before bring desire creating rival

Creating a Rival

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

Creating a Rival In essence, a rival is a somewhat specialized NPC. You can use chapter 4 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide to build a new NPC for this purpose, or pick one from your current cast of

methods the rival can bring to bear against the characters. Goals. An effective rival has a clear reason for interfering with the characters’ lives. Think about what the rival wants, how and why the

Sammaster (Lich Form)

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

. Sammaster’s travels brought him into contact with people who revered dragons as icons of primeval might. Masquerading his desire to dominate dragonkind as devotion, Sammaster established himself

. His Cult of the Dragon devotes itself to helping evil dragons become dracoliches to bring this evil new age to fruition. Sammaster was killed in battle, but had prepared contingencies for his demise

Sammaster (Dracolich Form)

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

megalomaniacal. Sammaster’s travels brought him into contact with people who revered dragons as icons of primeval might. Masquerading his desire to dominate dragonkind as devotion, Sammaster

rule Faerûn. His Cult of the Dragon devotes itself to helping evil dragons become dracoliches to bring this evil new age to fruition. Sammaster was killed in battle, but had prepared contingencies

Zlan

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

liches, creating an amalgamated form. Zlan is the foremost mind among the liches and controls the body, The other liches rage and scheme about being subsidiary to someone they once considered both a

rival and an equal. The Zlan Liches table gives a brief description of each component. Zlan Liches Name History Argent Black Emerged from the Negative Plane, fed on hate and

Valenar High Elf

Species Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

ground and faced your ancestors, and twenty fell before his singing blades. You are no Dhakaani of old, and a mere twenty of you will bring no honor to the Taeri.” The warlord hissed in fury, and

is why your people constantly seek out conflict; you need to find challenges worthy of a hero. In creating a Valenar, think about your patron ancestor. Your class should reflect their class; if you

The Abbot

Monsters Curse of Strahd

giving the devil his heart's desire, I bring salvation to him and his land.” Bond. “I love the creatures I create, including my beautiful golems and mongrelfolk.” Flaw. “I can't be corrupted. My

hundred years ago, the deva was sent from the Upper Planes to honor the legacy of Saint Markovia. He reopened the abbey and began tending to the physically and mentally ill. In so doing, he hoped to bring

Valenar Wood Elf

Species Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

ground and faced your ancestors, and twenty fell before his singing blades. You are no Dhakaani of old, and a mere twenty of you will bring no honor to the Taeri.” The warlord hissed in fury, and

is why your people constantly seek out conflict; you need to find challenges worthy of a hero. In creating a Valenar, think about your patron ancestor. Your class should reflect their class; if you

Orcsplitter

Magic Items Princes of the Apocalypse

rare occasions it uses a limited form of telepathy to bring to the wielder’s mind a couplet or stanza of ancient Dwarvish verse. Personality. Orcsplitter is grim, taciturn, and inflexible. It

knows little more than the desire to face orcs in battle and serve a courageous, just wielder. It disdains cowards and any form of duplicity, deception, or disloyalty. The weapon’s purpose is to

Slithering Tracker

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

the same time, a slithering tracker flows into places where a normal creature can’t go and brings its own brand of watery death down on its quarry. The ritual for creating a slithering tracker

driven by the desire for blood; after fulfilling its duty, the overwhelmed creature attacks indiscriminately until it is destroyed.Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical AttacksCold

The Celestial Legacy

Classes Xanathar's Guide to Everything

desire to wander that paradise for the rest of your days. But you know that your mission is among mortals for now, and that your pact binds you to bring light to the dark places of the world. Celestial

Banderhobb

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

shape resembling a bipedal toad. In this form, a banderhobb temporarily serves its creator as a thug, a thief, and a kidnapper that swallows the unwary. Hags have devised a ritual for creating

brief existence, a banderhobb attempts to carry out its creator’s bidding. It accomplishes its mission with no concern for the harm it suffers or causes. Its only desire is to serve and succeed. A

Graz'zt Legacy

Monsters Out of the Abyss

Dark Prince is a warning that not all beautiful things are good. Standing nearly nine feet tall, Graz’zt strikes the perfect figure of untamed desire, every plane and curve of his body, every

