sources, such as scholarly tomes, mystical rites, and peasant tales. The college’s
Monsters
Heroes of the Borderlands
pretense of charity and goodness, Ivlis is a demon worshiper who leads a wicked cult. She uses deception and skulduggery to advance her power. Though she feigns kindness and compassion in public spaces
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
often encountered as the leader of a cult dedicated to one or more Elder Evils. Usually, the seer is the only cult member that grasps the full extent of the horror the cult is venerating. The seer
’s goal is to tap into vast energy sources and perform the dire rites that will extend a bridge between the Material Plane and the squirming chaos of an Elder Evil’s realm.
An entity that
backgrounds
Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerûn
Ability Scores: Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence Feat: Cult of the Dragon Initiate Skill Proficiencies: Deception and StealthTool Proficiency: Calligrapher's SuppliesEquipment: Choose A or B
: (A) Calligrapher's Supplies, Dagger, Glass Bottle, Lamp, Manacles, Oil (5 flasks), 2 Pouch;Pouches, Robe, Rope, 30 GP; or (B) 50 GP
You are an initiate of the Cult of the Dragon. You discovered or
Acolyte
Legacy
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Backgrounds
Basic Rules (2014)
You have spent your life in the service of a temple to a specific god or pantheon of gods. You act as an intermediary between the realm of the holy and the mortal world, performing sacred rites and
offering sacrifices in order to conduct worshipers into the presence of the divine. You are not necessarily a cleric—performing sacred rites is not the same thing as channeling divine power
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
named Aameul and Hathradiah. Their gaze brings bewilderment and confusion to any who confront them.
Similarly, the spiraling Y sign of Demogorgon’s cult drives those who contemplate it for too
disadvantage, and all Charisma (Deception) and Charisma (Intimidation) checks have advantage.
Frenzied Animals. Beasts within 1 mile of the lair become frenzied and violent—even creatures that are
Backgrounds
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
the sacred rites? Or were you a high priest who suddenly experienced a call to serve your god in a different way? Perhaps you were the leader of a small cult outside of any established temple structure
between the realm of the holy and the mortal world, performing sacred rites and offering sacrifices in order to conduct worshipers into the presence of the divine. You are not necessarily a cleric&mdash
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
:
Beguiling Realm. Within 6 miles of the lair, all Charisma (Persuasion) and Charisma (Performance) checks have disadvantage, and all Charisma (Deception) and Charisma (Intimidation) checks have advantage
below. He grants his rank-and-file followers the Unerring Tracker trait, and cult leaders gain the Incite the Hunters trait.
Labyrinthine Recall. This creature can perfectly recall any path it has
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
the lair, all Wisdom (Insight) checks have disadvantage, and all Charisma (Deception) and Charisma (Persuasion) checks have advantage.
Mirrors Everywhere. Flat surfaces within 1 mile of the lair that
;{"diceNotation":"1d10","rollType":"roll"} days.
Cultists of Graz’zt
Graz’zt grants his cultists special abilities. His cultists can gain the Joy from Pain trait, while his cult leaders
Backgrounds
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
knowledge, rather than brute force. Harper agents are often proficient in Investigation, enabling them to be adept at snooping and spying. They often seek aid from other Harpers, sympathetic bards and
frequently proficient in Deception. They seek aid from the wizards, mercenaries, merchants and priesthoods allied with the Zhentarim.
