before both dominated cunning role

Neogi Void Hunter

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

neogi and often fills the role of captain aboard a nightspider (see the Astral Adventurer’s Guide). The void hunter pledges fealty to one or more stellar entities in exchange for a taste of

Material Plane, as well as on the Astral Plane and the Ethereal Plane. They left their home world long ago to conquer and devour creatures in other realms. During this era, they dominated umber hulk;umber

Drow Favored Consort

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

. Combining the roles of advisor, protector, and beloved, some favored consorts are content with a supporting role, while more ambitious consorts aspire to be the power behind the throne—or even to

claim the throne themselves. Those favored consorts who prove their cunning gain the ear, and perhaps even the heart, of their priestess and are relied on to provide useful advice. No position of

Mark of Passage Human

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

. Orien has dominated transportation for centuries, but now the house is facing challenges. The Mournland is a dramatic obstacle for ground transportation, and Baron Kwanti d’Orien has had tremendous

Orien’s problems don’t end with the Mournland, though. The expanding role of Lyrandar airships threatens the house’s business. Baron Kwanti would like to be able to offer more

Prisoner 13

Monsters Keys from the Golden Vault

her role as an agent, so she devised a plan to take power for herself. Over five years she took careful stock of Clan Axebreaker’s wealth and, in one fell swoop, used her network of lieutenants to

steal away most of the clan’s gold, leaving only a pittance. Prisoner 13 is a cunning schemer, ruthless and patient. She listens and watches, absorbing every detail she can, and shares as

Fraz-Urb'luu Legacy

Monsters Out of the Abyss

Deception and Demon Lord of Illusions. He uses every trick, every ounce of demonic cunning, to manipulate his enemies—mortal and fiend alike—to do his will. Fraz-Urb’luu can create

shoulders. He can assume other forms, however, from the hideous to the beautiful. Often the demon lord becomes so immersed in playing a role that he loses himself in it for a time. Many of the cultists

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

orcs can be dominated by evil creatures of immense power, and they accept this subservient role either because they are forced to or because it offers them a measure of security while they engage in

created the orcs and continues to direct their destiny. He is aided and abetted by the other warrior deities, Bahgtru and Ilneval, who bring strength and cunning to the battlefield. The followers of all

Goblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

appreciation for the finer things! — Volo Goblins occupy an uneasy place in a dangerous world, and they react by lashing out at any creatures they believe they can bully. Cunning in battle and

. Beast Masters and Slave Drivers Goblins know they are a weak, unsophisticated race that can be easily dominated by bigger, smarter, more organized, more ferocious, or more magical creatures. Their god

Humans

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

Humans “The dwarf is stoic. The elf is wise. The gnome is cunning. And humans? They can’t make up their mind, so they try to be all of these things at once.” —Kessler, Sharn bard Humans have

dominated Khorvaire for thousands of years. They founded the Five Nations and make up the majority of the population in these countries. Despite their relatively short lifespan—or perhaps because of it

Druid Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

. Whether calling on the elemental forces of nature or emulating the creatures of the animal world, druids are an embodiment of nature’s resilience, cunning, and fury. They claim no mastery over

, druids take on a more active role in combating the threat, as adventurers. Creating a Druid When making a druid, consider why your character has such a close bond with nature. Perhaps your

House Orien

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

packages and has a branch that handles more covert and dangerous deliveries. Orien has dominated transportation for centuries, but now the house is facing challenges. The Mournland is a dramatic obstacle

for ground transportation, and the expanding role of Lyrandar airships threatens Orien’s business. Long distance teleportation is a service only the strongest Orien heirs can provide. Now Orien

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

dominated by his emotions—intelligent, but not wise. Arrogant and prone to gloating, he carries grudges, has a huge chip on his shoulder, and spends a lot of time fashioning elaborate revenge scenarios

, giving each individual and every generation a reason to feel pride and self-respect. The kobolds prefer to run away than fight, to live off the scraps of others, and they are often dominated by larger

House Orien

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

unmarked teamsters. The Courier’s Guild of House Orien delivers mail and packages and has a branch that handles more covert and dangerous deliveries. Orien has dominated transportation for centuries

expanding role of Lyrandar airships threatens the house’s business. Baron Kwanti would like to be able to offer more instantaneous transportation, but long-distance teleportation is a service only the

