build before devoted core rivals

Aruk Thundercaller Thuunlakalaga

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

Mountain Born. Aruk is acclimated to high altitude, including elevations above 20,000 feet. Powerful Build. Aruk counts as one size larger when determining his carrying capacity and the weight he can

, ice troll;ice trolls, young white dragon;young white dragons, the treacherous mountain terrain, and the cruel indifference of nature. Bitter Rivals. Skytower Shelter and Wyrmdoom Crag are two

Goliath Warrior

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

Mountain Born. The goliath is acclimated to high altitude, including elevations above 20,000 feet. Powerful Build. The goliath counts as one size larger when determining its carrying capacity and

giant;frost giants, remorhaz;remorhazes, ice troll;ice trolls, young white dragon;young white dragons, the treacherous mountain terrain, and the cruel indifference of nature. Bitter Rivals. Skytower

Troglodyte Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

secretions, and the debris of their foul feasting. Single-Minded Brutes. Troglodytes are devoted almost entirely to procuring food. They rarely plan more than a few days into the future, instead

in a frenzy. Troglodytes make little and build less, scavenging their possessions from their prey. They understand the value of metal weapons and armor, and fight among one another for the right to

Dunbarrow Witch

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

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

, while others animate furniture, weapons, or other objects. Feel free to build encounters with witches that include additional creatures such as animated armor, a flying sword, a rug of smothering, or a Tiny Beast acting as a spy.

Hobgoblin

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

hobgoblin legions have emerged, with ranks of devoted soldiers famed for their unity. Hobgoblins are generally taller than their goblin cousins but not quite as big as bugbears. They have curved

;Quick Build” section for your character’s class offers suggestions on which scores to increase. You can follow those suggestions or ignore them, but you can’t raise any of your scores

Sul Khatesh

Monsters Eberron: Rising from the Last War

rose up against them. Armies of dragons fought against the fiends of Khyber. And though the overlords couldn't be destroyed, the couatl sacrificed their lives to build a prison of celestial light: a

primary patrons for warlocks in Khorvaire. Covens devoted to the Queen of Shadows use dark magic and fear to dominate whole communities, while isolated warlocks make pacts with Sul Khatesh to pursue power

Rak Tulkhesh

Monsters Eberron: Rising from the Last War

their lives to build a prison of celestial light: a silver flame that bound the overlords in Khyber once more. These bonds have held for countless generations, but the overlords still yearn to break free

fosters hatred unwittingly serves Rak Tulkhesh, and countless soldiers in the Five Nations are devoted to the Rage of War. Many of the Carrion Tribes of the Demon Wastes likewise serve Rak Tulkhesh

Changeling Legacy

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

Long ago there was a woman named Jes, and she had one hundred children. Her rivals conspired against her and swore to kill her children. Jes begged the Sovereigns for help, but their only answer

specific purpose and then might never be used again. However, many changelings develop identities that have more depth. They build an identity over time, crafting a persona with a history and beliefs. This

Barbarian Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

the latest challenger to her authority over their tribe, ready to break his neck with her bare hands as she did to the last six rivals. Frothing at the mouth, a dwarf slams his helmet into the face

violated, or a coup that removed you from a position of authority. QUICK BUILD You can make a barbarian quickly by following these suggestions. First, put your highest ability score in Strength

Warforged Legacy

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

mindless automatons, House Cannith devoted vast resources to improving these steel soldiers. An unexpected breakthrough produced sapient soldiers, giving rise to what some have only grudgingly accepted

and crystal eyes embedded beneath a reinforced brow ridge. Beyond these common elements of warforged design, the precise materials and build of a warforged vary based on the purpose for which it was

Boros Legionnaire

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

As a member of the Boros Legion, your life is devoted to the service of angels and consecrated to the work of establishing justice and peace on the streets of Ravnica. You might be a true believer

, inspired by the example of the angels, moved by the plight of the downtrodden, and devoted to the cause of justice. Or you could be a cynic in the ranks, perhaps because you reluctantly followed in the

