dark interest are broader

The Abbot

Monsters Curse of Strahd

some much-needed light to Barovia. His efforts worked for a while, but then the Dark Powers began to corrupt him. Imperfections. The Abbot's fall from grace started when the Belviews—a family of sickly

languish in the abbey's madhouse, the Abbot is giving his creation lessons in etiquette and ladylike conduct so that “she” can be formally presented to Strahd and win his love. Strahd has no interest

Rakdos Cultist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

very amusing dark side. 2 A Boros captain really wants to “redeem” me. 3 I think a member of my troupe is a Dimir agent. 4 I once convinced a Golgari medusa to participate

Orzhov oligarch has taken an interest in my career, like a patron of the arts. 8 Roll an additional Rakdos contact; you can decide if the contact is an ally or a rival. 9 A Selesnya healer

Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

usually limited, though a few elves make a good living by trading crafted items for metals (which they have no interest in mining). Elves encountered outside their own lands are commonly traveling

(Moonbrook), Xiloscient (Goldpetal) Subrace Ancient divides among the elven people resulted in three main subraces: high elves, wood elves, and dark elves, who are commonly called drow. Choose one of

Golgari Agent

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

, rot, and rebirth. You have spent your life in the slow churn of that ecosystem, in the dark places of the city where the messy parts of existence are on display. There is little squeamishness among the

stole something valuable. 8 I found a baby beast and sold it to a Rakdos wrangler who remains grateful to me. 9 A Selesnya druid and I share an interest in the same garden, and we have

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species 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

Genasi Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

hands and feet from a halfling, exceedingly large eyes from a gnome, and so on). Genasi almost never have contact with their elemental parents. Genies seldom have interest in their mortal offspring

accustomed to a variety of different people. GENASI ON ATHAS Although any world that includes one or more elemental planes can feature genasi, on Athas, the world of the Dark Sun campaign setting

Background

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

Background As the adventure begins, Eberron’s sages note with interest that four planes will become coterminous with Eberron within the next several months — a rare occurrence even in the annals of

astronomers and diviners. For them, it’s a matter of academic interest. But for Imix, Ogrémoch, Olhydra, and Yan-C-Bin, it’s the chance they’ve been waiting for. Under direction of the nameless entity

Serving an Immortal

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

tell what those implications might be—and stumbling upon hints of an immortal’s broader agenda might prove frightening. Your tasks could involve fulfilling prophecies in deliberate ways, preventing

imprisoned rakshasa—and that will, unknown to the inventor, lead to the rakshasa’s release. 8 Protect a kalashtar monk who is being targeted by Dreaming Dark assassins as she studies a path that might eventually prevent the quori from projecting themselves into the Material Plane.

Dark Sun

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

Dark Sun The dying planet of Athas is a world that is already deeply scarred by elemental power. Long ago the gods of Athas fought a terrible war against the mighty primordial powers of the elemental

planes — and they lost. The gods were slain or driven into exile, leaving Athas under the dominion of elemental beings who took little interest in the affairs of mortals. In the grim age that

Rundreth Manor

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

Rundreth Manor One of the most powerful creatures in the Dessarin Valley is a shadow dragon named Nurvureem, who dwells in caverns under Rundreth Manor. Nurvureem has no interest in allying with the

cults. After emissaries failed to return from Rundreth Manor, the elemental cults have learned to give Nurvureem a wide berth. The Harpers, the Zhentarim, and the Lords’ Alliance believe the elemental cults are courting the Dark Lady, so they send the characters to investigate.

Cities and Sites

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

Cities and Sites The Talenta Plains have been described as an ocean of grasslands. The nomadic halflings have little interest in building towns; most shelter in the Talenta Plains is temporary

fortunate enough to cross its path. When times are dark and travelers are weary, one can always hope that the Wandering Inn is just beyond the horizon.

