both beyond defending clear reason

Hutijin

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

command, Hutijin can easily crush any rival who gets in his way while also defending Mephistopheles against armies seeking to contest his dominion. Hutijin has amassed enough power to challenge the

figure, known only to the most learned infernal scholars. He has no cults of his own, and his servants are few in number. The reason is simple: Hutijin hates mortals. When summoned from the Hells, he

Caradoc

Monsters Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

’s swiftly pulled back if caught beyond its walls without a host. Personality Trait. “I might be dead, but there’s no reason I can’t live it up a little.” Ideal. &ldquo

Zodar

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

exist or where they came from, but the most popular hypothesis is that they are the creations of some long-forgotten god. Zodars interact with other sapient creatures in a manner that goes beyond mere

aloofness. They simply hover in silence. When a zodar finally performs some significant action, the reasons for that action aren’t always clear. One interpretation of this behavior posits that

Duergar Mind Master

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

effect.Wearing fearsome masks, duergar mind masters usually operate as spies, both inside and beyond a duergar stronghold. Their psionically augmented abilities enable them to see through illusions with ease

exploring neighboring tunnels, defending their homes, engaging with their families, or crafting bold new works. The bonds of friendship and kinship are strong, though navigating the inevitable outbursts

Tortle Legacy

Species The Tortle Package

, defending their offspring, and sharing a lifetime of knowledge before they die. When the children are old enough to leave the compound, they pick up whatever weapons and tools their parents left behind and

regard these settlements as places worth defending with their lives, and they will abandon a settlement when it no longer serves their needs. Most tortles like to see how other creatures live and

Deck of Many Things Legacy

Magic Items Basic Rules (2014)

1d4 + 1 (to a minimum score of 1). You can draw one additional card beyond your declared draws. Jester. You gain 10,000 XP, or you can draw two additional cards beyond your declared draws. Key. A

in the hands of monsters, which you must clear out before you can claim the keep as yours. Vizier. At any time you choose within one year of drawing this card, you can ask a question in meditation and

Demilich (Variant) Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

their quest for power beyond the mortal world. As their patron did, they secure their remains within well-guarded vaults, using soul gems to maintain their phylacteries and destroy the adventurers who

its existence. Few liches seek to become demiliches, for it means an end to the existence they hoped to preserve by becoming undead. However, time can erode the lich’s reason and memory, causing

Auril (Third Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

time). Thus, she has no reason to capitulate to mortals’ demands. As the embodiment of winter’s cruelty, she is incapable of showing mercy or compassion. Play her as a supremely cold and

, Auril is reborn at full strength during the next winter solstice, with divine power far beyond what is reflected in the stat blocks presented here. After finishing a long rest, Auril regains any of

Eye and Hand of Vecna Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

would allow him to live on as a lich. Beyond death, he became the greatest of all liches. Even though his body gradually withered and decayed, Vecna continued to expand his evil dominion. So formidable

’s lieutenant Kas coveted the Spider Throne for himself, or that the sword his lord made for him seduced him into rebellion. Whatever the reason, Kas brought the Undying King’s rule to an

Firbolg Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

world. A few rare firbolgs are entrusted by their clan with an important mission that takes them beyond their homes. These firbolgs feel like pilgrims in a strange land, and usually they wish only to

Reason for Adventuring 1 Outcast for murder 2 Outcast for severely damaging home territory 3 Clan slain by invading humanoids 4 Clan slain by a dragon or demon 5

Auril (First Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

can’t truly die (although the characters can rid the world of her for a time). Thus, she has no reason to capitulate to mortals’ demands. As the embodiment of winter’s cruelty, she is

form, Auril dies. As long as she has mortal followers who worship her, however, Auril is reborn at full strength during the next winter solstice, with divine power far beyond what is reflected in the