FEATURE: SAFE HAVEN
As a faction agent, you have
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
Rites Cult rituals are intense and often violent, including blood sacrifice and ritual combat. Many cultists consume unnatural substances, seeking a closer communion to aberrations. They perform rituals in Undercommon, though most cultists don’t have a full understanding of the language.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Heroes of the Borderlands
K: Shrine of Evil Chaos The Cult of Chaos performs evil rites in this cave, subtly drawing monsters to inhabit the Caves of Chaos and bring strife to the Borderlands. The current cult leader is Ivlis
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica
Bard In Ravnica, bards are commonly found among the Azorius Senate, the Cult of Rakdos, and the Selesnya Conclave, serving in a variety of capacities as lore keepers and entertainers. Bard Subclass
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
drinks. Beyond these celebrations, tales are also told of bakkeia, revels that occur in deep caves and that involve ancient sacrificial rites. Most satyrs say these traditions were abandoned ages ago
, though. Cult of Horns Some non-satyrs looking for pleasure without consequences visit the Skola Vale, encouraged by dawngreets and tales of wild revels. After spending some time with the satyrs
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Unwanted Attention The day after the caravan leaves Daggerford, have each character make a Wisdom (Insight) check. (Alternatively, you can allow a Charisma (Deception) check here, permitting
characters to use their knowledge of deception to recognize when someone else is putting the same talent to use. Only characters with training in Deception can choose this option.) Interpret the results as
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
Unwanted Attention The day after the caravan leaves Daggerford, have each character make a Wisdom (Insight) check. (Alternatively, you can allow a Charisma (Deception) check here, permitting
characters to use their knowledge of deception to recognize when someone else is putting the same talent to use. Only characters with training in Deception can choose this option.) Interpret the results as
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
. The Deception, Intimidation, Performance, and Persuasion skills reflect aptitude in certain kinds of Charisma checks. Deception. Your Charisma (Deception) check determines whether you can convincingly
hide the truth, either verbally or through your actions. This deception can encompass everything from misleading others through ambiguity to telling outright lies. Typical situations include trying to
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules
Bard Subclass A Bard subclass is a specialization that grants you features at certain Bard levels, as specified in the subclass. Bards form loose associations, which they call colleges, to preserve
their traditions. This section presents the College of Lore subclass. College of Lore Plumb the Depths of Magical Knowledge Bards of the College of Lore collect spells and secrets from diverse sources
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Heroes of the Borderlands
Ivlis Secret Cult Leader Beneath a pretense of charity and goodness, Ivlis is a demon worshiper who leads a wicked cult. She uses deception and skulduggery to advance her power. Though she feigns
Wis 14 +2 +2
Cha 14 +2 +2
Skills Deception +4, Persuasion +4
Gear Leather Armor
Senses Passive Perception 12
Languages Common
CR 2 (XP 450; PB +2)
Actions
Multiattack
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
The Believers A dozen of the Red Larch town elders have a secret: They belong to a secret society that calls itself “the Believers.” It isn’t quite a cult, although it has special ceremonies and
rites passed down for generations. It isn’t quite a civic organization, despite the fact that some of the wealthiest and most powerful people in Red Larch are members. The members of the Believers use
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
. The Deception, Intimidation, Performance, and Persuasion skills reflect aptitude in certain kinds of Charisma checks. Deception Your Charisma (Deception) check determines whether you can convincingly
hide the truth, either verbally or through your actions. This deception can encompass everything from misleading others through ambiguity to telling outright lies. Typical situations include trying to
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves
dragon slay the cult’s leader. Meeting the Dragon. If the characters don’t prove themselves in battle against the cult, the silver dragon tests them with commands. The characters must either fulfill three commands or realize the dragon’s deception. The dragon tells his story if the characters win his trust.
