behind before desire could read

Book of Exalted Deeds

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide

’s authors filled the pages with their own visions of true virtue, providing guidance for defeating evil. The Book of Exalted Deeds rarely lingers in one place. As soon as the book is read, it

benefits. Other creatures that peruse the book’s open pages can read the text but glean no deeper meaning and reap no benefits. A Fiend, an Undead, or a servant of a god from the Lower Planes

Book of Exalted Deeds Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

is read, it vanishes to some other corner of the multiverse where its moral guidance can bring light to a darkened world. Although attempts have been made to copy the work, efforts to do so fail to

digest its contents and gain its benefits. Other creatures that peruse the book’s open pages can read the text but glean no deeper meaning and reap no benefits. An evil creature that tries to read

Madcap

Monsters Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

been. A redcap’s desire to slay is rooted in its will to survive. VARIANT: MADCAPS A madcap is a redcap that soaks its hat in demon ichor instead of blood. Contact with demon ichor makes the

, the word “cool,” or the color blue. When a madcap drops to 0 hit points, its hateful existence comes to an end in spectacular fashion as it bursts into flames, reducing itself, its ichor-soaked hat, and its pants to ashes instantly while leaving behind its weapon and smoldering iron boots.

Earworm

Magic Items Eberron: Rising from the Last War

To attune to this symbiont, you must hold it against the skin behind your ear for the entire attunement period, whereupon it burrows into your head and bonds to your skull. While the earworm is

inside you, you can speak, read, and write Deep Speech. Spells. The earworm has 4 charges. You can cast the following spells from it, expending the necessary number of charges (spell save DC 15

Orcsplitter

Magic Items Princes of the Apocalypse

drop to 0 hit points. You can’t be surprised by orcs while you’re not incapacitated. You are also aware when orcs are within 120 feet of you and aren’t behind total cover, although

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

Banderhobb

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

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

, it leaves behind only tarry goo and wisps of shadow. Legends tell of an ominous tower in the Shadowfell where the shadows sometimes reform and banderhobbs roam.Shadow Stealth. While in dim light or darkness, the banderhobb takes the Hide action.

Star Spawn Grue

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Elder Evils are far older than most of the mortal peoples and always inimical to such creatures’ minds. However much they might desire to enter and dominate the Material Plane, the Elder Evils are

of a comet—or perhaps this phenomenon merely signals that star spawn are in the vicinity and available for communication. When the signs are right, cultists gather together, read aloud their

Balhannoth Legacy

Monsters Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes

in the area reshapes to assume the appearance of a location sought by one intelligent creature whose mind the balhannoth has read (see Regional Effects below). The transformation affects nonliving

following effects: Creatures within 1 mile of the balhannoth’s lair experience a sensation of being close to whatever they desire most. The sensation grows stronger the closer the creatures come to

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

unusual crown, often called an eldercross or a witch’s turn. This living, garland-like part of a hexblood’s body extends from their temples and wraps behind the head, serving as a visible

Star Spawn Mangler

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

much they might desire to enter and dominate the Material Plane, the Elder Evils are unable or unwilling to leave their realms. Some are imprisoned in their dimensions by external forces, some are

communication. When the signs are right, cultists gather together, read aloud their blasphemous texts, and conduct the mind-searing rituals that guide star spawn into the world. Elder Evil Blessings

Sword of Kas Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

hand, but Vecna also wrought his rebellious lieutenant’s doom, leaving only Kas’s sword behind. The world was made brighter thereby. The Sword of Kas is a magic, sentient longsword that

its wielder and can speak, read, and understand Common. Personality. The sword’s purpose is to bring ruin to Vecna. Killing Vecna’s worshipers, destroying the lich’s works, and

Charlatan Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

You have always had a way with people. You know what makes them tick, you can tease out their hearts’ desires after a few minutes of conversation, and with a few leading questions you can read

Characteristics Charlatans are colorful characters who conceal their true selves behind the masks they construct. They reflect what people want to see, what they want to believe, and how they see the

