borders bad diffusing clear realized

Archon of Boundaries

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

archon overhead is a clear signal that one is entering the wilds. An archon appears as a hooded, spectral rider mounted on a winged elk with glowing antlers and gleaming eyes. Despite this

celestial realms to watch over the boundary of the wilds and protect those who dare to cross it. Sometimes knights of the realm get the idea that they can expand the borders of their land and keep the

Reborn

Species Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

veins making it clear that they’ve been touched by death. Other reborn are marvels of magic or science, being stitched together from disparate beings or bearing mysterious minds in manufactured

resurrected, but something went wrong. 2 Stitches bind your body’s mismatched pieces, and your memories come from multiple different lives. 3 After clawing free from your grave, you realized

Vladeska's Powers and Dominion

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

executions serve the greater good and impose necessary order, but make it clear that zombies aren’t the realm’s only monsters. Only Bad Decisions. There is one simple truth in Falkovnia: the dead are

about to kill everyone. This sets the stage for countless bad decisions, from leaders making terrible sacrifices or permitting amoral acts to individuals making fatalistic choices. Everyone in Falkovnia

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

everywhere in the world around them, and the priests of a tribe are entrusted with the responsibility of identifying these signs and omens — both good and bad — and deciding how the tribe should

the gods has no clear explanation, the priests might have to meditate for hours or days to get a vision of its meaning. Every group of orcs has particular superstitions and recognizes certain omens

Second Séance

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

MURDERED ME … TRAPPED … COLD”. Dalk plays for sympathy and hopes to pit the characters against Mara. It’s possible the players have realized who “Garland” is, but at this point he denies it. Mara Silvra

séances or are taking their time exploring, feel free to run this encounter multiple times, allowing the characters to ask more questions. If the borders to the domain are not yet closed, a storm begins brewing at this point.

The Mourning

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

the disaster in time to flee. Others survived because they were already beyond the borders of Cyre; the mist stopped mere feet away from the camps of Cyran soldiers holding sections of the Brelish

front. And though the vast majority of people caught in the Mourning died, thousands did survive. Most have no clear memory of the event, and there’s no explanation for why they were spared. The

Bad News

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm Lord’s Wrath

Bad News As the party’s ship sails north toward the Thunder Cliffs, a southward-sailing vessel approaches them. The ships drop anchor and the captain of the other vessel, called the Uneasy Alliance

any survivors or salvageable wreckage, so they steered very clear of the area. Captain Winchet also relays that she’s heard other sailors talking about seeing a ghost ship in this area recently. The

Noble

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh

sent here by King Skotti himself. You are expected to keep your ties to the crown secret, the better to gain a clear insight into the region. If folk know that you represent the king, they’ll put their

belt, you can achieve fame in Saltmarsh. 5–6 Your family lost their holdings when Keoland’s enemies pushed back the realm’s borders. In compensation, you have been given a writ by the crown to found a new barony. The trouble is, the land you were ceded has been swallowed by the Drowned Forest.

House Freth

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

capitulation of the minotaurs on the Maze Level. Once the minotaurs are subservient to House Freth, the drow will use them to clear out and secure the warrens. To this end, Drivvin is devising a ritual to

summon and control a goristro demon. By passing the goristro off as Baphomet, the demon lord of minotaurs, he hopes to win the minotaurs’ obedience. But Drivvin has recently realized that his arcane

Orc Culture and Beliefs

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

around them, and the priests of a tribe are entrusted with the responsibility of identifying these signs and omens — both good and bad — and deciding how the tribe should react to them. As a race, orcs

communication from the gods. If the tribe has encountered a similar omen before, the priests understand how to interpret it, but if a sign from the gods has no clear explanation, the priests might

What Next?

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries

What Next? If the characters are alone, they can notify other members of the Avowed about the death. Acolytes remove Buron’s body, seizing the book with a firmness that makes it clear the dwarf

the hands of the unworthy (anyone who is not an Avowed). After reading Kandlekeep Dekonstruktion, Stonky realized that one of Candlekeep’s towers—the Barn Door—is actually a flying vehicle powered by

Droaam

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

whole creature and still be hungry. If you’re bad, she’ll come in the night and carry you away. She’ll make a lantern of your skull and torment you until the end of time. And she’s the least

grow larger and more organized every day, and the rest of Khorvaire is uneasy with the potential power of a fully realized Droaam. The monsters that inhabit Droaam retain their racial subcultures. Most worship the Dark Six, but other religious traditions flourish as well.

