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Returning 35 results for 'been before death cunning recover'.
Backgrounds
Lorwyn: First Light
, chaotic place perpetually lit by pale moonlight. You might survive Shadowmoor’s merciless conditions thanks to your wit and cunning, or you might keep threats at bay with your brawn and bravery
. Regardless of where you tread, you keenly understand that friendship is a rare commodity. You believe that knowing who to trust and who to keep at arm’s length isn’t just practical— it’s often a matter of life or death.
Classes
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
death and to recover knowledge that might otherwise be lost to the grave.
How did you discover this grim power? Did you sleep in a graveyard and awaken to your new abilities? Or did you cultivate them in a temple or thieves’ guild dedicated to a deity of death?
Many rogues walk a fine line between life and death, risking their own lives and taking the lives of others. While adventuring on that line, some rogues discover a mystical connection to death itself
Classes
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
death and to recover knowledge that might otherwise be lost to the grave.
How did you discover this grim power? Did you sleep in a graveyard and awaken to your new abilities? Or did you cultivate them in a temple or thieves’ guild dedicated to a deity of death?
Many rogues walk a fine line between life and death, risking their own lives and taking the lives of others. While adventuring on that line, some rogues discover a mystical connection to death itself
Monsters
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
Death Throes. When the draconian is reduced to 0 hit points, it dissolves into acid that splashes on those around it. Each creature within 5 feet of the draconian must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity
saving throw or be covered in acid for 1 minute. A creature covered in the acid takes 7 (2d6);{"diceNotation":"2d6", "rollType":"damage", "rollAction":"Death Throes", "rollDamageType":"acid"} acid
Monsters
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
Death Throes. When the draconian is reduced to 0 hit points, it dissolves into acid that splashes on those around it. Each creature within 5 feet of the draconian must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity
saving throw or be covered in acid for 1 minute. A creature covered in the acid takes 7 (2d6);{"diceNotation":"2d6", "rollType":"damage", "rollAction":"Death Throes", "rollDamageType":"acid"} acid
Monsters
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
cause terrible pain and bleeding.
Killers from the Shadows. Bhaal’s followers are cunning murderers who kill to strike fear and thrive on sowing terror in the cities they inhabit. They can call
rank are the death’s heads, who can take on the skull-faced guise of their deity to terrify their prey. In combat, they intimidate foes by shrugging off the deadliest attacks with ease, showing that resisting Bhaal’s schemes is futile.
Monsters
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
Death Throes. When the draconian is reduced to 0 hit points by a creature that is Large or smaller, the draconian crumbles into dust that then forms a spectral, shrieking image of the creature that
. Sivaks can magically change their features to mimic the appearance of those they’ve slain. This allows these cunning soldiers to sow confusion and despair among their enemies. When sivaks are
Monsters
Mythic Odysseys of Theros
deep in the Underworld. Terrifying and cunning, they guard portals between the wards of the Underworld, Erebos’s greatest treasures, and noteworthy souls who might attempt to escape the realm of
life and death. Most cerberi have a boundless hunger for fresh meat, especially the flesh of humanoids. Villains have been known to exploit that hunger by luring cerberi away from the river and setting them loose on mortal settlements.Fire, Necrotic
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
, wall of forceSeekers of forgotten lore and lost relics, blue abishais are the most cunning and learned of their kind. Their research into occult subjects gleaned from tomes plundered from across the
before death and, as a reward, found its soul transformed into a draconic devil to serve at her pleasure in the Nine Hells. Each type of abishai is associated with one of Tiamat’s five dragon
Monsters
Vecna: Eve of Ruin
, Strahd takes 20 radiant damage at the start of his turn, has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks, and can’t use his Change Shape bonus action.Multiattack. Strahd makes two Death Strike
attacks. He can replace one of these attacks with Blighted Fire if available.
Death Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +9;{"diceNotation":"1d20+9", "rollType":"to hit", "rollAction":"Death Strike"} to hit
Urchin
Legacy
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Backgrounds
Player’s Handbook (2014)
recuperate. You’ve survived despite all odds, and did so through cunning, strength, speed, or some combination of each.
