before better defusing contrast receive

Shadow-Marked Agent

Monsters Eberron: Forge of the Artificer

can serve for an agent of either house. Even though House Phiarlan agents don’t typically work as entertainers or artists in addition to their espionage activities, they receive extensive

training in those arts alongside other members of their house. House Thuranni agents, in contrast, are always both artists and spies.Shadow Cloak. The agent has the Invisible condition until the start of its next turn. This invisibility ends early immediately after the agent makes an attack roll.

Half-Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

Flint squinted into the setting sun. He thought he saw the figure of a man striding up the path. Standing, Flint drew back into the shadow of a tall pine to see better. The man’s walk was

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

Lizardfolk Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

hold and controls their actions. In contrast, lizardfolk see emotions as traits assigned to other creatures, objects, and situations. A lizardfolk doesn’t think, “I’m scared.&rdquo

, young ones incapable of protecting themselves but who might prove useful in the future if they receive care. Lizardfolk Personality You can use the Lizardfolk Quirks table to determine a personality

Gladiator Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

a place, you receive free lodging and food of a modest or comfortable standard (depending on the quality of the establishment), as long as you perform each night. In addition, your performance makes

perfection. 8 I change my mood or my mind as quickly as I change key in a song. D6 IDEAL 1 Beauty. When I perform, I make the world better than it was. (Good) 2

Entertainer Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

but possibly with a circus, at a theater, or even in a noble’s court. At such a place, you receive free lodging and food of a modest or comfortable standard (depending on the quality of the

. d6 Ideal 1 Beauty. When I perform, I make the world better than it was. (Good) 2 Tradition. The stories, legends, and songs of the past must never be forgotten, for they teach us

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

get along with everyone, defusing hostility and finding common ground. As a race, they have elven grace without elven aloofness and human energy without human boorishness. They often make excellent

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

get along with everyone, defusing hostility and finding common ground. As a race, they have elven grace without elven aloofness and human energy without human boorishness. They often make excellent

Entertainer - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

court. At such a place, you receive free lodging and food of a modest or comfortable standard (depending on the quality of the establishment), as long as you perform each night. In addition, your

less than perfection. 8 I change my mood or my mind as quickly as I change key in a song. d6 Ideal 1 Beauty. When I perform, I make the world better than it was. (Good

Upper Dura

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

Upper Dura This ward is full of activity. Its people are prospering, but there’s an edge of desperation about them; many folk are on the lookout for opportunities to better themselves. Upper Dura has

adventurers receive a warm welcome here. Clifftop is a home away from home for explorers and mercenaries. Daggerwatch is a fortress district, containing garrisons for the Sharn Watch and the Brelish

Demonic Boons

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

is of the same level as the spell it replaces. A typical demon can impart boons to a number of creatures equal to the demon’s number of Hit Dice. In contrast, demon lords have no limit on the number

of creatures that can receive their boons. Boons from demons are fickle gifts. They remain in place only as long as the demon is pleased. Accepting such a boon is a damning act that corrupts the soul

Developments

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

grieve, but they won’t take any action against the characters. In contrast, the kobolds are furious with grief, throwing themselves at the characters in frenzied, suicidal attacks. The ice trolls

they can, while the ice toads demonstrate the same impassive stoicism they show if the dragon is killed. The ice trolls shy away from Arauthator’s treasure as long as he is alive, knowing better than

Developments

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

grieve, but they won’t take any action against the characters. In contrast, the kobolds are furious with grief, throwing themselves at the characters in frenzied, suicidal attacks. The ice trolls

they can, while the ice toads demonstrate the same impassive stoicism they show if the dragon is killed. The ice trolls shy away from Arauthator’s treasure as long as he is alive, knowing better than

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

him to grant spells to mortals and for those mortals to receive his favor. Furthermore, kobolds are so frail that a single hit from a human’s weapon can kill one of them, so a tribe has little

Goblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

the fringes of a society first test its defenses by stealing objects, and if these crimes go unpunished, they begin stealing people. Enslaved creatures receive the worst treatment the goblins can dish

new leader can act as the real boss. If the creature brushes aside such manipulation, the tribe falls into line behind the new tyrant—better to abide the new rule than conspire against it and be

Fiery Fangs

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

Fiery Fangs The fire cult is less concerned with maintaining appearances than the other elemental cults. When Vanifer or her lieutenants receive word that a band of adventurers is trying to ferret

pack breaks through windows and terrifies the staff. (It’s all the better if the characters are eating a meal there themselves). The monsters single-mindedly pursue the characters and fight until one is

Character Advancement

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Quests from the Infinite Staircase

Character Advancement If you want to use story-based level advancement, the characters receive experience points for achieving the following milestones rather than defeating monsters: Entering the

offers tantalizing details of the story of Iggwilv the Witch Queen—better known as the archmage Tasha, famous for her Hideous Laughter spell. The adventure featured Drelnza, the vampire daughter of Iggwilv, and debuted the lightning-breathing behir, which appeared on its stunning cover.

