bond before deeds corrupt rule

Sammaster (Dracolich Form)

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

rule Faerûn. His Cult of the Dragon devotes itself to helping evil dragons become dracoliches to bring this evil new age to fruition. Sammaster was killed in battle, but had prepared contingencies

for his demise. He drew on the warped resurrection of dracoliches to become a lich himself. He continues to lead the Cult of the Dragon from the shadows, developing new ways to control and corrupt

Sammaster (Lich Form)

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

as leader of these disparate zealots, whom he named the Cult of the Dragon. He perverted their fascination with his necromantic lore, revealing that dracoliches were destined to rule Faerûn

. He drew on the warped resurrection of dracoliches to become a lich himself. He continues to lead the Cult of the Dragon from the shadows, developing new ways to control and corrupt dragonkind

Wastrilith

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Amphibious. The wastrilith can breathe air and water. Corrupt Water. At the start of each of the wastrilith’s turns, exposed water within 30 feet of it is befouled. Underwater, this effect

", "rollAction":"Corrupt Water", "rollDamageType":"poison"} poison damage and is poisoned for 1 minute. At the end of this time, the poisoned creature must repeat the saving throw. On a failure, the

Orlekto

Monsters Storm King's Thunder

to eliminate Hekaton or Serissa presents itself, Orlekto seizes it. Until then, he conceals his treacherous nature. Ideal: “Storm giants should rule the world. Weak leaders have let dragons and

others steal what the gods gave to us!” Bond: “I serve Princess Mirran and her alone.” Flaw: “For Mirran’s love or my revenge, I’d betray my king and my honor.”Lightning, ThunderCold

Annis Hag

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

hag. Over time, “Granny” or “Grampy” convinces the child that it’s okay to do bad deeds—starting with breaking things or wandering without permission, then

child. Much as annis hags befriend children in order to corrupt them, they may adopt a group of ogres, trolls, or other creatures (ogre;ogres and troll;trolls appear in the Monster Manual), ruling them

Eye of Fear and Flame

Monsters Infernal Machine Rebuild

living, commanding individuals to perform evil deeds of the undead's choosing or be destroyed. If its commands are not obeyed, an eye of fear and flame throws back its hood to reveal its skull—set

momentous decision. The undead seeks to corrupt vulnerable individuals, especially those of lawful or good alignments, by setting tasks that test its targets' moral foundations. A paladin might be ordered

Jarund Elkhardt

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

in battle. The strain of his long years of rule is etched on his weather-worn face. Jarund's late son, Jarund Twice-Born, was killed almost a decade ago while trying to bring down a cave bear, leaving

strengthen the bond between them. Mjenir believes that the only way to break Auril's spell is to slay the goddess in her home, but Jarund believes that his warriors aren't strong enough to accomplish that task alone.

Isolde

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

known only as “the Caller” to corrupt and slay all of Isolde’s companions, leaving Isolde alone, bitter, and vulnerable. The insidious archfey then befriended Isolde and offered to

do not carry the burden do not eat.” Ideal. “Those most deserving of aid are those who never ask for it.” Bond. “You share a bond with those you travel with, a bond closer

Asteria

Monsters The Book of Many Things

still draws much of her power from her bond with Euryale. Asteria is foremost a protector and warrior, traveling the multiverse to uproot injustice, defend innocents, and inspire hope. She believes

everyone deserves a chance to write their own story on their own terms, and her deeds have inspired countless heroic tales. Even after so many years, Asteria maintains a joyous wanderlust and passion for

Sage Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

can obtain it. Usually, this information comes from a library, scriptorium, university, or a sage or other learned person or creature. Your DM might rule that the knowledge you seek is secreted away in

of oneself. (Any) d6 Bond 1 It is my duty to protect my students. 2 I have an ancient text that holds terrible secrets that must not fall into the wrong hands. 3 I

Acolyte Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

affect their mannerisms and ideals. Their flaws might be some hidden hypocrisy or heretical idea, or an ideal or bond taken to an extreme. d8 Personality Trait 1 I idolize a

particular hero of my faith, and constantly refer to that person’s deeds and example. 2 I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward

Yakfolk Warrior

Monsters Storm King's Thunder

that image until the strangers can be disarmed and taken prisoner. In their seemingly idyllic hideaways, the yakfolk rule with iron fists, and for all their learning and culture, they are enormously

and dark knowledge that might serve to corrupt or dominate others. Knowledge that the yakfolk can’t gain or use is to be destroyed. Unsentimental by nature, yakfolk parents pack children off to

Yakfolk Priest

Monsters Storm King's Thunder

, and the yakfolk foster that image until the strangers can be disarmed and taken prisoner. In their seemingly idyllic hideaways, the yakfolk rule with iron fists, and for all their learning and

secrets of elemental magic and dark knowledge that might serve to corrupt or dominate others. Knowledge that the yakfolk can’t gain or use is to be destroyed. Unsentimental by nature, yakfolk

Vladimir Horngaard

Monsters Curse of Strahd

. When Strahd became a vampire, Vladimir and his revenants should have gone to their eternal rest. But Strahd's deeds were so heinous that Barovia and the knight's spirits became trapped behind

to the land of Barovia. Gone are the days of honor and valor. Vladimir Horngaard's Traits Ideal. “Vengeance is all I have left.” Bond. “I have sworn oaths of allegiance to the Order of the Silver

Moonstone Dragon Wyrmling

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

, encourage great thinkers, and spur adventurers to heroic deeds. They sometimes give guidance to those in need or request help from adventurers to encourage them to greatness. As a rule

Rahadin

Monsters Curse of Strahd

. Exile. Rahadin was exiled for refusing to bow down to a dusk elf prince whom he considered weak and corrupt. When the dusk elves later declined to pay fealty to King Barov, Rahadin helped Barov

haunted by them if he could. The only thing he cares about is Strahd von Zarovich, for whom he would gladly give his life. Rahadin's Traits Ideal. “Loyalty is everything.” Bond. “I am a son of King Barov

The Abbot

Monsters Curse of Strahd

some much-needed light to Barovia. His efforts worked for a while, but then the Dark Powers began to corrupt him. Imperfections. The Abbot's fall from grace started when the Belviews—a family of sickly

giving the devil his heart's desire, I bring salvation to him and his land.” Bond. “I love the creatures I create, including my beautiful golems and mongrelfolk.” Flaw. “I can't be corrupted. My

Valenar High Elf

Species Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

the patron ancestors formed a bond with you. Now it is your duty to follow in the footsteps of your patron, living your life as they lived theirs, allowing this champion to live on through you. This

instead of serving in a Valenar warband. Are you driven by visions from your patron ancestor? Are you pursuing an epic quest that mirrors their legendary deeds? Do you seek vengeance for the death of a

Valenar Wood Elf

Species Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

the patron ancestors formed a bond with you. Now it is your duty to follow in the footsteps of your patron, living your life as they lived theirs, allowing this champion to live on through you. This

instead of serving in a Valenar warband. Are you driven by visions from your patron ancestor? Are you pursuing an epic quest that mirrors their legendary deeds? Do you seek vengeance for the death of a

Gladiator Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

. 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

I love. 2 Someone stole my precious instrument, and someday I’ll get it back. 3 I want to be famous, whatever it takes. 4 I idolize a hero of the old tales and measure my deeds

Acolyte - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

his or her teachings. (Any) d6 Bond 1 I would die to recover an ancient relic of my faith that was lost long ago. 2 I will someday get revenge on the corrupt temple

be some hidden hypocrisy or heretical idea, or an ideal or bond taken to an extreme. d8 Personality Trait 1 I idolize a particular hero of my faith, and constantly refer to that

Sage - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

library, scriptorium, university, or a sage or other learned person or creature. Your DM might rule that the knowledge you seek is secreted away in an almost inaccessible place, or that it simply cannot

domination. (Evil) 6 Self-Improvement. The goal of a life of study is the betterment of oneself. (Any) d6 Bond 1 It is my duty to protect my students. 2 I have an

Criminal / Spy Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

; specifically, you know the local messengers, corrupt caravan masters, and seedy sailors who can deliver messages for you. Variant Criminal: Spy Although your capabilities are not much different

everyone. (Good) d6 Bond 1 I’m trying to pay off an old debt I owe to a generous benefactor. 2 My ill-gotten gains go to support my family. 3 Something

