before bards define curse religious

Faceless

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

part of them expressed to an extreme. To define a persona, feel free to choose characteristics from other backgrounds, particularly folk hero, hermit, or noble. For the person behind the persona, the

Infamy. My name will be a malediction, a curse that fulfills my will. (Evil) 5 Incorruptibility. Be a symbol, and leave your flawed being behind. (Any) 6 Anonymity. It’s my deeds that

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

to one day rise to the top of my faith’s religious hierarchy. (Lawful) 5 Faith. I trust that my deity will guide my actions. I have faith that if I work hard, things will go well. (Lawful

The Gods of Two Peoples

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

The Gods of Two Peoples There are no half-elven gods, so half-elves follow elven or human deities of their choosing — although just as many religious half-elves believe that their gods choose them

for rangers, Milil or Corellon for poets and bards, and so forth. Many half-elves worship Sune or Hanali Celanil in appreciation for the love their parents felt for one another, and the two goddesses

Noteworthy Sites

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel

Noteworthy Sites Dayawlongon is a tropical archipelago whose waters hold massive whirlpools that make boat travel between the islands challenging. Winding rivers, deep jungles, and mountains define

its five major islands. Kalapang Kalapang, the largest community on the island of Malabulak, stands among verdant fields. The city is a blend of old and new, with ancient religious sites and relics of

Build Your Group

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

Build Your Group Religious orders attract people from all walks of life. It can be fun to play against type—to make a devout character with the criminal or charlatan background, for example

there simply so that Sir Baerdren can keep his eye on her and ensure that she doesn’t sabotage the templars from within? Fixer. The Fixer might work for a religious order for entirely non-religious

Nobles of Borca

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

and hide their family’s lycanthropic curse. Nuikin. Every member of this competitive family is expected to become a genius in their respective field. Numerous libraries, museums, and theaters advertise

and their ashes scattered in the wastelands. Ritter. The shear-wielding Ritters define the cutting edge of fashion. Their coveted designs change seasonally, and any who create reproductions meet

Alignment

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

, evil, or neutral), and the other describes attitudes toward society and order (lawful, chaotic, or neutral). Thus, nine distinct alignments define the possible combinations. These brief summaries of the

townsfolk. Chaotic neutral (CN) creatures follow their whims, holding their personal freedom above all else. Many rogues and bards are chaotic neutral. Lawful evil (LE) creatures methodically take what

Kartakass

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

a way of life in this forested domain, with everyone from the bards of Skald to the actors of Emherst pursuing dazzling dreams. Here, the people live by a simple rule: never let an audience grow bored

mentor? What do you use your talents, work, or travels to hide? Does insecurity or doubt drive you to excel? Did someone best you in your field of mastery? Does a vice, curse, or rumor color your

Barovian Lore

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd

-rooted religious beliefs and superstitions that they pass down from one generation to the next: Two divine forces watch over the Barovian people: the Morninglord and Mother Night. Before the curse of

at the castle. The devil Strahd is a curse placed on the land because of a forgotten sin of the Barovians’ ancestors. (This is untrue, but Barovians believe it nonetheless.) A vampire must rest in

Bard: College of Spirits

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

Bard: College of Spirits Bards of the College of Spirits seek tales with inherent power—be they legends, histories, or fictions—and bring their subjects to life. Using occult trappings, these bards

number on both dice, you can ignore the number and choose any effect on the table. SPIRIT TALES Storytellers, like bards of the College of Spirits, often give voice to tales inspired by some greater

Campaign Events

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

Campaign Events The Dungeon Master’s Guide includes a discussion of world-shaking events that might define turning points at the start, middle, or end of a campaign. One way to give dragons a

, Overthrow. A dragon who is a political or religious leader might face a rebellion. Another dragon might even rise up to lead the freedom fighters. Extinction or Depletion. If dragons are on the verge of

Why a Monstrous Character?

