convinced recent groups to have revealing

Tromokratis

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

fall unconscious. Instead, the damage creates cracks in its carapace, revealing its hearts. Tromokratis has four hearts: two on its chest, one on its back, and one at the base of its tail. A heart has an

. In recent memory, the massive menace rose from the waves to topple the Pyrgnos, Meletis’s great repository of scholarly knowledge. Since that day, the polis keeps a watch specifically for

Circle of Stars Legacy

Classes Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

revealing and understanding these secrets, the Circle of the Stars seeks to harness the powers of the cosmos. Many druids of this circle keep records of the constellations and the stars’ effects on the

world. Some groups document these observations at megalithic sites, which serve as enigmatic libraries of lore. These repositories might take the form of stone circles, pyramids, petroglyphs, and

King Hekaton

Monsters Storm King's Thunder

him. But in recent years, King Hekaton had become convinced that the age of the giants was past, as evidenced by the growing distance between the giants and their gods. Annam the All-Father didn&rsquo

Faction Agent

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

, and their members operate anywhere the organization deems necessary. These groups employ listeners, rumormongers, smugglers, sellswords, cache-holders (people who guard caches of wealth or magic for

innkeepers, rangers, and the clergy of gods that are aligned with the Harpers’ ideals. The Order of the Gauntlet: One of the newest power groups in Faerûn, the Order of the Gauntlet has an

Far Traveler

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

;n. Recent events in your homeland have led to the abolition of slavery, and a corresponding increase in the traffic between Mulhorand and the distant parts of Faerûn. Those who leave behind

leave my loved one(s) behind. I hope to see them again one day. d6 Flaw 1 I am secretly (or not so secretly) convinced of the superiority of my own culture over that of this

Gith Legacy

Species Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes

servitude. But after they won their freedom, two factions among the gith disagreed on what kind of civilization they would forge. That disagreement quickly flared into open hostility, and the two groups

by revenge and convinced that they deserved to take whatever they wanted from the worlds they traveled. Ranging out from the titanic city of Tu’narath on the Astral Plane, they send raiders out

Human Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

dash of nonhuman blood, revealing hints of elf, orc, or other lineages. Humans reach adulthood in their late teens and rarely live even a single century. Variety in All Things Humans are the most

, humans champion causes rather than territories or groups. Human Names and Ethnicities Having so much more variety than other cultures, humans as a whole have no typical names. Some human parents

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

the tritons’ role as the world’s true protectors. Staunch Champions Despite their off-putting manners, tritons are benevolent creatures at heart, convinced that other civilized races

Vallaki

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

Vallaki Isolated from the rest of Barovia, Vallaki appears at first as an oddly mirthful place, but this seeming joy is an illusion. The burgomaster, Baron Vargas Vallakovich, is convinced happiness

. Additionally, numerous factions are active within the town, including the Keepers of the Feather and the priests of Osybus (see “Travelers in the Mists” and “Other Groups,” respectively, later in this chapter).

Paladin Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

an orc war band celebrating its recent victory. Silently, he stalks into their midst and whispers an oath, and two orcs are dead before they even realize he is there. Silver hair shining in a shaft

their oaths lead them into the service of the crown as leaders of elite groups of knights, but even then their loyalty is first to the cause of righteousness, not to crown and country. Adventuring

Scarlet Moon Hall

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

Moon knows the Rite of the Wicker Giant, a ritual that can restore nature’s balance in the troubled region. Several groups have set up camps on the slopes below Scarlet Moon Hall, waiting for Elizar to

invite them up to partake in the rite. He has convinced those gathered here that he’s a druid of the Circle of the Scarlet Moon and promises to teach others the rite as it’s performed. The atmosphere

Arborean Springs

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

a mix of recent wooden construction and ancient stone buildings. The people of Arborean Springs fall into three broad groups: Traditionalists. Most of the people of Arborean Springs are farmers and

rampage, the town’s population has expanded significantly, with merchants, artisans, and entrepreneurs seeking to profit from the health benefits of the town’s hot springs. These groups are described in more detail in the next section.

