before been driven complex roles

Goliath Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

the responsibility to earn a place in the tribe or die trying. Driven Competitors Every day brings a new challenge to a goliath. Food, water, and shelter are rare in the uppermost mountain reaches. A

skills. This dedication to competition has a dark side. Goliaths are ferocious competitors, but above all else they are driven to outdo their past efforts. If a goliath slays a dragon, he or she might

Half-Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

, wandering the wilds as trappers, foresters, hunters, or adventurers and visiting civilization only rarely. Like elves, they are driven by the wanderlust that comes of their longevity. Others, in

contrast, throw themselves into the thick of society, putting their charisma and social skills to great use in diplomatic roles or as swindlers. Half-Elf Names Half-elves use either human or elven

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

; animosity, gnomes tend to avoid or abandon settlements that have a severe infestation of kobolds, and conversely kobolds are usually driven out of communities that have a large gnome population

roles that protect and sustain the tribe. The strongest kobolds are trained to be hunters and warriors, the most clever are crafters and strategists, the toughest are miners and beast-wranglers, and so

Tabaxi Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

, wandering tabaxi are catlike humanoids driven by curiosity to collect interesting artifacts, gather tales and stories, and lay eyes on all the world’s wonders. Ultimate travelers, the inquisitive

on a particularly interesting item when an owner refuses to sell or trade it. Tabaxi Names Each tabaxi has a single name, determined by clan and based on a complex formula that involves astrology

Observatories

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things

such as complex telescopes, libraries, mechanical clocks, and magical divinatory aids. An observatory can serve a variety of roles in adventures. Its air of occult mystery makes it an enticing place to

Temple of Black Earth

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

Tyar-Besil’s main entrance, a well-fortified gate complex with barracks, guardrooms, armories, and stables. Enemies that managed to fight their way down the Ancient Stair from the surface above were

stopped in their tracks by the daunting defenses of the gate quarter. More than one reckless attack by orcs, trolls, or giants was driven back from the gate. In time, those savage foes found other ways

Stage 3

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat

Stage 3 Third Council of Waterdeep At the third meeting of the Council of Waterdeep, the characters take lead roles in shaping the fight against the cult. Xonthal’s Tower The Cult of the Dragon is

infiltrate a cult stronghold and claim the mask, then save a nearby village from the blue dragon that means to take the relic back. Mission to Thay The ritual that will bring Tiamat to Faerûn is too complex

Diplomats or Wanderers

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

, wandering the wilds as trappers, foresters, hunters, or adventurers and visiting civilization only rarely. Like elves, they are driven by the wanderlust that comes of their longevity. Others, in contrast

, throw themselves into the thick of society, putting their charisma and social skills to great use in diplomatic roles or as swindlers. EXCELLENT AMBASSADORS Many half-elves learn at an early age to

Stage 3

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

Stage 3 Third Council of Waterdeep At the third meeting of the Council of Waterdeep, the characters take lead roles in shaping the fight against the cult. Xonthal’s Tower The Cult of the Dragon is

infiltrate a cult stronghold and claim the mask, then save a nearby village from the blue dragon that means to take the relic back. Mission to Thay The ritual that will bring Tiamat to Faerûn is too complex

Dragons in Play

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

divided into five main sections: “Roleplaying Dragons” presents tips and tricks for building a dragon character as complex and distinctive as any other villain, ally, or mysterious figure in your

that feature dragons, whether you want such an encounter to be the climax of an adventure or an obstacle in a larger narrative. “Dragon Adventures” looks at the different roles a dragon can play in an

Diplomats or Wanderers

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

, wandering the wilds as trappers, foresters, hunters, or adventurers and visiting civilization only rarely. Like elves, they are driven by the wanderlust that comes of their longevity. Others, in contrast

, throw themselves into the thick of society, putting their charisma and social skills to great use in diplomatic roles or as swindlers. EXCELLENT AMBASSADORS Many half-elves learn at an early age to

Hermit

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

—something so big that it’s driven you from your beloved books and into a life of adventure. Is it a fragment of the Draconic Prophecy? A complex puzzle leading to an ancient treasure?

