confidant ranks get to have reason

Ulder Ravengard

Monsters Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

fearless soldier who rose up through the ranks of the Flaming Fist to become its supreme marshal. Ravengard used his military position and influence to secure for himself a seat on the Council of Four

struggled in performing his duties, finding his hands tied at every turn by both overt and invisible bureaucracy. Despite this, he's been a voice of reason and common sense on the Council of Four — if

Stone Giant Dreamwalker

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

themselves become lost in the dream. Other stone giants are banished to the surface as punishment. Regardless of the reason they ended up on the surface, if they don’t take shelter under stone

surroundings, and this delirium leaches out into the world around them, affecting other creatures that get too close. Believing that they’re living in a dream and that their actions have no real

Dimir Operative

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

;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

guildless masses of the city. Consider why you’re embedded in the secondary guild. Create a story with your DM, inspired by rolling on the following table or choosing a reason that suits you

Mister Light

Monsters The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

get to know Naeryx better, though it took a while for Naeryx to trust him. After getting his hands on some money, Urmius bought a sad little carnival that was camped on the outskirts of

;Delight. I want everyone to feel the wonder that I feel each day in this place.” Bond. “Mister Witch is my greatest friend and most trusted confidant.” Flaw. “I was the crueler

Titivilus

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

archdevils, he compensates with cunning. A shrewd politician, he has clawed his way up through the ranks to become the second-most powerful devil in Dis, entirely by saying the right thing at the right time

to get what he wanted. Charming and pleasant, he is a master at negotiation, able to twist words so as to leave his victims confused and believing he’s on their side. Through these skills

Far Traveler

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

provided. The following section, discussing possible homelands, includes some suggested reasons that are appropriate for each location. d6 Reason d6 Reason 1 Emissary 4 Pilgrim

hundreds of miles of the Great Glacier and the Great Ice Sea. No one from your nation makes the effort to cross such colossal barriers without a convincing reason. You must fear something truly

Criminal - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

ranks hoping to find out what happened to them. 7 You’ve always wanted to be a member of the Guild. As a child, you looked up to the Guild members’ swagger, their flashy dress, and

work, do what needs to be done, and get paid. Anyone who pursues crime for thrill-seeking, to strike back at unjust authorities, or anything else are amateurs, and they’re liable to get you

Auril (Second Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

thin cloak of mist forms around her. Blades of ice grow out of her body at odd angles, breaking off before they get too long. When she moves, her body crackles. In this form, Auril creates weapons of

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

Waterdhavian Noble

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

Faerûn for being eccentric, spoiled, venal, and, above all else, rich. Whether you are a shining example of the reason for this reputation or one who proves the rule by being an exception, people

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

Folk Hero - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

Origins table for an event that started you down your heroic path.. d10 Origin 1 You helped get healing for a sick child. Now the sick come to you, knowing you’ll help them

name. FEATURE: RUSTIC HOSPITALITY Since you come from the ranks of the common folk, you fit in among them with ease. You can find a place to hide, rest, or recuperate among other commoners

Soldier - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

military organization you were a part of, how far through its ranks you progressed, and what kind of experiences you had during your military career. Was it a standing army, a town guard, or a village

regard you with suspicion, and you generally get a chilly reception while in uniform. BALDUR’S GATE FEATURE: LOYALTY TEST You’ve had enough dealings with crooked soldiers that you can spot

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

memories of war. I can’t get the images of violence out of my mind. 3 I’ve lost too many friends, and I’m slow to make new ones. 4 I’m full of inspiring and cautionary

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

Hermit - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

past that could rewrite history. It might be information that would be damaging to the people who consigned you to exile, and hence the reason for your return to society. Work with your DM to

homeless and unfortunate. You know where to go in the Lower City and Outer City for anonymity. In these slums and alley camps, you can get a damp bed and a bad meal, but also a degree of privacy and no

Norker

Monsters Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1

, norkers are tough humanoids whose long, sharp fangs and thick, bony exoskeletons make them well-suited to the ranks of hobgoblin armies. Unfortunately for their would-be masters, norkers are rebellious

and his followers the initial, unwilling recruits into his crusade. Today, hobgoblins chafe at the suggestion that creatures as lazy and untamed as norkers could claim such an honor. For that reason

Norker War Leader

Monsters Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1

, and lazy even by the standards of goblinoids, norkers are tough humanoids whose long, sharp fangs and thick, bony exoskeletons make them well-suited to the ranks of hobgoblin armies. Unfortunately

norkers could claim such an honor. For that reason alone, hobgoblin warlords are loath to use these creatures, preferring to keep them around as disposable labor in mines and quarries. Nasty, Brutish

Nilbog Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

as a harsh overseer who would keep the goblins under heel. But the goblins’ pantheon included a trickster deity who was determined to get the last laugh. Although its essence was shattered by

Maglubiyet, this trickster god survives in splintered form as a possessing spirit that arises when goblinoids form a host, causing disorder in the ranks unless it is appeased. Goblins have no name for

