battle bards diffusing cost role

Eye and Hand of Vecna

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide

a lich. A treacherous lieutenant named Kas the Betrayer;Kas brought Vecna’s rule to an end in a terrible battle. Of Vecna, all that remained were one hand and one eye, grisly Artifacts that

your body, devours it, and then takes control of the body like a puppet. If that happens, you become an NPC under the DM’s control. Eye of Vecna Spells Spell Charge Cost

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

damage if he fails. He can't use this trait if he's incapacitated. Second-Story Work. Climbing does not cost Viari extra movement. Additionally, when he makes a running jump, the distance he covers

Warlord

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

take on the role of monarch or general and attract followers willing to die for the warlord’s banner. Warlords urge their troops into the fray with shouted exhortations. You can roll on the

Warlord Battle Cries table to select one, or choose a battle cry that fits with your campaign. Warlord Battle Cries d8;{"diceNotation":"1d8","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Battle Cry"} Battle

Soldier Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

mistake in battle that cost many lives—and I would do anything to keep that mistake secret. 4 My hatred of my enemies is blind and unreasoning. 5 I obey the law, even if the law causes misery. 6 I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong.

or deck of cards, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp Specialty During your time as a soldier, you had a specific role to play in your unit or army. Roll a d8 or choose

Battle Smith Legacy

Classes Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

before being saved by a Battle Smith and a steel defender. In the world of Eberron, Battle Smiths played a key role in House Cannith’s work on battle constructs and the original warforged, and after

Armies require protection, and someone has to put things back together if defenses fail. A combination of protector and medic, a Battle Smith is an expert at defending others and repairing both

Soldier - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

leaves me quivering with fear. 2 I have little respect for anyone who is not a proven warrior. 3 I made a terrible mistake in battle that cost many lives—and I would do anything to

clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp Specialty During your time as a soldier, you had a specific role to play in your unit or army. Roll a d8 or choose from the options in the table below to

Draegloth

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

to strike at its rivals when the draegloth is fully grown. These plans use the draegloth in a significant role, because its abilities can turn the tide in a battle against a house that doesn’t

. Before a draegloth is given any duties, it receives instruction in accepting the role set for it and not challenging authority. Most draegloths fiercely resent being given orders, but thanks to their

Armanite

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

the Abyss, bent on slaughter and death, driven by unrestrained bloodlust. Whether they’re controlled by more powerful demons or charging into battle for the sake of it, armanites use their

claws and hooves, as well as their long, whiplike tails, to tear apart foes. In the armies of demon lords, armanites perform the role of heavy cavalry, leading the charge and tearing into their enemies

Mercenary Veteran

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

little respect for anyone who is not a proven warrior. 3 I made a terrible mistake in battle that cost many lives, and I would do anything to keep that mistake secret. 4 My hatred of my

behind the life of a soldier for hire, but your skills are undeniably suited for battle, so now you fight on in a different way. MERCENARIES OF THE NORTH Countless mercenary companies

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

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

endlessly overburdens herself, struggling to protect those around her as her hate for the Caller drives her forward at any cost. Personality Trait. “We all contribute so that we all benefit. Those who

Mark of Healing Halfling

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

beloved in northwestern Khorvaire for her instrumental role in combating an epidemic in that region a decade ago, and Jorasco medics served in every nation’s army during the war. The guild runs

will come with a cost. If you have the gold, Jorasco healers can remove a disease instantly with lesser restoration. If you can’t afford such a service, they will treat you with mundane techniques

Marine

Backgrounds Ghosts of Saltmarsh

You were trained for battle on sandy beaches and rocky shores. You have launched midnight raids from swift ships whose names evoke terror in the hearts of your adversaries. The water is your second

home, the rain your shelter, and the crashing waves your battle cry. Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Survival Tool Proficiencies: Vehicles (water, land) Equipment: A dagger that

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

the plane of Acheron. It is there in the afterlife where the chosen ones will join Gruumsh and his armies in their endless extraplanar battle for supremacy. Gods of the Orcs Orcs believe their gods

gather and celebrate, dwell the followers of Yurtrus, the god of disease and death, and Shargaas, the god of darkness and the unknown. Orcs too weak for battle (because of bodily weakness, malformation

Archon of Falling Stars

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

recounts the battle between a group of the gods’ champions and a mighty archon, which took place at the mysterious eastern edge of the world. Defeated, the falling archon is said to have met the

developed into the poleis of today. Even though the age of archons is long past, many wonder if the few surviving archons might someday attempt to reestablish their empire or if they are truly resigned to their lesser role in the world.Radiant

Lizardfolk Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

so on. Pleasurable people and things make life easier for lizardfolk. Pleasurable things should be preserved and protected, sometimes at the cost of the lizardfolk’s own safety. The most

in the other humanoids and makes them less helpful in battle. Utility and Survival The lizardfolk mindset might seem unnecessarily cruel, but it helps them survive in a hostile environment. The

City Watch / Investigator

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

1 The monstrous enemy we faced in battle still leaves me quivering with fear. 2 I have little respect for anyone who is not a proven warrior. 3 I made a terrible mistake in battle that

cost many lives, and I would do anything to keep that mistake secret. 4 My hatred of my enemies is blind and unreasoning. 5 I obey the law, even if the law causes misery. 6 I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong.

