before birth defusing current reason

Giff Legacy

Monsters Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes

of giff society is organized along military lines. From birth until death, every giff has a military rank. It must follow orders from those of superior rank, and it can give orders to those of lower

brighter the flash, and the thicker the smoke it produces, the more giff love a weapon. Their skill with gunpowder is another reason for their popularity as mercenaries. Giff revel in the challenge of

Auril (First Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

can’t truly die (although the characters can rid the world of her for a time). Thus, she has no reason to capitulate to mortals’ demands. As the embodiment of winter’s cruelty, she is

own flaws. It’s appropriate for Auril to act as though she’s invincible while underestimating her mortal enemies, even in her current weakened state. Auril’s Three Forms In her

Auril (Third Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

time). Thus, she has no reason to capitulate to mortals’ demands. As the embodiment of winter’s cruelty, she is incapable of showing mercy or compassion. Play her as a supremely cold and

invincible while underestimating her mortal enemies, even in her current weakened state. Auril’s Three Forms In her current weakened state, Auril can assume three different forms. To destroy her

Lizardfolk Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

rage against their enemies. They simply observe and react as a situation warrants. Lizardfolk lack meaningful emotional ties to the past. They assess situations based on their current and future

into the future. This approach allows them to maintain their current level of influence in the world, but it limits their growth. Lizardfolk have no interest in developing writing, making long-term

Waterdhavian Noble

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

Faerûn for being eccentric, spoiled, venal, and, above all else, rich. Whether you are a shining example of the reason for this reputation or one who proves the rule by being an exception, people

. 6 Despite my noble birth, I do not place myself above other folk. We all have the same blood. 7 My favor, once lost, is lost forever. 8 If you do me an injury, I will crush you, ruin

Noble - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

visit prosperous Bloomridge to try a fashionable restaurant or boutique, or watch a spectacle at the Oasis Theater, the patriars have little reason to venture into the dirtier, more dangerous parts of the

Thanks to your noble birth, people are inclined to think the best of you. You are welcome in high society, and people assume you have the right to be wherever you are. The common folk make every

Auril (Second Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

might prove helpful: So long as she has mortal worshipers, Auril can’t truly die (although the characters can rid the world of her for a time). Thus, she has no reason to capitulate to mortals

her current weakened state. Auril’s Three Forms In her current weakened state, Auril can assume three different forms. To destroy her, heroes must reduce each of her forms to 0 hit points one

Tortle Legacy

Species The Tortle Package

and its siblings inherit whatever tools, weapons, and gifts their parents left behind. Each young tortle is expected to fend for itself. It leaves the place of its birth and finds its own corner of the

prefer simple, non-gender-specific names that are usually no more than two syllables. If a tortle doesn’t like its name for whatever reason, it can change it. A tortle might change its name a dozen

Far Traveler

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

provided. The following section, discussing possible homelands, includes some suggested reasons that are appropriate for each location. d6 Reason d6 Reason 1 Emissary 4 Pilgrim

hundreds of miles of the Great Glacier and the Great Ice Sea. No one from your nation makes the effort to cross such colossal barriers without a convincing reason. You must fear something truly

Courtier

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

circumstances of your birth, could have secured you this position. You might have been one of the many functionaries, attendants, and other hangers-on in the Court of Silverymoon, or perhaps you

gain access to the records and inner workings of any noble court or government you encounter. You know who the movers and shakers are, whom to go to for the favors you seek, and what the current

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

advisor in human society. The very rare offspring of such a union are always purebloods, although they may appear fully human at birth and for several years afterward. The yuan-ti know rituals that

the blood, as it once did. Because their population is so small, the yuan-ti are aware they are vulnerable in open warfare. Instead, their current plans assume they will never rule outwardly in

Childhood

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

to usher a child into the world. They cannot understand how a birth is both a joy and a sorrow, a reunion and a parting. Each birth represents an elf soul that has been to Arvandor and returned

numbers of elves will be needed to withstand. In contrast, if an elven community goes a century or longer without a new birth, members take this as a sign that the community has stagnated and must disband

Dwarves of the Five Nations

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

greatest cities of Galifar. While many of the dwarves of the Five Nations still speak the language of their ancestors, they feel a bond to the lands of their birth. A Brelish dwarf feels a deep, personal

to your relatives or have you had a falling out—or potentially lost your kin in the Last War? Likewise, consider what you did in the war and how that reflects on your current actions. Were you a

Waterdeep

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

identities are largely unknown. The public face of this ruling body is the Open Lord of Waterdeep. The current Open Lord, Laeral Silverhand, has held the position for only a few months, and many of the city’s

chaos is “business as usual” for most city residents. Reason to Visit. Characters who need rare items, sage advice, or other services found only in large cities might say “we’re going to Waterdeep.”

