certain revealed get to have reasons

Damselfly Ship

Equipment

transports. Explorers and pirates like them because they’re fast and sturdy. Military leaders use them as command ships for the same reasons. Damselfly ship owners are a proud lot, fond of painting

their ships in colorful patterns as well as customizing their vessels with special equipment. Large, private gatherings of damselfly ship owners are not uncommon; they use these get-togethers to show

Dimir Operative

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

journals or hidden away in someone’s mind. Even you might not be aware of all the reasons behind the missions you carry out. Sometimes a mission’s sole purpose is to conceal the

;s activities. 3 I’ve been assigned to get close to an individual in this guild and learn their secrets. 4 I’ve been assigned to recruit a new Dimir spy from the ranks of this

Relentless Juggernaut

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

a certain area its territory and visits destruction upon all trespassers. Relentless killers are hateful, revenge-obsessed creatures that enter into pacts with fiends or other nefarious entities

Relentless killers come into being and undertake their terrifying sprees for a spectrum of reasons. When creating a relentless killer, consider what circumstances led to their transformation and

Bael

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

following of cultists. Those who worship at his altar call him the King of Hell, and the most deluded believe that he is the lord of all devils. In arcane circles, certain writings, such as the dreaded Book

of Fire, say that Bael revealed the invisibility spell to the world, though some scholars of magic hotly refute such claims. Bael is sometimes depicted as a toad, a cat, a human, or some combination of

Inheritor

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

ability and increases in potency with the passage of time. Or, the true nature of your inheritance might not be apparent at first and is revealed only when certain conditions are met. When you begin

. 7 I misuse long words in an attempt to sound smarter. 8 I get bored easily. When am I going to get on with my destiny? d6 Ideal 1 Respect. People deserve to be treated

Far Traveler

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

good that even if some people you meet have heard of your homeland, they know merely the name and perhaps a few outrageous stories. You have come to this part of Faerûn for your own reasons, which

number of reasons, and the departure from his or her homeland could have been voluntary or involuntary. To determine why you are so far from home, roll on the table below or choose from the options

Investigator

Backgrounds Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

influenced the types of mysteries you’re interested in. Why was this case so impactful, personal, or traumatic? Whom did it affect besides you? Why and how did you get involved? Was it solved? How

corpse. Ever since, other spectral clients have sought you out to help them find rest. 4 You revealed that the monsters terrorizing your home were illusions created by a cruel mage. The magic-user

Courtier

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

(which could pertain to certain individuals in the group, such as your sponsor or mentor). Your ideal might be concerned with the prevailing philosophy of your court or organization. Guild

tirelessly to get the best deal possible. 8 I’m well known for my work, and I want to make sure everyone appreciates it. I’m always taken aback when people haven’t heard of me

Sailor - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

you served on, or another ship you have good relations with (perhaps one captained by a former crewmate). Because you’re calling in a favor, you can’t be certain of a schedule or route

that will meet your every need. Your Dungeon Master will determine how long it takes to get where you need to go. In return for your free passage, you and your companions are expected to assist the crew

Morkoth

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

failed save, the creature is charmed by the morkoth for 1 minute. While charmed in this way, the target tries to get as close to the morkoth as possible, using its actions to Dash until it is within

ocean to the void of the Astral Plane. Anything on or within a certain distance of a morkoth’s isle is drawn with it in its journey through the planes. Thus, people from lost civilizations and

Adult Crystal Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

work—those are the words I live by. 7 I am always the first to offer a compliment. 8 Get off my snowfield, you immature bipeds! When I was a wyrmling, people respected their elders

. 7 A revenant persuades an adult crystal dragon to help get revenge on the frost giant;frost giants who murdered her. 8 An adult crystal dragon teaches astronomy to students of a renowned

Waterdhavian Noble

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

expect things of you when they know your surname and what it means. Your reasons for taking up adventuring likely involve your family in some way: Are you the family rebel, who prefers delving in

masses. 4 I take great pains to always look my best and follow the latest fashions. 5 I don’t like to get my hands dirty, and I won’t be caught dead in unsuitable accommodations

