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Returning 35 results for 'cunning work rule'.
Magic Items
Dungeon Master’s Guide
a lich.
A treacherous lieutenant named Kas the Betrayer;Kas brought Vecna’s rule to an end in a terrible battle. Of Vecna, all that remained were one hand and one eye, grisly Artifacts that
still seek to work Vecna’s will in the world.
The Eye of Vecna and the Hand of Vecna are separate Artifacts that might be found together or separately. The eye looks like a bloodshot organ torn
Monsters
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
who seek to rule through martial strength and intimidation, cruel tyrants who use threats and gifts as needed to ensure loyalty. They enslave those too weak to resist them and shower the strong with
gifts and promises of power to turn them into loyal vassals.
Cruel Tyrants. Whenever Bane’s followers gain power, they institute draconian measures to ensure that their rule is unquestioned. They
Monsters
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
immediately use its reaction to make one melee attack.Bane’s devoted followers are warriors who seek to rule through martial strength and intimidation, cruel tyrants who use threats and gifts as
followers gain power, they institute draconian measures to ensure that their rule is unquestioned. They stamp out all opposition while richly rewarding those who swear fealty.
Warrior Cult. Cultists of
Monsters
Dragon of Icespire Peak
Gnome Cunning. The gnome has advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic.
Spellcasting. The gnome is a 2nd-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence
the gnome’s next turn.Rock gnome recluses are skilled in the arcane arts. They use their magical talents to create all kinds of wondrous inventions, very few of which work as intended.
Monsters
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight
Cunning Action. On each of her turns, Raezil can use a bonus action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.
Fey Ancestry. Raezil has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic
on the politics of Prismeer.
Once she is no longer petrified, Raezil is bound by the rule of reciprocity (see “Rules of Conduct” in chapter 2) to help the characters complete any
Classes
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
elven ways.
In combat, a bladesinger uses a series of intricate, elegant maneuvers that fend off harm and allow the bladesinger to channel magic into devastating attacks and a cunning defense. Many
who have observed a bladesinger at work remember the display as one of the more beautiful experiences in their life, a glorious dance accompanied by a singing blade.
Monsters
Storm King's Thunder
increases by 1d6;{"diceNotation":"1d6","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Divine Eminence"} for each level above 1st.
Gnome Cunning. He has advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving
to the common folk. They are the spiritual leaders of temples and shrines and often hold positions of influence in their communities. Evil priests might work openly under a tyrant, or they might be
Classes
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
elven ways.
In combat, a bladesinger uses a series of intricate, elegant maneuvers that fend off harm and allow the bladesinger to channel magic into devastating attacks and a cunning defense. Many
who have observed a bladesinger at work remember the display as one of the more beautiful experiences in their life, a glorious dance accompanied by a singing blade.
Monsters
Mythic Odysseys of Theros
use a combination of cunning, faith, and magic to defend their coastal home. Most of these skilled soldiers serve in the Reverent Army, the defenders of Meletis, which uses an array of proven strategies
typically work in groups and use coordinated tactics to win victories.
The three Hoplite Unit Names tables present the sorts of titles used by hoplite contingents hailing from Theros's great poleis. Consider
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
claim the throne themselves.
Those favored consorts who prove their cunning gain the ear, and perhaps even the heart, of their priestess and are relied on to provide useful advice. No position of
consort is assured for long, though; Lolth’s priestesses are notoriously fickle, and a consort must often contend with rivals.
Some favored consorts work behind the scenes to undermine the evils
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
;retire” from hands-on work to run a thieves’ guild, spearhead some covert enterprise, or enjoy a quiet life of luxury.
When a master thief completes a challenging heist, they often leave
each other, resembling a tent
9
Worthless coin with a bite mark in it
10
Chalk or charcoal sketch of a domino mask
Cunning Action. The thief takes the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
, wall of forceSeekers of forgotten lore and lost relics, blue abishais are the most cunning and learned of their kind. Their research into occult subjects gleaned from tomes plundered from across the
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
Monsters
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Cunning Action. On each of her turns, the Black Viper can use a bonus action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.
Evasion. If the Black Viper is subjected to an effect that allows her to make
. When she throws back her cloak to reveal the costume she has put together, most folk toss their purses and flee. If that doesn't work, she usually needs only to draw her dagger. Of course, some of the
Monsters
The Book of Many Things
curse. And if bargaining doesn’t work, there’s always blackmail. (See the “Using the Moonstalkers in Your Campaign” section in chapter 11 for more details.)Change Shape
transformed. He reverts to his humanoid form if he dies.
Cunning Action. Augustus takes the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.
Monsters
Storm King's Thunder
that image until the strangers can be disarmed and taken prisoner.
In their seemingly idyllic hideaways, the yakfolk rule with iron fists, and for all their learning and culture, they are enormously
evil overlords. Yakfolk care for their hapless prisoners only to the extent that a live one is more useful than a dead one, and putting a prisoner to work is easier than laboring oneself. It’s not
Monsters
Storm King's Thunder
, and the yakfolk foster that image until the strangers can be disarmed and taken prisoner.
In their seemingly idyllic hideaways, the yakfolk rule with iron fists, and for all their learning and
culture, they are enormously evil overlords. Yakfolk care for their hapless prisoners only to the extent that a live one is more useful than a dead one, and putting a prisoner to work is easier than
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
spiderlike creatures originally created to serve Lolth. They rule colonies of chitine;chitines and lead them into battle in Lolth’s war against her enemies.
When devotees of Lolth created the first
could lay eggs that birthed more chitines (and the rare choldrith) and could direct the chitines in their work. But the devotees soon realized their mistake—choldriths belonged to Lolth, body
Monsters
Curse of Strahd
academy of black magic. Alternatively, some liches construct secret tombs filled with powerful guardians and traps.
