Search Results
All Results
Characters
Compendium
Spells
Items
Monsters
Vehicles
Forums
Returning 35 results for 'before bad deciding certain refuses'.
Sailor
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
Learn More
Backgrounds
Player’s Handbook (2014)
relations with (perhaps one captained by a former crewmate). Because you’re calling in a favor, you can’t be certain of a schedule or route that will meet your every need. Your Dungeon
more than one deserving soul to a briny grave. Fear and bloodshed are no strangers to you, and you’ve garnered a somewhat unsavory reputation in many a port town.
Variant Feature: Bad
Criminal / Spy
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
Learn More
Backgrounds
Basic Rules (2014)
. Even criminals who operate outside of such organizations have strong preferences for certain kinds of crimes over others. Choose the role you played in your criminal life, or roll on the table below
.
4
I have a “tell” that reveals when I’m lying.
5
I turn tail and run when things look bad.
6
An innocent person is in prison for a crime that I committed. I’m okay with that.
Species
Mythic Odysseys of Theros
adversaries—incredibly clever and well-prepared to play a long game but ultimately doomed to lose their games.
4
I’m certain every bad thing that happens can ultimately be blamed on the
Backgrounds
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
you served on, or another ship you have good relations with (perhaps one captained by a former crewmate). Because you’re calling in a favor, you can’t be certain of a schedule or route
. Fear and bloodshed are no strangers to you, and you’ve garnered a somewhat unsavory reputation in many a port town.
Variant Feature: Bad Reputation
If your character has a sailor
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
The Middle Path Many DMs find that using a combination of the two approaches works best. By balancing the use of dice against deciding on success, you can encourage your players to strike a balance
bad die roll foiling the character’s plans. By the same token, a bad plan or unfortunate circumstances can transform the easiest task into an impossibility, or at least impose disadvantage.
Orc
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
Learn More
Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
everywhere in the world around them, and the priests of a tribe are entrusted with the responsibility of identifying these signs and omens — both good and bad — and deciding how the tribe should
the gods has no clear explanation, the priests might have to meditate for hours or days to get a vision of its meaning.
Every group of orcs has particular superstitions and recognizes certain omens
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
knowledge, but the dragon is cagey on that point. Seeing good and bad in equal measure among the lesser races, Ileuthra recognizes that helping the humanoids is less a case of deciding whether they are worthy
of aid, and more about deciding whether these adventurer ambassadors can be trusted to properly lead the factions. Desire. Ileuthra has no preconceived sense of what might be the best course, and he
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat
knowledge, but the dragon is cagey on that point. Seeing good and bad in equal measure among the lesser races, Ileuthra recognizes that helping the humanoids is less a case of deciding whether they are worthy
of aid, and more about deciding whether these adventurer ambassadors can be trusted to properly lead the factions. Desire. Ileuthra has no preconceived sense of what might be the best course, and he
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
around them, and the priests of a tribe are entrusted with the responsibility of identifying these signs and omens — both good and bad — and deciding how the tribe should react to them. As a race, orcs
have to meditate for hours or days to get a vision of its meaning. Every group of orcs has particular superstitions and recognizes certain omens. These tenets vary from tribe to tribe, and are often
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
and evil are blurred. Choices involve deciding which outcome is least bad. Corruption and suspicion flourish among organizations and individuals. Magic and magic items might be rarer or require a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
it makes. The creature can wait until after it rolls the d20 before deciding to use the Bardic Inspiration die, but must decide before the DM says whether the roll succeeds or fails. Once the Bardic
regain any expended uses when you finish a long rest. Your Bardic Inspiration die changes when you reach certain levels in this class. The die becomes a d8 at 5th level, a d10 at 10th level, and a d12 at 15th level.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
creature’s efforts. In a contest, the ability checks are compared to each other, rather than to a target number. When you call for a contest, you pick the ability that each side must use, deciding
crowd, lie to someone convincingly INTELLIGENCE CHECK VS. WISDOM CHECK
If you have trouble deciding whether to call for an Intelligence or a Wisdom check to determine whether a character notices
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
it makes. The creature can wait until after it rolls the d20 before deciding to use the Bardic Inspiration die, but must decide before the DM says whether the roll succeeds or fails. Once the Bardic