Fellowship

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer Academy

groups to create a competitive training exercise on the academy’s Simulations Deck. The Simulations Deck is a magical marvel equipped with three simulation chambers that magically create the

experience of traveling and fighting in Wildspace. Spelljammer Academy has been plagued by a rash of recent thefts, many of them targeting instructors. The thieves have yet to be identified or caught. In

Trouble at the Gates

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

appearance of other people. When large groups started showing up, Narnhelm closed the gate to prevent disguised enemies from slipping inside. A character can convince Narnhelm to open the gate through

roleplaying or by succeeding on a DC 16 Charisma (Intimidation or Persuasion) check. If convinced, he orders the gate opened but tells his soldiers to remain on guard.

Creating a Rival

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

personal level. Find links in the characters’ backstories or the events of recent adventures that explain what sparked the rival’s actions. The best trouble to put the characters in is trouble they

created for themselves. Example Rivals d20 Rival 1 Tax collector who is convinced the characters are dodging fees 2 Politician who is concerned that the characters are causing more trouble than they

Recent Events

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

Recent Events The pirate attack on the abbey came as a complete surprise to the clerics, since the pirates and clerics were previously in league with each other. The pirates fenced much of their

clandestine deals. The pirates grumbled about the poor treatment they received, but they issued no ultimatums to alter the arrangements. Although the two groups had their differences, the clerics never

What Really Happened

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

his son, Tavio, was elected to replace him. Aminta, who had become involved with the Onyx Scar crime syndicate, persuaded Rilago to join her search for the tomb and convinced Tavio to overlook their

, as Rilago climbed on the scaffolding surrounding Xeluan, he punched the giant’s stone chest in frustration. It unexpectedly cracked open, revealing a heart of obsidian. A single shard broke off from

Humans

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

please. Abanasinia Several peaceful communities dot the Abanasinia region, including Solace, a village built among the branches of towering Vallenwood trees. In recent years, the theocratic Seekers have

enclave of Hylo and the goblins of the arid southern lands, with whom they share their island. Fewer humans make their home on Southern Ergoth, living primarily along the coast and avoiding dangerous groups

Where Next?

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

Where Next? Convinced that his two older brothers conspired to kill him, Mortlock Vanthampur urges the characters to capture or kill Amrik at a dockside tavern called the Low Lantern. The adventure

D) usually operate as mixed groups of Banites, Bhaalites, and Myrkulites. Here are a few appropriate encounters for a party of four or five characters of 3rd to 5th level: Abduction Squad (for 3rd

Example Rival: High Priest Cheldar

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

charity, promoting peace, and working to enforce law and order. He is skeptical of the characters, however, convinced that they are troublemakers who will undermine the peace. He wants only officials of the

square, Cheldar rails against the forces of chaos, laying blame for recent troubles on adventurers who are meddling in things best left alone. Event The characters find that all adventurers in town

Chapter 4: Gith and Their Endless War

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

hostility, and the two groups distanced themselves from one another to pursue their separate agendas. They remain bitter enemies today, each side willing to fight to the death whenever they cross

paths. The githyanki were motivated by revenge and convinced that they deserved to take whatever they wanted from the worlds they traveled. Ranging out from the titanic city of Tu’narath on the Astral

Approaching the Winery

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd

covering every wall, and iron fencing along its roofline. The trail ends at an open loading dock on the ground floor. A wooden stable of more recent construction is attached to the east side of the

shapes emerge from the vineyard, their limbs cracking as they trudge forth through the mist and rain. Thirty needle blights (in six groups of five) emerge from the surrounding vineyard and make their way

Conversing with the Emperor

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

additional evidence. The Emperor Is Not Convinced If the characters aren’t able to convince the emperor of the truth of their story through presenting evidence, he asks Secretary Wei what she has to say about

lying, he gives them and Zhong Yin one hour to exile themselves from the city before his guards compel them to do so. Continue with “Conclusion” below. The Emperor Is Convinced If the emperor

The Golden Vault

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

operatives monitor adventuring groups from major cities on the Material Plane. An operative might be a priest, a scholar, a charity worker, a government liaison, a philanthropist, or any other

can provide unexpected help. For instance, if the characters lack vital information needed for a heist, their handler might share a recent discovery. If the characters need special equipment, their

