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Returning 35 results for 'better bards down compels rulers'.
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Yuan-ti Pureblood
Legacy
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
— yuan-ti make perfect courtiers. And, worse for the rest of us, rulers.
— Elminster
The physical and magical prowess of the yuan-ti empire allowed the former humans to retain their
human society, so they gain influence by controlling enemy rulers — and those close to them — through blackmail, drugs, magic, and the subterfuge of disguised purebloods.
From Calimshan and
Magic Items
Storm King's Thunder
Built by dwarven gods and entrusted to the rulers of Shanatar, an ancient dwarven empire, the Wyrmskull Throne was a symbol of dwarven power and pride for ages untold. The throne hovers a foot off
breaking at least five Ruling Scepters of Shanatar simultaneously on it. This fact has never been recorded or sung of among the dwarves or any bards or storytellers, and it can’t be discovered
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
Lords' Alliance The Lords’ Alliance is an association of rulers from cities and towns across Faerûn (primarily in the North), who believe that solidarity is needed to keep evil at bay. The rulers of
agents include sophisticated bards, zealous paladins, talented mages, and grizzled warriors. They are chosen primarily for their loyalty and are experts in observation, stealth, innuendo, and combat
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
and craftspeople to build social and professional connections, better their craft, and organize for improved labor conditions. Each city-state has its own chapter of the guild that pushes back when
local rulers make unfair demands of miners for personal benefit—often placing the guild in conflict with those rulers. Life and Legends The empire is known for its rich tradition of oral storytelling, in
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
constantly refer to that person’s deeds and example” into “I’m obsessed with a hero of my faith, and I must become exactly like them so I can take their place.” The more unreasonable, the better
. Opposite Reflections. For each favored personal characteristic, imagine and write down its opposite—specifically, a version that compels characters into conflict. For example, transform “I idolize a
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->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
modify existing classes to better serve your game’s needs. Changing Proficiencies Changing a class’s proficiencies is a safe and simple way to modify a class to better reflect your world. Swapping
firmly in the world by associating the class with a particular race or culture. For example, you might decide that bards, sorcerers, warlocks, and wizards represent the magical traditions of four
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
Immersive Storytelling Waterdeep is threatened by political turmoil. The adventurers must convince the Masked Lords, the city’s secret rulers, to resolve their differences, but can do so only after
against the player’s better judgment, because “that’s what the character would do.” Since combat isn’t the focus, game rules take a back seat to character development. Ability check modifiers and skill
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
the cosmos,
The teeming worlds, full of wonders.
“Six sons, goddess-born, you sanctioned as rulers
To govern the mortal multitudes.
Boorish and bumbling, they bungled the task!
Surely I am
challenge:
Bring me pure perfection—
Something my craft cannot better.”
Diancastra, undaunted, departed the sanctum
And journeyed to the waters beyond worlds.
She sailed forgotten seas into
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
larger powers, has kept the ambitions of Luskan in check, and has taught the rulers of many cities that it is better to cooperate, even for a time, then to merely shut one’s doors and allow the storms
. Better instead to look to the future, repair the walls, and wait for word from the watching sentries.
— Andwe Cururen, agent of the Lords’ Alliance
The Lords’ Alliance isn’t a nation unto itself, but
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
city, with individuals serving as tyrants over city districts. The city’s rulers rarely meet in council, and when they do, the quarrelsome tyrants rarely find common cause or any basis for agreement
starting point, they pursue their vision of a better way of life, aspiring to nobler principles than senseless slaughter and better governance than iron-fisted tyranny. Under the leadership of the temple’s
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
lost language, to learn the proper intonation of a complex song, or to better understand the cryptic writings of a long-dead sage, there is no better place to seek aid than Silverymoon. It is an easy
the mythal. Should a foe try to traverse the Moonbridge, the span can be willed (by the city’s rulers, and certain others specially attuned to the mythal) out of existence, dropping attackers into the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
completely reasonable and plausible explanation. Singing songs and strumming lutes might be fine for most bards. Who doesn’t like a rousing shanty now and then? But standing in a crowded tavern playing for
copper pieces tossed by commoners isn’t for everyone — and it certainly isn’t for bards in the Acq Inc world. The power and magic tied up in the voice of a franchise bard is meant for greater things
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos
Lorehold. Bards thrive in Lorehold, and wizards (particularly those of the School of Divination) are numerous among its students. Clerics (often with the Knowledge or Light domains) are also quite common
. The more obscure the historical references I can include in everyday conversation, the better. 2 By searching for these lost artifacts, I hope to find who I really am along the way. 3 I can barely go
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
Undead troops, gaining them access to Kalaman’s rulers under the guise of being helpful Knights of Solamnia. During their audience with the city’s rulers, Lord Soth, Caradoc, and their Undead knights
bother with these days.” He gestures at the corpses about the room, “Do try to contain yourselves better than this lot did.”
