before best defusing changing recent

Knight of Eldraine

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

embodiment of one of the five virtues the knights of the realm hold as standards of excellence. The recent invasion of nightmarish creatures called Phyrexians devastated the courts, with much of the

surviving populace fleeing into the wilds. A young prince, Will Kenrith, does his best to reunite the shattered realm, but a return to its former glory seems far off. Even in the shattered remnants of

Half-Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

, Dragons of Autumn Twilight Walking in two worlds but truly belonging to neither, half-elves combine what some say are the best qualities of their elf and human parents: human curiosity

. EXCELLENT AMBASSADORS Many half-elves learn at an early age to get along with everyone, defusing hostility and finding common ground. As a race, they have elven grace without elven aloofness and

Zariel

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

the following spells, requiring no material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 26): At will: alter self (can become Medium when changing her appearance), detect

collecting souls from the greatest warriors on the Material Plane. She bargains hard, and there is little hope of wriggling out of a pact. However, she expects the best from her servants, so she

Triton Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

elemental planes, and other dangerous spots far from the eyes of land-bound folk. Long-established guardians of the deep ocean floor, in recent years the noble tritons have become increasingly active in

have never been to the surface world. They struggle with the idea that they can’t easily move up and down out of water, and the changing of the seasons mystifies them. Tritons also find the

Soldier Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

battlefield. You might have been part of a standing national army or a mercenary company, or perhaps a member of a local militia who rose to prominence during a recent war. When you choose this background

solution is the best path to success. d6 Ideal 1 Greater Good. Our lot is to lay down our lives in defense of others. (Good) 2 Responsibility. I do what I must and obey just

Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

. Since they are so long-lived, they can enjoy centuries of exploration and discovery. They dislike the pace of human society, which is regimented from day to day but constantly changing over decades, so

, 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

Human Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

, striving to leave a lasting legacy. Individually and as a group, humans are adaptable opportunists, and they stay alert to changing political and social dynamics. EVERYONE’S SECOND-BEST FRIENDS

; Elves. “It’s best not to wander into elven woods. They don’t like intruders, and you’ll as likely be bewitched as peppered with arrows. Still, if an elf can get past that damned

Changeling

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

With ever-changing appearances, changelings reside in many societies undetected. Each changeling can supernaturally adopt any face they like. For some changelings, a new face is only a disguise. For

character’s height or weight randomly, consult the Random Height and Weight table in the Player’s Handbook, and choose the row in the table that best represents the build you imagine for your character.

Verdan

Species Acquisitions Incorporated

then passing through the shadow of That-Which-Endures changed them forever. Now the newest race to call Faerûn home, the verdan do their best to find their way in an unfamiliar world

bred by empathy that helps them eventually sort out those who are sincere from those who are not. Verdan Names The oldest verdan names spring from goblinoid traditions, but more recent names reflect

Soldier - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

standing national army or a mercenary company, or perhaps a member of a local militia who rose to prominence during a recent war. When you choose this background, work with your DM to determine which

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

Franchise Downtime

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

defeat) and to set the course for the campaign to come. The characters might enjoy changing cosmetic elements of their franchise headquarters to reflect their recent victories, spread their reputation

as heroes, cement recent alliances, wrap up open plot hooks, or deal with debts or obligations incurred while saving the world. Friends and Enemies The characters’ heroics might have changed the

Clue in the Bayou

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

addresses the characters: “It is as we feared. Murgaxor has been lurking around campus ever since he dared to manipulate Dean Tullus. We still don’t know his plans, but we’ve traced his most recent

activity to the Detention Bog. “Our best faculty researchers are digging through Strixhaven’s past, but we could use your help searching for clues. I’ve arranged for you to oversee tomorrow’s

House Status

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

assignments or those that other operatives pass up. 4 Outcast. You have made some mistakes in the recent past, and your status in the house is tenuous at best.

Using the Adventures

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

larger or smaller groups as well as for characters of higher or lower level by swapping one monster or trap for another, changing the number of foes in an encounter, and adjusting DCs to make

. During their research, they uncover a book and the mystery it contains, which leads to adventure. These short adventures work best with players who like mysteries and discovering their secrets. That

Exploration and Adventure

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

, which is regimented from day to day but constantly changing over decades, so they find careers that let them travel freely and set their own pace. Elves also enjoy exercising their martial prowess or

. “Dwarves are dull, clumsy oafs. But what they lack in humor, sophistication, and manners, they make up in valor. And I must admit, their best smiths produce art that approaches elven quality.” Halflings

Far Traveler

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

;n. Recent events in your homeland have led to the abolition of slavery, and a corresponding increase in the traffic between Mulhorand and the distant parts of Faerûn. Those who leave behind

be deluded innocents at best, or ignorant fools at worst. 6 I have a weakness for the exotic beauty of the people of these lands.

Fifth Edition

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

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

Exploration and Adventure

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

, which is regimented from day to day but constantly changing over decades, so they find careers that let them travel freely and set their own pace. Elves also enjoy exercising their martial prowess or

. “Dwarves are dull, clumsy oafs. But what they lack in humor, sophistication, and manners, they make up in valor. And I must admit, their best smiths produce art that approaches elven quality.” Halflings

Using the Adventures

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel

can adjust it for larger or smaller groups as well as for characters of higher or lower level by making a few changes, like swapping one monster or trap for another, changing the number of foes in an

individuals or organizations there lead them to investigate the plot. A character hails from the land where the adventure takes place and has a connection to the plot. These short adventures work best

Example Rival: High Priest Cheldar

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

square, Cheldar rails against the forces of chaos, laying blame for recent troubles on adventurers who are meddling in things best left alone. Event The characters find that all adventurers in town

receive an icy reception at best. Action Cheldar demands that the city levy enormous taxes on adventurers, claiming that they must pay their fair share to keep the city safe.

