bards both defense calling reality

College of Whispers

Classes Xanathar's Guide to Everything

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 secrets and turn them

Githzerai Enlightened

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Psychic Defense. While the githzerai is wearing no armor and wielding no shield, its AC includes its Wisdom modifier.Multiattack. The githzerai makes three Unarmed Strike attacks. Unarmed Strike

hours in meditation to transcend the limits of their forms and to apprehend the nature of reality. githzerai zerth;Zerths who complete the next tier of their training become known as the enlightened

College of Whispers (XGtE)

Classes Xanathar's Guide to Everything

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 secrets and turn them

Bard Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

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

still resound throughout the cosmos. The music of bards is an attempt to snatch and harness those echoes, subtly woven into their spells and powers. The greatest strength of bards is their sheer

Learning from Experience

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

Learning from Experience

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

Selesnya Initiate

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

always straining to peer into another reality that seems to be just beyond my senses. 5 I’m uneasy if I can’t see plants growing or feel soil beneath my feet. 6 Seeing illness

finally know peace. (Any) Bonds d6 Bond 1 I would give my life in the defense of the small enclave where I first encountered Mat’Selesnya. 2 I love beasts and

Ranger Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

whistles to the hawk that circles high above him, calling the bird back to his side. Whispering instructions in Elvish, he points to the owlbear he’s been tracking and sends the hawk to distract

ranger’s true calling is to defend the outskirts of civilization from the ravages of monsters that press in from the wild. In some places, rangers gather in secretive orders or join forces with

The Gods of Two Peoples

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

. Half-elves often revere the gods of the culture in which they were raised, although some rebel against their upbringing, seeking out the gods of the other aspect of their heritage, or feeling a calling

or need to do so. As with any people, half-elves often choose a favored deity based on their calling or profession: Corellon Larethian, Azuth, or Mystra for wizards, Solonor Thelandira or Mielikki

Psychological Horror

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

Psychological Horror Psychological horror stories create suspense by heightening or calling into question characters’ states of mind, emotions, and perceptions. They often highlight the difference

. Uncertainty, paranoia, and blurred lines between reality and fiction also shape psychological horror stories. In your adventures, this might take the form of unreliable information. Characters might experience

Independent Adventurers

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

Independent Adventurers Though a ranger might make a living as a hunter, a guide, or a tracker, a ranger’s true calling is to defend the outskirts of civilization from the ravages of monsters and

, when a dragon or a band of orcs attacks, a ranger might be the first — and possibly the last — line of defense. This fierce independence makes rangers well suited to adventuring, since they are

Star Spawn

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

cultists hasten to gather together, read aloud their blasphemous texts, and conduct the mind-searing rituals that guide the blazing star spawn into the world. The cultists who blaspheme reality by

calling out to Elder Evils often speak of a Far Realm from which these entities hail. In truth, there is no one place or space from which they come. There is the multiverse of things that are, and there is the multiverse of things that shouldn’t be.

Testing Phase

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

fireballs and magical flames at its foes. Death slaadi are rumored to have a stench so bad it can be deadly. In reality, they can cast the cloudkill spell. Inexperienced scholars and adventurers

sometimes assume that “slaad” is a misspelling or mispronunciation. Calling these creatures “salads” is frowned upon. Frogs are common on campus and are often kept as pets

Independent Adventurers

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

Independent Adventurers Though a ranger might make a living as a hunter, a guide, or a tracker, a ranger’s true calling is to defend the outskirts of civilization from the ravages of monsters that

band of orcs attacks, a ranger might be the first — and possibly the last — line of defense. This fierce independence makes rangers well suited to adventuring, since they are accustomed to life far

College of Whispers

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

Bard Subclasses

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

Githzerai Enlightened

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

Githzerai Enlightened Githzerai never stop training. They spend long hours in meditation to transcend the limits of their forms and to apprehend the nature of reality. Zerths who complete the next

invisibility, shield 1/day each: haste, plane shift, teleport Psychic Defense. While the githzerai is wearing no armor and wielding no shield, its AC includes its Wisdom modifier. Actions

Major Items, Rare

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

elementals Wondrous item No Bracers of defense Wondrous item Yes Brazier of commanding fire elementals Wondrous item No Cape of the mountebank Wondrous item No Censer of controlling air elementals Wondrous

teleportation Wondrous item Yes Horn of blasting Wondrous item No Horn of Valhalla (silver or brass) Wondrous item No Instrument of the bards (Canaith mandolin) Wondrous item Yes (bard) Instrument of

Assault Encounters

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh

Assault Encounters Level 1 of the fortress teems with defenders. While most sahuagin are clustered as described in “The Defense,” a few locations prove central to the fortress’s security. 1. North

supplies rests a box made from tightly grown pink coral. Inside is a necklace of adaptation and 4 potions of healing. 19. Hall The sahuagin mount a desperate defense here, determined to protect their leaders

Bladesinging

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

Bladesinging When faced with the endless onslaught of magical possibilities, many wizards suffer identity crises. Some overcome, some break, and some become sword-bards. Tasha Bladesingers master

, a bladesinger uses a series of intricate, elegant maneuvers that fend off harm and allow the bladesinger to channel magic into devastating attacks and a cunning defense. Many who have observed a

Nylea's Champions

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

champion of another god (most likely Karametra, Heliod, or Ephara). A Nylea Campaign A campaign in which the player characters are champions of Nylea will feature great feats of heroism in defense of

wood for mortals’ use. Nylea doesn’t care if the characters are opposed by simple peasants, or by monsters beyond the characters’ ability to cope with. They might need to get creative, calling upon

Keranos as Campaign Villain

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

thwart his insights or their defense of the status quo and sends his agents to enlighten them. The campaign might end with the adventurers unraveling a troublesome prophecy, proving themselves of

unique physical laws and strange truths. Some of the inhabitants escape the isle and begin infecting the rest of Theros with their alternate reality.

