bards bustling diffusing child refuse

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

Creating a Bard

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

Harpers

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

Harpers Any smart, non-evil character can join the Harpers of Waterdeep. Bards and wizards are especially welcome. Harpers are altruists who work behind the scenes to keep power out of the hands of

advisor to Open Lord Laeral Silverhand. See appendix B for more information on these NPCs. Harpers prefer to conduct their business in bustling inns and taverns such as the Yawning Portal, or in quiet

Giant Foundling

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

, and you have lived with them underground ever since. 3 You were lost or abandoned as a child in a jungle that teemed with ravenous dinosaurs. There, you found an equally lost frost giant; together

. 5 After you had a series of strange dreams as a child, your superstitious parents sent you to study with a powerful but aloof storm giant oracle. 6 While playing hide-and-seek with your friends, you

14. Infernexus's Quarters

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

-foot-high, 6-inch-wide window slits that peer into the starry void. Ashtyrranthor’s youngest child is miserable on Stardock. He is eager to leave the asteroid and begin life on his own, but his mother

them. If the characters attack Infernexus or refuse his deal, he fights until reduced to 100 hit points or fewer. He then screams for his mother, who hears the call and arrives at the window slits 1d4 + 1 rounds later.

The Forgotten Realms

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

. Ships and roads lead southbound travelers to a number of bustling ports along the Sword Coast, including the following strongholds of civilization: Luskan, the City of Sails, is home to pirates as

Exile

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

bustling cities full of Humanoid peoples where they might attract attention but not necessarily open hostility. Giants who live among smaller folk tend to gravitate to positions of importance. They

giant patron—pursues the same goal as the characters. 6 A giant who lives in a city asks the characters to take the giant’s teenage child with them on their next adventure. (See the “Giant Children” sidebar for suggestions on how to represent the teenage giant with a stat block.)

Creating a Bard

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

The Khoravar

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

The Khoravar When two half-elves conceive, the child is always a half-elf. Over the course of generations, families and communities of half-elves have developed their own cultural identity. Members

communication and cooperation between members of different cultures or species. Such Khoravar often become mediators, diplomats, translators, or bards. Others are fascinated by their distant connection to

Kartakass

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

a way of life in this forested domain, with everyone from the bards of Skald to the actors of Emherst pursuing dazzling dreams. Here, the people live by a simple rule: never let an audience grow bored

after their extended spring, while songbirds sing themselves hoarse. And every local, from the youngest child to the most venerable elder, knows that dreams, fame, and immortal adulation are theirs for

The Old Dartwild Cabin

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

Mortuary Encounters

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

Suggested Characteristics

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd

danger around every corner. 7 I refuse to become a victim, and I will not allow others to be victimized. 8 I put no trust in divine beings. Ideals d6 Ideal 1 I try to help those in need, no matter

never be set free. 6 I have a child to protect. I must make the world a safer place for him (or her). Flaws d6 Flaw 1 I have certain rituals that I must follow every day. I can never break them. 2

Eyes of Blood

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel

keep their crimson hue. If the farmers are healed or roused from unconsciousness, they refuse to speak. They don’t attack again, but the locals keep them restrained. The characters likely don’t have

opens it, and nearby characters hear her curse in concerned shock. Aunt Dellie hands the crumpled parchment to any character who asks about it. It bears a charcoal sketch of a child struggling to swim

Life in Yongjing

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel

, Diplomacy, Finance, Imperial Lineage, and Public Works. A position in one of the bustling ministry offices is the most prestigious employment in Great Xing, promising lifelong access to luxury and elevated

representing the parents’ hopes for their child. The following names are common in Xing: Family Names. Jia, Ke, Li, Song, Sun, Tai, Tian, Xing (royal family only) Status. Bo (firstborn), Meng (firstborn), Xia

Theater: Autumn

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

backstage are locked. Characters who slip in through the back see actors and stagehands bustling about and the director arguing with the playwright while the stage manager looks on helplessly. On the stage

. Jarlaxle could speak to Fenerus himself, but he’s not sure if the courthouse is warded against magic. He can’t risk the exposure, so he sends the characters instead. If the characters refuse to work for

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

neutral alignment. Each child has a Strength score of 14 (+2). They speak Giant, though their vocabulary is limited. They wield wooden toys as clubs, gaining a +4 bonus to hit on their melee weapon

Ruined

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things

, child, or parent—turned against them. A devil unleashed by the Flames card might have destroyed their life. The Ruin or Talons card might have stolen the character’s material goods or saddled them

refuse to squander. (Euryale, Skull) 3 Now that I’ve overcome having nothing, I can survive anything. (Fool, Ruin, Talons) 4 I know enemies are set against me, and I always prepare for the worst. (Flames

71. Lair of the Sewn Sisters

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation

: a straw doll with rusty pins sticking into its body, a faceless child molded from clay, and a stuffed monkey with the lower body of a unicycle. The straw doll says, “You need to run away! The Sewn

blank face, and Joho the monkey coughs on its stuffing when it tries to talk. Given a chance, the dolls share the following information: The Sewn Sisters are three night hags. The dolls refuse to mention

The Village

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons

torture or death for every adult and child of the tribe. As they stall for time, Barking Seal, Bonecarver, and Orcaheart are also sizing up the adventurers’ strength. If the characters refuse to leave

