both before dead cunning royal

Cultist of Bhaal

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

financial recompense. These cunning serial killers and mass murderers remain a step ahead of investigators, at least until the cultists’ zealous bloodlust overwhelms their senses. Cultists The

adventurers Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul seized divinity but were slain for their hubris. All three have been reborn and are now known as the Dead Three. Each of the Dead Three has inspired wicked cults that

Madam Eva

Monsters Curse of Strahd

from evil and good 2nd level (3 slots): lesser restoration, protection from poison, spiritual weapon 3rd level (3 slots): create food and water, speak with dead, spirit guardians 4th level (3 slots

): divination, freedom of movement, guardian of faith 5th level (2 slots): greater restoration, raise dead 6th level (1 slot): find the path, harm, true seeing 7th level (1 slot): fire storm

Oblex Spawn

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

, the oblex—a slime capable of assaulting the minds of other creatures. These pools of jelly are cunning hunters that feed on thoughts and memories. The sharper the mind, the better the meal, so

plunders the creature’s mind, leaving its prey befuddled and confused—or dead. When oblexes feed on thoughts, they can form weird copies of their prey to use as lures, which helps them harvest even more victims for their mind flayer masters.

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

the dead. Three-headed cerberi commonly serve demons, but if left to their own devices, they often herd wily souls into labyrinthine Underworld wildernesses, then hunt them for sport. Feared by the

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

. If the brother gods are angry with them, they let the bugbears know with bolts of lightning (Hruggek) or by striking them blind or dead (Grankhul). Bugbears worship their gods simply by preying on

Lich Legacy

Monsters Basic Rules (2014)

, detect thoughts, invisibility, mirror image 3rd level (3 slots): animate dead, counterspell, dispel magic, fireball 4th level (3 slots): blight, dimension door 5th level (3 slots): cloudkill, scrying

. 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

Stone Cursed

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Cunning Opportunist. The stone cursed has advantage on the attack rolls of opportunity attack;opportunity attacks. False Appearance. If the stone cursed is motionless at the start of combat, it has

would be lost. Cryptic Whispers Even though a creature transformed into a stone cursed is long dead, a vague whisper of their memories lives on in the obsidian skull embedded within the stone cursed

Breath Drinker

Monsters The Book of Many Things

reduces the target’s Charisma to 0, the target dies. Until the breath drinker dies, the dead target can’t be returned to life by any means short of divine intervention. On a successful save

causing the creatures to devour themselves. Cunning stalkers, breath drinkers are usually solitary. Occasionally they serve powerful Far Realm entities or Elder Evils, consuming life and souls for their

Yuan-ti Malison (Type 3) Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

their race, allowing them to shed their frail humanity like dead skin. Those that did not transform eventually became slaves or food for the blessed of the serpent gods. The yuan-ti empires withered

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

Rahadin

Monsters Curse of Strahd

conquer them. The elf kingdom's royal line was obliterated, the dusk elves hunted like rabbits. The few that survived were either subjugated or forced to live among the Vistani. So pleased was Barov with

elves. Rahadin slew the female elves so that the males couldn't breed. He also sliced off the ears of Patrina's brother, Kasimir, who had orchestrated the stoning. Screams of the Dead. So dreadful a

Valindra Shadowmantle Legacy

Monsters Tomb of Annihilation

3rd level (3 slots): animate dead, counterspell, dispel magic, fireball 4th level (3 slots): blight, dimension door 5th level (3 slots): cloudkill, scrying 6th level (1 slot): disintegrate, globe

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

Adult Oblex

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

flayers created a special breed of Ooze, the oblex—a slime capable of assaulting the minds of other creatures. These pools of jelly are cunning hunters that feed on thoughts and memories. The

engulf its victim. As it withdraws, it plunders the creature’s mind, leaving its prey befuddled and confused—or dead. When oblexes feed on thoughts, they can form weird copies of their

