before bonds defusing connect rather

Leonin Iconoclast

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

in ages past, today their prides largely avoid contact with other peoples and spurn the gods that ignored their plight. Since then, the leonin have flourished, finding strength in their bonds with

warrior;tribal warriors, but those who hunt the servants of the gods rather than game are known as leonin iconoclasts.

Rosie Beestinger

Monsters Acquisitions Incorporated

complex than merely seeking after adventure. She has long sought for ultimate meaning in the stars, and to seek justification for her belief that her bonds to her expansive family are reflected in the

endless movements and intricate patterns of the sky. However, the Beestinger clan has a less metaphysical reputation in the eyes of many people, as constantly swirling rumors attempt to connect the

Halfling Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

treasures locked in a cellar rather than on display for all to see. They have a knack for finding the most straightforward solution to a problem, and have little patience for dithering. Kind and

Curious Halflings are an affable and cheerful people. They cherish the bonds of family and friendship as well as the comforts of hearth and home, harboring few dreams of gold or glory. Even adventurers

Soldier Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

combined with the rigid discipline of military service leave their mark on all soldiers, shaping their ideals, creating strong bonds, and often leaving them scarred and vulnerable to fear, shame, and

mistake in battle that cost many lives—and I would do anything to keep that mistake secret. 4 My hatred of my enemies is blind and unreasoning. 5 I obey the law, even if the law causes misery. 6 I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong.

Charlatan Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

them like they were children’s books. It’s a useful talent, and one that you’re perfectly willing to use for your advantage. You know what people want and you deliver, or rather

Charity. I distribute the money I acquire to the people who really need it. (Good) 4 Creativity. I never run the same con twice. (Chaotic) 5 Friendship. Material goods come and go. Bonds of

Selesnya Initiate

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

, empathetic, and generally peaceful — unless roused to action. Their flaws and bonds alike grow naturally from their close ties to the community. Personality Traits d8 Personality Trait

1 I never raise my voice or lose my temper. 2 I feel the pains and joys of everyone around me, friend or foe. 3 I would rather make a friend than thwart an enemy. 4 I’m

Courtier

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

In your earlier days, you were a personage of some significance in a noble court or a bureaucratic organization. You might or might not come from an upper-class family; your talents, rather than the

. d6 Ideal 1 Community. It is the duty of all civilized people to strengthen the bonds of community and the security of civilization. (Lawful) 2 Generosity. My talents were

Simic Scientist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

a set of beliefs about the nature of life. Simic members’ bonds and flaws derive from their scientific research — including their creation of new life forms, which they can become very

interfere with the conclusions of logic. (Lawful) 6 Superiority. My vast intellect and strength are directed toward increasing my sway over others. (Evil) Bonds d6 Bond

Loyalty

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

can track the loyalty scores of groups of NPCs, such as those belonging to each faction, rather than having to track NPCs individually. The characters must balance the goals and bonds of their followers in order to maintain and improve their loyalty.

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

of evil that calls for them to butcher or eradicate all who oppose them. In keeping with their goal of domination, the yuan-ti would rather capture potentially useful opponents than kill them. They use

rather than among other creatures, including my own kind. 4 I sometimes become consumed by philosophy. 5 I believe I am superior to others of my caste. 6 I am driven by wanderlust

Soldier - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

soldiers, shaping their ideals, creating strong bonds, and often leaving them scarred and vulnerable to fear, shame, and hatred. d8 Personality Trait 1 I’m always polite and

keep that mistake secret. 4 My hatred of my enemies is blind and unreasoning. 5 I obey the law, even if the law causes misery. 6 I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong.

