borders bards diffusing career refuse

Viari

Monsters Acquisitions Incorporated

and earnest debate, he demonstrates an equal flair for planning and forethought, mad combat moves (involving leaping off high places whenever possible), and dark vengeance. Viari's career as an

adventurer was nearly cut short during a battle of which the bards still sing. Unleashing a devastating attack with the aptly named Apocalypse Dagger, the rogue destroyed a giant single-handedly — and lost

Bard Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

of song, speech, and the magic they contain. Bards say that the multiverse was spoken into existence, that the words of the gods gave it shape, and that echoes of these primordial Words of Creation

still resound throughout the cosmos. The music of bards is an attempt to snatch and harness those echoes, subtly woven into their spells and powers. The greatest strength of bards is their sheer

Learning from Experience

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

Learning from Experience True bards are not common in the world. Not every minstrel singing in a tavern or jester cavorting in a royal court is a bard. Discovering the magic hidden in music requires

hard study and some measure of natural talent that most troubadours and jongleurs lack. It can be hard to spot the difference between these performers and true bards, though. A bard’s life is spent

Learning from Experience

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

Learning from Experience True bards are not common in the world. Not every minstrel singing in a tavern or jester cavorting in a royal court is a bard. Discovering the magic hidden in music requires

hard study and some measure of natural talent that most troubadours and jongleurs lack. It can be hard to spot the difference between these performers and true bards, though. A bard’s life is spent

Faction Agent

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

organization, but who serve as its hands, head, and heart. As a prelude to your adventuring career (and in preparation for it), you served as an agent of a particular faction in Faerûn. You might have

knowledge, rather than brute force. Harper agents are often proficient in Investigation, enabling them to be adept at snooping and spying. They often seek aid from other Harpers, sympathetic bards and

The Mournland

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

some places the ground has fused into jagged glass. In others, it is cracked and burned. Broken bodies of soldiers from various sides litter the landscape — soldiers whose dead bodies refuse to decompose

within its borders. And yet, it also holds the wealth and treasures of an entire nation, along with the secrets of House Cannith and everything else that was left behind. It’s dangerous. It’s mysterious

Harkon's Powers and Dominion

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

triumphs. Akriel idolizes Harkon and mimics his performing style to fuel her own career. As the Dark Powers don’t torment her as they do Harkon, her reputation steadily grows—much to her father’s

. Those who come here seeking him must first talk their way past the taverna’s heavily tattooed head bouncer and mixologist, the werewolf Haldrake Moonbaun. Closing the Borders. When Harkon chooses to

Build Your Group

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

Charisma to work in the service of the state. These characters often come from a noble background and bring proficiency in skills such as Intimidation and Persuasion to their work. Bards are natural fits in

Intelligence scores or proficiency in Investigation. Warden. The Warden’s focus isn’t so much on the people of the nation, but on the land encompassed within its borders, both cultivated and wild. Sometimes

Things to Do in Tavick's Landing

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

Walls alone holds more Cyran refugees than Karrnath has allowed across its borders. If you read the Sharn Inquisitive or the Korranberg Chronicle, you’ve heard the endless litany of how difficult life

is, tales of overcrowding, starvation, and disease. Although we at the Voice of Breland sympathize with all who suffer, we refuse to ignore the deadly threat in our midst. The majority of Cyrans who

The Old Dartwild Cabin

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

might hear you!” hisses another. Ebbin Fulchre and his three companions are unarmed commoners who refuse to enter the cabin, even on a dare. Morbid curiosity brought them here, but they’re nothing

imparts the following information: Grave Theft. Two halflings dug up his grave in the dead of night and stole his Canaith mandolin (an instrument of the bards). Frody wants it back. (“It was a gift

Mortuary Encounters

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Adventure Atlas: The Mortuary

to expel a dybbuk† from a corpse. The exorcist asks the characters to help in dispatch the Fiend. 9 Two bards† in the Heralds of Dust approach the characters and sing a ballad honoring the dead. If the

characters interrupt or otherwise ruin the tune, 1d4 irascible specters emerge from the walls and attack, causing the bards to flee. 10 Three skeleton farmers quietly tend to corpse-white grave

The Mourning

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

mists was horrifically transformed. Over a million Cyrans were killed on the day of Mourning. Those who survived were soldiers fighting in enemy territory, those living on the borders who were able to

state of shock. Who could unleash such power? Was this a weapon, and if so, when would those responsible issues their demands? Were the borders of the lingering walls of mist stable, or could they

Alignment

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

, Artemis is not an ideal adventurer. He began his career as a villain, and only cooperates with heroes when he must — and when it’s in his own best interests. In most games, evil adventurers cause

Viari

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

vengeance. Viari’s career as an adventurer was nearly cut short during a battle of which the bards still sing. Unleashing a devastating attack with the aptly named Apocalypse Dagger, the rogue destroyed a

Ruined

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

, and career. Maybe a rampaging dragon or another monster wiped out everything you had in a single calamitous afternoon. Or you might have sought out a Deck of Many Things, hoping to make your

successful life even more glorious—only to draw a destructive card that changed your destiny forever. Your desperation has driven you to the career of adventurer. You don’t seek out dark dungeons and their

Elves

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

relationships with people other than your kin. Qualinesti High Elves In Qualinesti, a scout warns of threats encroaching on the elven city’s borders Long ago, a group of high elves left Silvanesti, desiring

, Qualinesti elves even enjoyed good relations with the dwarves of Thorbardin. Since the Cataclysm, however, they’ve withdrawn from the world, and few outsiders dare approach their well-guarded borders. As

Core Assumptions

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

. The follower of a god serves as an agent of that god in the world. The agent seeks to further the ideals of that god and defeat its rivals. While some folk might refuse to honor the gods, none can

deny their existence. Much of the World Is Untamed. Wild regions abound. City-states, confederacies, and kingdoms of various sizes dot the landscape, but beyond their borders the wilds crowd in. People

Trading Post

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

expressed interest in excavating and restoring the previous site of the grippli village, a mile from its present location. Pond Mother saw no reason to refuse them, since their motives were seemingly

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.