Adventure Background

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

scientist, accompanying the university’s archaeology crews on digs in the area. On a recent expedition into the nearby Murkmire, the archaeologists unearthed a strange object. Light green, opaque, and

composition. The more Dr. Dannell studied it, the more she became convinced this object, which the archaeologists dubbed the Murkmire Stone, was not created by any known civilization—and might be dangerous

W17. Master Bedroom

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd

wine shipments for the past century. A cursory examination of recent records reveals that almost all shipments are made to the following locations: “BV” (the Blood o’ the Vine tavern in the village

hidden in a compartment in one of the bedposts. A character who searches the bed notices that a knob on one of the bedposts is loose and can be removed, revealing the compartment inside. The contents

Traveling the Skybridge

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

wyvern lies on the skybridge, its body scorched by lightning. 4 A curious and friendly cloud giant is surprised to see travelers on the skybridge and asks them at length about recent happenings in the

Lambakluha. The bonesinger has not yet heard of the attack in Kalapang and is horrified if the characters share the news with her. If asked about recent bakunawa activity, Ina says she’s heard a

Murder

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

sometimes — it is rumored — slice flesh from the corpses to stave off starvation. Recent reports of ghoul activity in the Outer City likely have their origins in these snuff streets. In the Lower City

, murder is less common but remains a threat. Long-time residents know to travel in groups after dark. Those looking to earn a few coins sometimes linger outside of taverns, hiring out as escorts for

Tracking Monsters' Hit Points

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

Points a monster has remaining. It helps to have a system to track damage for groups of monsters. If you aren’t using miniatures or other visual aids, one way to track your monsters is to assign them

list of Initiative (such as a whiteboard) without revealing to the players how many Hit Points the monsters have. The tracking might look like this: Ogre A: Crossed-out:9 Crossed-out:15 Crossed-out:23 Crossed-out:44 Crossed-out:54 Crossed-out:59 dead Ogre B: Crossed-out:9 Crossed-out:17 38 Ogre C:

Factions of the Sword Coast

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

Alliance, plus other leaders and groups who uphold the Alliance’s ideals. The Zhentarim. In recent years, the Zhentarim have become more visible in the world at large, as the group works to improve its

aligned with the Harpers’ ideals. The Order of the Gauntlet. One of the newest power groups in Faerûn, the Order of the Gauntlet has an agenda similar to that of the Harpers. Its methods are vastly

Splitting Loyalties

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

agent of the Sunweaver—deemed service in the Brightguard a holy calling, the group’s ranks swelled. Most members have unshakable resolve, but recent revolutionary acts have the order on edge. The

they defend the order and its members like lions protect their prides. They resent other revolutionary groups whose violent ways cause the people to distrust the Silent Roar by extension. Many Silent

Episode 1: Right Place, Wrong Heroes

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

going to let that happen without a fight. The recent hostilities between groups such as the Xanathar Guild and the Zhentarim have been made even worse by the increasing sway of the company. A noble

. Strong magic unleashed underground caused it — maybe even magic from Undermountain. Acquisitions Incorporated is making a play for control in the city, and the other power groups of Waterdeep are not

Elves

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

years ago, the Kinslayer War divided the high elves of Ansalon into two groups, Silvanesti in the east and Qualinesti in the west. Through the intervening millennia, neither group has sought

untold generations, the aloof Silvanesti elves lived in a stratified society closed to outsiders. They don’t hate their cousins in Qualinesti, but they consider their ways misguided. In recent years

Goblin Ambush

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

, you stumble upon the scene of a recent battle. The woods press close to the trail here, with a steep embankment and dense thickets on either side. Two horses wander the road, sniffing at ransacked

damage to drop the goblin to 0 hit points. The goblin regains consciousness after a few minutes and can be convinced to share information (see “What the Cragmaws Know”). The goblin can also be

Horror Characteristics

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

. No door remains unopened in my presence. 5 I let people underestimate me, revealing my full competency only to those close to me. 6 I compulsively seek to collect trophies of my travels and

. 6 The world has been convinced of a terrible lie. It’s up to me to reveal the truth. 7 I deeply miss someone and am quick to adopt people who remind me of them. 8 A great evil dwells

D&D Beyond

Search Results