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Returning 35 results for 'bards build diffusing cunning rivals'.
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bards build diffusing curving rivals
bards build diffusing cutting rivals
bards build diffusing cunning rival
Species
Eberron: Forge of the Artificer
philosophy often become bards, diplomats, mediators, or translators. Others, fascinated by their distant connection to the Fey, seek to build bridges between the Material Plane and the Feywild of
Monsters
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
Mountain Born. Aruk is acclimated to high altitude, including elevations above 20,000 feet.
Powerful Build. Aruk counts as one size larger when determining his carrying capacity and the weight he can
, ice troll;ice trolls, young white dragon;young white dragons, the treacherous mountain terrain, and the cruel indifference of nature.
Bitter Rivals. Skytower Shelter and Wyrmdoom Crag are two
Monsters
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
Mountain Born. The goliath is acclimated to high altitude, including elevations above 20,000 feet.
Powerful Build. The goliath counts as one size larger when determining its carrying capacity and
giant;frost giants, remorhaz;remorhazes, ice troll;ice trolls, young white dragon;young white dragons, the treacherous mountain terrain, and the cruel indifference of nature.
Bitter Rivals. Skytower
Monsters
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
Cunning Action. On each of her turns in combat, Nine-Fingers can use a bonus action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.
Dagger Thrower. Nine-Fingers adds double her proficiency bonus to the
build. Her forgettable looks have proven her greatest asset as a thief, as her victims have trouble recognizing her even when they meet her again face-to-face. Keene’s leadership over the years
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
claim the throne themselves.
Those favored consorts who prove their cunning gain the ear, and perhaps even the heart, of their priestess and are relied on to provide useful advice. No position of
consort is assured for long, though; Lolth’s priestesses are notoriously fickle, and a consort must often contend with rivals.
Some favored consorts work behind the scenes to undermine the evils
Monsters
Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures
or otters scurrying through the undergrowth, to deliver messages to allies or rivals across the marsh. Some witches animate bundles of sticks and roots to do their errands about the marsh for them
, while others animate furniture, weapons, or other objects.
Feel free to build encounters with witches that include additional creatures such as animated armor, a flying sword, a rug of smothering, or a Tiny Beast acting as a spy.
Bard
Legacy
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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
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
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 to partake in
wyrmling has befriended a white dragon wyrmling. The wyrmlings’ parents, who are ancient rivals, regard the relationship with concern.
4
A crystal dragon wyrmling encourages nearby farmers to
Monsters
Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1
reward once they return to their proper station, a fog giant lures desperate criminals, cunning bandits, and other raiders into their service in the dismal wilds they inhabit. These giants prefer to
roof of a merchant’s home, seizing what they seek, and stalking away before the town watch can rally.
Intricate Networks. Clever, ambitious, and greedy, many fog giants build up whole networks of
Changeling
Legacy
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Species
Eberron: Rising from the Last War
Long ago there was a woman named Jes, and she had one hundred children. Her rivals conspired against her and swore to kill her children. Jes begged the Sovereigns for help, but their only answer
specific purpose and then might never be used again. However, many changelings develop identities that have more depth. They build an identity over time, crafting a persona with a history and beliefs. This
Rogue
Legacy
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Classes
Basic Rules (2014)
skills that help them in a dungeon environment, such as climbing, finding and disarming traps, and opening locks. When it comes to combat, rogues prioritize cunning over brute strength. A rogue
. QUICK BUILD You can make a rogue quickly by following these suggestions. First, Dexterity should be your highest ability score. Make Intelligence your next-highest if you want to excel at
Barbarian
Legacy
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Classes
Basic Rules (2014)
the latest challenger to her authority over their tribe, ready to break his neck with her bare hands as she did to the last six rivals.
Frothing at the mouth, a dwarf slams his helmet into the face
violated, or a coup that removed you from a position of authority.
QUICK BUILD
You can make a barbarian quickly by following these suggestions. First, put your highest ability score in Strength
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
spellcasting ability (spell save DC 12):
At will: mage hand (the hand is invisible), minor illusionEmerald dragons are the most curious, cunning, and manipulative of the gem dragons, wielding
adventurers in the hopes of pitting them against fire giant rivals.
Hoarded Histories
Emerald dragons prize knowledge, particularly local histories that focus on magical events and individuals
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
hand is invisible), minor illusion
1/day each: detect thoughts, invisibility, silent imageEmerald dragons are the most curious, cunning, and manipulative of the gem dragons, wielding psionic power to
experienced adventurers in the hopes of pitting them against fire giant rivals.
Hoarded Histories
Emerald dragons prize knowledge, particularly local histories that focus on magical events and
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
bards and philosophers to partake in “the Great Dialogue” in the dragon’s mountaintop lair. But only the dragon knows that the Great Dialogue has no end, and no one can leave the lair
above to build their lairs. Then, like gem cutters seeking the perfect diamond, they spend much of their lives refining, polishing, and enhancing the beauty of their lairs.
Crystal dragons&rsquo
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
the greatest bards and philosophers to partake in “the Great Dialogue” in the dragon’s mountaintop lair. But only the dragon knows that the Great Dialogue has no end, and no one can
seek out frigid, picturesque locations with clear views of the sky above to build their lairs. Then, like gem cutters seeking the perfect diamond, they spend much of their lives refining, polishing
Shifter
Legacy
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Species
Eberron: Rising from the Last War
also be a cunning rat who darts through the shadows.
Wildhunt shifters are born from any creature that tracks its prey.
While the beast within certainly has a physical impact on a shifter, it has a
different in personality. With any shifter, identifying the beast within is a crucial part of understanding the character.