Faction Agent

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

agent. (For instance, consider the words “faith” and “faction” to be interchangeable.) Your bond might be associated with other members of your faction, or a location or an

Personality Trait 1 I idolize a particular hero of my faith, and constantly refer to that person’s deeds and example. 2 I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies

Folk Hero Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

disaster. 3 I stood alone against a terrible monster. 4 I stole from a corrupt merchant to help the poor. 5 I led a militia to fight off an invading army. 6 I broke into a tyrant

no one can steer me away from my higher calling. (Any) d6 Bond 1 I have a family, but I have no idea where they are. One day, I hope to see them again. 2 I worked the land

Young Moonstone Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

into the realm of dreams to communicate with the creatures that sleep near their lairs. In this way, they inspire artists and poets, encourage great thinkers, and spur adventurers to heroic deeds

. They sometimes give guidance to those in need or request help from adventurers to encourage them to greatness. As a rule, moonstone dragons are not particularly interested in gold or copper

Bane

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

Bane The Black Hand, the Lord of Darkness Bane has a simple ethos: the strong have not just the right but the duty to rule over the weak. A tyrant who is able to seize power must do so, for not only

does the tyrant benefit, but so do those under the tyrant’s rule. When a ruler succumbs to decadence, corruption, or decrepitude, a stronger and more suitable ruler will rise. Bane is vilified in

Roleplaying Ramya

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

treachery. In rule, there are no half measures.” Ideal. “I will regain my deserved glory even if I must scour the world with my wrath.” Bond. “I still love those who oppose me. The flames of righteousness provide the swiftest path to renewal.” Flaw. “None are truly trustworthy. I am utterly alone.”

runs through all her actions, and she reacts to any hint of suspicious words or deeds with creative and potentially lethal tests and punishments. Personality Trait. “There is loyalty, and there is

Entertainer Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

) d6 Bond 1 My instrument is my most treasured possession, and it reminds me of someone I love. 2 Someone stole my precious instrument, and someday I’ll get it back

. 3 I want to be famous, whatever it takes. 4 I idolize a hero of the old tales and measure my deeds against that person’s. 5 I will do anything to prove myself superior to my

Hobgoblin

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Maglubiyet, who marshaled them as soldiers, but the fey realm left its mark; wherever they are in the multiverse, they continue to channel an aspect of the Feywild’s rule of reciprocity, which

creates a mystical bond between the giver and the receiver of a gift. On some worlds, such bonds lead hobgoblins to form communities with deep ties to one another. In Eberron and the Forgotten Realms, vast

Adult Moonstone Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

great thinkers, and spur adventurers to heroic deeds. They sometimes give guidance to those in need or request help from adventurers to encourage them to greatness. As a rule, moonstone dragons are

Githyanki

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

cultivated over eons in the Astral Plane. Now all githyanki can use their psychic bond with that plane to access splinters of knowledge left behind by beings who travel, live, and die among the silver

by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy. The &ldquo

Waterdhavian Noble

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

Faerûn for being eccentric, spoiled, venal, and, above all else, rich. Whether you are a shining example of the reason for this reputation or one who proves the rule by being an exception, people

and raised in a different world from the one that most folk know—one that grants you privilege but also calls you to fulfill a duty befitting your station. Your bond might be associated with your

Cloistered Scholar

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

appropriate to suit your identity as a cloistered scholar. Your bond is almost certainly associated either with the place where you grew up or with the knowledge you hope to acquire through

path to power and domination. (Evil) 6 Self-Improvement. The goal of a life of study is the betterment of oneself. (Any) d6 Bond 1 It is my duty to protect my students

Inspiration

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

Inspiration Inspiration is a rule the game master can use to reward you for playing your character in a way that’s true to his or her personality traits, ideal, bond, and flaw. By using inspiration

, you can draw on your personality trait of compassion for the downtrodden to give you an edge in negotiating with the Beggar Prince. Or inspiration can let you call on your bond to the defense of your home village to push past the effect of a spell that has been laid on you.

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