Languages in Eberron

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

. The Mror dwarves speak Dwarvish and the Aereni elves speak Elvish, but they know Common as the language of trade. In Eberron, there are a number of other languages that serve this role in different

dominated the continent before humanity arrived. Orcish is a dead language; it may be encountered in ancient inscriptions, but modern orcs speak Goblin. Infernal is spoken by spirits that embody evil

Strahd von Zarovich

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

since his transformation, Strahd’s lust for life has grown. He broods in his castle, cursing the living for all he has lost and never admitting to his role in the tragedy. KATERINA LADON The Summer

Sea of Swords. It’s a narrow band of territory dominated by several major city-states, from Neverwinter in the north to Baldur’s Gate in the south, with Waterdeep in between.

Phenax

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

cloak of Athreos, the River Guide, who ushers the dead to their final rest. Hidden by illusion as he was, neither Athreos nor Erebos could find Phenax and bring him back. Able to play whatever role

the situation calls for, Phenax is a consummate actor. His incisive wit and cunning enable him to read the desires of his marks, adjusting his approach to suit the moment. In his rare moments of candor

The Vanthampur Family

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

The Vanthampur Family Thalamra Vanthampur is a cunning, devil-worshiping beast of a woman in her late sixties who can stare down a hell hound without flinching. She is barrel-bodied, with strong

. Thurstwell’s real problem is that his mother doesn’t see him as her successor, and is grooming Amrik to fill that role. Despite his jealousy, Thurstwell would never visit harm upon Amrik for fear of incurring

Fraz-Urb'luu

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

Fraz-Urb’luu All demons are liars, but Fraz-Urb’luu is the Prince of Deception and Demon Lord of Illusions. He uses every trick, every ounce of demonic cunning, to manipulate his enemies — mortal and

bat-like wings are furled against his powerful shoulders. He can assume other forms, however, from the hideous to the beautiful. Often the demon lord becomes so immersed in playing a role that he loses

Fraz-Urb'luu

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

Fraz-Urb’luu All demons are liars, but Fraz-Urb’luu is the Prince of Deception and Demon Lord of Illusions. He uses every trick, every ounce of demonic cunning, to manipulate his enemies — mortal and

bat-like wings are furled against his powerful shoulders. He can assume other forms, however, from the hideous to the beautiful. Often the demon lord becomes so immersed in playing a role that he loses

Worlds of Adventure

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

unknown in other settings, such as Eberron’s warforged, soldiers created and imbued with life to fight in the Last War. Some worlds are dominated by one great story, like the War of the Lance that plays

a central role in the Dragonlance setting. But they’re all D&D worlds, and you can use the rules here to create a character and play in any one of them. Your DM might set the campaign on one of these

Worlds of Adventure

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

unknown in other settings, such as Eberron’s warforged, soldiers created and imbued with life to fight in the Last War. Some worlds are dominated by one great story, like the War of the Lance that plays

a central role in the Dragonlance setting. But they’re all D&D worlds, and you can use the rules here to create a character and play in any one of them. Your DM might set the campaign on one of these

Draegloth

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

the draegloth in a significant role, because its abilities can turn the tide in a battle against a house that doesn’t have a draegloth of its own. Subservient Enforcers. Although it plays an important

the role set for it and not challenging authority. Draegloths instinctively resist this sort of treatment, but most of them take out their frustration on their house’s enemies. A draegloth that can’t

Khoravar

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

town dominated by humans. You didn’t know any other half-elves, and you did your best to fit in. 3 You lived in the Eldeen Reaches as part of a small Khoravar community, trying to be a bridge between

associated with House Lyrandar or House Medani, but you’re more interested in the role the house plays in supporting Khoravar communities than in the work of its guilds. 10 You ride with the Valenar, hoping one day to prove that you are worthy of taking on a patron ancestor.

