contrast world received

Mjenir

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

have begun to experience dreams and visions. One such person is Mjenir, a fifty-year-old shaman of the Reghed Elk Tribe, who received a vision about the characters' journey to the Reghed Glacier

. Druids dwell in forests and other secluded wilderness locations, where they protect the natural world from monsters and the encroachment of civilization. Some are tribal shamans who heal the sick, pray to animal spirits, and provide spiritual guidance.

Baba Lysaga

Monsters Curse of Strahd

received several disturbing reports, Queen Ravenovia was forced to banish the midwife from the kingdom. Lysaga never saw Strahd again, but she has succeeded in staying alive to witness the triumphs of

her beloved boy, who, in her mind, is eternally blessed. Despite the horrors Strahd has wrought, Lysaga still envisions him as the perfect child she delivered into the world. Strahd is the only thing in

Lady Illmarrow

Monsters Eberron: Rising from the Last War

received a vision affirming that the bloodline of Vol was no more. To the world, the last survivor of that bloodline is known as Lady Illmarrow. But in truth, she is Erandis Vol, heir to the Mark of

would be exterminated to the last member, and the Mark of Death would be eliminated from the world. The line of Vol had long been rivals of the Undying Court, and many whisper even today that the

Uthgardt Tribe Member

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

. (Good) 3 Honor. If I dishonor myself, I dishonor my whole clan. (Lawful) 4 Might. The strongest are meant to rule. (Evil) 5 Nature. The natural world is more important than all the

fullest. 3 I remember every insult I’ve received and nurse a silent resentment toward anyone who’s ever wronged me. 4 I am slow to trust members of other races, tribes, and

Genasi Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

Those who think of other planes at all consider them remote, distant realms, but planar influence can be felt throughout the world. It sometimes manifests in beings who, through an accident of birth

into the mortal world. They adapt well to the mingled elements of the Material Plane, and they sometimes visit—whether of their own volition or compelled by magic. Some genies can adopt mortal

Class Legacy

Rules

Class is the primary definition of what your character can do. It's more than a profession; it's your character's calling. Class shapes the way you think about the world and interact with it and your

relationship with other people and powers in the multiverse. A fighter, for example, might view the world in pragmatic terms of strategy and maneuvering, and see herself as just a pawn in a much

Gnome Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

his or her appearance. A male gnome’s beard, in contrast to his wild hair, is kept carefully trimmed but often styled into curious forks or neat points. A gnome’s clothing, though usually

beauties of the world in their long years, but gnomes seem to worry that even with all that time, they can’t get in enough of the things they want to do and see. Gnomes speak as if they can’t

Half-Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

leather, carefully tooled in the intricate designs the elves loved. But no elf in the world of Krynn could grow a beard . . . no elf, but . . . “Tanis?” said Flint hesitantly as the man

between these two worlds. In most parts of the world, though, half-elves are uncommon enough that one might live for years without meeting another. Some half-elves prefer to avoid company altogether

Druid Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

. Whether calling on the elemental forces of nature or emulating the creatures of the animal world, druids are an embodiment of nature’s resilience, cunning, and fury. They claim no mastery over

, animals, or elemental forces. The ancient druidic traditions are sometimes called the Old Faith, in contrast to the worship of gods in temples and shrines. Druid spells are oriented toward nature and

Bard Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

, ensuring that her companions’ words will be well received. Whether scholar, skald, or scoundrel, a bard weaves magic through words and music to inspire allies, demoralize foes, manipulate minds

from Experience True bards are not common in the world. Not every minstrel singing in a tavern or jester cavorting in a royal court is a bard. Discovering the magic hidden in music requires hard study

Lizardfolk Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

hold and controls their actions. In contrast, lizardfolk see emotions as traits assigned to other creatures, objects, and situations. A lizardfolk doesn’t think, “I’m scared.&rdquo

into the future. This approach allows them to maintain their current level of influence in the world, but it limits their growth. Lizardfolk have no interest in developing writing, making long-term

