consisting ready guardians to have rarely

Harengon Sniper

Monsters The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

, ready to pick off targets from a safe distance. These snipers are so adept with their crossbows that their targets gain no benefit from less than total cover against ranged attacks the harengons make

Material Plane. They love to travel on foot and rarely stay in one place for long. Not all harengons are mean-spirited bullies like the ones presented here. Every harengon follows their own path through

Black Abishai

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

armies. In all cases, abishais are fanatically loyal to Tiamat, ready to lay down their lives if needed. Abishais stand outside the normal hierarchy of the Nine Hells, having their own chain of command

and ultimately answering to Tiamat (and Asmodeus, when he chooses to use them). Other archdevils can command abishais to work for them, but most archdevils do so rarely, since it is never clear

Blue Abishai

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

, ready to lay down their lives if needed. Abishais stand outside the normal hierarchy of the Nine Hells, having their own chain of command and ultimately answering to Tiamat (and Asmodeus, when he

chooses to use them). Other archdevils can command abishais to work for them, but most archdevils do so rarely, since it is never clear whether an abishai follows Tiamat’s orders or Asmodeus&rsquo

Green Abishai

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

responsibilities, such as leading large groups, assassinating targets, and serving in armies. In all cases, abishais are fanatically loyal to Tiamat, ready to lay down their lives if needed. Abishais stand

work for them, but most archdevils do so rarely, since it is never clear whether an abishai follows Tiamat’s orders or Asmodeus’s. There is inherent risk in countermanding an order given by

Lampad

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

Lampads guard the shadowed paths of the world, depths typically trod by souls destined for the Underworld. These rarely seen nymphs assist Athreos in guiding the dead, moving among the spirits that

of special need, deities tied to facets of nature might employ nymphs as messengers, guardians, or scouts. Immortal Nature. A nymph doesn't require food, drink, or sleep. PoisonNecrotic

Treefolk

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

/day: commune with nature (as an action)The wise and ancient treefolk thrive in the depths of Eldraine’s forested wilds. Though many treefolk rival members of the high fae in age, they rarely

interfere with the goings-on of the faerie court. Instead, treefolk serve as guardians and shepherds of their wild groves, dispensing wisdom and blessings to travelers who wander under their branches

White Abishai

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

groups, assassinating targets, and serving in armies. In all cases, abishais are fanatically loyal to Tiamat, ready to lay down their lives if needed. Abishais stand outside the normal hierarchy of the

do so rarely, since it is never clear whether an abishai follows Tiamat’s orders or Asmodeus’s. There is inherent risk in countermanding an order given by Tiamat, but interfering with

Catoblepas

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

. Degenerate creatures are likely to take up residence near a catoblepas’s territory, as are those seeking to avoid notice. Catoblepases in Folklore Ordinary folk rarely see a catoblepas, but

, drinking the monsters’ milk and using them as guardians or pets. Other legends say that those of impure heart can tame a catoblepas and whisper of malevolent warlocks and wicked knights who ride them into battle.

Red Abishai

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

, abishais are fanatically loyal to Tiamat, ready to lay down their lives if needed. Abishais stand outside the normal hierarchy of the Nine Hells, having their own chain of command and ultimately answering

to Tiamat (and Asmodeus, when he chooses to use them). Other archdevils can command abishais to work for them, but most archdevils do so rarely, since it is never clear whether an abishai follows

Ulitharid

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

, plane shift (self only), project image, scrying, telekinesisVery rarely, when a tadpole from the brine pool of an elder brain is implanted into a creature, that creature transforms into an ulitharid

staff; when the ulitharid is ready to give up its life, it attaches the staff to the back of its head, and the staff cracks open its skull, enabling its brain to be extracted. The brain and the staff

Ki-rin

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

, guardians of the sacred, and counterbalances to the forces of evil. Ki-rins are an embodiment of good, and simply beholding one can evoke fear or awe in an observer. A typical ki-rin looks like a

reveres and the function each typically performs in service to that god. Some resemble gigantic unicorns; these are often used as guardians. Others have draconic features and tend to be aggressive foes

Outlander - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

Coming to Baldur’s Gate might seem like a good idea for a spectrum of reasons. Profit, excitement, and cosmopolitan opportunities all present tempting prospects, but rarely does one start on

