direct ideas are bond

Female Steeder

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

intelligent enough to learn simple hand signals and vocal commands, but even a domesticated steeder might turn against its handler. Training a steeder requires a rider to bond with it, a process that

begins shortly after the steeder hatches. As it grows, its rider works with it to direct its predatory instincts. Rather than spinning webs, steeders excrete a viscous substance from their legs. This goo allows them to creep along walls and ceilings and to grapple prey.

Male Steeder

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

intelligent enough to learn simple hand signals and vocal commands, but even a domesticated steeder might turn against its handler. Training a steeder requires a rider to bond with it, a process that

begins shortly after the steeder hatches. As it grows, its rider works with it to direct its predatory instincts. Rather than spinning webs, steeders excrete a viscous substance from their legs. This goo allows them to creep along walls and ceilings and to grapple prey.

Mercion

Monsters The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

natural leader and a protective caregiver. She has a direct manner that reassures and inspires those around her. Mercion does not worship a deity, but rather an ideal: that truth gives life to artistry

against what I hold dear.” Ideal. “Truth begets art and beauty, while deceit does nothing but tear the fabric of our souls.” Bond. “Evildoers beware! Valor’s Call is

Yeth Hound

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

hound in the Border Ethereal can return to the Material Plane as an action. Telepathic Bond. While the yeth hound is on the same plane of existence as its master, it can magically convey what it senses

feet of the hound must use all its movement on that turn to get as far from the hound as possible, must finish the move before taking an action, and must take the most direct route, even if hazards

The Abbot

Monsters Curse of Strahd

present since birth. The Abbot became consumed with a prideful, obsessive desire to rid the poor Belviews of their lingering imperfections. The Belview family, however, had strange ideas of what it

giving the devil his heart's desire, I bring salvation to him and his land.” Bond. “I love the creatures I create, including my beautiful golems and mongrelfolk.” Flaw. “I can't be corrupted. My

Pseudodragon (familiar variant) Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

other magical effects. Limited Telepathy. The pseudodragon can magically communicate simple ideas, emotions, and images telepathically with any creature within 100 feet of it that can understand a

language. Familiar. The pseudodragon can serve another creature as a familiar, forming a magic, telepathic bond with that willing companion. While the two are bonded, the companion can sense what the

Yeth Hound Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

the other plane. Once it is adjacent to its master or a pack mate that is on the Material Plane, a yeth hound in the Border Ethereal can return to the Material Plane as an action. Telepathic Bond

before taking an action, and must take the most direct route, even if hazards lie that way. A target that successfully saves is immune to the baying of all yeth hounds for the next 24 hours.Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks that aren't Silvered

Vedalken

Species Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

with ideas than with people. They form close friendships based on mutual interests or compelling disagreements, and their interactions dwell on their thoughts about those issues rather than their

goal of perfection is paved with bricks of education, careful deliberation, and controlled experimentation. Some vedalken direct their energy toward perfecting themselves, whether by means of Simic

Soldier - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

regular shift patrolling either the Lower City or the Outer City. In return, you have access to the Flaming Fist’s fortresses and a direct line of communication with Flaming Fist officers and

regular patrol in the Upper City or take a regular shift at its gates, and must report for training in the Watch Citadel once every ten days. In return, you have access to the Citadel and a direct line of

Gladiator Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

Tradition. The stories, legends, and songs of the past must never be forgotten, for they teach us who we are. (Lawful) 3 Creativity. The world is in need of new ideas and bold action. (Chaotic) 4

. Art should reflect the soul; it should come from within and reveal who we really are. (Any) D6 BOND 1 My instrument is my most treasured possession, and it reminds me of someone

Soldier Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

I can stare down a hell hound without flinching. 6 I enjoy being strong and like breaking things. 7 I have a crude sense of humor. 8 I face problems head-on. A simple, direct

Let Live. Ideals aren’t worth killing over or going to war for. (Neutral) 6 Nation. My city, nation, or people are all that matter. (Any) d6 Bond 1 I would still

Entertainer Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

who we are. (Lawful) 3 Creativity. The world is in need of new ideas and bold action. (Chaotic) 4 Greed. I’m only in it for the money and fame. (Evil) 5 People. I like seeing the

