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Returning 35 results for 'dark despair'.
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draw despair
Magic Items
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
be the victim of a night hag’s curse.
Carrying Soul Coins. To hold a soul coin is to feel the soul bound within it — overcome with rage or fraught with despair.
An evil creature can
. These coins are then distributed throughout the Nine Hells to be used for goods and services, infernal deals, dark bargains, and bribes.
Tiefling
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Species
Basic Rules (2014)
. Their skin tones cover the full range of human coloration, but also include various shades of red. Their hair, cascading down from behind their horns, is usually dark, from black or brown to dark red
, Therai
Female Infernal Names: Akta, Anakis, Bryseis, Criella, Damaia, Ea, Kallista, Lerissa, Makaria, Nemeia, Orianna, Phelaia, Rieta
“Virtue” Names: Art, Carrion, Chant, Creed, Despair
Species
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
. Their skin tones cover the full range of human coloration, but also include various shades of red. Their hair, cascading down from behind their horns, is usually dark, from black or brown to dark red
, Therai
Female Infernal Names: Akta, Anakis, Bryseis, Criella, Damaia, Ea, Kallista, Lerissa, Makaria, Nemeia, Orianna, Phelaia, Rieta
“Virtue” Names: Art, Carrion, Chant, Creed, Despair
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide
Undead haunt this bleak plane, as do other creatures that thrive in the gloom, including cloakers and darkmantles. Julian Kok The Shadowfell is a realm of death, despair, and dread Shadow Crossings Shadow
multiverse, mysterious entities known as the Dark Powers collect the most wicked beings from across ages and worlds within inescapable, mist-shrouded demiplanes. In these shadowy prisons, the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
Shar The Mistress of the Night, the Dark Lady, Our Lady of Loss The dark twin of Selûne, Shar is the goddess of darkness, both in its physical form and as it exists in the minds and souls of mortals
have the power to make folk forget their pain or become inured to a loss, and many people in distress pray to Shar for such a blessing. Shar is revered by those who must venture into dark places and so
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ravenloft: The Horrors Within
demiplanes imprisons a Darklord, a villain tormented by the Dark Powers. Domains ironically twist Darklords’ desires, trapping these villains in cycles of dread and despair. 4: The Mists’ Clutches. Constant
share a world or a certain reality. Few truths connect them, and even inviolate facts—such as time or death—might change. The only constant is fear. 2: The Dark Powers Reign. Sinister forces known as
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
side even after Vanrak’s fall from grace. Glyster tried to turn Vanrak away from the worship of Shar, to no avail, and the dragon sank into despair. In this forlorn state, he allowed Shar’s priests
characters explore areas of Vanrakdoom, they experience magical visions of terrible things that the dragon experienced long ago. These visions, byproducts of Umbraxakar’s despair, provide clues that can
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
Ramya’s Torment The Dark Powers endlessly conspire to confound Ramya, most persistently in the following ways: Ramya’s treacherous siblings, Arijani and Reeva, endlessly contest her reign and sow
its borders only while she controls the Sapphire Throne. If she is ousted and one of her siblings controls the Cerulean Citadel, doubt and despair weaken her influence over her domain until she retakes
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd
Escape from Barovia Strahd’s death grants Barovia a reprieve. The fog that surrounds the land thins, and it no longer harms those who pass through it. The dark clouds that have loomed over the valley
for centuries give way to sunshine, shocking the Barovians out of their despair. The Barovians take the sunlight as a sign that the evil in their land has been purged. Though escape is now possible
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
, who sows despair and discord The Dark Powers have granted a measure of power to Ankhtepot’s false gods. Clerics who worship one of Har’Akir’s gods or the pantheon as a whole receive power as if they
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
Dark Six The Dark Six are the shadows of the Sovereign Host. These dark gods shape the world and are present at all times, speaking to those willing to hear them. Where the Sovereigns govern
positive forces, the Dark Six are the source of fears. Arawai and Balinor reflect the positive aspects of nature. The devastating storm, the earthquake, the wildfire? These are the work of the Devourer
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
The Dark Powers Unfathomable, hidden forces manipulate life, death, and reality within Ravenloft. These mysterious, deathless beings are the architects of the Domains of Dread, and have secreted