Noteworthy Features

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

or their current lives can join the Carnival. As long as travelers are willing to work and contribute to the community, they’re welcome to stay as long as they like. CARNIVAL CHARACTERS When players

create characters from the Carnival, consider asking them the following questions. What sets you apart from your birth family? Do you have a unique talent or inborn ability? Do you display a

Yartar

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

prosperous and increasingly crowded, so buildings have been torn down and taller ones built — four stories high in some instances. A Waterbaron who rules for life leads Yartar. The current Waterbaron is

). Reason to Visit. The “Dark Dealings in Yartar” side trek (chapter 6) brings the characters here. More broadly, characters affiliated with the Lords’ Alliance can readily receive support in Yartar, and Harpers and Zhentarim can get aid, too, if they’re discreet and know how to contact an agent in town.

Setting

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

easily be set along Verbobonc’s river wharves. You can add Summit Hall and the Haunted Keeps as they stand to the area around Hommlet; there is no reason places such as these couldn’t be located in this

. Instead, the huge underground stronghold the player characters explore in chapter 4 is the subterranean fortress constructed by an older incarnation of the Cult of Elemental Evil, which has now been reoccupied by the current group of elemental prophets and their followers.

Meeting Atiba-Pa

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

former Lightsea Lancer and Djaynai’s current regent. He is known not only for his falcon-eyed shrewdness but also for his compassion and kindness. Those close to him know he suffers bleak moods, during

honor to serve my homeland. I will not pass beyond our borders for any reason.” Flaw. “I can’t let them see me when I’m like this. The melancholy in my bones is mine alone to bear.”

The Long Road

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

destabilize Yartar so they can replace the current waterbaron with their own stooge. Then the new waterbaron can swiftly fix the troubles and thereby win local support. The Black Network is an incidental

a rich target to anyone in this part of the North. For the same reason, the Zhents dare not hire the retired bodyguards, adventurers, and mercenaries who live in and around Beliard, for fear rumors might spread all over the Dessarin Valley about a pay caravan.

Triboar

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

communities compete for the trade of the Dessarin Valley. The current lord protector is a good-natured Harper and ex-adventurer named Darathra Shendrel (female Tethyrian human knight), known for the

cultists on the Long Road. They are currently held in area W6 of the Weeping Colossus.) Reason to Visit. Any Harper can readily find refuge and aid in the Home of the Boars, a lodge on the outskirts

Life Events

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

Events column that corresponds to how old you are. Otherwise, you can roll dice to determine your current age and number of life events randomly. After you know the number of life events your character

character’s life events, you can arrange them in any chronological order you see fit. Life Events by Age d100 Current Age Life Events 01–20 20 years or younger 1 21–59 21–30 years 1d4 60–69 31–40 years

Council of Four

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

voice of reason and common sense on the Council of Four — if not the egalitarianism some hoped. He’s also proven largely resistant to scandal and corruption, though many of his fellow dukes and those

current situation, Duke Stelmane is in no position to oppose attempts by her fellow dukes to seize the reins of power in Baldur’s Gate. Duke Dillard Portyr Duke Dillard Portyr was once a respected

Council of Four

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer

voice of reason and common sense on the Council of Four — if not the egalitarianism some hoped. He’s also proven largely resistant to scandal and corruption, though many of his fellow dukes and those

current situation, Duke Stelmane is in no position to oppose attempts by her fellow dukes to seize the reins of power in Baldur’s Gate. Duke Dillard Portyr Duke Dillard Portyr was once a respected

9. Study and Library

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

into thin air for no reason, then return in a fury if the characters try to call her back. If the party manages to converse with Ilda, they might learn that yuan-ti dwell in the innermost parts of the

exceedingly dangerous. Using the divination pool required a personal sacrifice, but over time, the pool’s demands grew steeper. If others have been using the pool since Diderius died, as Ilda suspects the yuan-ti do, its current price must be vile indeed.

