before bards don cunning rising

Dhergoloth

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

rabble, and eliminate scouts and skirmishers, and they revel in the butchery they create, their gleeful laughter rising above their victims’ screams. Since dhergoloths are little more than

brutes, employers must use caution when instructing them. They can handle simple orders that don’t take a lot of time to resolve. When given anything complex to do, however, they either forget what

Viari

Monsters Acquisitions Incorporated

quickly rising in the ranks of Acquisitions Incorporated since joining that august team, Viari has come to head what's known as the organization's Stabbing Department. A potent threat in both dueling

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

Deathlock

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

that don’t please its patron fall away as its master’s desires become the purpose that drives it. The deathlock immediately resumes work on its patron’s behalf. Whatever the goal

warlock. The consequences of breaking that pact can be dire and, in some cases, lethal. A warlock who fails to live up to a bargain with an evil patron runs the risk of rising from the dead as a deathlock

Dracophage Subject

Monsters Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

disintegrates.Kapak draconians are created using copper dragon eggs. These cunning opponents relish striking foes who are distracted or unaware. Kapaks often coat their weapons with their paralytic saliva

, making them formidable assassins as well. Their small wings don’t allow kapaks to fly, but they do help the draconians turn a fall into a rough glide. When they die, kapaks dissolve into acid

Kapak Draconian

Monsters Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

", "rollDamageType":"poison"} poison damage.Kapak draconians are created using copper dragon eggs. These cunning opponents relish striking foes who are distracted or unaware. Kapaks often coat their

weapons with their paralytic saliva, making them formidable assassins as well. Their small wings don’t allow kapaks to fly, but they do help the draconians turn a fall into a rough glide. When they

Sivak Draconian

Monsters Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

. 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

combination of warped alchemy and the Dragon Queen’s foul magic. The Dragon Armies closely guard the secret of the draconians’ creation, allowing Krynn’s metallic dragons to continue to think their eggs are being held hostage so they don’t oppose the Dragon Queen’s conquests.

Yuan-ti Malison (Type 3) Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

are cunning and ruthless tacticians who readily sacrifice lesser yuan-ti if potential victory justifies such losses. They have no sense of honorable combat and strike first in decisive ambush if they

can. False Worship. Yuan-ti life revolves around their temples, yet yuan-ti don’t love the gods they worship. Instead, they see worship as a means to attain power. A yuan-ti believes an

Crystal Dragon Wyrmling

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

rain from the sky in a beautiful but dangerous display. Rumors quickly spread that a crystal dragon is responsible. 3 A crystal dragon invites the greatest bards and philosophers to partake in

—if only they would stop trying to kill the dragon’s guests. 6 A crystal dragon wyrmling is placed in a monastery to learn the teachings of the monks before returning home in three years. The monks don’t appreciate the wyrmling’s pranks. Cold, Radiant

Emerald Dragon Wyrmling

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

spellcasting ability (spell save DC 12): At will: mage hand (the hand is invisible), minor illusionEmerald dragons are the most curious, cunning, and manipulative of the gem dragons, wielding

be the center of attention. Emerald Dragon Ideals d6;{"diceNotation":"1d6","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Ideal"} Ideal 1 Seclusion. It’s safer if others don&rsquo

Urchin Legacy

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

I eat like a pig and have bad manners. 6 I think anyone who’s nice to me is hiding evil intent. 7 I don’t like to bathe. 8 I bluntly say what other people are hinting at

Prisoner 13

Monsters Keys from the Golden Vault

Antimagic Susceptibility. In an area of antimagic, Prisoner 13’s tattoos and reactions don’t function, and she suffers the following modifications to her statistics: her AC becomes 13

steal away most of the clan’s gold, leaving only a pittance. Prisoner 13 is a cunning schemer, ruthless and patient. She listens and watches, absorbing every detail she can, and shares as

Strahd, Master of Death House

Monsters Vecna: Eve of Ruin

legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Strahd regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn. Cunning Escape. Strahd moves up to

rage he murdered his brother, Sergei. Sergei’s betrothed, Tatyana, leapt from a tower to escape Strahd and vanished into the Mists rising around Barovia as Strahd slew everyone else in the castle

Urban Bounty Hunter

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

areas to help you succeed. You might be a cunning thief-catcher, prowling the rooftops to catch one of the myriad burglars of the city. Perhaps you are someone who has your ear to the street, aware of

. 4 I would rather make a new friend than a new enemy. 5 I am incredibly slow to trust. Those who seem the fairest often have the most to hide. 6 I don’t pay attention to the risks

Young Emerald Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

hand is invisible), minor illusion 1/day each: detect thoughts, invisibility, silent imageEmerald dragons are the most curious, cunning, and manipulative of the gem dragons, wielding psionic power to

like to be the center of attention. Emerald Dragon Ideals d6;{"diceNotation":"1d6","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Ideal"} Ideal 1 Seclusion. It’s safer if others don

Urchin - Baldur's Gate

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

a pig and have bad manners. 6 I think anyone who’s nice to me is hiding evil intent. 7 I don’t like to bathe. 8 I bluntly say what other people are hinting at or hiding

Bugbear Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

. Shiftless, Savage Layabouts When they’re not in battle, bugbears spend much of their time resting or dozing. They don’t engage in crafting or agriculture to any great extent, or

. Cunning Grankhul is the younger one, and in the stories bugbears tell, he gifted them with stealth but in return he sapped their vigor, so that bugbears sleep in his stead while he remains eternally alert

Adult Crystal Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

bards and philosophers to partake in “the Great Dialogue” in the dragon’s mountaintop lair. But only the dragon knows that the Great Dialogue has no end, and no one can leave the lair

. Rising from the far side of the bridge are the lair’s anterior spires. These solid, pointed shafts resemble inverted icicles more than towers and enclose a terraced, open-air amphitheater that

