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Returning 35 results for 'defeat instant are better'.
Half-Elf
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Species
Basic Rules (2014)
Flint squinted into the setting sun. He thought he saw the figure of a man striding up the path. Standing, Flint drew back into the shadow of a tall pine to see better. The man’s walk was
ground. The dwarf clasped his old friend close for a brief instant, then, remembering his dignity, squirmed and freed himself from the half-elf’s embrace.
— Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
Eladrin
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Species
Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes
You spend excessively on creature comforts.
Winter
d4
Winter Personality Trait
1
The worst case is the most likely to occur.
2
You preserve what you have. Better to
’t stay still.
d4
Spring Flaw
1
You overdrink.
2
Toil is for drudges. Yours should be a life of leisure.
3
A pretty face infatuates you in an instant, but your
Lizardfolk
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
aggression toward creatures that they could defeat in a fight and that can’t be dealt with in some other manner. They are aggressive toward prey they want to eat, creatures that want to harm them, and
learned to laugh. You use this talent in response to all emotional situations, to better fit in with your comrades.
6
You still don’t understand how metaphors work. That doesn’t stop
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
end of the story, they succeed or fail, and the world is shaken again by the way the characters changed it for good or ill. At the beginning of a D&D campaign, world-shaking events create instant
adventure hooks and affect the characters’ lives directly. In the middle, they make great turning points as the characters’ fortunes reverse — rising after a defeat or falling after a victory. Near the end
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos
closest translation of their name in Common. They are often found poring over ancient texts detailing battles, seeking to better understand the tactical decisions that result in victory and defeat. Rampart
sword strapped to their back. Rampart explains that doing so better simulates the battlefield conditions they study.
Extracurriculars: Dragonchess Club, Dragonsguard Historical Society
Job: None
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat
Developments If the characters defeat Arauthator, the reactions of Oyaviggaton’s other inhabitants are dependent on whether the dragon is killed or driven off. If Arauthator is killed, the ice toads
seeking out his former thralls. The Ice Hunters have no contact with civilization, so they can’t possibly spread word of his humiliating defeat. With the dragon’s disappearance, the kobolds hide if
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
Half-Elf Flint squinted into the setting sun. He thought he saw the figure of a man striding up the path. Standing, Flint drew back into the shadow of a tall pine to see better. The man’s walk was
a brief instant, then, remembering his dignity, squirmed and freed himself from the half-elf’s embrace.
— Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, Dragons of Autumn Twilight
Walking in two worlds but
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
Half-Elf Flint squinted into the setting sun. He thought he saw the figure of a man striding up the path. Standing, Flint drew back into the shadow of a tall pine to see better. The man’s walk was
a brief instant, then, remembering his dignity, squirmed and freed himself from the half-elf’s embrace.
— Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman,
Dragons of Autumn Twilight
Walking in two worlds but
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
Developments If the characters defeat Arauthator, the reactions of Oyaviggaton’s other inhabitants are dependent on whether the dragon is killed or driven off. If Arauthator is killed, the ice toads
seeking out his former thralls. The Ice Hunters have no contact with civilization, so they can’t possibly spread word of his humiliating defeat. With the dragon’s disappearance, the kobolds hide if
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
Recovering from Defeat If the characters fail to prevent a Prince of Elemental Evil from remaining in the world, all is not lost. The triumphant prince remains near the node for several weeks
time and saw how the battle unfolded. If the characters need better gear or spells cast on their behalf, the factions get to work. No one wants a second assault to fail for lack of potions of fire
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
The Horror of Defeat A victory for the Cult of the Dragon is a real possibility in this adventure, and would be catastrophic for Faerûn. With Tiamat ascendant, the age of mortals comes to an end and
. The Red Wizards who freed her are devoured or driven away, hunted by the forces of Szass Tam. The cultists who orchestrated Tiamat’s return fare little better, with the Dragon Queen not caring which
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat
The Horror of Defeat A victory for the Cult of the Dragon is a real possibility in this adventure, and would be catastrophic for Faerûn. With Tiamat ascendant, the age of mortals comes to an end and
. The Red Wizards who freed her are devoured or driven away, hunted by the forces of Szass Tam. The cultists who orchestrated Tiamat’s return fare little better, with the Dragon Queen not caring which
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
this matter, simpler is better!
