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Returning 35 results for 'dark inherently are borders'.
Yuan-ti Pureblood
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Volo's Guide to Monsters
; Elminster
The serpent creatures known as yuan-ti are all that remains of an ancient, decadent human empire. Ages ago their dark gods taught them profane, cannibalistic rituals to mix their flesh
primordial world heeded the prayers of these people and hissed dark demands into their ears. The people tainted their souls by performing human sacrifices in the name of the gods, debased their flesh by
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron
The Dark Six
The Dark Six
The Dark Six and the Sovereign Host are opposite sides of the same coin. If you believe it one you inherently believe in the other; the only question is whether you
fear or revere the Dark Six. The principles of the faith are the same: just like the Sovereigns, the Six are with us at all times. They shape the world and speak to those who will listen. In general, the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
Freedom of the Mists The Carnival travels through the Mists and between other Domains of Dread as Isolde pleases—though the Dark Powers occasionally send it off course. The Carnival provides one of
the few means of escaping from another Darklord’s domain, since it ignores the closed borders of other domains. Other Darklords cannot travel with the Carnival to escape their own domains, however.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
. Ivana’s genius and cynicism, in combination with the Dark Powers’ aid, grant her insight into the nature of Borca’s people that borders on precognition. She’s always one step ahead of her rivals and has
seeks political and financial control over all Borca, and casually manipulates the domain’s noble families into destroying one another. Closing the Borders. Ivana can close or open Borca’s borders once
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
loathes leaving his estate, but the Dark Powers have granted him the ability to have his letters delivered anywhere he pleases. See “Intrigue in Borca” later in this section for details on Ivan’s
, disguises, and conveyances that further mask his true ability. Toy Maker. The Dark Powers provide Ivan with any toy he desires. Creatures of many sorts serve Ivan, and any of them, from maids to
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
wherever these wicked forces desire. The Dark Powers also grant Darklords limited ability to manipulate the Mists surrounding their domains, allowing most to open or close their domains’ borders to
The Mists The Mists can always be found at a domain’s borders but can also appear in dense banks that rise wherever adventures demand. Such banks might veil strangers or hidden foes, or they 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->Rise of Tiamat
A Forbidding Land Thay is an isolated and arid windswept plateau some twenty-five hundred miles east of Waterdeep, its dark skies constantly clouded by volcanic ash. This land is defined by the
prevalence of undead within its borders. The supreme leader of Thay is the lich Szass Tam, whose council of advisers — the zulkirs — are powerful liches themselves. Everyone of consequence in Thay is a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
A Forbidding Land Thay is an isolated and arid windswept plateau some twenty-five hundred miles east of Waterdeep, its dark skies constantly clouded by volcanic ash. This land is defined by the
prevalence of undead within its borders. The supreme leader of Thay is the lich Szass Tam, whose council of advisers—the zulkirs—are powerful liches themselves. Everyone of consequence in Thay is a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
. The King’s Dark Lanterns includes more than 500 agents operating within Breland’s borders and roughly one-fifth that number stationed abroad. They often work in teams, and also work closely with the
agents within their borders. Foreign governments treat Dark Lantern agents with care to avoid sparking an international incident, but they are quick to arrest Dark Lantern agents suspected of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation
Snapping Turtle Bay This bay is beautiful beyond compare. Though the sky is dark with clouds of smoke and ash streaked with lightning, the white sand beaches, lush forests, bright coral reefs, and
caves overlooking the bay. These simple creatures aren’t inherently hostile, but they are suspicious and wary around newcomers. Any show of malicious intent on the part of strangers is enough to shift
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
. Ebony, onyx, and similar dark-hued valuables bring shadow dragons no particular joy, but they aren’t as inherently repellent as silver, platinum, and diamonds. Beauty fills shadow dragons with contempt
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
Darkon Domain on the Brink of Destruction Darklord: None Genres: Dark fantasy and disaster horror Hallmarks: Fractured realm, magical ruins, ongoing supernatural catastrophe Mist Talismans: Ashes of
ruler, Azalin dwelled in seclusion while manufacturing magical atrocities and manipulating prophecies to free himself from the Dark Powers’ grip. He finally succeeded, orchestrating a magical event that
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
), and the structure can be accessed there no matter where else it appears. The house travels at the whims of the Dark Powers and might appear and linger for days or years before vanishing. When the House
of Lament closes the borders of its domain, a powerful thunderstorm surrounds it, bringing with it strong wind and heavy precipitation (detailed in the Dungeon Master’s Guide). Anyone who braves the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
The Mists Known throughout Ravenloft, the Mists are manifestations of the Dark Powers’ will. They divide, surround, and isolate every domain, creating fog-shrouded borders that imprison Darklords
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->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
haze. Domains share neither borders nor common geography, and you can’t peer from one domain into another. The environments, cultures, and residents of one domain don’t influence those of other domains
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->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
this Dark Gift. Additionally, you gain the traits that follow. Misty Travels d4 Origin
1 You learned a secret about the nature of the Mists. Ever since, you can manipulate them, but the lands
you can cast it this way again. Your spellcasting ability for this spell is Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma (your choice when you gain this Dark Gift). If you have spell slots of 2nd level or higher
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
mists was horrifically transformed. Over a million Cyrans were killed on the day of Mourning. Those who survived were soldiers fighting in enemy territory, those living on the borders who were able to
state of shock. Who could unleash such power? Was this a weapon, and if so, when would those responsible issues their demands? Were the borders of the lingering walls of mist stable, or could they
