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Returning 35 results for 'better bards diffusing court reason'.
Classes
Xanathar's Guide to Everything
against others through extortion and threats.
Many other bards hate the College of Whispers, viewing it as a parasite that uses a bard’s reputation to acquire wealth and power. For this reason
Most folk are happy to welcome a bard into their midst. Bards of the College of Whispers use this to their advantage. They appear to be like other bards, sharing news, singing songs, and telling
Classes
Xanathar's Guide to Everything
against others through extortion and threats.
Many other bards hate the College of Whispers, viewing it as a parasite that uses a bard’s reputation to acquire wealth and power. For this reason
Most folk are happy to welcome a bard into their midst. Bards of the College of Whispers use this to their advantage. They appear to be like other bards, sharing news, singing songs, and telling
Equipment
The jagged vertebrae sword of a fishfolk warrior can barely be called a sword. Locals would say it’s better described as a makeshift weapon crafted from a fish skeleton and sea trash. Its poor
construction is the reason it’s not often a weapon seen on land, though when used by a skilled fighter, it most certainly can be a formidable tool.
When you successfully hit a creature with a
Monsters
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight
Hourglass Coven. Better known as Granny Nightshade, she offers her assistance to those who are haunted by regret. Her deals often result in cruel twists; for example, a petitioner who asks to be reunited
.
Personality Trait. “When dealing with outsiders, I present myself as a kindly old grandmother.”
Ideal. “Children are better off working for me than picking up lots of bad habits
Bard
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Classes
Basic Rules (2014)
from Experience True bards are not common in the world. Not every minstrel singing in a tavern or jester cavorting in a royal court is a bard. Discovering the magic hidden in music requires hard study
of song, speech, and the magic they contain. Bards say that the multiverse was spoken into existence, that the words of the gods gave it shape, and that echoes of these primordial Words of Creation
Entertainer
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Backgrounds
Player’s Handbook (2014)
but possibly with a circus, at a theater, or even in a noble’s court. At such a place, you receive free lodging and food of a modest or comfortable standard (depending on the quality of the
.
d6
Ideal
1
Beauty. When I perform, I make the world better than it was. (Good)
2
Tradition. The stories, legends, and songs of the past must never be forgotten, for they teach us
Monsters
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
to be cautious and avoid contact with other creatures that can harm her.
Auril’s worshipers know better than to disturb her self-imposed isolation. Terrible blizzards have cut off Icewind Dale
time). Thus, she has no reason to capitulate to mortals’ demands. As the embodiment of winter’s cruelty, she is incapable of showing mercy or compassion. Play her as a supremely cold and
Monsters
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
weak and vulnerable. In her self-inflicted weakened state, Auril is inclined to be cautious and avoid contact with other creatures that can harm her.
Auril’s worshipers know better than to
can’t truly die (although the characters can rid the world of her for a time). Thus, she has no reason to capitulate to mortals’ demands. As the embodiment of winter’s cruelty, she is
Charlatan
Legacy
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Backgrounds
Player’s Handbook (2014)
a born gambler who can’t resist taking a risk for a potential payoff.
5
I lie about almost everything, even when there’s no good reason to.
6
Sarcasm and insults are my
there, I have a child who doesn’t know me. I’m making the world better for him or her.
4
I come from a noble family, and one day I’ll reclaim my lands and title from those who
Firbolg
Legacy
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
’ presence is marked by an absence of animals and a strange quiet, as if the forest wishes to avoid attracting attention to itself. The faster travelers decide to move on, the better.
If these
Reason for Adventuring
1
Outcast for murder
2
Outcast for severely damaging home territory
3
Clan slain by invading humanoids
4
Clan slain by a dragon or demon
5
Backgrounds
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
provided. The following section, discussing possible homelands, includes some suggested reasons that are appropriate for each location.
d6
Reason
d6
Reason
1
Emissary
4
Pilgrim
hundreds of miles of the Great Glacier and the Great Ice Sea. No one from your nation makes the effort to cross such colossal barriers without a convincing reason. You must fear something truly
Lizardfolk
Legacy
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
quirk for a lizardfolk character or to inspire a unique mannerism.
