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Returning 35 results for 'bards being driven cosmic refuse'.
Monsters
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight
his home in the Misty Forest and deal with the threat of an evil green dragon that nests there.
Alignment. Chaotic good.
Personality Trait. “I am an elf, and time is on my side. I refuse to
give up—ever.”
Ideal. “The elves of the Misty Forest will lose their homes and likely perish if that green dragon isn’t slain or driven off. I shall deal with the dragon before
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
, it always reflects the patron’s interests, ranging from small-scale concerns to matters of cosmic scope. A deathlock in the thrall of a Fiend might work to destroy a specific temple dedicated to
, a foul Undead driven to serve its otherworldly patron.
An powerful necromancer might also discover the wicked methods of creating a deathlock and then subjugate it, acting as the deathlock’s patron.PoisonNecrotic; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks that aren't Silvered
Monsters
Mythic Odysseys of Theros
they can to maximize the impending devastation.
Honor Among Fey. Hearkening back to some ages-old conflict, oreads refuse to knowingly destroy any land inhabited by another nymph. While they won't work
mind the cycles of nature, the daily interplay of wild animals, or other cosmic forces. Occasionally, though, groups of the same kind of nymphs congregate in a place of natural power or beauty. In
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
the creation of an allip. Secrets protected in this manner range in scope from a demon lord’s true name to the hidden truths of the cosmic order. The creature acquires the secret, but the curse
remains hidden, its victim is gradually overcome by frantic energy. A scholar, driven by sudden insights to work night and day, produces reams of text with little memory of exactly what the documents
Backgrounds
Spelljammer: Adventures in Space
For longer than you can remember, you have traversed the Astral Sea. There, you experienced firsthand the wonders of the Silver Void: you stopped aging and no longer felt hunger or thirst. Driven by
lasting impression on you. This deity saw fit to share one secret or obscure bit of cosmic lore with you. Work with your DM to determine the details of this knowledge and its impact on the campaign.
Roll
Monsters
Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica
traditionally called patriarchs, though they can be male or female. They are the oldest, wealthiest, and most influential oligarchs of the Orzhov Syndicate. They have been dead for centuries, but they refuse to
Obzedat function as a unit, driven by their shared desire to accumulate ever more wealth for the guild. In times of disagreement, the eldest of the council exerts his seniority to bend the council to
Paladin
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Classes
Basic Rules (2014)
has taken him or her away from adventuring for a time, every paladin lives on the front lines of the cosmic struggle against evil. Fighters are rare enough among the ranks of the militias and armies
paladins take their work seriously. A delve into an ancient ruin or dusty crypt can be a quest driven by a higher purpose than the acquisition of treasure. Evil lurks in dungeons and primeval forests
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
driven by motivations humans can’t understand. Cults, forbidden books, and strange symbols form the cornerstones of cosmic horror. The genre has a history of framing marginalized demographics as monstrous and stigmatizing mental illness. Be aware and avoid those tropes.
Cosmic Horror Cosmic horror revolves around the fear of personal insignificance. The genre is predicated on the idea of entities so vast and so genuinely beyond our comprehension that we cannot
Sorcerer
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Classes
Basic Rules (2014)
otherworldly influence, or exposure to unknown cosmic forces. One can’t study sorcery as one learns a language, any more than one can learn to live a legendary life. No one chooses sorcery; the power
master it, or revel in its unpredictable nature? Is it a blessing or a curse? Did you seek it out, or did it find you? Did you have the option to refuse it, and do you wish you had? What do you intend
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
a quest driven by a higher purpose than the acquisition of treasure. Evil lurks in dungeons and primeval forests, and even the smallest victory against it can tilt the cosmic balance away from oblivion.
front lines of the cosmic struggle against evil. Fighters are rare enough among the ranks of the militias and armies of the world, but even fewer people can claim the true calling of a paladin. When
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
a quest driven by a higher purpose than the acquisition of treasure. Evil lurks in dungeons and primeval forests, and even the smallest victory against it can tilt the cosmic balance away from oblivion.
