before birth driving certain recent

Red Slaad (control gem variant) Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

point. Control Gem. Implanted in the slaad's brain is a magic control gem. The slaad must obey whoever possesses the gem and is immune to being charmed while so controlled. Certain spells can be used to

egg. A humanoid host can carry only one slaad egg to term at a time. Over three months, the egg moves to the chest cavity, gestates, and forms a slaad tadpole. In the 24-hour period before giving birth

The Abbot

Monsters Curse of Strahd

, inbred lepers—came to the abbey seeking salvation. The deva rid them of their diseases, an act for which they were eternally grateful, but could not cure them of certain human defects that had been

present since birth. The Abbot became consumed with a prideful, obsessive desire to rid the poor Belviews of their lingering imperfections. The Belview family, however, had strange ideas of what it

Donaar Blit'zen

Monsters Acquisitions Incorporated

, giving rise to a driving paranoia that this regurgitation might damage his teeth. As testaments to his obsession with dental hygiene, Donaar named his greatsword Toothbrush and calls his whip Floss. He

carries an actual toothbrush (named Percival) and actual floss at all times. Those who know Donaar quickly come to recognize that the braggadocio that defines him involves a certain amount of artifice

Relentless Juggernaut

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

a certain area its territory and visits destruction upon all trespassers. Relentless killers are hateful, revenge-obsessed creatures that enter into pacts with fiends or other nefarious entities

its birth, and its wicked nature emerged over time. 4 A wicked place or magic relic seeped into its being, turning it into a monster. 5 The killer used its body to contain an evil entity

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

, driving them into the Darkened Depths where they escaped into the crushing pressure and utter darkness. In time, the tritons noticed that their ancient elemental foes had grown quiet. Expeditions to

Sorcerer Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

birth, or a taste of the water from a mysterious spring might spark the gift of sorcery. So too might the gift of a deity of magic, exposure to the elemental forces of the Inner Planes or the maddening

motivations driving them to adventure. Some seek a greater understanding of the magical force that infuses them, or the answer to the mystery of its origin. Others hope to find a way to get rid of it, or to

Ki-rin

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

good fortune. They consider seeing a ki-rin fly overhead a blessing and events that happen on such a day especially auspicious. If a ki-rin alights during a ceremony such as a birth announcement or a

to inspire and strengthen the side of good or to rescue heroes from certain death. Ki-rins are attracted to the worship of deities of courage, loyalty, selflessness, and truth, as well as to the

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

(which could pertain to certain individuals in the group, such as your sponsor or mentor). Your ideal might be concerned with the prevailing philosophy of your court or organization. Guild

Inheritor

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

member of your family, by right of birth, or it could have been left to you by a friend, a mentor, a teacher, or someone else important in your life. The revelation of your inheritance changed your life

ability and increases in potency with the passage of time. Or, the true nature of your inheritance might not be apparent at first and is revealed only when certain conditions are met. When you begin

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

royal family could poison a meal and declare it “safe” after taking a bite. There are legends of certain yuan-ti infiltrating human cities and forming deadly covert societies that sell

Verdan

Species Acquisitions Incorporated

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

When a verdan character gains an ability score improvement at certain levels, that increase can be tied to a physical mutation at the player’s determination. A boost to Strength might be

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

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 purposes, few

V8. Aarakocra Camp

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

Gully (area V3), and they witnessed the recent sacrifice from Feathergale Spire. Certain that the forces of Elemental Evil has taken hold in the canyon, they are now debating what action to take. They are

Education and Research

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

Education and Research Morgrave University, though not the most respectable institution of higher learning in Khorvaire, has an extensive library that boasts definitive collections of lore in certain

around Morgrave, with their homes and businesses almost all located in the University, Den’iyas, and Ivy Towers districts of Upper Menthis. Another important site for certain kinds of research is the

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

. Mortal elves cannot know if it is the soul of someone recently dead or someone who died millennia ago. They cannot even be certain it is an elf of the same world. The only assurance they have is that it

The Abbot

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

for which they were eternally grateful, but could not cure them of certain human defects that had been present since birth. The Abbot became consumed with a prideful, obsessive desire to rid the poor

ladylike conduct so that “she” can be formally presented to Strahd and win his love. Strahd has no interest in a flesh golem bride, but he enjoys corrupting this once angelic being and driving the Abbot

Example Rival: High Priest Cheldar

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

bringing about peace and security for all. He believes keeping adventurers in check or driving them out of town is an important step in that plan. Assets. The charismatic high priest has his oratory skill

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

Tragic Flaws

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

don’t want a god to learn or certain to provoke a god’s anger. For example, some of the flaws listed for the outlander background in the Player’s Handbook could put a character into conflict with a god

. NATAL OMENS The birth of a hero is often accompanied by signs in Nyx and Theros alike. You can use the Omens table in chapter 4 to randomly determine an omen that appeared when you were born. It’s up to you and your DM to determine the omen’s meaning.