Similar and Diverse
Shifters are similar to humans in height and build but are
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Downtime Activities Saltmarsh provides a haven for adventurers between expeditions, and the characters can spend that time engaged in various tasks around town. The following options build on the
the ones presented in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything. If you have that supplement, consider using the guidelines for rivals and the complications attached to some of the activities given in that book. You can also offer other activities as you see fit. The ones detailed below are specific to Saltmarsh.
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
identify crisis points where their operatives are needed. Even common citizens might hire folk from the Court to find missing loved ones, locate lost family treasures, or gather information on rivals
Druid
Legacy
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Classes
Basic Rules (2014)
.
Whether calling on the elemental forces of nature or emulating the creatures of the animal world, druids are an embodiment of nature’s resilience, cunning, and fury. They claim no mastery over
? Perhaps your homeland was befouled by evil, and you took up an adventuring life in hopes of finding a new home or purpose.
QUICK BUILD
You can make a druid quickly by following these suggestions
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
, styling, or inspiration to finally cement him in the hearts of Kartakass’s people—and from there, take control of the nation. Although Harkon is unable to build his own fame, he has a peerless eye for
talent. His protégés swiftly attain stardom, and with it, Harkon’s resentment. Harkon’s frustration eventually gives way to indulgences of his lycanthropic hungers. Bloody slaughters of his students and rivals often precede him moving on to another town.
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
identify crisis points where their operatives are needed. Even common citizens might hire folk from the Court to find missing loved ones, locate lost family treasures, or gather information on rivals
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer
become bards, diplomats, mediators, or translators. Others, fascinated by their distant connection to the Fey, seek to build bridges between the Material Plane and the Feywild of Thelanis. These
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
Quick Build You can make a rogue quickly by following these suggestions. First, Dexterity should be your highest ability score. Make Intelligence your next-highest if you want to excel at
Proficiency
Bonus
Sneak
Attack
Features
1st
+2
1d6
Expertise, Sneak Attack, Thieves’ Cant
2nd
+2
1d6
Cunning Action
3rd
+2
2d6
Roguish Archetype
4th
+2
2d6
Ability
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron
born in the wild, and your wits and your weapons helped you survive. Talenta warriors are often barbarians or rangers, relying on speed and skill. However, cunning and charisma are equally important
, and bards and rogues certainly have a place on the plains. Outlander is a logical background, but you could easily be a bold folk hero, a dashing entertainer, or a clever charlatan. You could even be an
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
of its mother’s house, lending its thirst for destruction to that house’s plans to triumph over its rivals. A draegloth is an ogre-sized, four-armed humanoid with purple-black skin and yellow-white
family’s rivals, which were not thus gifted. The birth prompts the leaders of the house to begin crafting new plans to strike at its rivals when the draegloth is fully grown. These plans always use
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
their favor, and they hire adventurers to secure it. Final Key A storm giant offers the characters a stunning reward if the characters can use the Star Forge (in this chapter) to build him a machine
the observatory’s Death Ray to destroy her rivals in Hiatea’s Hearth (in this chapter). The current ruler of Hiatea’s Hearth has learned of the giant’s plan and implores the characters to thwart it
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
Build Your Group Naturally, a large portion of the Boromar Clan’s members come from a criminal background. There’s no reason characters with other backgrounds can’t be part of the syndicate, though
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
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
Creating a Bard Bards thrive on stories, whether those stories are true or not. Your character’s background and motivations are not as important as the stories that he or she tells about them
a story. Some bards acquire their magical music through extraordinary means, including the inspiration of fey or other supernatural creatures. Did you serve an apprenticeship, studying under a master
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
Elvish Gnoll +2 Str, -2 Int Rampage; darkvision 60 ft. Gnome* +2 Int, +2 Dex or Con Gnome Cunning; Small size; speed 25 ft.; darkvision 60 ft.; speaks Common and Gnomish Gnome, deep +1 Str, +2 Dex
Gnome Cunning, Innate Spellcasting, Stone Camouflage; Small size; speed 20 ft.; darkvision 120 ft.; speaks Gnomish, Terran, and Undercommon Goblin -2 Str, +2 Dex Nimble Escape; Small size; darkvision 60
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)
.
These three aspects drive a chimera to stake out a territory that is as large as 10 miles wide. It preys on wild game, viewing more powerful creatures as rivals to be humiliated and defeated. Its
greatest rivals are dragons, griffons, manticores, perytons, and wyverns.
When it hunts, the chimera looks for easy ways to amuse itself. It enjoys the fear and suffering of weaker creatures. The
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
Build Your Group A head of state like Prince Oargev requires a variety of adventurers to do the range of tasks they require. Depending on the kinds of work you do, your party might include some or
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
Build Your Group A wide variety of talents can be useful in the work of an inquisitive, leading the Finders’ Guild to employ specialists with diverse skill sets. Many inquisitives come from
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->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
knowledge by force and cunning. A mighty wizard with magic worthy of epic tales, she is a monster whose adamantine claws can flense whole armies before any soldier can land a blow on her plated hide
have allies, except for a handful of other legends like the following groups: Daughters of Sora Kell. Sora Kell’s three daughters—the gifted oracle Sora Teraza, the cunning trickster Sora Katra, and the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
Creating a Rival In essence, a rival is a somewhat specialized NPC. You can use chapter 4 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide to build a new NPC for this purpose, or pick one from your current cast of
supporting characters and embellish that NPC as described below. It’s possible for the characters to have two or three rivals at a time, each with a separate agenda. At least one should be a villain, but