(Stealth) checks made to hide. Regional Effects The region containing Graz’zt’s lair is warped by his magic, creating one or more of the following effects: Flat surfaces within 1 mile of

Dwarf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

command or inspiration of a deity, a direct calling or simply a desire to bring glory to one of the dwarf gods. Clan and ancestry are also important motivators. A dwarf might seek to restore a clan

up the adventuring life might be motivated by a desire for treasure—for its own sake, for a specific purpose, or even out of an altruistic desire to help others. Other dwarves are driven by the

Madam Eva

Monsters Curse of Strahd

power of magical foresight. In the guise of Madam Eva, she uses this ability to help Strahd. She can send her Vistani out in their wagons to visit other worlds and bring adventurers to Strahd’s

her ability to locate such an individual. None of Madam Eva’s Vistani kin know her true identity or purpose. They puzzle over her desire to remain in Barovia. Madam Eva’s Traits Ideal

Barbarian Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

fraught with peril: rival tribes, deadly weather, and terrifying monsters. Barbarians charge headlong into that danger so that their people don’t have to. Their courage in the face of danger makes

the closeknit family structures of the tribe, but eventually find them replaced by the bonds formed among the members of their adventuring parties. Creating a Barbarian When creating a barbarian

Reborn

Species Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

, silent stretches. Occasionally, though, in a moment of peace, stress, or excitement, a reborn gains a glimpse of what came before. When you desire to have such a dreamlike vision, roll on the Lost

itchy straw stuffing inside you. Reborn in the Domains of Dread When creating a reborn, consult with your DM to see if it’s appropriate to tie your origins to one of the following Domains

Adult Time Dragon

Monsters Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse

their utmost to preserve these historical sites. A time dragon’s insatiable desire for knowledge means it’s likely to have more than one such lair. The challenge rating of an ancient time

the dragon’s magic, creating one or more of the following effects: Time Dilations. Time fluctuates within 3 miles of the lair. Short rests taken within this area take 10 minutes or 2 hours

House Agent (Cannith)

Backgrounds Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

function, and its prosperity will help everyone. (Good) 2 Tradition. I uphold traditions of my house and bring honor to my family. (Lawful) 3 Innovation. Abandon old traditions and

I would do anything for my family. 2 I love someone from another house, but the relationship is forbidden. 3 Someone I love was killed by a rival faction within my house, and I will have

House Agent (Jorasco)

Backgrounds Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

, and its prosperity will help everyone. (Good) 2 Tradition. I uphold traditions of my house and bring honor to my family. (Lawful) 3 Innovation. Abandon old traditions and find

do anything for my family. 2 I love someone from another house, but the relationship is forbidden. 3 Someone I love was killed by a rival faction within my house, and I will have revenge

Veiled Presence

Monsters The Book of Many Things

bring cosmic wrath upon the characters.The Rogue’s Lair This villain resides in a place of power and safety, whether that’s a hidden thieves’ guildhall or a lavish manse. The lair is

action. Regional Effects The region containing a villain’s lair is warped by their presence, creating one or more of the following effects: Corruption Abounds. While within 3 miles of the

Geryon (Variant)

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

use this opportunity to replace his hated rival. Among the archdevils, Geryon is known for his martial prowess. He is a ferocious hunter and a relentless tracker. He often joins his troops in battle

Effects The region containing Geryon’s lair is warped by his magic, creating one or more of the following effects: Chilling Wind. Freezing strong winds howl around the area within 1 mile of

Satyr

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

existence, most often to the Material Plane. There they seek to bring a bit of their home plane’s splendor to other worlds. Creating Your Character At 1st level, you choose whether your character is a

Klauth

Monsters Storm King's Thunder

might rival him in power, in a fighting style marked by sudden attacks and just as sudden disappearances. Klauth spends many waking hours scrying Faerûn with his spells, and he probably knows more

of abandoned mines and dwarven strongholds. Caves with volcanic or geothermal activity are the most highly prized red dragon lairs, creating hazards that hinder intruders and letting searing heat and

