before being dead cunning refuses

Cultist of Bhaal

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

financial recompense. These cunning serial killers and mass murderers remain a step ahead of investigators, at least until the cultists’ zealous bloodlust overwhelms their senses. Cultists The

adventurers Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul seized divinity but were slain for their hubris. All three have been reborn and are now known as the Dead Three. Each of the Dead Three has inspired wicked cults that

Oblex Spawn

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

, the oblex—a slime capable of assaulting the minds of other creatures. These pools of jelly are cunning hunters that feed on thoughts and memories. The sharper the mind, the better the meal, so

plunders the creature’s mind, leaving its prey befuddled and confused—or dead. When oblexes feed on thoughts, they can form weird copies of their prey to use as lures, which helps them harvest even more victims for their mind flayer masters.

Underworld Cerberus

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

deep in the Underworld. Terrifying and cunning, they guard portals between the wards of the Underworld, Erebos’s greatest treasures, and noteworthy souls who might attempt to escape the realm of

the dead. Three-headed cerberi commonly serve demons, but if left to their own devices, they often herd wily souls into labyrinthine Underworld wildernesses, then hunt them for sport. Feared by the

Elkhorn

Monsters The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

has urged Elkhorn to retire, but the old dwarf stubbornly refuses to do so. Alignment. Lawful good. Personality Trait. “As long as I have the strength in my bones to fight evil, that is what I

dead.” Combat Notes Elkhorn’s challenge rating is based on him using Feint to improve his rather weak sword attack. Having been trained in his youth to fight ogres and trolls, he&rsquo

Bugbear Legacy

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

. If the brother gods are angry with them, they let the bugbears know with bolts of lightning (Hruggek) or by striking them blind or dead (Grankhul). Bugbears worship their gods simply by preying on

Lich Legacy

Monsters Basic Rules (2014)

, detect thoughts, invisibility, mirror image 3rd level (3 slots): animate dead, counterspell, dispel magic, fireball 4th level (3 slots): blight, dimension door 5th level (3 slots): cloudkill, scrying

. Everything about a lich’s lair reflects its keen mind and wicked cunning, including the magic and mundane traps that secure it. Undead, constructs, and bound demons lurk in shadowy recesses

Stone Cursed

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Cunning Opportunist. The stone cursed has advantage on the attack rolls of opportunity attack;opportunity attacks. False Appearance. If the stone cursed is motionless at the start of combat, it has

would be lost. Cryptic Whispers Even though a creature transformed into a stone cursed is long dead, a vague whisper of their memories lives on in the obsidian skull embedded within the stone cursed

Breath Drinker

Monsters The Book of Many Things

reduces the target’s Charisma to 0, the target dies. Until the breath drinker dies, the dead target can’t be returned to life by any means short of divine intervention. On a successful save

causing the creatures to devour themselves. Cunning stalkers, breath drinkers are usually solitary. Occasionally they serve powerful Far Realm entities or Elder Evils, consuming life and souls for their

Yuan-ti Malison (Type 3) Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

their race, allowing them to shed their frail humanity like dead skin. Those that did not transform eventually became slaves or food for the blessed of the serpent gods. The yuan-ti empires withered

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

Haunted One

Backgrounds Curse of Strahd: Character Options

with a sword or banished with a spell. It might come to you as a shadow on the wall, a bloodcurdling nightmare, a memory that refuses to die, or a demonic whisper in the dark. The burden has taken its

. Sometimes it beckons you in the dead of night. 3 An apparition that has haunted your family for generations now haunts you. You don’t know what it wants, and it won’t leave you alone

Vecna the Archlich

Monsters Vecna: Eve of Ruin

Vecna, Afterthought is a Dagger, +2;+2 Dagger. Undying. If Vecna is slain, his soul refuses to accept its fate and lives on as a disembodied spirit that fashions a new body for itself after 1d100

spells, requiring no material components and using Intelligence as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 22): At will: Animate Dead (as an action), Detect Magic, Dispel Magic, Fly, Lightning Bolt

Valindra Shadowmantle Legacy

Monsters Tomb of Annihilation

3rd level (3 slots): animate dead, counterspell, dispel magic, fireball 4th level (3 slots): blight, dimension door 5th level (3 slots): cloudkill, scrying 6th level (1 slot): disintegrate, globe

reflects its keen mind and wicked cunning, including the magic and mundane traps that secure it. Undead, constructs, and bound demons lurk in shadowy recesses, emerging to destroy those who dare to disturb