You’ve always been fascinated by the glitter and glamor of city life, so different from the slow pace of life in your homeland. Now you’re here, ready to make your mark in the world, but

Aarakocra Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

homes, they appear alert, with eyes moving and bodies ready to take flight. Homelands Most aarakocra live on the Elemental Plane of Air. Aarakocra can be drawn into the Material Plane, sometimes to

changes in the prevailing winds that they regarded as a bad omen. Unlike the aarakocra of other worlds on the Material Plane, the aarakocra of the Realms rarely travel to the Elemental Plane of Air

Shub-Niggurath

monsters

represents burgeoning life unburdened by the demands of ethics, laws, or society. Her worshippers exist in isolated enclaves, largely consisting of families, isolated villagers, or exiles who renounce the

civilization. A kingdom ready for the coming invasion stands a chance of defeating the threat. One that perceived the cultists as rabble, bumpkins, or harmless lunatics risks having its cities and towns

Wicker Weaver

backgrounds

: Weaver's Tools Equipment:Choose A or B: (A) Quarterstaff, Weaver's Tools, Basket (with dry reeds ready to weave), Book (druidic lore), Iron Pot, Traveler's Clothes, 19 GP; or (B) 50 GP Building a

Wicker. Healers and guardians alike may seek out the Old Ways for remedies and protective charms to ward off evil. Not all who come to the wicker craft do so with noble intent—some, broken by spite

Triton Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

elemental planes, and other dangerous spots far from the eyes of land-bound folk. Long-established guardians of the deep ocean floor, in recent years the noble tritons have become increasingly active in

remote even merfolk and sea elves rarely encounter them. Haughty Nobles As a result of their isolation and limited understanding of the Material Plane, tritons can come across as haughty and

Tabaxi Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

tabaxi rarely stay in one place for long. Their innate nature pushes them to leave no secrets uncovered, no treasures or legends lost. Wandering Outcasts Most tabaxi remain in their distant

path to satisfy their obsessions become wandering tinkers and minstrels. These tabaxi work in small troupes, usually consisting of an elder, more experienced tabaxi who guides up to four young ones

Bugbear Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

individuals in a group typically number fewer than a dozen, consisting of siblings and their mates as well as a handful of offspring and an elder or two. A gang lives in and around a small enclosure

terrifying to them as bugbears are in the eyes of many other races. His name is rarely spoken, and never above a whisper. Skiggaret’s influence manifests at times when bugbears are forced to act

Bard Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

set bards apart from their fellows. Only rarely do bards settle in one place for long, and their natural desire to travel—to find new tales to tell, new skills to learn, and new discoveries

a master, following the more experienced bard until you were ready to strike out on your own? Or did you attend a college where you studied bardic lore and practiced your musical magic? Perhaps you

The Sally Port

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

appendix D), which are guarding the sally port’s 10-foot-by-20-foot ready room against exactly this type of counterattack. After characters seize the room, they discover that the door is heavily damaged. The

fastest repair is with five castings of mending (taking 5 minutes). If none of the characters can do this, an NPC in the keep knows the cantrip. Someone must find and fetch her to the ready room

The Sally Port

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

appendix D), which are guarding the sally port’s 10-foot-by-20-foot ready room against exactly this type of counterattack. After characters seize the room, they discover that the door is heavily damaged. The

fastest repair is with five castings of mending (taking 5 minutes). If none of the characters can do this, an NPC in the keep knows the cantrip. Someone must find and fetch her to the ready room

Paladin Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

earliest memories that the paladin’s life was your calling, almost as if you had been sent into the world with that purpose stamped on your soul. As guardians against the forces of wickedness

, paladins are rarely of any evil alignment. Most of them walk the paths of charity and justice. Consider how your alignment colors the way you pursue your holy quest and the manner in which you conduct

Treasures Untold

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

knowledge of the abbey’s riches. Now only Bayleaf knows about the Winding Way. He was informed of the tunnels by the overlord who led the abbey, who wanted him ready to defend them if needs arose. The elf

does not know the actual layout of the place, nor does he know about its guardians. He uses his knowledge of the place’s existence as a bargaining chip for getting off the island. Bayleaf has not told any of the other survivors about the Winding Way.