The Village

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat

or death for every adult and child of the tribe. As they stall for time, Barking Seal, Bonecarver, and Orcaheart are also sizing up the adventurers’ strength. If the characters refuse to leave the

Appendix: Roleplaying Cards

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Domains of Delight: A Feywild Accessory

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

real name is Fug. He has a strong affection for Mishka (the only child in Loomlurch who doesn’t fear or mock him) and treats her like a younger sibling. He resists any attempt to remove the maggot that

Appendix D: Roleplaying Cards

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

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

real name is Fug. He has a strong affection for Mishka (the only child in Loomlurch who doesn’t fear or mock him) and treats her like a younger sibling. He resists any attempt to remove the maggot

21. Azrok's Hold

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

Azrok’s Hold d10 Encounter 1 Halaster’s scrying eye (see “Halaster’s Lair”), which observes the characters silently for a minute before disappearing 2 A goblin child (noncombatant) eating a dead rat 3 A

placates the oni by giving it newborn goblins to feed on. The first time the characters visit Kinrob, a bugbear enters to deliver a goblin child in a basket, then skulks away. Kinrob puts the meal aside

Market Ward

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Sigil and the Outlands

can develop into violent, centuries-long feuds between planar entities. Some vendors stubbornly refuse traditional currencies, guffawing at the notion that gold, of all things, has any value at all

bustling avenues at all hours, doing business with vendors from every corner of the multiverse. The Great Bazaar is a cosmopolitan sampling of the planes and the goods they have to offer. Though more

Locations V - Z

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

of Splendors is a bustling, walled city on the Sword Coast. Some merchants have dubbed Waterdeep the best supply center in the world, with the largest collection of superb craft workers, experts

child from the Blue Bear tribe (see the “Uthgardt” section earlier in this chapter). He is hiding in the inn’s hearth, and characters who have a passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 12 or higher spot

Temple of Tharizdun

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

ruined galley has buckled, and is cluttered with trash, driftwood, and other refuse washed up on the tide. To the east, the galley’s prow juts into the channel like a jagged fang, while the west side of

a tightly sewn oilcloth — an instrument of the bards (Cli lyre) found by a cultist years before. The lyre is the cult’s greatest treasure, and has been kept as a gift for the leader that the cultists

Lair Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves

to hurl enormous, 200-pound rocks to land as close as possible to a target on the ground. If the characters refuse to play, the galeb duhr are disappointed and return to their rest. Development. The

clasps an Instrument of the Bards (Ollamh harp), which she acquired in her youth. Taking the harp, plucking one of its strings, or removing the glass key from around Yemi’s neck ends the Sequester spell

Areas of the Vault

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

character’s feet on landing, forcing the character to succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or fall to the floor below. Iron Doors. Ten of the double doors are false and refuse to budge. The two

a child and can easily imagine a scenario in which Dagult Neverember might use his son as his vassal. (The dragon knows nothing of the animosity between Renaer and his father.) The characters can try

The Seldarine

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

be with. Stories of Hanali’s romantic adventures among elves and other mortals are perennial favorites when sung by elf bards and poets. In Arvandor, Hanali maintains a hidden pool called Evergold

least a century. More than a few elves claim to have experienced this benefit, and the truth of it is attested by many bards — sometimes in all earnestness, sometimes with a knowing wink. Priests of

Ziggurat Locations, Tiers 1–3

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

worship Madarua or Usamigaras, Artha tells the characters to turn back or suffer Gorm’s thunderous wrath. If the characters attack the guardians or refuse to heed their warnings, the guardians produce

robes and a silver mask depicting the face of a smiling child. The centermost figure wears a jewel-studded silver crown. Four mages of Usamigaras (see appendix B) have just initiated a new member in

Area Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Nest of the Eldritch Eye

greatly. Upon noticing the characters enter, the ghost beseeches them for help in recovering its previous identity. If the characters refuse, the ghost sulks but isn’t hostile. Discovering the

holy symbol of Oghma, god of knowledge and patron to bards and wizards. If the check succeeds by 3 or more, the character intuits that rededicating the shrine to Oghma could help against the zombies

Lady's Ward

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Sigil and the Outlands

horned devil who turned their back on the Nine Hells long ago. Kind and merciful, the new high priest hopes the congregation will see their redeemed nature, but some of the temple’s clergy refuse to

, supposedly impartial magistrate appointed by the Guvners. Punishments are tailored to fit the crime, and advocates are strongly encouraged. Lawyers and orators, these civil servants include bards

Locations E - H

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

charms or refuse to leave, calling on the centaurs to aid them (which the centaurs are more than happy to do). Whenever a dryad is killed, one or more conjured animals rise up out of the ground within

giants. The vale has been mostly evacuated, except for a few scattered farms whose inhabitants refuse to leave. Suggested Encounter As the characters explore Grayvale, a young brass dragon named Silixia

Metallic Dragons

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)

tricks with good humor. Copper dragons are particularly fond of bards. A dragon might carve out part of its lair as a temporary abode for a bard willing to regale it with stories, riddles, and music. To

, and lend a helping hand in unseen ways. In the guise of an animal, the dragon might befriend a lost child, a wandering minstrel, or an innkeeper, serving as a companion for days or weeks on end

D&D Beyond

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