both believe diffusing cunning rule

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.

Fist of Bane

Monsters Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

who seek to rule through martial strength and intimidation, cruel tyrants who use threats and gifts as needed to ensure loyalty. They enslave those too weak to resist them and shower the strong with

gifts and promises of power to turn them into loyal vassals. Cruel Tyrants. Whenever Bane’s followers gain power, they institute draconian measures to ensure that their rule is unquestioned. They

Iron Consul

Monsters Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

immediately use its reaction to make one melee attack.Bane’s devoted followers are warriors who seek to rule through martial strength and intimidation, cruel tyrants who use threats and gifts as

followers gain power, they institute draconian measures to ensure that their rule is unquestioned. They stamp out all opposition while richly rewarding those who swear fealty. Warrior Cult. Cultists of

Derro Raider

Monsters Quests from the Infinite Staircase

indiscriminately raid settlements and rob travelers regardless of the apparent value of any goods they steal. These derro believe such acts are sanctioned by their despicable god, Diirinka, who delights in

others escaped the rule of mind flayer;mind flayers. The mind flayers’ psionic power eventually transformed these forsaken dwarves into Aberrations. You can learn more about derro in Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse.

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.

Derro

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

themselves. Most dwarves don’t recognize derro as kin, but the legends that derro tell about their people and the story that duergar believe share a grain of truth. According to the histories of

some duergar, derro are descended from a dwarven community that was left behind when the others escaped the rule of mind flayers. These remnants were so distorted by the mind flayers’ psionic

Raezil

Monsters The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

Cunning Action. On each of her turns, Raezil can use a bonus action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action. Fey Ancestry. Raezil has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic

on the politics of Prismeer. Once she is no longer petrified, Raezil is bound by the rule of reciprocity (see “Rules of Conduct” in chapter 2) to help the characters complete any

Yuan-ti Anathema

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

from weaker creatures and use every resource at their disposal to war against neighbors, seeking the captives, sacrifices, glory, and riches the anathemas believe they need to achieve true divinity

. Anathemas don’t age, allowing them to pursue their goals until the end of days. Truly powerful ones might rule multiple yuan-ti cities and bring entire regions under their control.PoisonAcid

Derro Savant

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

, even among themselves. Most dwarves don’t recognize derro as kin, but the legends that derro tell about their people and the story that duergar believe share a grain of truth. According to the

histories of some duergar, derro are descended from a dwarven community that was left behind when the others escaped the rule of mind flayers. These remnants were so distorted by the mind flayers

Yuan-ti Malison (Type 3) Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

impossible to manipulate, influence, or control by nonmagical means, even as it seeks to control other creatures through terror, pleasure, and awe. Yuan-ti know that the world they hope to rule can

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

Oath of Conquest

Classes Xanathar's Guide to Everything

to consort with the powers of the Nine Hells, valuing the rule of law over the balm of mercy. The archdevil Bel, warlord of Avernus, counts many of these paladins — called hell knights &mdash

most fiercely resisted by other paladins of this oath, who believe that the hell knights have wandered too far into darkness. TENETS OF CONQUEST A paladin who takes this oath has the tenets of

Oath of Conquest (XGtE)

Classes Xanathar's Guide to Everything

to consort with the powers of the Nine Hells, valuing the rule of law over the balm of mercy. The archdevil Bel, warlord of Avernus, counts many of these paladins — called hell knights &mdash

most fiercely resisted by other paladins of this oath, who believe that the hell knights have wandered too far into darkness. TENETS OF CONQUEST A paladin who takes this oath has the tenets of

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

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

, set itself up as a petty lord, and rule over all those who fall into its grasp. A Sinister Cycle. A forlarren in its fey aspect demonstrates self-destructive urges that reflect the inherent tension in

Moonstone Dragon Wyrmling

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

, encourage great thinkers, and spur adventurers to heroic deeds. They sometimes give guidance to those in need or request help from adventurers to encourage them to greatness. As a rule

volunteered to be a spy in a conflict between a group of pixie;pixies and a group of quickling;quicklings. Both sides believe the wyrmling is working exclusively for them.