Ancient Crystal Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

the greatest bards and philosophers to partake in “the Great Dialogue” in the dragon’s mountaintop lair. But only the dragon knows that the Great Dialogue has no end, and no one can

spans a chasm between a lesser peak and the lair. Anterior Spires. Rising from the far side of the bridge are the lair’s anterior spires. These solid, pointed shafts resemble inverted icicles more

Shifter Legacy

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

animal’s tough hide. A sense of invincibility spread through him. For the moment at least, he felt unstoppable! — Don Bassingthwaite, The Binding Stone Shifters are sometimes called the

also be a cunning rat who darts through the shadows. Wildhunt shifters are born from any creature that tracks its prey. While the beast within certainly has a physical impact on a shifter, it has a

Ancient Dragon Turtle

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

. As an example, map 5.14 depicts a topaz dragon’s lair in a seaside cavern, but it could be reimagined as a grotto in the side of a coral reef rising from a shelf on the ocean floor, with the

with a shaft of dim sunlight. Lair Actions As they are presented in the Monster Manual, dragon turtles don’t have access to lair actions while in their lairs. At your discretion, you can give

Bladesinging

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

Bladesinging When faced with the endless onslaught of magical possibilities, many wizards suffer identity crises. Some overcome, some break, and some become sword-bards. Tasha Bladesingers master

, a bladesinger uses a series of intricate, elegant maneuvers that fend off harm and allow the bladesinger to channel magic into devastating attacks and a cunning defense. Many who have observed a

Far Traveler

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

strong code of honor or sense of propriety that others don’t comprehend. 4 I express affection or contempt in ways that are unfamiliar to others. 5 I begin or end my day with small

and wonderful! (Chaotic) 4 Cunning. Though I may not know their ways, neither do they know mine, which can be to my advantage. (Evil) 5 Inquisitive. Everything is new, but I have a thirst

Faction Agent

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

use by the faction’s operatives), haven keepers, and message drop minders, to name a few. At the core of every faction are those who don’t merely fulfill a small function for that

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

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

infirm. Orcs don’t revere their gods as much as they fear them; every tribe has superstitions about how to avert their wrath or bring their favor. This deep-seated uncertainty and fear comes forth

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

Talentan Characters

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

born in the wild, and your wits and your weapons helped you survive. Talenta warriors are often barbarians or rangers, relying on speed and skill. However, cunning and charisma are equally important

, and bards and rogues certainly have a place on the plains. Outlander is a logical background, but you could easily be a bold folk hero, a dashing entertainer, or a clever charlatan. You could even be an

Adult Emerald Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

":"damage", "rollAction":"Emerald Embers", "rollDamageType":"fire"} fire damage.Emerald dragons are the most curious, cunning, and manipulative of the gem dragons, wielding psionic power to weave illusions to

center of attention. Emerald Dragon Ideals d6;{"diceNotation":"1d6","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Ideal"} Ideal 1 Seclusion. It’s safer if others don’t know I

Ancient Emerald Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

":"Emerald Embers", "rollDamageType":"fire"} fire damage.Emerald dragons are the most curious, cunning, and manipulative of the gem dragons, wielding psionic power to weave illusions to deceive and

. Emerald Dragon Ideals d6;{"diceNotation":"1d6","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Ideal"} Ideal 1 Seclusion. It’s safer if others don’t know I’m here

Viari

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

bore in that former life. After quickly rising in the ranks of Acquisitions Incorporated since joining that august team, Viari has come to head what’s known as the organization’s Stabbing Department. A

vengeance. Viari’s career as an 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

Goblinoids

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

the ruler of Darguun, and many fear that his death could throw the region into chaos. Among the Ghaal’dar, you hold your place through cunning and strength. As a Ghaal’dar goblinoid, you may have been

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

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

higher-ranking castes keep their status by not sharing their knowledge and skills with other families, while those in the lower castes have little hope of escaping their plight. Outsiders who don&rsquo

Bladesinging

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

bladesinger uses a series of intricate, elegant maneuvers that fend off harm and allow the bladesinger to channel magic into devastating attacks and a cunning defense. Training in War and Song When you adopt

graces you with supernatural speed, agility, and focus. You can use a bonus action to start the Bladesong, which lasts for 1 minute. It ends early if you are incapacitated, if you don medium or heavy

Dragon Factions

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

to the highest standards of behavior, and wields cold magic. The Brass Order could be a loose affiliation of good-hearted scoundrels, including rogues and bards, who favor fire magic and trickery. An

, the fang, the claw, the wing, and the eye, representing endurance, ruthlessness, savagery, speed, and cunning, respectively. You could also create factions based around the damage types dealt by

Leonin of Oreskos

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

make decisions for most prides, these leaders rising from among the oldest or best-respected women of the pride. Generally, leonin communities avoid outsiders, particularly armed groups of soldiers and

Swiftclaws, and many bards and wizards come from these prides as well. Speaker Brimaz looks beyond Oreskos and wonders if there is a future for his people in the outside world (PETER MOHRBACHER)

The Guild

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

, with the most competent and cutthroat members rising to favored status. Some kingpins keep strictly to the shadows, but others operate more openly. Particularly in the Outer City, citizens often know

, thieves’ cant Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) Cunning Action. On each of her turns in combat, Nine-Fingers can use a bonus action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action. Dagger Thrower. Nine-Fingers adds

The Guild

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

, with the most competent and cutthroat members rising to favored status. Some kingpins keep strictly to the shadows, but others operate more openly. Particularly in the Outer City, citizens often know

: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage. Bonus Actions Cunning Action. Nine-Fingers takes the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action. Reactions Uncanny Dodge. Nine-Fingers halves the

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