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Returning 35 results for 'bards being deadly court 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
Eberron: Rising from the Last War
court of vampires and ghosts in her palace of ice. Other tales claim that when anyone dies in Lhazaar, Illmarrow chooses whether to take their soul before it passes on to the Keeper and Dolurrh.
But
island domain.
Long ago, it was revealed that the elven line of Vol — a house that practiced the art of necromancy and bore the Dragonmark of Death — was engaged in secret blood rites
Monsters
Storm King's Thunder
. In this guise, she has infiltrated Hekaton’s court. While concealing her true nature and agenda from the giants, Iymrith offers counsel to Princess Serissa and at the same time secretly feeds
planted rumors in the storm giant court that the queen had been assassinated by the Lords’ Alliance, a confederacy of cities and settlements populated by small folk and scattered throughout the
Bard
Legacy
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Classes
Basic Rules (2014)
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
of song, speech, and the magic they contain. 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
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->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
Rites The most sacred rite of the Undying Court is trance communion. While in trance, an Aereni elf engages in meditation that connects them to the gestalt consciousness of the Court. This experience
congregation. A masked priest serves as the face of the Court, and any elf can approach them seeking an ease to their burdens.
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->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
their dead to be interred within this nexus of giants’ magic. Many giants hold strong beliefs and taboos about the grotto. Some might put aside a deadly enmity with their rivals to defend it against
intruders. Others might refuse to enter for any reason other than during funerary rites to inter a family member’s remains. Remains laid to rest within the grotto remain peaceful, and the power of the cave is anathema to Undead.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
The Lost Court This serene valley lies in the shadow of Mount Arak. By day, its woods throng with fat, happy animals. By night, the ground turns to mud and brambles from which the transformed victims
of deadly magic rise. A sanctuary from the terrible night beckons on the shore of Lake Lenore—the sturdy walls and warm hearth of the Nobody’s Inn. The fey and their servants avoid the inn and its skeletal innkeeper, Bryonna, at all costs.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
Rogue The Mastermind matches well with any character of cunning, intelligence, and insight who might be involved in court intrigue. But it also serves as a good way to portray a cunning pirate
captain from the Blood Sea Isles. The Swashbuckler provides another option for characters who hail from that region. Serving as pirates or mariners plying the Blood Sea, a Swashbuckler’s emphasis on speed and light armor is ideal for an environment where heavy armor is little more than a deadly anchor.
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->Storm Lord’s Wrath
deadly to vessels traveling the coast. Now the cultists of Talos collect the goods from the wrecked ships to fund their operation. They imprison survivors from the wrecks to sell as slaves, to die in
the twisted rites that honor their violent god, or to feed the monsters that share the caves with them.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon of Icespire Peak
against the terrifying powers that threaten the land. Wizards plunder the ruins of the fallen Netherese empire, delving into secrets too dark for the light of day. Bards sing of kings, queens, heroes
never safe. Fell magic and deadly monsters are the perils one faces when traveling in the Realms. Even farms and freeholds within a day’s walk of a city can fall prey to monsters, and no place is safe from the sudden wrath of a dragon.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
who currently controls the Sapphire Throne—Ramya or Arijani and Reeva. Either faction is likely to notice the party and court them as potential allies. The characters then walk the fine line detailed in
secrets of lost rulers to the practices of forbidden magical sects. Without a steady, reliable presence on the throne, ancient cults, deadly beasts, and opportunistic demagogues are free to unleash
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->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer
who travels by land or sea, or who has an economic stake in the weather, has good reason to work with House Lyrandar. But those who cross the house find it a deadly and implacable foe. Some rumors
call Baron Esravash d’Lyrandar a mere figurehead, holding court in the house headquarters of Stormhome (in Aundair). Such tales hold that true control of the house lies in the hands of a cult of the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player’s Handbook
Bard Subclasses 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
Harmony with the Cosmos Bards of the College of Dance know that the Words of Creation can’t be contained within speech or song; the words are uttered by the movements of celestial bodies and flow
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
all of these roles: Prince Oargev ir’Wynarn Civil Servant. The vast majority of work performed on behalf of a head of state has very little to do with deadly adventure: it’s about prosecuting and
Charisma to work in the service of the state. These characters often come from a noble background and bring proficiency in skills such as Intimidation and Persuasion to their work. Bards are natural fits in
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
things take a deadly turn. Such a Client is often a nonplayer character whose connection with the party is dissolved at the end of an adventure, but sometimes a Client develops a taste for excitement and
