better been defusing compared really

Half-Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

Flint squinted into the setting sun. He thought he saw the figure of a man striding up the path. Standing, Flint drew back into the shadow of a tall pine to see better. The man’s walk was

naming conventions. As if to emphasize that they don’t really fit in to either society, half-elves raised among humans are often given elven names, and those raised among elves often take human names

Mark of Hospitality Halfling

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

thought to House Ghallanda; when compared to the soldiers of House Deneith and the factories of House Cannith, an alliance of innkeepers seems harmless and inconsequential. But Ghallanda’s strength

lies in charm and connections. A Ghallanda innkeeper hears many things—if you want to know what’s really going on in a community, talk to the halfling bartender. The leaders of House

Sage Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

; slowly … when talking … to idiots, … which … almost … everyone … is … compared … to me. 7 I am horribly, horribly awkward in social

obvious solutions in favor of complicated ones. 5 I speak without really thinking through my words, invariably insulting others. 6 I can’t keep a secret to save my life, or anyone else’s.

Charlatan Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

Charity. I distribute the money I acquire to the people who really need it. (Good) 4 Creativity. I never run the same con twice. (Chaotic) 5 Friendship. Material goods come and go. Bonds of

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

Entertainer Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

. 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

smiles on people’s faces when I perform. That’s all that matters. (Neutral) 6 Honesty. Art should reflect the soul; it should come from within and reveal who we really are. (Any

Human Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

head on the ceiling—good food and good stories in front of a nice, warm fire. If halflings had a shred of ambition, they might really amount to something.” Lasting Institutions Where a

xenophobic, in general their societies are inclusive. Human lands welcome large numbers of nonhumans compared to the proportion of humans who live in nonhuman lands. Exemplars of Ambition Humans who

Gladiator Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

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) 2

. Art should reflect the soul; it should come from within and reveal who we really are. (Any) D6 BOND 1 My instrument is my most treasured possession, and it reminds me of someone

Azorius Functionary

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

. 8 I never change my mind once it’s made up. Ideals d6 Ideal 1 Guild. My guild is all that really matters. (Any) 2 Order. The law is meant to ensure

successfully prevented a murder, and the would-be perpetrator wants me dead. 5 One of my parents was prominent in the guild, and I resent constantly being compared to that standard. 6 I’ve

Sage - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

… compared … to me. 7 I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations. 8 I’m convinced that people are always trying to steal my secrets. d6 Ideal

Unlocking an ancient mystery is worth the price of a civilization. 4 I overlook obvious solutions in favor of complicated ones. 5 I speak without really thinking through my words, invariably insulting others. 6 I can’t keep a secret to save my life, or anyone else’s.

Cloistered Scholar

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

. . . everyone . . . is . . . compared . . . to me. 7 I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations. 8 I’m convinced that people are always trying to steal my secrets

its anatomy. 3 Unlocking an ancient mystery is worth the price of a civilization. 4 I overlook obvious solutions in favor of complicated ones. 5 I speak without really thinking

Rakdos Cultist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

law-abiding citizens of Ravnica. Personality Traits d8 Personality Trait 1 I revel in mayhem, the more destructive the better. 2 When violence breaks out, I lose myself in

guild is all that really matters. (Any) 2 Hedonism. Death comes for everyone, so take as much pleasure as you can from every moment of life. (Neutral) 3 Creativity. I strive to

House Ghallanda

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

House Ghallanda; when compared to the soldiers of House Deneith and the factories of House Cannith, an alliance of innkeepers seems harmless and inconsequential. But Ghallanda’s strength lies in

charm and connections. A Ghallanda innkeeper hears many things — if you want to know what’s really going on in a community, talk to the halfling bartender. The leaders of House Ghallanda don’t sell

House Ghallanda

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

licensed by its Hosteler’s Guild. Most people give little thought to House Ghallanda; when compared to the soldiers of House Deneith and the factories of House Cannith, an alliance of innkeepers

seems harmless and inconsequential. But Ghallanda’s strength lies in charm and connections. A Ghallanda innkeeper hears many things—if you want to know what’s really going on in a community, talk to the

Entertainer - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

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

Honesty. Art should reflect the soul; it should come from within and reveal who we really are. (Any) d6 Bond 1 My instrument is my most treasured possession, and it reminds

Fighter

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

the heart of every fighter’s motivation lies the same basic truth: it is better to wound than to be wounded. Although some adventuring fighters risk their lives fighting for glory or treasure, others

may break my bones, but swords will never hurt me — as long as I stay really high and shoot down at an angle.

Customizing a Background

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

Customizing a Background You might want to tweak some of the features of a background so it better fits your character or the campaign setting. To customize a background, you can replace one feature

earliest years as street urchins. Tika’s later career as a barmaid didn’t really change her, so she might choose the urchin background, gaining proficiency in the Sleight of Hand and Stealth skills, and

Customizing a Background

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

Customizing a Background You might want to tweak some of the features of a background so it better fits your character or the campaign setting. To customize a background, you can replace one feature

as street urchins. Tika’s later career as a barmaid didn’t really change her, so she might choose the urchin background, gaining proficiency in the Sleight of Hand and Stealth skills, and learning the

Religious Order Contacts

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

liaison within the religious order. Order Contact d8 Contact 1 A cloistered priest with little worldly experience who doesn’t really understand what you do but seems to approve of it anyway 2 A

cynical priest who thinks nothing you do makes any difference in the grand scheme of things 3 A zealous priest who is constantly urging you to do more and do it better 4 An ambitious priest who views you

Creating a Bronze Dragon

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

this matter, simpler is better! -Fizban Use the Bronze Dragon Personality Traits and Bronze Dragon Ideals tables to inspire your portrayal of distinctive bronze dragon characters, and use the Bronze

preserve their dignity. It’s really for your benefit. 3 I have no time for chitchat or insinuation. I get to the point and expect others to do the same. 4 I respect law and order, but it’s no

Developments

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat

they can, while the ice toads demonstrate the same impassive stoicism they show if the dragon is killed. The ice trolls shy away from Arauthator’s treasure as long as he is alive, knowing better than

to come between a dragon and its hoard. They don’t really care if someone else plunders items from the dragon’s hoard, and they’re too stupid to think they might be blamed for any such thefts.