Rules of Conduct

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

it’s not even clear to other residents of Prismeer when a rule has been broken. For example, brigands are able to take what they want from other folk without paying for it, and nothing bad seems to

Setessa's Surroundings

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

lilacs growing along the riverbank and silver fish darting in startlingly clear water, it is abandoned by Setessa and favored by travelers as a resting point on the road before coming under the eaves of

. Nikaia immediately realized that neither refusal, failure, nor success would forestall Nylea’s wrath. Nonetheless, she held her head high, she and Nylea both let fly, and both arrows hit. Impressed by

The Darkening

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Locathah Rising

see the “darkening” up ahead. It’s difficult to see anything clearly within its borders, though you can vaguely make out the outline of a mountain of sunken ships resting on the sea floor, grown over

he opened (Umberlee’s Maw) have created an area in the ocean that acts like a beacon for strong, irregular currents and bad weather. Underwater, the effect manifests as a general darkness in an oddly

Trading Post

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries

mud-brick edifice, decorated with the preserved carapaces and claws of giant crabs, where commerce is normally conducted. The ground around it, usually clear of construction, now houses a host of

Jans will transport the characters as far as he can, then drop them off just outside the crab maze that borders the community before turning back south.

Archon of Boundaries

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monstrous Compendium Volume Four

meets the wilds, marking the boundary between safety (for the people of the realm) and danger. The sight of an archon overhead is a clear signal that one is entering the wilds. An archon appears as a

. Sometimes knights of the realm get the idea that they can expand the borders of their land and keep the wilds at bay simply by driving archons deeper into the wilds. Such efforts are futile; not only are

Life in Akharin Sangar

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel

Life in Akharin Sangar Despite the rumors outside its borders, Akharin Sangar is markedly hospitable. By long-standing custom, every Sangarian is a potential host and must be prepared to entertain

curfew after sundown, and everyday interactions are tinged with restraint to steer clear of Atash’s forbiddances. Sangarians reserve intimacy for family and close friends, lowering their social guard

Evermeet

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

realized their folly. For thousands of years, no elf dared set foot on Evermeet. But eventually Corellon must have forgiven his wayward children, for the oldest elves began to feel the call to the west

along? I felt a little bad about taking advantage of the elf’s blindness and forcing him to leave behind some of his baggage, but it was the opportunity of a lifetime! I overheard it said by the

Bad Time to Be a Zhent

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

Bad Time to Be a Zhent Within days after the events that local broadsheets dub the “Gralhund Villa Bloodbath,” the City Watch cracks down on the Black Network. Even members of the Zhentarim who have

. If the weather is fair, characters can see pedestrians, picnickers, and frolicking children throughout the cemetery grounds. It’s clear that Istrid chose a safe, public place for the meeting

White Plume Mountain

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a4

, and discovered the system of old lava-tubes that riddle the cone and the underlying strata. With a little alteration, he thought, these would be perfect for his purposes. The area already had a bad

turned up until the weapons’ former owners each received a copy of the following note: Search ye far or search ye near You’ll find no trace of the three Unless you follow instructions clear For

Bad Data

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Turn of Fortune’s Wheel

Bad Data The modron leader X01 isn’t just damaged—its mind has been overwhelmed. This is a result of flawed orders X01 received when it left Mechanus during the last Great Modron March, but more so

the Outlands, one overrun with evil Fiends. This becomes clear a moment later when X01’s shouting escalates. Proceed with the following section. Corrupted Data The modron’s shouting becomes a screech

Blackmailed Lords

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

refuses to speak with the party. If the characters become an annoyance, he has eight crooked members of the City Watch (human veterans) crack down on them, then uses his position as Masked Lord to clear

to get out of debt. Several bad investments ruined her money-lending business, and most of her reliable customers have turned to other providers such as the Cassalanters. Jelenn could have borrowed

