before bards drive called reading

Khoravar

Species Eberron: Forge of the Artificer

espouse the idea of being “the bridge between,” believing they are called to facilitate communication and cooperation between members of diff erent cultures or species. Khoravar who follow this

philosophy often become bards, diplomats, mediators, or translators. Others, fascinated by their distant connection to the Fey, seek to build bridges between the Material Plane and the Feywild of

Dragonborn Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

known that reading her father’s face was a skill she’d been fortunate to learn. A human who couldn’t spot the shift of her eyes or Havilar’s would certainly see only the

to the clan can result in expulsion and exile. Each dragonborn knows his or her station and duties within the clan, and honor demands maintaining the bounds of that position. A continual drive for

College of Swords

Classes Xanathar's Guide to Everything

Bards of the College of Swords are called blades, and they entertain through daring feats of weapon prowess. Blades perform stunts such as sword swallowing, knife throwing and juggling, and mock

College of Swords (XGtE)

Classes Xanathar's Guide to Everything

Bards of the College of Swords are called blades, and they entertain through daring feats of weapon prowess. Blades perform stunts such as sword swallowing, knife throwing and juggling, and mock

Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

. “All that haste, their ambition and drive to accomplish something before their brief lives pass away—human endeavors seem so futile sometimes. But then you look at what they have

time after the hundredth birthday, and before this period they are called by child names. On declaring adulthood, an elf selects an adult name, although those who knew him or her as a youngster

Strahd von Zarovich

Monsters Curse of Strahd

’t up. While outdoors, Strahd can call 3d6;{"diceNotation":"3d6","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Children of the Night"} wolf;wolves instead. The called creatures arrive in 1d4;{"diceNotation":"1d4

card reading in chapter 1, unless he has been forced into his tomb in the catacombs of Castle Ravenloft. Strahd's Tactics Because the entire adventure revolves around Strahd, you must play him

Cleric Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

her holy symbol as light pours from it to drive back the zombies crowding in on her companions. Clerics are intermediaries between the mortal world and the distant planes of the gods. As varied as the

their combat training to let them wade into melee with the power of the gods on their side. Divine Agents Not every acolyte or officiant at a temple or shrine is a cleric. Some priests are called to

Paladin Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

. Although the class features related to your oath don’t appear until you reach 3rd level, plan ahead for that choice by reading the oath descriptions at the end of the class. Are you a devoted

while you were at prayer? Did another paladin sense the potential within you and decide to train you as a squire? Or did some terrible event—the destruction of your home, perhaps—drive you to

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

drive the yetis out. 3 An adult crystal dragon and an elf archmage have been friends for centuries and often go stargazing together on the peaks of their favorite mountains, but the dragon is

Heroic Drive

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

to extraordinary deeds when they are called on to pursue their ideals, to protect their bonds, and to overcome their flaws. In Theros, heroic drive stems from the same sources, but the power of fate

Heroic Drive The defining characteristic of a hero in Theros is their heroic drive—the force that impels them to live a life worthy of great epics. Ordinary mortals across the multiverse are driven

Bards

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

Bards Bards hold a special place of responsibility and respect in the Forgotten Realms. They are bearers of news, gossip, and messages in their travels from place to place, in addition to being

living storehouses of history and folklore. Bards know a great deal, and they tend to be willing to share what they know, or at least barter for it. The arrival of a renowned bard is a special occasion

Kalashtar Legacy

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

-Lashtavar. —Lakashtai, servant of the light The kalashtar are a compound race created from the union of humanity and renegade spirits from the plane of dreams — spirits called quori

. Kalashtar Quirks 1d10 Quirk 1 You try to understand the motives and feelings of your enemies. 2 You prefer using telepathy over speaking aloud. 3 You feel a strong drive to

Preface

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

Preface If you’re reading this, good. That’s really good. Because I’m about to write a bunch more stuff, and if you can actually read it, I won’t be wasting my time. That’s really the optimal

all glad – the entire Acquisitions Incorporated family welcomes you! This is the first step of the first part of a long trip to a distant land called Opportunity. That’s a metaphor for the kind of

