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Returning 35 results for 'behind before down cautious rivals'.
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Monsters
Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn
duplicate himself, his allies, and even his rivals. Manshoon knows that keeping people guessing about hidden identities makes them easier to manipulate.
Manshoon usually wears a mask and concealing
clandestine coup. It’s widely believed he’s turned his attentions elsewhere, but another Manshoon clone lurks in that city, manipulating the Zhentarim behind the scenes to amass
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
consort is assured for long, though; Lolth’s priestesses are notoriously fickle, and a consort must often contend with rivals.
Some favored consorts work behind the scenes to undermine the evils
. 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
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
two elements of their character. They are cautious and distrustful, which serves them well as they navigate the dangers of the Underdark and its societies. They also have a stronger-than-normal
some duergar, derro are descended from a dwarven community that was left behind when the others escaped the rule of mind flayers. These remnants were so distorted by the mind flayers’ psionic
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
ago but for two elements of their character. They are cautious and distrustful, which serves them well as they navigate the dangers of the Underdark and its societies. They also have a stronger-than
histories of some duergar, derro are descended from a dwarven community that was left behind when the others escaped the rule of mind flayers. These remnants were so distorted by the mind flayers
Monsters
Eberron: Rising from the Last War
effects.
Rejuvenation. Illmarrow’s body turns to dust when she drops to 0 hit points, and her equipment is left behind. She gains a new body after 1d10;{"diceNotation":"1d10","rollType":"roll
Lady Illmarrow is no folk tale. She is the greatest necromancer in Eberron, and after centuries of silence, she is setting ancient plots into motion at last. She is the power behind the Order of the
Kobold
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
sent Kurtulmak to retrieve it. Garl lured his pursuer into a maze-like cavern, then collapsed the exits behind him, trapping Kurtulmak for all eternity. Kurtulmak is a hateful deity, one who despises
provoke retaliatory attacks from the creatures they steal from. It’s better to be cautious and overlooked than to be considered dangerous and a threat.
In a couple of situations, kobolds might
Backgrounds
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
;n. Recent events in your homeland have led to the abolition of slavery, and a corresponding increase in the traffic between Mulhorand and the distant parts of Faerûn.
Those who leave behind
along my way. (Good)
2
Reserved. As someone new to these strange lands, I am cautious and respectful in my dealings. (Lawful)
3
Adventure. I’m far from home, and everything is strange
Backgrounds
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
traveled in Waterdeep’s baroque and sometimes cutthroat conglomeration of guilds, nobles, adventurers, and secret societies. You might have been one of the behind-the-scenes law-keepers or
from guild coffers.
4
I’m never satisfied with what I have—I always want more.
5
I would kill to acquire a noble title.
6
I’m horribly jealous of anyone who can outshine my handiwork. Everywhere I go, I’m surrounded by rivals.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
rivals in the Arcane Brotherhood. Dzaan assumes his rivals are hiding out in Ten-Towns and paints an unflattering portrait of each one: “Avarice is a tiefling evoker who delights in destruction. Her
others by reading their thoughts. Her weakness is that she’s always looking ahead, never behind her.” “Vellynne Harpell is a human necromancer, as cold and uncaring as the corpses she animates. She’s a withered old fool whose greatest asset—her family name—does her no good in Icewind Dale.”
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
conflict is part of the very nature of sapphire dragons. Militant and territorial, they defend their lairs fiercely, ambushing intruders and plotting assaults against their rivals. The sonic pulse of their
caverns hold the bulk of the dragon’s hoard, particularly art objects that are impressive but not irreplaceable.
Sleeping Chamber. At the heart of the lair, protected behind more thin crystal walls
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron
allow you to select the items you want. Either way, take a moment to come up with the story behind these items. How did you acquire them? Were they treasures found on your adventures? Heirlooms from
, home to valued comrades and rivals. It’s where you get your next job. But as a Clifftop adventurer you’ll be venturing to exotic locales. You may delve into the ruins below Sharn or crash an airship into Skyway. You may head to Xen’drik or other distant lands. Wherever you go, adventure awaits!
