before better dark continued respected

Darkling Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

speak of a seelie fey who betrayed the Summer Queen. His true name has been stricken from history, but the stories call him Dubh Catha ("Dark Crow" in Common). So great was the Summer Queen's wrath

for the beauty of art. A darkling might risk taking a peek at a sunset or lighting a tiny candle to glimpse the colors in a painting or a jewel. Elder Transformation. A wise and respected darkling can

Darkling Elder Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

call him Dubh Catha ("Dark Crow" in Common). So great was the Summer Queen's wrath that she cursed every member of his house. Other fey refer to the descendants of Dubh Catha's house as the dubh sith-or

the colors in a painting or a jewel. Elder Transformation. A wise and respected darkling can qualify to undergo a ritual to become an elder. Other elders mark the supplicant with glowing tattoos

Iggwilv the Witch Queen

Monsters The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

start of her turn. Witchcraft. Iggwilv uses Spellcasting or Fey Step. Dark Speech (Costs 2 Actions). Iggwilv utters a phrase in a forbidden language and targets one or two creatures she can see within

60 feet of her. Each target must succeed on a DC 22 Wisdom saving throw or take 11 (2d10);{"diceNotation":"2d10","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Dark Speech","rollDamageType":"psychic"} psychic

Hundred-Handed One

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

performed dark rituals, robbing the power of ancient, slumbering giants and using it to transform their servants. This primal energy granted the archons' agents numerous limbs—the better to raise the

Minotaur Legacy

Species Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

, are much better known and respected. Boros minotaurs choose the precision of the legion over the fury of the pack. Minotaurs tend to vent their outrage through violence, but they aren’t

Eye and Hand of Vecna Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

Seldom is the name of Vecna spoken except in a hushed voice. Vecna was, in his time, one of the mightiest of all wizards. Through dark magic and conquest, he forged a terrible empire. For all his

would allow him to live on as a lich. Beyond death, he became the greatest of all liches. Even though his body gradually withered and decayed, Vecna continued to expand his evil dominion. So formidable

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

; Elminster The serpent creatures known as yuan-ti are all that remains of an ancient, decadent human empire. Ages ago their dark gods taught them profane, cannibalistic rituals to mix their flesh

primordial world heeded the prayers of these people and hissed dark demands into their ears. The people tainted their souls by performing human sacrifices in the name of the gods, debased their flesh by

Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

might continue to use the child name. Each elf’s adult name is a unique creation, though it might reflect the names of respected individuals or other family members. Little distinction exists

(Moonbrook), Xiloscient (Goldpetal) Subrace Ancient divides among the elven people resulted in three main subraces: high elves, wood elves, and dark elves, who are commonly called drow. Choose one of

Rakdos Cultist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

law-abiding citizens of Ravnica. Personality Traits d8 Personality Trait 1 I revel in mayhem, the more destructive the better. 2 When violence breaks out, I lose myself in

black at the spot), and I cherish it. 5 I want to be better at my chosen form of performance than any other member of my troupe. 6 I am devoted to Rakdos and live to impress him

Claugiyliamatar (possessed)

Monsters Divine Contention

exhales dark energy in a 90--foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 22 Constitution saving throw, taking 77 (22d6);{"diceNotation":"22d6","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Necrotic

underground city known as Southkrypt. For centuries, Kryptgarden Forest has been the home and hunting ground of the ancient female green dragon Claugiyliamatar, better known to many as Old Gnawbone. She

Folk Hero - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

dozen adopted grandparents inviting you in for a meal. 3 Seeing a lost patriar after dark in the Outer City, you guided the wayward noble through back streets to safety. The patriar repaid your

; Suggested Characteristics A folk hero is one of the common people, for better or for worse. Most folk heroes look on their humble origins as a virtue, not a shortcoming, and their home communities

Azorius Functionary

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

modeled my career after a highly respected lawmage or arrester, but I fear that my role model might be involved in something illegal. Flaws d6 Flaw 1 I’m

best at everything in my legal training, and now I work with the person who was always just a little bit better. 6 A good friend was promoted into work they can’t tell me about. 7 I