Creating a Paladin

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

some terrible event — the destruction of your home, perhaps — drive you to your quests? Perhaps you stumbled into a sacred grove or a hidden elven enclave and found yourself called to protect all such

, plan ahead for that choice by reading the oath descriptions at the end of the class. Are you a devoted servant of good, loyal to the gods of justice and honor, a holy knight in shining armor venturing

Talentan Characters

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

, 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

. Hermit and Outlander are sound backgrounds, but you could be an acolyte or a sage who consults with spirits instead of reading books. Warriors and shamans alike often wear masks in order to present a

Bardic Colleges

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

the bards, each of which is named after one of the colleges. See chapter 7 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide for the game statistics of these magic instruments. Long ago, bards who sought the rank of

tradition fell when the colleges went into decline, but some bards dream of restoring it. College of Fochlucan The original College of Fochlucan once stood on the northeastern edge of Silverymoon. Many years

Cult of the Obelisk

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

obelisk provides them a conduit to an entity from the Far Realm. A malevolent Aberration called an encephalon cluster (see appendix A) never leaves the obelisk’s side. The encephalon cluster occasionally

gouts bizarre offspring called gemmules, which the cult members view as progeny of the alien intelligence they worship (and which they treat like vicious pets). The cultists capture any unsuspecting

Lord Viallis's Tome

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries

Lord Viallis’s Tome The crude sketch composed by Sarah shows the monster on the leather-bound cover of the book Lord Viallis was reading. This creature is a representation of the statue in area B7 of

references in other works to a book whose cover matches Sarah’s sketch—a tome called Retribution of the Ancients. That work is not a part of Candlekeep’s collection, but several of the Avowed know it by reputation. It is a dark work of ritual magic, its contents potentially deadly in the wrong hands.

Reading Ahead

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon of Icespire Peak

Reading Ahead As the players familiarize themselves with the character options and adventuring gear described in the Basic Rules, take advantage of the opportunity to read ahead. “The Adventure

characters or adventurers is called a party. Nonplayer Characters (NPCs). This term refers to characters run by the DM. How an NPC behaves is dictated by the adventure and by the DM. Boxed Text

Eldeen Characters

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

with the Hunter or Beast Master archetypes. Other classes or archetypes especially suited to a path are called out below. The Wardens of the Wood seek to maintain the balance between nature and

fey creatures. Bards and archfey warlocks are often found among the Greensingers, and the Circles of Dreams works well for Greensinger druids. The Gatekeepers protect the natural world from unnatural

Lorehold Student

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

Lorehold Student You have spent your youth preparing to be a student of Lorehold College, reading every book on the college’s recommended reading list for prospective students. Your academic passions

Lorehold. Bards thrive in Lorehold, and wizards (particularly those of the School of Divination) are numerous among its students. Clerics (often with the Knowledge or Light domains) are also quite common

Interesting Locations

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

large meeting rooms, and a small concert hall. Rumors say that this is an outpost of the secret Circle of Song, a society of bards and entertainers spread across Khorvaire; others swear that House

students. Honors. The counterbalance to Detention, Honors is both bar, bookstore, and reading room. Many of the more respectable faculty members take their meals in Honors, and it’s a good place to find a debate on the cosmology of Eberron or the morality of the Last War.