Elder Oblex

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

jelly are cunning hunters that feed on thoughts and memories. The sharper the mind, the better the meal, so oblexes hunt targets more likely to be intelligent, such as wizards and other spellcasters. When

suitable fare comes within reach, an oblex draws its body up to engulf its victim. As it withdraws, it plunders the creature’s mind, leaving its prey befuddled and confused—or dead. When

Fraz-Urb'luu

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

trick, every ounce of demonic cunning, to manipulate his enemies—mortal and Fiend alike—to do his will. Fraz-Urb’luu can create dreamlands and mind-bending fantasies able to deceive the

see hallucinations of long-dead friends and comrades that vanish after only a brief glimpse. Twisted Paths. Roads and paths within 6 miles of the lair twist and turn back on themselves, making

Fraz-Urb'luu Legacy

Monsters Out of the Abyss

Deception and Demon Lord of Illusions. He uses every trick, every ounce of demonic cunning, to manipulate his enemies—mortal and fiend alike—to do his will. Fraz-Urb’luu can create

creatures within 1 mile of the lair frequently see hallucinations of long-dead friends and comrades that vanish after only a brief glimpse. Roads and paths within 6 miles of the lair twist and turn back on

Strahd, Master of Death House

Monsters Vecna: Eve of Ruin

. Spellcasting. Strahd casts one of the following spells, using Intelligence as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 18): At will: Detect Thoughts, Fog Cloud, Mage Hand 2/day each: Animate Dead (as an

legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Strahd regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn. Cunning Escape. Strahd moves up to

Adult Amethyst Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

amethyst crystals they spit at their foes. Royal Purple When first hatched, an amethyst dragon has scales of dull, opaque purple. As the dragon grows, their scales, horns, and wing membranes become more

. They prize locations with a combination of open space, connecting tunnels, and dead ends to make the most of their natural and magical mobility, using flight and teleportation to navigate obstacles in

Ancient Amethyst Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

foes. Royal Purple When first hatched, an amethyst dragon has scales of dull, opaque purple. As the dragon grows, their scales, horns, and wing membranes become more vibrant and translucent. When

, preferring caverns with at least one entrance submerged underwater. They prize locations with a combination of open space, connecting tunnels, and dead ends to make the most of their natural and

Adventures in Yeonido

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

mercenaries were hired by enemies of Yeonido seeking to undo the city from within. 3 Cunning spies are breaking into the homes of magistrates across the city, looking for proof that the Pearl of Mireu is

hidden under the royal palace. 4 A young red dragon appears, claims to be the dragon Mireu, and demands offerings for its ages of protection. The characters are hired to verify or debunk the dragon’s

Vampires

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual

the youngest vampires might be little more than bloodthirsty servants of their creators, the eldest possess incredible cunning and control over supernatural forces of the night. Undead vampires lie

. Vampire Resting Places 1d6 The Vampire’s Resting Place Is... 1 Among the roots of a dead tree. 2 At the bottom of a stagnant pool. 3 A coffin filled with grave dirt. 4

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

made from dead darkmantles 20 Cloaks made of scraps from an elven tapestry Booyahgs Spellcasters of any sort among the goblins are rare. Goblins typically lack the intelligence and

Location and Timing

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

points, spells, and other resources. Such an attack puts the characters at a huge disadvantage, but reinforces that the Cult of the Dragon wants the adventurers dead. A dramatic location works best for

declares that no place is safe from the cult, while an assault at a large marketplace or a royal garden guarantees a maximum number of witnesses.

Yeonido Customs

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

Yeonido Customs A character who wants to understand more about Yeonido’s customs related to gwishin and the dead can learn the following by asking the city’s residents or by succeeding on a DC 12

readily assist their neighbors and help one another if asked, but also go to great lengths to ignore—or plausibly not see—things that might be embarrassing to others. To speak ill of the royal family

Location and Timing

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

points, spells, and other resources. Such an attack puts the characters at a huge disadvantage, but reinforces that the Cult of the Dragon wants the adventurers dead. A dramatic location works best for

declares that no place is safe from the cult, while an assault at a large marketplace or a royal garden guarantees a maximum number of witnesses.