Charlatan - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

one that you’re perfectly willing to use for your advantage. You know what people want and you deliver, or rather, you promise to deliver. Common sense should steer people away from things that

come and go. Bonds of friendship last forever. (Good) 6 Aspiration. I’m determined to make something of myself. (Any) d6 Bond 1 I fleeced the wrong person and must

Dimir Operative

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

. (Chaotic) 6 Nihilism. I don’t believe in anything, and anyone who does is a fool. (Neutral) Bonds d6 Bond 1 I discovered a secret I can’t let

d6 Flaw 1 I like secrets so much that I’m reluctant to share details of a plan even with those who need to know. 2 I would let my friends die rather than reveal my true

Wicked Personality

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

Wicked Personality Detailing the Darklord’s personality gives them a unique identity that will help motivate them in your adventures. To do this, give them ideals, bonds, and flaws similar to those

obtain a bond. Flaws. In one sentence, describe how the Darklord’s personality causes them to act against their own best interests, especially in their quest to win their bonds and desires. Flaws are

Izzet Engineer

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

protocols will lead us toward progress more surely than any belief system. (Lawful) 5 Fun. I love my job! Despite the dangerous working conditions, there’s nothing I’d rather do

. (Chaotic) 6 Power. Someday I’ll find or create the magic that will make me the most powerful being in Ravnica. (Evil) Bonds d6 Bond 1 I have dedicated my life

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

crawl to make progress. In places where a tunnel opens into a chasm and continues on the other side, the kobolds might connect the two passages with a rope bridge or some other rickety structure

other useful items, but if they are at risk of discovery, they run away rather than attack anyone in the house. By fleeing before they can be seen or identified, they avoid getting into a situation

Alignment

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

plane of lawful evil. A devil does not choose to be lawful evil or tend toward lawful evil, but rather it is lawful evil in its essence. If it somehow ceases to be lawful evil, it changes into something

help you bring him or her to life as you play the game. Four categories of characteristics are presented here: personality traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws. Beyond those categories, think about your

Haunted Zones

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin

Haunted Zones Strahd can twist his domain to suit his whims. Starting when he makes his presence known, certain doorways in the house no longer connect to the rooms they did before. Instead

characters can easily break their bonds. Once the characters have encountered all four haunted zones, they don’t encounter any more. Long rests function as normal, and the haunted doorways become normal doorways.

Rosie Beestinger

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

more complex than merely seeking after adventure. She has long sought for ultimate meaning in the stars, and to seek justification for her belief that her bonds to her expansive family are reflected in

the endless movements and intricate patterns of the sky. However, the Beestinger clan has a less metaphysical reputation in the eyes of many people, as constantly swirling rumors attempt to connect the

Detailed NPCs

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

characters who uncover an NPC’s ideal can use what they’ve learned to influence the NPC in a social interaction (as discussed in chapter 8). Ideals can connect to alignment, as shown on the NPC Ideals

-knowledge Bond In a sentence, summarize the people, places, or things that are especially important to the NPC. The NPC Bonds table offers suggestions in broad categories. The character backgrounds

Suggested Characteristics

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

life to the fullest, knowing that tomorrow I might die. 4 I live for the thrill of the hunt. 5 I don’t talk about the thing that torments me. I’d rather not burden others with my curse. 6 I expect

that gets in my way. (Evil) Bonds d6 Bond 1 I keep my thoughts and discoveries in a journal. My journal is my legacy. 2 I would sacrifice my life and my soul to protect the innocent. 3 My torment

The True Threat

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

them to participate rather than the elves. Members of these four races have come together, overlooking their previous rivalries and differences, to negotiate an agreement of cooperation. But even as

the lizardfolk strive to hold their alliance together in the face of a common foe, the bonds are beginning to fray. How the characters perform their mission, and what sort of relationship they establish

Roleplaying a Yuan-ti

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

Personality Trait 1 I see omens in every event and action. The serpent gods continue to advise us. 2 I have very high standards for food, drink, and physical pleasures. 3 I prefer to be alone rather

emulate. (Any) 6 Power. Everything I choose to do is determined by whether it will make me smarter and stronger. (Evil) Yuan-ti Bonds d6 Bond 1 I will see our empire rise again and, in so doing, win

Creating a Blue Dragon

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

fortune that I can’t stop laughing or chuckling. 7 I would rather destroy my lair and lose my hoard than allow anyone to steal from me. 8 I am sometimes secretly impressed by what other