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
Remarkable Villains Eberron is rich in villains, from two-bit hoods to continental masterminds. It might be a long time before you’re ready to face the sinister leader behind the Order of the Emerald
Claw in battle. But part of the flavor of pulp adventure includes recurring villains who closely match the heroes—rivals who advance in power as you do. To create a compelling villain, the DM and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide
in the face of devastating tragedy are better suited for character backstories. DM Die Rolling Should you hide your die rolls behind a DM screen, or should you roll your dice in the open for all the
in the open demonstrates impartiality—you’re not fudging rolls to the characters’ benefit or detriment. Even if you usually roll behind a screen, it can be fun to make an especially dramatic roll where
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules
in the face of devastating tragedy are better suited for character backstories. DM Die Rolling Should you hide your die rolls behind a DM screen, or should you roll your dice in the open for all the
in the open demonstrates impartiality—you’re not fudging rolls to the characters’ benefit or detriment. Even if you usually roll behind a screen, it can be fun to make an especially dramatic roll where
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
prepared to end its threat. Of course, there are ways to create threats distinct to this genre, such as when villains view detectives as rivals or targets. When creating an occult detective adventure
? What crime is it committing, or how is it a problem? Who wants the villain stopped? Do they have a personal reason for this? What evidence has the villain left behind? How is the evidence initially
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide
Invested” in this chapter, Greyhawk offers a host of potential friends, rivals, villains, and resources. Use the people and locations mentioned in this chapter as a starting point for fleshing out
of power, dangers lurk around every corner. Bruce Brenneise The Free City of Greyhawk rises up behind the teeming city docks
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
sapphire dragons. Militant and territorial, they defend their lairs fiercely, ambushing intruders and plotting assaults against their rivals. The sonic pulse of their breath weapon sows weakness, leaving
, particularly art objects that are impressive but not irreplaceable.
Sleeping Chamber. At the heart of the lair, protected behind more thin crystal walls, the largest cavern serves as the dragon’s
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon of Icespire Peak
crumbling, life-sized granite statues of cloaked dwarves. Evil grins can be seen on their weatherworn faces.
If they haven’t been encountered yet, Dazlyn and Norbus are eating rations behind the easternmost
forthright and honest to a fault. Norbus is gruff and excessively cautious. They banter like an old married couple. Each dwarf has ten days of rations, a waterskin, mining tools, and one of two matching
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
the support of the crown, the King’s Citadel, and the larger Brelish army, largely summarized as the following parties: King Boranel. The king of Breland is a cautious advocate of the Redcloaks. He
run both ways. Among the Redcloaks, tensions still run hot regarding their former rivals, particularly those from the following nations: Darguun. The hobgoblins of Darguun fought alongside Brelish
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
) 2 Reserved. As someone new to these strange lands, I am cautious and respectful in my dealings. (Lawful) 3 Adventure. I’m far from home, and everything is strange and wonderful! (Chaotic) 4 Cunning
fascinated by the beauty and wonder of this new land. 6 Though I had no choice, I lament having to leave my loved one(s) behind. I hope to see them again one day. Flaws d6 Flaw 1 I am secretly (or not
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
adventurers in the hopes of pitting them against fire giant rivals.
Hoarded Histories
Emerald dragons prize knowledge, particularly local histories that focus on magical events and individuals. They usually
creators abandoned them, taking great interest in the artifacts and architecture they left behind. Visitors who manage to convince the dragon they are not a threat are treated to a tour of the vaults, with
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
of pitting them against fire giant rivals.
