before borders don contain roles

Firbolg Primeval Warden

Monsters Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

, disguise selfLike giant priests of Hiatea, firbolgs who serve her fall into two distinct roles that parallel Hiatea’s dual nature. At home, primeval wardens tend the hearths and tutor the young

. Primeval wardens who patrol the borders of firbolg communities are fierce hunters who guard against external threats and incursions. Firbolgs Distant cousins of giants, the first firbolgs wandered the

Maw Demon

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Lord of Savagery’s gullet. Maw demons appear among gnoll war bands that worship Yeenoghu, usually summoned as part of ritual offerings of freshly slain Humanoids made to him. The gnolls don&rsquo

;t command the demons, which simply accompany the war band and attack whatever creatures the gnolls fall upon. Because maw demons are indiscriminate in their hunger, their stomachs contain all manner

Animated Coffin

Monsters Adventure Atlas: The Mortuary

boxes with simple fittings to elaborate, gilded sarcophagi and reverent, fabric-lined caskets. Beyond the City of Doors, animated coffins serve similar—albeit less industrial—roles

table presents some contents an animated coffin might contain when encountered. Animated Coffin Contents d6 Contents 1 1d4 swarm of bats 2 1d4 Skeleton;skeletons packed like

Plasmoid Boss

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

leader of a criminal enterprise, the lord of a plasmoid community, or the captain of a spelljamming ship. Regardless of the roles they secure for themselves, plasmoid bosses need no small amount of charm

nerves for a brain. Plasmoids don’t have internal organs as humans know them, but they have pores through which they absorb oxygen. Up to four times in its life, a plasmoid can reproduce by joining

Archon of Boundaries

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

celestial realms to watch over the boundary of the wilds and protect those who dare to cross it. Sometimes knights of the realm get the idea that they can expand the borders of their land and keep the

wilds at bay simply by driving archons deeper into the wilds. Such efforts are futile; not only are archons difficult to kill, but they don’t create the boundaries, merely mark them. “A winged dawn dispels the terror of night.” —Chulane, Teller of Tales Radiant

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

tribe is balanced again. In this way, the tribe can quickly repopulate with just a few survivors. Because of these factors, kobolds don’t have assigned gender roles for young or adults. A leader

earth are strong or weak, are bearing a load or are safe to excavate, or are likely to contain minerals or offer access to water. This ability enables them to fashion secure homes in places where other

Nafas

Monsters Quests from the Infinite Staircase

of twinkling stardust follows Nafas wherever he goes, as evidence of his cosmic might. No bottle, vase, ring, or lamp can contain Nafas. The genie is bound to the Infinite Staircase itself, anchored

long-departed comrades. These mirages don’t hold up to physical inspection and vanish after a brief interaction. Safe Descents. Within 3 miles of the lair, winds buoy creatures that fall

Minotaur Legacy

Species Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

). Since each family line has so many members, minotaurs don’t usually find it helpful to connect the name of the line to their personal names; even though Commander Grozdan of the Boros Legion

minotaur heroes are full of other names as well: those of the retainers, allies, lovers, servants, enemies, and others who played roles, however small, in the lives of the heroes. Almost every minotaur

Half-Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

contrast, throw themselves into the thick of society, putting their charisma and social skills to great use in diplomatic roles or as swindlers. Half-Elf Names Half-elves use either human or elven

naming conventions. As if to emphasize that they don’t really fit in to either society, half-elves raised among humans are often given elven names, and those raised among elves often take human names

Tortle Legacy

Species The Tortle Package

set out on their own. Beliefs Tortles don’t have their own pantheon of gods, but they often worship the gods of other races. It’s not unusual for a tortle to hear stories or legends

our homes on our backs.” The shells they carry around provide all the shelter they require. Consequently, tortles don’t feel the need to root themselves in one place for too long. A tortle

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

body, thought, and emotion. Freed from the limitations of their human bodies, the yuan-ti used their new abilities to conquer new lands and expand their borders. One Race, Many Forms The bodies of all

betters. Leaders rely on this zealotry in their plans, and although they don’t needlessly waste the lives of purebloods on futile actions, most strategies include a fallback option in which mobs

