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Returning 35 results for 'before battle diffusing cautious reason'.
Monsters
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
his life, and age has made him cautious. He has seen other kings and queens rise and fall, has made war with friends and peace with his enemies, and has led warriors he knew as babes to their deaths
in battle. The strain of his long years of rule is etched on his weather-worn face.
Jarund's late son, Jarund Twice-Born, was killed almost a decade ago while trying to bring down a cave bear, leaving
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
around the battlefield in a search for safety. Fiends especially prize howlers for this reason, because for a few crucial moments in a battle, their howls can neutralize an enemy.Cold, Fire, Lightning; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks
Backgrounds
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
possibilities.)
Now you’re looking for something else, perhaps greater reward for the risks you take, or the freedom to choose your own activities. For whatever reason, you’re leaving
behind the life of a soldier for hire, but your skills are undeniably suited for battle, so now you fight on in a different way.
MERCENARIES OF THE NORTH
Countless mercenary companies
Kobold
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
undetected and don’t give their targets reason to harm them. For example, a group of city kobolds might sneak into a cobbler’s house at night to loot it of knives, leather bits, nails, and
provoke retaliatory attacks from the creatures they steal from. It’s better to be cautious and overlooked than to be considered dangerous and a threat.
In a couple of situations, kobolds might
Monsters
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
to be cautious and avoid contact with other creatures that can harm her.
Auril’s worshipers know better than to disturb her self-imposed isolation. Terrible blizzards have cut off Icewind Dale
time). Thus, she has no reason to capitulate to mortals’ demands. As the embodiment of winter’s cruelty, she is incapable of showing mercy or compassion. Play her as a supremely cold and
Lizardfolk
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
in the other humanoids and makes them less helpful in battle.
Utility and Survival
The lizardfolk mindset might seem unnecessarily cruel, but it helps them survive in a hostile environment. The
quirk for a lizardfolk character or to inspire a unique mannerism.
Lizardfolk Quirks
d8
Quirk
1
You hate waste and see no reason not to scavenge fallen enemies. Fingers are tasty and
Monsters
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
weak and vulnerable. In her self-inflicted weakened state, Auril is inclined to be cautious and avoid contact with other creatures that can harm her.
Auril’s worshipers know better than to
can’t truly die (although the characters can rid the world of her for a time). Thus, she has no reason to capitulate to mortals’ demands. As the embodiment of winter’s cruelty, she is
Backgrounds
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
provided. The following section, discussing possible homelands, includes some suggested reasons that are appropriate for each location.
d6
Reason
d6
Reason
1
Emissary
4
Pilgrim
hundreds of miles of the Great Glacier and the Great Ice Sea. No one from your nation makes the effort to cross such colossal barriers without a convincing reason. You must fear something truly
Giff
Legacy
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Monsters
Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes
refuse to fight other giff, and will never agree to a contract unless it stipulates that they can sit out a battle rather than wage war against their kin. A giff prizes the reputation of its unit above its
brighter the flash, and the thicker the smoke it produces, the more giff love a weapon. Their skill with gunpowder is another reason for their popularity as mercenaries. Giff revel in the challenge of
Eye and Hand of Vecna
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Magic Items
Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
’s lieutenant Kas coveted the Spider Throne for himself, or that the sword his lord made for him seduced him into rebellion. Whatever the reason, Kas brought the Undying King’s rule to an
end in a terrible battle that left Vecna’s tower a heap of ash. Of Vecna, all that remained were one hand and one eye, grisly artifacts that still seek to work the Whispered One’s will in
Monsters
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
night while also granting spells to her devoted followers leaves Auril weak and vulnerable. In her self-inflicted weakened state, Auril is inclined to be cautious and avoid contact with other creatures
might prove helpful:
So long as she has mortal worshipers, Auril can’t truly die (although the characters can rid the world of her for a time). Thus, she has no reason to capitulate to mortals
Aarakocra
Legacy
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Species
Elemental Evil Player's Companion
letting the thermals hold them aloft. In battle, they prove dynamic and acrobatic fliers, moving with remarkable speed and grace, diving to lash opponents with weapons or talons before turning and flying
.