Dracolich

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

Iroas as Campaign Villain

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

victory or by cleaving to stubbornly held ideas. Although a campaign against Iroas might be straightforward in how the action plays out, the underlying causes of conflict could be quite complex

, involving attacks on people who may seem unrelated to the initial conflict. As a campaign villain, Iroas is most likely driven by his desire to win in battle, to confront Mogis, or to avenge an insult to

Running the Adventure

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a6

captives; those who survive might play roles later in the adventure. Start It is assumed that the party has either followed the map obtained at the steading or used the magical chain found there to arrive

other idea as to which path they should follow. Other than a few traces of giant footprints, the ice and wind-driven snow hide all traces of who or what uses the ledges to gain access to the caves. The

Doppelganger

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

how to behave and speak authentically. Hedonistic Swindlers. Doppelgangers work alone or in small groups, with group roles shifting from con to con. While one doppelganger takes the place of a murdered

mother’s species until it reaches adolescence, at which point it discovers its true nature and is driven to seek out its kind to join them. Doppelganger Medium monstrosity (shapechanger), neutral

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

relieved of their other roles and taken to the lair’s whelping pens, where they are tended to by Luthic’s followers. Orcs don’t take mates, and no pair-bonding occurs in a tribe

; their loyalty by turning them into slaves. If a tribe is defeated and driven from its lair, the survivors might come under the sway of a strong but dimwitted creature, such as a hill giant or an ogre

Kenku

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

as vagabonds, driven by greed. They can perfectly imitate any sound they hear. Fallen Flocks. Kenku wear ill-fitting cloaks, robes, and rags. These garments cover the soft, sleek feathers of their

at interpreting one another’s glances and gestures, the sounds they make to communicate complex ideas or emotions can be succinct. Groups of kenku also develop secret codes. For example, a cat’s meow

Dripping Caves

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

) check. No ability check is required if the characters use a rope or climbing gear. A goblin clan driven from the Ardeep Forest by wood elves took refuge in the Dripping Caves a little over a month ago

1). The sound of dripping water echoes throughout the complex but isn’t loud enough to drown out other distinctive noises. Narrow Tunnels. The tunnels leading away from the main cavern (area 1) are

The Rank and File

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

all. Rules for Everything Devils are evil schemers by nature, but they must operate within the bounds of the Nine Hells’ intricate legal code. A devil’s attitude toward the law is in part driven by its

law that “prevents” it from offering help. Three Paths to Power Rank-and-file devils have three ways of ascending through the ranks. The Nine Hells uses a complex system of rules to quantify and

Running the Adventure

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

presenting a D&D adventure that was as much story-driven as location-based, featuring a villain who was complex and terrifying. Castle Ravenloft, with its amazing three-dimensional maps, remains to

Torrents Features

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

Torrents Features The complex has the following features. Any exceptions are noted in areas to which they apply. Ceilings. Cavern ceilings are 10 feet above the water. Climbing. The walls are rough

driven 10 feet underwater and restrained there. The creature can use its action to make a DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check, ending the restrained condition on a success. Aboleth Whispers Whenever the

Giant Patrons

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

Giant Patrons Many of the adventure hooks throughout this book involve giants asking characters for help or hiring them to carry out a task. This section outlines long-term patron roles giants might

fill. If you want to use a giant as a patron for a group of adventurers, you can use the perks, contacts, and roles described in the “Group Patrons” chapter of Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything alongside

Life and Outlook

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

Life and Outlook Kobolds have a tribal society in which they all take on specialized roles that protect and sustain the tribe. The strongest kobolds are trained to be hunters and warriors, the most

assigned gender roles for young or adults. A leader, sorcerer, miner, or crafter is as likely to be female as male. Grow Fast, Die Early Kobolds grow and mature much more swiftly than members of

