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Returning 35 results for 'defeat invaders are better'.
Monsters
Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
and just as readily appear as people, animals, or other creatures—the more unassuming, the better. Should it reveal its true form, an emissary appears as a roughly bipedal mass of agitated organs
emissaries are the fingers of alien realms, digits that tip the scales of reality toward terror. Heralded by ominous astrological events, these ravenous invaders make worlds ready for unimaginable masters or
Lizardfolk
Legacy
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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
Goblin
Legacy
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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
two hunters viciously attack. A captured group of invaders might hang in a net while dozens of goblins pass by and pay them no heed until a group of gatherers shows up.
Lashers. The closest thing a
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->Monster Manual
better. Goblin raids are often as much opportunities to enjoy setting fires and tormenting livestock as they are parts of more disruptive plots. Goblins obey those who accomplish the wildest plans. Such
. Since then, hordes of these more martial-minded goblins have flourished, with some finding their ways to Material Plane worlds. These vicious invaders seek to sow ruin in preparation for their god’s conquest. Bree-yark!
—Approximate translation from Goblin to Common: “Hey, rube!”
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
following: Attacking light sources to extinguish them, so the kobolds can use their darkvision to best advantage. Leaving one defender in a room to lure invaders into a trap or an ambush. Often this bait is
a sick or weak kobold who is otherwise unable to contribute to the tribe’s needs. Using hit-and-run maneuvers, fleeing between attacks to better or more secure vantage points. Often their goal is to
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
Kobold
Legacy
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
provoke retaliatory attacks from the creatures they steal from. It’s better to be cautious and overlooked than to be considered dangerous and a threat.
In a couple of situations, kobolds might
protection from invaders and in return providing services such as excavating new living spaces and disposing of trash. If it’s unlucky, the tribe is enslaved by the other humanoids, and the kobolds
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
to transform him into a shadow dragon to better serve Vanrak in the battles to come. Thereafter, Glyster became known as Umbraxakar (“shadowborn” in Draconic). The death knight and the shadow dragon
fought side by side for many years, expanding their domain and then defending it against adventurers and other invaders. By this time, Umbraxakar had stopped caring about anything except his friendship
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->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->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->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->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->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->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->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
a defeat that leads to her removal. For now, though, the devils are fighting with a berserker fury under her charge. Zariel leads their offensives herself, and her unyielding resolve coupled with the
fighting skill of her underlings has pushed nearly all the demonic invaders out of Avernus. TIAMAT WAITS AND WATCHES
The Queen of Dragons resides in Avernus. Her lairs sits atop a towering mountain
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->Storm King's Thunder
village within sight of this yakfolk must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity (Stealth) check to avoid being spotted immediately. If this yakfolk spots any invaders, it heads to area 8 to warn Chief Kartha
-Kaya. The yakfolk chief has a large bronze gong in his hut (area 8). If he or his wives become aware of invaders, one of them strikes the gong. It is loud enough to be heard throughout the village
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
, Mayor Raven, Jeyev, and a few other locals. Read or paraphrase the following as the characters leave Vogler behind: Vogler is in flames. Amid the columns of smoke rising from the village, invaders
, she sent Jeyev to warn the villagers. Witness. If the characters already know about Becklin’s defeat, Jeyev was separated from the rest of Vogler’s defenders, knows specifics of her last battle, and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Heroes of the Borderlands
admire Andrella and enjoy her goodhearted mentorship.
Rumors
“A dastardly bandit, Pral, accosts travelers along the trail. Apparently he’s quite handsome; I’m sure he’ll look even better behind
the other side.
Murder Holes. Guards atop the gatehouse can thrust spears down at invaders through holes in the ceiling of the archway.
Gatehouse Services The gatehouse offers the following
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
demon prince in about a month. To bring about these changes, the invaders must remain in the same location for some time, usually an area no more than six miles on a side, to combine their influence
demons are slain, the portal grows smaller and weaker. If the invaders are reduced to about half the number that were present when the portal was created, the opening winks out of existence. A Stain
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->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->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->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