Lizardfolk Quirks
d8
Quirk
1
You hate waste and see no reason not to scavenge fallen enemies. Fingers are tasty and
learned to laugh. You use this talent in response to all emotional situations, to better fit in with your comrades.
6
You still don’t understand how metaphors work. That doesn’t stop
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
Learning from Experience True bards are not common in the world. Not every minstrel singing in a tavern or jester cavorting in a royal court is a bard. Discovering the magic hidden in music requires
hard study and some measure of natural talent that most troubadours and jongleurs lack. It can be hard to spot the difference between these performers and true bards, though. A bard’s life is spent
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
Learning from Experience True bards are not common in the world. Not every minstrel singing in a tavern or jester cavorting in a royal court is a bard. Discovering the magic hidden in music requires
hard study and some measure of natural talent that most troubadours and jongleurs lack. It can be hard to spot the difference between these performers and true bards, though. A bard’s life is spent
Monsters
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
that can harm her.
Auril’s worshipers know better than to disturb her self-imposed isolation. Terrible blizzards have cut off Icewind Dale from the rest of the world, and a shroud of mist
might prove helpful:
So long as she has mortal worshipers, Auril can’t truly die (although the characters can rid the world of her for a time). Thus, she has no reason to capitulate to mortals
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Radiant Citadel
Court of Whispers The denizens of the Court of Whispers barter for current knowledge. Heralds, criers, bards, and griots buy and sell information from the fifteen founding civilizations active in the
Citadel, as well as other lands. Skilled scouts and spies can also be hired for short-term reconnaissance or long-term infiltration. The Court is a mixed outdoor-indoor space with quiet alcoves and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
Court of Whispers The denizens of the Court of Whispers barter for current knowledge. Heralds, criers, bards, and griots buy and sell information from the fifteen founding civilizations active in the
Citadel, as well as other lands. Skilled scouts and spies can also be hired for short-term reconnaissance or long-term infiltration. The Court is a mixed outdoor-indoor space with quiet alcoves and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
flow for the better part of a day, the adventurers reach a bend where several prominent rocks jut from the mud. These stones mark the entrance to the Court of Orestes.
The Court of Orestes On the third day of following Khea’s directions, the party reaches the Khystonos. Its riverbed is nearly dry, the river reduced to a muddy trickle. After following the lethargic
Backgrounds
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
court. At such a place, you receive free lodging and food of a modest or comfortable standard (depending on the quality of the establishment), as long as you perform each night. In addition, your
less than perfection.
8
I change my mood or my mind as quickly as I change key in a song.
d6
Ideal
1
Beauty. When I perform, I make the world better than it was. (Good
Kobold
Legacy
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
undetected and don’t give their targets reason to harm them. For example, a group of city kobolds might sneak into a cobbler’s house at night to loot it of knives, leather bits, nails, and
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
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
want.
4
I’m a born gambler who can’t resist taking a risk for a potential payoff.
5
I lie about almost everything, even when there’s no good reason to.
6
Sarcasm and
.
3
Somewhere out there, I have a child who doesn’t know me. I’m making the world better for him or her.
4
I come from a noble family, and one day I’ll reclaim my lands and
Kenku
Legacy
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
the area patrolled by the guard did she explain that the noises indicated that the wingless folk had claimed that area, and that to trespass would be to court death.
— Gimble, Notes from a
. The kenku lack the talent to improvise or alter a plan, but a wise Master sets multiple plans in motion at once, confident that underlings can follow orders to the letter.
For this reason, many
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
, she witnesses the discovery of the potions of longevity, the lack of Dragon’s Blessing, and any slips Zhong Yin makes when talking about the reason for the investigation. After this, whenever the
the air.
