borders before devotees cunning rule

Troglodyte Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

in the shallow depths of the Underdark in a constant state of war against their neighbors and one another. They mark the borders of their territories with cracked bones and skulls, or with

have such items. A troglodyte tribe might be torn apart by battles over a single longsword. Devotees of Laogzed. Some troglodytes venerate Laogzed, a demonic, monstrously fat toad-lizard that slumbers

Choldrith

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

spiderlike creatures originally created to serve Lolth. They rule colonies of chitine;chitines and lead them into battle in Lolth’s war against her enemies. When devotees of Lolth created the first

dedicated solely to her, but the devotees performed no such ritual. As revenge for the devotees’ betrayal, the Spider Queen manipulated the creation rituals so that they sometimes created

Fist of Bane

Monsters Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

who seek to rule through martial strength and intimidation, cruel tyrants who use threats and gifts as needed to ensure loyalty. They enslave those too weak to resist them and shower the strong with

gifts and promises of power to turn them into loyal vassals. Cruel Tyrants. Whenever Bane’s followers gain power, they institute draconian measures to ensure that their rule is unquestioned. They

Iron Consul

Monsters Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

immediately use its reaction to make one melee attack.Bane’s devoted followers are warriors who seek to rule through martial strength and intimidation, cruel tyrants who use threats and gifts as

followers gain power, they institute draconian measures to ensure that their rule is unquestioned. They stamp out all opposition while richly rewarding those who swear fealty. Warrior Cult. Cultists of

Underworld Cerberus

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

deep in the Underworld. Terrifying and cunning, they guard portals between the wards of the Underworld, Erebos’s greatest treasures, and noteworthy souls who might attempt to escape the realm of

living and the dead, cerberi patrol both banks of the Tartyx River. These multiheaded hounds of the Underworld breathe gouts of molten rock that sear and imprison those who trespass upon the borders of

Raezil

Monsters The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

Cunning Action. On each of her turns, Raezil can use a bonus action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action. Fey Ancestry. Raezil has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic

on the politics of Prismeer. Once she is no longer petrified, Raezil is bound by the rule of reciprocity (see “Rules of Conduct” in chapter 2) to help the characters complete any

Yuan-ti Malison (Type 3) Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

impossible to manipulate, influence, or control by nonmagical means, even as it seeks to control other creatures through terror, pleasure, and awe. Yuan-ti know that the world they hope to rule can

are cunning and ruthless tacticians who readily sacrifice lesser yuan-ti if potential victory justifies such losses. They have no sense of honorable combat and strike first in decisive ambush if they

Forlarren

Monsters Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1

, chaotic, and temperamental nature they all share. When its diabolical aspect shines through, a forlarren is a cunning, calculating, and brutal enemy. It might use its natural charm to worm its way

, set itself up as a petty lord, and rule over all those who fall into its grasp. A Sinister Cycle. A forlarren in its fey aspect demonstrates self-destructive urges that reflect the inherent tension in

Baphomet

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

minotaur with six iron horns. A fiendish light burns in his red eyes. Although he is filled with bestial blood lust, there lies within him a cruel and cunning intellect devoted to subverting all

1d10;{"diceNotation":"1d10", "rollType":"roll", "rollAction":"Days"} days. Cultists of Baphomet Baphomet grants his cultists special abilities. All his devotees gain the Labyrinthine Recall trait

Chapter 2: Creating an Archfey

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

complex personalities. Powerful archfey such as the Summer Queen and the Queen of Air and Darkness rule vast domains, and their influence is so great that their courts stretch beyond the borders of their

Domains of Delight to the far ends of the Feywild. Other, lesser known archfey rule domains that are minuscule by comparison, but no less wondrous. A unicorn and its rider defend an archfey’s palace

Bugbear Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

. Cunning Grankhul is the younger one, and in the stories bugbears tell, he gifted them with stealth but in return he sapped their vigor, so that bugbears sleep in his stead while he remains eternally alert

bugbears recognize two other gods, both of which they disdain and fear: Maglubiyet and Skiggaret. Maglubiyet, the leader of the goblinoid pantheon, forced both brothers to submit to his rule, but

Baphomet

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

cunning and physical power. He grants his rank-and-file followers the Unerring Tracker trait, and cult leaders gain the Incite the Hunters trait. All of his devotees also gain the Labyrinthine Recall

