before both dark chief reason

Barovian Witch

Monsters Curse of Strahd

","rollDamageType":"piercing"} piercing damage.The mad women and men known as Barovian witches forge pacts with Strahd and the Dark Powers of Ravenloft in exchange for magic and longevity. They prefer to live in

the shadows and can see in the dark. When traveling in the open, they use alter self spells to assume less conspicuous forms. They also use these spells to grow long, sharp claws with which they can

Kadroth

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

Dark Devotion. The fanatic has advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened. Spellcasting. The fanatic is a 4th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC

in cult affairs because he fears her spellcasting ability and her connection to the Arcane Brotherhood. She could take over the cult anytime she wanted, and Kadroth doesn't want to give her any reason

Snow Sphinx

monsters

13): At Will: Detect Magic, Ice Knife, Minor Illusion 1/Day Each: Dispel Magic, Fear, SuggestionCamouflaged against the ice, a solitary snow sphinx is on the prowl. A shock of dark humanoid hair

whips around a feline face, revealing piercing blue eyes that can freeze foes with a single glance. Compared to its desert-dwelling cousins, this sphinx is far less likely to be defeated with reason or

Darkling Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

speak of a seelie fey who betrayed the Summer Queen. His true name has been stricken from history, but the stories call him Dubh Catha ("Dark Crow" in Common). So great was the Summer Queen's wrath

, and doing so wizens the creature, much like the effect of rapid aging. For this reason, darklings cover every part of their body with clothing when exposure to light is a risk. The light a darkling

Darkling Elder Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

call him Dubh Catha ("Dark Crow" in Common). So great was the Summer Queen's wrath that she cursed every member of his house. Other fey refer to the descendants of Dubh Catha's house as the dubh sith-or

. The Killing Light. The Summer Queen's curse causes a darkling's body to absorb light, and doing so wizens the creature, much like the effect of rapid aging. For this reason, darklings cover every

Vegepygmy Chief

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

ages, it grows tougher and develops spore clusters on its body. Other vegepygmies defer to these so-called chiefs. A chief can expel its spores in a burst, infecting nearby creatures. If a creature

spores by which they reproduce. Also called mold folk or moldies, vegepygmies inhabit dark, moist areas, so they’re most commonly found underground or in forests where little sunlight penetrates

Sul Khatesh

Monsters Eberron: Rising from the Last War

as the Lords of Dust — scheme to unleash their ancient masters. The overlords gain strength when mortals embrace the dark paths laid down for them. And as they grow stronger, they gain more influence

primary patrons for warlocks in Khorvaire. Covens devoted to the Queen of Shadows use dark magic and fear to dominate whole communities, while isolated warlocks make pacts with Sul Khatesh to pursue power

Dimir Operative

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

;Disguise kit Languages: One of your choice Equipment: A Dimir insignia, three small knives, a set of dark-colored common clothes, and the starting equipment of the background described in this

guildless masses of the city. Consider why you’re embedded in the secondary guild. Create a story with your DM, inspired by rolling on the following table or choosing a reason that suits you

Demilich (Variant) Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

curse on a success.The transformation into a demilich isn’t a bitter end for all liches that experience it. Made as a conscious choice, the path of the demilich becomes the next step in a dark

its existence. Few liches seek to become demiliches, for it means an end to the existence they hoped to preserve by becoming undead. However, time can erode the lich’s reason and memory, causing

Eye and Hand of Vecna Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

Seldom is the name of Vecna spoken except in a hushed voice. Vecna was, in his time, one of the mightiest of all wizards. Through dark magic and conquest, he forged a terrible empire. For all his

’s lieutenant Kas coveted the Spider Throne for himself, or that the sword his lord made for him seduced him into rebellion. Whatever the reason, Kas brought the Undying King’s rule to an

Golgari Agent

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

, rot, and rebirth. You have spent your life in the slow churn of that ecosystem, in the dark places of the city where the messy parts of existence are on display. There is little squeamishness among the

. 4 Roll an additional Golgari contact; you can decide if the contact is an ally or a rival. 5 I joined the Gruul in a battle against the Boros once, and the chief of that small clan thanks

Noble - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

visit prosperous Bloomridge to try a fashionable restaurant or boutique, or watch a spectacle at the Oasis Theater, the patriars have little reason to venture into the dirtier, more dangerous parts of the

unquestioned, and impress those on the lookout for wealthy patrons. You are welcome in the Upper City and may stay there after dark without being harassed or evicted. Your word is accepted over others&rsquo