these pockets of terror deep within the Plane of Shadow. The Dark Powers watch and influence events within their dominion. When their gaze drifts, they reach into other planes to collect heroes and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight
happiness, other times despair. Her palace was a destination for anyone seeking their heart’s desire. Zybilna no longer grants wishes, for she is trapped in temporal stasis—frozen in time by the magic of
Zybilna has a dark side that she has hidden away for many years. The archfey Zybilna is known to grant wishes to mortals brave
enough to visit her abode: the Palace of Heart’s Desire
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries
immune to the despair that besets all other visitors to that plane. They travel in horse-drawn, barrel-shaped wagons and have no permanent home. The Vistani display their wealth openly as a sign of
Domains of Dread, where creatures born in darkness dwell. This “gift” was thrust upon them by mysterious entities called the Dark Powers, as a boon for their kindness toward strangers. The Vistani
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ravenloft: The Horrors Within
Kartakass Domain of Tarnished Dreams
Darklord: Harkon Lukas
Adventure Genres: Dark fantasy and gothic horror
Hallmarks: Hidden identities, dangerous performances, exploitative ambitions
, betrayal, and despair. Predators flourish in this land of unrealistic hopes, consuming passions, and vicious secrets. With each full moon, the truth of Kartakass is exposed, as the domain’s many
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
Dark Powers Control All. Sinister entities known as the Dark Powers manipulate the Domains of Dread and all who dwell within. Immortal, unknowable, and omnipotent, the Dark Powers revel in sowing
serve as the prisons of Darklords, villainous beings trapped and tormented by the Dark Powers. The specifics of each domain exist to ironically twist its Darklord’s desires, capturing them and their
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ravenloft: The Horrors Within
to endless cycles of obsession and despair. The howls of wolves and shrieks of ravens echo through the dismal valleys and oppressive forests of Barovia. In isolated communities, superstitious
villagers find the brightness in their lives smothered by dread of their aloof overlord and other festering evils. These Barovians fear the night, as agents of the devil Strahd watch in the dark and claim
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
but also to inspire hope. Relentless despair gradually beats characters down and takes the fun out of adventures. Punctuate your horror tales with moments of relief, comedy, and fortuitous coincidences. These moments of hope help characters push through the dark to the thrill of dawn.
the most notorious Domains of Dread. CULTIVATING HOPE
In Ravenloft, the Dark Powers control reality, the Mists foil escape attempts, and terrifying Darklords can appear at any moment. What hope do
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)
Will-o’-Wisp Will-o’-wisps are malevolent, wispy balls of light that haunt lonely places and battlefields, bound by dark fate or dark magic to feed on fear and despair. Hope and Doom. Will-o’-wisps
death screams. An evil being that falls prey to a will-o’-wisp might become a wisp itself, its woeful spirit coalescing above its lifeless corpse like a flickering flame. Consumed by Despair. Will-o
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide
Pandemonium Pandemonium is a plane of overwhelming chaos, a great mass of rock riddled with tunnels carved by howling winds. It is cold, noisy, and dark, with no natural light. Wind quickly
shelter in places where the howls of the winds sound like distant cries of torment. Layers of Pandemonium Layer Description Pandesmos Howling winds, dark streams bound for the River Styx, and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd
dark arts. Through seduction and indoctrination, they expanded their cult to include a small yet nefarious circle of friends. When word got out, the rest of the village turned a blind eye to the
ranks of the cult thinned as members began to lose interest in the debacle. Then Strahd von Zarovich arrived. The cultists regarded Strahd as a messiah sent to them by the Dark Powers. Drawn to Strahd
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
Secret No mortal soul is entirely free of second thoughts or doubt. Even a cleric must grapple with dark desires or the forbidden attraction of turning against the teachings of one’s deity. If you
haven’t considered this aspect of your character yet, see the table entries for some possibilities, or use them for inspiration. Your deep, dark secret might involve something you did (or are doing), or
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh
to Tharizdun, where they are attacked by chuuls that dwell there. At the climax of this battle, the Whisperer appears from the polluted sea to attack the heroes — hoping to enslave them to its own dark
purposes. In the aftermath of that battle, the characters learn of how the Whisperer has used the gloom and despair of the Styes as an incubator for the juvenile kraken it keeps to the west of the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide
little to see on the Negative Plane. It is a dark, empty place, an eternal pit where a traveler can fall until the plane steals away all light and life. Merely entering the plane is comparable to the
from body and soul. The Negative Plane has all the apathy and despair of Hades and the Shadowfell, combined and concentrated in an infinite expanse of nonbeing and uncreation.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica
Horrors Terrifying evils stalk, fly, and scuttle in the dark corners of Ravnica, from the depths of the undercity to the blackest parts of the night sky. Collectively, these creatures are called
horrors — a variety of things that lurk in the dark and embody the deepest fears of Ravnica’s people. All are evil creatures with dim reason and preternatural cunning. At least three guilds have been
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer
The Dreaming Dark The sinister and mysterious Dreaming Dark—a metaphysical force trying to prolong the current age of despair and violence—seeks to extend its reach toward Khorvaire. Over a century
ago, the Dreaming Dark compromised House Deneith’s enclave in Upper Tavick’s Landing. Although the enclave seems normal to outsiders, and even to many in House Deneith, it is now a stronghold of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ravenloft: The Horrors Within
Despair and discord Pharaoh’s Priests The priests of Har’Akir work Ankhtepot’s will, not realizing their deities are false. They keep alert for strangers and omens related to the treasure their
then might he journey to the afterlife—whether he succeeds is up to the Dark Powers. Bastien Grivet Frightful monuments such as Ousa’s Pyramid rise from the haunted, black-sand deserts of Har’Akir
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
Kalakeri Domain of Betrayal and Revenge Darklord: Ramya Vasavadan Genres: Gothic horror and dark fantasy Hallmarks: Monstrous leaders, family intrigue, war-torn nation Mist Talismans: Ornate but
Sri Raji, the Steaming Lands, the Land at the Heart of the World, and other fanciful names for Kalakeri. Now Kalakeri is a shadow of its past glory, a quagmire of intrigue and despair where fortunes
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
The Dark Fate of Lord Vanrak Moonstar Adherents of Shar have been active in the shadow of Mount Waterdeep ever since a disastrous expedition to the Black Jungles mounted in the Year of the Dark Dawn
moon), which he blamed for his father’s untimely death. Consumed with bitterness, the Dark Ranger, as Vanrak came to be known, secretly embraced Selûne’s sister: Shar, the Lady of Loss. By the Year of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd
darkness where the morning light once shone—a sacred place.
Strahd faces the characters in the chapel (area K15). Beast (Jack of Diamonds) The beast sits on his dark throne.
Strahd faces the characters
lurks in the depths of darkness, in the one place to which he must return.
Strahd faces the characters in his tomb (area K86). Donjon (King of Clubs) He lurks in a hall of bones, in the dark pits
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh
alleys of the Styes that no one will miss. At the same time, the aboleth transformed the underwater pit where the kraken rests into a conduit for dark magic, fashioned to capture the plentiful negative
emotions of the residents of the Styes. For months now, all their fear, sadness, despair, hatred, and anger has been focused into the pit to enhance and accelerate the kraken’s growth. To maximize the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
Kartakass Domain of Tarnished Dreams Darklord: Harkon Lukas Genres: Dark fantasy and gothic horror Hallmarks: Hidden identities, dangerous performances, exploitative ambitions, werewolves Mist
despair. Predators of all sorts flourish in this land of consuming passions and vicious secrets. With each full moon, the truth of Kartakass is exposed, and lycanthropes reveal their hunger for dominance
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
acts of deepening selfishness and immorality. Then when the target reaches a peak of depravity or despair, the Caller abandons its mark, leaving them to face the consequences. The suffering the Caller
, and truths hinting at the nature of the Dark Powers. Consider the following plots when featuring the Caller in an adventure: One of the characters’ allies requests they check in on the ally’s brother
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
, and he answered with certainty. Granted new freedom by the Dark Powers, Ankhtepot emerged from his crypt into the domain of Har’Akir. In this new land, Ankhtepot found a pious people devoted to the same
together the dead conquered the souls of Har’Akir. The ages have marched ever on. Ankhtepot has known treachery and conquest. He has known divinity and rule. But now he knows only boredom and despair
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd
K27. King’s Hall This twenty-foot-high hall has a dark, vaulted ceiling draped with cobwebs. A low moan seems to travel the length of the corridor as it rises and falls, intoning sadness and despair