People of Akros

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

are divided into three types of duty and armed appropriately for the task before them: Alamon. Rugged forces of wanderers patrol Akros’s borders, defending against invasion or attack by monsters that

or their family estates and go about the leisured life of aristocrats. Their households are run by a class of servants made up of lektoi who were unable or unwilling to undertake a military career

Leonin of Oreskos

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

focus has largely been within the grasslands’ borders, he cautiously explores engaging in trade with the human poleis Ironmanes One collection of leonin prides, the Ironmanes, doesn’t recognize the

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)

Alignment

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

evil character, Artemis is not an ideal adventurer. He began his career as a villain, and only cooperates with heroes when he must—and when it’s in his own best interests. In most games, evil

Halflings

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

Scholars, wizards, druids, and bards of other races have different ideas about how halflings escape peril, suggesting that by virtue of something in their nature, they occupy a special place in the

Today Throughout recorded history, halflings have never sought to expand their reach beyond the borders of their isolated communities. They live their lives satisfied with what the world has to offer

Vistani

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

traditions, many Vistani travel between domains, learning much of hidden lands, the many faces of evil, and the strange wonders of the Mists. A people unto themselves, Vistani refuse to be captives of a

domain’s borders. Most bands make their living primarily through craftwork (especially delicate silversmithing), horse rearing, and trading wares carried between domains. Meetings between Vistani bands are

Class Training

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

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

. 4 I decided to turn my natural lucky streak into the basis of a career, though I still realize that improving my skills is essential. 5 I took up with a group of ruffians who showed me how to get what

Factions

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

once sheltered three great elven realms beneath its boughs. Many tribes of wood elves — and a few moon elves — still protect the ruined monuments to their golden age. Few beyond the borders of the

Dwarves of the Multiverse

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

. Hill dwarves view their mountain cousins as overly grim shut-ins who refuse to believe that life is anything but a constant battle for survival. Mountain dwarves view their hill-dwelling relatives as

deity’s influence weakened Bhaerynden and left it vulnerable to the dark elves that threatened its borders. That claim might well be true, but shield dwarf scholars point out that those who abandoned

Mournland Environment

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

it was; the entire land is a scar left by the catastrophe of the Mourning. Mist Wall. The borders of the Mournland are defined by a wall of thick, gray mist that rises thousands of feet into the air

past the instant of their casting and start behaving as if they were independent, living creatures. A common misunderstanding about the Mournland is that healing spells refuse to work. The fact is

Lyn Armaal, Level 3

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder

. Two magic items are displayed here as well. Anstruth Harp. An exquisitely crafted harp sized for a human rests on a shelf. This instrument of the bards was acquired from a human bard who counseled

the constructs in area 27 to assist. If one or more characters surrender after causing harm to him or his family, he spares their lives but commands them to leave Lyn Armaal at once. If they refuse, or if they leave only to return at a later time, Thullen turns hostile and attacks them.

Temple of Tharizdun

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

ruined galley has buckled, and is cluttered with trash, driftwood, and other refuse washed up on the tide. To the east, the galley’s prow juts into the channel like a jagged fang, while the west side of

a tightly sewn oilcloth — an instrument of the bards (Cli lyre) found by a cultist years before. The lyre is the cult’s greatest treasure, and has been kept as a gift for the leader that the cultists

Lair Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves

to hurl enormous, 200-pound rocks to land as close as possible to a target on the ground. If the characters refuse to play, the galeb duhr are disappointed and return to their rest. Development. The

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

Upper City Gazetteer

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus

patriars, traveling nobles, famed bards, and socially ambitious Lower City residents hoping to rub shoulders with the elite. The inn is unfussy, but conducts its service with flawless technique and the

companies — a career that began in rebellion against her stodgy family. Realizing that her family needed a long term source of financial support, Yvandre opened a sword-wielding school in a guest

Upper City Gazetteer

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer

patriars, traveling nobles, famed bards, and socially ambitious Lower City residents hoping to rub shoulders with the elite. The inn is unfussy, but conducts its service with flawless technique and the

Flaming Fist and other mercenary companies — a career that began in rebellion against her stodgy family. Realizing that her family needed a long term source of financial support, Yvandre opened a sword

Area Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Nest of the Eldritch Eye

greatly. Upon noticing the characters enter, the ghost beseeches them for help in recovering its previous identity. If the characters refuse, the ghost sulks but isn’t hostile. Discovering the

holy symbol of Oghma, god of knowledge and patron to bards and wizards. If the check succeeds by 3 or more, the character intuits that rededicating the shrine to Oghma could help against the zombies

Lady's Ward

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

horned devil who turned their back on the Nine Hells long ago. Kind and merciful, the new high priest hopes the congregation will see their redeemed nature, but some of the temple’s clergy refuse to

, supposedly impartial magistrate appointed by the Guvners. Punishments are tailored to fit the crime, and advocates are strongly encouraged. Lawyers and orators, these civil servants include bards

Appendix: Roleplaying Cards

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Domains of Delight: A Feywild Accessory

and deal with the threat of an evil green dragon that nests there. Alignment. Chaotic good. Personality Trait. “I am an elf, and time is on my side. I refuse to give up—ever.” Ideal. “The elves

Zybilna is the archmage Iggwilv in a new form—a change for the better, in his estimation. He would never cross Zybilna, to whom he owes his career. Shon and his “hump” (a giant wolf spider named Gray

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