The Xanathar Guild

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

criminal territory as possible. The Xanathar’s bond is its lair, an elaborate cavern complex created by its predecessors, carved out between the twisting sewers of Waterdeep. It almost never leaves its home

its lieutenants, the Xanathar has many minions with specific jobs. These underlings don’t have as much clout as the lieutenants do, but they do hold key roles in its guild and have some degree of

Outline

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons

a better idea of what they’re up against, they have a better chance to succeed. Stage 3 Third Council of Waterdeep. At the third meeting of the Council of Waterdeep, the characters take lead roles in

relic back. Mission to Thay. The ritual that will bring Tiamat to Faerûn is too complex for the cult’s spellcasters to perform without their Red Wizard allies—all Thayan exiles. The adventurers travel to

Plaintiff

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

your side, you can use complex terms like ex injuria jus non oritur and cogitationis poenam nemo patitur to frighten people into thinking you know what you’re talking about. With common folks who don’t

of order! (Chaotic) 5 Humility. I’m just a small part of a larger whole. So is everyone else. (Neutral) 6 Responsibility. We all have our roles to play. I’ll hold up my end of the bargain

Crime in Sharn

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

be driven to murder by passion. A refugee could become a cutpurse out of desperation. The rowdy Brelish veterans who call themselves the Brokenbridge Brawlers don’t think of themselves as criminals

information about them that’s more or less common knowledge in Sharn. This section explores the roles that each one could play in a Sharn-based campaign. Although the powerful organizations in Sharn have a

The Yawning Portal

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

of the Forgotten Realms. Halaster eventually disappeared, as have all his apprentices, but the massive complex he built remains to this day. For untold years, the secrets of Undermountain remained

. Most visitors are content to swap stories by the hearth, but sometimes a group driven by greed, ambition, or desperation pays the toll for entry and descends the well. Most don’t survive to make the

Dwarves of the Multiverse

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

great empire known as Kal-Thax. They have long been split into several clans based on traditional roles that were established in Kal-Thax and its successor settlements. Yet, as with much on Krynn, the

crafters, and that clan continues to rule despite its increasingly autocratic policies. Although the subservient clans continue to perform their traditional roles in the hierarchy, they have largely

The Winding Way

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh

joined battle against the intruders. The statue then attacks the nearest trespasser. Like the undead, the statue attacks until all intruders have been killed or driven from the complex. The statue

area. The undead attack until they are destroyed or the intruders have been driven away. They pursue intruders throughout the tunnels but do not leave the Winding Way. Once any intruders have been

1. Secret Entrances

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss

idea how close she’s come to finding what she’s been looking for. She also has no idea how to get to the surface. Fear, loneliness, and the demonic incursion have driven her mad. She now believes that

Traps” in chapter 5 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide). The passage ends at a dungeon complex under a ruined watchtower overlooking the Surbrin River, north of the Evermoors. The Zhentarim have guards

Rock Gnomes

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

true usefulness. Many an invention is celebrated just for being beautiful to behold or for being complex and intricate in its construction, and the artists who create such things are as esteemed as

inventions include the following: A chain-driven tomato smasher that is also able to fly A lightning-powered portable rat-zapper — good for keeping out the vermin A floating metal facsimile of a beholder

Obzedat, the Ghost Council

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica

guild and accumulate even larger fortunes. Mostly Unanimous. The ghosts of the Obzedat function as a unit, driven by their shared desire to accumulate ever more wealth for the guild. In times of

. A defining characteristic of the Orzhov for decades was the tension between Teysa, living in the complex political realities of the world, and the inflexible, avaricious Obzedat. Teysa argued

Factions in the North

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

are justly concerned, and some have important roles to play in events yet to unfold. The Harpers The Harpers are spellcasters and spies who covertly oppose the abuse of power, magical or otherwise

to take place sometime after 1485 DR, the Year of the Iron Dwarf’s Vengeance, during which a horde of orcs waged war on the North before being driven back into the mountains. This conflict is referred

D&D Beyond

Search Results