before best danger corrupt reflections

Shadar-kai Shadow Dancer

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

their enemies from all angles with a flurry of entangling chains that hold fast and corrupt the flesh. When their quarry is helpless, they dispatch it and then loot the corpse for trinkets

along tragic paths for her amusement. The Raven Queen is famously cryptic even to her most devoted followers, however; their efforts are rewarded only with vague omens they interpret as best they can

Tarandus

races

For millennia, the tarandus have been known as a society of explorers devoted to charting and understanding the world. Their culture prizes discovery, and they believe that their lives are best spent

, often used for reading maps in dim light or signalling danger to their allies. Tarandus fur ranges from deep brown to pure white, shifting with age, climate or diet. They usually wear simple outfits

Dragonborn Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

best attributes of dragons and humanoids. Some dragonborn are faithful servants to true dragons, others form the ranks of soldiers in great wars, and still others find themselves adrift, with no clear

all dragonborn strive to be self-sufficient, they recognize that help is sometimes needed in difficult situations. But the best source for such help is the clan, and when a clan needs help, it turns

Rictavio

Monsters Curse of Strahd

, the greatest vampire of them all. Van Richten has studied Strahd for years and knows he can’t hope to best the vampire in a straight-up confrontation: he must wait for the right moment to strike

, if he thinks he’s in danger of being unmasked, he retreats to his tower (see chapter 11) or some other quiet corner of Strahd’s domain. Rictavio’s Traits Ideal. “Evil

Demogorgon

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

chaos, confusion, and destruction, seeking to corrupt all that is good and undermine order in the multiverse, to see everything dragged howling into the infinite depths of the Abyss. The demon lord is

by a skull-shaped minaret. There, Demogorgon’s heads contemplate the mysteries of the arcane while arguing about how best to obliterate their rivals. The bulk of this palace extends deep

Folk Hero Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

disaster. 3 I stood alone against a terrible monster. 4 I stole from a corrupt merchant to help the poor. 5 I led a militia to fight off an invading army. 6 I broke into a tyrant

, or recuperate among other commoners, unless you have shown yourself to be a danger to them. They will shield you from the law or anyone else searching for you, though they will not risk their lives for

Demogorgon Legacy

Monsters Out of the Abyss

Spiraling Depths, Demogorgon is the embodiment of chaos, madness, and destruction, seeking to corrupt all that is good and undermine order in the multiverse, to see everything dragged howling into the

form of two serpentine towers, each crowned by a skull-shaped minaret. There, Demogorgon’s heads contemplate the mysteries of the arcane while arguing about how best to obliterate their rivals. The

Fighter Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

exquisite bow. The half-orc nearby shouts orders, helping the two combatants coordinate their assault to the best advantage. A dwarf in chain mail interposes his shield between the ogre’s club

combatants on battlefields and in dungeons alike. Trained for Danger Not every member of the city watch, the village militia, or the queen’s army is a fighter. Most of these troops are relatively

Criminal / Spy Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

; specifically, you know the local messengers, corrupt caravan masters, and seedy sailors who can deliver messages for you. Variant Criminal: Spy Although your capabilities are not much different

who seem the fairest often have the most to hide. 6 I don’t pay attention to the risks in a situation. Never tell me the odds. 7 The best way to get me to do something is to tell me

Archaeologist

Backgrounds Tomb of Annihilation

exploring is part of a plan to find the secret of everlasting life. (Any) 6 Danger. With every great discovery comes grave danger. The two walk hand in hand. (Any) d6 Bond

disappeared on an expedition some time ago. 3 I have a friendly rival. Only one of us can be the best, and I aim to prove it’s me. 4 I won’t sell an art object or other treasure that

Marine

Backgrounds Ghosts of Saltmarsh

hardship is essential to you and is at the heart of a personal philosophy or ethos that often guides your actions. You can roll on the following table to determine this hardship or choose one that best fits

, marines tend to operate best in groups, valuing camaraderie and the companionship of like-minded individuals. D8 PERSONALITY TRAIT 1 I speak rarely but mean every word I say

Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

insults with vengeance. Like the branches of a young tree, elves are flexible in the face of danger. They trust in diplomacy and compromise to resolve differences before they escalate to violence. They

, sophistication, and manners, they make up in valor. And I must admit, their best smiths produce art that approaches elven quality.” Halflings. “Halflings are people of simple pleasures, and