Giants: World Shakers

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

Giants: World Shakers If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my life, it’s that any empire that rises will fall. They all come crashing down. — Volo The saga of giantkind began in the dawn of the

world. Elves had yet to set dainty foot out of the fey realm when the thunder of the giants’ steps shook the world to its bones, and even the dragons were yet unaware of the power and glory they would

Adventure Hooks

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Uni and the Hunt for the Lost Horn

the players choose the premade characters that accompany this adventure. Long ago, the characters were transported to the Realm, a world filled with magic and monsters. With magic items they received

from a powerful being called Dungeon Master, the characters undertook many adventures before finally returning to their own world. Years passed, and these exploits became the gossamer memories of a

Multiclassing

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice Compendium

if you multiclass. For instance, if you’re a 4th-level multiclass character, you haven’t yet received the Ability Score Improvement feature because you haven’t attained 4th level in one of your classes

strikes? The Sneak Attack feature works with a weapon that has the finesse or ranged property. An unarmed strike isn’t a weapon, so it doesn’t qualify. In contrast, a rogue/ monk can use Sneak Attack with a

Monastery

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

and others who have reason to leave. For those individuals, a monastery might serve as a refuge between excursions to the world or as a source of support in times of need. What sort of place was your

can be reached only by flying. 4 Your monastery is built beside a volcanic system of hot springs, geysers, and sulfur pools. You regularly received visits from azer traders. 5 Your monastery was

Diplomats or Wanderers

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

between these two worlds. In most parts of the world, though, half-elves are uncommon enough that one might live for years without meeting another. Some half-elves prefer to avoid company altogether

, wandering the wilds as trappers, foresters, hunters, or adventurers and visiting civilization only rarely. Like elves, they are driven by the wanderlust that comes of their longevity. Others, in contrast

Marcher Characters

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

Mysticism. Most Marchers have a mystical view of the world, beliefs shaped by the traditions of the Gatekeepers and the madness of the daelkyr. Marchers typically feel that the people of the treaty

contrast, the Marcher tribes maintain traditions that predate humanity. As nomadic hunter-gatherers, they don’t work metals; they make their tools from stone, hide, wood, and bone. If your character

Atmosphere

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

your players. Settle on a single defining factor that sums up a settlement’s personality and extrapolate from there. Maybe a city is built around canals, like real-world Venice. That key element

cities present a distinct aesthetic, clearly identifiable in contrast to human-built ones. Soldiers patrol the streets to quell any hint of dissent in a city ruled by a tyrant, while a city fostering

Chapter 3: Classes

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

world and take on the challenges that lesser women and men can’t stand against. Class is the primary definition of what your character can do. It’s more than a profession; it’s your character’s

calling. Class shapes the way you think about the world and interact with it and your relationship with other people and powers in the multiverse. A fighter, for example, might view the world in pragmatic

Diplomats or Wanderers

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

between these two worlds. In most parts of the world, though, half-elves are uncommon enough that one might live for years without meeting another. Some half-elves prefer to avoid company altogether

, wandering the wilds as trappers, foresters, hunters, or adventurers and visiting civilization only rarely. Like elves, they are driven by the wanderlust that comes of their longevity. Others, in contrast

Outlander

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

Outlander Outlanders are a common sight in ports such as Saltmarsh. Even a small port attracts folk from across the world, though how they end up in a place like Saltmarsh varies greatly. The table

Eliander Fireborn and the marines Tom and Will Stoutly. They were the ones who received word of the ship and dispatched a squadron to intercept it.

Starting the Adventure

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

, regardless of whether they’ve ever received that miracle in the past. Temples and scholars of divine magic are at a loss to explain a curse that has affected the entire region, and possibly the entire

world. At this point, invite the players to explain why their characters are together, how long they’ve been together, and what they’ve been doing. If the characters don’t know each other, you can have them meet at Syndra Silvane’s residence.