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

until my enemies are dead, no matter the cost. 4 I understand the value of civilization and the order that society brings. 5 I don’t trust anyone. 6 I believe in living to

Strahd von Zarovich

Monsters Curse of Strahd

, sleep 2nd level (3 slots): detect thoughts, gust of wind, mirror image 3rd level (3 slots): animate dead, fireball, nondetection 4th level (3 slots): blight, greater invisibility, polymorph 5th level

intelligently and do everything you can to make him a terrifying and cunning adversary for the player characters. When you run an encounter with Strahd, keep the following facts in mind: Strahd

Phenax

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

cloak of Athreos, the River Guide, who ushers the dead to their final rest. Hidden by illusion as he was, neither Athreos nor Erebos could find Phenax and bring him back. Able to play whatever role

the situation calls for, Phenax is a consummate actor. His incisive wit and cunning enable him to read the desires of his marks, adjusting his approach to suit the moment. In his rare moments of candor

Sovereign

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

, sultans, and rajahs are ready choices for powerful individuals who patronize a party of adventurers. Those on track to become such individuals—such as cunning senators, royal heirs, or influential

in a wilderness they’re not prepared to endure. 4 Ruler Returned. A tribe’s revered leader has returned from the dead and seeks to resurrect their past glories. 5 Hidden Power. A mysterious figure

Chapter 5: The Town of Vallaki

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd

the town’s current burgomaster, Baron Vargas Vallakovich. The Vallakoviches have royal blood in their veins and have long believed themselves superior to the Zarovich line. Baron Vallakovich has

leading up to the festival, Baron Vallakovich has begun arresting local malcontents and throwing them in the stocks so that his efforts aren’t ruined by “those of little hope or faith.” There is no light in the eyes of the men that feed off this land. They are as dead as the dead. —Strahd von Zarovich

High City

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer: Adventures in Space->Astral Adventurer’s Guide

mysterious owners, who are rumored to be adventurers. Royal Theater Company The Royal Theater has been in operation for over sixty years. The company’s lavish stage productions often feature magical

exchange for a donation in coins, gems, or art objects of a certain value, as noted in the Helpful Spells table. Helpful Spells Spell Donation Commune 1,000 gp Legend lore 1,500 gp Lesser restoration 150 gp Raise dead 2,000 gp Remove curse 250 gp Scrying 1,000 gp

The Vanthampur Family

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

The Vanthampur Family Thalamra Vanthampur is a cunning, devil-worshiping beast of a woman in her late sixties who can stare down a hell hound without flinching. She is barrel-bodied, with strong

complex below her villa. Thalamra is a widow three times over, and each of her dead husbands was kind enough to give her a son. Her oldest boy, Thurstwell, is a pale and sullen recluse in his forties. A

Vladeska Drakov

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

ancient grudges and petty atrocities in a land of bitterly feuding royal families. Infamous but respected, Drakov amassed a fortune and planned to retire young, buying a title and a realm to rule. The

empire: Falkovnia. Then, under a moonless sky, the dead rose against the land’s invaders. The surrounding villages fell to the zombies with hardly a sound, and undead claws scraped Lekar’s walls before

Madam Eva

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd

Madam Eva The fortune-teller Madam Eva lives among the Vistani but isn’t truly one of them. She appears to be in her seventies, but she is, in fact, much older. Royal Blood. Madam Eva is Strahd’s

. Madam Eva knows she is Strahd’s half-sister but has told no one of the royal blood flowing through her veins. Mother Night. Over four hundred years ago, Katarina came to Barovia and insinuated

Fabled Treasures

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation

grandfather clock inside a secret room (area 56). Skull Chalice of Ch’gakare This jeweled goblet was crafted from the skull of a long-dead Omuan king and served as a symbol of office for the royal line

The Mourning

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

holding their lines against the combined forces of Breland and Thrane. And then it all came to an end. Some say that the dead-gray mist began in Metrol, initially flowing out of the royal palaces of

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