Adult Oblex

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

flayers created a special breed of Ooze, the oblex—a slime capable of assaulting the minds of other creatures. These pools of jelly are cunning hunters that feed on thoughts and memories. The

engulf its victim. As it withdraws, it plunders the creature’s mind, leaving its prey befuddled and confused—or dead. When oblexes feed on thoughts, they can form weird copies of their

Elder Oblex

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

jelly are cunning hunters that feed on thoughts and memories. The sharper the mind, the better the meal, so oblexes hunt targets more likely to be intelligent, such as wizards and other spellcasters. When

suitable fare comes within reach, an oblex draws its body up to engulf its victim. As it withdraws, it plunders the creature’s mind, leaving its prey befuddled and confused—or dead. When

Fraz-Urb'luu

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

trick, every ounce of demonic cunning, to manipulate his enemies—mortal and Fiend alike—to do his will. Fraz-Urb’luu can create dreamlands and mind-bending fantasies able to deceive the

see hallucinations of long-dead friends and comrades that vanish after only a brief glimpse. Twisted Paths. Roads and paths within 6 miles of the lair twist and turn back on themselves, making

Fraz-Urb'luu Legacy

Monsters Out of the Abyss

Deception and Demon Lord of Illusions. He uses every trick, every ounce of demonic cunning, to manipulate his enemies—mortal and fiend alike—to do his will. Fraz-Urb’luu can create

creatures within 1 mile of the lair frequently see hallucinations of long-dead friends and comrades that vanish after only a brief glimpse. Roads and paths within 6 miles of the lair twist and turn back on

Strahd, Master of Death House

Monsters Vecna: Eve of Ruin

. Spellcasting. Strahd casts one of the following spells, using Intelligence as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 18): At will: Detect Thoughts, Fog Cloud, Mage Hand 2/day each: Animate Dead (as an

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

Elfsong Tavern

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

Tarina and find out what she knows about the Dead Three. Zodge has spies who keep him informed on the characters’ progress. If the characters don’t visit Elfsong Tavern within forty-eight hours of

receiving their orders, Zodge sends a squad of six Flaming Fist veterans and one flameskull to escort the characters to the tavern, kill anyone who refuses to go, and report back to him. If the characters destroy or escape this squad, Zodge mobilizes two more squads to hunt them down.

Worshiping Athreos

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

Worshiping Athreos Most funeral traditions include small offerings and words of reverence to Athreos. Predominant among these traditions is burying or burning the dead with a clay funerary mask, to

“frame” the identity of the dead for Athreos, and with at least one coin, so a soul might pay Athreos to ferry them to the Underworld. Some people are laid to rest with large amounts of grave goods

Vampires

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual

the youngest vampires might be little more than bloodthirsty servants of their creators, the eldest possess incredible cunning and control over supernatural forces of the night. Undead vampires lie

. Vampire Resting Places 1d6 The Vampire’s Resting Place Is... 1 Among the roots of a dead tree. 2 At the bottom of a stagnant pool. 3 A coffin filled with grave dirt. 4

Leader of the Pack

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

Stoyanovich Every hour the characters spend inside the werewolf den, roll a d20. On a roll of 18 or higher, the werewolf hunting party returns, dragging a dead mountain goat. It’s a meager feast, at best

the den (such as if the guards at area Z2 are absent or dead), the werewolves assume hybrid form. Kiril sends three werewolves up the mountainside to area Z8 to enter the den from above while he and

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

made from dead darkmantles 20 Cloaks made of scraps from an elven tapestry Booyahgs Spellcasters of any sort among the goblins are rare. Goblins typically lack the intelligence and

Athreos as Campaign Villain

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

have desires beyond his responsibilities to the dead, he would likely keep them secret and act with slow, nearly invisible, deliberateness. The Athreos’s Divine Schemes table suggests just a few of the

god’s potential objectives. Athreos’s Divine Schemes d4 Scheme 1 Athreos tires of his responsibilities but refuses to abandon them. Secretly, he has allowed the same spirit to be reborn