regain any expended uses when you finish a long rest. Your Bardic Inspiration die changes when you reach certain levels in this class. The die becomes a d8 at 5th level, a d10 at 10th level, and a d12 at 15th level.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
How and When to Use the Tables If you’re comfortable with letting the dice decide a certain fact about your character, go ahead and roll. If not, you can take charge and make the decision, choosing
, they don’t occupy a specific place in that process. You can use some of them early on — for instance, it’s possible to determine your parents and other family members immediately after deciding your
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron
. Rogue Folk Hero. You’re an inquisitive trained by your house. You grew up in a bad neighborhood, and while you could make more gold solving the problems of nobles, you’re more interested in helping
dragons — or both. You don’t know how deep it goes, but you’re certain that other dragonmarked houses and noble families have been infiltrated.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
Clientele Inquisitives tend to acquire a reputation for working with a certain type of person. Some are known for discretion, attracting wealthy clients who trust them to keep a secret. Others are
justice. 3 Magnet for Trouble. Maybe you trust people too easily or it’s just bad luck, but every client who walks into your office has some double deal, hidden agenda, or scam they’re running. 4
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
refuses to speak with the party. If the characters become an annoyance, he has eight crooked members of the City Watch (human veterans) crack down on them, then uses his position as Masked Lord to clear
any charges leveled against these Watch members. Corylus refuses to be indebted to anyone, so any attempt by the characters to curry favor with him is met with suspicion, if not outright hostility
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
absolutely certain that Vizeran’s ritual will work if the talisman is placed elsewhere. He’s not as learned or powerful as his master. Grin encourages the adventurers place the dark heart elsewhere and, in so
doing, arrange a different battlefield for the demon lord showdown. He refuses to go along with any effort to leave the talisman in Menzoberranzan. If the characters intend to place the dark heart as
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
Saving Throws A saving throw is an instant response to a harmful effect and is almost never done by choice. A save makes the most sense when something bad happens to a character and the character has
Dodging out of harm’s way Constitution Enduring a disease, poison, or other hazard that saps vitality Intelligence Disbelieving certain illusions and resisting mental assaults that can be refuted with
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat
Otaaryliakkarnos Female Silver Dragon The representative of the silver dragons believes that among the lesser races, neither good nor bad is ever absolute. The humanoids are in need of protection and
all parties, but the dragons must be certain of the intentions of the factions and their leaders. Concession. Otaaryliakkarnos knows that the skin of her slain kin was used to make armor for the dwarf
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
Otaaryliakkarnos Female Silver Dragon The representative of the silver dragons believes that among the lesser races, neither good nor bad is ever absolute. The humanoids are in need of protection and
parties, but the dragons must be certain of the intentions of the factions and their leaders. Concession. Otaaryliakkarnos knows that the skin of her slain kin was used to make armor for the dwarf
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
dragon sometimes wake to find all their silver—and memory of the past few days—missing. In addition to their strong preference for certain metals, many moonstone dragons seek out artworks and relics
day for clues about the vista’s whereabouts
6 An ornate silver chest that holds a mountain of gold coins; the dragon refuses to open the chest, claiming it can still smell the stink of the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves
following information: How Can We Enter Haskasori? “Ancient magic seals the city gates, and few besides Cozmioko and Anthradusk are long-lived enough to remember the passphrase. However, I’m certain
weeks, and it has remained still. But as I approached you, it grew warm and started to twitch. It has settled down only now. I’m certain this is Cozmioko’s will.” What Can You Tell Us about Anthradusk
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd
end: The target is unable to perform a certain kind of act involving fine motor control, such as tying knots, writing, playing an instrument, sewing, or casting spells that have somatic components. When
target’s teeth into yellow fangs, or give the target bad breath. When this curse ends, the Vistana it takes 1d6 psychic damage. A nonmagical item in the target’s possession (chosen by the DM) disappears
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
Gambler All you need to make a lot of gold is a little gold. Except at those times when all you need to have no gold at all is a little gold. Whether you’re a good gambler or a bad one rarely matters
.
