both bards death cunning real

Shadowmoor Expert

Backgrounds Lorwyn: First Light

, chaotic place perpetually lit by pale moonlight. You might survive Shadowmoor’s merciless conditions thanks to your wit and cunning, or you might keep threats at bay with your brawn and bravery

. Regardless of where you tread, you keenly understand that friendship is a rare commodity. You believe that knowing who to trust and who to keep at arm’s length isn’t just practical— it’s often a matter of life or death.

Dream Eater

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 2: Dragonlance Creatures

dream eater lies not in brute force but in the ability to pierce its illusions and wrest others from its terrors. As such, bards and other persuasive adventurers find themselves uniquely poised to

) check to convince the engulfed target the nightmare isn’t real, with the target escaping on a success. The creature making the check takes 10 (3d6);{"diceNotation":"3d6", "rollType":"damage

Mist Hulk

Monsters Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

Air Form. The mist hulk can enter another creature’s space and stop there. It can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch without squeezing. Death Burst. When the mist hulk dies, it bursts in

":"Death Burst", "rollDamageType":"bludgeoning"} bludgeoning damage and has the prone condition. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage only.Multiattack. The mist hulk makes two Slam

Yuan-ti Nightmare Speaker Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

transformed. If it dies, it stays in its current form. Death Fangs (2/Day). The first time the yuan-ti hits with a melee attack on its turn, it can deal an extra 16 (3d10);{"diceNotation":"3d10

","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Death Fangs","rollDamageType":"necrotic"} necrotic damage to the target. Innate Spellcasting (Yuan-ti Form Only). The yuan-ti’s innate spellcasting ability is

Dzaan

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

militia recognized Dzaan by the way he walked and spoke. They captured him, gagged him, confiscated his spellbook, and condemned him to death. Dzaan’s Simulacrum. Unbeknownst to his executioners

tower contains a special room that can transform the simulacrum into a real person—or any magical illusion into the real thing, for that matter. If this change occurs, the simulacrum

Screaming Devilkin

Monsters Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1

denizens of the Feywild. Sages believe that their appearance derives from the primal fear inspired by fiendish creatures, while bards assert that panic, being such a repulsive emotion, is embodied by an

injured and shorn of all hope. The devilkin steal treasures, weapons, and supplies, dooming an expedition to a slow death. The devilkin fly near their victims, taunting them with the items they stole

Dracophage Subject

Monsters Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

Death Throes. When the draconian is reduced to 0 hit points, it dissolves into acid that splashes on those around it. Each creature within 5 feet of the draconian must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity

saving throw or be covered in acid for 1 minute. A creature covered in the acid takes 7 (2d6);{"diceNotation":"2d6", "rollType":"damage", "rollAction":"Death Throes", "rollDamageType":"acid"} acid

Kapak Draconian

Monsters Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

Death Throes. When the draconian is reduced to 0 hit points, it dissolves into acid that splashes on those around it. Each creature within 5 feet of the draconian must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity

saving throw or be covered in acid for 1 minute. A creature covered in the acid takes 7 (2d6);{"diceNotation":"2d6", "rollType":"damage", "rollAction":"Death Throes", "rollDamageType":"acid"} acid

Night Blade

Monsters Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

cause terrible pain and bleeding. Killers from the Shadows. Bhaal’s followers are cunning murderers who kill to strike fear and thrive on sowing terror in the cities they inhabit. They can call

rank are the death’s heads, who can take on the skull-faced guise of their deity to terrify their prey. In combat, they intimidate foes by shrugging off the deadliest attacks with ease, showing that resisting Bhaal’s schemes is futile.

Boss Delour

Monsters The Book of Many Things

more complex challenges the guild can take on as it grows in power. His only real fear is exposure; the bigger and more active the Moonstalkers become, the more likely they are to attract the attention

hybrid, a Medium giant rat, or his humanoid form. His statistics, other than his size and speed, are the same in each form. Any equipment he is wearing or carrying isn’t transformed. He reverts to his humanoid form if he dies. Cunning Action. Delour takes the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.