) d6 Bond 1 My instrument is my most treasured possession, and it reminds me of someone I love. 2 Someone stole my precious instrument, and someday I’ll get it back

Faceless

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

their faceless selves. d8 Personality Trait 1 I’m earnest and uncommonly direct. 2 I strive to have no personality — it’s easier to forget what’s hardly

should be remembered, not their instrument. (Any) d6 Bond 1 I do everything for my family. My first thought is keeping them safe. 2 What I do, I do for the world. The

Mercenary Veteran

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

when appropriate to suit your identity as a mercenary. Your bond could be associated with the company you traveled with previously, or with some of the comrades you served with. The ideal you embrace

a crude sense of humor. 8 I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is the best path to success. d6 Ideal 1 Greater Good. Our lot is to lay down our lives in

City Watch / Investigator

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

suit your identity as a member of the city watch. Your bond is likely associated with your fellow watch members or the watch organization itself and almost certainly concerns your community. Your

hell hound without flinching. 6 I enjoy being strong and like breaking things. 7 I have a crude sense of humor. 8 I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is the best path to

Entertainer - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

) 2 Tradition. The stories, legends, and songs of the past must never be forgotten, for they teach us who we are. (Lawful) 3 Creativity. The world is in need of new ideas and bold action

Honesty. Art should reflect the soul; it should come from within and reveal who we really are. (Any) d6 Bond 1 My instrument is my most treasured possession, and it reminds

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

yuan-ti know they can’t resort to direct attacks in order to reclaim their rightful place in the world. Operating out of the subterranean ruins of their buildings in foreign lands, yuan-ti

. (Evil) Yuan-ti Bonds d6 Bond 1 I will see our empire rise again and, in so doing, win the favor of the serpent gods. 2 I am enamored with the culture and trappings of

Why a Monstrous Character?

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters

for your campaign. Use them as a starting point for your own ideas. Outcast or Ambassador? Consider how a monstrous character’s native culture views the character. Is the character an outcast, a spy

, an ambassador, or something else? Work with the player to determine how the character ended up as an adventurer. The character’s bond is a great starting point to consider for this question. How did

Far Traveler

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

reacting to ignorant invasion of my own. 2 I have my own ideas about what is and is not food, and I find the eating habits of those around me fascinating, confusing, or revolting. 3 I have a

to learn. (Neutral) 6 Suspicious. I must be careful, for I have no way of telling friend from foe here. (Any) d6 Bond 1 So long as I have this token from my homeland, I

Knight of the Order

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

endeavor. Faerûn has a wide variety of knightly orders, all of which have a similar outlook concerning their actions and responsibilities. Though the term “knight” conjures ideas

your identity as a knight of your order. Your bond almost always involves the order to which you belong (or at least key members of it), and it is highly unusual for a knight’s ideal not to

Shipwright

Backgrounds Ghosts of Saltmarsh

Reflection. Muddied water always clears in time. (Any) 6 Hope. The horizon at sea holds the greatest promise. (Any) D6 BOND 1 I must visit all the oceans

point of distraction by shoddy craftsmanship. 3 Though I am an excellent crafter, my work tends to look as though it belongs on a ship. 4 I am so obsessed with sketching my ideas for

Sage - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

historians all participate with passing scholars from Candlekeep in a lively exchange of ideas, debating and collaborating in book-filled halls across the Upper and Lower City. The city is also rife

domination. (Evil) 6 Self-Improvement. The goal of a life of study is the betterment of oneself. (Any) d6 Bond 1 It is my duty to protect my students. 2 I have an

Izzet Engineer

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

; did I mention focus? 2 I get really excited about my ideas and I can’t wait to talk about them and start putting them into practice and tinkering with them and I want to tell you about how

suspension. 7 Great ideas are fine, but great results are what counts. 8 If you can guess what I’m about to do, that means I’ve run out of imagination. Ideals d6

Pseudodragon

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)

that allows them to share basic ideas such as hunger, curiosity, or affection. When it bonds with a companion, a pseudodragon can communicate what it sees and hears even over long distances. A

on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. Limited Telepathy. The pseudodragon can magically communicate simple ideas, emotions, and images telepathically with any creature within 100

