compound remained group to her reason

Ruxithid the Chosen

Monsters Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

, but the goblins remained, sequestered from the rest of the world until recently when the mind flayer fanatics called on them. Some of these goblins’ descendants possess psionic powers, as

gemstone. Unknown to Ruxithid the Chosen, a new group of mind flayer fanatics that draw power from the Far Realm planted it for him to find. The gemstone lets Ruxithid telepathically communicate with the

B'rohg

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

its bare hands. B’rohgs communicate with one another using grunts and basic hand signals; they have no spoken or written language. They prefer to be left alone and for that reason don’t

navigate perilous terrain. A solitary b’rohg that is befriended by a group of adventurers might follow them around for a while, but it will soon tire of their company and once again seek out others of its own kind.

Kender

Species Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

During the mythical origins of Krynn, Reorx, god of craft, indulged in an age of unfettered creation. Many peoples sprang from his divine forge, but not all among them remained as the god created

them. Altered by unbridled magic, a group of gnomes were transformed and given almost supernatural curiosity and fearlessness. These were the first kender. Originating on the world of Krynn, kender are

Unspeakable Horror (Malleable Mass)

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

vaporous visions amid the fog, mysterious eddies in the Mists sometimes gather such evils, forcing them into unique, misshapen bodies untethered from the laws of reason or reality. Such unspeakable

might cause a mist horror to take on a form that combines multiple fears when it encounters a group, like a wolf with snakes for eyes or a drowned giant that resembles an estranged parent. Mist horrors

Unspeakable Horror

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

into unique, misshapen bodies untethered from the laws of reason or reality. Such unspeakable horrors might continue to haunt the misty netherworld between the Domains of Dread, or they might slink

mist horror’s appearance are drawn from the fears of those within 100 feet of it. This might cause a mist horror to take on a form that combines multiple fears when it encounters a group, like a

Unspeakable Horror (Loathsome Limbs)

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

eddies in the Mists sometimes gather such evils, forcing them into unique, misshapen bodies untethered from the laws of reason or reality. Such unspeakable horrors might continue to haunt the misty

that combines multiple fears when it encounters a group, like a wolf with snakes for eyes or a drowned giant that resembles an estranged parent. Mist horrors can’t persist for long outside the

Unspeakable Horror (Oozing Organs)

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

, forcing them into unique, misshapen bodies untethered from the laws of reason or reality. Such unspeakable horrors might continue to haunt the misty netherworld between the Domains of Dread, or they

group, like a wolf with snakes for eyes or a drowned giant that resembles an estranged parent. Mist horrors can’t persist for long outside the Mists: after 1d4;{"diceNotation":"1d4","rollType

Mercenary Veteran

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

possibilities.) Now you’re looking for something else, perhaps greater reward for the risks you take, or the freedom to choose your own activities. For whatever reason, you’re leaving

Bloodaxes. Founded in Sundabar nearly two centuries ago, the Bloodaxes were originally a group of dwarves outcast from their clans for crimes against the teachings of Moradin Soulforger. They began

Charlatan - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

Everybody’s always trying to get a leg up on somebody in Baldur’s Gate. One group’s con artist might be another’s revolutionary. Or maybe you’re just in it for yourself

want. 4 I’m 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

Unspeakable Horror (Aberrant Armor)

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

unique, misshapen bodies untethered from the laws of reason or reality. Such unspeakable horrors might continue to haunt the misty netherworld between the Domains of Dread, or they might slink forth into

horror’s appearance are drawn from the fears of those within 100 feet of it. This might cause a mist horror to take on a form that combines multiple fears when it encounters a group, like a wolf

Tortle Legacy

Species The Tortle Package

dozen) in a fortified compound enclosed by stone walls that are easily defensible. If no such compound exists, they build one. The parents spend the remainder of their lives guarding the compound

, 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

Executioner

backgrounds

Tools, Someone Else’s Journal, Traveler's Clothes, 10 GP; or (B) 50 GP You were employed as an executioner by some group or organization in a position of power. Your legally sanctioned

may have worked for the Arcanist Inquisition, putting unrepentant mages to death. You may have carried out sanctioned sacrifices for the Prismatic Circle. For some reason, you left your career: maybe

Giff Legacy

Monsters Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes

":"piercing"} piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.It’s easy to spot the giff in a room: a group of 7-foot-tall, hippopotamus-headed humanoids attired in gaudy

brighter the flash, and the thicker the smoke it produces, the more giff love a weapon. Their skill with gunpowder is another reason for their popularity as mercenaries. Giff revel in the challenge of

Eye and Hand of Vecna Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

’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

end in a terrible battle that left Vecna’s tower a heap of ash. Of Vecna, all that remained were one hand and one eye, grisly artifacts that still seek to work the Whispered One’s will in

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

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

, giving each individual and every generation a reason to feel pride and self-respect. The kobolds prefer to run away than fight, to live off the scraps of others, and they are often dominated by larger

Firbolg Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

the group’s needs, but the effect each action will have on the forest and the rest of the natural world. Firbolg tribes would rather go hungry than strain the land during a famine. Hidden

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

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

remained ensconced in their hidden strongholds, biding their time until they were ready to strike again. Today, with their numbers greatly depleted and their enemies much stronger than in ages past, the

implement better tactics. Any enemy who chases a group of fleeing yuan-ti might be on the victorious side of a rout or could be heading into a trap; if the enemy has been encountered before, it is likely

Cultural Melancholy

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

Cultural Melancholy The reason that elves are seldom frivolous and carefree is rooted in an inborn malaise or sorrow that infused the primal elves when they chose to stop following Corellon’s path

the schism between Corellon and Lolth, even if many of them ultimately remained loyal to Corellon. Now the elves of the world must forever live and die and live again, suffering the consequences of

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.

