better boss diffusing concept reason

Vertebrae Sword

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

Goblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

new leader can act as the real boss. If the creature brushes aside such manipulation, the tribe falls into line behind the new tyrant—better to abide the new rule than conspire against it and be

, smelting, forging, and religion. If the tribe has any spellcasters, this caste includes them. Lashers follow the lead of the tribe’s boss, and enforce their will on other goblins with whips

Firbolg Legacy

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

Auril (Third Form)

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

Auril (First Form)

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

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

Kobold Legacy

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

Far Traveler

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

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

Auril (Second Form)

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

Creating a Monster

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

new monsters and customizing existing ones, if for no other reason than to surprise and delight your players with something they’ve never faced before. The first step in the process is coming up with

the concept for your monster. What makes it unique? Where does it live? What role do you want it to serve in your adventure, your campaign, or your world? What does it look like? Does it have any

Den of Villainy

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Astarion's Book of Hungers

Den of Villainy Underneath the veneer of Rat’s Run, reality is harsh. Thieves, smugglers, racketeers, and other criminals see Rat’s Run as a haven, and for good reason. Staff members warn any patron

, and ensuring that no witnesses ever speak to the authorities. Each week, the manager gives these bribes to a hooded, ever-changing courier who, of course, knows nothing about their boss. Haven for

Why Are You Here?

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

who thinks you’re better than everyone else? As an urchin, did you somehow earn a scholarship, or are you literally sneaking into your classes? As a criminal, you could be the daughter of a Boromar

crime boss, or you might be an entrepreneur selling dreamlily to the nobles. A charlatan could be a brilliant drama student or an undercover spy trying to root out enemy agents in the faculty. If you’re

Charlatan - Baldur's Gate

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

Goblins

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual

Goblins Wild Tricksters and Troublemakers Habitat: Forest, Grassland, Hill, Planar (Acheron, Feywild), Underdark; Treasure: Implements, Individual Taras Susak A goblin boss, a goblin hexer, and a

better. Goblin raids are often as much opportunities to enjoy setting fires and tormenting livestock as they are parts of more disruptive plots. Goblins obey those who accomplish the wildest plans. Such

Lizardfolk Personality

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

Giant Patrons

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

. Giant Patrons Giant Role Group Patron Type Boss Criminal Syndicate Financier Aristocrat Seer Ancient Being Sovereign Sovereign Tutor Academy Warleader Military Force Boss A giant boss wields

size and strength as tools to extract wealth and power from communities of smaller folk. The boss might threaten to harm adventurers or those they care about if they refuse to do the giant’s bidding. Or

Guildhall Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things

Moonstalkers don’t come through this area without good reason. Treasure. Each oil painting is worth 250 gp. 5: Study A moonstone chandelier casts a soft, bluish-white glow over this room’s oaken table and

rare magic item of your choice. 8: Shrine to the Fallen This room has a small shrine with a headstone memorializing Boss Pyrite and other guild members who died when the Moonstalkers’ old guildhall was

Evil Inchoate

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes

absolute evil, demons have no concept of empathy. Each demon believes that only its needs and desires matter. This self-centeredness applies even with regard to other demons. These fiends have no

particular affinity for their own kind, which is the biggest reason why they seldom cooperate with one another unless they are forced to submit to a demon lord or other leader. Going even farther, every

Conch Overview

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Netheril’s Fall: Tales of Terror, Treasure, and Time Travel

mages. The council keeps tenuous order by staying on the good side of river smugglers. Nenek Tril (Chaotic Evil Lizardfolk Sovereign), a powerful smuggler boss, has murdered more than one council mage

for decades. But recently, phaerimm attacks on the city’s outskirts have become concerning. Similarly, incidents of Low Netherese resistance against the ruling mages have increased in recent years, with laborers demanding better pay and conditions in the mines. So far, the mages have ignored the laborers.

