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College of Spirits

Classes Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

Bards of the College of Spirits seek tales with inherent power—be they legends, histories, or fictions— and bring their subjects to life. Using occult trappings, these bards conjure

spiritual embodiments of powerful forces to change the world once more. Such spirits are capricious, though, and what a bard summons isn’t always entirely under their control.

Constructed Commoner

Monsters Candlekeep Mysteries

notices that if the villagers are asked about anything outside Wisteria Vale or their individual talents, they quickly change subjects to small talk about the weather or gossip, and always in Common

a lifeless wooden mannequin. Overnight, the mannequin disappears, and a replacement villager is generated by the demiplane to take over the “slain” villager’s place and role in the

College of Spirits (VRGtR)

Classes Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

Bards of the College of Spirits seek tales with inherent power—be they legends, histories, or fictions— and bring their subjects to life. Using occult trappings, these bards conjure

spiritual embodiments of powerful forces to change the world once more. Such spirits are capricious, though, and what a bard summons isn’t always entirely under their control.

Isolde

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

warrior devoted to a pantheon of elven deities called the Seldarine. In this role, she defended the Feywild against dragons, demons, and other threats. In time, her heroics caught the eye of an

. Eladrin crave change, yet Isolde felt like she was frozen in time. She wished to leave the fey carnival and pursue other dreams, but Zybilna wouldn’t hear of it and secretly used wish spells to make

Bard

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

? Ah, then what manner of music they would bring to this world! — Fletcher Danairia, master bard Bards bring levity during grave times; they impart wisdom to offset ignorance; and they make the

ridiculous seem sublime. Bards are preservers of ancient history, their songs and tales perpetuating the memory of great events down through time — knowledge so important that it is memorized and passed

Young Crystal Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

Prismatic shards rain from the sky in a beautiful but dangerous display. Rumors quickly spread that a crystal dragon is responsible. 3 A crystal dragon invites the greatest bards and philosophers

winter wolf;winter wolves loyal to a frost giant, intent on convincing the wolves to change their evil ways. 4 A lonely werebear enjoys long conversations with a young crystal dragon but doesn

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

body, thought, and emotion. Freed from the limitations of their human bodies, the yuan-ti used their new abilities to conquer new lands and expand their borders. One Race, Many Forms The bodies of all

common apes. Although some purebloods are able to reproduce with humans, most are disgusted by the idea and would do so only if seduction is necessary for a pureblood to preserve a role as a confidant or

Ki-rin

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Outer Planes, ki-rins in service to benevolent deities take a direct role in the eternal struggle between good and evil. In the mortal world, ki-rins are celebrated far and wide as harbingers of destiny

change in weather to persist. Pure Waters. Water flows pure within 3 miles of a ki-rin’s lair. Any purposeful corruption of the water lasts for no longer than 3 minutes. Realm of Respite. Curses

Faction Agent

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

try to help those in need, no matter what the personal cost. (Good) 3 Change. We must help bring about the changes the gods are constantly working in the world. (Chaotic) 4 Power. I hope

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

, designed to collapse under the weight of any creature heavier than a kobold. On occasion, the route through a kobold lair runs along a ledge that borders a cavern or a crevasse, and the kobolds might

on. Even a stupid or physically weak kobold is given a role in the tribe, whether something as simple as picking mushrooms for food or watching over hatchlings, and they all understand that their

Spell Modifications

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin

Spell Modifications Drenched in the eldritch energy of the Nine Hells, Avernus warps magic used within its borders. At your discretion, a spell can be cosmetically modified to demonstrate the

corruption of Avernus; these modifications don’t change the spell’s mechanical effects. The following are some examples: Hunter’s Mark. A spectral crown of spiked iron encircles the target’s head. Mage Hand

Build Your Group

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

give them a broad range of knowledge to support their schemes. Bards, rogues, and wizards are often drawn to this role. Safecracker. The “breaking” part of “breaking and entering” is the Safecracker’s

, and Persuasion. The charlatan background is perfect for Talkers, but criminals, urchins, and others can fill the role with the right skills. Bards are a natural fit for the job as well.

Traversing Lorwyn-Shadowmoor

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lorwyn: First Light

Traversing Lorwyn-Shadowmoor The borders of Lorwyn and Shadowmoor are mostly set. However, they can change for myriad unexpected reasons. Sometimes, boundary shifts are caused by notable births or

Build Your Group

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

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

this role, as are paladins—as long as they aren’t asked to do things that violate the tenets of their oaths. Marshal. Combat is the specialty of the Marshal, who focuses on enforcing the law of the

Azorius Functionary

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

. 8 I never change my mind once it’s made up. Ideals d6 Ideal 1 Guild. My guild is all that really matters. (Any) 2 Order. The law is meant to ensure

modeled my career after a highly respected lawmage or arrester, but I fear that my role model might be involved in something illegal. Flaws d6 Flaw 1 I’m

Continuing the Adventure

compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->One-Shot Wonders: Holiday Adventure Pack

Small Settlements Buaza - This remote village borders a former battlefield, bringing pride and sorrow to its history. Meander - A tranquil resting point for those travelling north, offering multiple

. Greystone - Energy from nearby volcanoes powers the creations of generations of tinkerers. Rylgan - Regularly used by those travelling to and from the desert as a place to change steeds. Jacaranda

Build Your Group

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

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

backgrounds such as criminal, sage, soldier, or urchin, regardless of the role they play in a group. Consider some or all of these roles for characters in your party: Client. When a routine investigation goes

Alignment

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual

Alignment The alignment specified in a monster’s stat block is a default suggestion of how to roleplay the monster, inspired by its traditional role in the game or real-world folklore. Change a