Centaur Legacy

Species Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

. Though they are smaller than a human rider mounted on a horse, they fill similar roles as cavalry warriors, messengers, outriders, and scouts. Affinity for Nature Centaurs have an affinity for the

memory — and, the centaurs believe, some shard of the spirit — of the departed. Centaurs don’t use family names, but they wear symbols that represent their family membership. These

Bard Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

of song, speech, and the magic they contain. Bards say that the multiverse was spoken into existence, that the words of the gods gave it shape, and that echoes of these primordial Words of Creation

experience earns renown among other bards. Indeed, after telling so many stories about heroes accomplishing mighty deeds, many bards take these themes to heart and assume heroic roles themselves

Sapphire Dragon Wyrmling

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

hoard is usually a cataloged, orderly collection of war gear, which can contain ancient relics of immense power. Creating a Sapphire Dragon Use the Sapphire Dragon Personality Traits and Sapphire

. The stories surrounding every piece in my collection are as important as the treasures themselves. (Any) 4 Order. An organized hoard makes me happy—and you don’t want to see me

Young Sapphire Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

, which can contain ancient relics of immense power. Creating a Sapphire Dragon Use the Sapphire Dragon Personality Traits and Sapphire Dragon Ideals tables to inspire your portrayal of distinctive

important as the treasures themselves. (Any) 4 Order. An organized hoard makes me happy—and you don’t want to see me unhappy. (Lawful) 5 Preparation. Justice and righteousness do

Preparing for the Play

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

) and says, “Find whatever you can make use of in this mess!” The characters are allowed 20 minutes to don costumes and select props appropriate for their assigned roles. When they’re ready

once on the Performers’ Roles table to determine what role Stagefright assigns to that player’s character. If two players get the same result, Stagefright lets them decide which one of them takes that

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

relieved of their other roles and taken to the lair’s whelping pens, where they are tended to by Luthic’s followers. Orcs don’t take mates, and no pair-bonding occurs in a tribe

infirm. Orcs don’t revere their gods as much as they fear them; every tribe has superstitions about how to avert their wrath or bring their favor. This deep-seated uncertainty and fear comes forth

Archaeologist

Backgrounds Tomb of Annihilation

century old. Suggested Characteristics Few archaeologists can resist the lure of an unexplored ruin or dungeon, particularly if such a site is the source of legends or is rumored to contain

no qualms about stealing from the dead. 5 I’m happier in a dusty old tomb than I am in the centers of civilization. 6 Traps don’t make me nervous. Idiots who trigger traps make

Ivan's Powers and Dominion

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

. Those unable to escape are eventually forced to don the ludicrous livery of the Dilisnya household staff and become Ivan’s new servants. Closing the Borders. Ivan can close or open Borca’s borders

once per day. He closes them to prevent those he’s obsessing over from escaping. When he closes Borca’s borders, the Mists rise as detailed in “The Mists” section at the start of this chapter. Additionally, the fog is filled with Ivan’s taunting voice and patrolled by grim clockwork toys.

Ancient Sapphire Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

protect against psychic damage or mental intrusion. The centerpiece of a sapphire dragon’s hoard is usually a cataloged, orderly collection of war gear, which can contain ancient relics of

. (Any) 4 Order. An organized hoard makes me happy—and you don’t want to see me unhappy. (Lawful) 5 Preparation. Justice and righteousness do not guarantee victory. Planning and

Build Your Group

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

all of these roles: Prince Oargev ir’Wynarn Civil Servant. The vast majority of work performed on behalf of a head of state has very little to do with deadly adventure: it’s about prosecuting and

Intelligence scores or proficiency in Investigation. Warden. The Warden’s focus isn’t so much on the people of the nation, but on the land encompassed within its borders, both cultivated and wild. Sometimes

Fortified Outpost

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

surges of lightning, hurl fireballs, or otherwise send devastating munitions at approaching enemies. A basement area is dedicated to storage, including holding cells to contain prisoners of war while they

is said to be haunted by the vengeful spirit of a former commander who was slain by their own troops. 3 A tunnel beneath the outpost leads to a sealed portal to Xoriat. 4 The outpost borders the

Domains

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

haze. Domains share neither borders nor common geography, and you can’t peer from one domain into another. The environments, cultures, and residents of one domain don’t influence those of other domains

. Domains Hold Darklords. Domains exist to contain and torment a villain. Though Darklords exert control over their domains, they are each tormented by a personal terror playing out in their realm