K15. Chapel

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

called the Icon of Ravenloft (see appendix C). Any evil creature that touches the statuette must make a DC 17 Constitution saving throw, taking 88 (16d10) radiant damage on a failed save, or half as much

golden thread (worth 250 gp) and a suit of chain mail, both nonmagical. Gustav’s black mace is a mace of terror. Fortunes of Ravenloft If your card reading reveals that a treasure is here, it lies on

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

Creating a Paladin

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

some terrible event — the destruction of your home, perhaps — drive you to your quests? Perhaps you stumbled into a sacred grove or a hidden elven enclave and found yourself called to protect all such

, plan ahead for that choice by reading the oath descriptions at the end of the class. Are you a devoted servant of good, loyal to the gods of justice and honor, a holy knight in shining armor venturing

Walking a Different Path

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

to be of assistance. d6 Spirit Guardian 1 A half-orc enforcer called Joey Plantain, missing his right arm 2 A disgraced tax collector named Nibbin Clutchquill 3 An overly

enthusiastic morale liaison called Apricot Reese 4 A grumpy dwarf carriage driver nicknamed Bolt 5 A pair of identical twin circus performers called Stella and Bella 6 An elf bodyguard

Khoravar

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer

idea of being “the bridge between,” believing they are called to facilitate communication and cooperation between members of different cultures or species. Khoravar who follow this philosophy often

become bards, diplomats, mediators, or translators. Others, fascinated by their distant connection to the Fey, seek to build bridges between the Material Plane and the Feywild of Thelanis. These

Boromar Operations

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

import is the narcotic called dreamlily. But the Boromars traffic in a wide range of goods, from arcane and alchemical weapons to foreign luxury items that have been made scarce by embargoes and

to Sharn, thus avoiding friction with local law enforcement. When appropriate, stolen goods are transported out of the city by the fences and porters that drive the clan’s smuggling operations.

Interesting Things About the Mror Holds

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

and artisans. A clan of orcs called the Jhorash’tar live among the Ironroot Mountains. The Jhorash’tar have been slowly crowded into the least hospitable regions of the mountains. A few dwarven clans

seek to incorporate the Jhorash’tar into Mror society, but others wish to drive them out once and for all. The dwarves have recovered artifacts and arcane secrets from the Realm Below. Dwarf artificers

Plane of Air

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

Plane of Water), is a region of frigid winds called the Mistral Reach. These gales drive snowstorms into the Frostfell and away from it, toward the heart of the plane. Earth motes in the reach are covered with snow and ice.

). Rain and snow fall only in the part of the plane nearest to the Plane of Water. Most of the Plane of Air is a complex web of air streams, currents, and winds called the Labyrinth Winds. These range from

What Next?

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries

Buron’s corpse. If asked the right questions, the dead dwarf can furnish the following information: Buron, a custodial engineer, was a member of a secret Candlekeep cult called the Livestock. In the cult

the hands of the unworthy (anyone who is not an Avowed). After reading Kandlekeep Dekonstruktion, Stonky realized that one of Candlekeep’s towers—the Barn Door—is actually a flying vehicle powered by

Character Creation

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

a hero. That’s not to say I’m the greatest hero or would even be remembered once I fell, but I would not turn away being called “Aesrias, the hero.” I am stronger than others of my age and have always

hero’s life from miraculous birth to glorious end? If you’re reading this, the answer is that you make a hero, of course. In Theros, player characters and heroes are synonymous, being rare

Elturel

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hoard of the Dragon Queen

” of Frume’s faction, the Order of the Gauntlet, at a tavern called A Pair of Black Antlers. If the characters arrive within a tenday of Erlanthar’s departure from Greenest, then the monk is still

to be sure the characters understand that impressing Frume with their prowess, their honesty, and their drive is in their long-term interest. The characters can make a positive impression on Frume by

Levels 17-20: Masters of the World

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

existence itself. Characters who reach 20th level have attained the pinnacle of mortal achievement. Their deeds are recorded in the annals of history and recounted by bards for centuries. Their

characters might be called on to undertake grand adventures on the cosmic stage. And as a result of these adventures, their capabilities can continue to evolve. Characters gain no more levels at this

Ravenous

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Turn of Fortune’s Wheel

indiscriminately. They’re led by a cruel hunt master called Mick Mangehide. So far, the Vile Hunt has evaded locals’ attempts to capture its members or drive them off.

D&D Beyond

Search Results