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

interplanar rifts might sow all manner of supernatural chaos. Wars and relentless monster hordes—like legions of zombies or fiends—can also cause region- or world-changing ruin. In all these cases, society

Rundreth Manor

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

stalks them. She sometimes poses as a drow captive of a dragon, desperate to avoid being eaten and willing to pay with her treasure to be rescued. The Harpers have learned her secret, and do their best to

spread stories of the Dark Lady to scare off curious or foolhardy adventurers. They warn fellow members to approach Nurvureem with extreme caution. In recent months, Nurvureem has been pestered by

Grasslands of Oreskos

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

changing color as the sun moves across the sky. Many leonin matriarchs and other wise souls retire to Tethmos to share their wisdom with all the prides. In recent years, a few non-leonin traders have

Conch Overview

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Netheril’s Fall: Tales of Terror, Treasure, and Time Travel

best to work their menial jobs, feed their families, and avoid the attention of anyone with power. Government The city is nominally ruled by the High Council of Conch, a rotating group of powerful

for decades. But recently, phaerimm attacks on the city’s outskirts have become concerning. Similarly, incidents of Low Netherese resistance against the ruling mages have increased in recent years, with laborers demanding better pay and conditions in the mines. So far, the mages have ignored the laborers.

Fancying Up Footwork

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

of students, waiting nervously or trying out their best approximations of dance moves. Several dozen students are already present at the Rose Stage, waiting for the dance lessons to begin. As soon

who moves as naturally as a cloud. A recent Strixhaven graduate, Nivall leads the students through 4 hours of dance lessons. First, though, Nivall asks everyone to choose their first dance partner or allow Nivall to pair them off.

Creating a Rival

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

personal level. Find links in the characters’ backstories or the events of recent adventures that explain what sparked the rival’s actions. The best trouble to put the characters in is trouble they

the others might be neutral or good; conflicts with those rivals might be social or political, rather than manifesting as direct attacks. The best rivals have a connection with their adversaries on a

The Central Market

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

cloudy blue eyes. They run a flower stall in the market. Friendly and a bit wistful, Astra chats with anyone who stops at their stall, as happy to hear the recent news as to make a sale. Astra was a

. “Gossip nourishes me like a spring rain, but I hate to hear or pass on bad news.” Ideal. “People are like flowers: Some grow best when left alone, others must be carefully cultivated—and some need to be

Red Larch

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

outlaws (the Haunted Keeps). In recent years, new quarries have been opened on the northwestern edge of town. So far these have yielded up great slabs of marble much prized in Waterdeep for facing

food is useful on the trail: baked loaves of turkey and wildfowl scraps, nuts, and chopped roots and greens, mixed in a chickpea mash. It is bland at the best of times, but badly made crumblecake tastes terrible.

The Watch Arrives

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

known Zhent instigator named Urstul Floxin, a “big fish” rumored to be responsible for much of the recent strife. Staget doesn’t share this information with strangers. Staget and Renaer recognize each

other, though they aren’t well acquainted. The involvement of a Neverember noble prompts the captain to be on his best behavior. He is prepared to overlook any crimes committed by the characters as

Gargenhale's Fleet

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

Gargenhale’s Fleet Whether the characters head for Gargenhale’s fleet or immediately set sail for Doomspace, their course takes them toward the wreckage of a recent battle: Dead ahead, you see a

over the bow of the ship, quickly flies around the mast, and settles a few feet above the main deck, changing colors as it hovers in place. In a soft voice it says, “Lost, are we? Maybe I can be of

Thessalar

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Infernal Machine Rebuild

owlbear. In recent years, he has also researched the prolonging of life—namely his own. Thessalar hopes that by becoming a lich, his research and experiments can continue indefinitely. Over time

Horrors. Worse, the sculptors took with them their best tools and half a manual of stone golems. Both items were part of Thessalar’s plans to craft a powerful stone golem and send it against Moghadam and

Adventures in Dementlieu

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

is murdered. The culprit isn’t the Red Death, but the family of a recent victim, who don’t want the victim’s poverty and lies to come to light. 6 A woman claiming to be Duchess Saidra’s

stepsister arrives in town and makes discreet inquiries about how to best reveal the horrible truth about the duchess: that she is a lowborn fraud.

Meeting Diasma

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Giants of the Star Forge

the ordning. However, Brimskarda’s standing has waned in recent years. Brimskarda’s scheme to kidnap Theldin and exploit his skill is no doubt part of a plan to increase her standing, likely by using

one of the monastery’s best giant wrestlers. She still considers herself an adventurer, though, and has recently begun to feel the itch of wanderlust. The characters’ quest to rid the Star Forge of evil

Guests of the Temple

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

bored and looking for excitement. 3 A pair of halfling scouts from the coastal city of Neverwinter used the profits from a recent shady job to treat themselves to a luxurious stay at the temple

Cormyr, seeking Sune’s advice on how best to impress their betrothed. 6 A dwarf noble from Citadel Adbar, a dwarven city-stronghold far to the north, recently suffered a magical malady causing

A New Plan

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin

recent piece of the rod will suffice. “There’s no time to waste. Once you’ve reassembled the rod, we can all confront Vecna and stop his heinous plan. You’ll be the heroes of the multiverse! How does

Tasha admit that the plan Mordenkainen has laid out is the best hope to stop Vecna. Alustriel compliments Mordenkainen on his foresight. The wizards answer the characters’ questions to the best of their

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