Halflings

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

off bad luck or to bring good fortune. Villages or even families might have superstitions observed by no one else, such as the following: For a safe journey through a forest, leave a few seeds or a

looks like a plucked chicken, know that Charmalaine is near — and heed her warning. Put a frog under your cap to bring good luck, but not for too long, or it’s bad luck for a fortnight. If you step on a

Class Training

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

out those who could help me call it forth and master it. 6 I was wild and undisciplined as a youngster, but then I realized the error of my ways. I applied to a monastery and became a monk as a way to

beyond civilization’s borders. 5 I met a grizzled ranger who taught me woodcraft and the secrets of the wild lands. 6 I served in an army, learning the precepts of my profession while blazing trails

Toppled Statue

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

seen the large metal tongue hidden in the Occluding Miasma, it’s clear to them that the tongue is the proper size and shape to fit in this statue. When the characters attempt to reattach the tongue

through (except by characters in gaseous or liquid form). The mind flayer fanatics realized the base would make an ideal prison for their most valuable human captives. They used the lever in the

Najara

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

their king’s wishes clear to the nations they visited: leave Najaran prosperity alone, and discourage intruders (such as adventuring types) from violating Najaran borders to steal the fortunes of the

was once easy to doubt their veracity, for what nation didn’t patrol its borders or establish communication (amicable or otherwise) with other nations? The stories of naga and yuan-ti were easy enough

Occultant

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

can add the d10 to an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw. If it’s not clear who administered the killing blow, you grant this benefit to a random creature involved in the fight. Once you use

balance, but hate the idea that “balance” means good and bad things can both happen to you. Good things happening to you and bad things happening to other people seems perfectly reasonable. 2 You

Satyrs in Distress

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries

Satyrs in Distress Once the characters have entered the book, read: You’re on the fringe of a meadow that borders a forest. Tall trees of several varieties stretch before you as far as the eye can

there appears to be no storm brewing. At night, in places where the canopy of trees thins to provide a clear enough view, occasional bolts of red lightning can be seen in the distance. Strange

Mutual Respect

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

before play begins. Being clear about your expectations and making sure you understand your players’ expectations in return can help ensure a smooth game. Take your players’ opinions and desires

” in chapter 3 for suggestions). Scott Murphy Conflicts between characters aren’t always bad, but they can get in the way of the game Communicating Limits. Make sure everyone is comfortable with how

Curst

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

gate-towns come knocking on their doors, residents feign ignorance or offer up false clues to throw off the nose of justice. Residents remain smugly aloof, fending off bounty hunters like bad suitors

Dolores who makes a living off the garbage and keeps it from spilling into the town. Dolores occasionally hires adventurers to clear her yard of dumpster divers and trespassers. Roaming packs of rust

Red Wizards of Thay

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

masters, destroying some of Szass Tam’s lich zulkirs and thinning the ranks of other undead. Little is known of the conflict beyond Thay’s borders, however. In this quiet civil war, both sides fear that

too much attrition will make Thay a target for its long list of enemies. Szass Tam questions the allegiance of all living Red Wizards outside Thay, and has made it clear that death and worse await any

Red Wizards of Thay

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

masters, destroying some of Szass Tam’s lich zulkirs and thinning the ranks of other undead. Little is known of the conflict beyond Thay’s borders, however. In this quiet civil war, both sides fear that

too much attrition will make Thay a target for its long list of enemies. Szass Tam questions the allegiance of all living Red Wizards outside Thay, and has made it clear that death and worse await any

Red Wizards of Thay

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

undead masters, destroying some of Szass Tam’s lich zulkirs and thinning the ranks of other undead. Little is known of the conflict beyond Thay’s borders, however. In this quiet civil war, both sides

fear that too much attrition will make Thay a target for its long list of enemies. Szass Tam questions the allegiance of all living Red Wizards outside Thay, and has made it clear that death and worse

Narration in Combat

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

damage is a bad wound for the enemy, say: “You swing wildly, and the knight brings his shield up just a second too late. Your blade catches him along the jaw, drawing a deep gash. He recoils, bleeding

normal components, which might prevent characters from recognizing what the monster is doing. Similarly, when monsters use magical abilities that don’t involve casting spells, make sure it’s clear to

D&D Beyond

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