-Fizban
Use the Bronze Dragon Personality Traits and Bronze Dragon Ideals tables to inspire your portrayal of distinctive bronze dragon characters, and use the Bronze
’ military technology, especially magic armaments and siege engines—the bigger, the better!
8 Conflict drives evolution. By sparking wars between nations, I contribute to the advancement of their
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
Oozing Royalty When the characters defeat the last group of oozes, but before they reach area 30, the Pudding King appears. The insane, slime-covered deep gnome points at you and cackles. “Devour
telepathic bond, telekinesis, wall of stone
6th level: chain lightning, disintegrate, Drawmij’s instant summons, eyebite, flesh to stone, Otto’s irresistible dance, true seeing
7th level: forcecage
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
, Castle Laventz, as his own. Months later, the relentless knight Mara Silvra received word of her father’s defeat. Calling in debts and intimidating mercenaries, Mara forged a small army during her grueling
leave Castle Laventz again. Without hesitation, Mara accepted the arrangement. In the same instant, Dranzorg’s troops swept in and took Mara and her knights captive. Within the castle, Dranzorg showed
Goblin
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
Learn More
Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
cruel in victory, goblins are fawning and servile in defeat, just as in their own society lower castes must scrape before those of greater status and as goblin tribes bow before other goblinoids
new leader can act as the real boss. If the creature brushes aside such manipulation, the tribe falls into line behind the new tyrant—better to abide the new rule than conspire against it and be
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
such possibilities. It’s better to tip your hand about the plot than to lose a player’s investment in the game. When delivering characters into the Darklord’s clutches, employ scenarios where the
. Mordenheim attack the party or their allies (at the doctor’s command or otherwise). These foes are more powerful than the characters, who might defeat the majority of the attackers before being overwhelmed
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault
a moment, perhaps I can make you a better offer?”
If the characters refuse to hear her deal, Vidorant attacks them. If they agree to listen to her deal, she continues speaking: “I could try to
reasonable compromise, she upholds her part of the deal. If Vidorant knows the characters have taken items of significant value from her vault, she suggests an even better deal: if they return the most
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
Zar’ryth Githyanki Personality Traits d4 Trait 1 When I’m bored I make my own excitement, and I’m always bored. 2 I treat others as if they were animals that simply don’t know any better. 3 Violence is
they keep. 2 Power. The weak rule the strong. 3 Duty. It is by Vlaakith’s will alone that I act. 4 Freedom. No strong soul should be enslaved. Better to die first than live as another’s puppet
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
foolhardy is the better word.”
If the characters seem hesitant to work with Vizeran, he reminds them of the peril facing the surface world should the demon lords escape from the Underdark. If the
, saying, “The walls here literally have ears, and echoes linger forever.” Only his home is secure enough to serve as the place from which to plan the demon lords’ defeat.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
to use a large number of traps. Doing so ensures that the characters will have to deal with at least one or two of them, but it’s better to fight that urge.
If your encounters or adventures are
for you to describe what happens next, the players should be specific about how they want to defeat the trap. Simply stating the desire to make a check isn’t helpful for you. Ask the players where their characters are positioned and what they intend to do to defeat the trap.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
people out of darkness. Inspire people to be better than they are. Even the smallest change is a victory, yet lightbringers—the followers of this path—hope that this is merely a step on a greater journey
light. Violence is never the answer, and the only way to defeat evil is to redeem it. Lightbringers seek to inspire those who live in fear and enlighten those whose evil is driven by ignorance. The
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
more than create life—she could defeat death! She wished to breathe sentience into dead flesh and produce sturdier shells than the bodies of fragile, temporary mortals. She added corpse theft to her
as Mordenheim sought to glimpse the secrets hidden in the instant of death. One moonless night, Elise fell into a sleep from which she wouldn’t wake. Bringing Elise to her lab, Dr. Mordenheim worked
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
triumph or defeat? If you’re a spy, are you a prized agent or did you disavow your organization after they pushed you too far? Don’t think of your character as a set of numbers: even at 1st level, you’re
remarkable in Eberron. DM TIP: HIGH STAKES
What’s better than a battle on the deck of an airship? A battle on the deck of an airship that’s about to crash! A DM should look for ways to raise the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
challenge:
Bring me pure perfection—
Something my craft cannot better.”
