before black defusing contested realms

High Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

valley elves of Greyhawk, the Silvanesti of Dragonlance, and the sun elves of the Forgotten Realms) is haughty and reclusive, believing themselves to be superior to non-elves and even other elves. The

other type (including the high elves of Greyhawk, the Qualinesti of Dragonlance, and the moon elves of the Forgotten Realms) are more common and more friendly, and often encountered among humans and

Sphere of Annihilation Legacy

Magic Items Basic Rules (2014)

This 2-foot-diameter black sphere is a hole in the multiverse, hovering in space and stabilized by a magical field surrounding it. The sphere obliterates all matter it passes through and all matter

attempt to control a sphere that is under another creature's control, you make an Intelligence (Arcana) check contested by the other creature's Intelligence (Arcana) check. The winner of the contest

Human Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

. Human skin shades range from nearly black to very pale, and hair colors from black to blond (curly, kinky, or straight); males might sport facial hair that is sparse or thick. A lot of humans have a

naming traditions of their ancestors. The material culture and physical characteristics of humans can change wildly from region to region. In the Forgotten Realms, for example, the clothing, architecture

Tiefling Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

“But you do see the way people look at you, devil’s child.” Those black eyes, cold as a winter storm, were staring right into her heart and the sudden seriousness in his voice

around their legs when they get upset or nervous. Their canine teeth are sharply pointed, and their eyes are solid colors—black, red, white, silver, or gold—with no visible sclera or pupil

Half-Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

friends and loved ones age while time barely touches them. Others live with the elves, growing restless as they reach adulthood in the timeless elven realms, while their peers continue to live as

. 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

Dwarf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

common shades are light brown or deep tan, like certain tones of earth. Their hair, worn long but in simple styles, is usually black, gray, or brown, though paler dwarves often have red hair. Male

. For example, some of the oldest dwarves living in Citadel Felbarr (in the world of the Forgotten Realms) can recall the day, more than three centuries ago, when orcs conquered the fortress and drove

5. Grell Hideout

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

5. Grell Hideout At the end of a long hall is a 50-foot-square room with five pillars made of mortared humanoid bones, painted black. Two grells float in separate alcoves to the north and the east

. The floors of the alcoves are littered with the gnawed bones of past meals (mostly goblins and gricks). The deep alcoves and black pillars provide cover for the grells. As the characters move into the

High Elf

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

and valley elves of Greyhawk, the Silvanesti of Dragonlance, and the sun elves of the Forgotten Realms) is haughty and reclusive, believing themselves to be superior to non-elves and even other elves

. The other type (including the high elves of Greyhawk, the Qualinesti of Dragonlance, and the moon elves of the Forgotten Realms) are more common and more friendly, and often encountered among humans

High Elf

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

and valley elves of Greyhawk, the Silvanesti of Dragonlance, and the sun elves of the Forgotten Realms) is haughty and reclusive, believing themselves to be superior to non-elves and even other elves

. The other type (including the high elves of Greyhawk, the Qualinesti of Dragonlance, and the moon elves of the Forgotten Realms) are more common and more friendly, and often encountered among humans

Intrigue

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

create a defense-focused dwarf paladin, only to find he is out of place among elf diplomats and tiefling spies. The Brimstone Angels novels by Erin M. Evans focus on intrigue in the Forgotten Realms

setting, from the backstabbing politics of the Nine Hells to the contested succession of Cormyrean royalty.

The Forgotten Realms

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

The Forgotten Realms Dozens of deities are revered, worshiped, and feared throughout the world of the Forgotten Realms. At least thirty deities are widely known across the Realms, and many more are

worshiped locally, by individual tribes, small cults, or certain sects of larger religious temples. Deities of the Forgotten Realms Deity Alignment Suggested Domains Symbol Auril, goddess

Sphere of Annihilation

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

Sphere of Annihilation Wondrous item, legendary This 2-foot-diameter black sphere is a hole in the multiverse, hovering in space and stabilized by a magical field surrounding it. The sphere

by it, taking 4d10 force damage. If you attempt to control a sphere that is under another creature’s control, you make an Intelligence (Arcana) check contested by the other creature’s Intelligence