The Horror of Defeat

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

the age of dragons begins. Nations and kingdoms shatter, civilization collapses into bloody war, and chaos reigns supreme. None of the Dragon Queen’s mortal agents receive the rewards they expected

. The Red Wizards who freed her are devoured or driven away, hunted by the forces of Szass Tam. The cultists who orchestrated Tiamat’s return fare little better, with the Dragon Queen not caring which

The Horror of Defeat

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

the age of dragons begins. Nations and kingdoms shatter, civilization collapses into bloody war, and chaos reigns supreme. None of the Dragon Queen’s mortal agents receive the rewards they expected

. The Red Wizards who freed her are devoured or driven away, hunted by the forces of Szass Tam. The cultists who orchestrated Tiamat’s return fare little better, with the Dragon Queen not caring which

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

City of Skophos

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

starting point, they pursue their vision of a better way of life, aspiring to nobler principles than senseless slaughter and better governance than iron-fisted tyranny. Under the leadership of the temple’s

Skophos that can coexist in some measure of peace with the wider world. Mogis’s Chalice Many grand temples to Mogis stand in Skophos, presenting a stark contrast to the crude shrines that usually serve as

Heliod's Influence

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

receive Heliod’s favor. As sunlight casts out darkness, Heliod’s justice casts out chaos and lawlessness. He is the god of the laws that govern society and the laws that punish the wicked. He is

, who both have a degree of the arrogance he demonstrates. Thassa and Nylea, by contrast, aren’t bothered by his efforts because they see themselves as being safely outside his reach. He could declare

Layout of the District

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

tossed out with the trash. High Quarter The seat of local government in better days, this quarter is the southeast section of the Styes. Most of the buildings here were once municipal offices, but only

and boardwalks are in stark contrast to the crowds that frequent the other three quarters. Militia patrols are common here, but guards in the High Quarter are universally corrupt, accepting bribes from

City Watch

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

members of the Watch know the streets they patrol and that area’s residents better than you do, even if you stay in Waterdeep for ten seasons. The City Watch has watch posts throughout the city

Castle Ward; in contrast, squads of eight walk the Dock Ward, increasing to as many as a dozen at night. If Watch members spot trouble they can’t handle, they blow shrill tin whistles to summon more

Enemies All Around

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

establish its own legacy — and what better place for a lair than one that comes with its own treasure hoard? To begin its campaign, the dragon sends out followers and minions to lay siege to the

reminisce over the defeat of a dragon, or weep as they recall the death of a beloved elder. In contrast to clan gatherings, dwarves who drink alone invariably become morose and sullen — when

23. Bottled Genie

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation

. Once she’s released, she can cast the tongues spell to better communicate with her liberators. If the bottle is broken or unplugged, the dao emerges in a whirlwind of sand. She fulfills whatever

area 57.) Advice from the Spirits Any characters inhabited by the spirits of Moa, Nangnang, or Papazotl receive advice when seeing the genie in the bottle: Truthful Moa advises his host not to break

Carnival Map

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

poster map. This token moves right or left along the track as the carnival’s atmosphere changes for better or worse. The text informs you when to raise or lower the mood. When the token is to the right

(see “Meeting Witch and Light” toward the end of the chapter). Characters who attend the Big Top Extravaganza can also receive an invitation to meet with the owners, even if the carnival’s mood isn’t in

37. Winds of Pandemonium

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation

Kubazan receive advice when entering this area: Fickle I’jin urges her host to pull the lever. What harm could it do? Fearless Kubazan insists that his host jump to the platforms, even if others are better

Finding Iymrith

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

a better chance of succeeding if the characters refrain from drinking their potions of giant size until after they have infiltrated the lair. It’s best if Hekaton (or Serissa) remains an NPC under

among the players in your group. If your group includes more than four players, not every player will receive a storm giant NPC to play, and that’s okay. Accompanying the giants’ stat blocks are

Corlie's Briefing

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hold Back The Dead

great cities of the Sword Coast have combined forces to restore this fortress,” she explains. “We expected it would give us better visibility into trouble on the frontier. But it seems that the Red

arranged for the characters to receive hazard pay of 1,000 GP each from the city they choose. All characters must agree on the same city patron. Show the players Map 1.1 and point out which defense zones

Dungeon Inhabitants

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

challenging as the characters gain levels or to ratchet up the tension. However, this approach can turn the dungeon into a grind. A better approach is to include encounters of varying difficulty

throughout. The contrast between easy and hard encounters, as well as simple and complex encounters, encourages characters to vary their tactics and keeps the encounters from seeming too similar.

Upper Northedge

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

district of Holdfast. In contrast to the residents of Highhold in Upper Dura, the dwarves of Holdfast have deep roots in Sharn and feel no strong connection to the Mror Holds or its traditions. High

you’re looking to forget your troubles, by all means, go see Facade or The Late Count. But if you want to take in a performance that might make you a better person, do whatever it takes to get tickets to Five Lives.

Knights of Solamnia

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

internal feud: Is it better to maintain their strict codes even in the face of obsolescence, secure in the knowledge they were true to themselves? Or should they embrace a changing world and fight to

Honor Is My Life.” This principle—to sacrifice all for the sake of honor—guides the actions of every knight, at least in theory. The Measure. In contrast to the Oath, the Measure is a staggeringly

Blue Dragon Adventures

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

Creatures In contrast to most chromatic dragons, blue dragons see value in relationships with other creatures, even if the power balance in those relationships is always weighted in the dragon’s favor

the dragon’s family. 3 A young blue dragon running a protection racket has run afoul of an efreeti, who has decided the area would be better off without dragons. 4 A tough but fair young

Fierna and Belial

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

contrast to the stiff regimentation of the rest of the Nine Hells, the laws that govern Abriymoch allow the place to operate as a carnival in which any wanton desire can be fulfilled. Justice in All Its

mortal’s emotions to her will, as a way to better understand the workings of mortal hearts and minds. What she or Belial intends to do with their accumulated knowledge none can definitively say, but

Overkill Attacks

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Flee, Mortals! Rule Primer

damage immediately knocks them out. But wait, it gets better—if the initial attack’s overkill damage exceeds the second minion’s hit point maximum, the leftover overkill damage can roll over to a

creatures succeeding on their saving throw. By contrast, under this book’s minion rules, spellcasters still have a good reason to use high-level spells against minions.

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