battle bards diffusing charms refuse

Viari

Monsters Acquisitions Incorporated

adventurer was nearly cut short during a battle of which the bards still sing. Unleashing a devastating attack with the aptly named Apocalypse Dagger, the rogue destroyed a giant single-handedly — and lost

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

Golgari Agent

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

joined the Gruul in a battle against the Boros once, and the sergeant of that Boros squad would love to prove that it was me. 3 I had a romance with a Dimir agent whom I still feed secrets to

. 4 Roll an additional Golgari contact; you can decide if the contact is an ally or a rival. 5 I joined the Gruul in a battle against the Boros once, and the chief of that small clan thanks

Giff Legacy

Monsters Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes

refuse to fight other giff, and will never agree to a contract unless it stipulates that they can sit out a battle rather than wage war against their kin. A giff prizes the reputation of its unit above its

Music and Magic

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

. 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 versatility. Many bards prefer to stick to the

Music and Magic

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

. 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 versatility. Many bards prefer to stick to the

Encounters with Hulgaz

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

aspirations. As before, the charms are designed to bring the characters fortune and woe in equal measure. This time, Hulgaz doesn’t take no for an answer. If the characters refuse to take the infernal

the exchange is over. Time of Need During an especially harrowing fight, Hulgaz appears to the party. She teleports to the most hard-pressed character and casually offers to help in the battle. All she

Bards

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

Bards Bards hold a special place of responsibility and respect in the Forgotten Realms. They are bearers of news, gossip, and messages in their travels from place to place, in addition to being

living storehouses of history and folklore. Bards know a great deal, and they tend to be willing to share what they know, or at least barter for it. The arrival of a renowned bard is a special occasion

The Heirs of Dhakaan

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

commanders, typically having the skills of fighters, bards, or rangers. Bugbears cultivate a focused battle rage and are typically barbarians. Goblins are largely artisans and laborers, but

, or druids. Their focus is on martial excellence, and their spiritual leaders are bards, who tell tales of past glory. Among the Dhakaan, goblinoids work together. Hobgoblins are the strategists and

Personal Goal

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

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

25. Prisoner of Darkness

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

Guards Corroded, broken weapons litter this hall, as if a battle had been fought here long ago. Clinging to the ceiling above the eastern door are three vampire spawn named Darvanos, Hekella, and Tozu

marks to prove it. After each feeding, Keresta charms Portia to keep her calm and under control. A character can free Portia from her shackles using the key in area 25a, or by picking the lock with

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

Lords' Alliance

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

agents include sophisticated bards, zealous paladins, talented mages, and grizzled warriors. They are chosen primarily for their loyalty and are experts in observation, stealth, innuendo, and combat

cold and rain, waiting for battle while hunger gnaws at their bellies? Many wish to reap the rewards of a good harvest, but few care to remove the stones and till the fields for planting. “The Lords

2. Light of the Dead

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

least 50 feet ahead of characters who do so. It attempts to lure creatures into area 7 and provoke a battle with the minotaurs. If the characters refuse to follow the will-o’-wisp, it turns invisible

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

The Sewers

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

The Sewers The upper wards of Sharn use a network of chutes to funnel garbage down into the sewers. Refuse and filth is channeled into cavernous midden chambers, where it is left to rot or be

city. These sewer clans constantly battle over territory, as control of one or more midden chamber can be critical to survival. The sewer clans can pose a threat to adventurers, but they can also be

Redcloak Battalion

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

Battalion. This elite unit fought at the forefront of the Last War, and Brelish bards still sing of the exploits of Khandan the Hammer and Meira the Huntress. At the end of the war, the battalion was split

snarling displacer beast surrounded by the words, “First in battle, last to fall”—the Redcloak insignia and motto—on the right. Allies. As part of Breland’s military forces, the Redcloaks can count on

A Bard's Muse

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

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

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

Trial by Combat

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

the zodar to 0 hit points. The zodar wins the battle if all the characters are at 0 hit points at the start of the zodar’s turn or if the characters who are still standing concede defeat. The

can while preserving their front-row views of the battle. Xedalli’s Favor If the characters swayed the crowd in favor of Princess Xedalli, the princess leads the crowd in a chant before the battle

Trial of Trust

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

apology can convince Derwyth to let them stay with a successful DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check. If the characters don’t make amends and refuse to leave the homestead, Derwyth attacks, calling the saber

-toothed tiger in area H7 and the three giant goats in area H6 to back her up. If Derwyth is defeated, news of the battle quickly spreads to Beasts throughout Cernant Valley, who regard the characters