Diancastra, undaunted, departed the sanctum
And journeyed to the waters beyond worlds.
She sailed forgotten seas into
,
Perfectly imperfect and unformed.
You cannot perfect potential.”
Laughter filled Annam’s hall, loud as thunder,
Shaking floor and firmament.
The All-Father acquiesced, admitting defeat,
And
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat
who fight for the cult believe that Tiamat’s return is inevitable, but they are sullen and uncooperative. They fight when they see easy victory but withdraw when they sense defeat. Evil Mercenaries
. Mercenary companies form the backbone of the cult’s army. Better trained than the cultists, these mercenaries are capable of standing against the best warriors in Faerûn. Temple of Tiamat. The temple
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
glory to Purphoros.
6 Defeat a champion of another god (most likely Heliod, Kruphix, Phenax, or Mogis).
A Purphoros Campaign A campaign structured around champions of Purphoros can feature the
better temperament, but in extreme cases, they could be forced to seek refuge with another god, thereafter contending with Purphoros as a villain.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
, emotionless logic is the way I defeat my foes. 3 I determine if a creature is worth keeping alive within the first minute of speaking to it. 4 I frequently dream of [a particular creature] and am
perfect as I am, I can strive to be even better. (Neutral) 6 Power. I will be secure when I rule over all. (Evil) Beholder Bonds d6 Bond 1 My followers are all spying on me, and I seek motivated
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
is the most likely to occur. 2 You preserve what you have. Better to be hungry today and have food for tomorrow. 3 Life is full of dangers, but you are ready for them. 4 A penny spent is a penny lost
You overdrink. 2 Toil is for drudges. Yours should be a life of leisure. 3 A pretty face infatuates you in an instant, but your fancy passes with equal speed. 4 Anything worth doing is worth doing again
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos
potential for good and wishes to teach her students how to make the world a better place. She and Dean Lu often clash over Silverquill’s curriculum, but the balance found between them is far more
. Though she’s an elite mage who can easily hold her own in a fight, Breena prefers to defeat her foes with words alone. An Oriq agent once trapped and attempted to recruit her, threatening her students
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
that Rezmir and Jos survive this chapter. It’s not a catastrophe if they don’t, but it’s much better if they do. Dralmorrer Borngray and Pharblex Spattergoo have everything to lose if enemies of the
cult overrun Castle Naerytar; a defeat would cost Borngray his hard-earned rank in the cult, and Spattergoo would lose the base from which he hopes to rule the mere after the cult is finished with the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm Lord’s Wrath
are a typical adventuring party, they charge in without a plan. However, they might favor caution and knowledge over brute force. A more cautious party can better catch the lizards unaware and might
peaceful resolution. If the party approaches peacefully and succeeds on some DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) checks, they might convince the lizardfolk to release the prisoners if the party defeat the rot trolls for them.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hoard of the Dragon Queen
that Rezmir and Jos survive this chapter. It’s not a catastrophe if they don’t, but it’s much better if they do. Dralmorrer Borngray and Pharblex Spattergoo have everything to lose if enemies of the
cult overrun Castle Naerytar; a defeat would cost Borngray his hard-earned rank in the cult, and Spattergoo would lose the base from which he hopes to rule the mere after the cult is finished with the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation
. Once she’s released, she can cast the tongues spell to better communicate with her liberators. If the bottle is broken or unplugged, the dao emerges in a whirlwind of sand. She fulfills whatever
characters to seek them out and use them to defeat Acererak. Treasure The dao wears two sapphire cords (1,250 gp each), two platinum armbands engraved with dueling dragons (750 gp each), and a topaz belly-button gemstone (500 gp).
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
Meeting Rookledust Once the characters defeat the goblinoids, the gnome—Tatina Rookledust—appears through an aperture above her workshop’s door. She asks the characters who they are, what they want
. “The faster I talk, think, and invent, the faster I can improve my designs.” Ideal. “Not only can I make that, I can make it better!” Bond. “Through invention, we make a more interesting world.” Flaw