Sphere of Annihilation

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

Sphere of Annihilation Wondrous item, legendary This 2-foot-diameter black sphere is a hole in the multiverse, hovering in space and stabilized by a magical field surrounding it. The sphere

by it, taking 4d10 force damage. If you attempt to control a sphere that is under another creature’s control, you make an Intelligence (Arcana) check contested by the other creature’s Intelligence

General Features

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lost Mine of Phandelver

characters a chance to succeed. It’s okay if the characters circumvent combat and talk their way past castle defenders. Both the Cragmaw tribe and the Redbrands work for the Black Spider, so the goblinoids

aren’t likely to attack the party if they claim to be working in the Black Spider’s interest. If the characters try to perpetrate a deception as a group, have them each make a Charisma (Deception

Ancient Black Dragon

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual

Ancient Black Dragon Ancient black dragons plot the ruin of whole realms. They seek magic to corrupt the land, raise undead hordes, bind fiends, and replicate magical disasters. Ancient black dragons

strive to create vast, dead domains where they are the greatest things that remain. Martin Mottet As terrifying as it is titanic, an ancient black dragon eradicates unwanted life in its despoiled

Black Dragon Adventures

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

Black Dragon Adventures The Black Dragon Adventure Hooks table offers suggestions for stories and adventures involving black dragons. Black Dragon Adventure Hooks d8 Adventure Hook 1 A

black dragon recently took control of a band of pirates and their backwater hideout. Emboldened, the pirates have started raiding nearby shipping lanes. 2 A conflict-averse black dragon is secretly

6. Shrine to Lolth

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

(Perception) check contested by the spider’s Dexterity (Stealth) check to spot it before it moves. Treasure The altar is flanked by a pair of heavy silver candlesticks worth 25 gp each. They hold thick

black candles, lit only when a ritual is being performed in the shrine. The eight “eyes” of the spider statue are eight pieces of polished jet — four small ones worth 5 gp each and four larger ones

Human Names and Ethnicities

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

physical characteristics of humans can change wildly from region to region. In the Forgotten Realms, for example, the clothing, architecture, cuisine, music, and literature are different in the northwestern

migrations of the earliest humans, so that the humans of the Silver Marches have every possible variation of coloration and features. In the Forgotten Realms, nine human ethnic groups are widely

Human Names and Ethnicities

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

physical characteristics of humans can change wildly from region to region. In the Forgotten Realms, for example, the clothing, architecture, cuisine, music, and literature are different in the northwestern

migrations of the earliest humans, so that the humans of the Silver Marches have every possible variation of coloration and features. In the Forgotten Realms, nine human ethnic groups are widely

Life in Djaynai and Janya

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

Life in Djaynai and Janya The following truths are known to people who dwell in Djaynai or Janya, and to travelers who spend time in those realms. Those above and below the sea share similar cultures

and values, though Janya’s aquatic environment drives some differences. Education and Religion Both realms’ culture is tightly tied to Djaynai’s historical roots as an advanced, influential

Treefolk

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lorwyn: First Light

denizens. Shadowmoor Treefolk In Shadowmoor, treefolk are vengeful protectors of nature against the incursions of denizens of other realms. They remain isolated and lonely and are more prone to violence than

black poplar tree that loves to contemplate philosophy. 3 A rowan tree that seeks to destroy all technology. 4 A yew tree of a variety so rare that they’re rumored to be extinct.

Patrons in the Realms

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

Patrons in the Realms The gods are far from the only forces at work in the Realms, and ambitious warlocks have many potential patrons able to offer them arcane power. The Archfey In the vast

wilderness of the Realms one can still find connections to the Feywild. These are fey crossings, places of mysterious natural beauty in the world that have a near-perfect mirror in the Feywild. You can pass

Random Encounters (A-C)

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

! Grizzlegut, where are you? A pox on you, you mangy cat!” Through the darkness comes a crone wearing a pointed black hat and a burlap gown stained with soot. Characters can try to hide from the witch

(who has darkvision) or catch her by surprise. This Barovian witch is one of the servants of Strahd dwelling in area K56. She is calling out the name of her black cat familiar, which has gone missing

Nonhuman Deities

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

Nonhuman Deities Certain gods closely associated with nonhuman races are revered on many different worlds, though not always in the same way. The nonhuman races of the Forgotten Realms and Greyhawk