The Amber Temple

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

The Amber Temple Once a haven of virtuous wizards, the Amber Temple was long ago corrupted by evil. It was here that Strahd made his pact with the Dark Powers to become a vampire, with the blessing

, viewing it as a nexus of secrets underpinning the nature of the Domains of Dread. The priests of Osybus (detailed in the “Other Groups” section later in this chapter) have particular interest in this site.

Sword and Sorcery

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

roots of the game. Here you’ll find a dark, gritty world of evil sorcerers and decadent cities, where the protagonists are motivated more by greed and self-interest than by altruistic virtue. Fighter

-sorcery novels. The world of Athas (as featured in numerous Dark Sun novels and game products), with its heroic gladiators and tyrannical sorcerer-kings, belongs squarely in this genre.

Travelers in the Mists

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

narratives that span domains can prove challenging if every realm is a world unto itself. Individuals who willfully brave the Mists to travel between domains are especially useful in your broader

, and how to survive their dangers. Those who travel between domains might have the Mist Walker Dark Gift (see chapter 1) or know how to employ Mist talismans (detailed at the start of this chapter

Life in the Domains of Dread

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

basis for comparison, domain inhabitants call those who speak of other worlds liars. For them, the following topics are standard aspects of life in their home domain or in a broader collection of

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

Gloom Stalker

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

trepidation, but a Gloom Stalker ventures boldly into the darkness, seeking to ambush threats before they can reach the broader world. Such rangers are often found in the Underdark, but they will go any

place where evil lurks in the shadows. So you sneak around in the dark? You know most everything but humans can see in the dark, right? We all see you. Tiptoeing doesn’t turn you invisible. Gloom

Gods, Celestials, and Fiends

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

invested in their own affairs and have little interest in Eberron. Demons and angels battle one another in Shavarath, but they’ve been doing this since before humanity existed, and they dare not leave

their posts to fool around elsewhere. Exceptions do exist, such as the daelkyr and the Dreaming Dark, but by and large these natives of other planes are exclusively concerned with where they live. As

Journey down Esker Brook

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

Dargaard Mountains, constantly cloaked in dark clouds that often spread their gloom across the surrounding land. A character who succeeds on a DC 12 Intelligence (History) check knows the Solamnic

1 Light rain falls for an hour, and distant lightning is visible over the Dargaard Mountains. 2 A band of 2d4 bandits heads northwest, paying the characters no mind. The bandits have no interest in

Human Ethnicities in Faerûn

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

golden cast to their skin and dark hair, but they tend to have darker skin and broader features. Each has only a single name (sometimes handed down from one’s parent); Tuigans don’t use surnames. No

regions or nations that border the North, while others are prevalent in parts of the world far from the Sword Coast. Arkaiun Short in stature with tan skin and dark hair, the Arkaiuns dwell primarily in

House Freth

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

House Freth From their dark bastion, the leaders of the house strive to keep their enemies, House Auvryndar (see level 10), from conquering the Troglodyte Warrens (level 11). Leading the effort is

interest in an alliance, and Tendra and Maleen have come to the Maze Level on a secret mission. Beholden to Halaster Blackcloak, the Shadowdusks have been ordered to convince Drivvin Freth to accept an

Undercroft

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

devastation orbs, the Dark Lady expresses a keen interest in them. The Dark Lady wants the characters to attack the elemental cults and leave her alone. Nurvureem tries her utmost to manipulate the characters

without exposing herself to danger. The Dark Lady’s image opens conversation by saying, “Welcome to Rundreth Manor.” The image ignores any attacks the characters make against it, although such interaction

Touch of Death

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

deliver death to your enemies with your touch. Roll on or choose an option from the Deadly Touch table to determine how this Dark Gift presents itself. Additionally, you gain the traits that follow

interest in you. 4 You survived a near-death experience—but shouldn’t have. Ever since, death and ill omens follow you. 5 You are out of sync with time or reality. Anything you touch is