Treasures Untold

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

knowledge of the abbey’s riches. Now only Bayleaf knows about the Winding Way. He was informed of the tunnels by the overlord who led the abbey, who wanted him ready to defend them if needs arose. The elf

does not know the actual layout of the place, nor does he know about its guardians. He uses his knowledge of the place’s existence as a bargaining chip for getting off the island. Bayleaf has not told any of the other survivors about the Winding Way.

Allies, Minions, and Pets

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

Allies, Minions, and Pets Thanks to their lack of physical prowess and their small size, kobolds are rarely in a position to dominate other creatures, so they usually don’t have minions. Even when

, these animals help the kobolds with pest control and are occasionally used as food. Giant rats and similarly sized lizards are also used as pack animals and guardians. Some tribes train giant weasels to

Allies, Minions, and Pets

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

Allies, Minions, and Pets Thanks to their lack of physical prowess and their small size, kobolds are rarely in a position to dominate other creatures, so they usually don’t have minions. Even when

, these animals help the kobolds with pest control and are occasionally used as food. Giant rats and similarly sized lizards are also used as pack animals and guardians. Some tribes train giant weasels to

Undead

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation

efforts to date have fallen short. Ghouls Any character with a passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 12 or higher hears and smells a ghoul pack approaching, consisting of 2d6 ghouls led by a ghast. The

, the skeletons are either lying on the ground or buried under it, ready to spring up when wayward explorers pass by. If the party is camped, the skeletons wander into the camp and attack. Specter The

Thundering Observatory Adventures

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

Thundering Observatory Adventures Here are sample adventure hooks to bring characters to the Thundering Observatory or to give them missions to pursue there. Collateral Damage Factions consisting of

component. Once they do, an adult gold dragon warns them the giant intends to use the component to activate the Thundering Observatory as a doomsday weapon. Fire When Ready A frost giant plans to use

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

responsible for blocking tunnels to deter pursuit. Kobolds feel a cool affinity or something like kinship for other members of their tribe, but they are rarely affectionate with each other. Two kobolds

waking time is spent working, adversarial kobolds rarely have opportunities to exchange insults, let alone come to blows over their differences. Kobolds choose mates primarily for convenience. Their

Undead

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation

efforts to date have fallen short. Ghouls Any character with a passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 12 or higher hears and smells a ghoul pack approaching, consisting of 2d6 ghouls led by a ghast. The

, the skeletons are either lying on the ground or buried under it, ready to spring up when wayward explorers pass by. If the party is camped, the skeletons wander into the camp and attack. Specter The

Nagas

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)

Nagas Nagas are intelligent serpents that inhabit the ruins of the past, amassing arcane treasures and knowledge. The first nagas were created as immortal guardians by a humanoid race long lost to

days, ready to continue its eternal work. Benevolent Dictators and Brutal Tyrants. A naga rules its domain with absolute authority. Whether it rules with compassion or by terrorizing its subjects, the

Nagas

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)

Nagas Nagas are intelligent serpents that inhabit the ruins of the past, amassing arcane treasures and knowledge. The first nagas were created as immortal guardians by a humanoid race long lost to

days, ready to continue its eternal work. Benevolent Dictators and Brutal Tyrants. A naga rules its domain with absolute authority. Whether it rules with compassion or by terrorizing its subjects, the

The Phylactery Vault

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a5

room is called the Phylactery Vault because it houses the phylacteries of many of Szass Tam’s high-ranking lich servants. “You must enter the vault, defeat its guardians, and disrupt the magic there

. You can enter through any black gate in the Temples of Extraction when you are ready.” The characters can ask questions, but at best Syranna knows only a little more than they do. (You can use this opportunity to give out information you want the players to know before proceeding.)

Thundering Observatory Adventures

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

Thundering Observatory Adventures Here are sample adventure hooks to bring characters to the Thundering Observatory or to give them missions to pursue there. Collateral Damage Factions consisting of

component. Once they do, an adult gold dragon warns them the giant intends to use the component to activate the Thundering Observatory as a doomsday weapon. Fire When Ready A frost giant plans to use

The Phylactery Vault

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a5

room is called the Phylactery Vault because it houses the phylacteries of many of Szass Tam’s high-ranking lich servants. “You must enter the vault, defeat its guardians, and disrupt the magic there

. You can enter through any black gate in the Temples of Extraction when you are ready.” The characters can ask questions, but at best Syranna knows only a little more than they do. (You can use this opportunity to give out information you want the players to know before proceeding.)

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