Uthgardt Tribe Member

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

and ruin. But for the last few generations, some bands among the tribes were tempted to settle, make peace, trade, and even to build towns. Perhaps this is why Uthgar chose to raise up the totems

nomadic elves, the Harpers, and the priesthoods devoted to the gods of the First Circle. Suggested Characteristics Use the tables for the outlander background below as the basis for your

Paladin Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

sacred work. Although many paladins are devoted to gods of good, a paladin’s power comes as much from a commitment to justice itself as it does from a god. Paladins train for years to learn the

. Although the class features related to your oath don’t appear until you reach 3rd level, plan ahead for that choice by reading the oath descriptions at the end of the class. Are you a devoted

Shifter Legacy

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

Geth’s ancient heritage rose up from deep within him, spreading out from the core of his being. Some shifters manifested terrible claws, others massive fangs, still others astounding speed or

different in personality. With any shifter, identifying the beast within is a crucial part of understanding the character. Similar and Diverse Shifters are similar to humans in height and build but are

Downtime Activities

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

Downtime Activities Saltmarsh provides a haven for adventurers between expeditions, and the characters can spend that time engaged in various tasks around town. The following options build on the

the ones presented in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything. If you have that supplement, consider using the guidelines for rivals and the complications attached to some of the activities given in that book. You can also offer other activities as you see fit. The ones detailed below are specific to Saltmarsh.

Harkon Lukas's Torment

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

, styling, or inspiration to finally cement him in the hearts of Kartakass’s people—and from there, take control of the nation. Although Harkon is unable to build his own fame, he has a peerless eye for

talent. His protégés swiftly attain stardom, and with it, Harkon’s resentment. Harkon’s frustration eventually gives way to indulgences of his lycanthropic hungers. Bloody slaughters of his students and rivals often precede him moving on to another town.

Druid Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

? Perhaps your homeland was befouled by evil, and you took up an adventuring life in hopes of finding a new home or purpose. QUICK BUILD You can make a druid quickly by following these suggestions

might value the yucca tree and cactus plants. DRUIDS AND THE GODS Some druids venerate the forces of nature themselves, but most druids are devoted to one of the many nature deities worshiped in

Despotic Perspective

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

beholder’s true rivals are other beholders, for only another beholder has the intellect, power, and magic to threaten another of its kind. Most of a beholder’s mental activity is devoted to unearthing plots

against itself (real or imaginary), planning attacks against known rivals, and preparing its defenses against all possible threats. It considers itself the center of the world, in a narcissistic way

Infernal War Machine Combat

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

Infernal War Machine Combat All the warlords described in this adventure use infernal war machines to strike fear into their rivals, fend off demons and other threats, and flee from Zariel’s devil

vehicle rules don’t cover, fall back on the core rules. For example, if a character wants to leap from one moving vehicle to another, determine whether the character succeeds or not with a Strength

Aundair Spire

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

students with permission from a faculty member. Both students and staff enjoy meditation and even romantic walks within the spire’s large open-air garden and nine greenhouses—including one devoted to

ambitious expedition to the far south of Xen’drik, which almost certainly will either make or break his career. He might hire the characters or their rivals to accompany him on this expedition. Cullen Cole

It's Your World

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

, but they’re not the only set of assumptions that can do so. You can build an interesting campaign concept by altering one or more of those core assumptions, just as well-established D&D worlds have done

It’s Your World In creating your campaign world, it helps to start with the core assumptions and consider how your setting might change them. The subsequent sections of this chapter address each

Djeneba

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

person whose true identity is a mystery to all but the most devoted members of that anarchic group. Djeneba, who speaks with a honeyed tongue that makes others feel understood and embraced, has

pleasures is the path to serenity and freedom.” Bond. “The best way to honor our ancestors is to build a new future.” Flaw. “I know my thoughts are hard to follow, but even unfocused minds hold value.”

