born before drive contrast resolve

Sammaster (Dracolich Form)

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

. History Sammaster was a keenly intelligent wizard born centuries ago. A quick study throughout his itinerant apprenticeship, Sammaster primarily studied magic relating to dragons. After learning all

dracoliches, magically bound dragons to his service, and learned how to drive dragons across Faerûn into a berserk rage. He considered his intellect beyond morality and became paranoid, resentful, and

Sammaster (Lich Form)

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

Sammaster was a keenly intelligent wizard born centuries ago. A quick study throughout his itinerant apprenticeship, Sammaster primarily studied magic relating to dragons. After learning all he could from

bound dragons to his service, and learned how to drive dragons across Faerûn into a berserk rage. He considered his intellect beyond morality and became paranoid, resentful, and megalomaniacal

Dragonborn Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

it, this time, seemed completely still—the indifference of a dragon, even to Farideh. — Erin M. Evans, The Adversary Born of dragons, as their name proclaims, the dragonborn walk

to the clan can result in expulsion and exile. Each dragonborn knows his or her station and duties within the clan, and honor demands maintaining the bounds of that position. A continual drive for

Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

insults with vengeance. Like the branches of a young tree, elves are flexible in the face of danger. They trust in diplomacy and compromise to resolve differences before they escalate to violence. They

. “All that haste, their ambition and drive to accomplish something before their brief lives pass away—human endeavors seem so futile sometimes. But then you look at what they have

Genasi Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

ties to two worlds, yet belonging to neither. Some genasi are born of mortal–genie unions, others have two genasi as parents, and a rare few have a genie further up their family tree, manifesting

a planar convergence. Elemental energy saturates any creatures in the area and might alter their nature enough that their offspring with other mortals are born as genasi. Heirs to Elemental Power

Using These Rules

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

, a character can approach Studying in any way they desire, with that phase then culminating in a single ability check of their choice. In contrast, Testing requires ability checks using specific skills

. In each phase, resolve the outcome of one character’s ability checks before moving on to another character. (If any characters are studying together, however, resolve their ability checks at the

Lizardfolk Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

hold and controls their actions. In contrast, lizardfolk see emotions as traits assigned to other creatures, objects, and situations. A lizardfolk doesn’t think, “I’m scared.&rdquo

pity. Born into the world lacking stout scales and sharp teeth, it’s a wonder they have managed to survive for so long. The typical human would barely make it through a day in the swamps. Still

Kalashtar Legacy

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

I am kalashtar, born of two worlds. Over a thousand years ago, my ancestor bound her bloodline to the spirit Kashtai, and I am a child of that union. Kashtai moves within me. Her memories come to

. Kalashtar Quirks 1d10 Quirk 1 You try to understand the motives and feelings of your enemies. 2 You prefer using telepathy over speaking aloud. 3 You feel a strong drive to

Druid Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

, animals, or elemental forces. The ancient druidic traditions are sometimes called the Old Faith, in contrast to the worship of gods in temples and shrines. Druid spells are oriented toward nature and

nature, coming face to face with a giant eagle or dire wolf and surviving the experience. Maybe your character was born during an epic storm or a volcanic eruption, which was interpreted as a sign that

Character Creation

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

of the corruptible, the resolve of the truly heroic—the Dark Powers savor these traits. Whether for a night or an eternity, Ravenloft seeks heroes of all sorts and pits them against their greatest

also explore how mystery might drive your character. Horror Trinkets. Learn what creepy curio inspires or haunts your adventures. Monster hunters Gennifer and Laurie Weathermay- Foxgrove corner the werewolf Natalia Vhorishkova

Vistani Lore

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

prosperity, sharing their good fortune with friends and strangers alike. Vistani resolve disagreements through contests that end with reconciliatory singing, dancing, and storytelling. Vistani families can

Domains of Dread, where creatures born in darkness dwell. This “gift” was thrust upon them by mysterious entities called the Dark Powers, as a boon for their kindness toward strangers. The Vistani