Hoard Mimic

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

true form if it dies.Kin to the common mimic described in the Monster Manual, hoard mimics are among the oldest and most cunning of their kind. A hoard mimic’s massive, amorphous form and shape

dragon’s lair to draw unwitting intruders away from the real riches—and into the mimic’s maw. If faced with unexpectedly fierce opposition, though, a hoard mimic might offer information about the true hoard in exchange for its life.

Sivak Draconian

Monsters Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

Death Throes. When the draconian is reduced to 0 hit points by a creature that is Large or smaller, the draconian crumbles into dust that then forms a spectral, shrieking image of the creature that

. Sivaks can magically change their features to mimic the appearance of those they’ve slain. This allows these cunning soldiers to sow confusion and despair among their enemies. When sivaks are

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

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 from the river and setting them loose on mortal settlements.Fire, Necrotic

Deep Crow

Monsters Acquisitions Incorporated

, echoing from the darkness like a death knell. For by the time those glowing red eyes fix on you, it's far too late to run … Some adventurers and sages whisper that deep crows were first spawned as

powers. But one thing all agree on is that ending up a meal for one of these monstrosities is a too-real threat for those who stumble into their deadly lairs. Though the deep crow most immediately

Blue Abishai

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

, wall of forceSeekers of forgotten lore and lost relics, blue abishais are the most cunning and learned of their kind. Their research into occult subjects gleaned from tomes plundered from across the

before death and, as a reward, found its soul transformed into a draconic devil to serve at her pleasure in the Nine Hells. Each type of abishai is associated with one of Tiamat’s five dragon

Strahd, Master of Death House

Monsters Vecna: Eve of Ruin

, Strahd takes 20 radiant damage at the start of his turn, has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks, and can’t use his Change Shape bonus action.Multiattack. Strahd makes two Death Strike

attacks. He can replace one of these attacks with Blighted Fire if available. Death Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +9;{"diceNotation":"1d20+9", "rollType":"to hit", "rollAction":"Death Strike"} to hit

Urchin Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

recuperate. You’ve survived despite all odds, and did so through cunning, strength, speed, or some combination of each. You begin your adventuring career with enough money to live modestly but

. (Lawful) 3 Change. The low are lifted up, and the high and mighty are brought down. Change is the nature of things. (Chaotic) 4 Retribution. The rich need to be shown what life and death

Lich Legacy

Monsters Basic Rules (2014)

6th level (1 slot): disintegrate, globe of invulnerability 7th level (1 slot): finger of death, plane shift 8th level (1 slot): dominate monster, power word stun 9th level (1 slot): power word

. Everything about a lich’s lair reflects its keen mind and wicked cunning, including the magic and mundane traps that secure it. Undead, constructs, and bound demons lurk in shadowy recesses

Urchin - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

elements, and endured sickness without the advantage of medicine or a place to recuperate. You’ve survived despite all odds, and did so through cunning, strength, speed, or some combination of each

) 3 Change. The low are lifted up, and the high and mighty are brought down. Change is the nature of things. (Chaotic) 4 Retribution. The rich need to be shown what life and death are like in

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

its nature. That aspect might drive it to drink itself nearly to death, or to throw itself into caring for others with such relentless energy that it eventually collapses from exhaustion

Valindra Shadowmantle Legacy

Monsters Tomb of Annihilation

of invulnerability 7th level (1 slot): finger of death, plane shift 8th level (1 slot): dominate monster, power word stun 9th level (1 slot): power word kill Turn Resistance. The lich has

reflects its keen mind and wicked cunning, including the magic and mundane traps that secure it. Undead, constructs, and bound demons lurk in shadowy recesses, emerging to destroy those who dare to disturb

Verdan

Species Acquisitions Incorporated

, the verdan found that they were often mistaken for smaller, green-skinned half-elves. Attracting curiosity but no real questions, they have thus been able to make their way reasonably freely in the

who study this entity claim that it is clearly evil and destructive. Others call it simply a necessary part of the cycle of death and rebirth. In the end, though, That-Which-Endures shows precious