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
might be the first to inquire after obvious inconsistencies or to notice plain impossibilities. But why has no one before them sought answers to such unignorable questions? The Dark Powers, the Mists
, and the nature of domains and Darklords all claim part of the answer, but ultimately they reflect aspects of the same cause: nightmare logic. Ravenloft is inherently a vast nightmare. Most of those
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
triumphs. Akriel idolizes Harkon and mimics his performing style to fuel her own career. As the Dark Powers don’t torment her as they do Harkon, her reputation steadily grows—much to her father’s
. Those who come here seeking him must first talk their way past the taverna’s heavily tattooed head bouncer and mixologist, the werewolf Haldrake Moonbaun. Closing the Borders. When Harkon chooses to
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
benefit, renders are inherently chaotic. In a battle, a render fights with all the savagery it can muster and never willingly harms its master, but outside battle, a gray render might present considerable
Howls when it rains 10 Whines piteously in the dark 11 Buries treasure it finds 12 Chases birds, leaping into the air to catch them, heedless of the destruction it causes I suspect gray renders owe
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
the “Here there be dragons” notations? What if great empires cover huge stretches of countryside, with clearly defined borders between them? The Five Nations of the Eberron setting were once part of
remote, and even angels never make contact with mortals? In the Dark Sun setting, the gods are extremely distant — perhaps nonexistent — and clerics rely instead on elemental power for their magic.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
with the vestige inside. The vestige tries to coax the creature into its service by offering it a Dark Gift (see chapter 1). The amber monolith has AC 16, 80 hit points, and immunity to poison and
psychic damage. If the monolith is damaged or if a character openly bears Theodora’s Mark of the Raven, inky tendrils rise from the dark water and attack. These limbs use the statistics for five shadows
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
honor. The sun’s nightly descent into darkness symbolizes bravery and self-sacrifice—the willingness to endure the horrors of the dark for the sake of others. Those who protect innocents in his name
while Heliod stands for justice, Iroas actually fights for it, taking up arms against brutality and injustice in defense of what is good and right. Heliod hates and fears Erebos, his dark twin and his
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
innovation is taken from one domain to another, the suspicion of the new domain’s inhabitants prevents it from gaining acceptance. Such is the subtle control of the Dark Powers, ensuring their
of true faith. Ultimately, any deity from the Player’s Handbook or any other setting might find followers among the Domains of Dread. By the same token, the Dark Powers breathe life into the beliefs
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
undead, demons, devils, and other supernatural threats can be inherently evil. Against such foes, paladins who swear this oath bring the full wrath of their weapons and spells to bear. Yet the
the influence of dark forces that drives them to evil. By setting the proper example, and working to heal the wounds of a deeply flawed world, you can set anyone on a righteous path. Patience. Change
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
serpent gods of the primordial world heeded the prayers of these people and hissed dark demands into their ears. The people tainted their souls by performing human sacrifices in the name of the gods
, becoming like the gods in body, thought, and emotion. Freed from the limitations of their human bodies, the yuan-ti used their new abilities to conquer new lands and expand their borders. One Race
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
. These paths lie beyond lands controlled by the poleis and other civilized beings. Dark caves with tunnels leading down into darkness and rivers quietly lapping at fog-shrouded gravel shores give way
to the Underworld’s borders. Though Athreos ferries the dead across the Tartyx, he’s not above accepting a one-way fare from those who still breathe. Even the other fearsome Underworld guardians that
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
, the activities of the living alert the house’s spirits. Once this occurs, the House of Lament closes the domain’s borders, surrounds itself with the Mists, and conjures a powerful storm. Dangerous
simply imperceptible to all but one character. They never manifest for the entire group. Haunts may favor appearing for certain characters, perhaps due to Dark Gifts or backgrounds individuals possess
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
was once easy to doubt their veracity, for what nation didn’t patrol its borders or establish communication (amicable or otherwise) with other nations? The stories of naga and yuan-ti were easy enough
Serpent Hills, where we were taken prisoner by yuan-ti patrolling the borders of their domain. The half-elf was hauled away in slaver’s chains, but for some reason I was taken to the court of Jarant
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
speak of impenetrable mountains rising amid a dark forest to the north. The Siren Sea is studded with islands large and small. The largest cluster near the mainland, called the Dakra Isles, is poorly
the gods and so prove impossible to map.
As a result, Map 3.1 serves largely as a vaguely agreed upon arrangement of locations, fuzzy borders, and general distances. While the scale and placement
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh
their habitats. The Dreadwood Long a home of horrid monsters and vicious raiders, the Dreadwood hides within its borders a multitude of terrors. Keoland maintains ranger patrols that sweep through the
creatures and villainous monsters that seek to tap into the essence of the Shadowfell thrive deep in the forest. Its innermost reaches mingle with that dark realm, forming a warped mirror version of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
deity’s influence weakened Bhaerynden and left it vulnerable to the dark elves that threatened its borders. That claim might well be true, but shield dwarf scholars point out that those who abandoned
survivors to create many separate outposts in southern lands. During the same period, the dark elves fell victim to infighting, which culminated in the collapse of the great cavern. Emboldened by this
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
unfulfilled, so I intend to finish that work. 3 The world is a dark and terrible place. I decided to serve as a beacon of light shining out against the gathering shadows. 4 I served as a paladin’s squire
reason not to remain in one place for too long. 4 I have seen what happens when the monsters come out from the dark. I took it upon myself to become the first line of defense against the evils that lie