Mind Flayer Fanatics

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

Mind Flayer Fanatics The three most ruthless, domineering, and cunning mind flayers in Illithinoch spent their early lives scheming against one another. A few decades ago, they each realized the

potential in working together and swiftly dominated Illithinoch’s other mind flayers. Once they became masters of the stronghold, these three mind flayers engaged in increasingly bizarre and esoteric

Drow Favored Consort

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monsters of the Multiverse

drow favored consort can hold their own in both conversation and combat. Combining the roles of advisor, protector, and beloved, some favored consorts are content with a supporting role, while more

ambitious consorts aspire to be the power behind the throne—or even to claim the throne themselves. Those favored consorts who prove their cunning gain the ear, and perhaps even the heart, of their

Sovereign

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

, sultans, and rajahs are ready choices for powerful individuals who patronize a party of adventurers. Those on track to become such individuals—such as cunning senators, royal heirs, or influential

celebrities—also fill a sovereign’s role. When choosing or creating a sovereign to serve, consider whether that leader commands a government organization or another faction. While this section assumes your

Ascendant Factions

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Sigil and the Outlands

all divine power. Faction Attire. Defiers wear geometric, starry fabrics that hint at their astral ties. They adorn their outfits with silver chains and broken holy symbols. Role in Sigil. The Athar

. Bleakers dress in gloomy, drab color schemes. Frayed clothing and weather-beaten gear are common. Role in Sigil. The Bleak Cabal’s headquarters is the Gatehouse, a fortress of healing and respite in

Decisionist

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

. You might primarily attempt to convince others through charismatic arguments, or through force of will or intellectual cunning. You might lead by example, or by extolling the examples of other people

, or boost the morale of franchise hirelings. KELSHI ANNAB Human Decisionist (Ranger) There are decisionists of all stripes. Domineering narcissists gravitate toward the role, to be sure, and

Planar Observatory

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

eventual destruction of a humanoid city. A disguised silver dragon, cunning and subtle, works to destabilize the city and bring about its ruin. 3 A local librarian is a disguised gold dragon in the service

direction vital to the Prophecy but disastrous to the region. 6 A disguised dragon is convinced that an adventurer has a critical role to play in the Prophecy, but an agent of the Lords of Dust is determined to drive them down a different path.

Baldur's Gate Today

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer

, Umberlee, any other law-abiding faith, cults of the Dead Three The Baldur’s Gate coat of arms represents the city’s role as a hub for river and ocean trade as well as nodding toward its namesake

desire to remain a peaceful power and the clear skies symbolize a prosperous future. But those who know the city’s history see the cunning and violence underpinning the emblem. For many, the contradictory interpretations make the city’s coat of arms all the more fitting. Mike Schley Map: Sword Coast

Baldur's Gate Today

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

other law-abiding faith, cults of the Dead Three The Baldur’s Gate coat of arms represents the city’s role as a hub for river and ocean trade as well as nodding toward its namesake, the explorer

peaceful power and the clear skies symbolize a prosperous future. But those who know the city’s history see the cunning and violence underpinning the emblem. For many, the contradictory interpretations make the city’s coat of arms all the more fitting. Map: Sword Coast

Daask Campaign Themes

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

Daask Campaign Themes On the surface, Daask appear to be nothing more complicated than a gang of violent monsters wreaking havoc in the worst parts of the city. If you want, this can be the only role

acts as though Daask is a problem only for Malleon’s Gate, and not a threat to law-abiding citizens, there is clear cunning in the criminal cabal’s actions. Their recent attacks have targeted

Birth of a Beholder

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

dormant but its mind never stops working. The creature is fully aware, even though to an outside observer it might appear oblivious of its surroundings. Sometimes a beholder’s dreams are dominated by

as especially close human siblings can. The original beholder is usually the dominant one and takes a leadership role. A hive consists of three to ten beholders, plus whatever minions they control

Life as a Halfling

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

in a city or town dominated by another race. Everything Has a Story As do many other races, halflings enjoy accumulating personal possessions. But unlike with most other races, a halfling’s idea of

strives to collect everyday objects that played a significant role in an exciting story (such as “the rolling pin that Aunt Hattie used to chase away a bugbear” or “the shoes that Timtom wore when he

Inspiration

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

role in their campaigns. Inspiration normally requires a DM’s judgment to award, which might run against your style if you like a campaign where you let dice determine most outcomes. If that’s your

inspiration if the characters manage to defeat a powerful foe, execute a cunning plan to achieve a goal, or otherwise overcome a daunting obstacle in the campaign. Genre Emulation. Inspiration is a handy tool

Enemies All Around

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

moves in to finish the job. DWARVES AND ALE Dwarves have a reputation for being able to consume great quantities of ale. Although drinking plays a significant role in their culture, it is a mistake

war wagon laden with gold, gems, stout armor, and sharp weapons. Given the orcs’ propensity to rely on brute force rather than cunning, they can overcome only severely weakened dwarven strongholds

D&D Beyond

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