4 I’ve lost so much to gambling that I refuse to spend money on anything anymore.
5 Nothing is certain. Planning is a coward’s act.
6 I can’t be sure who I’ve swindled, cheated, or
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd
Vistani Lore Vistani know or believe certain facts about their people and their surroundings. This common lore is summarized here. Characters can learn this information after earning a Vistana’s
who is undeserving of such punishment can have grave consequences for the one who utters such a curse. Ravens carry lost souls within them, so killing one is bad luck. (The ravens don’t carry souls within.)
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
Silverhand This legendary wizard and leader appears as a human female in her early twenties. She interacts with the characters with kindness and a certain whimsy, but doesn’t disclose what time period
characters as annoying apparitions and refuses to deal with them. Bruenor Battlehammer The dwarf king’s red hair has turned mostly white, and he leans heavily on a thick crystal cane. He is old, frail
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd
avoid her. The characters are Ireena’s best hope for protection, so she is willing to accompany them under certain conditions. Although she appears mild, she has a strong will, and she aids the party
, the local priest (area E5). She refuses to be taken to Vallaki or anywhere else while the burgomaster lies dead on the mansion floor.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
say a door requires a successful DC 15 Strength check to be battered down. A fighter with a Strength of 20 might helplessly flail against the door because of bad die rolls. Meanwhile, the rogue with a
Strength of 10 rolls a 20 and knocks the door from its hinges. If such results bother you, consider allowing automatic success on certain checks. Under this optional rule, a character automatically
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
crewmate). Because you’re calling in a favor, you can’t be certain of a schedule or route that will meet your every need. Your Dungeon Master will determine how long it takes to get where you need to
the Bad Reputation feature (see sidebar) instead of the Ship’s Passage feature. Variant Feature: Bad Reputation
If your character has a sailor background, you may select this background feature
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
check succeeds, and refuses them entrance if it fails. If the check fails by 5 or more, the guard gives the order to arrest the characters, announcing that they are now slaves of the duergar (see
didn’t say anything. If Gorglak finds the characters’ bribe appealing, he refuses to accept it then and there, instead directing them to find one Werz Saltbaron in the Darklake Docks and hand the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Heroes of the Borderlands
Stat Block: Commoner
One of the Borderlands’ oldest and wisest residents was banished from the keep for crimes she didn’t commit.
Bad Reputation. Xanthe was wrongfully exiled for using occult magic
refuses.
Completing the Ritual. If the characters join the ritual—or observe it without drawing attention—the statue’s runes begin to glow with an eerie red light. After 10 minutes, the sky darkens
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
your entire DMing career, or you might change it with each campaign. Offering inspiration as a reward encourages certain types of behavior in your players. Think of your style as a DM and your
those conventions. Players and Inspiration. Remember that a player with inspiration can award it to another player. Some groups even like to treat inspiration as a group resource, deciding collectively
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
the fabric of causality. As a tiefling, she often generates a kind of ambient unease in others, but she is always certain to account for this carefully, lest it bloom into “the unforeseen” that is the
balance, but hate the idea that “balance” means good and bad things can both happen to you. Good things happening to you and bad things happening to other people seems perfectly reasonable.
2 You
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide
, enslavement, and violence toward children and animals. Limits can also apply to certain creatures, such as spiders, snakes, rats, and demons. It’s also important to discuss limits around what harm might
befall characters, including mind-control magic, helplessness, and death. That said, D&D is a game that has in-world conflicts and mayhem. Certain core elements of the game are difficult to ignore. For






