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Returning 35 results for 'bards before defending court runes'.
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Bard
Legacy
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Classes
Basic Rules (2014)
versatility. Many bards prefer to stick to the sidelines in combat, using their magic to inspire their allies and hinder their foes from a distance. But bards are capable of defending themselves in melee if
from Experience True bards are not common in the world. Not every minstrel singing in a tavern or jester cavorting in a royal court is a bard. Discovering the magic hidden in music requires hard study
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
Learning from Experience True bards are not common in the world. Not every minstrel singing in a tavern or jester cavorting in a royal court is a bard. Discovering the magic hidden in music requires
hard study and some measure of natural talent that most troubadours and jongleurs lack. It can be hard to spot the difference between these performers and true bards, though. A bard’s life is spent
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
sidelines in combat, using their magic to inspire their allies and hinder their foes from a distance. But bards are capable of defending themselves in melee if necessary, using their magic to bolster their
. Bards say that the multiverse was spoken into existence, that the words of the gods gave it shape, and that echoes of these primordial Words of Creation still resound throughout the cosmos. The music of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
sidelines in combat, using their magic to inspire their allies and hinder their foes from a distance. But bards are capable of defending themselves in melee if necessary, using their magic to bolster their
. Bards say that the multiverse was spoken into existence, that the words of the gods gave it shape, and that echoes of these primordial Words of Creation still resound throughout the cosmos. The music of
Magic Items
Storm King's Thunder
the ground and is a massive thing made of polished obsidian with oversized feet — the impaled skulls of four ancient blue dragons. Runes glisten in the carved obsidian, winking to life with blue
breaking at least five Ruling Scepters of Shanatar simultaneously on it. This fact has never been recorded or sung of among the dwarves or any bards or storytellers, and it can’t be discovered
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
Learning from Experience True bards are not common in the world. Not every minstrel singing in a tavern or jester cavorting in a royal court is a bard. Discovering the magic hidden in music requires
hard study and some measure of natural talent that most troubadours and jongleurs lack. It can be hard to spot the difference between these performers and true bards, though. A bard’s life is spent
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
Court of Whispers The denizens of the Court of Whispers barter for current knowledge. Heralds, criers, bards, and griots buy and sell information from the fifteen founding civilizations active in the
Citadel, as well as other lands. Skilled scouts and spies can also be hired for short-term reconnaissance or long-term infiltration. The Court is a mixed outdoor-indoor space with quiet alcoves and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Radiant Citadel
Court of Whispers The denizens of the Court of Whispers barter for current knowledge. Heralds, criers, bards, and griots buy and sell information from the fifteen founding civilizations active in the
Citadel, as well as other lands. Skilled scouts and spies can also be hired for short-term reconnaissance or long-term infiltration. The Court is a mixed outdoor-indoor space with quiet alcoves and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
carved with frescoes depicting dwarves defending their mountain homes against ankhegs, purple worms, umber hulks, and other burrowing monsters. (Hidden behind a fresco of a dwarf battling a bulette is a
“Jhesiyra Kestellharp”). The first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the gate appears in area 13b on level 9, in the closest unoccupied space next to the identical gate located there.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
filled with Janyans enraptured by the low-toned, hypnotic music of a group of bards. Xoese-Addae leads the characters to a private audience suite overlooking the quad, occupied by a single Janyan wearing
fine, billowing robes—this is Zisatta. Zisatta Zisatta The aloof Zisatta is a member of the High Court and commands Janya’s security forces, called the Billowing Patrol for their sable robes that
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
Kayalithica After fleeing Hekaton’s court, Kayalithica, an inscrutable stone giant thane, withdrew to her canyon sanctuary of Deadstone Cleft. There, in its hallowed halls, she hoped to elevate her
grants immortality to its wearer, was last seen in the possession of a human adventurer (and former Harper) named Artus Cimber. Guided by magical runes of tracking, Storvald plans to find the ring and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation
48. Shagambi’s Tomb Each character who teleports into this tomb from area 47C appears atop a randomly determined teleportation rune (see “Teleportation Runes” below). Characters can also enter the
