both borders down common risk

Darkling Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

speak of a seelie fey who betrayed the Summer Queen. His true name has been stricken from history, but the stories call him Dubh Catha ("Dark Crow" in Common). So great was the Summer Queen's wrath

that she cursed every member of his house. Other fey refer to the descendants of Dubh Catha's house as the dubh sith-or, in Common, "darklings." Darklings most often settle in secluded caverns and

Darkling Elder Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

call him Dubh Catha ("Dark Crow" in Common). So great was the Summer Queen's wrath that she cursed every member of his house. Other fey refer to the descendants of Dubh Catha's house as the dubh sith-or

, in Common, "darklings." Darklings most often settle in secluded caverns and chambers beneath the towns of other species. From such enclaves, they quietly ply their trade as thieves and assassins

Waythe

Magic Items Tales from the Yawning Portal

detection. It regains all of its expended charges at dawn and isn’t at risk of crumbling if its last charge is used. Sentience. Waythe is a sentient weapon of neutral good alignment, with an

Intelligence of 12, a Wisdom of 2, and a Charisma of 14. It has hearing and darkvision out to a range of 120 feet. The weapon can speak and understand Giant and Common, and it can communicate telepathically

Cradle of the Fire Scion

Monsters Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

rage. If intruders disturb its resting place, the fire scion’s cradle rises as a bipedal juggernaut of molten rock. Sometimes miners risk their lives to find rich veins of ore in a scion&rsquo

. Veins of precious metals and ore are more common within 6 miles of the scion. Desertification. Precipitation is almost nonexistent within 6 miles of the scion, parching the land and withering most

Scion of Surtur

Monsters Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

molten rock. Sometimes miners risk their lives to find rich veins of ore in a scion’s volcano, or misguided fire cultists offer sacrifices meant to appease or awaken the volcano, and the awakened

the giant’s magic, creating one or more of the following effects: Abundant Ore. Veins of precious metals and ore are more common within 6 miles of the scion. Desertification. Precipitation is

Folk Hero Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

tyrants and monsters that threaten the common folk everywhere. Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Survival Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan’s tools, vehicles (land

) Equipment: A set of artisan’s tools (one of your choice), a shovel, an iron pot, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp Defining Event You previously pursued a simple

Charlatan Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

, you promise to deliver. Common sense should steer people away from things that sound too good to be true, but common sense seems to be in short supply when you’re around. The bottle of pink

a born gambler who can’t resist taking a risk for a potential payoff. 5 I lie about almost everything, even when there’s no good reason to. 6 Sarcasm and insults are my

Faction Agent

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

choice, as appropriate to your factionLanguages: Two of your choiceEquipment: Badge or emblem of your faction, a copy of a seminal faction text (or a code-book for a covert faction), a set of common

: In recent years, the Zhentarim have become more visible in the world at large, as the group works to improve its reputation among the common people. The faction draws employees and associates

Charlatan - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

one that you’re perfectly willing to use for your advantage. You know what people want and you deliver, or rather, you promise to deliver. Common sense should steer people away from things that

sound too good to be true, but common sense seems to be in short supply when you’re around. The bottle of pink-colored liquid will surely cure that unseemly rash, this ointment — nothing

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

, designed to collapse under the weight of any creature heavier than a kobold. On occasion, the route through a kobold lair runs along a ledge that borders a cavern or a crevasse, and the kobolds might

other useful items, but if they are at risk of discovery, they run away rather than attack anyone in the house. By fleeing before they can be seen or identified, they avoid getting into a situation

Folk Hero - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

their champion, and your destiny calls you to stand against the tyrants and monsters that threaten the common folk everywhere. Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Survival Tool

Proficiencies: One type of artisan’s tools, vehicles (land) Equipment: A set of artisan’s tools (one of your choice), a shovel, an iron pot, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp

Selesnya Initiate

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

Sylvan Equipment: A Selesnya insignia, a healer’s kit, robes, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 5 gp (Azorius 1-zino coins) Feature: Conclave’s Shelter As a

proven to be a danger to them. The members of the enclave will shield you from the law or anyone else searching for you, though they will not risk their lives in this effort. In addition, as a guild

