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Returning 35 results for 'before bards down cunning rule'.
Monsters
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
who seek to rule through martial strength and intimidation, cruel tyrants who use threats and gifts as needed to ensure loyalty. They enslave those too weak to resist them and shower the strong with
gifts and promises of power to turn them into loyal vassals.
Cruel Tyrants. Whenever Bane’s followers gain power, they institute draconian measures to ensure that their rule is unquestioned. They
Monsters
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
immediately use its reaction to make one melee attack.Bane’s devoted followers are warriors who seek to rule through martial strength and intimidation, cruel tyrants who use threats and gifts as
followers gain power, they institute draconian measures to ensure that their rule is unquestioned. They stamp out all opposition while richly rewarding those who swear fealty.
Warrior Cult. Cultists of
Monsters
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight
Cunning Action. On each of her turns, Raezil can use a bonus action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.
Fey Ancestry. Raezil has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic
on the politics of Prismeer.
Once she is no longer petrified, Raezil is bound by the rule of reciprocity (see “Rules of Conduct” in chapter 2) to help the characters complete any
Yuan-ti Malison (Type 3)
Legacy
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Monsters
Monster Manual (2014)
impossible to manipulate, influence, or control by nonmagical means, even as it seeks to control other creatures through terror, pleasure, and awe.
Yuan-ti know that the world they hope to rule can
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
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
, set itself up as a petty lord, and rule over all those who fall into its grasp.
A Sinister Cycle. A forlarren in its fey aspect demonstrates self-destructive urges that reflect the inherent tension in
Bugbear
Legacy
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
. 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
bugbears recognize two other gods, both of which they disdain and fear: Maglubiyet and Skiggaret.
Maglubiyet, the leader of the goblinoid pantheon, forced both brothers to submit to his rule, but
Backgrounds
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
here as part of some such delegation, then decided to stay when the mission was over.
Mulhorand. From the terrain to the architecture to the god-kings who rule over these lands, nearly everything
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
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Those Who Rule The following sahuagin rule the fortress, oversee its armed forces, and direct its worship of Sekolah. Baroness Seklaz The initial attack against the lizardfolk and the subsequent
occupation of the fortress were the baroness’s doing. She is a cunning war strategist and has a measure of patience that serves her well. She has an excellent relationship with the high priestess, with
Goblin
Legacy
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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
opportunity to supervise and dominate such creatures, which have no status at all.
WHO'S THE BOSS?
Goblins pattern the rule of their tribes after the whip-cracking rule of their god, Khurgorbaeyag
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)
Mimic Mimics are shapeshifting predators able to take on the form of inanimate objects to lure creatures to their doom. In dungeons, these cunning creatures most often take the form of doors and
assumes its amorphous form and on parts the mimic uses to move itself. Cunning Hunters. Mimics live and hunt alone, though they occasionally share their feeding grounds with other creatures. Although most
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
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
the glory and security of their people, and for the lords who rule over them. However, Alliance operatives are often glory hounds, looking to gain a leg up on their counterparts from other Alliance
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
interests in intrigue and magic intensified when she discovered a hidden library beneath the Cerulean Citadel—a repository of insidious magic hearkening back to the rule of certain tyrannical Vasavadan
destruction. Reeva is a cunning plotter, strategist, and manipulator. She applies these talents to her magic, entreating fiends for aid and using them to hasten the day when no one will underestimate her
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron
vineyards of Bluevine, Aundairians value wit and wisdom. Aundairians prefer finesse to brute force and appreciate cunning wordplay and fine fashions. The Sovereign Host is the dominant faith of Aundair, with
, but she has never abandoned the dream of a Galifar reunited under her rule. While Aundair is a small nation, its arcane superiority allowed it to hold its own during the Last War. Many believe
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
knowledge by force and cunning. A mighty wizard with magic worthy of epic tales, she is a monster whose adamantine claws can flense whole armies before any soldier can land a blow on her plated hide
. Tales of Sora Kell claim she is the first night hag, born from Khyber in the first age of the world alongside the ancient rakshasas. Some even claim that her daughters—the hags who rule Droaam—are
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
Luthic. He predicts that the war will end with Luthic the only deity standing, as the cave mother ascends to rule her warrior children.