Unspeakable Horror (Malleable Mass)

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

evils lurk amid the Mists, the yet-to-be-realized imaginings of the Dark Powers and the remnants of ruined domains. While such nightmares typically manifest as nothing more than impressions, whispers, or

vaporous visions amid the fog, mysterious eddies in the Mists sometimes gather such evils, forcing them into unique, misshapen bodies untethered from the laws of reason or reality. Such unspeakable

Unspeakable Horror

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

by 5 or more, the target is also blinded until the end of its next turn.Untold, half-formed evils lurk amid the Mists, the yet-to-be-realized imaginings of the Dark Powers and the remnants of ruined

into unique, misshapen bodies untethered from the laws of reason or reality. Such unspeakable horrors might continue to haunt the misty netherworld between the Domains of Dread, or they might slink

Unspeakable Horror (Loathsome Limbs)

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

-realized imaginings of the Dark Powers and the remnants of ruined domains. While such nightmares typically manifest as nothing more than impressions, whispers, or vaporous visions amid the fog, mysterious

eddies in the Mists sometimes gather such evils, forcing them into unique, misshapen bodies untethered from the laws of reason or reality. Such unspeakable horrors might continue to haunt the misty

Unspeakable Horror (Oozing Organs)

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

throw fails by 5 or more, the target is also blinded until the end of its next turn.Untold, half-formed evils lurk amid the Mists, the yet-to-be-realized imaginings of the Dark Powers and the remnants

, forcing them into unique, misshapen bodies untethered from the laws of reason or reality. Such unspeakable horrors might continue to haunt the misty netherworld between the Domains of Dread, or they

Goliath Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

skills. This dedication to competition has a dark side. Goliaths are ferocious competitors, but above all else they are driven to outdo their past efforts. If a goliath slays a dragon, he or she might

assigned by the tribal chief, and a family or clan name. A birth name is up to three syllables long. Clan names are five syllables or more and end in a vowel. Birth names are rarely linked to gender

Unspeakable Horror (Aberrant Armor)

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

more, the target is also blinded until the end of its next turn.Untold, half-formed evils lurk amid the Mists, the yet-to-be-realized imaginings of the Dark Powers and the remnants of ruined domains

unique, misshapen bodies untethered from the laws of reason or reality. Such unspeakable horrors might continue to haunt the misty netherworld between the Domains of Dread, or they might slink forth into

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

who serve Yurtrus and Shargaas. Some are sent forth into the cities dominated by humans, on dark missions. Beware them. — Elminster Search, Destroy, Repeat When a tribe is on the move, orc

chief can plan where to send raiders next. The territory that orc war parties cover can extend for many miles around the lair, and any encampment or settlement of elves, dwarves, or humans in that

Steading of the Hill Giant Chief

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a6

Steading of the Hill Giant Chief To send them off with every possible advantage, patrons outfit the characters with all standard items needed for both wilderness and dungeon exploration; and each

member of the party has likewise been given the finest horse available. Guides are available to help, and the party has a splendid map showing the exact location of the great timber fortress of the chief

Dreaming Dark NPCs

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

Dreaming Dark NPCs Agents of the Dreaming Dark are insidious villains that can appear anywhere, in almost any context. They receive orders from a cabal of powerful quori. The leader of the

organization, known as the Devourer of Dreams, communes with the nightmare spirit of Dal Quor itself. The Dark’s chief agent in Eberron is a kalaraq quori (see chapter 6) named Tirashana, who has planted mind

The Dark Powers

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

villains to add to their terrifying menagerie. To what end, no one knows. The Dark Powers don’t move in the shadows of Ravenloft; they are the shadows. They’re the Mists and the darkness. They’re the reason

The Dark Powers Unfathomable, hidden forces manipulate life, death, and reality within Ravenloft. These mysterious, deathless beings are the architects of the Domains of Dread, and have secreted

Dark Sun

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

only the strongest survive. One of the hallmarks of the Dark Sun setting is that the heroes don’t need to seek out forgotten dungeons to find adventure — mere survival is adventure enough. But there is no reason you can’t successfully adapt Princes of the Apocalypse to your Dark Sun campaign.