Fog Giant

Monsters Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1

intimidation to get their way. A fog giant seeks out news and rumors of treasures that appeal to its sense of refinement, then tracks down and treats owners of those treasures to a show of force. Kicking

bandits, raiders, spies, and criminals. In some cases, such a network might grow large enough that minions in the lower ranks are ignorant of their leader’s true nature. Fog giants who amass

Soldier Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

, work with your DM to determine which military organization you were a part of, how far through its ranks you progressed, and what kind of experiences you had during your military career. Was it a

hatred. d8 Personality Trait 1 I’m always polite and respectful. 2 I’m haunted by memories of war. I can’t get the images of violence out of my mind. 3 I

Folk Hero Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

leadership and was commended for my heroism. FEATURE: RUSTIC HOSPITALITY Since you come from the ranks of the common folk, you fit in among them with ease. You can find a place to hide, rest

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

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

common apes. Although some purebloods are able to reproduce with humans, most are disgusted by the idea and would do so only if seduction is necessary for a pureblood to preserve a role as a confidant or

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

Tortle Legacy

Species The Tortle Package

wilderness in which to hunt, catch fish, and get by. With each passing year, a tortle hones its survival skills. It forms friendships with its neighbors while also respecting their privacy. At some

prefer simple, non-gender-specific names that are usually no more than two syllables. If a tortle doesn’t like its name for whatever reason, it can change it. A tortle might change its name a dozen

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

Hierarchy

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

, some members are highly respected while others are seen as dangerous for one reason or another. What is your relationship to the hierarchy you’re a part of? Is your entire order held in particularly

high or low esteem? Or does your adventuring party stand out from the larger order for some reason? Is your behavior in line with the expectations of your religion, or is it unorthodox in some way

Activity While Traveling

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

are the closest to those enemies when a fight breaks out. A character might occupy the front rank, one or more middle ranks, or the back rank. Characters in the front and back ranks need enough room

to travel side by side with others in their rank. When space is too tight, the marching order must change, usually by moving characters to a middle rank. Fewer Than Three Ranks. If an adventuring

Activity While Traveling

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

are the closest to those enemies when a fight breaks out. A character might occupy the front rank, one or more middle ranks, or the back rank. Characters in the front and back ranks need enough room

to travel side by side with others in their rank. When space is too tight, the marching order must change, usually by moving characters to a middle rank. Fewer Than Three Ranks. If an adventuring

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

Strength Orcs appreciate physical prowess and formidable combat ability in any form. As such, they might accept other creatures into their ranks from time to time. Orcs have been known to associate with

the gods has no clear explanation, the priests might have to meditate for hours or days to get a vision of its meaning. Every group of orcs has particular superstitions and recognizes certain omens

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

Roleplaying Phandalin NPCs

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lost Mine of Phandelver

and what they want. You don’t need to be an actor or stand-up comedian to get good drama or humor out of your NPCs, but if you want to ham it up, here’s some advice: Relax. Don’t worry about

impressing your players with your thespian skills (or lack thereof). Get inside the NPCs’ minds. Imagine how they might react to the characters, and strive to be realistic. Mug it up. Scowl, smile, snarl

The Dark Powers

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

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

the denizens of the Domains of Dread as their playthings, sowing fears and fomenting despair. This pleases or sustains them, or perhaps they’re searching for individuals worthy of joining their ranks

Maintaining Order

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss

, and decisions might not get made quickly enough — or at all. Adding to the challenge of maintaining discipline is the ever-present threat of demonic madness growing among the ranks, creating problems

within their own ranks, members of any faction might bristle at having to work alongside (much less take orders from) members of other factions. Chain of Command In addition to deciding how the

Order of the Gauntlet

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

sentient beings must come to the light of reason and goodness of their own volition. That is why it is not interested in controlling minds: it focuses only on deeds, setting an example to the world in hopes

disguise, you ask? Yourself. Evil will cloak itself in thoughts and emotions pretending to be your own, telling you to get angry, to be greedy and envious, to hold yourself above others. “People

Recovering from Defeat

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

time and saw how the battle unfolded. If the characters need better gear or spells cast on their behalf, the factions get to work. No one wants a second assault to fail for lack of potions of fire

resistance, for example. The ranks of the cult are depleted, and they can’t be refilled until word spreads about the arrival of an elemental prince. Characters know what to expect, but the Prince of Elemental Evil is arrogant and disdainful enough to carry on just as he or she did in the first battle.

Black Swords

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

Black Swords The characters don’t get this quest in the customary way, which is to say that the residents of Caer-Dineval aren’t counting on adventurers to help them. The quest falls into the party’s

need him to make a public appearance. They can also use him as a hostage if the Ten-Towners take up arms against them. These devil worshipers keep a low profile while seeking out new members to join their ranks.

Rare Birds

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things

) check, and they find it easy to get her to visit him. Many methods might work, including conveying his interest in meeting her, pickpocketing something of hers and placing it by Hugo’s card stand, or fabricating a reason for Merriweather and Hugo to meet.

out of concern he doesn’t feel the same way. Characters acting on Hugo’s request to get an introduction to Merriweather can tell she reciprocates his feelings by succeeding on a DC 12 Wisdom (Insight

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