. Individual clans and kingdoms of dwarves might revere some, all, or none of these deities, and some have other gods unknown (or known by other names) to outsiders. Deities of the Forgotten Realms Deity

The Black Lake

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a2

The Black Lake The darkest and most remote corner of the Glitterhame’s cavern system, the Black Lake is a large, winding cavern filled with water that drains from the Dark Mere through a submerged

. The dwarves of Khundrukar never settled these caverns, although Durgeddin had his followers begin work on an escape route through the depths. The Black Lake is now the domain of Nightscale, a young

8. Nightstone Inn

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

revealing her location. Any character who peers up through the hole in the ceiling can spot Kella lurking in the shadows with a successful Wisdom (Perception) check contested by Kella’s Dexterity

village and turn it into a Black Network base. Her original plan was to drive away the Lionshield Coster and bully Lady Velrosa Nandar into subservience, but the cloud giant attack has left the

Synopsis

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a5

Szass Tam is siphoning the power of members of the Chosen, mortals who have been invested with the power of the gods so as to help shape the Realms to match the will of their divine benefactors. The

lich is using that power to keep the vault hidden, warp the magic fueling the Doomvault, and power his pursuit of godhood. PLACING THE ADVENTURE This adventure takes place in the Forgotten Realms

Shadow Mastiff

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

Shadow Mastiff These black hounds of the Shadowfell move invisibly through the shadows, always on the hunt. In gloomy places where the veil between the Shadowfell and the Material Plane is thinnest

, they can cross over into the dark realms of the world. Ravenous Lurkers. Shadow mastiffs hunt in packs on the Shadowfell, so when one of them enters a rift between the planes, several more are sure to

Currency

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

looking to pick a fight with a foreigner. Example: The Forgotten Realms The world of the Forgotten Realms provides an extensive example of currencies. Although barter, blood notes, and similar letters of

realms of Thay and Halruaa) use the currencies of other realms when trading abroad because their own coins and tokens are feared to be magically cursed, and so are shunned by others. Conversely, the

Factions in Eberron

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

Factions in Eberron It’s not hard to find Eberron equivalents for the factions of the Forgotten Realms. The Harpers The Library of Korranberg or Morgrave University It’s a bit of a stretch, but

that way. The Zhentarim The Order of the Emerald Claw Replace the Black Network with the Order of the Emerald Claw, though you should downplay the connection to Vol. Dragonmarked Houses As an

Netherese Necropolis

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

of the Realms, including a Netherese demilich. It also contains a mythallar (described in appendix D), a magic item that can raise an entire city into the air and alter the weather in a fifty-mile

Kessel found an artifact suffused with demonic magic called Crenshinibon (better known as the Crystal Shard) and used it to erect a great black tower in Icewind Dale. When this tower was destroyed

Adventure Background

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragons of Stormwreck Isle

, silver, bronze, brass, and copper. Cruel, five-headed Tiamat made the chromatic dragons—red, blue, green, black and white. The metallic and chromatic dragons share a mutual animosity that originates in

the enmity between Bahamut and Tiamat (Bahamut is often called the King of Metallic Dragons in the world of the Forgotten Realms, and Tiamat the Queen of Chromatic Dragons. In other worlds they have

Werewolves in the Mist

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

the Zhentarim. The Zhentarim is an unscrupulous shadow network that seeks to expand its influence throughout the Forgotten Realms. The public face of the Black Network appears relatively benign. It

autonomy of its members. The Harpers have small cells and lone operatives throughout the Forgotten Realms. They share information with one another from time to time as needs warrant. The Harpers

4. Drow Enclave

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

. Zilch lost his spellbook during his escape from Menzoberranzan, and an unfortunate encounter with a black pudding left him with acid scars covering the left side of his body, including his face. In

, he attempts to steal something from one randomly determined party member. Far from being a skilled thief, Zilch must succeed at a Dexterity check contested by the passive Wisdom (Perception) scores of

Chaos Incarnate

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

accumulates changes to its form due to interaction with the energies of the Abyss. These long-lived demons often become demon lords, beings of such power that they can hold sway over entire realms within the

determined at any given time is which lord holds sway over which parts of the Abyss, and which areas are being contested by two or more lords. And as soon as such a fact becomes known, it might already

D&D Beyond

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