front lines of the cosmic struggle against evil. Fighters are rare enough among the ranks of the militias and armies of the world, but even fewer people can claim the true calling of a paladin. When
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
paladins are driven by a personal goal that either complements or transcends the dictates of their oaths. Paladins who swear different oaths might have the same personal goal, differing only in how they
sworn to do, or die trying. 4 Leadership. You will win a great battle that bards will sing about, and in so doing, you will become an example to inspire others. 5 Faith. You know your path is righteous
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
existence itself. Characters who reach 20th level have attained the pinnacle of mortal achievement. Their deeds are recorded in the annals of history and recounted by bards for centuries. Their
characters might be called on to undertake grand adventures on the cosmic stage. And as a result of these adventures, their capabilities can continue to evolve. Characters gain no more levels at this
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Doom Raiders’ coffers. If the characters refuse, the Doom Raiders are driven out of the city, yielding control of the Zhentarim in Waterdeep to Manshoon (if he’s alive). Floon Blagmaar (see appendix B
to the characters, asking that the gold be returned to Waterdeep. If the characters refuse to give it up, they are stripped of any memberships they might hold in these factions and quickly find
Orc
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
cosmic implications of Maglubiyet’s attacks. To prevent the goblinoids from outstripping her people in population, she urges the orcs to have many offspring and teach them the ways of battle not only
herself and claw Maglubiyet’s beady eyes from his face to prevent him from taking them from her. The cosmic battle between the two pantheons has raged for eons without resolution, leading those
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
, granting them understanding of cosmic truths and insights into how the future should unfold. Klothys withdrew to the Underworld ages ago to keep watch over the imprisoned titans and ensure they couldn’t
destiny from the Underworld, Klothys now endeavors to undo the cosmic damage caused by Heliod, Xenagos, and ambitious mortals in recent years. The ways in which they ravaged reality to realize their
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
versatility. Others adopt a more personal approach to their art, driven by their attachment to a muse — a particular concept that inspires much of what those bards do in front of an audience. A bard who
A Bard’s Muse Naturally, every bard has a repertoire of songs and stories. Some bards are generalists who can draw from a wide range of topics for each performance, and who take pride in their
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault
might hear you!” hisses another.
Ebbin Fulchre and his three companions are unarmed commoners who refuse to enter the cabin, even on a dare. Morbid curiosity brought them here, but they’re nothing
imparts the following information: Grave Theft. Two halflings dug up his grave in the dead of night and stole his Canaith mandolin (an instrument of the bards). Frody wants it back. (“It was a gift
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Adventure Atlas: The Mortuary
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
characters interrupt or otherwise ruin the tune, 1d4 irascible specters emerge from the walls and attack, causing the bards to flee. 10 Three skeleton farmers quietly tend to corpse-white grave
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
corruption spreading through the local flora and turning animals into Aberrations.
5 A band of hunting giants has driven its prey—enormous beasts—into pastureland. The local farmers seek help.
6
Devout giants live a monastic life at a sacred site with vast magical power—power the adventurers require to deal with a cosmic threat.