Caradoc delights in mocking the characters and disrespecting the dead. As
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
the grasslands for countless generations. They know the way of Oreskos’s beasts and seasons better than any. Both mystical and knowledgeable, the Sun Guides read the messages in plant growth and
Swiftclaws, and many bards and wizards come from these prides as well. Speaker Brimaz looks beyond Oreskos and wonders
if there is a future for his people in the outside world
(PETER MOHRBACHER)
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
know any better, you might be able to intimidate or deceive to get favors or special treatment. Suggested Characteristics Plaintiffs come in many varieties. Some are innocent bystanders who want only
. (Any)
d6 Bond
1 Others hurt in the same accident that hurt me are my new family. I’ll make sure they’re taken care of.
2 The rulers of this place were kind to me, and they have
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
their victims happen to be in league with devils, so much the better. A casual observer might suppose that two forces of evil bent on exterminating each other would be an advantageous situation for
are destroyed forever, ready access to supplies and support from the Nine Hells tilts the tide heavily against invading demons. Also, the prospect of a permanent death compels the devils fighting on
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer: Adventures in Space->Light of Xaryxis
character who can tolerate undead allies better than he can. When the two parties come to an agreement, Gargenhale bows deeply and invites the characters aboard his ship to celebrate their alliance with a
sensitive to holy praise. While aboard the ship, bards and other musicians are allowed to play only secular tunes.
Article 3: Coward’s Consequence. Those who abandon their post or shirk their duty
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
. The flames either bring searing agony that reduces a devil to a weaker form, or ecstatic joy that transforms it into a mightier being. Soul Searching Like the rulers of the other layers, Belial and
mortal’s emotions to her will, as a way to better understand the workings of mortal hearts and minds. What she or Belial intends to do with their accumulated knowledge none can definitively say, but
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
intentions of rulers. Maps are usually consulted, and it’s widely considered lucky to possess and examine a map on Wintershield. Map sales are brisk in the tenday preceding this holiday. Alturiak 14: The
. Although some of the dancing is wanton and performed for show, large-scale ring dances in the street for all ages are also popular. All the dancing ends at dusk, after which bards and minstrels perform at
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
least discretion. Bards and wizards are their most prominent members. Harpers operate in small cells throughout the North. One is based in Triboar: Darathra Shendrel, the Lord Protector, belongs to the
Uthgardt to be little better than orcs. Two tribes are the most troublesome to folk of the Dessarin Valley: the Tree Ghosts and the Elk. See chapter 2 for more about the Uthgardt.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
dust for centuries, there are those that see Daggerford as the last bastion of a better time of peace, wealth, and influence — a time that, given the right leadership, has the smallest of chances of
the High Forest in territory claimed by its self-styled Stag King thirteen centuries ago. Its rulers were briefly supplanted by magelords, but then reclaimed the throne, only to be wiped out by orcs
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
townsfolk. Chaotic Neutral. (CN) creatures follow their whims, holding their personal freedom above all else. Many rogues and bards are chaotic neutral. Lawful Evil. (LE) creatures methodically take
, Artemis is more than a criminal assassin—he is an antihero, driven by his rivalry with Drizzt. His bond might be phrased as “I will not rest until I have proved myself better than Drizzt Do’Urden
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Domains of Delight: A Feywild Accessory
!”