in both Persuasion and Intimidation prove helpful in this role. Bards, paladins, and sorcerers have both the requisite talents and the ability to supplement their interrogations with magic
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
their gods, questing against the terrifying powers that threaten the land. Wizards plunder the ruins of the fallen Netherese empire, delving into secrets too dark for the light of day. Bards sing of
across the world, but these paths are never safe. Fell magic and deadly monsters are among the perils one faces when traveling in the Realms. Even farms and freeholds within a day’s walk of a city can
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron
anywhere, as a seed of madness takes root in a community or court … and spreads. As if dragons and demons aren’t trouble enough, stories say there are fiends lurking in mortal dreams. According to these
, spinning out of the strife of the Last War. The Lord of Blades is a warforged insurgent, a deadly warrior and artificer who seeks vengeance against the humans who created his people as weapons for their
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer
magical rites for the next 7 days. At the end of that period, you gain a special Charm (see “Supernatural Gifts” in the Dungeon Master’s Guide) called a Manifest Charm, which lasts until you use it
. You don’t need to be in the Bastion while the rites are performed to gain their benefit. The effects of the Charm depend on the facility’s linked plane: Daanvi, the Perfect Order. You can expend the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Adventure Atlas: The Mortuary
lead them to a deadly location in the Mortuary, such as a crematorium. 3 A poshly dressed Duster wight asks the characters to help them write a eulogy that’s due in 10 minutes. 4 A friendly death dog
to expel a dybbuk† from a corpse. The exorcist asks the characters to help in dispatch the Fiend. 9 Two bards† in the Heralds of Dust approach the characters and sing a ballad honoring the dead. If the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron
Dhakaani. The Heirs of Dhakaan are an agnostic society and don’t have clerics, paladins, or druids. Their focus is on martial excellence, and their spiritual leaders are bards, who inspire their warriors
fighters, bards, or rangers. Bugbears cultivate a focused battle rage and are typically barbarians, serving as shock troops. Goblins are largely artisans and laborers, but exceptional goblins join the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Court of Orestes Locations The area around the Court of Orestes and its interior locations are identified on map 4.16. Map 4.16: Court of Orestes View Player Version 1. Khystonos Riverbank When the
count as difficult terrain. Amid the muck and gravel on the northern bank hides a deadly predator, an amphisbaena (see chapter 6). The serpent has concealed itself as it watches for prey, the mud
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
call upon thee and all of Blingdenstone to announce our glad tidings of the Faceless Lord to come at the proper time! Begone!”
Map 6.6: The Pudding Court Hundreds of ooze creatures congregate
here, drawn by the will of the Pudding King. They include dozens of black puddings, gray oozes, and ochre jellies, as well as the occasional gelatinous cube. If the characters intend to rush this deadly
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
goals, motivations, and methods. The adventurers might be drawn into the struggle of a court full of nobles vying for the throne in the wake of the king’s sudden death, or could find themselves
negotiating the end to a deadly turf war among thieves’ guilds. In this scenario, you’ll spend a lot of time on steps 1 and 2, developing each of the major NPCs as a distinct villain with an agenda. In
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica
Golgari Creatures The Devkarin elves (drow), deadly medusas, and insectile kraul are the three most important power groups among the Golgari Swarm, vying for control over a teeming horde of lesser
moldering condition, and they lend an air of high culture to the undercity court of the Golgari. Fungus Golgari territory is filled with creatures composed of fungus and detritus from the guild’s rot
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Netheril’s Fall: Tales of Terror, Treasure, and Time Travel
and its extensive underground service tunnels make it a perfect place to slip unnoticed into the Hidden Quarter district or older tunnels that lead to the Underpeak. Court of Fountains Situated in an
reflection, the Court of Fountains is also Eileanar’s most beautiful locale. The elf Aurivyl (Medium, Neutral Good Archpriest), a descendant of the Eaerlanni elves who taught the Netherese magic, is in
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
butterfly swarm is an instrument of the bards (Anstruth harp). The yellow sapphires carried by the animal-headed guards fit into the pillars in area 8. Each gemstone is worth 1,000 gp.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
legion of undead and that she maintains a court of vampires and ghosts in her palace of ice. Other tales claim that when anyone dies in Lhazaar, Illmarrow chooses whether to take their soul before it
rites with a clan of dragons. The discovery of this pact triggered an unprecedented alliance between the Sibling Kings of Aerenal and the dragons of Argonnessen. The Sibling Kings proclaimed that House
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
crop, and with a frown, summon wildfires. She rules the seelie of the Summer Court. Oberon, the Green Lord, an unrivaled hunter and woodland warrior, is Titania’s lover and frequently her foe. Oberon is
soul of savagery and the wild. Hyrsam the Fool is a prankster and prone to mischief, but when such jokes turn vicious and deadly, Hyrsam the Savage is at play. The Queen of Air and Darkness rules the
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
that creature’s next turn. Alternatively, the rune can be disabled with three successful castings of dispel magic (DC 13) targeting the rune. Sphere of Crushing Doom Complex trap (level 5–10, deadly






