before books divinity cunning release

Cultist of Bhaal

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

financial recompense. These cunning serial killers and mass murderers remain a step ahead of investigators, at least until the cultists’ zealous bloodlust overwhelms their senses. Cultists The

adventurers Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul seized divinity but were slain for their hubris. All three have been reborn and are now known as the Dead Three. Each of the Dead Three has inspired wicked cults that

Adult Deep Dragon

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

ferocious might, cunning ambushes, or fungal poisons. Some adult deep dragons plunder the surface for treasures and lore. Deep Dragons Deep dragons slither through the wet and lightless places of the

;s lair is changed by its presence, creating the following effects: Preservation of Knowledge. Books and other written forms of communication with 1 mile of the lair become magically protected and can

Erky Timbers

Monsters Tales from the Yawning Portal

Gnome Cunning. Erky has advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Spellcasting. Erky is a 1st-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save

flame, thaumaturgy 1st level (3 slots): bless, cure wounds, sanctuary Channel Divinity: Turn Undead. As an action, Erky may present his holy symbol and speak a prayer censuring the undead. Each undead

Malaxxix

Monsters The Book of Many Things

’ll be found by mortals who are desperate for power and ripe for corruption. Malaxxix seeks the Books of Keeping: ancient tomes that contain the true names of all yugoloths. To this end, it

Planes as a tyrannical marauder. Roleplaying Malaxxix Malaxxix is a being of great cunning, terrible rage, and insatiable bloodlust who regards any opportunity to inflict misery on others as

Customizing the Puzzle

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

, tombstones that feature varying numbers of skulls might be arranged by dates, while stacks of books might be ordered by shared page-counts. These details can be easy to miss, though, so make sure

order, will help for a spell.” Releasing the Spirits If the characters don’t attempt to remove gems from the room, or if they spend too long deliberating, create a new trigger to release the spirits

Blue Abishai

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

Blue Abishai Seekers of forgotten lore and lost relics, blue abishais are the most cunning and learned of their kind. Blue abishais plunder tomes throughout the universe. They use the knowledge they

glean from these books to become accomplished spellcasters, and with the power they gain, they devastate Tiamat’s enemies. Blue Abishai Medium Fiend (Devil, Wizard), Typically Lawful Evil Armor

Diancastra's Saga

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

more deserving of divinity In spite of my mortal mother.” Scowling, all-wise Annam spoke to his daughter: “Mighty are my sons in strength, And Hiatea, your half sister, her heroism showed In

satisfied, and reshaped it Into a storm-tossed sea, Then a fiery furnace-peak. At last, Diancastra, laughing, said to him, “Forsake your cunning craft! Chaos is a canvas for creation, unbounded

Amberdune Pack

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries

spectacles in his human and hybrid forms Marliza, a petite jackalwere whose wide eyes and long braids belie her cunning Ramah, Inbar’s outspoken brother, who prefers to spend his shift at Amberdune Books

loudly orating from a tome to entice potential customers Theryn, a young jackalwere with deft hands, good for repairing damaged books or liberating a few coins from wealthy pockets Zan, the oldest pack

Talentan Characters

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

born in the wild, and your wits and your weapons helped you survive. Talenta warriors are often barbarians or rangers, relying on speed and skill. However, cunning and charisma are equally important

. Hermit and Outlander are sound backgrounds, but you could be an acolyte or a sage who consults with spirits instead of reading books. Warriors and shamans alike often wear masks in order to present a

Tactics

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

Tactics Because they are physically weak individually, kobolds know they have to use superior numbers and cunning to take down powerful foes. In addition to their Pack Tactics trait described in the

obvious places as false “treasure,” prompting intruders to open the container and release a swarm. In a combat involving large numbers of kobolds (such as ten or more), consider spreading out their

“Old White Death”

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

tribes known as the Ice Hunters, because of the many enemies Arauthator has frozen into the icy walls of the berg’s hollowed interior. In addition to his size, cunning, and ferocity, Arauthator wields

and power, including at least three tomes of rare spells. The possibility of recovering those books is part of what drew Maccath the Crimson to the Sea of Moving Ice. Arauthator’s iceberg lair serves

“Old White Death”

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

tribes known as the Ice Hunters, because of the many enemies Arauthator has frozen into the icy walls of the berg’s hollowed interior. In addition to his size, cunning, and ferocity, Arauthator wields

and power, including at least three tomes of rare spells. The possibility of recovering those books is part of what drew Maccath the Crimson to the Sea of Moving Ice. Arauthator’s iceberg lair serves