Detailed NPCs

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

memorable NPC, one sentence for each of the following: Occupation and history Appearance Abilities Talent Mannerism Interactions with others Useful knowledge Ideal Bond Flaw or secret Although the material

do that is special, if anything. Roll on the NPC Talents table or use it to spur your own ideas. NPC Talents d20 Talent 1 Plays a musical instrument 2 Speaks several languages fluently 3

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

created the orcs and continues to direct their destiny. He is aided and abetted by the other warrior deities, Bahgtru and Ilneval, who bring strength and cunning to the battlefield. The followers of all

goals of the tribe don’t concern me. Personal glory is what I crave. (Chaotic) 6 Savagery. I will not be controlled. (Chaotic) Orc Bonds d6 Bond 1 I will defend my

The Dreaming Dark in the War

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

The Dreaming Dark in the War The chaos that reigned during the Last War enabled the agents of the Dreaming Dark to move and act with absolute freedom throughout Khorvaire. Any direct conflict among

a pattern of picking one adventurer and discussing their dreams each time the group takes a long rest. Consider these ideas for the basic seed of a dream: Revisit recent events. This can be a useful

Running the Encounter

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer Academy

nearest creatures. Roll a d20 for the shadows’ initiative, again with no modifier. Alternative Scenarios Some characters might want to resort to options other than direct ship-to-ship combat when the

githyanki ship attacks, with a few examples discussed below. Use your best judgment when adjudicating these tactics, and reward players for great ideas and quick thinking. Using Magic. Certain spells can

Suggested Characteristics

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

reacting to ignorant invasion of my own. 2 I have my own ideas about what is and is not food, and I find the eating habits of those around me fascinating, confusing, or revolting. 3 I have a strong

careful, for I have no way of telling friend from foe here. (Any) Bonds d6 Bond 1 So long as I have this token from my homeland, I can face any adversity in this strange land. 2 The gods of my

Iroas as Campaign Villain

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros

Iroas as Campaign Villain Characters are likely to raise the ire of Iroas because they oppose his followers in battle or defy his ideals. His anger is direct and unsubtle, much like Iroas himself

victory or by cleaving to stubbornly held ideas. Although a campaign against Iroas might be straightforward in how the action plays out, the underlying causes of conflict could be quite complex

Legends of Akharin Sangar

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel

distraught populace. Atash possesses an ageless and inflexible perspective. Everlasting and seemingly emotionless, the angel answers complex problems with direct solutions. He believes that only by

began.” Ideal. “To disobey the Sunweaver is to protest truth.” Bond. “I must protect the people of Akharin Sangar, even from themselves.” Flaw. “The subtleties of mortal nuance are simply the repetition of mortal mistakes.”

Mercion

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

Mercion Mercion strikes the balance of a natural leader and a protective caregiver. She has a direct manner that reassures and inspires those around her. Mercion does not worship a deity, but rather

on my watch—unless they stand against what I hold dear.” Ideal. “Truth begets art and beauty, while deceit does nothing but tear the fabric of our souls.” Bond. “Evildoers beware! Valor’s Call is

Franchise Tasks as Narrative

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

helps establish the stakes and provides ideas that the DM can weave into the campaign story. The DM might work up a narrative based on the players’ initial discussions, and might ask additional

out for a mission on the mainland, they direct the ship’s staff-member captain to surprise other vessels and liberate goods from them. The DM decides that such acts of piracy fit the shady business

The Scarlet Sash

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

secret and will carry that secret to the grave.” Ideal. “Without vigilance, evil runs amok.” Bond. “I love glass. I adore its colors and its polished gleam. Watching glass bend and take different forms

hunters. Personality Trait. “Words fail me often, so I’m happy to let others speak on my behalf.” Ideal. “I would rather eat a snake than fall prey to the trappings of the civilized world.” Bond. “Birds

Harkon's Powers and Dominion

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

, becomes their mentor, traps them within the bond of lycanthropy, and then uses them as tools (see the “Insatiable Hungers” section later in this domain for details). Such alliances rarely last for more

than a few months before Harkon grows bored and steals his protégés’ performance ideas, their wealth, and their lives. The Lukas Clan. Harkon Lukas uses and manipulates all those around him with two

D&D Beyond

Search Results