Halflings

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

Halflings Folk think of elves as aloof and graceful, dwarves as fierce and hardy, and of gnomes — if they think of them at all — as clever and shy. Halflings, in contrast, have the reputation of

aspects of the two groups’ cultures make them distinct, but even without such trappings they are distinct due to a divergence in what seems to be a primal drive: to go or to stay. Lightfoot halflings are

Demonic Boons

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

is of the same level as the spell it replaces. A typical demon can impart boons to a number of creatures equal to the demon’s number of Hit Dice. In contrast, demon lords have no limit on the number

and drives a person toward acts of chaos, evil, and madness. Rejecting a boon likely provokes a demon’s wrath. The Abyss’s infinite varieties of evil are not born only from the souls of mortals

Studies and Philosophy

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

fundamental conflict at the heart of Lorehold’s philosophy. This conflict revolves around the forces that underlie and drive history. Is the course of time driving toward a well-ordered ideal state or

—law, religion, economics, education, social class, and so on—and how those structures drive historical events. Order focuses on systemic changes and the actions of people collectively. The perspective

Valenar Characters

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

opportunities. As one of the vassals, you could be a guild artisan working for the elves, an urchin born in Taer Valaestas, or even a folk hero fighting to protect the common folk. Dreams. What is it you

bond to a patron ancestor, a place in a warband, and a chance at immortality? Or are you more interested in building a homeland for your own people? As a native, do you want to work with the elves or do you want to drive them out—and if so, who do you want to replace them?

Marcher Characters

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

independence and suspicious of the houses. Your ties to the Marches might be distant because you were born to a family that left years ago. Do you want to rediscover your ancestral roots? Madness and

contrast, the Marcher tribes maintain traditions that predate humanity. As nomadic hunter-gatherers, they don’t work metals; they make their tools from stone, hide, wood, and bone. If your character

Childhood

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

is an elf of their own kind, for when the primal elves went against Corellon and took permanent shapes, they chose this fate for themselves. How many elves are born to which parents or in any given

Arvandor into the world, bringing them down from the heavens to begin their mortal lives anew. A decade in which many elves are born across the world is thought to be a harbinger of danger that great

Valenar Characters

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

, a sailor, or a guild artisan working to support the elf army, or you might be a charlatan seeking opportunities. As a human from Valenar, you could be an urchin born in Taer Valaestas, or a folk hero

the elves or do you want to drive them out—and if so, who do you want to replace them? Animal Companions. Feytouched beasts play an important role in Valenar society. The Valenar are known for their

The Dungeon Master

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

The Dungeon Master The Dungeon Master (DM) is the creative force behind a D&D game. The DM creates a world for the other players to explore, and also creates and runs adventures that drive the story

game sessions to resolve. When strung together, these adventures form an ongoing campaign. A D&D campaign can include dozens of adventures and last for months or years. A Dungeon Master gets to wear

Genasi Lands

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

own and typically adopt the cultures and societies into which they are born. The more strange their appearance, the harder time they have. Many genasi lose themselves in teeming cities, where their

to the east. Some remain in their ancient homeland. In contrast, water and earth genasi have no common history. Individuals have difficulty tracing their own lineage, and bloodlines occasionally skip a

The Mourning and You

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

represents you channeling these vengeful ghosts. Is there a way to lay these spirits to rest? Do they have unfinished business they want you to resolve? As a sorcerer your arcane powers could be the

that you may be increasing the power of the Mourning with each spell you cast? As a warlock your patron could be interested in the Mourning and drive you to learn more about it. Your patron could even

Genies

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

of the Elements. A genie is born when the soul of a sentient living creature melds with the primordial matter of an elemental plane. Only under rare circumstances does such an elemental-infused soul

offspring, as all new genies are born out of the same mysterious fusion of spirit energy and elemental power. A genie with a stronger connection to its mortal soul might choose to sire a child with a

Cult of the Black Earth

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

, and unyielding resolve. They are deliberate and slow to act, careful to consider their plans and gather their strength before beginning any new enterprise. Once earth cultists resolve to act, they

everyone around him in contempt. Marlos began life as a human aristocrat, born into a wealthy Cormyrean family. He squandered his family’s wealth on endless self-indulgence, seeking more questionable forms