Wizard Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

other wizard? Perhaps you’re simply eager to put your newfound magical skills to the test in the face of danger. QUICK BUILD You can make a wizard quickly by following these suggestions. First

, Intelligence should be your highest ability score, followed by Constitution or Dexterity. If you plan to join the School of Enchantment, make Charisma your next-best score. Second, choose the sage

Adult Crystal Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

points, allowing the Crystal Dragon Wyrmling;wyrmlings to blend in to rocky terrain in the face of danger. As they age, their scales turn snow white, then slowly fade to transparency. The oldest

dragon until initiative count 20 on the next round. A creature charmed in this way obeys to the best of its ability any command the dragon issues that isn’t directly harmful to the creature. Ice

Ancient Crystal Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

clear crystalline points, allowing the Crystal Dragon Wyrmling;wyrmlings to blend in to rocky terrain in the face of danger. As they age, their scales turn snow white, then slowly fade to transparency

must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by the dragon until initiative count 20 on the next round. A creature charmed in this way obeys to the best of its ability any command the

Lizardfolk Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

portable! 2 You sleep best while mostly submerged in water. 3 Money is meaningless to you. 4 You think there are only two species of humanoid: lizardfolk and meat. 5 You have

(secret), Jhank (hammer), Kepesk (storm), Kethend (gem), Korth (danger), Kosj (small), Kothar (demon), Litrix (armor), Mirik (song), Othokent (smart), Sauriv (eye), Throden (many), Thurkear (night), Usk (iron), Valignat (burn), Vargach (battle), Verthica (mountain), Vutha (black), Vyth (steel)

Soldier - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

the behaviors common to corrupt guards and military officers a mile away. While awareness of such corruption doesn’t equate to evidence of it, and your sense certainly isn’t foolproof, your

strong and like breaking things. 7 I have a crude sense of humor. 8 I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is the best path to success. d6 Ideal 1

Criminal - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

to and from your contact, even over great distances; specifically, you know the local messengers, corrupt caravan masters, and seedy sailors who can deliver messages for you. BALDUR’S GATE

attention to the risks in a situation. Never tell me the odds. 7 The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I can’t do it. 8 I blow up at the slightest insult. d6

Fifth Edition

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

original deck created by Istus for Asteria and Euryale is so powerful that it has countless lesser reflections throughout the multiverse, including versions with more, fewer, or different cards. The

deck has been in every edition of D&D, but there is no single “best” version of the deck. It has always been changing, and it always will. When you include the deck in your game, tailor it to your table

Shadow Dragon Treasures

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

, and that is true of the treasures they collect as well. Though they cannot abandon their hoards, shadow dragons hide them away even from their own sight. The most resplendent items are always the best

7 A pile of loose sheet music representing the lost dirges of a famous shadar-kai bard 8 An exquisitely crafted mirror that drains all color from the reflections of those who look into it

Self-Sufficient Clans

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

commitment find it easy to earn the respect of a dragonborn. Though all dragonborn strive to be self-sufficient, they recognize that help is sometimes needed in difficult situations. But the best source

followers of the evil goddess Takhisis learned a dark ritual that let them corrupt the eggs of metallic dragons, producing evil dragonborn called draconians. Five types of draconians, corresponding to

Studies and Philosophy

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

—to uplift and empower others, to shine light on the evils of society, and to inspire the best in those around them. The college’s perspective of shadow focuses on the power of language to stab, to

Lumimancer, bringing light to bear on shameful situations and holding corrupt institutions to account Radiance 5 Shadewing, forming weapons from darkness to slice and stab at foes Shadow 6 Silvertongue

Why Are You Here?

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

heretical beliefs. A variation of this is that you’re hiding. As a devout cleric or paladin, you may have made enemies of the corrupt authorities in the local churches. If you use the haunted one background

find the light. Your soldier or folk hero serves as the unofficial sheriff, protecting the innocent as best you can. You might work as a ratcatcher, a healer, or a private inquisitive solving mysteries. Callestan may be miserable, but it’s your home and these are your people.

