both believe diffusing cunning retain

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.

Mev Flintknapper

Monsters Out of the Abyss

Stone Camouflage. The gnome has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in rocky terrain. Gnome Cunning. The gnome has advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws

professional fighters that take up arms for pay or to protect something they believe in or value. Their ranks include soldiers retired from long service and warriors who never served anyone but themselves.

Bugbear Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

deities who are brothers, Hruggek and Grankhul. Hruggek is the fearsome elder sibling, possessed of legendary might and prowess in battle. Bugbears believe their strength and bravery come from him

. 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

Shifter Legacy

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

weretouched, as many believe they are the descendants of humans and lycanthropes. Whatever their origins, shifters have evolved into a unique race. They are humanoids with a bestial aspect; while they

body and mind. Some shifters believe that these spirits are independent entities, and they may speak of Bear or Wolf as ancestors or guides. Most just see the beast within as a formidable expression

Centaur Legacy

Species Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

In the sprawling city of Ravnica, where “open road” seems like a contradiction and “open plain” is sheer nonsense, centaurs nevertheless retain a love of wide spaces and the

memory — and, the centaurs believe, some shard of the spirit — of the departed. Centaurs don’t use family names, but they wear symbols that represent their family membership. These

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

— yuan-ti make perfect courtiers. And, worse for the rest of us, rulers. — Elminster The physical and magical prowess of the yuan-ti empire allowed the former humans to retain their

they don’t believe they have a reasonable chance of success. This reaction isn’t out of cowardice, but practicality—yuan-ti value their own lives much too highly to risk them when the

Hobgoblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

two and the more frequently honored. He is seen as a stoic, cold-blooded, and tyrannical leader, and hobgoblins believe he expects the same behavior from them. Bargrivyek is a god of duty, unity, and

Maglubiyet, the greater god allows them to retain a measure of their influence over the hobgoblins because their philosophies are in line with his own. Hobgoblins don’t build temples to their gods, lest

Zuggtmoy

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

. Most are druids who want to exterminate civilization and replace it with wild plants and fungus, or deluded, power-hungry individuals who believe that they would retain their identities while they

Zuggtmoy The Demon Queen of Fungi has many traits similar to those of Juiblex. Some sages believe she is the originator of all fungi and molds, from the mushrooms that grow in the forest to the

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

religions of the world. They believe that every living thing and every natural phenomenon—sun, moon, wind, fire, and the world itself—has a spirit. Their spells, then, are a means to

Worshipers of Ghaunadaur

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

. Halaster rewards these mad zealots by transforming them into oozes that retain most of their memories and intelligence. These servants of Ghaunadaur believe the god himself has blessed them. The Mad Mage

Aundair

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

the towers of Fairhaven to the common folk working the vast vineyards of Bluevine, Aundairians value wit and wisdom. Aundairians prefer finesse to brute force and appreciate cunning wordplay and fine

Aundair is a small nation, its arcane superiority allowed it retain its dominion during the Last War. The people of Aundair know that knowledge is power, and they take pride in their nation’s magical

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

the plane of Acheron. It is there in the afterlife where the chosen ones will join Gruumsh and his armies in their endless extraplanar battle for supremacy. Gods of the Orcs Orcs believe their gods

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

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

The Returned

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

might once have held meaning. Other Returned visit anographers and describe what scraps of memory they retain. Some believe hidden wisdom lies upon these scrolls, clues to ancient mysteries, or hints

separated from their memories, which become wandering eidolons (see chapter 6). They retain their personalities and skills, but each Returned tends to be a very different being from who they once were

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

Chapter 8: The Styes

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

Lantern Ghost killer is caught and executed, some in the district believe that the true killer is still out there. It’s left to the adventurers to follow the clues that the local militia ignores

treated to perhaps the most memorable depiction of both a cunning aboleth plot and a sinister cult of Tharizdun. Many adventures are set aboard a ship at sea. Can you name another that challenges you to infiltrate a moldering ship held aloft by a crane, above the streets of a slowly dying city?

Orog

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

Orog Orogs are orcs blessed with a surprisingly keen intellect that ordinary orcs believe is a gift from the orc goddess Luthic. Like Luthic, orogs prefer to live underground, although the scarcity

of food often brings them to the surface to hunt. Orcs respect an orog’s strength and cunning, and a lone orog might command an orc war band. Stronger and Smarter. An orog uses its strength to bully

The Beast Within

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

The Beast Within Wildhunt Shifter Early in childhood, a shifter forms a bond with a beast within, a totemic force that shapes their body and mind. Some shifters believe that these spirits are

traits and prefer to run with a pack. Swiftstride are often predatory and feline, but a swiftstride could also be a cunning rat who darts through the shadows. Wildhunt shifters are born from any creature

The Beast Within

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

The Beast Within Early in childhood, a shifter forms a bond with a beast within: a totemic force that shapes their body and mind. Some shifters believe that these spirits are independent entities

with a pack. Swiftstride are often predatory and feline, but a swiftstride could also be a cunning rat who darts through the shadows. Wildhunt shifters are born from any creature that tracks its prey

13. Speaking Stones

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss

13. Speaking Stones A circle of stone menhirs predating Blingdenstone stands at the center of this small cavern. The gnomes believe this henge is a cluster of truly ancient galeb duhr, venerated as

interest in the Speaking Stones (use the priest statistics in the Monster Manual, but also give Gurnik the Stone Camouflage, Gnome Cunning, and Innate Spellcasting features of a deep gnome). He asks them