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

gather and celebrate, dwell the followers of Yurtrus, the god of disease and death, and Shargaas, the god of darkness and the unknown. Orcs too weak for battle (because of bodily weakness, malformation

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

. Similarly, a druid uses such woods to make other objects, such as weapons and shields. Yew is associated with death and rebirth, so weapon handles for scimitars or sickles might be fashioned from it

Legends of Dayawlongon

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

poetry and song. This is why every community has one or more binukots, bards who serve as living repositories of art, culture, custom, and law. The death of a binukot can result in the loss of

Ancient Sapphire Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

tactics do. (Lawful) 6 Companionship. Sure, my hoard brings me great joy. But the real treasures are the guests who stop by to see it. (Good) Sapphire Dragon Adventures The Sapphire

discuss how they might reunite and restore Sardior, the Ruby Dragon. 2 A horde of revenant;revenants led by a death knight has one goal—destroying the ancient sapphire dragon who defeated

Developments

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

Developments This battle will likely be a challenge to run. It is designed to create an emotional low spot in the adventure, during which overall defeat for the forces of good looks like a real

possibility. Character death—even if temporary—can crush some players’ spirits. For those players, don’t make this battle just a relentless slog toward death. Give the adventurers opportunities to save

Developments

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

Developments This battle will likely be a challenge to run. It is designed to create an emotional low spot in the adventure, during which overall defeat for the forces of good looks like a real

possibility. Character death — even if temporary — can crush some players’ spirits. For those players, don’t make this battle just a relentless slog toward death. Give the adventurers opportunities to save

Resolving the Mystery

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

the real books back to Candlekeep without offering a compromise, the jackalweres put up a fight, though they’ll surrender rather than fight to the death. Losing the books is a great setback to the

Resolving the Mystery The characters’ interactions with the Amberdune Pack affect the resolution of this section, but they can discover what happened to the real books and find the original versions

Talentan Characters

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

born in the wild, and your wits and your weapons helped you survive. Talenta warriors are often barbarians or rangers, relying on speed and skill. However, cunning and charisma are equally important

, and bards and rogues certainly have a place on the plains. Outlander is a logical background, but you could easily be a bold folk hero, a dashing entertainer, or a clever charlatan. You could even be an

Shadowmoor Expert

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lorwyn: First Light

a gloomy, chaotic place perpetually lit by pale moonlight. You might survive Shadowmoor’s merciless conditions thanks to your wit and cunning, or you might keep threats at bay with your brawn and

bravery. Regardless of where you tread, you keenly understand that friendship is a rare commodity. You believe that knowing who to trust and who to keep at arm’s length isn’t just practical—it’s often a matter of life or death. AURORE FOLNY

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

new leader can act as the real boss. If the creature brushes aside such manipulation, the tribe falls into line behind the new tyrant—better to abide the new rule than conspire against it and be

Half-Orcs of the Shadow Marches

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

strength of the orc and the cunning of the human. The rise of House Tharashk has brought prosperity to the Marches. Many of the Marcher clans work for the house in some capacity, and you could be an

world. This is also a logical path for a warlock using the Great Old One pact. You could be a simple hunter from the Shadow Marches. You might have fought as a mercenary in the Last War, or you could be seeking your fortune or a real challenge in the world that lies beyond.

Risibilos

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

thoroughly humorless that he forbade his subjects the privilege of laughter, upon pain of death. He is now cursed to entertain others, a task he is utterly unqualified for. Fortunately, the Mists

delivered him a partner, a ventriloquist’s dummy carved in the likeness of Strahd von Zarovich. The eerie dummy has a mind of its own, insisting that it is the real Strahd and that the creature currently

Eldeen Characters

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

fey creatures. Bards and archfey warlocks are often found among the Greensingers, and the Circles of Dreams works well for Greensinger druids. The Gatekeepers protect the natural world from unnatural

to release bound elementals. Barbarians are often found among the Ashbound, and Berserker and Storm Herald are logical paths. The Children of Winter believe that death is a natural part of life. This

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