Druid Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

. Whether calling on the elemental forces of nature or emulating the creatures of the animal world, druids are an embodiment of nature’s resilience, cunning, and fury. They claim no mastery over

includes the worship of Nature as a primal force beyond personification, but also encompasses the worship of Beory, the Oerth Mother, as well as devotees of Obad-Hai, Ehlonna, and Ulaa. In the worlds

Far Traveler

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

here as part of some such delegation, then decided to stay when the mission was over. Mulhorand. From the terrain to the architecture to the god-kings who rule over these lands, nearly everything

and wonderful! (Chaotic) 4 Cunning. Though I may not know their ways, neither do they know mine, which can be to my advantage. (Evil) 5 Inquisitive. Everything is new, but I have a thirst

Choldrith

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monsters of the Multiverse

Choldrith Choldriths are monstrous spiderlike creatures originally created to serve Lolth. They rule colonies of chitines (in this book) and lead them into battle in Lolth’s war against her enemies

. When devotees of Lolth created the first chitines, she watched as her followers used arcane magic and demonic powers and invoked her aid for the divine spark needed to ensure the subjects’ survival

Those Who Rule

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

Those Who Rule The following sahuagin rule the fortress, oversee its armed forces, and direct its worship of Sekolah. Baroness Seklaz The initial attack against the lizardfolk and the subsequent

occupation of the fortress were the baroness’s doing. She is a cunning war strategist and has a measure of patience that serves her well. She has an excellent relationship with the high priestess, with

Goblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

appreciation for the finer things! — Volo Goblins occupy an uneasy place in a dangerous world, and they react by lashing out at any creatures they believe they can bully. Cunning in battle and

opportunity to supervise and dominate such creatures, which have no status at all. WHO'S THE BOSS? Goblins pattern the rule of their tribes after the whip-cracking rule of their god, Khurgorbaeyag

Meletis

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

and oppression throughout the world, and guards against hypocrisy within its own borders. For a time, Kynaios and Tiro ruled Meletis, striving to govern in accordance with the highest philosophical

and ethical principles, which ultimately led them to relinquish their power and establish a philosopher-led republic. After the kings’ deaths, the council of scholars known as the Twelve took up rule of

Mimic

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

Mimic Mimics are shapeshifting predators able to take on the form of inanimate objects to lure creatures to their doom. In dungeons, these cunning creatures most often take the form of doors and

assumes its amorphous form and on parts the mimic uses to move itself. Cunning Hunters. Mimics live and hunt alone, though they occasionally share their feeding grounds with other creatures. Although most

Reeva

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

interests in intrigue and magic intensified when she discovered a hidden library beneath the Cerulean Citadel—a repository of insidious magic hearkening back to the rule of certain tyrannical Vasavadan

destruction. Reeva is a cunning plotter, strategist, and manipulator. She applies these talents to her magic, entreating fiends for aid and using them to hasten the day when no one will underestimate her

Aundair

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

vineyards of Bluevine, Aundairians value wit and wisdom. Aundairians prefer finesse to brute force and appreciate cunning wordplay and fine fashions. The Sovereign Host is the dominant faith of Aundair, with

, but she has never abandoned the dream of a Galifar reunited under her rule. While Aundair is a small nation, its arcane superiority allowed it to hold its own during the Last War. Many believe

Sora Kell, the Queen of the Night

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

knowledge by force and cunning. A mighty wizard with magic worthy of epic tales, she is a monster whose adamantine claws can flense whole armies before any soldier can land a blow on her plated hide

. Tales of Sora Kell claim she is the first night hag, born from Khyber in the first age of the world alongside the ancient rakshasas. Some even claim that her daughters—the hags who rule Droaam—are

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

body, thought, and emotion. Freed from the limitations of their human bodies, the yuan-ti used their new abilities to conquer new lands and expand their borders. One Race, Many Forms The bodies of all

the blood, as it once did. Because their population is so small, the yuan-ti are aware they are vulnerable in open warfare. Instead, their current plans assume they will never rule outwardly in

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

created the orcs and continues to direct their destiny. He is aided and abetted by the other warrior deities, Bahgtru and Ilneval, who bring strength and cunning to the battlefield. The followers of all