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

Waterdhavian Noble

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

Faerûn for being eccentric, spoiled, venal, and, above all else, rich. Whether you are a shining example of the reason for this reputation or one who proves the rule by being an exception, people

. 5 My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering. 6 The common folk must see me as a hero of the people. d6 Flaw 1 I secretly believe that everyone is beneath me. 2 I

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

Minotaur

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Minotaurs are barrel-chested humanoids with heads resembling those of bulls. Blessed with a supernaturally strong sense of direction, minotaurs make great navigators. Some sages believe minotaurs

When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method

Aundair

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

, 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

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

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

the blood, as it once did. Because their population is so small, the yuan-ti are aware they are vulnerable in open warfare. Instead, their current plans assume they will never rule outwardly in

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

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

opportunity to supervise and dominate such creatures, which have no status at all. WHO'S THE BOSS? Goblins pattern the rule of their tribes after the whip-cracking rule of their god, Khurgorbaeyag

Giff

Species Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

crowds. They're also natural swimmers. Most giff believe they originated on one world, but their home world is now the stuff of legend, because no living giff has seen it or knows where it is. The

. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy. The “Quick Build” section for your character’s class offers suggestions on which

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

Shuaran

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

Shuaran The skilled warriors of Shuaran village don’t shape-shift like the Oselo, though Oselo refugees who believe Chakuna’s rule is cursed and shun her protection can be found here. Opposed to the

rule of Chakuna, the Shuaran fear her deeply and might aid those who resist her, defining their relationships with strangers through a prickly, easily offended sense of honor. The Shuaran constantly

Far Traveler

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

here as part of some such delegation, then decided to stay when the mission was over. Mulhorand. From the terrain to the architecture to the god-kings who rule over these lands, nearly everything

and wonderful! (Chaotic) 4 Cunning. Though I may not know their ways, neither do they know mine, which can be to my advantage. (Evil) 5 Inquisitive. Everything is new, but I have a thirst

Those Who Rule

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

Those Who Rule The following sahuagin rule the fortress, oversee its armed forces, and direct its worship of Sekolah. Baroness Seklaz The initial attack against the lizardfolk and the subsequent

occupation of the fortress were the baroness’s doing. She is a cunning war strategist and has a measure of patience that serves her well. She has an excellent relationship with the high priestess, with

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

Rules of Conduct

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

Rules of Conduct Although Zybilna is indisposed, three of the rules she put into place when she created her Feywild domain continue to hold weight: the rule of hospitality, the rule of ownership, and

the rule of reciprocity. These three rules are common knowledge in Prismeer, and both natives and visitors would do well to abide by them: Rule of Hospitality. When a friend, an enemy, or a stranger

Mimic

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

Mimic Mimics are shapeshifting predators able to take on the form of inanimate objects to lure creatures to their doom. In dungeons, these cunning creatures most often take the form of doors and

assumes its amorphous form and on parts the mimic uses to move itself. Cunning Hunters. Mimics live and hunt alone, though they occasionally share their feeding grounds with other creatures. Although most

Zuggtmoy

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

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

she will then join with and rule over. Cultists. Most of Zuggtmoy’s cultists are hapless mortals that have been infested with the demonic spores she cultivates in the fungi she created. The spores

Noteworthy Features

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

where factions struggle to claim or hold it as a symbol of rule. Fierce followers of each faction scour the land, murdering any who oppose their faction. Refugees from the strife hide in the Backwaters

, and rebel groups there organize against the entire Vasavadan family. The Tower of Traitors is a dizzying, skull-studded structure that grows daily. Some say its completion will cleanse the nation of evil, while others believe it will summon the gods’ wrath.

The Dreaming Dark

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

darkness, and the current age is coming to an end. The nightmare spirits that rule the plane believe that by seizing control of mortal civilization — by forcing all the people of Eberron to dream the

The Dreaming Dark In the spaces between sleeping and waking, nightmares wait with grasping claws. The quori spirits that rule Dal Quor spent a thousand years seizing control of the continent of

Mount Arak

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

of glowing crystals and mist-filled fissures. Dozens of different species live here, under the seelie Queen Maeve and the unseelie Prince Loht. These siblings jointly rule their hidden realm together

tricks on those who venture into the wilderness. The fey could easily overwhelm the surface dwellers, but Maeve and Loht hold them at bay to avoid the hag Lorinda’s ire. The fey monarchs believe Lorinda’s

Reeva

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

interests in intrigue and magic intensified when she discovered a hidden library beneath the Cerulean Citadel—a repository of insidious magic hearkening back to the rule of certain tyrannical Vasavadan

destruction. Reeva is a cunning plotter, strategist, and manipulator. She applies these talents to her magic, entreating fiends for aid and using them to hasten the day when no one will underestimate her

D&D Beyond

Search Results