Cyric

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

Cyric The Prince of Lies, the Dark Sun The worship of Cyric derives directly from the story of his ascension to godhood. Cyric was a mortal during the Time of Troubles and the key to how that

chaotic period resolved, but he was also a selfish traitor and a murderer. When he became a god, Cyric continued to work various plots of deceit and murder — the most famous of which is that, according to

Life in the Sensa Empire

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

Life in the Sensa Empire Those who live in the Sensa Empire or who travel through the land experience its wealth, both in riches and deep traditions. Aurum Guild Gold mining is a respected career

and craftspeople to build social and professional connections, better their craft, and organize for improved labor conditions. Each city-state has its own chapter of the guild that pushes back when

Skola Vale Revels

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

, dark-humored sibyls might invite outsiders to join the Cult of Horns. If they agree, the non-satyr might be crowned with a circlet of horns, marking them as “stubs” (for their crown’s stubby horns). A

period of hazing follows, where the stubs are enticed to perform menial or humiliating tasks. When the satyrs grow bored—or a respected, sober satyr steps in—the hazing ends, which typically results in

Easthaven in a Nutshell

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

Easthaven in a Nutshell Friendliness ❄❄ Services ❄❄❄ Comfort ❄❄❄ Available Quest. “Toil and Trouble”. Population. 750. Leaders. Speaker Danneth Waylen (chaotic good human commoner), respected for his

) and 12 veterans. Heraldry. A snowflake at the top center of a steel-gray field, above a horizontal brown field that forms the left-hand base, and a dark blue field that forms the right-hand base; where

Golgari Agent

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

, rot, and rebirth. You have spent your life in the slow churn of that ecosystem, in the dark places of the city where the messy parts of existence are on display. There is little squeamishness among the

bother to couch my opinions in flattering words. 5 I can’t help but pocket any trinket or coin I come across, no matter how worthless. 6 I’m convinced that I’m better and

Gromph's Grimoire

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

Gromph’s Grimoire After recovering Gromph Baenre’s grimoire from Sorcere in chapter 15, the characters might think about what to do with the dark tome once the threat of the demon lords is ended. The

willingly. Finding a means to get rid of Gromph’s grimoire once and for all could be the basis for continued adventures, perhaps even leading characters into the Abyss (see “Into the Demonweb Pits

Hags: Dark Sisterhood

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

Hags: Dark Sisterhood Hags are crones who represent corruption of ideals and goals, and they delight in seeing the innocent and good brought low. They are inhuman monsters, their forms twisted by

evil. Shapechangers and blasphemers, they ally with other hags to form magical covens with extra powers. They collect and remember secret knowledge that is better lost and forgotten. Desperate mortals

Gifts from Sir Tristan

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Stranger Things

greedy, Sir Tristan reminds them that they’re old friends. Once the deal is struck, Sir Tristan might have a surprise for the group. If the characters negotiated a fair deal and respected their

healing. Finally, he has two weapons — a wand of magic missiles and this greatsword: Winter’s Dark Bite. This greatsword is made of an unknown black metal. In most cases, it works as a +1 greatsword

Random Settlements

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

oppresses majority Ruler’s Status d20 Ruler 1–5 Respected, fair, and just 6–8 Feared tyrant 9 Weakling manipulated by others 10 Illegitimate ruler, simmering civil war 11 Ruled or controlled by a

respected 19–20 Religious leader Notable Traits d20 Trait 1 Canals in place of streets 2 Massive statue or monument 3 Grand temple 4 Large fortress 5 Verdant parks and orchards 6 River divides town 7

Cults of the Dragon Below NPCs

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

poisons laced with the whispers of a dark entity. 6 A dragonmarked heir whose fortunes were ruined in the Last War founds a cult within their house. 7 The local thieves’ guild turns from mundane

organized crime activities to bizarre murders and acts of chaos. 8 A respected noble behaves more erratically as time goes on, treating their servants and family with random and escalating cruelty.

Halfling Deities

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

Brandobaris is the trickster-god of thievery and stealth, patron of many halfling adventurers. Urogalan is the silent, melancholy god of the earth and death. Accompanied everywhere by a great dark hound, he is

saddened by his duties, and vigilant in ensuring that the dead are respected and protected. Lady Luck Many halflings have taken to regular worship of Tymora, seeing her as a helping hand in their fortunes and a patron of the luckiness associated with the hin.