foray into the temple. In so doing, they learn that a silver dragon has been trying to sow division in the cult and keep it from doing too much evil in the world—until heroes arrive who can help the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat
the deception eventually, but he hopes that the false mask will keep the traditionalists occupied while he completes his plans. The Cult of the Dragon recently took control of Xonthal’s Tower — an
Chapter 15: Xonthal's Tower Though Severin’s hold on the Cult of the Dragon is strong, there remain traditionalist elements within the cult that long for the old ways of reverence for the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm Lord’s Wrath
looking for a safe place to wait out coastal storms. The shore there is inaccessible except by sea, making it the perfect haven for sea travelers. Unfortunately, the Cult of Talos decided to use the
the twisted rites that honor their violent god, or to feed the monsters that share the caves with them.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
cloak or disguise one’s appearance), and proficiency with skills such as Deception, Performance, and Sleight of Hand all greatly benefit the Chameleon. Bards and rogues, as well as characters with
patron’s behalf. Consider some or all of these roles for the characters in your party: Chameleon. A master of disguise, sleight of hand, and deception, the Chameleon can perform the work of the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves
of Xia’s cult. Cultist Eleith Brittlebones has been duped into following the cult of Orcus. Xia convinced the dwarf that the world is nearing its end, the gods are dead, and the demonic forces of death
undead, for example—the dwarf surrenders. In this case, Eleith becomes willing to share information about the cult in exchange for information about living deities and the state of the cosmos. See “Xia’s
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
College of Whispers Most folk are happy to welcome a bard into their midst. Bards of the College of Whispers use this to their advantage. They appear to be like other bards, sharing news, singing
songs, and telling tales to the audiences they gather. In truth, the College of Whispers teaches its students that they are wolves among sheep. These bards use their knowledge and magic to uncover
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Infernal Machine Rebuild
Cult Fanatic Cult Fanatic
Medium humanoid (any race), any non-good alignment
Armor Class 13 (leather armor)
Hit Points 33 (6d8 + 6)
Speed 30 ft.
STR
11(+0)
DEX
14(+2)
CON
12(+1)
INT
10(+0)
WIS
13(+1)
CHA
14(+2)
Skills Deception +4, Persuasion +4, Religion +2
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages any one language (usually Common
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
deception eventually, but he hopes that the false mask will keep the traditionalists occupied while he completes his plans. The Cult of the Dragon recently took control of Xonthal’s Tower—an ancient and
Chapter 15: Xonthal’s Tower Though Severin’s hold on the Cult of the Dragon is strong, there remain traditionalist elements within the cult that long for the old ways of reverence for the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)
Cult Fanatic Fanatics are often part of a cult’s leadership, using their charisma and dogma to influence and prey on those of weak will. Most are interested in personal power above all else. Cult
)
INT
10 (+0)
WIS
13 (+1)
CHA
14 (+2)
Skills Deception +4, Persuasion +4, Religion +2
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages any one language (usually Common)
Challenge 2
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves
drawn away from the cult. A character who takes the Influence action can make a DC 10 Charisma (Deception or Intimidation) check to try to coax information from him (see “Xia’s Cult” above for
Morgrin (Medium, Chaotic Neutral Cultist Fanatic), a member of Xia’s Cult who is questioning his participation in it. He was initially attracted to the promise of being transformed into an Undead
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual
Cult Members Cults often form hierarchies around a charismatic or domineering leader. While cult members might work independently, they take their orders from superiors with greater supernatural
powers. Any cult might have the following sorts of members. Cultist Cultists devote themselves to their faith’s leaders and otherworldly masters. While this zeal grants cultists no magical powers, it
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Scions of Elemental Evil
Infiltrating the Cult The characters aren’t required to pose as cult initiates to complete this adventure, but they may wish to do so to avoid battling numerous cultists at once. Characters posing as
cultists must wear their silver masks and black robes at all times or the temple’s cultists attack them. A character posing as a cultist must make a DC 10 Charisma (Deception) check each time a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
) maintain that “dead dragons will rule the world entire.” The cult thus creates dracoliches as a step toward achieving that particular vision of a future paradise. Similar rites exist on other worlds
dragon into undergoing a foul ritual. In the world of the Forgotten Realms, this ritual originated with the Cult of the Dragon, whose teachings (based on a mistranslated fragment of ancient prophecy
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
.
4 A group of cult fanatics charges exorbitant prices for funeral rites, threatening to lead the dead astray unless they’re shown proper respect.
5 A priest of Athreos speaks out against healers