Display. One should never take risks or waste resources by using power if one can achieve the same results merely by the threat of power. (Any) 6 Loyalty. I don’t form bonds with those outside my

Leonin

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

past, today their prides largely avoid contact with other peoples and spurn the gods that ignored their plight. Since then, the leonin have flourished, finding strength in their bonds with one another

, but those who hunt the servants of the gods rather than game are known as leonin iconoclasts. Leonin Iconoclast While leonin don’t deny the existence of the gods, most denounce them, believing the

Suggested Characteristics

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

careful, for I have no way of telling friend from foe here. (Any) Bonds d6 Bond 1 So long as I have this token from my homeland, I can face any adversity in this strange land. 2 The gods of my

so secretly) convinced of the superiority of my own culture over that of this foreign land. 2 I pretend not to understand the local language in order to avoid interactions I would rather not have. 3 I

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

they are more interested in grabbing plunder and food rather than in wanton slaughter. The elderly, children, and any who seem weak or meek enough might escape death. If they leave the population more

goals of the tribe don’t concern me. Personal glory is what I crave. (Chaotic) 6 Savagery. I will not be controlled. (Chaotic) Orc Bonds d6 Bond 1 I will defend my

Boggle

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

threatened, a boggle flees rather than stand and fight. Boggle Small fey, chaotic neutral Armor Class 14 Hit Points 18 (4d6 + 4) Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft. STR 8 (−1) DEX 18 (+4

oil on its skin from one consistency to an other as a bonus action. Slippery Oil: While coated in slippery oil, the boggle gains advantage on Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks made to escape bonds

Small and Practical

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

concerned with basic needs and simple pleasures and have little use for ostentation. Even the wealthiest of halflings keep their treasures locked in a cellar rather than on display for all to see. They have

a knack for finding the most straightforward solution to a problem, and have little patience for dithering. Kind and Curious Halflings are an affable and cheerful people. They cherish the bonds

Lynx Creatlach

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

with precious stones and metals. In truth, Lynx is an active agent of Zariel but is no longer among the living. Rather, she’s a lawful evil undead tiefling, with her skeleton specially crafted to retain

manor library. If the characters accept Lynx’s invitation, she meets them while strolling the long hallways of her manor, the walls of which are filled with fine paintings. Rather than noting their

Church of the Silver Flame

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

the story of Tira Miron. Centuries ago, one of the ancient and powerful demons chained within the world broke free from its bonds, unleashing terrible suffering on the people of Thrane. The nation

to form in the foundation. In Breland, some priests fell prey to greed or forged ties to criminal organizations. In Aundair, a zealous faction known as the Pure Flame advocates using violence rather

Getting Players Invested

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

across several adventures. You hope the characters will connect with the place and treat it as home. As the characters enter the community, they smell something amazing. At this point, you could

with a comedic flavor—such as flumphs, pixies, faerie dragons, or chatty mimics—in a situation that leads to mischief and humor rather than combat. Missing Pet Episode. Someone’s pet is missing. The

Event-Based Adventures

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

repetitive in nature, rather than escalating to greater heights of depravity. The trick to catching such a villain lies in determining the pattern underlying the crimes. Though serial killers are a

table, indicating that the party’s goal is to secure aid from a ruler or council. You decide to connect that to the leadership of the order targeted by your vampire villain. Maybe the order’s leaders

1: Outer Gatehouse

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Heroes of the Borderlands

Guard Stat Block: Guard This gullible recruit spends more time dreaming than patrolling. Distractable. Bartho is easily distracted from his post because he’d rather be doing anything else. Sleepy

daydreaming, might involve you pretending to yawn mid-sentence or getting distracted by a butterfly. Perhaps he confides with the characters that he’d rather be doing something else. Descriptive

Staff

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

entire group. Those hirelings could all shave their heads zealously, be brawny but absentminded, play various musical instruments, use colorful oaths and exclamations, and so on. Group ideals, bonds

(sailors for a seagoing franchise, engineers for a giant hollow statue, and so on). Crew do not leave a franchise and cannot perform franchise tasks. They typically run rather than fight back when attacked

D&D Beyond

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