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

architects of grand, heavily fortified edifices, which other folk dwell in for a price. The cultural notes in chapter 1 are the standard D&D depiction of these creatures, but by no means do they define them

to the campaign. Monstrous Origin d8 Origin 1 You are a spy sent to undermine your enemies from within. 2 You are the victim of a curse or polymorph spell. 3 You were raised by humans, elves, or

Cleric

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

others than to make sure the value of faith is measured in gp. In addition to your franchise’s regular operations, you always keep a sideline going in religious paraphernalia, selling specialized signature

creatures, the changing weather, the shapes of buildings, other stuff. 3 In secret, you curse the burden your deity has placed on you. 4 You wonder often if you’re worthy of your deity’s gifts

Peryton

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)

humanoid rather than reflecting the creature’s physical form. Sages postulate that the first perytons were humans transformed by a hideous curse or magical experiment, but bards tell a different tale

Session Zero

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

a troupe of adventuring Entertainers. The origins the players choose define who their characters were before becoming adventurers. Think about how the characters’ backgrounds might inform adventures

trust. This shared acquaintance could serve as a patron for the party—perhaps a representative of an organization (an academy, a criminal syndicate, a guild, a military force, or a religious order), a

Mummy Lord

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)

, the creature’s heart and viscera are removed from the corpse and placed in canopic jars. These jars are usually carved from limestone or made of pottery, etched or painted with religious hieroglyphs

cursed with mummy rot. The cursed target can’t regain hit points, and its hit point maximum decreases by 10 (3d6) for every 24 hours that elapse. If the curse reduces the target’s hit point maximum to 0

Neo-Noir Intrigue

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

better off under their rule. There are ancient and primordial forces at work in Eberron. But there are also misguided patriots, religious extremists, and dragonmarked houses looking to wring a few more

for your character, something that helps define your motivations. But if you want to add a little hard-boiled flavor to your character, you might consider a few additional aspects: Do you have a debt

Alignment

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

, evil, or neutral), and the other describes attitudes toward society and order (lawful, chaotic, or neutral). Thus, nine distinct alignments define the possible combinations. These brief summaries of the

townsfolk. Chaotic Neutral. (CN) creatures follow their whims, holding their personal freedom above all else. Many rogues and bards are chaotic neutral. Lawful Evil. (LE) creatures methodically take

Faceless (New Background)

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer

hero or extraordinary person they are every day. That’s all a facade, though, or a part of them expressed to an extreme. To define a persona, feel free to choose characteristics from other backgrounds

be a malediction, a curse that fulfills my will. (Evil) 5 Incorruptibility. Be a symbol, and leave your flawed being behind. (Any) 6 Anonymity. It’s my deeds that should be remembered, not their

Faceless (New Background)

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

Characteristics A faceless character usually plays their persona — the hero or extraordinary person they are every day. That’s all a facade, though, or a part of them expressed to an extreme. To define a

to harm. (Lawful) 3 Confusion. Deception is a weapon. Strike from where your foes won’t expect. (Chaotic) 4 Infamy. My name will be a malediction, a curse that fulfills my will. (Evil

Halflings

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes

Scholars, wizards, druids, and bards of other races have different ideas about how halflings escape peril, suggesting that by virtue of something in their nature, they occupy a special place in the

makes them wary of any new “friend” that doesn’t come across as genuine. Although they might not be able to define the feeling, halflings sense when something isn’t quite right, keeping their distance

Awarding Magic Items

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

bears a curse. Characters and monsters are built to face each other without the help of magic items, which means that having a magic item makes a character more powerful or versatile than a generic

the Armaments tables for Barbarians, Fighters, Paladins, and Rangers. Use the Implements tables for Bards, Monks, and Rogues. Use the Relics tables for Clerics and Druids. Feel free to vary the tables

World-Shaking Events

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

. You can choose the type of leader or determine one randomly using the Leader Types table. Leader Types d6 Leader Type 1 Political 2 Religious 3 Military 4 Crime/underworld 5 Art/culture 6

Philosophy/learning/magic Political leaders are monarchs, nobles, and chiefs. Religious leaders include deities’ avatars, high priests, and messiahs, as well as those in charge of monasteries and leaders of

14. Chapel of Evil

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a7

are also depicted various religious symbols of good alignment. There is a mosaic path leading between four rows of wooden pews that face the worship area. In front of the pews, a wooden railing divides

in the manner of the archway in area 10. Only a wish spell will restore both alignment and sex. If alignment is restored by entering the orange portal, a remove curse or greater restoration spell