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

body, thought, and emotion. Freed from the limitations of their human bodies, the yuan-ti used their new abilities to conquer new lands and expand their borders. One Race, Many Forms The bodies of all

broodguards and exceedingly rare anathemas have their place in the hierarchy as well. All yuan-ti can interbreed. Females usually lay clutches of eggs, which are stored in a common hatchery, although

Firbolg Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

heart of the world and monuments to the durability of life. In their role as caretakers, firbolgs live off the land while striving to remain in balance with nature. Their methods reflect common

something that put their homeland at risk, such as starting a forest fire or killing a rare or beautiful wild creature. These firbolgs are loners who wander the world in hope of finding a new place to

Genasi Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

self-assurance in one genasi and as arrogance in another. Such self- confidence can sometimes blind genasi to risk, and their great plans often get them and others into trouble. Too much failure can

bloodlines of those genasi have spread into other lands. Though far from common, air and fire genasi are more likely to be found in the western regions of Faerûn, along the coast from Calimshan north

Dimir Operative

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

;Disguise kit Languages: One of your choice Equipment: A Dimir insignia, three small knives, a set of dark-colored common clothes, and the starting equipment of the background described in this

identity. 3 I have trouble trusting anyone but myself. 4 I have a particular vice that puts all my secrets at risk if I’m not careful. 5 I’m pretty sure I’ve done

Scarecrows

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lorwyn: First Light

borders of Lorwyn, scarecrows are portents of dread and doom. No two scarecrows look alike, but many share a suite of common abilities. To represent a Shadowmoor scarecrow in your game, use the Scarecrow stat block.

Anthropologist

Backgrounds Tomb of Annihilation

desensitized to violence. 5 I would risk life and limb to discover a new culture or unravel the secrets of a dead one. 6 When I arrive at a new settlement for the first time, I must learn all its

culture—even one in need of aid. (Lawful) 3 Knowledge. By understanding other races and cultures, we learn to understand ourselves. (Any) 4 Power. Common people crave strong

Archaeologist

Backgrounds Tomb of Annihilation

Preservation. That artifact belongs in a museum. (Good) 2 Greed. I won’t risk my life for nothing. I expect some kind of payment. (Any) 3 Death Wish. Nothing is more

museum, or a university. d6 Flaw 1 I have a secret fear of some common wild animal—and in my work, I see them everywhere. 2 I can’t leave a room without

A Forbidding Land

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

prevalence of undead within its borders. The supreme leader of Thay is the lich Szass Tam, whose council of advisers — the zulkirs — are powerful liches themselves. Everyone of consequence in Thay is a

spellcaster, and necromancers are common there. Undead servants are everywhere, and many of the commanders in Thay’s armies are the free-thinking undead soldiers (use the wight statistics). Travelers to

Meeting Atiba-Pa

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

’ ancient traditions are lost forever, and that their loss puts his homeland at risk. Hearing of others’ commitment to reclaiming lost lore acts as a balm for his bleak moods. Personality Trait. “It isn’t

honor to serve my homeland. I will not pass beyond our borders for any reason.” Flaw. “I can’t let them see me when I’m like this. The melancholy in my bones is mine alone to bear.”

A Forbidding Land

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

prevalence of undead within its borders. The supreme leader of Thay is the lich Szass Tam, whose council of advisers—the zulkirs—are powerful liches themselves. Everyone of consequence in Thay is a

spellcaster, and necromancers are common there. Undead servants are everywhere, and many of the commanders in Thay’s armies are the free-thinking undead soldiers (use the wight statistics). Travelers to this

Hermit - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

Languages: One of your choice Equipment: A scroll case stuffed full of notes from your studies or prayers, a winter blanket, a set of common clothes, an herbalism kit, and 5 gp Hermit Origins Any

a patriar’s scion in an illegal duel. The family swore revenge, and you fled to the slums rather than risk bringing their wrath down on your kin. 6 You aren’t originally from Baldur

Rogue

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

a personal risk on a job but more comfortable directing muscle, this flavor of rogue is a great match for a character who wants to follow in the footsteps of Nerof Gasgol and rise to political and

economic power. Rakes and bravos are common throughout the cities of the Flanaess. A Swashbuckler can thus originate from almost any city, but among the Rhennee in particular, Swashbucklers are common. As travelers along waterways, they have learned that a quick, mobile approach to combat works best.