Build Your Group

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

thronged by reporters, judge Haliss ir’Cronn took her seat for the first session in what some are calling the “trial of the century.” Barath Drinn, a Karrn who has been living in Wroat since the end of

Silverquill Student

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

bards find a home in Silverquill, putting the power of their voices to use with Silverquill magic. Wizards (especially those who study the Schools of Illusion and Enchantment) are common in

way to succeed. 4 I’ve mastered the art of using humor as a defense, and I always have a charming joke ready. 5 I always wait before speaking, analyzing the situation for whichever angle is most

Modifying a Class

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

faith, making them proficient with the quarterstaff and nothing else. You could give them a benefit to make up for the loss of proficiencies—something like the monk’s Unarmored Defense class feature, but

firmly in the world by associating the class with a particular race or culture. For example, you might decide that bards, sorcerers, warlocks, and wizards represent the magical traditions of four

Githzerai

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monsters of the Multiverse

with a thought. Githzerai Anarch Medium Humanoid (Gith), Any Alignment Armor Class 20 (Psychic Defense) Hit Points 144 (17d8 + 68) Speed 30 ft., fly 40 ft. (hover) STR 16 (+3) DEX

. Psychic Defense. While the githzerai is wearing no armor and wielding no shield, its AC includes its Wisdom modifier. Actions Multiattack. The githzerai makes three Unarmed Strike attacks. Unarmed

Return to Ten-Towns

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

wooden sleds pulled by canines as big as wolves. The closest driver calls out, “Can we be of service?” The figure calling to the party is Vellynne Harpell (see appendix C), a wizard of the Arcane

for last, because Xardorok knows that refugees from the smaller towns have nowhere else to go but there. Bryn Shander’s walls provide no defense against the dragon’s attacks from the sky, and the closer Ten-Towners huddle together, the easier it becomes for the dragon to annihilate them.

Build Your Group

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

the Church and the nation in pursuit of the highest ideals of the faith, as they crusade against the forces of evil across Khorvaire. But are they fulfilling that high calling? Or are they just as

Persuasion (or sometimes Intimidation) and Religion can be useful for this character. Many clerics fill this role, but devout bards can also be effective Teachers. Some Teachers bring skills from the

Warlock

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

Warlock No, you don’t understand. My magic exists outside of any known reality. I wield the power of an entity that dwells beyond space and time. Clearly, none of the profits created by that magic

Idiom As a warlock, you bring every dark aspect of your dark path and darker calling to bear darkly on your franchise’s operations. Wrapping yourself in mysterious defensive power or tagging an enemy in

Classes

compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

character’s calling. Class shapes the way you think about the world and interact with it and your relationship with other people and powers in the multiverse. A fighter, for example, might view the world in

Wizard A scholarly magic-user capable of manipulating the structures of reality d6 Intelligence Intelligence & Wisdom Daggers, darts, slings, quarterstaffs, light crossbows

Ship of the Dead

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer: Adventures in Space->Light of Xaryxis

words, Gargenhale tells any belligerent or opportunistic characters that his crew has already died once—and they won’t hesitate to do so again in defense of their ship. In conversation, Gargenhale is

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

Dwarfholds of the North

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

the North reside in the halls of the dwarves. Now, when shield dwarves invoke the name of Delzoun, they are calling upon the glory of all their past accomplishments: every feat of architectural mastery

, every fine blade or crushing warhammer forged, every kingdom and battle — won or lost — in defense of their people and the folk around them. The name is as much a battle cry and a badge of honor as

Cult of the Black Earth

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

thumbs and forefingers of both hands together. Tactics and Philosophy The Black Earth cult is the most defense-minded and patient of the four elemental cults. Earth cultists admire stoicism, endurance

suspicious of the Cult of Howling Hatred. They believe that the air cultists are mercurial, unreliable, and generally out of touch with reality. The earth cultists respect the strength and ferocity of the

Manor Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries

ballroom’s stage is filled with set pieces, props, and costumes. Treasure. Among the many other instruments stored here is Quill’s instrument of the bards (Cli lyre), which is kept in an ornate wooden case

ability to warp reality and bring to life things from their imagination. Renekor dreamed itself into Wisteria Vale from the Underdark. The beholder believes that the village and its residents are its own

Lyn Armaal, Level 3

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder

. Two magic items are displayed here as well. Anstruth Harp. An exquisitely crafted harp sized for a human rests on a shelf. This instrument of the bards was acquired from a human bard who counseled

in the pool (see below). They also come to the aid of the guards in area 29. They otherwise attack only in self-defense or if Sansuri commands them to. Looking out over the battlements are three

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