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Returning 35 results for 'cultures witness rather'.
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
that Strahd would never accept her as his true mother, nor could she bear his rejection. As a result, she has never confronted him. She would rather exist in perpetual denial, whiling away the days
Monsters
Vecna: Eve of Ruin
blood to sow terror rather than for sustenance. If destroyed, Kas revives in 1d100;{"diceNotation":"1d100", "rollType":"roll", "rollAction":"Strength of the Night"} nights in an unoccupied space in
.
In Vecna: Eve of Ruin, Kas fools Tasha and Alustriel, two incredibly powerful wizards. In addition to defeating Vecna, Kas desperately wants the wizards to witness and acknowledge his
Backgrounds
Tomb of Annihilation
You have always been fascinated by other cultures, from the most ancient and primeval lost lands to the most modern civilizations. By studying other cultures’ customs, philosophies, laws
;
Cultural Chameleon
Before becoming an adventurer, you spent much of your adult life away from your homeland, living among people different from your kin. You came to understand these foreign cultures
Species
Acquisitions Incorporated
.
Reality is a descent into chaos punctuated by brief flashes of order, whence we arose and so imagine it to be the norm rather than a distant outlier. That-Which-Endures held entropy back for a mere instant
migrated. Still, a sense of not truly belonging is felt even by verdan who have been welcomed into other cultures. They are often stricken with wanderlust, keeping their possessions limited and
Backgrounds
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
miracles for the helpless at Twin Songs, and you’ve seen patriars who worship good deities turn their backs on the poor daily. Bearing witness to such things, and meditating on their
a patriar’s scion in an illegal duel. The family swore revenge, and you fled to the slums rather than risk bringing their wrath down on your kin.
6
You aren’t originally from Baldur
Human
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Species
Basic Rules (2014)
, 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
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation
to observing proper etiquette and local customs. 3 I would rather observe than meddle. 4 By living among violent people, I have become desensitized to violence. 5 I would risk life and limb to
discover a lost culture. (Any) 2 Distance. One must not interfere with the affairs of another culture — even one in need of aid. (Lawful) 3 Knowledge. By understanding other races and cultures, we
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
Bluetspur, and none who witness them remember. This alien domain etches itself not upon the waking mind, but rather upon the body as inexplicable scars and on the psyche through nightmares. Not all the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
restricted to the Darklake District, and the characters have better luck asking other outsiders for directions rather than trying to engage the duergar locals. They are directed to the Blade Bazaar if
. At any point during which the characters move from point to point in the Darklake District, they can witness one or more of the following events.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
The Noble Knife The Noble Knife is a somewhat mysterious organization known for its high level of engagement with the cultures and societies within which its members work. Having made such
for the greater good. The organization doesn’t “take jobs” as such. Rather, its leadership assesses the moral and political landscape of the realm and selects targets thusly. The Noble Knife is named
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
the poor daily. Bearing witness to such things, and meditating on their contradictions, fills your hours.
4 You tend to some part of the city’s forgotten history: the unmarked graves in Cliffside
, you’ve learned secrets no one else knows.
5 You killed a patriar’s scion in an illegal duel. The family swore revenge, and you fled to the slums rather than risk bringing their wrath down on your
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
languages and cultures also explains the scripts used to write various languages. For example, the Orc language is written using the Goblin script (rather than Dwarvish, as stated in the Player’s Handbook
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer
. Bearing witness to such things, and meditating on their contradictions, fills your hours. 4 You tend to some part of the city’s forgotten history: the unmarked graves in Cliffside Cemetery, the crumbling
one else knows. 5 You killed a patriar’s scion in an illegal duel. The family swore revenge, and you fled to the slums rather than risk bringing their wrath down on your kin. 6 You aren’t originally
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
Path of the Ancestral Guardian Some barbarians hail from cultures that revere their ancestors. These tribes teach that the warriors of the past linger in the world as mighty spirits, who can guide
clairvoyance spell, without using a spell slot or material components. Rather than creating a spherical sensor, this use of clairvoyance invisibly summons one of your ancestral spirits to the chosen
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Deed If the characters reunite Volo with Floon, Volo gives them a rather sheepish look as he explains their reward: “I confess that I have but few coins to spare. But never let it be said that Volo
reneges on a promise. Allow me to present something much more valuable.” He holds out a scroll tube. “The deed to a remarkable property here in Waterdeep! We’ll need a magistrate to witness the transfer of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
the Player’s Handbook) rather than coins
2–3 Coins from an ancient culture local to this region, ancestral to the people who live here now
4–5 Coins from an ancient culture in a distant
variety of contemporary and historical cultures in your game’s setting, it’s enough to tell your players that some of the coins are unfamiliar in their size, shape, or inscription—but their value is
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
experience. Elder elves look for signs of this change in young elves and try to guide them through it. Most elven cultures mark the Drawing of the Veil with a ceremony of pride or celebration, as a way of
.