Life in the Tribe
Orcs survive through savagery and force of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)
, driven to rule over all. A dracolich is a fiendishly intelligent tyrant that crafts complex webs of foul schemes, attracting servants motivated by greed and a lust for power. Acting from the shadows
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->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
staggering advantage not seen on battlefields for over a thousand years. The Dragon Queen has elevated her five most cunning and devout followers to the rank of dragon highlord, each commanding one of
the region’s nomads under Dragon Army rule. The half-ogre Lucien of Takar commands the Black Dragon Army, whose focused force supports the other armies and occupies the lands they conquer, including
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
circle. Bards are expected to set aside personal rivalries while in a circle outpost, and any kind of combat or violence is prohibited. Violating this rule results in immediate expulsion from the
city of Sharn, which is both the cultural heart of Breland and a nexus for intrigue and diplomacy. Bards have much to gain from the company of other bards, as they exchange news, stories, and songs
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
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice Compendium
spell learned through your Magical Secrets feature counts as a bard spell for you, so it can be replaced upon gaining a bard level later. But it must be replaced by a bard spell, according to the rule
in the Spellcasting feature. Which spell scrolls can bards understand—spells from the bard list only, or spells from the bard list plus spells from Magical Secrets? A bard can use any spell scroll
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
combat, carving out vicious fiefdoms for themselves. Mad Maggie is one such warlord. Mad Maggie is a night hag with the demeanor of a kindly grandmother, but her warm smile masks a cruel cunning. In
to Asmodeus, which led to her becoming an archdevil worthy to rule Avernus. Mad Maggie is obsessed with Zariel’s cataclysmic saga and scours the wastelands of Avernus for more such relics. In the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
smart as me, and I need to prove that all the time. 3 There’s a rule for everything. 4 If I can’t seize control, I’ll serve in the meantime. 5 I’m a bully who backs down when faced with any sort of
, but I obey them. 3 Ambition. The need to improve my station drives my every action. 4 Conquest. I am equal to the sum of the foes I have defeated in combat. 5 Cunning. Those who can see an advantage
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
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
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
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice Compendium
sides. What happens with surprise when a third group of combatants sneaks up, hidden from the melee, and ambushes? The surprise rule is relevant only when a combat is starting. Any ambushes during the
. Can you move through the space of a prone enemy? The prone condition doesn’t override the rule that prevents you from moving through an enemy’s space, unless that enemy is at least two sizes larger or
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual
Ultroloth Yugoloth of Conspiracy and Control Habitat: Planar (Lower Planes); Treasure: Armaments With uncanny patience and fiendish cunning, ultroloths manipulate mortals and their fellow yugoloths
inspire such villainy. Lars Grant-West Ultroloth Conspiracies 1d6 The Ultroloth Schemes To... 1 Convince cultists their god has forsaken them. 2 Destabilize a nation and rule the chaos. 3 Incite
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
Connected Creatures
1 After breaking free from captivity at the hands of a cocky mage, a cunning black dragon wyrmling claimed the mage’s amulet—and the suits of animated armor the amulet controls
types of blights to spread prodigiously and upset nature’s balance.
4 A black dragon wyrmling is setting cunning traps along local roadways, hoping to injure horses and draft animals for easy
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual
of the Nine Hells, and many rule Lower Planar fiefdoms, doomed mortal worlds, and other infernal redoubts. Most serve archdevils of the Nine Hells as they pursue their own ambitions. Ranks of lesser
devils obey pit fiends, but these cunning tyrants remain on guard against betrayal from their servants. Smoldering with the evil of the Nine Hells, pit fiends strike fear in creatures with their mere
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
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
champions of the gods. Many leonin suffered under the rule of the archons and at the whim of fickle gods, a grim history that taught them well-remembered lessons about trusting strangers or relying on
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)
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
, died. His unprepared twin sons shared the rule until the elder, Bromm, was himself killed by a dragon, leaving young King Harnoth with the rule of the ancient citadel. What followed was a great bleeding
known written copies have ever been reported. Only a privileged few non-dwarves have ever heard the Dirge in its entirety, and dwarf bards who want to perform this epic must demonstrate great skill in
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
spice that you can use to enhance your campaign. Some DMs forgo using inspiration, while others embrace it as a key part of the game. If you take away anything from this section, remember this golden rule
: inspiration should make the game more enjoyable for everyone. Award inspiration when players take actions that make the game more exciting, amusing, or memorable. As a rule of thumb, aim to award
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
Might. The world is divided into the strong who rule and the weak who obey or die. 3 Cunning. Always have a backup plan ready, especially if it involves betraying someone. 4 Strength. Strength is the