Mentor

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

training at a young age, and the mentor has a vital role in shaping a student’s attitudes and beliefs. If your character received training from someone else, who or what was that individual, and what

training, you were tasked with watching for hidden threats to the world. 3 Your tutor always interacted with you in the form of a falcon. You never saw the tutor’s humanoid form. 4 You were one of several

Darcalus Rex

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

Darcalus Rex During her annual midnight submergence in the deepest of Nevuchar Springs’s miraculous baths, Cardinna Artazas—the community’s thrice-reincarnated elder mystic—received an apocalyptic

end of the world. Having heard of the Shroud, Cardinna delved into the libraries of her order. There, she discovered writings alluding to “the land,” “the ancient,” and their reliance on one another

Temple

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

new duty, candidates typically receive instruction from a cleric of a temple or another place of study devoted to their deity. Some temples are cut off from the world so that their occupants can focus

surviving structure built to honor your god. 2 Acolytes of several like-minded deities all received instruction together in your temple. 3 You come from a temple famed for the brewery it operates

Describing Monsters

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

descriptions. Sometimes it’s a contrast between mundane and terrifying details that stands out, like a monster’s soulful eyes or pearly teeth set amid vicious features. Make it Personal. There’s a fine line

feelings. Your gut twists in revulsion. The acrid air stings your nostrils. You’re suddenly aware of how small and hollow your dreams are in a world that can spawn beings of pure evil.

Mapping a Wilderness

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

Mapping a Wilderness In contrast to a dungeon, an outdoor setting presents seemingly limitless options. The adventurers can move in any direction over a trackless desert or an open grassland, so how

different scales to help you design your world and the starting area of your campaign. Especially when you get down to province scale (1 hex = 1 mile), think about paths of travel — roads, passes, ridges and valleys, and so on — that can guide character movement across your map.

Childhood

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

to usher a child into the world. They cannot understand how a birth is both a joy and a sorrow, a reunion and a parting. Each birth represents an elf soul that has been to Arvandor and returned

. Mortal elves cannot know if it is the soul of someone recently dead or someone who died millennia ago. They cannot even be certain it is an elf of the same world. The only assurance they have is that it

Adult Kruthik

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

hives serve a purpose in the natural world. Bees pollinate flowers. Termites make earth out of wood. Kruthiks, by contrast, slay societies. Perhaps that function is just as necessary.

Introduction

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->One Grung Above

the favored choice, but in the end when we each received a “golden ticket” to give to one creature. Despite jeers from my coworkers, it was clear to me what my choice would be. Grung for life!!! Since

something that would set me apart from the rest… or at least confirm to the world that I’m simply an eccentric goofball… either way sounded great to me. At this point I mused out loud… “What if my players

Setessa's Surroundings

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros

Setessa’s Surroundings Beyond the city’s encircling trees, the territory of Setessa extends to cover about a third of the Nessian Wood and a wide swath of the open chaparral. In contrast to Meletis

Nessian Wood is considered Nylea’s domain. Its trees are as old as the world, twining together to form an impenetrable canopy shielding the wood from Heliod’s angry glare. Their roots stretch deep into

Heliod's Influence

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros

respected, there would be peace and order in Nyx and the mortal world alike. Divine Relationships Heliod’s repeated attempts to establish himself as the ruler of the pantheon anger Erebos and Purphoros

, who both have a degree of the arrogance he demonstrates. Thassa and Nylea, by contrast, aren’t bothered by his efforts because they see themselves as being safely outside his reach. He could declare

Folk Horror

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

adventures, particularly as they contrast with what majorities consider the status quo. In folk horror tales, characters often discover that their beliefs aren’t as universally held as they assumed, and

those beliefs provide no defense against those who reject them. In such stories, characters discover their perception of the way the world works is in the minority as those around them practice

Dragon Factions

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

to organizing dragon factions in your world. The Metallic Orders Perhaps the chromatic dragons in your world are a force of chaos, with five factions of metallic dragons shouldering the responsibility

for organizing Humanoid forces to battle their chromatic kin. These factions are devoted to common goals—constraining the rampages of the chromatic dragons and limiting Tiamat’s influence in the world

Blood Will Tell

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

Blood Will Tell Half-orcs ultimately owe their plight to the deity Gruumsh, the creator of the orcs. Legend has it that when Gruumsh discovered all the territories of the world had been claimed by

come off as coarse, blunt, or rude in dealings with other people. With the directness of an orc, they speak their minds with no apparent concern for how their opinions are received. No matter where

D&D Beyond

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