Great Purpose
Aarakocra enjoy peace and solitude. Most of them have little interest in dealing with other peoples and less interest in spending time on the ground. For this reason, it takes an
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
circumstances: The creature is surprised. The creature is reduced to half its hit points or fewer for the first time in the battle. The creature has no way to harm the opposing side on its turn. A
removed from battle. The group is reduced to half its original size with no losses on the opposing side. To determine whether a creature or group of creatures flees, make a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw for
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron
Dwarves and Dragonmarks House Kundarak carries the Mark of Warding. In addition to providing all manner of security, House Kundarak dominates the banking industry. Mror Past 1d6 Reason for Leaving
vendetta with a personal rival. Are you seeking to defeat them in battle or in business?
5 You’re searching for a legendary dwarven artifact, removed from the Mror Holds centuries ago by a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Descent into the Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth
hooks: Iggwilv’s Rival. An archmage who was once embroiled in a heated rivalry with Iggwilv has reason to believe she isn’t dead. The archmage recruits the characters to search the Lost Caverns for
successful expeditions in recent years. Most of the agents the margrave sent came back battle worn and empty-handed, if they returned at all. The margrave hires the characters to recover Iggwilv’s hoard before it falls into the hands of his rivals.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
, if for no other reason than to honor Ispin Greenshield’s last wishes. If a character refuses, Mayor Raven offers to pay them 5 gp to be a judge during the battle, making sure no one uses real weapons
Preparing for Battle When the characters and people of Vogler arrive at High Hill, read the following description: Passing through woods and fields, Vogler’s parade of militia members and reenactment
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
privately financed or loaned out by Head Office under extraordinarily cautious terms, battle balloons can be customized with unique equipment — different siege weapons, lifting and cargo gear, and so forth
Battle Balloon Through the winter clouds that surround the castle on this desolate hill, you see a shape emerge. Something so gigantic, you can’t believe it can actually fly. Airships are relatively
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
snarling displacer beast surrounded by the words, “First in battle, last to fall”—the Redcloak insignia and motto—on the right. Allies. As part of Breland’s military forces, the Redcloaks can count on
the support of the crown, the King’s Citadel, and the larger Brelish army, largely summarized as the following parties: King Boranel. The king of Breland is a cautious advocate of the Redcloaks. He
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
give their targets reason to harm them. For example, a group of city kobolds might sneak into a cobbler’s house at night to loot it of knives, leather bits, nails, and other useful items, but if they
they steal from. It’s better to be cautious and overlooked than to be considered dangerous and a threat. In a couple of situations, kobolds might abandon this careful approach. First, because of their
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
possibilities.) Now you’re looking for something else, perhaps greater reward for the risks you take, or the freedom to choose your own activities. For whatever reason, you’re leaving behind the life
of a soldier for hire, but your skills are undeniably suited for battle, so now you fight on in a different way. Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Persuasion Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
new arrivals. Characters must present a plausible reason for their presence and succeed on a DC 20 Charisma (Deception or Persuasion) check to convince the will-o’-wisps not to attack them. If they
don’t like what they hear, three of the wisps attack. The other two break away to warn Vertrand (area 17) and Berlain (area 18b), who, along with Berlain’s grell valets, converge on this area. If a battle
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
nearby lands. They are always ready for battle, and fully armed and armored if encountered outside their walls. Reason to Visit. Characters who track the Mirabar delegation from Beliard find that the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
precariously to the high, tilted saddle, waving their arms and commanding imaginary armies into battle. Within spitting distance of the statue is the Stag-Horned Flagon, a cozy tavern. Reason to Visit
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
Barbarian I have witnessed the indomitable performance of barbarians on the field of battle, and it makes me wonder what force lies at the heart of their rage.