Emerald Dragon Wyrmling

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

create illusions, allowing them to better conceal their treasures from prying eyes and divinations. Creating an Emerald Dragon Use the Emerald Dragon Personality Traits and Emerald Dragon Ideals

must be convinced to defend the school in a contest against a rival college. 7 An emerald dragon invisibly tails a party of adventurers, causing trouble for the heroes so the dragon can watch how

Geryon

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

opportunity to replace his hated rival. Among the archdevils, Geryon is known for his martial prowess. He is a ferocious hunter and a relentless tracker. He often joins his troops in battle; he loves

The region containing Geryon’s lair is warped by his magic, creating one or more of the following effects: Chilling Wind. Freezing strong winds howl around the area within 1 mile of the lair

House Agent (Tharashk)

Backgrounds Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

its prosperity will help everyone. (Good) 2 Tradition. I uphold traditions of my house and bring honor to my family. (Lawful) 3 Innovation. Abandon old traditions and find better

anything for my family. 2 I love someone from another house, but the relationship is forbidden. 3 Someone I love was killed by a rival faction within my house, and I will have revenge

Zuggtmoy

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Queen of Fungi, Lady of Rot and Decay, Zuggtmoy is an alien creature whose only desire is to infect the living with spores, transforming them into her mindless servants and, eventually, into

herself. Regional Effects The region containing Zuggtmoy’s lair is warped by her magic, creating one or more of the following effects: Corrupted Nature. Within 6 miles of the lair, all Wisdom

Dragon Turtle Wyrmling

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

shield the dragon turtle and strike at foes. Creating a Dragon Turtle Use the Dragon Turtle Personality Traits and Dragon Turtle Ideals tables to inspire your portrayal of distinctive dragon turtle

enter symbiotic relationships with other sea creatures that can bring them food or treasure, and they sometimes agree to work for creatures who ply them with generous sums of wealth. Dragon Turtle

Selesnya Initiate

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

fervent desire to share the joy you have experienced with Ravnica. Along with the rest of the conclave, you are committed to resisting the ambitions of the other guilds — with military force if

guilds, and often these new guild members maintain friendships with former guild mates. Roll twice on the Selesnya Contacts table (for an ally and a rival) and once on the Non-Selesnya Contacts table

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

hatred of the civilized races of the world and their need to satisfy the demands of their deities, the orcs know that if they fight well and bring glory to their tribe, Gruumsh will call them home to

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

Zuggtmoy Legacy

Monsters Out of the Abyss

attack against a target that she designates.The Demon Queen of Fungi, Lady of Rot and Decay, Zuggtmoy is an alien creature whose only desire is to infect the living with spores, transforming them into her

lair, instead of on herself. Regional Effects The region containing Zuggtmoy’s lair is warped by her magic, creating one or more of the following effects: Molds and fungi grow on surfaces

Ancient Time Dragon

Monsters Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse

civilizations or temples to dead gods and do their utmost to preserve these historical sites. A time dragon’s insatiable desire for knowledge means it’s likely to have more than one such lair. The

dragon’s lair is altered by the dragon’s magic, creating one or more of the following effects: Time Dilations. Time fluctuates within 3 miles of the lair. Short rests taken within this

Hexblood

Species Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

Where wishing fails, ancient magic can offer a heart’s desire—at least, for a time. Hexbloods are individuals infused with eldritch magic, fey energy, or mysterious witchcraft. Some who

creating a hexblood, consult with your DM to see if it’s appropriate to tie your origins to one of the following Domains of Dread (detailed in chapter 3): Hazlan. The bizarre magic of this crumbling

Halaster Blackcloak

Monsters Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

exceed those of most mortal wizards. His expertise with magic gates allows him to travel far and wide to engage in magical research. He spends much of his time creating gates, moving them around, and

casting elder runes on them. Halaster’s gates connect the different levels of Undermountain, thus enabling him to bring new monsters into the dungeon to replenish those that die or escape. Even as

Orcus Legacy

Monsters Out of the Abyss

Prince of Undeath, known as the Blood Lord. He takes some pleasure in the sufferings of the living, but far prefers the company and service of the undead. His desire is to see all life quenched and the

disappear or until Orcus releases their grasp (no action required). Regional Effects The region containing Orcus’s lair is warped by the Orcus’s magic, creating one or more of the following

D&D Beyond

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