You begin your adventuring career with enough money to live modestly but
. (Lawful)
3
Change. The low are lifted up, and the high and mighty are brought down. Change is the nature of things. (Chaotic)
4
Retribution. The rich need to be shown what life and death
Monsters
Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
campaign against the living. In death, dullahans are often rejoined by those who followed them in life, either in the form of lesser undead, like skeleton;skeletons or wight;wights, or terrifying mounts
shards of its shattered skull.
2
A vain dullahan pursues it own relatives, seeking to claim a head with its family resemblance.
3
A greedy dullahan seeks to recover its bejeweled helmet
Lich
Legacy
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Monsters
Basic Rules (2014)
6th level (1 slot): disintegrate, globe of invulnerability
7th level (1 slot): finger of death, plane shift
8th level (1 slot): dominate monster, power word stun
9th level (1 slot): power word
.
Everything about a lich’s lair reflects its keen mind and wicked cunning, including the magic and mundane traps that secure it. Undead, constructs, and bound demons lurk in shadowy recesses
Backgrounds
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
elements, and endured sickness without the advantage of medicine or a place to recuperate. You’ve survived despite all odds, and did so through cunning, strength, speed, or some combination of each
)
3
Change. The low are lifted up, and the high and mighty are brought down. Change is the nature of things. (Chaotic)
4
Retribution. The rich need to be shown what life and death are like in
Monsters
Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1
, chaotic, and temperamental nature they all share. When its diabolical aspect shines through, a forlarren is a cunning, calculating, and brutal enemy. It might use its natural charm to worm its way
its nature. That aspect might drive it to drink itself nearly to death, or to throw itself into caring for others with such relentless energy that it eventually collapses from exhaustion
Valindra Shadowmantle
Legacy
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Monsters
Tomb of Annihilation
of invulnerability
7th level (1 slot): finger of death, plane shift
8th level (1 slot): dominate monster, power word stun
9th level (1 slot): power word kill
Turn Resistance. The lich has
reflects its keen mind and wicked cunning, including the magic and mundane traps that secure it. Undead, constructs, and bound demons lurk in shadowy recesses, emerging to destroy those who dare to disturb
Orc
Legacy
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
created the orcs and continues to direct their destiny. He is aided and abetted by the other warrior deities, Bahgtru and Ilneval, who bring strength and cunning to the battlefield. The followers of all
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
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
.
Similarly, a druid uses such woods to make other objects, such as weapons and shields. Yew is associated with death and rebirth, so weapon handles for scimitars or sickles might be fashioned from it
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
“Old White Death” The white dragon Arauthator haunts the Sea of Moving Ice like an avenging wind. Personifying the brutality and savagery of his kind, Arauthator is a solid ally of the Cult of the
tribes known as the Ice Hunters, because of the many enemies Arauthator has frozen into the icy walls of the berg’s hollowed interior. In addition to his size, cunning, and ferocity, Arauthator wields
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat
“Old White Death” The white dragon Arauthator haunts the Sea of Moving Ice like an avenging wind. Personifying the brutality and savagery of his kind, Arauthator is a solid ally of the Cult of the
tribes known as the Ice Hunters, because of the many enemies Arauthator has frozen into the icy walls of the berg’s hollowed interior. In addition to his size, cunning, and ferocity, Arauthator wields
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Story Overview When Phenax sent Varyas the Knowing a vision of the oracle’s impending death, the seer didn’t fear—he knew his work was just beginning. (BASTIEN L. DEHARME) Like all the Returned who
followed him, Phenax abandoned his past identity during his flight from the Underworld. Through ages, the god managed to recover parts of his history, but much remained a mystery to him. Recently
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
Folk Horror Plots Folk horror stories often involve outsiders or an unwitting new member of the community discovering a unsettling practices. Folk Horror Plots d8 Plot
1 Recover a missing
horseback is imprisoned and sentenced to death.