Ghost Story Villains

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

Villain 1 A medium who feeds victims to spirits in exchange for power over them 2 The spirit of a long-dead murderer who stalks the same types of victims in death as in life 3 The

haunted home of a cruel patriarch, who refuses to relinquish control of his descendants 4 A priest who marks the unworthy for death at the hands of the cathedral’s hungry spirits 5 A phantom

Orc Legacy

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

until my enemies are dead, no matter the cost. 4 I understand the value of civilization and the order that society brings. 5 I don’t trust anyone. 6 I believe in living to

Strahd von Zarovich

Monsters Curse of Strahd

, sleep 2nd level (3 slots): detect thoughts, gust of wind, mirror image 3rd level (3 slots): animate dead, fireball, nondetection 4th level (3 slots): blight, greater invisibility, polymorph 5th level

intelligently and do everything you can to make him a terrifying and cunning adversary for the player characters. When you run an encounter with Strahd, keep the following facts in mind: Strahd

Phenax

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

cloak of Athreos, the River Guide, who ushers the dead to their final rest. Hidden by illusion as he was, neither Athreos nor Erebos could find Phenax and bring him back. Able to play whatever role

the situation calls for, Phenax is a consummate actor. His incisive wit and cunning enable him to read the desires of his marks, adjusting his approach to suit the moment. In his rare moments of candor

Ship of the Dead

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer: Adventures in Space->Light of Xaryxis

Ship of the Dead The Last Breath is a space galleon that has been reduced to 90 hit points. Unless the characters take defensive measures, the galleon comes close enough for its captain, Grimzod

behind him. Gargenhale’s tone of voice is inviting, but his dead-black eyes glint with malice. “It’s dangerous out here. That menace from Xaryxis, Commander Vael, keeps sending ships to our system, but

The Vanthampur Family

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

The Vanthampur Family Thalamra Vanthampur is a cunning, devil-worshiping beast of a woman in her late sixties who can stare down a hell hound without flinching. She is barrel-bodied, with strong

complex below her villa. Thalamra is a widow three times over, and each of her dead husbands was kind enough to give her a son. Her oldest boy, Thurstwell, is a pale and sullen recluse in his forties. A

Strahd's Enemy

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

characters until his son, Doru, is dead and buried. Darklord (King of Spades) Ah, the worst of all truths: You must face the evil of this land alone! There is no NPC who can inspire the characters. A

dead father’s house. Curing her madness is key to your success. This card refers to Stella Wachter (see chapter 5, area N4n). She grants the party no benefit unless her madness is cured. With her wits

Leosin Erlanthar

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

. He can move without aid at a speed of 20 feet and fights as a commoner with disadvantage on attack rolls. If characters don’t bring him out of the camp, Leosin breaks away on his own. He refuses to

. Tying up a dead or unconscious cultist (preferably a half-elf) in his place assures the intruders a two-hour head start before the escape is noticed.

Elkhorn

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

refuses to do so. Alignment. Lawful good. Personality Trait. “As long as I have the strength in my bones to fight evil, that is what I will do.” Ideal. “One who stands idle as evil remains unchecked is no

true menace to evildoers.” Flaw. “Retire? My goodness, no. I’ll retire when I’m dead.” Combat Notes Elkhorn’s challenge rating is based on him using Feint to improve his rather weak sword attack

What the Residents Know

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves

What the Residents Know Characters who strike up a conversation with any of the monastery’s residents can learn what they know about the following topics. Dead Falcons. The monks use trained falcons

include numerous assassinations. The monks have no interest in politics and no wish to harbor assassins, but Ronnom refuses to leave. He and his bodyguards have private quarters on the lower level

Force Grey (Gray Hands)

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

take offense if the character refuses her invitation. A day later, she casts another sending spell and reaches out to a different party member. If she is refused a second time, she doesn’t contact the

refuses to part with it. Characters who observe Meloon during this exchange can ascertain what’s going on with a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Insight) check. Reward: Each Gray Hand character gains 2 renown

Murder in Baldur's Gate

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

your snare caught another. Now Dolandre Eomane lies dead, while the intended target yet lives. 3 Doctor Holk Thinster jeopardized lives every night he worked at Cliffgate Hospital. Who knows how

. 2 Someone associated with your victim wants revenge — the sort the law won’t provide. 3 Your victim won’t stay dead, having fought their way back from death to take vengeance. 4 Your

D&D Beyond

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