Idyllglen Events

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus

disappear when they reach the edge of the map. Garoknul stops its chase to battle the characters. If reduced to 50 hit points or fewer, Garoknul uses its next action to teleport away. Next Event. When

battling demons in the fields when they suddenly felt an overwhelming desire to consume humanoid flesh. These guards are eager to return to the battle in the fields, disappearing as they pass through the

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

calling that puts me above the law. (Chaotic) 5 I like to know my enemy’s capabilities and weaknesses before rushing into battle. (Lawful) 6 I’m a monster that destroys other monsters, and anything else

Investigating the Monastery

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

disturb our meditations,” and are attacked if they refuse to leave. If the characters ask about the Mirabar delegation, the monks at the door say, “They aren’t here,” and turn the party away. Suspicious

decide if and when such foes join an ongoing battle. This might lead to deadly combat encounters for the characters, since new opponents can rush in to join a fight that is still in progress, or arrive while the characters try to rest after a tough battle.

Elk and Tiger

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

, Ajka polymorphs into a snowy owl and flees, leaving the wounded Hengar alone. Characters who refuse to let the Elk Tribe fight this battle without them are attacked by Bjornhild and her saber-toothed

party to the foot of the Reghed Glacier. If the characters refuse that offer, the Elk tribesfolk return whence they came. Mjenir wishes them well and says, “The fate of the dale rests upon your

Orogs

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters

grow up to be a powerful ally or a dangerous adversary? Most war chiefs treasure their positions so highly that they would refuse to relinquish the title, even to a clearly superior creature. Thus, a

by the schism. At the other extreme, an orog might accept a role in battle or leadership under special circumstances. If a tribe finds itself up against formidable or unexpected resistance, the

Goblinoids

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

fighters, bards, or rangers. Bugbears cultivate a focused battle rage and are typically barbarians, serving as shock troops. Goblins are largely artisans and laborers, but exceptional goblins join 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

Cult of the Black Earth

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

such as ankhegs or bulettes, normally too stupid and ravenous to be trained, submit to the will of the Black Earth. The monsters allow themselves to be herded or ridden into battle against the enemies of

common courtesy as a way for the weak to put limits on the behavior of the strong, and they scorn empathy or friendship as weakness. In battle, Black Earth cultists are brutal and straightforward. They

Viari

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

vengeance. Viari’s career as an adventurer was nearly cut short during a battle of which the bards still sing. Unleashing a devastating attack with the aptly named Apocalypse Dagger, the rogue destroyed a

Roleplaying Bel

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus

characters without mercy. Bel then steeples his fingers and watches the battle unfold. In battle, the fire giants hurl buckets, tools, and heavy chains instead of boulders. They also try to shove enemies

into channels of molten lava. If the characters defeat the fire giants, Bel commends their victory and offers them the same deal as before. If the characters refuse him a second time, Bel smiles and

Maglubiyet's Will Be Done

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters

have to round up and threaten them before they can make use of them. Bugbears accept hobgoblin demands for assistance only grudgingly, and often they must be bribed with loot, spirits, battle gear

and despair until he one day conquers all pantheons. Goblinoids harbor a special hatred for clerics of enemy deities, focusing on them in battle and desecrating their temples whenever they have the

A Flight of Demons

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss

effects of their droning and screeching. However, drow and quaggoths in the towers are close enough to be affected. The aerial battle eventually circles around the platform and the towers of the elite

Jorlan’s offer to leave the gate unlocked, making it easy for the characters to slip away. Alternatively (or if they refuse Jorlan’s offer), the characters can use the distraction to engineer their own

Vizeran's Plan

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss

empower and activate it. Then blood and battle such as this world has never seen. Any survivors among the demon lords will be sorely weakened, and should be far easier to destroy. “All I need are the

characters can refuse Vizeran at any time, at which point the archmage tells them to leave his home and wishes them good luck surviving in a world dominated by the demon lords. He says he will find

Dragon's Roost

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

the vaults below and drove them out. The angels refuse to abandon their posts and are content to wait as long as it takes for Mekkalath to depart. The remains of the abbey’s temple—surrounded by fires

Mekkalath’s hoard is a Deck of Many Things. If the characters reach the hoard by defeating the dragon in battle or through stealth—perhaps while the dragon is distracted by food, the githyanki embassy

Nightspider Dead Ahead

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

Moondancer (or after a few rounds of battle, if you decide to allow the characters and the neogi to clash), read: Suddenly, two galleons glide into view and begin pummeling the nightspider with ballista

characters allow him to do this is up to them. If Captain Sartell is compelled to refuse Daar’vik’s offer of escort (perhaps because someone is holding her ship hostage or using magic to control her

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