Secretary Wei has ordered a court mage to magically collapse the stairwell leading from area Y1 to the surface. When the characters enter area Y1 again, read the following description: The
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
augury. If this divination indicates looming disaster, the adept will reject the request. A few divine spellcasters in Sharn can raise the dead, notably the high priest of the Undying Court in Shae Lias
. These devout clerics rarely sell their services, however, and the high priest would need a compelling reason to help someone who has different beliefs.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
waste and see no reason not to scavenge fallen enemies. Fingers are tasty and portable! 2 You sleep best while mostly submerged in water. 3 Money is meaningless to you. 4 You think there are only two
species of humanoid: lizardfolk and meat. 5 You have learned to laugh. You use this talent in response to all emotional situations, to better fit in with your comrades. 6 You still don’t understand how
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Radiant Citadel
refines based on intelligence from the Court of Whispers. The city’s primary protection is a powerful ward that can be activated by the Speakers for the Ancestors. When all fifteen are assembled in the
deflects all attacks. Nothing can pass or teleport through it. If the diamond sphere cannot be erected for any reason, the Radiant Citadel is not helpless. Due to its many mysteries and its magical
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
refines based on intelligence from the Court of Whispers. The city’s primary protection is a powerful ward that can be activated by the Speakers for the Ancestors. When all fifteen are assembled in the
deflects all attacks. Nothing can pass or teleport through it. If the diamond sphere cannot be erected for any reason, the Radiant Citadel is not helpless. Due to its many mysteries and its magical
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
characters make a greater impact on the world, they face greater danger whether they want to or not. Powerful factions see them as a threat and plot against them, while friendly ones court their favor in
about the details of the next tier as the characters approach it. Even better, as the campaign takes unexpected turns in response to the players’ choices, you don’t have to worry about redoing much work.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
filled with Janyans enraptured by the low-toned, hypnotic music of a group of bards. Xoese-Addae leads the characters to a private audience suite overlooking the quad, occupied by a single Janyan wearing
fine, billowing robes—this is Zisatta. Zisatta Zisatta The aloof Zisatta is a member of the High Court and commands Janya’s security forces, called the Billowing Patrol for their sable robes that
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
College of Whispers Most folk are happy to welcome a bard into their midst. Bards of the College of Whispers use this to their advantage. They appear to be like other bards, sharing news, singing
songs, and telling tales to the audiences they gather. In truth, the College of Whispers teaches its students that they are wolves among sheep. These bards use their knowledge and magic to uncover
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
with other art forms, which produces the complex dance of the bladesingers as well as the enchanting music of their bards and the meticulous craftwork of their artisans. Sun elf adventurers often bring
a feeling of noblesse oblige to their profession: they venture out into the world to challenge its dangers because someone must, and who could be better suited?
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Chapter 5: Spring Madness Xanathar has let its paranoia get the better of it, and the beholder trusts no one. The Stone of Golorr disappeared from its lair while it was brokering a deal that would
has access to lair actions, and characters might encounter the beholder’s regional effects as well. Characters who don’t visit Xanathar’s lair in the course of this adventure might have reason to do
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer
who travels by land or sea, or who has an economic stake in the weather, has good reason to work with House Lyrandar. But those who cross the house find it a deadly and implacable foe. Some rumors
call Baron Esravash d’Lyrandar a mere figurehead, holding court in the house headquarters of Stormhome (in Aundair). Such tales hold that true control of the house lies in the hands of a cult of the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh
unique mannerism. Lizardfolk Quirks d8 Quirk 1 You hate waste and see no reason not to scavenge fallen enemies. Fingers are tasty and portable! 2 You sleep best while mostly submerged in water
to all emotional situations, to better fit in with your comrades. 6 You still don’t understand how metaphors work. This doesn’t stop you from trying to use them at every opportunity. 7 You appreciate
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
, and murder are severe, regardless of the reason for the crime. If the characters express interest in knowing more about crimes and punishments in Waterdeep, give them the Code Legal handout in
could end with one or more of the characters being exiled, sentenced to several years of hard labor, imprisoned, or put to death. If that’s how their adventure ends, so be it. Hopefully, your next group will fare better.