Simic Scientist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

clade — a diverse group of individuals combining disparate talents in pursuit of a common goal — or a researcher on a specialized, short-term project focused on addressing an immediate

confident in my ability to adapt to any situation and handle any danger. 5 I’ll take any risk to earn recognition for my scientific brilliance. 6 I have a tendency to take shortcuts in

Athreos's Influence

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

of the Tartyx River unprepared, though, risk being stranded, as Athreos refuses to ferry those who can’t pay. Athreos is also invoked as the god of passage, as well as the deity with dominion over

borders, boundaries, and that which is “neither.” Those who undertake journeys, especially dangerous ones, often drop a coin into a fountain or a body of water in apotropaic acknowledgment of the River

The Old Wall

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

original relic of the city’s first borders — and, more importantly for daily life, the physical embodiment of the division between patriars and ordinary citizens — the Old Wall is a symbol for much

sparingly, for the risk of discovery is too great to use them routinely. Nevertheless, if the Old Wall were ever to be seriously tested, its defenders might find it far less impenetrable than it seems. GREEN

Chapter 2: Welcome To Khorvaire

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

: one nation, united in a common cause. Now I look at the map and I don’t recognize my world. Galifar has been shattered. The Five Nations are irreparably severed. There are so many new realms

, Morgrave Historian Xen’drik is a land of ruins and mysteries. The dragons of Argonnessen have no love for lesser creatures. The psychic tyrants of Sarlona maintain strict control over their borders and

The Old Wall

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer

original relic of the city’s first borders — and, more importantly for daily life, the physical embodiment of the division between patriars and ordinary citizens — the Old Wall is a symbol for much

sparingly, for the risk of discovery is too great to use them routinely. Nevertheless, if the Old Wall were ever to be seriously tested, its defenders might find it far less impenetrable than it seems. Green

15. Outer Door and Foyer

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

risk destruction. Although they have common enemies and similar needs, the two vampires are allies only by circumstance and care nothing for each other. Treasure. The black sapphires (500 gp each) can

-relief sculpture of a humanoid skull with a black sapphire embedded in each eye socket. Words of Unwelcome. Carved into the frame above the door are the words “GO AWAY!” written in Common. Alarm

Campaign Events

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

provide the sparks that can ignite and sustain a campaign. The most common pitfall of serial stories without a set beginning, middle, and end is inertia. Like many television shows and comic-book series

, a D&D campaign runs the risk of retreading the same ground long after the enjoyment’s gone. Just as actors or writers drift away from those other mediums, so can players — the actors and writers of a

Secret Doors

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

that it’s hidden, a secret door is similar to a common door. With the Search action, a character can search for a secret door along a 10-foot-square section of wall and make a Wisdom (Perception) check

characters not finding them, and don’t risk letting your adventure grind to a halt because the only path forward is hidden behind a secret door.

Divine Assistance

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

most common means by which gods might make their wishes known. Two crucial principles should guide your use of divine involvement in your campaign: Don’t eliminate character choice. The gods can tell

characters to do things, and even threaten to punish them if they don’t do things, but the gods can’t control mortal actions. Don’t eliminate risk and danger. The intervention of a god should never

Domains

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

haze. Domains share neither borders nor common geography, and you can’t peer from one domain into another. The environments, cultures, and residents of one domain don’t influence those of other domains

Domains Sinister demiplanes known as domains constitute the realms of Ravenloft. These domains vary widely, but they share a number of common features: Domains Are Finite. The domains vary in size

The Grand Masquerade

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

, moving in her social circle, and dancing to the music of her first-class orchestra are delights to be savored—and entirely worth the risk of discovery. To adventurers, though, these delights might

not be sufficient motivation to take that risk. The Grand Masquerade is a fantastic adventure backdrop, but not a complete adventure. Adventurers need a good reason to attend; you can give them one by

D&D Beyond

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