Build Your Group

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

command by virtue of birth. A Commander might be a fighter, bard, cleric, paladin, or even wizard—as magic proves valuable in military engagements. Medic. Keeping soldiers alive is essential to military

important than their current role. No particular set of talents is common to all soldiers, but military units often strive to avoid duplication of skills. Warforged. Literally made for war, most

Life in Shankhabhumi

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

Shankha Trials, kept at the riverine temple in the current champion’s city until that city hosts the next trials. Smaller shankhas are rare and precious, and they are often worn like pendants by those who

to be many syllables long and indicate the bearer’s gender. Most folk use a last name based on their city of birth—Sagorpuri, Ashwadhatuj or Tippuri. The only exceptions are the descendants of

Where Are You From?

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

reason. You must fear something truly terrible or seek something incredibly important. Zakhara. As the saying goes among those in Faerûn who know of the place, “To get to Zakhara, go south. Then go

south some more.” Of course, you followed an equally long route when you came north from your place of birth. Though it isn’t unusual for Zakharans to visit the southern extremes of Faerûn for trading

Tracking Time

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

calendar for the current year in the real world. Pick a date to indicate the start of the campaign, and make note of the days that adventurers spend on their travels and various activities. The

god of agriculture is honored in the harvest season) or significant events in the history of the deity’s worship, such as the birth or death of a holy person, the date of a god’s manifestation, the

9. Study and Library

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

handle at any moment. She might vanish into thin air for no reason, then return in a fury if the characters try to call her back. If the party manages to converse with Ilda, they might learn that yuan-ti

without first offering a sacrifice was exceedingly dangerous. Using the divination pool required a personal sacrifice, but over time, the pool’s demands grew steeper. If others have been using the pool since Diderius died, as Ilda suspects the yuan-ti do, its current price must be vile indeed.

Inside the League

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica

Inside the League Niv-Mizzet, the original and current guildmaster of the Izzet League, is a fifteen-thousand-year-old, vain, temperamental, super-intelligent dragon. As he directs experiments

analysis to intuitive leap seemingly for no reason, always thinking outside the proverbial box. As the Izzet see it, unpredictable action, far from being antithetical to methodical research, has

Old Keoland

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

Keoland’s current ruler, King Kimbertos Skotti. The region enjoys a warm, mild climate but faces many threats from monstrous foes. Old Keoland Locations Location Ruler Description Bissel, the March of

; current inhabitants unknown Yeomanry, the Freeholder Vyndi Skyspear (goliath) Independent republic governed by an elected freeholder Old Keoland Culture Old Keoland is a diverse region of the Flanaess

Other Nonplayer Characters

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hoard of the Dragon Queen

long distances. But that’s what fills Sechepol’s wagon. He will make his money on the road, selling his stock to his fellow travelers in the caravan. He is diplomatic and has a gift for defusing

wonderful traveling companion. Green Imsa (Female Human Traveler). The reason behind Imsa’s name is obvious: she is green from head to foot. Her skin, hair, eyes, nails, teeth — everything about her is

Never Alone

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

the temple, the thessalhydra leaves its current zone and takes up a patrol in the other zone. The thessalheart construct switches to the opposite zone (see below). Thessalheart Construct The

opposite to the thessalhydra’s zone, and for good reason. The human heart that sits within the construct is magically connected to the thessalhydra, tapping into the power of the Infernal Machine components

Barovian Lore

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

reason to keep living. Barovian taverns get their wine from the Wizard of Wines winery near Krezk. A mad wizard of great power haunts the foothills of Mount Baratok. He is an outsider and no friend of the

army. Strahd conquered the valley in 347, finished construction of Castle Ravenloft in 350, and died and became a vampire in 351. The current year is 735. Beliefs and Superstitions Barovians have deep

Haunted Keeps

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

outside their walls — or to make sure visitors who learn the truth either join the cult or never return from their visit. Reason to Visit. These four sites are central to the adventure (see chapter 3

repairing the old castle, and reroofing is their current major task. They claim their intention is to make Rivergard Keep their base for protecting river-borne trade from monsters and bandits. In truth

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