Deck of Several Things

Magic Items Lost Laboratory of Kwalish

already been claimed, you gain an equivalent hoard. Idiot. Reduce your Intelligence by 1d4 + 1 (to a minimum score of 1) for the duration of the adventure. You can draw one additional card beyond

your declared draws. Jester. You gain proficiency in a skill of your choice for the duration of the adventure, or you can draw two additional cards beyond your declared draws. Key. A

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

invasion and oppression. Although individually they are timid and shy away from conflict, kobolds are dangerous if cornered, vicious when defending their eggs, and notorious for the dangerous

undetected and don’t give their targets reason to harm them. For example, a group of city kobolds might sneak into a cobbler’s house at night to loot it of knives, leather bits, nails, and

Auril (Second Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

might prove helpful: So long as she has mortal worshipers, Auril can’t truly die (although the characters can rid the world of her for a time). Thus, she has no reason to capitulate to mortals

solstice, with divine power far beyond what is reflected in the stat blocks presented here. After finishing a long rest, Auril regains any of her forms that were destroyed, provided at least one

Lizardfolk Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

plans, or cultivating other methods to progress beyond their simple existence as hunters and gatherers. Hapless Soft Ones At their core, lizardfolk view other humanoids with an indifference verging on

quirk for a lizardfolk character or to inspire a unique mannerism. Lizardfolk Quirks d8 Quirk 1 You hate waste and see no reason not to scavenge fallen enemies. Fingers are tasty and

Ki-rin

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

violet eyes. In a breeze or when aloft, the creature’s scales and hair appear to blaze with a holy, golden fire. Beyond their coloration, ki-rins vary in appearance based on the deity each one

lair. The spell’s point of origin is always the point outdoors closest to the center of its lair. The ki-rin doesn’t need to maintain a clear path to the sky or to concentrate for the

Bard Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

versatility. Many bards prefer to stick to the sidelines in combat, using their magic to inspire their allies and hinder their foes from a distance. But bards are capable of defending themselves in melee if

beyond the horizon—makes an adventuring career a natural calling. Every adventure is an opportunity to learn, practice a variety of skills, enter long-forgotten tombs, discover lost works of magic

Aarakocra Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

beyond — from the boundless vistas of the Elemental Plane of Air. They are immigrants, refugees, scouts, and explorers, their outposts functioning as footholds in a world both strange and alien

. Great Purpose Aarakocra enjoy peace and solitude. Most of them have little interest in dealing with other peoples and less interest in spending time on the ground. For this reason, it takes an

Kenku Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

. The kenku lack the talent to improvise or alter a plan, but a wise Master sets multiple plans in motion at once, confident that underlings can follow orders to the letter. For this reason, many

kenku, constant attempts to mimic noises can come across as confusing or irritating rather than entertaining. You can just as easily describe the sounds your character makes and what they mean. Be clear

The Mourning

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

The Mourning No one knows the reason for what happened on 20 Olarune 994 YK. Though it had been battered, Cyre stood defiant; Cyran soldiers had recently driven deep into Karrnathi territory and were

the disaster in time to flee. Others survived because they were already beyond the borders of Cyre; the mist stopped mere feet away from the camps of Cyran soldiers holding sections of the Brelish

Questioning Corlie

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hold Back The Dead

—that’s not clear. I’ve had conflicting reports about the horde’s leader, but it’s some kind of ghost or creature made of dark mist.” Who’s Defending the Other Wall Sections? “We have a few soldiers

Lance Rock

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

land nearby is flat and open, so it can be seen from miles away on a clear day. Lance Rock is made of granite that doesn’t match any other stone nearby, and looks like it was dropped from the sky — which

long gone, and few but Claugiyliamatar know the origin of the stone. Reason to Visit. Characters who investigate rumors of plague near Lance Rock might discover the lair of a necromancer nearby (see “Lance Rock” in chapter 6).

Death Tyrant

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

be perfect beings. No matter how death tyrants come into being, bizarre impulses drive their deathless existences. Their motivations tend to be extreme or beyond the reason of living creatures.