Sharn Watch NPCs

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

activities. The Boromars are pressuring Lian to crack down on Daask, but he has no desire to put his officers in danger unnecessarily. Commander Belew Yorgan is a male dwarf who leads the Sword Point

garrison in Middle Central. He does his best to serve the interests of the nobles and wealthy patrons in the Central Plateau, and as a result these wards are among the safest in Sharn. But Yorgan’s

Nepenthe

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

based on her predictions of the Caller’s next steps, and if her pursuit forces the Carnival into danger, so be it. Only by ridding Isolde of Nepenthe can she truly escape the Dark Powers’ clutches

fallen companions as it drives her to catch their fiendish killer. Unlike Isolde, whose motives are good, the sword is corrupt and irredeemable.

Gatekeepers

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

come, and to protect nature from those that would corrupt it. Thousands of years later, the daelkyr (see chapter 6) opened gates from the plane of Xoriat and unleashed hordes of mind flayers

sealed the gates and imprisoned the daelkyr in Khyber. Even after this triumph, the orcs couldn’t be sure if they had turned back the threat Vvaraak had foreseen, or if a greater danger lay ahead. So

Appendix: Player Species

compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->One-Shot Wonders: Holiday Adventure Pack

their lives are best spent travelling, observing and creating maps that guide others along safe paths. All tarandus possess antlers that rise roughly a foot above their heads. Their dark-red noses can

emit a gentle glow, often used for reading maps in dim light or signalling danger to their allies. Tarandus fur ranges from deep brown to pure white, shifting with age, climate or diet. They usually wear

Worshiping Pharika

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

venom. Those desperate for a cure to a rare affliction often pray to the goddess to reveal the monster that embodies the malady tormenting them. Such insight, though, rarely decreases the danger of

mortal realm. Selfishly, the medusas each kept secrets for themselves, using these as currency to bargain with mortals. Angered that her children would hoard any of her secrets, Pharika cursed them, so that they could never after behold their own reflections without risking death.

Devil Customization Tables

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

day I will have revenge on those who defied me. 5 If I do my duty, in time I will be rewarded. 6 We don’t corrupt mortals. We teach them enlightened self-interest. Devil Flaws d6 Flaw 1 My

frustration boils over into violence. 2 I obey the law, but I strain at its limits to the point of heresy. 3 I put the minimum effort possible into anything that isn’t my own idea. 4 A low profile is the best

Conclusion

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

become a point of ongoing conflict between the characters and the corrupt banker. Company Positions At the signing of the franchise agreement, each character picks one of the positions detailed in

“Company Positions” in chapter 2. When they do so, Viari hands out any special position gear and instructs the characters in how best to fulfill their roles. Chapter 2 has more details on these

Chapter 4: Gracklstugh

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

works, its clanging heart, and the forges kept alive by the flames of Themberchaud, the red dragon that holds the title of Wyrmsmith. Gracklstugh toils endlessly, its smiths churning out the best armor

shape events in the city that point toward the danger Gracklstugh faces — and how unprepared the city is for it. But with each moment the characters spend in the City of Blades, they run the risk of having escaped the drow only to be enslaved by the duergar.

Virgil's Mission

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

relates the events of the “Background” section to the best of its knowledge. It does not know the specifics about Tammeraut’s crew, but it does know that the drowned ones are victims of that fateful

, Virgil is indebted to them for avenging his former master. The bird follows the group and does what it can to help. It can warn of danger, carry notes or messages, and so forth. Use the stat block for a hawk, but increase its Intelligence to 9.

Independent Realms

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

exist largely outside the protection or purview of the great powers of the region. Even the civilized locales among these places, such as Elturgard, exist, at best, in an uneasy tension with the denizens

Larloch, are all independent realms, as are the High Moor, the Trollclaws, and the High Forest. There is much danger and adventure to be had in the free places of the North, and a great deal of wealth and

Disaster Horror

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

or villain might be replaced by cascading catastrophes like those brought about by a meteor strike or volcanic eruption. Regardless of a hero’s power, the best-timed critical hit or the most powerful

, monsters, or another threat? Does everyone believe in the danger of the disaster? Has the disaster given rise to extreme behaviors, such as paranoia, cultic beliefs, or cannibalism? Will the world ever be the same again?

Planting Adventure Seeds

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

. Perhaps an NPC warns the characters of impending danger or implores them for help. The trick is to not distract the characters from the adventure at hand. Designing an effective hook for a future adventure

requires finesse. The lure should be compelling, but not so irresistible that the players stop caring about what their characters are doing right now. To keep players from straying, save your best

D&D Beyond

Search Results