Dark Sun The dying planet of Athas is a world that is already deeply scarred by elemental power. Long ago the gods of Athas fought a terrible war against the mighty primordial powers of the elemental

Rundreth Manor

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

. Reason to Visit. A side trek in chapter 6 takes place at Rundreth Manor, and the characters have a chance to confront the Dark Lady and perhaps find common cause against the cults.

mysterious and terrifying figure known far and wide as “the Dark Lady.” Locals warn everyone to stay well away from the ruins. The truth of the tale is that the “Dark Lady” is a female adult black shadow

The Depths

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

The Depths Sharn was built on the foundations of an older city, which was itself built atop goblin ruins. This old city was destroyed by dark magic—the elemental powers of the infamous Halas Tarkanan

and his consort, the Lady of the Plague. It’s said that vile powers still linger in these ruins, and for this reason King Galifar I had all passages to this undercity sealed with gates of metal and

Adventure Background

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon of Icespire Peak

, as are its attacks. A crumbling fortress on the northeast spur of Icespire Peak serves as the dragon’s lair. Cryovain seized the icy fortress from a tribe of savage orcs, killing the orc war chief and

forcing the tribe’s survivors to flee into the foothills and forests. Enraged by the death of their war chief, the orcs have called upon ancient allies — evil, shapechanging, half-orc spellcasters who

Encounter 4: Mausoleum

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

Dead. They spend the night here, then disperse and return to the waking city at dawn — for a reason no one knows. Sir Ambrose Everdawn (LG male human Tethyrian knight), an aging servant of Kelemvor (god

of the dead), patrols the cemetery from sunset to sunrise, chasing off grave robbers and making sure the dead stay buried. Characters who creep around the cemetery in the dark have a 30 percent chance

Triboar

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

Triboar The town of Triboar stands where the Long Road meets the Evermoor Way, a well-used caravan road that runs east to the city of Yartar. Triboar is the chief rival to Yartar, and the two

cultists on the Long Road. They are currently held in area W6 of the Weeping Colossus.) Reason to Visit. Any Harper can readily find refuge and aid in the Home of the Boars, a lodge on the outskirts

Escape from Barovia

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

Escape from Barovia Strahd’s death grants Barovia a reprieve. The fog that surrounds the land thins, and it no longer harms those who pass through it. The dark clouds that have loomed over the valley

, most Barovians realize that they have nowhere to go and no reason to leave. A few depart, fearing the return of the darkness or longing to see their ancestral homelands. Those who have souls can leave

Selûne

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

a calm power, frequently venerated by female humans as well as by a mix of other folk: navigators and sailors, those who work honestly at night, those seeking protection in the dark, the lost, and the

questing. There are many legends about Selûne, chief among them being the tale of the battle at the beginning of time between Selûne and her sister, Shar. The Tears of Selûne, the cluster of starry

Lords of Dust NPCs

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

actually from the Outer Planes. These fiends generally work through a wide network of duped pawns and indebted servitors. Each overlord has a chief servant, and these leaders meet in the ruins of Ashtakala

throughout the noble house. 3 A wizard who sought to accelerate their own power by making a dark bargain must now pay the price demanded by their sinister patron. 4 A powerful demon has corrupted the

Background

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

those adventurers driven to seek and destroy him — and partly to claim those adventurers’ souls to feed his phylactery. Even after Acererak eventually became an archlich whose dark plots would threaten

, the characters arrive with the place still under construction. The artificer Moghadam serves as the tomb’s chief architect, overseeing its construction in initial areas dug out by enthralled umber

Final Confrontations

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

, having seen the raiders on their way over the hills, hide there. The undead chief points to Wiggan and Bertram as the guilty ones. How the scene then plays out is up to you and the players, but

halfling pluck and dark devotion make the wicked Nettlebees unlikely to back down easily. In fact, Wiggan tries to bribe the characters into defending Bertram and him “against these savages.” He also uses

The Athasian Cult

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

priests and listen carefully when they speak. The chief difference between cultists dedicated to Elemental Evil and the elemental priests normally found in the tribes and villages of Athas is the cult’s

Elemental Eye begins to stir beneath the dark sun and seeks new servants, the ancient weapons awake from their slumber and find their way into ready hands.

Beginning the Adventure

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

foodstuffs to puddles of ooze. Humanoids infected with the plague drone the word “Xanthoria” over and over for no discernible reason before death finally claims them. You have determined that there’s a

phylacteries, but Xanthoria discovered a way to house her soul in a living sprite named Thunderwing. Though initially concerned with ways to end the unnatural life of the undead, Xanthoria’s research took a dark turn, as chronicled in her journal, titled Xanthoria.

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