— Seret, archwizard
The anger felt
all others; see the following sections for some ideas. Rawr! I’m really angry! Funny, I don’t feel any stronger. Maybe because I’m always angry, I’m always in top condition. Stands to reason.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
News from the Front When you’re ready to begin this section, give the characters a reason to be near the River Gate, such as fetching Becklin’s box from Thornwall Keep or looking for a lost villager
and rider tumbling.
The rider is a scout sent by Becklin to alert Vogler to evacuate immediately. When the characters arrive, the rider’s horse is dead and she is locked in battle with her attacker, a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
thousand years for good reason: neither giants nor dragons were ever particularly numerous, and actual skirmishes between giants and dragons were rare. For this reason, you could run a campaign where battles
between the warring parties are isolated events along the lines of the world-shaking events described in “Campaign Events.” You might begin the campaign with one such battle, have the adventurers
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
your DM to come up with the reason for the battle and the factions involved. It might have been a small conflict between your community and a band of orcs, or it could have been a major battle in a
encountered. 81–85 You had a supernatural experience. Roll on the Supernatural Events table to find out what it was. 86–90 You fought in a battle. Roll on the War table to learn what happened to you. Work with
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin
reveals herself as the battle winds down, perhaps joining the fight against the kakkuus once the characters defeat the dangerous quavilithku. Talking with Vaeve Vaeve hopes the characters might help her
Gariba Vaeve An Explanation. The battle rages between forces loyal to Lolth, who is working with Vecna, and forces loyal to Miska, who is in the process of breaking free from his prison and is allied
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
extremely cautious, always on the lookout for monsters and other dangers. 5 You always see the bright side of a situation. 6 You like to collect mementos of your travels. Halfling Ideals d6 Ideal 1
for just one slice when you can have the whole cake. Reasons for Adventuring d6 Reason 1 Peeling taters and herding goats all the time wasn’t your cup of tea. 2 You fell asleep on a raft one day
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lost Mine of Phandelver
immediately visible but rises up out of the floor when a living creature enters the room. Mormesk was a powerful mage until he met his end in the spell battle at the climax of the orc attack. Centuries
wraith first rises up from the floor, it says, “Your presence is offensive to me, your life forfeit. My treasures are mine alone, not yours to plunder!” If the characters make no attempt to reason with
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things
choose the entries that speak to you or randomly pull cards from The Deck of Many Things card set. One of the most important steps of a warrior’s journey is discovering the reason why you fight. Glory
path of the warrior. Fates A fortune teller foresaw that you would find your calling in a life of battle. Flames When the heat of battle takes over, you barely recognize yourself. This scares you. Fool
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
character is why you have left the Holds. The Leaving the Mror Holds table offers some suggestions that might spark further ideas. Leaving the Mror Holds d8 Reason for Leaving 1 A feud with a rival clan
vendetta with a personal rival, seeking to defeat them either in battle or in business. 5 You’re searching for a legendary dwarven artifact, stolen centuries ago by a Karrnish noble. 6 You want to
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
. “Not a bad place to die,” the mage says with mild amusement. The doppelganger posing as Gargosh doesn’t take part in the fight, remaining on the fringes of the battle and rooting for the characters to
to make haste and catch up with him!”
Characters who have reason to suspect Gargosh might be lying or holding back information can make a DC 16 Wisdom (Insight) check. A character who succeeds on
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
camp at Fort Tamal never seemed to need such a robust guard before. Even the relative nearness of Najara seems to provide little reason for so many of Elturgard’s mightiest defenders to be squandered
power of the gods for a reason, and surely that reason can’t be to stand guard while merchants sleep. Then again, the High Observer is, by all reports, a wise and effective ruler. Perhaps he perceives
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos
. In the course of the battle, Tullus speaks mechanically, making threatening declarations such as “You can’t stop what’s coming.” A character who succeeds on a DC 12 Wisdom (Insight) check can tell the
dean doesn’t seem like herself. Reaching Tullus. A character who tries to reason with Dean Tullus and succeeds on a DC 14 Charisma (Persuasion) check causes the dean to hesitate. This doesn’t affect