From the perspective of smaller people, a roving giant
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer: Adventures in Space->Astral Adventurer’s Guide
longer felt hunger or thirst. Driven by wanderlust, you drifted from one part of the Astral Sea to another, like a mote of dust on the wind. You have lost count of the decades that have passed since
a lasting impression on you. This deity saw fit to share one secret or obscure bit of cosmic lore with you. Work with your DM to determine the details of this knowledge and its impact on the campaign
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron
a lively debate on the current state of the Race of Eight Winds. Detention is run by a halfling who calls herself Brandy. She claims to be a excoriate, driven from House Ghallanda after refusing to
large meeting rooms, and a small concert hall. Rumors say that this is an outpost of the secret Circle of Song, a society of bards and entertainers spread across Khorvaire; others swear that House
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
persuasive than facts. These bards wield a blend of logic and theatrical wordplay, winning over skeptics and detractors with logical arguments and plucking at heartstrings to appeal to the emotions of
next saving throw it makes before the start of your next turn. Unfailing Inspiration 6th-level College of Eloquence feature Your inspiring words are so persuasive that others feel driven to succeed. When
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
demon lord’s true name to the hidden truths of the cosmic order. The allip acquires the secret, but the curse annihilates its body and leaves behind a spectral creature composed of fragments from the
overcome by manic energy. A scholar, driven by sudden insights to work night and day, produces reams of text with little memory of exactly what the documents contain. If the allip succeeds, it passes from
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monsters of the Multiverse
demon lord’s true name to the hidden truths of the cosmic order. The creature acquires the secret, but the curse annihilates its body and leaves behind a spectral being composed of fragments from the
. An allip can accomplish this task by lurking in the study or workplace of a scholar. If the allip remains hidden, its victim is gradually overcome by frantic energy. A scholar, driven by sudden
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves
are close to their ultimate triumph, persuading him to join the “winning side” in this cosmic conflict. As soon as Eleith notices a character use obvious divine magic—healing an ally or turning
destroy the Ogre Zombies. If the characters oblige, Melindra becomes Friendly toward them. If they refuse to help, she remains Indifferent. If the characters converse with Melindra while she is
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron
a former mercenary now seeking adventure. You could be working as an emissary for one of the Ghaal’dar tribes, or even Lhesh Haruuc himself. Or you could have been driven from your tribe by the
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
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)
humanoid rather than reflecting the creature’s physical form. Sages postulate that the first perytons were humans transformed by a hideous curse or magical experiment, but bards tell a different tale
peryton is somehow driven away, it stalks lost prey from afar, attacking again when the opportunity arises.
Bane of the Mountains. Perytons roost atop mountain ridges and lair in high caves. They prey
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
warlock who fails to live up to a bargain with an evil patron runs the risk of rising from the dead as a deathlock, a foul undead driven to serve its otherworldly patron from beyond the grave. An
in gathering servants of its own. Whatever the goal, it always reflects the patron’s interests, ranging from small-scale concerns to matters of cosmic scope. A deathlock in the thrall of a fiend might
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
Memories of Dae Won-Ha Despite being driven by sorrow and rage, the gwishin of Dae Won-Ha is willing to speak to the characters. Her initial communication is limited to mournful statements like
characters do this, the gwishin finds peace, and neither she nor the fog returns. If they refuse or don’t uphold their promise within a few weeks, her threat continues. Presenting All the Tokens. If the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
not downright alarmed — at the sight of an armed expeditionary force from the surface world at their gates. They likely refuse entry to the full party, allowing only a select few characters into the
characters spend much time in Gracklstugh, they become caught up in a rush of destructive events. A secret alliance of factions within the Council of Savants and the Keepers of the Flame, driven by
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer: Adventures in Space->Light of Xaryxis
undead captain places his boot on the rail along the deck of his creaky galleon and leans over the bow. His disembodied hand perches on his shoulder, and lightning from the cosmic storm flashes
sensitive to holy praise. While aboard the ship, bards and other musicians are allowed to play only secular tunes.
Article 3: Coward’s Consequence. Those who abandon their post or shirk their duty
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
vessel that can travel between worlds through space and hidden it somewhere in Undermountain (see level 19). If the characters refuse to assist Cephalossk, the mind flayer attacks them. PNEUMATIC
animate dead spells. If the characters refuse, Nylas and his will-o’-wisps attack them. Skrianna Shadowdusk Skrianna Shadowdusk (CE female Illuskan human mage) recently enrolled in Dweomercore at
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
.
4 I’ve lost so much to gambling that I refuse to spend money on anything anymore.
5 Nothing is certain. Planning is a coward’s act.
6 I can’t be sure who I’ve swindled, cheated, or
its enforcers are looking for me.
6 Urchins once helped me find marks for my games. Now I’m driven to help them escape the streets.
d6 Flaw
1 I don’t know when to quit. Especially
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd
driven berserk, she fights until the Abbot reasserts control or until she is destroyed. She has the supernatural strength of a typical flesh golem despite her smaller size. The Abbot has no desire to
healing touch. If they decline to help or behave rudely, he orders them to leave the abbey at once, attacking them if they refuse and doing his utmost to keep Vasilka safe. The music comes from