Zariel

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

, that change signaled a major shift in the devils’ tactics. Zariel’s fiery temperament and reckless maneuvering stand in stark contrast to Bel’s approach, which relied on his expertise in logistics and

a defeat that leads to her removal. For now, though, the devils are fighting with a berserker fury under her charge. Zariel leads their offensives herself, and her unyielding resolve coupled with the

Finding Torg's

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

employees close to her. She employs Sephek Kaltro as a bodyguard and pays four others (neutral evil human bandits) to drive and protect the other two sleds. Torrga is interested only in profits, turns a

unheated place such as a barn or an abandoned cottage. When asked about his odd style of dress, Sephek Kaltro claims that he was born on the holiday of Midwinter and that the Frostmaiden’s blessing

When Clans Collapse

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

individuals in a clan to fall prey to occasional bickering and infighting. Abbathor’s influence affects some dwarves more than others, and even those with the strongest resolve can be tempted to

dedication to its goals strains the bonds between elements that must work together for the clan to prosper. Feuds between artisans drive wedges between families. Dwarf traders strike deals that fail to benefit

Cult of the Eternal Flame

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

encompasses fiendish inventiveness and a drive to devise new tools for their mad cause. They are masters of fire and forge, taking captives to work in their infernal foundries. Fire cultists see conquest

themselves superior to her, and she stops at nothing to make them see her as a figure to be feared and respected. Vanifer was born and raised in the crushing poverty of Calimport’s poorest quarters, armed

Mind Flayer Thralls

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

to use humanoids as thralls, since they have a good balance of physical attributes and proper anatomy. Animals, in contrast, require a lot of direct oversight and lack the ability to use tools to help

fool of fools. Illithid brains are poisonous, and drive humans insane with a flood of memories at every bite. Er, ask me not how I know this. — Elminster Duergar Mind flayers have hated duergar

Dragon Encounters

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

seeing the inside of the dragon’s home. This scenario also means an adult or older dragon has access to lair actions. In contrast, a dragon fighting outdoors can more easily fly out of reach of opponents

directs at least one attack each round at such a character. 4 The dragon tries to drive the characters off by emotionally hurting or humiliating them—threatening something they obviously care about

Battlefield Events

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Divine Contention

successfully completed the “Icingdeath and Twinkle” quest). After this time, allied reinforcements rally to secure the palisade in this section and drive back the undead. The party holds the line

. Use your judgement to resolve any plans that the players devise and award them appropriately (see “Narrative Combat”). If the gate is demolished, the players must hold the line alongside the defenders

Regional Effects

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

disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. Leaves change color to contrast with those trying to hide among them, branches move to reveal creatures, fog clears, and so on. Smooth Roads. Difficult terrain

that are born within 6 miles of the lair have a high likelihood of being half-dragons. Draconic Tint. Creatures that live within 6 miles of the lair develop coloration similar to the dragon’s

The Mourning

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

way to lay these spirits to rest? Do they have unfinished business they want you to resolve? As a sorcerer, your magical powers could be the result of your exposure to the Mourning. Were you physically

each spell you cast? As a warlock, your patron could be interested in the Mourning and drive you to learn more about it. Your patron could even be part of the Mourning—perhaps a collective of spirits

Battle Master

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

a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to drive the target back. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and if the target is Large or smaller

resolve of one of your companions. When you do so, choose a friendly creature who can see or hear you. That creature gains temporary hit points equal to the superiority die roll + your Charisma

Other Religious Systems

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

), or even forces and philosophies that don’t center on deities. Tight Pantheons In contrast to a loose pantheon, a tight pantheon focuses on a single religion whose teachings and edicts embrace a small

existence. Initiates are born into a new life, remaining in the world of mortal affairs but feeling elevated to a higher sphere. The initiate is promised a place in the god’s realm after death, but also

The Greyhawk Setting

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

, those touched by the gods, creatures born with supernatural power, and individuals who study the secrets of the multiverse. Histories and fireside tales are filled with the exploits of those who

except the strange powers of the old hermit living in the nearby woods, which they regard with suspicion and mention only in whispers. By contrast, magic is common enough in the Free City of Greyhawk

D&D Beyond

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