Isolde

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

Isolde place her devotion to the carnival above her desire to leave it. When Isolde’s fey carnival crossed paths with another carnival from the Shadowfell, the eladrin found the escape she

sent malevolent fey creatures to hound Isolde and her Shadowfell carnival. Isolde doesn’t know who is behind this petty torment, nor does she care. Her hunt for the Caller and her thirst for

Star Spawn Hulk

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

. However much they might desire to enter and dominate the Material Plane, the Elder Evils are unable or unwilling to leave their realms. Some are imprisoned in their dimensions by external forces, some

available for communication. When the signs are right, cultists gather together, read aloud their blasphemous texts, and conduct the mind-searing rituals that guide star spawn into the world. Elder Evil

Star Spawn Larva Mage

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

. However much they might desire to enter and dominate the Material Plane, the Elder Evils are unable or unwilling to leave their realms. Some are imprisoned in their dimensions by external forces, some

available for communication. When the signs are right, cultists gather together, read aloud their blasphemous texts, and conduct the mind-searing rituals that guide star spawn into the world. Elder Evil

Wand of Orcus Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

to a range of 120 feet. The wand communicates telepathically with its wielder and can speak, read, and understand Abyssal and Common. Personality. The wand’s purpose is to help satisfy Orcus

’s desire to slay everything in the multiverse. The wand is cold, cruel, nihilistic, and bereft of humor. In order to further its master’s goals, the wand feigns devotion to its current

Tabaxi Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

mull over the stories and rumors they collected like a miser counting coins. Although material wealth holds little attraction for the tabaxi, they have an insatiable desire to find and inspect ancient

relics, magical items, and other rare objects. Aside from the power such items might confer, a tabaxi takes great joy in unraveling the stories behind their creation and the history of their use

Dimir Operative

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

journals or hidden away in someone’s mind. Even you might not be aware of all the reasons behind the missions you carry out. Sometimes a mission’s sole purpose is to conceal the

motivation behind another strike performed in a different part of the city, or simply to spread fear. As part of your covert work for House Dimir, you maintain a false identity as a member of another guild

Star Spawn Seer

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

dreaming. These Elder Evils are far older than most of the mortal peoples and always inimical to such creatures’ minds. However much they might desire to enter and dominate the Material Plane, the

often in the wake of a comet—or perhaps this phenomenon merely signals that star spawn are in the vicinity and available for communication. When the signs are right, cultists gather together, read

Githyanki

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

cultivated over eons in the Astral Plane. Now all githyanki can use their psychic bond with that plane to access splinters of knowledge left behind by beings who travel, live, and die among the silver

above 20. Languages Your character can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for the character. The Player’s Handbook offers a list of

Hadozee

Species Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

branch. Today, hadozees are sapient, bipedal beings eager to leave behind the fearsome predators of their home world and explore other worlds. In addition to being natural climbers, hadozees have feet

follow those suggestions or to ignore them. Whichever scores you decide to increase, none of the scores can be raised above 20. Languages Your character can speak, read, and write Common and one

Charlatan - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

can tease out their hearts’ desires after a few minutes of conversation, and with a few leading questions you can read them like they were children’s books. It’s a useful talent, and

. Suggested Characteristics Charlatans are colorful characters who conceal their true selves behind the masks they construct. They reflect what people want to see, what they want to believe

Adult Topaz Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

intent on destroying the homes of all intelligent creatures in the dragon’s territory, and desperate locals seek to find out what’s behind the dragon’s wrath. Connected

sun and have no desire to get wet, beyond enjoying a bit of sea spray in the air. But they love being able to see the water, so they build their lairs on the heights of seaside cliffs or near perfect

Running This Chapter

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

Running This Chapter In this chapter, the characters explore the halls of Lavoglia, better known as the Palace of Heart’s Desire. Most likely, they’ve learned of Zybilna’s betrayal at the hands of

’ experience as entertaining as possible: Read the description of Iggwilv’s Cauldron in appendix A. Read this chapter in its entirety, and reacquaint yourself with the “Rules of Conduct” and “Death in