Leonin

Species Mythic Odysseys of Theros

adversaries—incredibly clever and well-prepared to play a long game but ultimately doomed to lose their games. 4 I’m certain every bad thing that happens can ultimately be blamed on the

gods, but I roll my eyes at each new twist of fate and try to get on with my life. 5 I wish that I could be as naive as humans and other mortals who actually think the gods are looking out for them

Azorius Functionary

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

-minted 1-zino coins) Feature: Legal Authority You have the authority to enforce the laws of Ravnica, and that status inspires a certain amount of respect and even fear in the populace. People mind

(though it might cause more problems than it solves when you’re dealing with incorrigible lawbreakers). If you abuse this privilege, though, you can get in serious trouble with your superiors and

Ancient Crystal Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

All play and no work—those are the words I live by. 7 I am always the first to offer a compliment. 8 Get off my snowfield, you immature bipeds! When I was a wyrmling, people respected

certain areas. In this way, crystal dragons’ hoards literally become the fabric of their homes. Crystal Dragon Lair Features The crystal dragon lair shown in map 5.7 is the home of a dragon who

Artificer

Classes Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

destruction unleashed by certain artificers’ creations. In the Forgotten Realms, the island of Lantan is home to many artificers, and in the world of Dragonlance, tinker gnomes are often

look at the Artificer table to see which features you get at each level. The descriptions of those features appear in the “Artificer Features” section. QUICK BUILD You can make an

Simic Scientist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

spellcasting, forming spirals that reflect the mathematical perfection of nature. Suggested Characteristics The bizarre science of the Simic Combine attracts a certain type of personality and encompasses

. 4 The laboratory where I did my research contains everything that is precious to me. 5 I will get revenge on the shortsighted fool who killed my precious krasis creation. 6

Halfling Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

among them usually venture into the world for reasons of community, friendship, wanderlust, or curiosity. They love discovering new things, even simple things, such as an exotic food or an unfamiliar

communities travel as a way of life, driving wagons or guiding boats from place to place and maintaining no permanent home. AFFABLE AND POSITIVE Halflings try to get along with everyone else and are

Folk Hero Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

after I led a symbolic act of protest against it. 9 A celestial, fey, or similar creature gave me a blessing or revealed my secret origin. 10 Recruited into a lord’s army, I rose to

to sound smarter. 8 I get bored easily. When am I going to get on with my destiny? d6 Ideal 1 Respect. People deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. (Good

Sailor Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

relations with (perhaps one captained by a former crewmate). Because you’re calling in a favor, you can’t be certain of a schedule or route that will meet your every need. Your Dungeon

Master will determine how long it takes to get where you need to go. In return for your free passage, you and your companions are expected to assist the crew during the voyage. Variant Sailor: Pirate

Dwarf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

common shades are light brown or deep tan, like certain tones of earth. Their hair, worn long but in simple styles, is usually black, gray, or brown, though paler dwarves often have red hair. Male

field of battle centuries ago. SLOW TO TRUST Dwarves get along passably well with most other races. “The difference between an acquaintance and a friend is about a hundred years,” is

Criminal / Spy Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

. Even criminals who operate outside of such organizations have strong preferences for certain kinds of crimes over others. Choose the role you played in your criminal life, or roll on the table below

CONTACT You have a reliable and trustworthy contact who acts as your liaison to a network of other criminals. You know how to get messages to and from your contact, even over great distances

Fighter

classes Basic Rules (2014)

skill. Likewise, a fighter is adept with shields and every form of armor. Beyond that basic degree of familiarity, each fighter specializes in a certain style of combat. Some concentrate on archery

Fighter As you build your fighter, think about two related elements of your character’s background: Where did you get your combat training, and what set you apart from the mundane warriors

Story Hooks

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

Story Hooks The characters could arrive at the Wandering Emporium for one or more of the following reasons: The characters need supplies, weapons, or even an infernal war machine. The characters need

a safe place to rest and perhaps get a good meal. The characters might have heard that they can sell demon ichor to a crazed wizard in the Wandering Emporium. The characters might have collected more soul coins than they feel comfortable carrying and need a place to spend them.