M6. Performers' Quarters

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

M6. Performers’ Quarters The walls of this gloomy chamber are lined with black-veiled compartments that contain makeshift beds. The furniture is sparse: a few wooden tables and chairs, a box of junk

in one corner, and flickering lanterns resting here and there. Five performers occupy the room. Two of them pace nervously while the others weep. The actors here perform their roles reluctantly and

Firbolgs

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

serve her fall into two distinct roles that parallel Hiatea’s dual nature. At home, primeval wardens tend the hearths and tutor the young. Primeval wardens who patrol the borders of firbolg communities

Adult Sapphire Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

intrusion. The centerpiece of a sapphire dragon’s hoard is usually a cataloged, orderly collection of war gear, which can contain ancient relics of immense power. Creating a Sapphire Dragon Use

happy—and you don’t want to see me unhappy. (Lawful) 5 Preparation. Justice and righteousness do not guarantee victory. Planning and tactics do. (Lawful) 6 Companionship. Sure

Life in Akharin Sangar

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

Life in Akharin Sangar Despite the rumors outside its borders, Akharin Sangar is markedly hospitable. By long-standing custom, every Sangarian is a potential host and must be prepared to entertain

, though its ranks contain both tender-hearted civil servants and disciplinarians who relish chastising citizens for misdemeanors. Names Sangarian names are drawn from lineage, religion, and literature

Expert Tunnelers

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

or are safe to excavate, or are likely to contain minerals or offer access to water. This ability enables them to fashion secure homes in places where other creatures wouldn’t feel safe. Kobolds take

heavier than a kobold. On occasion, the route through a kobold lair runs along a ledge that borders a cavern or a crevasse, and the kobolds might erect a railing or a wall that prevents them from

Animated Coffin

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Adventure Atlas: The Mortuary

the City of Doors, animated coffins serve similar—albeit less industrial—roles. Natural ambushers and tireless sentries, animated coffins guard ancient necropolises, family crypts, and the lairs of

an Undead army. Animated coffins are rarely empty. The Animated Coffin Contents table presents some contents an animated coffin might contain when encountered. Animated Coffin Contents d6 Contents

Leonin of Oreskos

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

Leonin of Oreskos Close-knit prides of several dozen to a few hundred leonin make their homes throughout Oreskos. These communities treat every member as family, with all taking equal roles in

focus has largely been within the grasslands’ borders, he cautiously explores engaging in trade with the human poleis Ironmanes One collection of leonin prides, the Ironmanes, doesn’t recognize the

Anatomy of a War Band

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

Anatomy of a War Band A gnoll war band is likely to contain a variety of gnolls and other creatures, and no two of these groups have the same composition. The gnolls that make up the rank and file

have different attributes and thus different roles in the war band’s assaults. Augmenting the warriors that comprise the bulk of the force are the hunters, specialists in sneaking and attacking at range

14. Shrine of Laduguer

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

features.) Braziers. Alcoves in the north wall contain two braziers fashioned from melted-down iron armor and weapons. Each is alight with burning coals that shed bright light in a 10-foot radius and

roles, the arcanaloths learned everything they could about Laduguer’s principles of conduct. To their surprise, Aximus and Exekarus found these principles compelling. Some of the arcanaloths’ favorite

High Forest

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

tribes of wood elves — and a few moon elf tribes — still roam the wood protecting these ruins, the monuments to their golden age. Few beyond the borders of the High Forest know much about these elves, who

often goes awry here, and the caverns deep beneath the site are rumored to contain all manner of magical portals. If it isn’t the elves, the fey, or the trees themselves watching visitors, it might be

Dwarves of the Multiverse

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

deity’s influence weakened Bhaerynden and left it vulnerable to the dark elves that threatened its borders. That claim might well be true, but shield dwarf scholars point out that those who abandoned

great empire known as Kal-Thax. They have long been split into several clans based on traditional roles that were established in Kal-Thax and its successor settlements. Yet, as with much on Krynn, the

Revel's End Locations (R17-R23)

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

footlockers tucked under the bunkbeds. The guards need 10 minutes to don their armor. If the prison is put on high alert, the guards take the time to put on their armor before making their way down to area

cabinets contain ship cargo manifests and records of past deliveries, as well as prisoner transfer orders and files documenting the names, crimes, sentences, and commutations of every prisoner who has

D&D Beyond

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