A Strixhaven Campaign

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

A Strixhaven Campaign If you run these adventures as a campaign, one villain is behind the chaos on campus: the bullywug Murgaxor Grenshel, a disgruntled former student who attended Strixhaven

centuries ago. Murgaxor—who uses evil magic to sustain his life force—focuses his all-consuming desire for revenge on destroying Strixhaven University. The adventures assume you’re playing a Strixhaven

Barterers of Lore

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

miser counting coins. Although material wealth holds little attraction for the tabaxi, they have an insatiable desire to find and inspect ancient relics, magical items, and other rare objects. Aside

from the power such items might confer, a tabaxi takes great joy in unraveling the stories behind their creation and the history of their use.

Running This Chapter

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

Running This Chapter In this chapter, the characters navigate the bleak mountains of Yon, searching for their lost things or a route to the Palace of Heart’s Desire. Before your first game session in

. Read the hag’s description and skim her stat block in appendix B. Read this chapter in its entirety, and reacquaint yourself with the “Prismeer Overview” in chapter 2. Look over the map of Yon

X2. Entrance

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

X2. Entrance If the characters pass through the archway between the statues, read: Icy steps descend ten feet to a time-ravaged hallway with arrow slits in the walls. Beyond the hall lies a vast

, sepulchral darkness. The hall connects areas X1 and X4. There are no guards in the rooms behind the arrow slits (areas X2a and X2b).

Getting Started

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

Getting Started This cave is connected to cave I via the the secret door in area H5 (see map H). If the characters approach from outside the cave, read the following boxed text aloud to begin: A

tunnel of rough stone is tucked behind several bushes. Within, you hear two deep voices in a heated argument. The conversation is unintelligible at this range. The voices belong to a pair of bugbears quarreling in the war room (area H2).

Introduction: Ascend to Adventure

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Quests from the Infinite Staircase

. It is the route to the heart’s desire, an extradimensional staircase that leads to all places. Beyond its myriad portals lie enchanting Feywild gardens, sunken cities ruled by ancient evils, and

the staircase’s landings, a wistful traveler can find the door to the destination of their dreams. Adventure awaits behind every door. Kamila Szutenberg A luminous branch of the Infinite Staircase ascends to a celestial door guarded by a vigilant sphinx

21. Lord of Fetid Obliteration

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

, Kuketh doesn’t honor agreements for very long. Its only consistent desire is to escape from Undermountain and return to the Outer Plane of Limbo. 21c. Secret Vault This cave is hidden behind a secret

Arriving at the Cottage

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves

Arriving at the Cottage When the characters reach the cottage, read or paraphrase the following text: The candy trail ends at a sprawling cottage deep in the woods. A medley of sweet aromas wafts

magically replaced after 10 minutes. A character who samples any of the confections on the cottage’s exterior feels a strong desire to enter the cottage but can resist the temptation. Andrew Kolb Map: Candy CottageView Player Version

Final Scene

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

Final Scene If the characters vanquish the corrupted avatar of Lurue or are in danger of being vanquished themselves, read: A jagged stroke of white lightning originates from the moon and strikes the

desire to hold sway over the forest.) Divine magic pours from Lurue’s horn and turns the tainted pool back into silvery, glistening pure water. The Pool of Eternal Spring is restored to its former nature

Surfacing in Sigil

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Turn of Fortune’s Wheel

Surfacing in Sigil When the characters exit the Mortuary, read or paraphrase the following description: You emerge from the Mortuary into a dilapidated city square. Stacks of jumbled tenements—grimy

spreading along the inside of a gigantic torus. The metropolitan ring curves upward into passing clouds, disappearing behind the haze. Here ends chapter 1. Each character should gain a level before starting the next chapter.

Rahadin's Revenge

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

Rahadin’s Revenge If Strahd dies but Rahadin yet lives, the dusk elf chamberlain appears moments after Strahd’s demise. When that occurs, read: “Master!” says a voice from behind you. An elf with

D&D Beyond

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