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

diplomacy. They care only for satisfying their insatiable desire for battle, to smash their foes and appease their gods. Booming Birth Rate In order to replenish the casualties of their endless warring

, orcs breed prodigiously (and they aren’t choosy about what they breed with, which is why such creatures as half-orcs and ogrillons are found in the world). Females that are about to give birth are

Halfling Rogue

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Intro to Stormwreck Isle

Halfling Rogue You fell in with a thieves’ guild called the Gilded Gallows at an early age. The guild has prospered in recent years, and its influence is spreading across the Sword Coast. You

corroborate the story, you’re certain it’s more than just a rumor. Personal Goal: Find the Lost Fortune. Whoever that Gilder was who skipped out with the gold, they’ve covered their tracks well. The trail

Verdan Names

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

Verdan Names The oldest verdan names spring from goblinoid traditions, but more recent names reflect the character of the different cultures these folk have encountered since coming out into the

, Syrkart, Takat, Toit, Tubyna, Varr, Veriga, Wraq, Wural, Wurxee UNDERLYING IMPROVEMENTS When a verdan character gains an ability score improvement at certain levels, that increase can be tied to a

House Ghallanda

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer

if a village doesn’t have an inn run directly by the house, it likely boasts a hostel licensed by House Ghallanda, assuring its patrons of certain standards of comfort, cleanliness, and safety. Rumor

has it that the house’s recent expansion springs from Baron Yoren’s newfound interest in the Draconic Prophecy, which his daughter Chervina has been studying. House Ghallanda Renown Perks CLAUDIO

Forest Heart

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

Shankha Trials, the Riverine’s Shankha, don’t see it. Map 9.1: forest heartView Player Version Amanisha Manivarshi Amanisha Manivarshi is an accomplished dancer and the most recent champion of the

of respect for her family and heritage. Personality Trait. “Many see my focus and assume I’m not approachable. But I welcome new friends.” Ideal. “I will make the city of my birth and descendants of

Adventure Background

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

in recent years have imperiled her lofty station. To resecure her standing in the ordning and prove that she is still the greatest smith among giants, Brimskarda has reclaimed the legendary Star Forge

and set about crafting her greatest creation yet: a titanic war machine called a runic colossus. As proud as she is, Brimskarda knows that she lacks certain expertise necessary to complete her work

Jander Sunstar

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

followed, Jander wandered as a mysterious adventurer, secretly seeking a cure for vampirism. He’s discovered multiple remedies, but none work for him. In recent decades, his attempt to save a fellow

adventurer resulted in the birth of Savra Sunstar, a dhampir (see chapter 1) who Jander considers his daughter. Savra loathes him, though, and has devoted her life to hunting him and all vampires. This

Purphoros's Villains

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

archmage of Purphoros to aid her. Then several of their test limbs escape. 3 A rebel (spy) plots to set fire to a temple of Heliod and dedicate the blaze to Purphoros, driving the gods toward a

conflict he’s certain Purphoros will win. 4 A gladiator of Purphoros partakes of the fumes at Mount Velus then goes on what seems to be a rampage that contributes to a mysterious design. 5

Souls and Shells

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

, soulless or not, can give birth. A child born in Barovia might have a soul even if one or both parents do not. Conversely, the child of two parents with souls isn’t certain to have a soul of its own

Vladeska Drakov

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

Vladeska Drakov In the world of her birth, Vladeska Drakov was known as the Crimson Falcon, leader of a peerless mercenary army called the Falcon’s Talons. She and her troops executed a thousand

veteran troops. Since then, Drakov has lost nearly her entire nation. Every month a new desperate battle unfolds. She prepares ceaselessly for each, certain of her plans and ultimate victory, but

Intelligence

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

, memory, or deductive reasoning. The Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, and Religion skills reflect aptitude in certain kinds of Intelligence checks. Arcana Your Intelligence (Arcana) check

measures your ability to recall lore about historical events, legendary people, ancient kingdoms, past disputes, recent wars, and lost civilizations. Investigation When you look around for clues and

Intelligence

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

, memory, or deductive reasoning. The Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, and Religion skills reflect aptitude in certain kinds of Intelligence checks. Arcana. Your Intelligence (Arcana) check

measures your ability to recall lore about historical events, legendary people, ancient kingdoms, past disputes, recent wars, and lost civilizations. Investigation. When you look around for clues and

Sundabar

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

Sundabar Like Mirabar, Sundabar was a dwarven settlement atop which a human city was built. Sundabar’s recent fall should serve as an example to my fellow dwarves of what can happen when the balance

Firehelm, Helm’s grandson, was the king in Sundabar when the city fell to the orc horde. He did not survive. Beyond that tragedy, the recent war did horrific damage to Sundabar and the humans on the

L. Lake Zarovich

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

returned to her family’s camp outside Vallaki (chapter 5, area N9). She is certain that her father, Luvash, will give the characters a reward for doing so. A descendant of Madam Eva with the blood of

Barovian royalty in her veins, Arabelle is unaware of her connection to Strahd. She acts more like an adult than a child. Despite her recent misadventure, she believes that a great destiny awaits her.

Erebos's Champions

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

have disrupted recent burials. 4 Investigate an alchemist who claims to have transmuted lead into gold—but who might somehow be stealing it from the Underworld. 5 Refute the claim of a

foray into the wild lands. An Erebos Campaign A campaign structured around the player characters as champions of Erebos often invites a certain amount of moral complexity. Perhaps heroes are brought

Birth of a Beholder

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

solitary beholder lairs within a cave system or a ruined structure, either one of its own making or a place the creature took over after killing or driving off the beholder that gave it birth. A solitary

Birth of a Beholder Beholders can produce others of their own kind, but the process has nothing to do with biology and everything to do with psychology. When a beholder sleeps, its body goes briefly

Appendix E: Concept Gallery

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

ideas never fully expressed in Tyranny of Dragons, while others reveal deeper depths to adventure elements hiding whole conceptual icebergs. Certain components central to the adventure also see extensive

, driving home the impact of the campaign’s most climactic moments. Whether this gallery serves as a game aid or inspires your own designs, use it as you please, further detailing the existing adventures or exploring Tyranny of Dragons stories yet to be told!

D&D Beyond

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