Ideal. “The pursuit of true love compels me! Never shall I wilt if I have such a cause to champion.”
Bond. “The beautiful Pollenella—a vision in stripes.”
Flaw. “I cannot resist a pretty face
the worst of Waterdeep’s slumlords: ruthless, miserly, and coldhearted. I suppose I’d better do some good before I die.”
Bond. “My spinning wheel is the key to my redemption.”
Flaw. “Yes, I’m
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight
breeze!”
Ideal. “The pursuit of true love compels me! Never shall I wilt if I have such a cause to champion.”
Bond. “The beautiful Pollenella—a vision in stripes.”
Flaw. “I cannot resist a pretty
was the worst of Waterdeep’s slumlords: ruthless, miserly, and coldhearted. I suppose I’d better do some good before I die.”
Bond. “My spinning wheel is the key to my redemption.”
Flaw. “Yes, I’m
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hoard of the Dragon Queen
and long-standing rivalries outside the alliance, they band together in the face of events that are too big for any of them to handle on their own. The rulers of Waterdeep, Silverymoon, Baldur’s Gate
better off. For anyone to move up, someone else must move down. Whenever a military campaign is underway, the Lords’ Alliance is likely to be in command. Even if it isn’t, alliance representatives will
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
and long-standing rivalries outside the alliance, they band together in the face of events that are too big for any of them to handle on their own. The rulers of Waterdeep, Silverymoon, Baldur’s Gate
better off. For anyone to move up, someone else must move down. Whenever a military campaign is underway, the Lords’ Alliance is likely to be in command. Even if it isn’t, alliance representatives will
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
Dragon Organizations The only thing better than getting a dragon involved …is getting five dragons involved!
-Fizban
Most dragons are solitary, living alone or keeping company with only a single
save shattered thrones, with no rulers but the dead. Dragons shall rule the world entire …” Guided by this new vision, Severin has worked tirelessly to bring about the ascendance to power of living
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
even the northern metropolises of Baldur’s Gate and Waterdeep, its influence is curtailed by the unwillingness of its rulers to work together in the nation’s best interest. The members of the Council
Imaskari. Aided by the mighty wizard Nezram, known as the World-Walker, the Mulhorandi overthrew the rulers of High Imaskar, who fled into the Plains of Purple Dust or to extraplanar safeholds. When
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat
and long-standing rivalries outside the alliance, they band together in the face of events that are too big for any of them to handle on their own. The rulers of Waterdeep, Silverymoon, Baldur’s Gate
better off. For anyone to move up, someone else must move down. Whenever a military campaign is underway, the Lords’ Alliance is likely to be in command. Even if it isn’t, alliance representatives will
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
mastery of our traditional crafts. (Good) 3 Strength. No other race can match the strength of giants, and none should dare to try. (Evil) 4 Lordship. Giants are the rightful rulers of the world. All
be displayed, and the more ostentatious the display, the better. In a cloud giant family’s home, extravagance is omnipresent. One might boast windows framed in gold leaf, rare perfume stored in vials
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk
survived, however, as did the magic that binds her here. She can leave this area for only 1 minute at a time before the binding magic compels her to return. Vakketar used to demonstrate the efficacy
the svirfneblin provided better product. The door at the rear of the mine was installed later as an escape route that let many duergar flee the mind flayers during the attack. G10: Collapsed Tunnel
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves
neat piles labeled in Draconic: “keep,” “trade,” and “dump.” Many of these items were gifts from travelers or admirers; the remaining items the dragon acquired during her efforts to better understand
clasps an Instrument of the Bards (Ollamh harp), which she acquired in her youth. Taking the harp, plucking one of its strings, or removing the glass key from around Yemi’s neck ends the Sequester spell
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation
”); she believes that the other rulers of Faerûn would send thousands of soldiers to her aid in a matter of days if they were aware of her need; and she’s certain the merchant princes of Port Nyanzaru will
anyone suggested he would make a better monarch than Mwaxanaré. WHEN GARGOYLES ATTACK
The gargoyles of Omu and the aarakocra of Kir Sabal are bitter enemies. Aarakocra scouts watch over the distant