Gith Tables

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes

Zar’ryth Githyanki Personality Traits d4 Trait 1 When I’m bored I make my own excitement, and I’m always bored. 2 I treat others as if they were animals that simply don’t know any better. 3 Violence is

a spice that makes life worth living. 4 Old age is a concept that I find fascinating. Maybe someday I too will be aged. Githyanki Ideals d4 Trait 1 Fidelity. Warriors are only as good as the vows

Credits

compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

, Magali Villeneuve, Lauren Walsh, Shawn Wood, Zuzanna Wužyk, Kieran Yanner Concept Art Directors: Richard Whitters, Shawn Wood Concept Artists: Alix Branwyn, Tyler Jacobson, Chris Rahn, Magali

, Margaret Weis, Michael Williams, Janet Vialls, Peter Vialls, and many more! Additional thanks to the hundreds of playtesters whose efforts made this a better book! On the Cover Dragons

Credits

compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Sigil and the Outlands

Wuzyk Cartographer: Jared Blando Poster Map Cartographer: Francesca Baerald Concept Art Directors: Josh Herman, Emi Tanji Concept Artists: Eric Belisle, Dmitry Burmak, Ekaterina Burmak, Max

creators of Planescape: Torment; and the hundreds of playtesters who made this a better book! Claudio Pozas Additional thanks to the original Planescape setting designers, including Rich

The Returned

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros

. There’s no rhyme or reason to what the Gray Merchants seek, and the merchants themselves never speak. They conduct business through gestures, making their unusual trades and plodding off into the shadows

, pseudammas turn tragedy into horror by snatching mortal children and attempting to raise them. However, the Returned have forgotten the needs of the living and they have no concept of how to care for a child.

Credits

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

Yanner Concept Art Directors: Josh Herman, Emi Tanji Concept Artists: Eric Belisle, Dmitry Burmak, Ekaterina Burmak, Max Dunbar, Alex Konstad, Juho Laitila, Izzy Medrano, One Pixel Brush, Noor Rahman

this a better book! Jessica Fong Additional thanks to the original Planescape setting designers, including Rich Baker, Wolfgang Baur, Tim Beach, Karen Boomgarden, Michele Carter, David “Zeb” Cook

Chapter 5: Spring Madness

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

Personalities

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

Breaking the Law

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.

Using the Golden Vault

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault

profane entity. Four adventurers hired to retrieve the book from Delphi Mansion have disappeared without a trace. We have good reason to believe they’re dead. This quest, should you choose to undertake

it, requires you to travel to Delphi Mansion and retrieve The Celestial Codex. May you fare better than the last group. Good luck, operatives.” Closing the music box causes the golden key to vanish.

Orog

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)

terrifying presence on the battlefield. They form no attachments, even to their parents and siblings, and have no concept of love or dedication. They worship the orc pantheon of gods — Gruumsh and Luthic

foremost — because they believe that the gods have strength beyond reason, and physical might is all they respect. Servants of Darkness. Mistrusted by orcs, some orogs form independent mercenary war

Gambling

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

Gambling Games of chance are a way to make a fortune — and perhaps a better way to lose one. Resources. This activity requires one workweek of effort plus a stake of at least 10 gp, to a maximum of

wants its money back. 5 A local crime boss insists you start frequenting the boss’s gambling parlor and no others. 6 A high-stakes gambler comes to town and insists that you take part in a game. *Might involve a rival

It's Just Business

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

. What better way to think of the big bad monster at the center of a web of even bigger and badder plans than as the CEO of a megacorporation, using every resource to dominate the market? What is an

-reaching power of global corporations allied with political power doesn’t just inform our own real world — it molds it. Bringing that concept of powerful corporations working with or against nobility to

1. Goblin Bazaar

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

1. Goblin Bazaar In this monstrous market live forty goblins. Half of them are guards, and the other half are traders. The goblin boss and his retinue lurk in area 1e. 1a. Bazaar Side Entrance

goblin boss, Yek. She hasn’t eaten in two days and happily provides information or her service as a guide in exchange for food or freedom. She knows about the magic circlet that turned Yek into a human

Documancer

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

Features 1 Proficiencies and Starting Equipment, Gift of Words 2 Documancy Satchel, Fluent in Boss 3 Satchel of Holding, Document Flexibility 4 Scroll Humidor, Scroll Service

needs. It also occasionally produces sticky notes printed with useful information and inspirational quotes from Head Office. Fluent in Boss Also at rank 2, your documancer training allows you to

Modifying a Class

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

, paladins might not swear their oaths to ideals, but instead swear fealty to powerful sorcerers. To capture this story concept, you could build a new paladin spell list with spells meant to protect

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