4 Help a cult summon a fiend to combat an impending greater evil.
5 Defeat a violent hag who’s protected by everyone in town and called
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lorwyn: First Light
a gloomy, chaotic place perpetually lit by pale moonlight. You might survive Shadowmoor’s merciless conditions thanks to your wit and cunning, or you might keep threats at bay with your brawn and
bravery. Regardless of where you tread, you keenly understand that friendship is a rare commodity. You believe that knowing who to trust and who to keep at arm’s length isn’t just practical—it’s often a matter of life or death. AURORE FOLNY
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual
curse stole their wings and transformed their voices. Now kenku slip through the shadows of cities and the Shadowfell, trying to recover what they’ve lost. To some, this means seeking an end to their
supernaturally re-create vast varieties of noises, from crying babies to running water and short phrases in others’ voices. Cunning kenku use their mimicry to deceive foes, lure creatures into ambushes
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
, powerful allies to destroy them. 2 I miss the kinship of my identical twin, who disappeared years ago. 3 I must recover an artifact that was stolen from me. 4 I have foreseen the moment of my death and
to recover an ancient tome that contains the secret of creating perfect, obedient clones of myself. Beholder Flaws d6 Flaw 1 I usually ignore advice from my minions. 2 I enjoy taunting rivals with
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos
. Or a teacher. Or a student. Or any other member of the university staff. Rosie speaks quickly and with so much energy that it often takes a moment to recover from a conversation with her. She moves
insists on roleplaying only “monsters” and delights in chasing down participants to “eat” them. Many a participant has heard giggling approaching them at high speed before their character’s death
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual
own corpses as they pursue ambitions free from mortal bonds. Liches possess exceptional cunning and magical prowess, and they use their unnatural immortality to pursue arcane secrets few could grasp in
resemble living creatures and are clad in contemporary garb. Many cloak themselves in illusions of their idealized mortal forms. Although liches don’t fear death, they’re not free from the ravages of time
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
Lhesh Haruuc remains as the ruler of Darguun, and many fear that his death could throw the region into chaos. As a Ghaal’dar goblinoid, you hold your place through cunning and strength. You may have
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd
, with barely a hint of emotion left. He is above the concerns of the living. The only event that occasionally haunts him is the death of Tatyana, but his view of the past is bereft of romance or regret
. In his mind, her death couldn’t have been prevented, and what is done cannot be undone. In life, Strahd lived to conquer. In undeath, he conquers still—not realms, but people, driving good souls to
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
outposts or vaults the adventurers are guarding. Whatever the Dhakaani do, it should be part of a mission objective. Is the goal to strengthen their kech? Gather information about the enemy? Recover
Dhakaani relics? Initially the Dhakaani should be mysterious: remarkably skilled goblins that fight to the death or disappear into the shadows. The characters might logically assume that they are Darguul
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
temperatures improve, flora and fauna begin to recover. Depending on how they fared against the chardalyn dragon in chapter 4, the people of Ten-Towns can look forward to warmer times once more
. Auril’s death is temporary, for a god who has mortal worshipers can’t truly die. When the Frostmaiden is resurrected on the next winter solstice, she has all her divine power. But her inclination is to
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves
’ cult; she looks forward to her own death because she expects to be transformed into an Undead when it occurs. She therefore fights to the death and is entirely unwilling to share information with the
it lies a sloped passageway (area T3). Stolen Goods to Recover. The brooms, Ropes, and wheelbarrows are all stolen goods (see “Stolen Goods”).
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)
that an immaculately clean passageway is a likely sign that an ooze lairs nearby. Slow Death. An ooze kills its prey slowly. Some varieties, such as black puddings and gelatinous cubes, engulf creatures
to prevent escape. The only upside of this torturous death is that a victim’s comrades can come to the rescue before it is too late. Since not every ooze digests every type of substance, some have
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)
ancient rituals into powerful undead dracoliches. Only the most narcissistic dragons choose this path, knowing that by doing so, they sever all ties to their kin and the dragon gods. Beyond Death. A
and actively plotting to keep its existence a secret, a dracolich is a cunning and challenging foe. Dracolich Phylacteries. Creating a dracolich requires the cooperation of the dragon and a group of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
Phantom can become a wizard’s confidant and right hand. In temples of gods of death, the Phantom might work as an agent to track down those who try to cheat death and to recover knowledge that might
between life and death, risking their own lives and taking the lives of others. While adventuring on that line, some rogues discover a mystical connection to death itself. These rogues take knowledge