this area: Nervous Unkh suggests that her host leave the tomb at once using one of the teleportation runes, though she can’t decide which rune is best. Impulsive Wongo thinks it’s a good idea to shatter
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
Words of the Oracle Etched into the floor of area 11 and hidden under a thin layer of frost is a 20-foot-diameter, mithral-inlaid circle inscribed with the kong (king) rune (see "Giant Runes" in the
to stop the giants? “Find a magic conch of the storm giant king, Hekaton. Use it to visit Hekaton’s court. Root out the evil therein.” If the characters already have a conch of teleportation in their
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
17. Arcturia’s Court Characters who listen at the doors to this room hear harp music beyond. The room has a vaulted ceiling 20 feet high and contains the following: Arcturia. Arcturia — a gaunt
otherwise avoid combat. Southeast Door This door has a stone wall behind it, inscribed upon which is an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). Determine the rune randomly by drawing a card from the Elder Rune Deck
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
composed recounting of deeds, events, and important persons. Dwarves combine their runes into patterns, present pictorial histories in seemingly unconnected murals and images, and otherwise leave their
clan and stronghold are inextricably tied together — if one comes undone, the other fails as well. As such, defending the stronghold is a concern that the dwarves address even in the earliest stages
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
threat) The court jester devised a deadly trap to foil anyone who sought to steal his magic fool’s cap. The jester’s tomb is located at the end of a 10-foot-wide, 150-foot-long hallway that descends
it takes time. Faint runes in the ceiling and floor at both ends of the hallway are involved in the functioning of the portals. A creature must first use an action to examine a set of runes, then use a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1
believe that their appearance derives from the primal fear inspired by fiendish creatures, while bards assert that panic, being such a repulsive emotion, is embodied by an equally ugly creature
creatures in the court of a cruel noble or foul necromancer. Should a minor bandit chief or low-ranking acolyte of evil gain the service of these creatures, take care. When the devilkin take notice of such
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries
Court of Air This wide courtyard has nary a tree nor a well cluttering its cobblestone expanse. House of Rest This three-story bunkhouse in the Court of Air provides seekers with a place to rest and
the cornices and gaze down protectively; these seemingly inert statues are stone golems charged with defending the temple. If called to service, they glide gently to the ground using a programmed
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
or by accident), where magic runes have gone horribly awry and unleashed fiendish corruption into the world, or where fiends seek powerful allies to aid their schemes among mortals. Listen. I have
plates, while one built by cloud giants might leak wisps of mist and raindrops. Any of these Constructs might have Giant runes engraved somewhere on them as part of the magic that animates them. You can
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things
Gremorly. Ritual Rod. Set into a metal tripod in the center of the room is a 3-foot-long metal rod decorated with runes and glowing with necromantic magic. The entire assembly weighs 8 pounds. This is one of
runes on the rod fill the room with acid. All creatures in the room must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 5d8 acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Once the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault
intrinsic monetary value but could lead to adventure.) Royal Scepter. The card reads, “Used in the coronation of Queen Calinia. Possible gift from elven court.” This golden scepter is intricately engraved
and succeeds on a DC 22 Intelligence (Arcana) check finds a page that serves as a spell scroll of sequester. (The thesis is worth 500 gp.) Each item is protected by two separate abjuration runes that
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight
tower and the staircases suspended above it. P13. Court of Storms The double door on the stone balcony between this area and area P22 is sealed with a lion crown lock (see “Crown Locks” earlier in the
part of the Court of Storms (area P13) and leads to one of the turrets of the central tower (area P48g on the upper level). P14b. The spiral staircase ascends 30 feet to area P14f. To the northwest
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
are held 13–14 Storage, mostly nonperishable goods 15 Throne room where the lair’s leaders hold court 16 Torture chamber 17 Training and exercise room 18 Trophy room or museum 19 Latrine or bath 20
traps 41–42 Dining room (large) for the temple’s servants and lesser priests 43 Dining room (small) for the temple’s high priests 44–46 Divination room, inscribed with runes and stocked with
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