Creating Religions

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

shrine devoted to any gods the locals revere. Temples and shrines outside settlements often mark places where a god (or the manifestation of a god) appeared or caused a miracle. These sites can become

the focus of pilgrims who travel long distances to partake in the holy power assumed to linger there. Build Your Own Pantheon Most of the published D&D settings described in chapter 5 have their

Arcane Workshop

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

and tools to diagrams etched into the floors and walls. Although most workshops are controlled by House Cannith, that house is not the only group of artificers who build and operate such locations

. Zil gnomes who bind elementals and Mror dwarves who forge powerful weapons and armor must have spaces devoted to that work. The wizards of Arcanix in Aundair who create magic items and test new spells

Core Assumptions

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

Core Assumptions The rules of the game are based on the following core assumptions about the game world. Gods Oversee the World. The gods are real and embody a variety of beliefs, with each god

. The follower of a god serves as an agent of that god in the world. The agent seeks to further the ideals of that god and defeat its rivals. While some folk might refuse to honor the gods, none can

Thundering Observatory Adventures

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

their favor, and they hire adventurers to secure it. Final Key A storm giant offers the characters a stunning reward if the characters can use the Star Forge (in this chapter) to build him a machine

the observatory’s Death Ray to destroy her rivals in Hiatea’s Hearth (in this chapter). The current ruler of Hiatea’s Hearth has learned of the giant’s plan and implores the characters to thwart it

Build Your Group

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

Build Your Group A military unit, like most adventuring parties, incorporates a range of useful skills while covering each member’s weaknesses with another’s strengths. Thus, characters of any class

with the skills of a ranger or rogue. High Dexterity and Wisdom scores, combined with proficiency in the Nature, Perception, Stealth, and Survival skills, support this character’s core capabilities

Sharn Watch Divisions

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

also includes a few special divisions that could cross the paths of the adventurers. The Blackened Book is an elite core of abjurers and diviners, charged with investigating and containing magical

among the best soldiers of the Watch and are devoted to their city. Many of them, however, place the safety of the city ahead of strict adherence to the law, and complaints are raised against them from

Morgrave University

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

founding: Lord Morgrave himself is said to have made his fortune selling Dhakaani artifacts on the black market, and some have claimed that the true purpose of the university was to help him build his

rivals. Despite the friendly ties among academic institutions, Morgrave occupies the low end of the prestige scale among academic bodies, so its faculty tends to look for opportunities to steal glory

Creating a Rival

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

Creating a Rival In essence, a rival is a somewhat specialized NPC. You can use chapter 4 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide to build a new NPC for this purpose, or pick one from your current cast of

supporting characters and embellish that NPC as described below. It’s possible for the characters to have two or three rivals at a time, each with a separate agenda. At least one should be a villain, but

Daask NPCs

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

Daask NPCs Daask’s lower ranks are made up of goblinoids, humans, shifters, and other humanoids recruited from the population of Sharn. The Droaamish soldiers that make up the core of the

current leader of the Daask cell in Sharn. She is the mastermind of the organization’s machinations against the Boromar Clan, a scholar obsessed with studying Sharn’s manifest zone, and a devoted

Band

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

Bands table offers hooks you can use to build an adventure around a band of giants. Bands d6 Adventure Hook 1 A band of giants is spotted near a town, and the adventurers are asked to

. 3 A giant-led cult devoted to a demon lord or Elemental Evil wreaks destruction across the countryside. 4 A band of nature-revering giants seeks adventurers’ help dealing with a

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

sewer tunnels, paying them with food and tools the kobolds wouldn’t have access to on their own. If they are treated well and left alone to do the job, the kobolds work industriously and build a

, they might build a warren and make a permanent home there, while continuing to expand the town’s sewers as the community grows. These so-called “city kobolds” live underground but

The Shadowdusks

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

. Their brother, Xerrion, came to possess the tablet and used it to contact otherworldly beings in an attempt to destroy his family’s business rivals and political enemies. This contact drove Xerrion

devoted to each other and are obsessed with returning their family to prominence and ultimately seizing control of Waterdeep.

Dunbarrow Witch

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monstrous Compendium Volume Four

Dunbarrow. It’s not uncommon to see ravens and bats flitting through the canopy, or cats 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, while others animate furniture, weapons, or other objects. Feel free to build encounters with witches that include

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