direct invaders are better

Lesser Star Spawn Emissary

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

Morkoth

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

are tied to a particular place or group of locales, and still others move erratically through the cosmos. Occasionally, a morkoth learns to direct its island’s movement.A Morkoth’s Lair

fragments that make up the island’s core are also located. Sections of the lair and its center might be kept dry to better protect and preserve collected objects and creatures, but most of the lair

Zlan

monsters

Crenshinibon, better known as the Crystal Shard. Zlan Clervish was one of those seven liches, and that lich’s will predominates in the fused entity. All seven bodies are frozen together with ice and

direct action when an oblique or hidden action will suffice. Its plans always contain fallbacks and contingencies. One of these contingencies—one the other liches who constitute its new form failed

Eladrin Legacy

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

fancy passes with equal speed. 4 Anything worth doing is worth doing again and again. Summer d4 Summer Personality Trait 1 You believe that direct confrontation is

Deep Dragon Wyrmling Legacy

monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

other dragons, but we are superior beings and should not lower ourselves to direct conflict. 4 I have no interest in going to the surface world. It’s where one sends one’s servants

"} Ideal 1 Understanding. True power comes from the ability to discern other creatures’ motivations better than they can discern yours. (Any) 2 Kindred. All dragons are kin to one

Morkoth Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

core of the warren, where the pearly matter of the island is also located. Sections of the lair and its center might be kept dry to better protect and preserve collected objects and creatures, but most

each of its turns to enter the lair and to move toward the morkoth's location (the target doesn't realize it's heading toward a creature). The target moves toward the morkoth by the most direct route

Young Deep Dragon Legacy

monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

labyrinth of my thoughts. 3 I might disagree with other dragons, but we are superior beings and should not lower ourselves to direct conflict. 4 I have no interest in going to the surface world

":"1d6","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Ideal"} Ideal 1 Understanding. True power comes from the ability to discern other creatures’ motivations better than they can discern yours

Firbolg Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

’ presence is marked by an absence of animals and a strange quiet, as if the forest wishes to avoid attracting attention to itself. The faster travelers decide to move on, the better. If these

tactics fail, the firbolgs take more direct action. Their observations of a settlement determine what happens next. If the outsiders seem peaceful, the firbolgs approach and gently ask them to leave, even

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

odds aren’t in their favor. A short retreat might be just the thing to reach a better tactical position, find allies, or to allow the yuan-ti the opportunity to study their opponents and

Adult Deep Dragon Legacy

monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

dragons, but we are superior beings and should not lower ourselves to direct conflict. 4 I have no interest in going to the surface world. It’s where one sends one’s servants. 5

1 Understanding. True power comes from the ability to discern other creatures’ motivations better than they can discern yours. (Any) 2 Kindred. All dragons are kin to one another

Invasion Encounters

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

(Perception) score of 14 or higher notice it. Unless alerted, the other characters are surprised when the kapak attacks. Direct Attack From between buildings sprint five cloaked invaders, their clawed

. Vogler Invasion Encounters d10 Encounter 1–2 A family of four commoners gets separated from the other evacuees. Unless escorted to the wharf, they try to hide from the invaders. 3 An abandoned cat

Religious Order Contacts

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

some authority in the hierarchy of the organization. This person might direct you and your adventures according to their interpretation of divine will, or they might trust the gods to lead you to do

cynical priest who thinks nothing you do makes any difference in the grand scheme of things 3 A zealous priest who is constantly urging you to do more and do it better 4 An ambitious priest who views you

Entrance to Kalaman

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

Kalaman’s mighty walls. These ancient stone knights stare into the distance, daring invaders to dash themselves against defenses that withstood even the Cataclysm. A disorganized neighborhood of tents and

guards recall their captain leading a man matching Bakaris’s description to the castle some time ago. Castle Kalaman is a towering structure and easy to find without directions, and the guards can also direct the characters to any site in the “Kalaman Locations” section.

Ancient Deep Dragon Legacy

monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

dragons, but we are superior beings and should not lower ourselves to direct conflict. 4 I have no interest in going to the surface world. It’s where one sends one’s servants. 5

1 Understanding. True power comes from the ability to discern other creatures’ motivations better than they can discern yours. (Any) 2 Kindred. All dragons are kin to one another, and

Goblins

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!”

Tactics

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

Follow the Map

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a2

Mountains. An independent stronghold that has no direct tunnels connecting it to Thorbardin, it was overrun by attackers during the Age of Might. During the Age of Despair, it was seized by Highlord

what they saw as their kingdom’s betrayal of the old ways. Greyhawk. Khundrukar stands in the Pomarj, in the western Drachensgrab Hills. The fortress fell shortly after the Hateful Wars, when a wave of orcs and other evil humanoid invaders swept over the region.