Dragon's Pride Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin

, which the rakshasa is loath to disclose: Curse. As long as you wear this item, you are cursed. The item can’t be removed until you are targeted by a Remove Curse spell or similar magic. While cursed

, as well as religious and historical texts written in Draconic. A character who spends 10 minutes studying these items learns the following: The First World. Tiamat worked alongside the platinum

Factions

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

Factions Factions are like political parties, religious organizations, or secret societies. Players can choose a connection to one of five factions: the Harpers, the Order of the Gauntlet, the

least discretion. Bards and wizards are their most prominent members. Harpers operate in small cells throughout the North. One is based in Triboar: Darathra Shendrel, the Lord Protector, belongs to the

Werewolves in the Mist

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd

its ruler, Duchess Morwen, and offer the Harpers’ support. Zelraun gives each Harper character a spell scroll of remove curse. He has also made arrangements with a metalsmith in Waterdeep to sheathe

, the order is a dedicated group of like-minded individuals driven by religious zeal or a finely honed sense of justice and honor. The order is ready to lash out the moment evil acts, and not a moment

Upper City Gazetteer

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

building serves as a quasi-religious museum for the magnificent inventions wrought in Gond’s name. Unlike the similarly named High House of Wonders, which serves as both temple and workshop housing

patriars, traveling nobles, famed bards, and socially ambitious Lower City residents hoping to rub shoulders with the elite. The inn is unfussy, but conducts its service with flawless technique and the

Upper City Gazetteer

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer

building serves as a quasi-religious museum for the magnificent inventions wrought in Gond’s name. Unlike the similarly named High House of Wonders, which serves as both temple and workshop housing working

patriars, traveling nobles, famed bards, and socially ambitious Lower City residents hoping to rub shoulders with the elite. The inn is unfussy, but conducts its service with flawless technique and the

The Seldarine

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes

it as a curse, for it could destabilize their entire society. If Corellon’s blessing manifests in a drow, that elf usually flees to the surface world to seek shelter among those dedicated to Corellon

be with. Stories of Hanali’s romantic adventures among elves and other mortals are perennial favorites when sung by elf bards and poets. In Arvandor, Hanali maintains a hidden pool called Evergold

Lair Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves

clasps an Instrument of the Bards (Ollamh harp), which she acquired in her youth. Taking the harp, plucking one of its strings, or removing the glass key from around Yemi’s neck ends the Sequester spell

and religious zealots—and made many powerful enemies in doing so. Decades later, after an assassin killed Yemi’s spouse Mertyl Swooney in pursuit of the maestro, Yemi sought out Nakari. Sympathetic to

Area Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Nest of the Eldritch Eye

gives the shield to the characters and removes the curse, transforming the shield into a +1 Shield. Secret Passage. A character who searches the tomb for secret doors and succeeds on a DC 14 Wisdom

holy symbol of Oghma, god of knowledge and patron to bards and wizards. If the check succeeds by 3 or more, the character intuits that rededicating the shrine to Oghma could help against the zombies

Locations R - U

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder

, beasts with a challenge rating of 2 or lower treat the cursed creature as hostile and do everything they can to avoid it. A remove curse spell or similar magic lifts the curse. Silver Marches Also known as

are even more formidable than the knights and have served the city well for years. Silverymoon is also a haven for Harpers — not surprising, given that many Harpers are wizards and bards. Grand and

Outer City Gazetteer

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer

passing party member’s opinion. Table H: Outer City Denizens d10 Interaction 1 2d4 Calishite thugs and 2d4 Tethyrian thugs curse at each other, ready to brawl 2 1d6 gnome commoners from the

extended family or clan, with its own religious site, inn or tavern, marketplace, and places of industry such as smithies, armories, tanneries, or mills. While such an abundance of walls might make

Outer City Gazetteer

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

2d4 Calishite thugs and 2d4 Tethyrian thugs curse at each other, ready to brawl 2 1d6 gnome commoners from the Whitkeep Hostel throw tomatoes at passersby who flaunt their wealth 3 1d4

city in miniature, with its interior divided into multiple drudachs (neighborhoods). Each drudach is walled off and inhabited by a particular family or tribe, with its own religious site, inn or tavern

D&D Beyond

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