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

can transform an individual into a more powerful type. The cost and time required to perform the ritual is prohibitive, and as a result most yuan-ti never get the opportunity to undergo such a

’ feelings if doing so could adversely affect the yuan-ti’s plans, but they understand humanoid psychology well enough to know that they can get away with this casual disregard for life

On the Hunt

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

strikingly similar to Grand Messer Amos Nir, but the Kings of Coin refuse to investigate. (False) 5 A diviner revealed that the firstborn children of the Kings of Coin are in danger of having their souls

stolen for mysterious reasons. (True) 6 Grand Messer Amos Nir plans to retire imminently and will name his son, Azra, to lead the Kings of Coin in his place. (True)

Story Hooks

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

Story Hooks The characters could arrive at the Wandering Emporium for one or more of the following reasons: The characters need supplies, weapons, or even an infernal war machine. The characters need

a safe place to rest and perhaps get a good meal. The characters might have heard that they can sell demon ichor to a crazed wizard in the Wandering Emporium. The characters might have collected more soul coins than they feel comfortable carrying and need a place to spend them.

On the Hunt

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

strikingly similar to Grand Messer Amos Nir, but the Kings of Coin refuse to investigate. (False) 5 A diviner revealed that the firstborn children of the Kings of Coin are in danger of having their souls

stolen for mysterious reasons. (True) 6 Grand Messer Amos Nir plans to retire imminently and will name his son, Azra, to lead the Kings of Coin in his place. (True)

Keeping Combat Moving

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

, here are a few techniques you can use to get things moving again or bring the encounter to a speedy close. Don’t Repeat Game States When characters do something to change the tactical situation, don’t

chase the character. Move the monsters somewhere else. Hasten a Monster’s Demise If a combat has gone on long enough and the characters’ victory is almost certain, you can simply have the monster drop

Keeping Combat Moving

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

, here are a few techniques you can use to get things moving again or bring the encounter to a speedy close. Don’t Repeat Game States When characters do something to change the tactical situation, don’t

chase the character. Move the monsters somewhere else. Hasten a Monster’s Demise If a combat has gone on long enough and the characters’ victory is almost certain, you can simply have the monster drop

Fireball!

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

when a fireball detonates near their new residence. The characters are swept up in the aftermath of this horrific event and can try to get to the bottom of it. Who cast the fireball spell and why? Who

was the intended target? They can investigate the incident on behalf of a guild or a faction, or they can become involved for reasons of their own. One casualty of the fireball is in fact its intended

Fireball!

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

when a fireball detonates near their new residence. The characters are swept up in the aftermath of this horrific event and can try to get to the bottom of it. Who cast the fireball spell and why? Who

was the intended target? They can investigate the incident on behalf of a guild or a faction, or they can become involved for reasons of their own. One casualty of the fireball is in fact its intended

The Codicil and the Orb

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

, The Codicil of White is rumored to contain a spell or ritual that can carve a passage through the Reghed Glacier, under which the lost city Ythryn is buried. Divination magic has revealed that the book

private collection of magic items. The professor orb known as Professor Skant was part of that collection, and Vellynne wants it back for both practical and sentimental reasons: “The orb is a family

The Codicil and the Orb

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

, The Codicil of White is rumored to contain a spell or ritual that can carve a passage through the Reghed Glacier, under which the lost city Ythryn is buried. Divination magic has revealed that the book

private collection of magic items. The professor orb known as Professor Skant was part of that collection, and Vellynne wants it back for both practical and sentimental reasons: “The orb is a family

Gnomengarde

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon of Icespire Peak

Gnomengarde “Gnomengarde” is balanced for characters of 1st level, though characters of 2nd level might find certain traps and hazards challenging. Characters of 3rd level or higher should be able to

deal with the unexpected trouble here and get what they need from the rock gnomes without having to expend many resources, though the roleplaying in this quest should be fun regardless.

D&D Beyond

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