Chapter 1: Group Patrons When creating characters for an Eberron campaign, consider choosing a patron for your adventuring party. This section describes general categories of patrons and also

Goldenfields

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder

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

the surrounding fields, and it’s enclosed on all sides by a wall of mortared stone. The outer wall is 60 feet high (20 feet high inside the compound) and 30 feet wide. The wall is built out at several

Morale

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

saving throw for whatever reason, have the creature in the group with the next highest Charisma score make the saving throw instead. On a failed save, the affected creature or group flees by the most

group of creatures might flee under any of the following circumstances: All the creatures in the group are surprised. The group’s leader is reduced to 0 hit points, incapacitated, taken prisoner, or

Patron Benefits

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

this equipment for your private purposes, within reason. Press Access. Each member of your group is issued identification papers from the nation where the newspaper is based. These papers establish

your group earns 1 gp per day, or enough to sustain a modest lifestyle. Expenses. In addition to your salary, your group can be reimbursed for expenses related to your work. The newspaper covers the

Background

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

Background Before recorded history, the god known as Chaos was trapped by Reorx in the Graygem, but echoes of Chaos remained in the world. These took the form of nodes buried deep in the earth, where

they should have been forgotten for all time. Thousands of years before the Cataclysm, a group of dwarf settlers established an enclave in the mountains north of Thorbardin, which they called Tyar

Frost Giant Factions

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves

Frost Giant Factions The characters aren’t the only ones interested in the frozen corpse. A group of frost giants, led by Elakdras’s descendants, recently arrived in Challidax’s lair. They hope the

the dragon to elevate her power. Aerstigga ambushed Ralvald shortly after the group reached the lair, gravely wounding her brother, then moved deeper into the lair with her followers. Three giants

Rival Outfit

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

Rival Outfit Some criminals believe you can’t do a job without betraying your partners. Perhaps you have your own share of adversaries you’ve angered. The Group Rivals table presents a host of groups

and individuals who might—legitimately or otherwise—hold a grudge against you. Group Rivals d6 Rival 1 The Law. Someone in the Sharn Watch has vowed to put you in prison or die trying. 2 Gang

Talhundereth

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

remained. Since that attack, various bandits and monsters have squatted in the abandoned temple. Sometime after the mind flayers’ reign, aspiring lore-seekers brought one piece of the shattered obelisk

into Talhundereth’s chapel and another into its crypt, hoping that studying the pieces in close proximity might reveal more about the obelisk’s previous powers. That group was twisted by the psychic

Quaggoths

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

villains. Quaggoths frequently collect in small bands led by the most fearsome group member. These bands are proud and quick to hold grudges. Anyone who harms a quaggoth—or who is suspected of doing so

—earns the enmity of that quaggoth’s band regardless of reason or fault. These grudges sometimes extend to whole communities rather than individuals. Generations of quaggoths might seek revenge against a

Adventure Background

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault

speculated to maintain covert ties with occult or nefarious organizations. Serious academics often write off the Cognoscenti Esoterica as charlatans or pranksters, and with good reason: the

Cognoscenti rarely collect enough evidence to support their outlandish claims. Still, the organization occasionally stumbles upon something of true significance. Recently the group acquired a magical painting

Fortified Outpost

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

within multiple rings of fortification. A normal approach to the inner compound involves passing through one of two gate houses (protected by arrow slits and murder holes), crossing an open courtyard

a group of fey, and the locals want it reclaimed. 8 The outpost was built on the foundations of an ancient goblin fortress, and treasures are rumored to lie buried beneath it.

Adventure Background

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault

Adventure Background Long ago, a giant named Xeluan was attacked by his ruthless kin and left to die. After a group of heroes found him and nursed him back to health, the grateful giant pledged his

heroes lived prosperous lives, and afterward, their bodies were interred in Xeluan’s tomb. When the last hero died, the tomb was sealed, and so it remained for centuries. Xeluan’s sacrifice was lost to

Using the Golden Vault

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault

profane entity. Four adventurers hired to retrieve the book from Delphi Mansion have disappeared without a trace. We have good reason to believe they’re dead. This quest, should you choose to undertake

it, requires you to travel to Delphi Mansion and retrieve The Celestial Codex. May you fare better than the last group. Good luck, operatives.” Closing the music box causes the golden key to vanish.

Holed Up

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

. Last year, a group of adventurers killed Garagai, the mammoth’s frost giant master. Norsu has never recovered from the loss and, to this day, watches over its master’s frozen corpse, unwilling to leave

. Slaying the mammoth is a tall order, so characters would be wise to flee from Norsu or try to reason with it. Norsu and the winter wolves reside in an ice lodge built by Garagai. The wolves try to entice

The Rose Stage

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

the main stage serves as a preparation area for performers, as well as a storage area for stage equipment and props. The Rose Stage is available to any group or course on campus. The Playactors Drama

, pledgemages, and professors from the different colleges. SETTING UP SEDGEMOOR The characters will have heard about Sedgemoor during their first year at Strixhaven, but they have likely had no reason

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

guarded. There’s time before the plan is to commence, but when the characters are ready, she leads them to meet with a group of Silent Roar agents—see the “Pedestal of Judgment” section. If the

Breaking the Law

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

, and murder are severe, regardless of the reason for the crime. If the characters express interest in knowing more about crimes and punishments in Waterdeep, give them the Code Legal handout in

could end with one or more of the characters being exiled, sentenced to several years of hard labor, imprisoned, or put to death. If that’s how their adventure ends, so be it. Hopefully, your next group will fare better.

D&D Beyond

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