Setup

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

Setup This adventure is best used late in the campaign for two reasons. First, the characters know more about the elemental cults and have a better perspective to understand the Dark Lady’s

information. Second, it strains credulity for any of the factions to send inexperienced agents into the Dark Lady’s lair. The characters receive a sending spell, telling them to meet a faction agent at a local

Other Elements

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

Heironeous instead of Helm or Tyr. (They could be followers of Saint Cuthbert, but that would mean that one of the player character factions has an important stronghold in the region; better if they are

potential allies for a character who belongs to the right faction.) In addition, the Elder Elemental Eye might be an aspect of the imprisoned god Tharizdun, a dark power of destruction, entropy, and

Duergar Despot

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

gathering on the fringes of Icewind Dale. Adventurers are much better equipped to deal with such threats, particularly in the dead of winter. One recent arrival in the area is Xardorok Sunblight, a

duergar warlock formerly of the Underdark. His patron, Deep Duerra, has urged Xardorok to fulfill his destiny and become the first duergar to rule a kingdom on the surface. Icewind Dale is cold, dark

Oblex

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

can form weird copies of their prey, which help them to harvest even more victims for their dark masters. Memory Eaters. Oblexes feed on thoughts and memories. The sharper the mind, the better the meal

The Athasian Cult

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

dedication to evil. An elemental priest protects and guides the common people, using elemental magic to better their lives. An elemental cultist demands abasement, sacrifice, and obedience. The element

and powerful elemental priests promising their followers a “better” way. The elemental weapons are heirlooms or lost treasures created long ago during an earlier incarnation of the cult. When the Elder

Rival Vendors

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

conspire to exacerbate their enmity. In the course of the adventure, the characters are drawn into their conflict. Lamai Tyenmo Lamai Tyenmo (lawful good, gnome commoner) has dark, wild hair and a wide

noble) dresses in impeccable purple-and-gold silk gowns and has polished horns. She runs a respected market stand, Xungoon Family Seafood, and seeks to expand her family’s business. She cherishes her

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

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

the hatchery. If a particularly important or respected member of a tribe dies, the hatchery is closely monitored. The next egg laid is immediately separated from the rest and carefully protected. Once

Gith Tables

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

Zar’ryth Githyanki Personality Traits d4 Trait 1 When I’m bored I make my own excitement, and I’m always bored. 2 I treat others as if they were animals that simply don’t know any better. 3 Violence is

they keep. 2 Power. The weak rule the strong. 3 Duty. It is by Vlaakith’s will alone that I act. 4 Freedom. No strong soul should be enslaved. Better to die first than live as another’s puppet

Chapter 3: The Darklake

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

patterns of the Underdark. Still, better to trust a kuo-toa guide than attempt to traverse the Darklake alone and become lost within it forever. The adventurers can use the Darklake to reach many

is a potential source of watercraft and navigational aid. But as they seek out these resources, the characters learn of terrible powers loose in the Underdark — worse than the drow, the kuo-toa, or any other threat of this dark realm.

Sign of Sorcery

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

Sign of Sorcery As the world well knows, some sorcerers are better than others at controlling their spellcasting. Sometimes a wild display of magic gone awry emanates from a sorcerer who casts a

1 You deliver the verbal components of your spells in the booming voice of a titan. 2 For a moment after you cast a spell, the area around you grows dark and gloomy. 3 You sweat profusely while

Xvarts

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

Graz’zt the Dark Prince as treasurer. Raxivort spent long centuries watching over the treasury, and in time he grew to lust after his master’s riches. In one bold move, he plundered a treasure vault and

demigod who does little more than wander the planes, spawning ever more xvarts to ensure his continued safety. XVART SPEAKERS A xvart tribe has one speaker that serves as its leader. The speaker has

Domain Overview

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

, something creepy with something cute, dead with alive, threatening with welcoming. Mix details together in unexpected ways, the more unnatural or off-putting the better. Rationalize and Normalize

creations of the Dark Powers and the domain is the only reality they know, but what logical and psychological leaps might an outsider need to make to sleep at night?

D&D Beyond

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