History

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

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

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

Yellowcrest Lore

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries

. The details of the murders at Yellowcrest Manor can be learned from a few hours’ research into recent Waterdeep history, or by consulting any scholar at the library who has an interest in that

history or the noble families of Waterdeep. The public details of the dark event are well known: Lord Yellowcrest was away from Waterdeep on business, then returned to find his wife, his sons and daughter

Har'Akir

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

Har’Akir Domain of the Ancient Dead Darklord: Ankhtepot Genre: Dark fantasy Hallmarks: Ancient tombs, desert perils, lost gods, mummies Mist Talismans: Canopic jar, lapis lazuli scarab, scroll of

secrets lie beneath the sands, markers of a history the land’s few residents know of only in story and song. Their interest in past splendor is smothered, as life is harsh in Har’Akir and the living

L10. Cupboards

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

disturbed. The ghoul assumes that the characters are Granny Nightshade’s workers, sent to fetch her for a new task. She has no interest in the day-to-day affairs of Loomlurch and attacks the characters

only if they threaten Granny Nightshade in the ghoul’s presence or seem particularly suspicious. Sowpig follows them through the lair and shares an occasional joke, which is always dark and upsetting

Gracklstugh

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss

strongholds, afraid to venture out into the streets — even invisibly. Rumors abound of creatures active in the Darklake, and of secret rituals and offerings made to the dark waters to appease them. A

that he is effectively trapped in the caverns of Gracklstugh even if he wins his freedom, he hungers for it nonetheless, just as he hungers for revenge against those who oppose him. Dark Plots If the

Adventure Summary

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

might find clues hinting to broader connections to the recent murders. In part 3, “Hemlock Pit,” the characters seek the councillor out at his warehouse and the home he keeps behind it — a ship held

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

General Features

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lost Mine of Phandelver

filters through the arrow slits around the castle. During the day, this provides dim light in most areas. At night, all areas are dark. Walls. Exterior walls and load-bearing interior walls are 5 feet

aren’t likely to attack the party if they claim to be working in the Black Spider’s interest. If the characters try to perpetrate a deception as a group, have them each make a Charisma (Deception

Q53. Beacon of Argynvostholt

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

ravens that roost here are harmless, but they watch the characters with great interest. If the characters look out the windows, you can use the following text to describe what they see in the distance. To

the north and east lies a mist-shrouded valley with dark woods, a small town, and a lonely windmill on a precipice. To the south, a river flows through a foggy marsh. To the west, between rocky hills

The Dark Dominion

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss

The Dark Dominion The rock surrounding the city is honeycombed with tunnels and passageways forming the Dark Dominion, a territory claimed by the drow but not part of the city proper. Home to all

manner of Underdark denizens, this maze forms part of Menzoberranzan’s defenses as well as its underworld — a dangerous place for dark dealings and clandestine meetings. The Dark Dominion is a great

Heliod's Influence

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

interested not only in punitive justice, but also in the establishment of fair and equitable relationships among people and gods, in service to the common good. He also takes an interest in the bonds of

House Tarkanan

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

. During the Last War, the King’s Dark Lanterns of Breland trained a team of covert operatives who all bore aberrant marks. Considered expendable, this group was sent on one suicide mission after another

fought the dragonmarked houses long ago and used his aberrant dragonmark to destroy Old Sharn. The smallest of the four criminal organizations described here, House Tarkanan has no interest in

Arveiaturace Arrives

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

“Arveiaturace”, for more information). The dragon is out hunting when the characters first arrive at the Dark Duchess, but she checks on the ship regularly to make sure her hoard is undisturbed. At the end of

each hour the characters spend in the Dark Duchess, there is a 20 percent chance that Arveiaturace returns to the ship. Because she can see only out to a range of 60 feet, the dragon must get close to

Monastic Orders

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

Monastic Orders The following orders can be found in various parts of the Forgotten Realms. The Dark Moon A monastic order devoted to Shar, the Dark Moon works openly in lands where her worship is

, not just the darkness. Grant and take each new chance to be virtuous. Shine light into darkness. Share the soul’s light with the world. Light up dark places with your presence and banish shadow. Due

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