Death Tyrant Beholder beyond Death Habitat: Underdark; Treasure: Any Simon Dominic A death tyrant is a beholder that pursues aberrant goals beyond its death. Ten magical singularities—all that

Goldenfields

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

“food for a tenday or more on the road, and seeds for the future beyond that.” Reason to Visit. Darovik is a useful contact for characters with a connection to the Emerald Enclave. Goldenfields is also an intended destination of the missing delegation, though they obviously never arrived.

Goldenfields Goldenfields is a huge walled temple-farm dedicated to Chauntea, the goddess of agriculture. Called “the granary of the North,” it’s the only reason many Northerners ever taste soft

No Time to Lose

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

strange magical signature left behind by the culprit. We now believe Murgaxor Grenshel is responsible, but he has hidden himself from all known forms of divination magic. It’s clear that Murgaxor has

energy out of everyone affected. Some will die. Others may not. Either way, we believe that the ritual will transfer that energy to Murgaxor, making him immortal. “Murgaxor’s plan is clear now, and we

Chapter 1: Group Patrons

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

adventuring group that has a powerful backer as a patron has a clear place in the world, access to additional resources, and a reason to work together in pursuit of a common cause.

Beginning

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

Beginning An adventure starts with a hook to get the players interested. A good adventure hook piques the interest of the players and provides a compelling reason for their characters to become

to the next session, so give them a clear sense of where the story is headed, as well as something to look forward to.

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

special significance beyond that is imparted to it. At 4 years old an orc is considered a juvenile, and by age 12 it is a fully functioning adult. Most orcs don’t live past the age of 25 due to

laden wagon or after heroically defending it from thieves gain great respect and advance higher in the tribe’s pecking order. All Are Fighters Most of the orcs that stay behind when the

Wei's Betrayal

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

, she witnesses the discovery of the potions of longevity, the lack of Dragon’s Blessing, and any slips Zhong Yin makes when talking about the reason for the investigation. After this, whenever the

result of the tremor is now clear—a great pile of rubble fills the space where the stairway once stood. A character who searches the rubble and succeeds on a DC 16 Wisdom (Survival) check sees no

The Dark Powers

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

case. Here in Port-a-Lucine, we pride ourselves on our rationality. Good detectives are best served by clear-headed reason and keen observation (and a clean flintlock, my dear Arthur would add). You

villains to add to their terrifying menagerie. To what end, no one knows. The Dark Powers don’t move in the shadows of Ravenloft; they are the shadows. They’re the Mists and the darkness. They’re the reason

Battle Begins

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

Battle Begins This section has no set timeline or specific goals beyond involving characters in Kalaman’s desperate defense. Roll on or choose the encounters you want to run from the Defending the

Wall table. These encounters are described below. Once you’re ready for the characters to begin their infiltration of the flying citadel, proceed with the “Dragonnel Reinforcements” section. Defending

Adventurers and Organizations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

. Factions and organizations aimed at player characters are a way to keep higher-level adventurers connected to your world, providing ties to key NPCs and a clear agenda beyond individual gain. In the

same way, villainous organizations create an ongoing sense of menace above and beyond the threat of solitary foes. Having different characters tied to different factions can create interesting

Laleh's Plea

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

Laleh’s Plea Regardless of the characters’ reason for coming to the theater, Laleh commends the characters for finding her, saying their industriousness makes it clear that they’re the best suited to

Escape from Barovia

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

, most Barovians realize that they have nowhere to go and no reason to leave. A few depart, fearing the return of the darkness or longing to see their ancestral homelands. Those who have souls can leave

the valley, while those without souls fade into nothingness as they take their first steps beyond the edge of Strahd’s former domain.

Rundreth Manor

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

elemental cultists looking for potential bases. By leaving their shredded corpses on the road for all to see, she hopes to make it clear to the cultists that they should leave Rundreth Manor alone

. Reason to Visit. A side trek in chapter 6 takes place at Rundreth Manor, and the characters have a chance to confront the Dark Lady and perhaps find common cause against the cults.

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