Golgari Agent

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

. Ideals d6 Ideal 1 Guild. My guild is all that really matters. (Any) 2 Stoicism. All of us are part of the cyclical march of nature, which will continue with

bother to couch my opinions in flattering words. 5 I can’t help but pocket any trinket or coin I come across, no matter how worthless. 6 I’m convinced that I’m better and

Charlatan - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

. (Lawful) 3 Charity. I distribute the money I acquire to the people who really need it. (Good) 4 Creativity. I never run the same con twice. (Chaotic) 5 Friendship. Material goods

. 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

Developments

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons

they can, while the ice toads demonstrate the same impassive stoicism they show if the dragon is killed. The ice trolls shy away from Arauthator’s treasure as long as he is alive, knowing better than

to come between a dragon and its hoard. They don’t really care if someone else plunders items from the dragon’s hoard, and they’re too stupid to think they might be blamed for any such thefts.

Tactics

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

engaging in much verbal communication, each kobold knows what has to be done to succeed. Kobolds’ ability to work together is remarkable, especially compared to the behavior of other small humanoids

a sick or weak kobold who is otherwise unable to contribute to the tribe’s needs. Using hit-and-run maneuvers, fleeing between attacks to better or more secure vantage points. Often their goal is to

Robust Patronage

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

mysterious sylvan creatures that occasionally get up to harmless pranks. As a warlock of the Archfey, you know better — and are perfectly suited to lay the truth down whenever you can. You and your magic

franchise needs to get down and dirty to succeed. The Great Old One Everybody’s met that one mind-addled poet at the end of the bar spouting all kinds of nonsense. But only you can really appreciate the

Chapter 2: Raiders' Camp

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hoard of the Dragon Queen

reward from what’s left of the town treasury. Recovering treasure, however, is a lesser goal when compared to the other objectives he brings up. Any gear or supplies the characters need for the trip are

heavily on his bandaged left leg. “I hear that you intend to follow the raiders and see where they’ve gone. I’d like nothing better than to come with you, but in this condition, I’d slow you down. In the

Chapter 2: Raiders' Camp

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons

reward from what’s left of the town treasury. Recovering treasure, however, is a lesser goal when compared to the other objectives he brings up. Any gear or supplies the characters need for the trip

heavily on his bandaged left leg. “I hear that you intend to follow the raiders and see where they’ve gone. I’d like nothing better than to come with you, but in this condition, I’d slow you down. In the

Cleric

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

occasion. Divine Deals From the most notable nobles to the most humble members of the working class, everyone needs faith and spiritual guidance. And what better way to teach the value of faith to

-sniff icon (5 gp) 7 Planetar shaving set (15 gp) 8 Unexpurgated holy texts with all the really naughty bits (10 gp) Clerical Routine You might pray for your spells each day at dawn, by

Sage

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

talking...to idiots,...which...almost...everyone...is...compared...to me. 7 I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations. 8 I’m convinced that people are always trying to steal my secrets

complicated ones. 5 I speak without really thinking through my words, invariably insulting others. 6 I can’t keep a secret to save my life, or anyone else’s.

Razorvine Blight

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Morte’s Planar Parade

vines to feed its bloodlust. While razorvine blights are usually dangerous, in Sigil they sometimes mimic the behaviors of the city’s other inhabitants—for better or worse. At least one blight, known as

Patch, spreads copies of itself across the city, creating a spy network of copies with mysterious goals. CoupleofKooks “Folks hate razorvine, but it’s really only a problem if you’ve got skin

Sage

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgment. 6 I . . . speak . . . slowly . . . when talking . . . to idiots, . . . which . . . almost . . . everyone . . . is . . . compared

. 4 I overlook obvious solutions in favor of complicated ones. 5 I speak without really thinking through my words, invariably insulting others. 6 I can’t keep a secret to save my life, or anyone else’s.

Simic Scientist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

against the schemes and ambitions of the other guilds, so much the better. Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Medicine Languages: Two of your choice Equipment: A Simic insignia, a set of

in my communication. Ideals d6 Ideal 1 Guild. My guild is all that really matters. (Any) 2 Change. All life is meant to progress toward perfection, and

Demons and Souls

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Flee, Mortals! Rule Primer

better chance of living through their encounter with a demon, you can reduce the DC of the saving throw—or you can remove the saving throw entirely, and only allow a demon to devour a soul when a

what I think when I look upon my vast hoard? I think, “This is nothing compared to the taste of a mortal soul.” Aurumvas of Meaningless Greed

Chapter 4: The Orrery of the Wanderer

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

undertake a variety of activities to better themselves or their franchise. By later episodes, choices of downtime activities might alter the flow and challenge of the story. After all, there’s no rest

campaign, and in life. Maybe you having a bit of an inside track is just what this adventure needs to make it really pop, and to keep the DM from getting all, “Ooh, look at me! I’m the one with the secrets!” I mean, can you believe how smug they are? It’s like they’re just begging you to turn the page …

Lorehold Student

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

. 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

D&D Beyond

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