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 they’re all around you. Do you believe that the spirits guide your actions? Do you show respect to the spirits of a location? Talentan shamans tend to be Shepherd or Moon druids, often assuming

Horror Characteristics

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

or to inspire those of your own design. Horror Character Personality Traits d12 Personality Trait 1 I had an encounter that I believe gives me a special affinity with a supernatural

. 4 Escape. I believe there is something beyond the world I know, and I need to find it. 5 Legacy. I must do something great so that I’m remembered, and my time is running out. 6

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

Heroes of Destiny

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

geared toward characters who rely on cunning, skills, and versatility, but any character’s story can benefit from the ideas presented here. When using this table to help shape your character’s story, you

or spy network opposes you at every turn. Donjon Someone important to you is imprisoned, but you believe they’re innocent. Euryale You committed a terrible trespass and have a bounty on your head

Interloper Gods

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

Interloper Gods Annam’s withdrawal has caused ongoing upheaval in the religious lives of giants across the Material Plane. Most believe Annam turned from his descendants in anger or disappointment

, and many hope he can be convinced to return to his divine throne if the giants restore their ancient glory. But some giants believe that Annam is dead, that he is petulant and unworthy of worship, or

Droaam

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

and war trolls to maintain order. To date, the other nations of Khorvaire have refused to recognize Droaam, and the region was not acknowledged in the Treaty of Thronehold. Most people believe that

grow larger and more organized every day, and the rest of Khorvaire is uneasy with the potential power of a fully realized Droaam. The monsters that inhabit Droaam retain their racial subcultures. Most worship the Dark Six, but other religious traditions flourish as well.

Life in Godsbreath

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

the most severe wrongs, offenders are banished to uninhabited islands, though they retain the right to travel to the Meet each year to seek reconciliation with the larger community. The Gods’ Tale The

better. Although this sometimes encourages exaggeration, Godsbreath’s people believe you can hear truth in the telling of any tale, and all enjoy the art of a well-crafted boast. Stories of all kinds

Lone Faithful

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

Lone Faithful Although many Faerûnian folk believe that all tieflings worship Asmodeus and the Lords of the Nine Hells, the truth is that only a fraction of them do so, but enough are devil- or demon

, Mask, Selûne, Shar, and Tymora. Gods of knowledge, survival, cunning, and warfare are also common attractions for tieflings who value those qualities. Beshaba has tiefling worshipers who consider the

Xen'drik

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

ruins of their ancient cities. Match wits with cunning drow in the depths of a primordial jungle. Any follower of the Sovereign Host knows this story about Xen’drik. In the dawn of time, the

vast desert. Tens of thousands of years have passed, yet no civilization has risen to the heights of the fallen giants; some believe that Aureon’s and Boldrei’s curses ensure that any city that grows too

Introduction: Welcome to Adventure

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player’s Handbook

Introduction: Welcome to Adventure This story began 50 years ago, and you’re part of it. In the 1970s, Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson created a game of make-believe that fused rules with storytelling

fearsome foes such as dragons, and build friendships forged amid fantastical dangers. Fueled by imagination and rules, D&D invites you to adopt a fantasy persona—a mighty Fighter, a cunning Rogue, a faithful

Cult of the Eternal Flame

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

civilization and nature with volcanic eruptions, forest fires, heat waves, and droughts, creating a wasteland of ash and cinders ruled by fire alone. Eternal Flame cultists believe the world and all its

flows of molten rock. Widespread arson and deliberately set forest fires are acceptable alternatives. Most fire cultists believe that something important and beautiful should be set on fire every day

Yuan-ti

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

-ti that acts honorably or lends aid in a time of trouble does so only as part of a grander design. Yuan-ti leaders are cunning and ruthless tacticians who readily sacrifice lesser yuan-ti if potential

, the abominations believe that Merrshaulk will reawaken and restore the yuan-ti to their rightful place. Sseth, the Sibilant Death. Sseth appeared to the yuan-ti of antiquity in the form of a winged

Bugbears

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

. Hruggek is the fearsome elder sibling, possessed of legendary might and prowess in battle. Bugbears believe their strength and bravery come from him. Cunning Grankhul is the younger one, and in the

, they also give tribute to Maglubiyet, even though they don’t openly pay homage to their overlord. When bugbears are called to join a host, bugbears believe Maglubiyet has again corralled the brothers

Xen'drik

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer

Dark Six believe Vulkoor to be an aspect of the Mockery (see Eberron: Rising from the Last War), but the Vulkoori drow show no partiality to the followers of the Mockery or any other god but their own

empire’s fall, they retain a spiritual and physical connection to the darkness below. Umbragen shadow walkers weave shadow magic to confound foes. Jordan Kerbow Vulkoori and Umbragen drow battle in a

Centaur

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica

Centaur RYAN PANCOAST In the sprawling city of Ravnica, where “open road” seems like a contradiction and “open plain” is sheer nonsense, centaurs nevertheless retain a love of wide spaces and

believe, some shard of the spirit — of the departed. Centaurs don’t use family names, but they wear symbols that represent their family membership. These symbols might include graphical representations of

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