Alignment

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules

Alignment The alignment specified in a monster’s stat block is a default suggestion of how to roleplay the monster, inspired by its traditional role in the game or real-world folklore. Change a

Ivan's Powers and Dominion

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

monstrous guardians, could be clockwork devices or stuffed toys. This doesn’t change the creatures’ statistics and is revealed only in dramatic moments. Individuals the characters have known for years

. Those unable to escape are eventually forced to don the ludicrous livery of the Dilisnya household staff and become Ivan’s new servants. Closing the Borders. Ivan can close or open Borca’s borders

Build Your Group

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

can be a crucial skill, which many characters in this role combine with magical means of scrying to learn about their enemies and objectives. Bards and wizards make natural Investigators, especially

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

Athreos's Influence

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros

Athreos’s Influence Most mortals focus on the River Guide’s role in their own deaths. Countless mortal superstitions prescribe ways to garner Athreos’s favor, but all Athreos demands of those he

borders, boundaries, and that which is “neither.” Those who undertake journeys, especially dangerous ones, often drop a coin into a fountain or a body of water in apotropaic acknowledgment of the River

Build Your Group

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

firsthand experience with the creatures, cultures, forces, and histories being investigated, and the best way to get that is in the field. This role is similar to the Scholar, but the Field Researcher is

ballrooms, boardrooms, and seedy taverns, willing to do whats necessary to get what they need. Those in this role often exude Charisma and might be adept with the Deception, Intimidation, and Persuasion

Learning by Observing

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide

Learning by Observing One of the best ways to learn how to run a D&D game is to observe other DMs in action. Another DM can give you a solid foundation for understanding the role—as well as inspire

Language. What gestures did the DM use when describing a scene? How did the DM’s body language change when playing different NPCs? DM Voice. Did the DM use different voices or mannerisms for NPCs? Did

Learning by Observing

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules

Learning by Observing One of the best ways to learn how to run a D&D game is to observe other DMs in action. Another DM can give you a solid foundation for understanding the role—as well as inspire

Language. What gestures did the DM use when describing a scene? How did the DM’s body language change when playing different NPCs? DM Voice. Did the DM use different voices or mannerisms for NPCs? Did

The Iron Shadow

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Quests from the Infinite Staircase

to be told, the staircase might be found. As creativity wanes in these places, their doors and destinations change, and their landings on the staircase vanish over time. However, one force plays a

more active role in their destruction: the Iron Shadow. The Iron Shadow is a creeping malady that feeds on creativity in all its forms. A rootless, rolling cloud of gloom exhaled by the Shadowfell, the

Rules of the Trial

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

Valachan. Losers rot where they fall in the jungle. Violations of the rules are punishable by death. Chakuna closes her domain’s borders while the trial is underway and can change the hunt’s rules on a

Darkon

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

hungry. Once the prison of the lich Azalin Rex, Darkon stretched between two oceans, its lands filled with gothic cities and the monuments of forgotten wizard-tyrants. Largely ignoring his role as

the Mists surrounding the domain roil with hidden activity and creep inward. These Mists, now known throughout the domain as the Shroud, erode Darkon’s borders. Those fleeing the Shroud report

Hoard of the Dragon Queen (p. 231)

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice & Errata

the rise of evil dragons and their attempt to free Tiamat from the Nine Hells. If you use Tyranny of Dragons as a springboard into this adventure, you must change the timing of events so that the

patrol Goldenfields’ borders. If the characters take the bait, Goldenfields becomes the starting point for this adventure (see chapter 2). Although you forgo most of Tyranny of Dragons in favor of this

Modifying a Class

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

out one skill or tool proficiency for another doesn’t make a character any stronger or weaker, but doing so can change the flavor of a class in subtle ways. For example, a prominent guild of rogues in

as a proficiency. You could even mandate that skill as one of the choices for rogues who belong to this guild. You can also change armor and weapon proficiencies to reflect certain aspects of your

Aftermath of the Last War

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

with Q’barran bandits. The Valenar elves ride through the Plains in search of adventure. Monsters emerge from the Mournland. Dragonmarked houses seek to expand their role at Gatherhold and to explore

the untapped resources of the Plains. The halflings have no interest in change, but it might be inevitable. Lathon Halpum believes that if the tribes can work together, they could become a nation of

Harkon's Powers and Dominion

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

Harkon’s Powers and Dominion A born liar and shape-shifter, Harkon Lukas orchestrates elaborate manipulations. He has statistics similar to a loup garou (see chapter 5) but is never forced to change

. Those who come here seeking him must first talk their way past the taverna’s heavily tattooed head bouncer and mixologist, the werewolf Haldrake Moonbaun. Closing the Borders. When Harkon chooses to

Session Zero

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

characters. Reinforce Expectations Make it clear that D&D is a group storytelling game. As the DM, you have a role in crafting adventures and arbitrating rules, but you aren’t solely responsible for how

much fun the group has. Everyone is responsible for the group’s enjoyment of the game. By the same token, the whole group has a role in determining how scary the game is and how far that frightful

The Dual Role of Abbathor

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes

The Dual Role of Abbathor A little act of selfishness now and then is to be expected even from the wisest of folk. — Tenelar, Outcast of Five Peaks Dwarves have rigid principles and lofty

dwarven pantheon. Abbathor is an advocate of change, not stability — an attitude normally regarded with suspicion by dwarves. But in this case, the god delivers his message inside the embrace of avarice

Reporting for Duty

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

stands as you enter. “Thank you for coming. I won’t mince words: we’re in the dark regarding the dangers I fear are fast approaching our gates, and your role will be to change that. But first, you must

up Darrett or his role. If the characters ask about him, she smiles and says she’ll let him tell them himself shortly (see the “Darrett’s Orders” section).

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