Luthic. He predicts that the war will end with Luthic the only deity standing, as the cave mother ascends to rule her warrior children. Life in the Tribe Orcs survive through savagery and force of

The Dragon Armies

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

staggering advantage not seen on battlefields for over a thousand years. The Dragon Queen has elevated her five most cunning and devout followers to the rank of dragon highlord, each commanding one of

the region’s nomads under Dragon Army rule. The half-ogre Lucien of Takar commands the Black Dragon Army, whose focused force supports the other armies and occupies the lands they conquer, including

Dracolich

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

, driven to rule over all. A dracolich is a fiendishly intelligent tyrant that crafts complex webs of foul schemes, attracting servants motivated by greed and a lust for power. Acting from the shadows

and actively plotting to keep its existence a secret, a dracolich is a cunning and challenging foe. Dracolich Phylacteries. Creating a dracolich requires the cooperation of the dragon and a group of

Troglodyte

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

Troglodyte Violent and ever-hungry, troglodytes squat in the shallow depths of the Underdark in a constant state of war against their neighbors and one another. They mark the borders of their

armor, and fight among one another for the right to have such items. A troglodyte tribe might be torn apart by battles over a single longsword. Devotees of Laogzed. Some troglodytes venerate Laogzed, a

Aarakocra

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

birdlike humanoids guard the windy borders of their home against invaders from the Elemental Plane of Earth, such as gargoyles, their sworn enemies. Enemies of Elemental Evil. In service to the Wind

it takes to guard against the incursions of Elemental Evil. Aarakocra have no concept of political borders or property ownership, and the value of gems, gold, and other precious materials means

The Age of Humanity

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

of the Narrow Sea joined under the rule of the shaman-king Nether, becoming known as the empire of Netheril. The Netherese learned the use of magic from the Eaerlanni elves and became renowned wizards

. Ahghairon declared that wisdom, not strength of arms, would rule in the city from now on, and created the Lords of Waterdeep. These and other nations and great city-states rose to prominence along the

Mad Maggie

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

combat, carving out vicious fiefdoms for themselves. Mad Maggie is one such warlord. Mad Maggie is a night hag with the demeanor of a kindly grandmother, but her warm smile masks a cruel cunning. In

to Asmodeus, which led to her becoming an archdevil worthy to rule Avernus. Mad Maggie is obsessed with Zariel’s cataclysmic saga and scours the wastelands of Avernus for more such relics. In the

Cerberi

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

trespass upon the borders of life and death. Most cerberi have a boundless hunger for fresh meat, especially the flesh of humanoids. Villains have been known to exploit that hunger by luring cerberi away

to the Underworld’s borders. Two-Headed Cerberus Medium monstrosity, lawful evil Armor Class 12 Hit Points 39 (6d8 + 12) Speed 40 ft. STR 15 (+2) DEX 14 (+2) CON 14 (+2

Devil Customization Tables

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

smart as me, and I need to prove that all the time. 3 There’s a rule for everything. 4 If I can’t seize control, I’ll serve in the meantime. 5 I’m a bully who backs down when faced with any sort of

, but I obey them. 3 Ambition. The need to improve my station drives my every action. 4 Conquest. I am equal to the sum of the foes I have defeated in combat. 5 Cunning. Those who can see an advantage

Genies

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

found on the Material Plane. The rest reside on the Elemental Planes, where they rule from lavish palaces and are attended by worshipful servants. Genies are as brilliant as they are mighty, as proud as

wind, a flash of fire and smoke, or a burst of water and foam. Rule or Be Ruled. Mortal servants validate a genie’s power and high self-opinion. A hundred flattering voices are music to a genie’s ears

Core Assumptions

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

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

other for power. Some seek to preserve the world and usher in a golden age. Others strive toward evil ends, seeking to rule the world with an iron fist. Still others seek goals that range from the

Black Dragon Adventures

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

Connected Creatures 1 After breaking free from captivity at the hands of a cocky mage, a cunning black dragon wyrmling claimed the mage’s amulet—and the suits of animated armor the amulet controls

types of blights to spread prodigiously and upset nature’s balance. 4 A black dragon wyrmling is setting cunning traps along local roadways, hoping to injure horses and draft animals for easy

D&D Beyond

Search Results