Way of the Ascendant Dragon (FToD)

Classes Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

who follow this tradition augment their prowess in battle, bolster their allies, and can even soar through the air on draconic wings. But all this power is in service of a greater goal: achieving a

dragon personally took an active role in shaping your inner energy. 3 You studied at a monastery that traces its teachings back centuries or more to a single dragon’s instruction, or one

Way of the Ascendant Dragon

Classes Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

who follow this tradition augment their prowess in battle, bolster their allies, and can even soar through the air on draconic wings. But all this power is in service of a greater goal: achieving a

dragon personally took an active role in shaping your inner energy. 3 You studied at a monastery that traces its teachings back centuries or more to a single dragon’s instruction, or one

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

Barbarian Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

fierce animal spirits. Others draw from a roiling reservoir of anger at a world full of pain. For every barbarian, rage is a power that fuels not just a battle frenzy but also uncanny reflexes

sufficient to defeat whatever threats arise. A Life of Danger A barbarian plays an important role as a protector of their people and a leader in times of war. Life in the wild places of the world is

Priest of Osybus (Ectoplasmic)

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

demanded their worship. In time, his goal was achieved: he became a lich of almost godly power. Acknowledging the role that his disciples played in his ascension, Osybus gifted them with a trace of his

raised alarms far and wide. In response, the Ulmist Inquisition and the then-mortal Count Strahd von Zarovich faced the lich in battle. Their bravery would have been for naught if Osybus’s

Priest of Osybus (Spectral)

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

. In time, his goal was achieved: he became a lich of almost godly power. Acknowledging the role that his disciples played in his ascension, Osybus gifted them with a trace of his power. Taking the form

wide. In response, the Ulmist Inquisition and the then-mortal Count Strahd von Zarovich faced the lich in battle. Their bravery would have been for naught if Osybus’s disciples hadn’t

Priest of Osybus (Vampiric)

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

power. Acknowledging the role that his disciples played in his ascension, Osybus gifted them with a trace of his power. Taking the form of a shadowy tattoo, this boon allows the priests to steal souls

Strahd von Zarovich faced the lich in battle. Their bravery would have been for naught if Osybus’s disciples hadn’t betrayed him. Fearing that their master would eventually consume their

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

Goblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

appreciation for the finer things! — Volo Goblins occupy an uneasy place in a dangerous world, and they react by lashing out at any creatures they believe they can bully. Cunning in battle and

goblin tribe has to nobility is the caste of lashers — families of goblins trained in the ways of battle, and also possessed of key skills such as strategy, trap-building, beast taming, mining

Priest of Osybus (Dread)

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

, his goal was achieved: he became a lich of almost godly power. Acknowledging the role that his disciples played in his ascension, Osybus gifted them with a trace of his power. Taking the form of a

response, the Ulmist Inquisition and the then-mortal Count Strahd von Zarovich faced the lich in battle. Their bravery would have been for naught if Osybus’s disciples hadn’t betrayed him

Priest of Osybus

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

. Acknowledging the role that his disciples played in his ascension, Osybus gifted them with a trace of his power. Taking the form of a shadowy tattoo, this boon allows the priests to steal souls as their

von Zarovich faced the lich in battle. Their bravery would have been for naught if Osybus’s disciples hadn’t betrayed him. Fearing that their master would eventually consume their souls

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

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.

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

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

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

can transform an individual into a more powerful type. The cost and time required to perform the ritual is prohibitive, and as a result most yuan-ti never get the opportunity to undergo such a

Priest of Osybus (Blazing)

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

shared his dread secrets with them and demanded their worship. In time, his goal was achieved: he became a lich of almost godly power. Acknowledging the role that his disciples played in his ascension

threat posed by Osybus and his disciples raised alarms far and wide. In response, the Ulmist Inquisition and the then-mortal Count Strahd von Zarovich faced the lich in battle. Their bravery would have

Priest of Osybus (Deathly)

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

role that his disciples played in his ascension, Osybus gifted them with a trace of his power. Taking the form of a shadowy tattoo, this boon allows the priests to steal souls as their master did and to

faced the lich in battle. Their bravery would have been for naught if Osybus’s disciples hadn’t betrayed him. Fearing that their master would eventually consume their souls, the disciples

Use of Magic

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Divine Contention

Use of Magic Magic plays a powerful role on a fantasy battlefield. A wizard armed with fireball or lightning bolt serves as a deadly artillery unit, while clerics can roam the battlefield, using cure

wounds to heal the injured. In the chaos of battle, spells such as message, sending, or thaumaturgy can make the difference between triumph and disaster. In a narrative battle, the simplest way to

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