both before death cunning rivals

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.

Manshoon

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

, Wall of Force 1/Day Each: Befuddlement, Clone, Finger of Death, Mind Blank (cast before combat), SimulacrumProtective Magic. Manshoon casts Counterspell or Shield in response to the spell’s

duplicate himself, his allies, and even his rivals. Manshoon knows that keeping people guessing about hidden identities makes them easier to manipulate. Manshoon usually wears a mask and concealing

Drow Favored Consort

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

claim the throne themselves. Those favored consorts who prove their cunning gain the ear, and perhaps even the heart, of their priestess and are relied on to provide useful advice. No position of

consort is assured for long, though; Lolth’s priestesses are notoriously fickle, and a consort must often contend with rivals. Some favored consorts work behind the scenes to undermine the evils

Brackish Trudge

Monsters Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

sometimes ill-tempered and territorial, brackish trudges are usually content to mind their own business. When trudges are roused to defend themselves or drive off rivals, their punishing tusks laced

with deadly fungus spores can make short work of the unwary. Trudges are also notoriously difficult to slay; the energies of life and death within them allow them to survive harrowing injuries.Fire

Dunbarrow Witch

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

/day each: animal messenger, charm person, Tasha's hideous laughter 1/day each: bestow curse, dispel magic “Taste the sweetness, breath for breath. Keep the balance, death for death.&rdquo

or otters scurrying through the undergrowth, to deliver messages to allies or rivals across the marsh. Some witches animate bundles of sticks and roots to do their errands about the marsh for them

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.

Yuan-ti Mind Whisperer

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

with the serpent god Sseth, the Sibilant Death. They use their abilities to convert others to their faith, increase their personal power, and befuddle the minds of their enemies. Mind whisperers are

elusive, manipulative, unpredictable, and willing to cheat or kill comrades and rivals alike if doing so benefits them. The worshipers of Sseth have their hands in many schemes, often plying the middle

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

Lady Illmarrow

Monsters Eberron: Rising from the Last War

would be exterminated to the last member, and the Mark of Death would be eliminated from the world. The line of Vol had long been rivals of the Undying Court, and many whisper even today that the

, polymorph 5th level (3 slots): cloudkill, cone of cold, hold monster, scrying 6th level (2 slot): chain lightning, circle of death, create undead 7th level (2 slot): finger of death, forcecage

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

Splugoth the Returned

Monsters Acquisitions Incorporated

trust Omin Dran. Wait, that’s two pieces of advice. You owe me. Sometimes a goblin can’t catch a break. First, you fall in with a cult that works for the release of a death god. Then

. But as the point goblin for the group known as the Six (see “Factions and Rivals” in chapter 3), he’s made vengeance against Acq Inc and Omin Dran his life’s work. And then the work of his next life. And the one after that.

Smiler the Defiler

Monsters Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

shocking recklessness. Smiler thinks he can accomplish anything with a positive attitude and some death-defying stunt. Although he admits others might end up getting killed by his actions, he believes he

terrified the other warlords of Avernus for a while. Three of Smiler’s rivals — Bitter Breath, Feonor, and Princeps Kovik — joined forces to wipe out Smiler’s Defilers

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

Hutijin

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

repays the instigator with a long and agonizing death. Mephistopheles forbids Hutijin from making too many forays into the Material Plane, since the duke’s absence leaves him vulnerable to his

rivals. Other archdevils know how much Hutijin despises mortals and have secretly disseminated the means to call him from the Nine Hells in the hope of distracting the archdevil long enough for them to

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

Cloud Giant Destiny Gambler

Monsters Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

trickery. Years of successful wagers make destiny gamblers so confident in their ability to win any challenge that they invite potential rivals to name the terms of a wager. Those who are foolish enough to

destiny gambler’s Spellcasting action, each castable once per day: circle of death, harm, Otiluke's freezing sphere, sunbeam. Thunder

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

Emerald Dragon Wyrmling

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

spellcasting ability (spell save DC 12): At will: mage hand (the hand is invisible), minor illusionEmerald dragons are the most curious, cunning, and manipulative of the gem dragons, wielding

adventurers in the hopes of pitting them against fire giant rivals. Hoarded Histories Emerald dragons prize knowledge, particularly local histories that focus on magical events and individuals

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

Young Emerald Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

hand is invisible), minor illusion 1/day each: detect thoughts, invisibility, silent imageEmerald dragons are the most curious, cunning, and manipulative of the gem dragons, wielding psionic power to

experienced adventurers in the hopes of pitting them against fire giant rivals. Hoarded Histories Emerald dragons prize knowledge, particularly local histories that focus on magical events and

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

Boros Legionnaire

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

;sacred flame 1st guiding bolt, heroism 2nd aid, scorching ray 3rd beacon of hope, blinding smite 4th death ward, wall of fire 5th flame strike

. Contacts The ordered structure of the Boros Legion offers abundant opportunities to make friends — and rivals — in higher places. You might have close friends in other guilds that share the

Ashen Grotto Adventures

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

within, but the rivals no longer hold to tradition and seek to plunder the grotto’s treasures and power. Use your choice of Giantkind Encounters tables in chapter 3 for the rivals. Key to the Past A

steal the bone first. Tide of Death Fleeing from a horde comprising hundreds of zombies (as well as creatures from the Death Giant Encounters or Giant Necropolis Encounters table in chapter 3), villagers

Chimera

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

a great hoard. Its leonine nature compels it to hunt and kill powerful creatures that threaten its territory. Its goat head grants it a vicious, stubborn streak that compels it to fight to the death

. These three aspects drive a chimera to stake out a territory that is as large as 10 miles wide. It preys on wild game, viewing more powerful creatures as rivals to be humiliated and defeated. Its

Adversaries and Rivals

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

Adversaries and Rivals The final four chapters present new monsters and the two people responsible for the deck’s creation: Chapter 19: Skull. Drawing the Skull card summons an avatar of death, and

Feonor

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

Feonor Feonor is a willowy, neutral evil archmage with milky-white eyes and a parasol made of bones and human flesh. Her rivals know her as a powerful necromancer. They suspect that she fled the

frustrated sighs. Golden Doom Feonor rides around in a Demon Grinder called Golden Doom, so named because Mahadi fitted it with gilded death armor (see "Gilded Death Armor"). The vehicle is driven by a ghast

Remarkable Villains

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

Claw in battle. But part of the flavor of pulp adventure includes recurring villains who closely match the heroes—rivals who advance in power as you do. To create a compelling villain, the DM and

, when a pulp villain appears to die, they can devise remarkable escapes from death. Perhaps Halas had a ring that cast an illusion of his death while stabilizing him or cast feather fall when he leapt

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

Draegloth

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

of its mother’s house, lending its thirst for destruction to that house’s plans to triumph over its rivals. A draegloth is an ogre-sized, four-armed humanoid with purple-black skin and yellow-white

family’s rivals, which were not thus gifted. The birth prompts the leaders of the house to begin crafting new plans to strike at its rivals when the draegloth is fully grown. These plans always use

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