Many elves, especially the younger ones, view the existence of half-elves as a sign of hope rather than as a threat — an example of how elf souls can experience the world in new ways, not bound to a single physical form or a particular philosophy.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
character works just fine in a game inspired by medieval Asian cultures. Wuxia Weapon Names Having players refer to a tetsubo or a katana rather than a greatclub or a longsword can enhance the flavor
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
way to Yestabrod’s garden, attacking only if the characters stand in their way. Any character reduced to 0 hit points in this encounter is knocked unconscious rather than killed. If all the characters
. Alternatively, the characters can follow the wedding procession into Yggmorgus and witness the further horrors waiting for the Underdark if Zuggtmoy rises in power. XP Awards In addition to the XP gained
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player’s Handbook
convincing lie, or wear a disguise convincingly. History Intelligence Recall lore about historical events, people, nations, and cultures. Insight Wisdom Discern a person’s mood and intentions. Intimidation
ask for a Strength (Intimidation) check rather than a Charisma (Intimidation) check. That character would make a Strength check and add their Proficiency Bonus if they have Intimidation proficiency.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules
convincing lie, or wear a disguise convincingly. History Intelligence Recall lore about historical events, people, nations, and cultures. Insight Wisdom Discern a person’s mood and intentions. Intimidation
ask for a Strength (Intimidation) check rather than a Charisma (Intimidation) check. That character would make a Strength check and add their Proficiency Bonus if they have Intimidation proficiency.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
basic physiology, the centaur bands are commonly associated with their own distinct traits. Lagonna band centaurs tend to be sleek and muscular, with powerful legs built for endurance rather than
. Barterers must know the customs of other cultures and speak several different languages. An omener is an oracle who reads messages from the gods in the natural world and reveals how the immortals would
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
different races or cultures. The bardic colleges might be closed to everyone except elves, dragonborn might be the only creatures capable of becoming sorcerers, and all warlocks in your world might be human
who specialize in that school are gnomes. Different human cultures produce warlocks with different pacts, and so on. Similarly, different cleric domains might reflect entirely separate religions
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd
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
rather exist in perpetual denial, whiling away the days, months, and years practicing fell magic and looking for ways to help her “son.” Raven Bane. Baba Lysaga has allies in Castle Ravenloft—a coven of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
nobly and in the cause of justice. People in most D&D worlds are polytheistic, honoring deities of their own and acknowledging pantheons of other cultures. Individuals pay homage to various gods
gods. These gods include Bahamut, Corellon, Gruumsh, Lolth, Moradin, Sehanine, and Tiamat. Humans worship Moradin and Corellon as gods of their respective portfolios, rather than as racial deities. The
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin
desperately wants the wizards to witness and acknowledge his strength. Kas the Betrayer Medium Undead (Vampire), Neutral Evil
Armor Class 18 (plate)
Hit Points 315 (30d8 + 180)
Speed 40 ft.
STR
, and he drinks blood to sow terror rather than for sustenance. If destroyed, Kas revives in 1d100 nights in an unoccupied space in Tovag, his Domain of Dread. He can be permanently destroyed only by
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
, but given the extent of the losses against the orcs, it would be little surprise if their newer recruits were more smiths than warriors, serving their realm out of a sense of duty rather than a desire
-Adbarran dwarves — except in times of great emergency. So, given the impregnable nature of the fortress, no one not of Adbar has yet been privileged enough to witness what occurs down below. The
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
celebrating in hopes of a successful rite. They offer the characters food and drink, including a few sips from a small cask of brandy, and encourage the group to spend the night and witness the rite
a character. Reinforcements. Camp Hc1 arrives first, though the druids of that camp try to talk it out rather than fight. If the disturbance is large or extended, camp Hc6 arrives. Hc3. Werewolf Camp
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
Sailors in Need Whether they’re traveling by land, arriving by boat, or teleporting in, the characters witness a disturbing scene as they first catch sight of the lighthouse. Silent Sound lighthouse
some sort of magic is in play, because it isn’t just the case that the light is out. Rather, it appears to radiate some kind of dark energy. Moreover, she’s heard that sightings of spectral figures
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
15 Dismisses modern cultures as historical curiosities sure to collapse imminently
16 Has trouble discerning details of anything as small as Humanoids
17 Sharpens claws or horns on
Given the opportunity, I eat to excess and then fall into a long, deep sleep.
4 I would rather let my fearsome reputation scare away intruders than fight them off.
5 Other dragons would
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things
circles, a pair of hands pressed palms together. In mythological stories, the Lovers are bored by the Talons and would rather make tragic deals with the Gem. When portrayed as a person, the Flames takes up
. They pursue trades that reward shifting loyalties, such as con artists, courtiers, or politicians. Gem The Genie; Most Prominent in Midautumn Different cultures might view this constellation as a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
can destroy the chains binding Elturel, but you must be present to bear witness to my majesty. Now go. I will know when you are there.”
When the characters next set foot in Elturel, Tiamat bursts
has advantage on saving throws against all other spells and magical effects.
Magic Weapons. Tiamat’s weapon attacks are magical.
Multiple Heads. Tiamat can take one reaction per turn, rather than
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
choose, as long as their way of contributing combines with the others to form a grand display of reverence. Such a gathering has the atmosphere of a festival rather than of an organized worship service
seeing that elves experience beneficial reincarnations. Eternal Witness. Shrines and temples to Labelas Enoreth are mostly made of or decorated with ephemeral things. Patterns and images made with colored
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
finest ingredients: it serves roast chicken rather than peacocks or partridges, and the fish never have that distinctive Gray Harbor film. The establishment consists of two buildings joined as a single
appointed by one of the four dukes, and most are resolved as a simple administrative matter that proceeds from arraignment to sentencing within minutes. Unless an impartial witness or evidence of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer
finest ingredients: it serves roast chicken rather than peacocks or partridges, and the fish never have that distinctive Gray Harbor film. The establishment consists of two buildings joined as a single
appointed by one of the four dukes, and most are resolved as a simple administrative matter that proceeds from arraignment to sentencing within minutes. Unless an impartial witness or evidence of