Inquiries in Candlekeep

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries

books for several scholars at the same time, Ramilir guesses that he must have accidentally taken The Scrivener’s Tale instead of a book intended for another scholar, then placed the unrecognized tome in

with the characters’ books. A successful DC 10 Wisdom (Insight) check confirms that the acolyte’s mistake was an honest one. In response to any discussion of the mark that has appeared on the

Candlekeep

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

, the monks of Candlekeep release a small book stamped with the sigil of the keep, and credited to “The Avowed of Candlekeep.” These books are always focused on singular topics, and contain short essays

with multiple books they suspect might meet with approval. Fortunately for some, the donation need not be utterly unique. Some tome or treatise the library doesn’t have in its archives is preferable, but

Using Malaxxix in a Game

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things

it believes might advance its goal of locating the Books of Keeping. It could be some time before Malaxxix presents itself to the party. Beforehand, Malaxxix is likely to craft additional cursed

teleport to the characters’ location, attempt to slay the buffoonish mortals, and reclaim the treasures. Roleplaying Malaxxix Malaxxix is a being of great cunning, terrible rage, and insatiable bloodlust

Mephistopheles

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

souls of skilled wizards and cunning sages, exactly the sort of folk he needs to further his research. Curiosity and ambition are motivating factors that entice such souls into his service — often, a mage

, limited to why they have come together. Some of the most skilled but most gullible former wizards of the Material Plane now toil eternally in Cania, alone except for their books, their tools, and

1: Outer Gatehouse

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

laws, this guard still has much to learn. By the Books. Gala clings to the keep’s laws—and often recites them aloud—whenever she must make a decision. Naive. Gala believes that life is fair, people

in both towers must be turned to release or tighten the drawbridge’s chains. The portcullis operates in a similar manner. Services. Each location offers unique services. Shops typically offer

People of Meletis

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

live as the gods demand. Rich fields and the bounty of the sea support most people throughout Meletis. The people have reputations for being accomplished weavers, skilled sailors, and cunning

merchants. Books and literacy are also common throughout the land, and the work of scribes, cartographers, musicians, and storytellers is well regarded. The people of Meletis believe themselves to be the

Areas of Kolat Towers

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

lever is an action that causes both clamps to release the floor, which is then magically driven upward into the ceiling. Creatures standing on the floor are knocked prone and must make a DC 20

casting spells and throwing off fire rays. Bookshelves. Manshoon removed any tomes of value from the bedroom, leaving noticeable gaps on the shelves between mundane books on a variety of esoteric

N3. Burgomaster's Mansion

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

unusual. Nothing about his bedroom betrays Victor’s deviant nature or magical proclivities. The books include collections of Barovian fables and tomes about mythology, heraldry, and other innocuous

subjects. N3l. Library Floor-to-ceiling shelves line every wall of this windowless room, and the number of books contained here is nothing short of astounding.A brass oil lamp sits atop a large desk in

Lyn Armaal, Level 3

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

include a soft bed, a rug, a bookshelf, and a large, compartmentalized chest containing folded clothing and ordinary personal effects. 21. Library Like most wizards, Sansuri has acquired books covering a

bronze lantern hanging above the table has a continual flame spell cast within it. Treasure Among Sansuri’s collection of books are four historical texts chronicling the rise and fall of Ostoria (worth 500

Nine Hells

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

. Malsheem resembles a gigantic hollowed-out stalagmite. The citadel is also a prison for souls that Asmodeus has locked away for safekeeping. Convincing him to release even one of those souls comes at a

red eyes, and flowing robes. He can also assume other forms and is seldom seen without his ruby-tipped scepter in hand. Asmodeus is the most cunning and well-mannered of archdevils. On the surface, he

14. Psipod Nexus I

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

familiar NPCs act, or pick up on minor details that the ulitharid has gotten wrong or can’t reasonably duplicate: slight changes in decor, books that are blank between the covers, foul-tasting elven wine

might release them if, in exchange, they promise to destroy the githyanki that are threatening the mind flayer colony. You can roleplay these interactions or have the characters make ability checks to