Kobold Legacy

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

Umbraxakar

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

Running the Adventure

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

saying, “Hey, DM, you better get this creature’s stat block ready. You’re going to need it.” If the stat block appears in appendix C of this adventure, the text tells you so; otherwise, you can find

the stat block in the Monster Manual. Spells and equipment mentioned in the adventure are described in the Player’s Handbook. Magic items are described in the Dungeon Master’s Guide, unless the adventure’s text direct you to an item’s description in appendix D.

The Adventuring Biz

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

Do’Urden while journeying through the Underdark. When Jim Darkmagic became afflicted with the Death Curse, there was no definitive proof that this was a direct result of his employment with

clone to a devil. It seemed prudent at the time. However, nothing in Acquisitions Incorporated’s storied history encapsulates the company’s efficacy better than the recovery of Omin’s sister, Auspicia

Goblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

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

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

Hidden Shepherds

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

firbolgs’ presence is marked by an absence of animals and a strange quiet, as if the forest wishes to avoid attracting attention to itself. The faster travelers decide to move on, the better. If these

tactics fail, the firbolgs take more direct action. Their observations of a settlement determine what happens next. If the outsiders seem peaceful, the firbolgs approach and gently ask them to leave, even

The Fiend's Trail

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

back his fiendish urges long enough to resume his human form. He confessed to his mother, then fled his home as he felt himself transforming again. For the better part of the day since, he has flown

vecindad, folk on the street can direct the party toward the old manor house if the characters show them Serapio’s sketches. If the characters found the half-locket in area H4 of Hollow Mine, they can use

Creating a Deep Dragon

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

we are superior beings and should not lower ourselves to direct conflict. 4 I have no interest in going to the surface world. It’s where one sends one’s servants. 5 While the petty

people—as long as they remain unaware of my true nature. Deep Dragon Ideals d6 Ideal 1 Understanding. True power comes from the ability to discern other creatures’ motivations better

Lost Mine of Phandelver

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder

, upgrade their gear, sell their loot, and find new adventures. If those aren’t reasons enough, here are a few hooks tied to NPCs in Phandalin that you can use to direct the characters toward Triboar

the characters to deliver a letter to Darathra Shendrel, the lord protector of Triboar. In the letter, Harbin demands that the lord protector do a better job of patrolling the territory between their

Quest: Priestly Duties

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

Scourge of Worlds

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

Watchtower

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things

. But the knights’ protective magic hasn’t failed entirely; the creatures within the watchtower are trapped inside until someone or something frees them. The watchtower is in better physical shape

direct it against Mekkalath might regret their decision. For example, the death tyrant might agree to attack the dragon, then start by slaying the peaceful minotaurs and turning them into its zombie

Hill Giant

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

thongs. Bigger Means Better. In a hill giant’s world, humanoids and animals are easy prey that can be hunted with impunity. Creatures such as dragons and other giants are tough adversaries. Hill giants

. Direct and Deadly. Hill giants’ ability to digest nearly anything has allowed them to survive for eons without needing to adapt and change. With no culture of their own, hill giants ape the

Life in Godsbreath

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

make amends come through groups known as sevens—assemblies of the seven people who are closest at hand when an accusation of criminal behavior is made, but who have no direct stake in the outcome. For

better. Although this sometimes encourages exaggeration, Godsbreath’s people believe you can hear truth in the telling of any tale, and all enjoy the art of a well-crafted boast. Stories of all kinds

Vizeran's Plan

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

in. A few drops of blood or ichor from a demon lord, to connect with the demons the ritual will call. Gromph Baenre’s grimoires and notes on his ritual, to assist in better understanding the power

that summoned the demon lords. In his research, Vizeran has located potential sources for all these components, and he can direct the characters to retrieve them as detailed in subsequent chapters. The

Finding Iymrith

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder

, or they can use some other method of conveyance — it’s up to them. Storm giants aren’t stealthy and would prefer to stage a direct assault on Iymrith’s lair, but they will adjust their tactics based

a better chance of succeeding if the characters refrain from drinking their potions of giant size until after they have infiltrated the lair. It’s best if Hekaton (or Serissa) remains an NPC under

The Demonweb Connection

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes

but for the summoner’s entire house. A demon is the highest form of slave a drow house can own. There’s no better display of a house’s power than a demon kept shackled as it serves its master, and few

, but those who lead her people and direct her worship must be closely watched to be sure they remain devout, unquestioning, and afraid.

Eladrin

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

and again. Summer d4 Summer Personality Trait 1 You believe that direct confrontation is the best way to solve problems. 2 Overwhelming force can accomplish almost anything. The tougher the

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