battle bards diffusing crossing 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

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

Deck of Many More Things

Magic Items The Book of Many Things

): acid, cold, fire, lightning, or thunder. Expert. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, to a maximum of 22. Fey. A fey crossing opens into the Feywild, and you’re immediately pulled through it

, disappearing in a flash of rainbow-colored light. You draw no more cards. The fey crossing appears as a shimmering fractal of light above the deck, and it remains open for 1 minute after the card is

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

Shadow Crossing

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

Shadow Crossing Sylphene, the baron’s firstborn daughter, was a tortured soul. After she was interred, her grave became a shadow crossing—a gateway to the Shadowfell. To use this gate, the characters

grave at night is instantly transported to a similar dug-up grave in the Shadowfell. There’s nothing on the Shadowfell side of the crossing as grand as Chalet Brantifax, but the topography is similar

Underworld Crossing

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

. Map 4.1: Underworld Crossing View Player Version Underworld Crossing Villains Mortals who adventure in an Underworld crossing are likely to battle foes trying to enter or escape the Underworld—or

Underworld Crossing The Tartyx River is dotted with ruined temples of Athreos on either side of its banks that serve as crossing points between the mortal world and the Underworld. Souls of the dead

D3. Stepstone Crossing

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

D3. Stepstone Crossing A row of boulders spaced two feet apart breach the surface of the lake to form a walking path across a forty-foot-wide waterway. The water around the stepstones is only 4

who was standing atop one of the stones is dumped into the water. Predators Below. Two merrow lurk in the water east of the crossing. They dislike the taste of bullywugs and ignore them, but they

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

Complications on the Dunes

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

infest the waters around the island. Having feasted on those who fell during the battle, they are eager for more fresh meat. 4 A sudden squall kicks up! The sudden driving rain causes skeletons to

killing them with ranged attacks. They come ashore while the characters are crossing the dunes, and then attack.

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

Bavlorna's Cottage

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

the door to area B19. The cottage’s doors and trapdoors are made of moldy wooden planks, many of which are swollen and warped; consequently, they often get stuck in their frames or refuse to close

properly, though this has no effect on game play. Floors and Stairs. Floors and staircases are made of mossy wooden planks that creak, groan, and bend underfoot. Crossing a floor or using a staircase

Commanders' Retreat

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

Commanders’ Retreat After the Dragon Army soldiers are dealt with, read or paraphrase the following text: A dozen mounted soldiers gallop from the tree line, rushing south toward the crossing

. Kalaman’s colors are visible on these soldiers’ armor, despite the dents and stains of battle. It’s easy to pick out Darrett among these riders in his distinctive Solamnic armor. Another figure sits behind

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

The Three Pillars of Adventure

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

day crossing a rolling plain or an hour making their way through caverns underground. On the smallest scale, it could mean one character pulling a lever in a dungeon room to see what happens. Social

forcing a rout. Combat is the most structured element of a D&D session, with creatures taking turns to make sure that everyone gets a chance to act. Even in the context of a pitched battle, there’s

Battle at Steel Springs

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

Battle at Steel Springs The trip from Wheelwatch back to Kalaman is uneventful. On their return to Castle Kalaman, the character with the highest passive Wisdom (Perception) score notices the castle

under them. They plan to ambush the Red Dragon Army near a crossing of the Inkwater called Steel Springs, thirty miles west of Kalaman. The aide knows nothing more, but before the characters leave, the

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

Retreat from Steel Springs

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

line beyond it. Wounded Kalaman soldiers stagger from the trees, heading toward a narrow crossing that lies in your direction. Dragon Army soldiers give chase on horseback. This battlefield is

represented on map 4.3. As the characters arrive, six Kalaman soldiers (see appendix B), each with 8 hit points, flee south from the battle occurring up the road. They’ve reached the islet at the center of

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

15. The Great Hall

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a3

15. The Great Hall This hallway is twenty feet wide and has piles of rubble and debris scattered along its length. The walls are covered with frescoes. The south wall displays scenes of a battle

between natives and invaders. The north wall depicts people questing for a new land; their experiences during the journey include crossing treacherous mountains, sailing over storm-tossed seas, and

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

Climbing the Spire

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Turn of Fortune’s Wheel

into the hollow plummets until rescued. Piercer Demigod. This crossing is home to the demigod Kirgaz Vizt the Unerring Avalanche, one of the few deities of ropers and piercers. Kirgaz uses the piercer

regaining his memory or powers—if he ever had any. Followers of the Frog. The giant urges characters who speak with him to become the first of his new followers. He ignores characters who refuse, but he’s

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

The Wards of Waterdeep

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

bounded by rivers or walls. But in Waterdeep, one can traverse from ward to ward by crossing a street — a fact that offers the drivers of hire-coaches some amusement when an ignorant tourist requests a

. For example, children (and even some adults) hop on one foot when crossing Asmagh’s Alley in the Castle Ward. Why? Well, Asmagh was an apothecary who poisoned many patients, then buried them upright

Flavors of Fantasy

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

settles over the land. The characters can battle the giants living there or try to broker a lasting peace. Supernatural Horror If you want to put a horror spin on your campaign, the Monster Manual is

heroes whose actions turn the tide of battle. The characters carry out specific missions: capture a magical standard that empowers undead armies, gather reinforcements to break a siege, or cut through

D&D Beyond

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