23. Fazrian’s Court Time and neglect have diminished the grandeur of these vaulted halls, wherein the fallen angel awaits. 23a. Grand Foyer The 18-foot-high double doors to the west swing inward
within 10 feet of it. Characters must be 15th level or higher to pass through this gate (see “Jhesiyra Kestellharp”). The first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Sigil and the Outlands
, they plead with the characters to represent them in court. 5 When the coast is clear, a shady-looking Doomguard rot blade (see Morte’s Planar Parade) opens their long overcoat in front of the characters
, supposedly impartial magistrate appointed by the Guvners. Punishments are tailored to fit the crime, and advocates are strongly encouraged. Lawyers and orators, these civil servants include bards
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
statue.” It stood at the foot of Mount Waterdeep near the head of Julthoon Street. Then, after its critical role in defending the city against an invasion of sahuagin in 1370 DR, Khelben Blackstaff
from Caravan Court to the Trollwall in the Southern Ward is haunted by the hooded ghost of the mage Ruid, whose touch causes deathly chills to those he meets on foggy nights. All attempts to banish or
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
to the west is a bathhouse and laundry area with three large wooden tubs. M8. Sandstone Court This area is open to the sky. Characters on the monastery roof can enter the building here. This long
, narrow court is paved in red sandstone. To the north stands the main temple or shrine of the monastery, its copper-sheathed doors emblazoned with a triangular symbol. Doors also exit the court at its
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
patriars, traveling nobles, famed bards, and socially ambitious Lower City residents hoping to rub shoulders with the elite. The inn is unfussy, but conducts its service with flawless technique and the
shrine a popular place for weddings, dedication ceremonies, and other oaths. Legend holds that bards and artists who study their own reflections in the basin for half a day, opening their minds to Oghma’s
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
Three interlocking circles
Alathrien Druanna N Runes, writing, spellcasting Arcana,** Knowledge A quill or glyph
Alobal Lorfiril CG Revelry, mirth Life, Trickery Wine glass
be with. Stories of Hanali’s romantic adventures among elves and other mortals are perennial favorites when sung by elf bards and poets. In Arvandor, Hanali maintains a hidden pool called Evergold
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer
patriars, traveling nobles, famed bards, and socially ambitious Lower City residents hoping to rub shoulders with the elite. The inn is unfussy, but conducts its service with flawless technique and the
popular place for weddings, dedication ceremonies, and other oaths. Legend holds that bards and artists who study their own reflections in the basin for half a day, opening their minds to Oghma’s will
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Quests from the Infinite Staircase
, defending themselves if necessary. In conversation, the pechs warn the characters about the clay golem in the slate chamber (area L3). Characters can improve the pechs’ attitude toward them by offering
Kasdu’ul is trapped at the bottom of the pool, 30 feet below the surface. An unbreakable stone cage etched with glowing runes confines the genie to the pool. Characters who look into the pool and succeed on
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Nest of the Eldritch Eye
holy symbol of Oghma, god of knowledge and patron to bards and wizards. If the check succeeds by 3 or more, the character intuits that rededicating the shrine to Oghma could help against the zombies
flashes with lurid light. As if being extinguished, the glow of the runes dims as shadowy smoke rises from the carvings. The smoke gathers in the center of the chamber, where it coalesces into an
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Descent into the Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth
characters comply, the pechs become curious and willing to chat. Otherwise, they resume their work, defending themselves if necessary. In conversation, the pechs warn the characters about the clay golem in
stone cage etched with glowing runes confines the genie to the pool. Characters who look into the pool and succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check notice the cage’s faint, glimmering light in the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
on the first day of winter. The current castellan, a boorish twit named Hantanus Tarm (LN male Illuskan human noble), is responsible for defending the gates but has no military experience. The
court Naxene, but she ignores his halting advances. Among the other guests of Northfurrow’s End are numerous actors, musicians, acrobats, and other performers from Waterdeep and Daggerford. These spirited
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
and the new arrivals, but Mirran orders the guards to stand down so that she and Nym can learn “what brings these puny creatures to court.” If the characters make demands, Mirran is enraged by their
dragon has infiltrated and compromised the storm giants’ court, grant advantage on the check. Hellenhild. The frost giant jarl respects battle prowess. If the character making the check wounds