Villa Locations

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

offers the following information in exchange for his release: His mother, the duke, is in the dungeon below the villa with Thavius Kreeg. She and the former high overseer of Elturel are plotting to

help the Vanthampurs conquer Baldur’s Gate if released. Thavius Kreeg is confident that he can devise a way to release Gargauth from the shield. Thavius arrived in the city a few days ago with the

Orcs

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

Fang of Shargaas Shargaas is the orc deity of deep darkness and sneakiness, a murderous god who hates anything that lives that isn’t an orc. Orcs consider Shargaas to be a divinity suited to pariahs and

Challenge 3 (700 XP) Cunning Action. On each of its turns, the orc can use a bonus action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action. Hand of Shargaas. The orc deals an 2 extra dice of damage when it

Tomb Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault

inside it but has no clue how to release it (see area X22). Treasure. A spellbook on the western bookshelf contains the spells Edino has prepared plus alarm, arcane lock, detect thoughts, dimension

door, and glyph of warding. The other books in Edino’s collection aren’t valuable and cover such topics as geology, gemology, and mining. X11: Mess Hall Loud voices and laughter can be heard through the

Halfling Gods and Myths

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

halfling gods are viewed as folk heroes — mortal beings who ascended to divinity, rather than divine entities who descend from their realms to influence the world. Because of this outlook, halflings

to the fore in every halfling’s memory. Every youth hears over and over again the stories of the hero’s bravery and cunning, his clever tactics in battle, and his ability to use speed and smallness

The Nine Hells

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

. Convincing him to release even one of those souls comes at a steep price, and it is rumored that the Archduke of Nessus has claimed whole kingdoms in the past for such favors. Asmodeus most often

in hand. Asmodeus is the most cunning and well-mannered of archdevils. The ultimate evil he represents can be seen only when he wills it so, or if he forgets himself and flies into a rage.

The Morkoth

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

and unconscious while bound in this manner. Four chains bind him. The chains are secured to the hull and must be broken to release the giant from his stasis or free him from the ship’s hold. Striking

Daggerdark’s cabin is a mess. Nautical books and navigational charts are strewn across the floor, as are quills, loose sheets of blank parchment, empty wine bottles, and spilled jars of ink. Most of

Academy Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer Academy

officer is consigned to the brig for violation of customs charges—but the characters later learn that he is beloved among the graduate sailors. A sniff of rum is the officer’s off-the-books reward for

inside you, yearning for release.” “Tell me a tale of your past. What should I know of you?” Award each character inspiration once they’ve all answered the questions. Stores Security Level: Red (Cadet

Combat

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice Compendium

. If you have a feature like Cunning Action or Step of the Wind, can you take the Dash action more than once on your turn? If you can take the Dash action as a bonus action, nothing in the rules

/wizard can get a bonus action to Dash by using Cunning Action, and I can cast expeditious retreat on myself to get a bonus action to Dash. Do I get two bonus actions to Dash? No. You can take only

Shipwreck Locations

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

waterlogged and disintegrating books and scrolls. The polished wood desk leans awkwardly on three legs; it has an ornate compass set in its center. The bed is covered in rotting bedding and sags in the

—a ghoul—lurks in the aft part of the hold. Much more cunning than the zombies, the ghoul waits to attack until the characters are busy with the zombie. It hopes to paralyze a character with its Claw

Ship Locations

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

are two books, one open and propped up against the other. Beside the table is a wooden chair. Hanging from the ceiling over the table is an unlit hooded lantern. Just aft of the hook that holds the

) check. Books. The table has the following books (worth 10 gp apiece) lying on it: Principles of Navigation by Da Korma (open) Legal Distinctions in Letters of Marque by Tazaar (closed) Treasure. The sea

Appendix: Roleplaying Cards

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Domains of Delight: A Feywild Accessory

precarious situations when he has an audience, confident that his speed and cunning will see him through danger. He leads by example rather than by dictate. Alignment. Chaotic evil. Personality Trait

afterward, rather than continue the search on his own. When he’s not straining at some feat of athleticism, he’s reading books of poetry. Alignment. Neutral good. Personality Trait. “I treat my

Appendix D: Roleplaying Cards

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

precarious situations when he has an audience, confident that his speed and cunning will see him through danger. He leads by example rather than by dictate. Alignment. Chaotic evil. Personality Trait

afterward, rather than continue the search on his own. When he’s not straining at some feat of athleticism, he’s reading books of poetry. Alignment. Neutral good. Personality Trait. “I treat my

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