Hoarded Histories
Emerald dragons prize knowledge, particularly local histories that focus on magical events and individuals. They usually know of places
of the remaining areas of the vaults as they were when their creators abandoned them, taking great interest in the artifacts and architecture they left behind. Visitors who manage to convince the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monsters of the Multiverse
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 consort is assured for long, though; Lolth’s priestesses are notoriously fickle, and a consort must often contend with rivals. Some
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
with mortals, devils are constantly figuring out how to exploit and corrupt them, often behind thin smiles of feigned concern and false charm. A devil that successfully corrupts a mortal gets the
is therefore not truly killed. However, a devil that is killed in the Nine Hells is dead forever; not surprisingly, that’s why devils tend to be more cautious in their dealings at home than abroad
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
Gracklstugh If the characters visited Gracklstugh previously, the duergar response to their return is dictated by the gray dwarves’ prior experience with the characters. The duergar are cautious — if
that the drow of Menzoberranzan are behind the demonic incursion. Tales range from the drow raising a mighty army of demons to a summoning spell gone terribly wrong. A demonic rampage is said to have
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
Gnome Adventurers I don’t know how many times I’ve seen a gnome
turn a dead end into a wonderful opportunity.
— Delaan Winterhound
When a gnome leaves the burrow, the force behind that decision
cautious, brings a sense of duty rather than a sense of humor to an adventuring group. With their grit and iron will, deep gnomes meet adversity with hammers, picks, and their dour, dry wit — or no wit at all — as their weapons of choice.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation
each. Advice from the Spirits Any characters inhabited by the spirits of Obo’laka or Papazotl receive advice when entering this area: Cautious Obo’laka advises her host to not disturb the throne or pick
shattered floor tiles behind. While it’s too big to squeeze down any 5-foot-wide corridors, it can easily traverse the wider passageway to the east. Throne of Acererak The throne is made from the skin
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Quests from the Infinite Staircase
behind. It’s sure to be dangerous, but the rewards defy imagination.”
The agent, Bannik Vorl (lawful neutral, human spy), can offer the following details: Bannik’s Employer. Bannik avoids naming
appendix A). The margrave is most concerned with ensuring his rivals don’t get the treasure, but the lantern is of special interest. Iggwilv’s Verse The scroll provided by Bannik contains a map of the Yatil
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
business. In Avernus, the business is war, making sure the front lines of the Blood War are continuously replenished with fresh troops, weapons, armor, and war machines. The main drivers behind this
. Nevertheless, devils trade silver to those wishing to eliminate rivals in their path.
Bargain-Basement Death Saves Whenever a character fails a death save in the Nine Hells, an archdevil may
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight
the palace, the Hourglass Coven ensured that Kelek’s rivals from Valor’s Call were close behind. The two factions clashed inside the palace. IGGWILV THE WITCH QUEEN
Iggwilv has a long and storied
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer
hidden behind the veneer of respectability. See the “Sharn Neighborhoods” section later in this chapter for more details about the quarters where characters might establish their headquarters. Finders
of House Tharashk. Finders Guild agencies often end up as rivals to the Sharn Watch and can rarely count on the Watch for support. Inquisitives of House Medani’s Warning Guild detect and disrupt the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
, knowing that the Six are behind the attacks on Acquisitions Incorporated, the characters can learn everything Head Office knows about that faction — but what is known about the Six amounts to little
more than rumors and their somewhat-trademark-infringing logo. You can tease any of the information from “Factions and Rivals” in chapter 3 as you see fit. Since the characters are now running a rank 2
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hoard of the Dragon Queen
scene where the villain explains herself if the players are willing to pause. Talis the White (See appendix D for statistics). She stands behind her bodyguards and uses a wand of winter (see appendix C
Wants. Talis wants to move up in the ranks by causing her rivals to fail spectacularly. What Talis Offers. She urges the characters to thwart the transport of a large treasure hoard. Cultists under
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
-foot-tall pillar of ice with a horned, pale-skinned, humanoid figure trapped inside it. The pillar is wrapped in black chains, and the wall behind it is covered with brown fungus.
The figure in the
frozen at all times by the 10-foot-square patch of brown mold growing on the wall behind it (see “Brown Mold” in the Dungeon Master’s Guide). Any creature that touches the pillar of ice is close enough
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
encounter is the classic scene where the villain explains herself if the players are willing to pause. In combat, Talis the White (see appendix D for statistics) stands behind her bodyguards and uses a wand
Talis Wants. Talis wants to move up in the ranks by causing her rivals to fail spectacularly. What Talis Offers. She urges the characters to thwart the transport of a large treasure hoard. Cultists