Everything about a lich’s lair reflects its keen mind and wicked cunning, including
the magic and mundane traps that secure it. Undead, constructs, and bound demons lurk in shadowy recesses, emerging to destroy those who dare to disturb the lich’s work.
A lich encountered in
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
refuse to recognize my rule over these waters suffer my displeasure. (Lawful or Evil)
5
Preservation. I am the ocean’s steward, tending reefs and waters to ensure that they remain unspoiled
enter symbiotic relationships with other sea creatures that can bring them food or treasure, and they sometimes agree to work for creatures who ply them with generous sums of wealth.
Dragon Turtle
Monsters
Tomb of Annihilation
reflects its keen mind and wicked cunning, including the magic and mundane traps that secure it. Undead, constructs, and bound demons lurk in shadowy recesses, emerging to destroy those who dare to disturb
the lich’s work.
A lich encountered in its lair has a challenge rating of 22 (41,000 XP).
Lair Actions
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), the lich can take a lair action to cause
Monsters
Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
and traps.
Everything about a lich’s lair reflects its keen mind and wicked cunning, including the magic and mundane traps that secure it. Undead, constructs, and bound demons lurk in shadowy
recesses, emerging to destroy those who dare to disturb the lich’s work.
A lich encountered in its lair has a challenge rating of 22 (41,000 XP).
Lair Actions
On initiative count 20 (losing
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
the surface world. (Any)
4
Supremacy. Creatures who refuse to recognize my rule over these waters suffer my displeasure. (Lawful or Evil)
5
Preservation. I am the ocean’s steward
relationships with other sea creatures that can bring them food or treasure, and they sometimes agree to work for creatures who ply them with generous sums of wealth.
Young Dragon Turtle Connections
Species
Eberron: Rising from the Last War
were born to rule it.
—Dalin d’Vadalis
The Mark of Handling gives its bearer a primal connection to beasts and the natural world, granting the power to calm and coax. This extends beyond
Mark of Handling allows Vadalis to work with more exotic creatures as well. Griffons, hippogriffs, and even bulettes can be bred and trained. Even with the Mark of Handling, this is dangerous work
Backgrounds
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
have heard of the strange skyships the Halruaans sail, and a few know of the tales that even the least of their people can work magic.
Halruaans usually make their journeys into Faerûn for
here as part of some such delegation, then decided to stay when the mission was over.
Mulhorand. From the terrain to the architecture to the god-kings who rule over these lands, nearly everything
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
spellcasting ability (spell save DC 12):
At will: mage hand (the hand is invisible), minor illusionEmerald dragons are the most curious, cunning, and manipulative of the gem dragons, wielding
dragons often work together, with emerald dragons tracking the source of an incursion while sapphire dragons plan and execute a decisive purge—or recruit agents to do it for them.
Emerald
Backgrounds
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
of the Guild or pressed into dirty and dangerous work by unscrupulous masters.
You grew up on the streets alone, orphaned, and poor. You had no one to watch over you or to provide for you, so you
elements, and endured sickness without the advantage of medicine or a place to recuperate. You’ve survived despite all odds, and did so through cunning, strength, speed, or some combination of each
Backgrounds
Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica
offer bribes, favors, or other incentives to induce people to reveal their secrets.
Your DM might rule that the knowledge you seek is secreted away in an inaccessible place, or that it simply can
our work is to hurry it along — no matter what must be upended along the way. (Chaotic)
3
Knowledge. Understanding the world is more important than what you do with your knowledge
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
)
3
Curiosity. I want to know about everything that enters my domain, especially oddities from the surface world. (Any)
4
Supremacy. Creatures who refuse to recognize my rule over these waters
relationships with other sea creatures that can bring them food or treasure, and they sometimes agree to work for creatures who ply them with generous sums of wealth.
Ancient Dragon Turtle Connections
Backgrounds
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
library, scriptorium, university, or a sage or other learned person or creature. Your DM might rule that the knowledge you seek is secreted away in an almost inaccessible place, or that it simply cannot
ancient text that holds terrible secrets that must not fall into the wrong hands.
3
I work to preserve a library, university, scriptorium, or monastery.
4
My life’s work is a series of
Species
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy.
The “Quick Build” section for your character’s class offers suggestions on which
affect creatures of certain types in different ways. For example, the cure wounds spell doesn’t work on a Construct or an Undead.
Species
Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos
increase three different scores by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy.
The “Quick Build” section for your
some rules in the game affect creatures of certain types in different ways. For example, the text of the cure wounds spell specifies that the spell doesn’t work on a creature that has the
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
hand is invisible), minor illusion
1/day each: detect thoughts, invisibility, silent imageEmerald dragons are the most curious, cunning, and manipulative of the gem dragons, wielding psionic power to
. These gem dragons often work together, with emerald dragons tracking the source of an incursion while sapphire dragons plan and execute a decisive purge—or recruit agents to do it for them
Backgrounds
Ghosts of Saltmarsh
who rarely lose composure on the battlefield. Marines who leave the service tend to work as mercenaries, but their combat experience also makes them excellent adventurers. Though they are self-reliant
Might. The strong train so that they might rule those who are weak. (Evil)
5
Bravery. To act when others quake in fear — this is the essence of the warrior. (Any)
6
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
filthy dungeons to sipping zzar at a ball? Or have you taken up sword or spell on your family’s behalf, ensuring that they have someone of renown to see to their legacy?
Work with your DM to come
Species
Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
determining your character’s ability scores, increase one of those scores by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method you
example, the text of the cure wounds spell specifies that the spell doesn’t work on a creature that has the Construct type.
Life Span
The typical life span of a player character in the D&D