dread instincts are best

Strahd, Master of Death House

Monsters Vecna: Eve of Ruin

his speed without provoking opportunity attack;opportunity attacks. Strike (Costs 2 Actions). Strahd makes one Death Strike attack.Strahd von Zarovich is the Darklord of Barovia, a Domain of Dread

. He had become a vampire, and Barovia became a Domain of Dread. Now the Dark Powers keep Strahd trapped in his realm, tormenting him with his inability to escape for all eternity. He spends his days

Shadar-kai

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Shadar-kai are the elves of the Shadowfell, originally drawn to that dread realm by the Raven Queen. Over the centuries, some of them have continued to serve her, while others have ventured into the

weight that humans have in our world. If you’d like to determine your character’s height or weight randomly, consult the Random Height and Weight table in the Player’s Handbook, and choose the row in the table that best represents the build you imagine for your character.

Urban Bounty Hunter

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

aren’t a savage who follows quarry into or through the wilderness. You’re involved in a lucrative trade, in the place where you live, that routinely tests your skills and survival instincts

in a situation. Never tell me the odds. 7 The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I can’t do it. 8 I blow up at the slightest insult. d6 Ideal 1

Welcome to Ravenloft

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

Welcome to Ravenloft A scream shatters the still gloom. Inhuman shapes slip between crumbling tombs. The shadows reach forth. Do instincts and imagination conspire against you? Or have otherworldly

being bound by proximity or politics, the lands of Ravenloft—also known as the Domains of Dread—are mist-bound islands drifting through the boundless gloom of the Shadowfell. Innumerable domains lie

Domains of Dread

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

Domains of Dread In remote corners of the Shadowfell, it is easy to reach horrific demiplanes ruled over by accursed beings of terrible evil. The best known of these is the valley of Barovia

Rudolph van Richten

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

Rudolph van Richten A scholar and monster hunter, Rudolph van Richten has traveled to dozens of Domains of Dread in the Shadowfell (see chapter 6), investigating reports of monstrous beings and

documenting them in a series of published guides, the best known of which is Van Richten’s Guide to Vampires. In kinder days, Rudolph lived with his wife, Ingrid, and son, Erasmus, but he lost them both to

The Dark Powers

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

The Dark Powers Unfathomable, hidden forces manipulate life, death, and reality within Ravenloft. These mysterious, deathless beings are the architects of the Domains of Dread, and have secreted

hint at ways to escape the Domains of Dread. Consider the following possibilities when developing your perspective on the Dark Powers: Amoral Guardians. The Dark Powers are a group of powerful beings

Animal Lord

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual

with subtle, animal-like features. No matter their appearance, animal lords exhibit the instincts and predilections of the animals they represent, tempered by their intellect and experience. Most

faces environmental disaster or droves of animals are otherwise in jeopardy. Valera Lutfullina Among the best-known animal lords are those that represent cats, hawks, lizards, and wolves, but

Devils: Archdevils

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

betters. Many dread names are included in the rolls of the archdevils; the few described here are among those that adventurers are most likely to encounter. Wish Fulfillment. All devils seek control

, Moloch — they are pawns. Even the lords of layers such as Zariel and Mammon are merely more powerful pieces. Archdevils may make dramatic moves, but it is Asmodeus who plays the game best.

A Wide Range of Talents

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

. Even in an urban setting, a beast companion makes a solid ally, serving as a guard or a scout when you’re skulking around places you shouldn’t be. Gloom Stalker Gloom Stalkers are often best known for

unknown reaches of the world are the best places to find new resources, and no one knows more about the unknown than you do. Hunter Whether in the wilds, in the cities, or in the wide expanses in between

Darklord's Shadows

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

Darklord’s Shadows A Darklord lurks at the heart of every Domain of Dread. Everything in their realm is inspired by or personalized to them in some way. Some domains might be dismal ruins reflective

committed. Consider selecting those that best complement the players’ characters and that don’t conflict with any boundaries discussed in your group’s session zero (see “Preparing for Horror” in chapter 4

Other Groups

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

the Shadowlands (detailed in “Other Domains of Dread”) in search of evil to vanquish. Bold and proud, many members of the Circle inadvertently race toward dramatic tragedies. The more successful

struggle to contain. Guardian monasteries are hidden in multiple domains, with the best known being Watchers’ Stronghold in Darkon. Power-hungry groups and unscrupulous lore seekers, such as the Kargat and

Twenty-Two Riddles

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

! Jester I’m the grim orb atop one’s neck. Your own you wish whole; your enemy’s wrecked. My form inspires dread, yet without me you’re dead. Click to see the answer! Skull I arrive every day and

all, I’m only as strong as whoever calls me their own. Click to see the answer! Throne Upon my head a serpent’s nest, my friend and sister loved me best. Istus made the deck for us, and all its

Wandering Outsiders

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

committed to causing trouble. Kettlesteam uses disguise self to assume whatever form best enables her to mingle in crowds. Characters can encounter Kettlesteam in more than one location; if they corner her

thieves as you please to add an undercurrent of dread or mystery to the carnival’s frivolities. The three thieves are fiercely loyal to their hag mistresses and won’t willingly reveal anything if

Using Survivors

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

Domains of Dread. They don’t always claim their victims bodily, though. Rather, the Mists might steal characters’ minds, placing them into survivors involved in specific terrifying scenarios. Perhaps

adventureDwindling resources contribute to terrifying situations. When a group runs out of hit points, spells, food, or other vital reserves, tension and dread increase. High-level characters, though, have such

The Dead Three

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer

place in Baldurians’ fears, their faiths currently have only the shallowest roots in the city. Followers of the Dead Three have done more to incite dread than faith. As a result, their numbers remain

rages, and a propensity for biting off the fingers of those who disappoint him. Behind his viciousness, though, Goblin Behnie has a keen eye, making him and his forgers the city’s best source of illicit

The Dead Three

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus

place in Baldurians’ fears, their faiths currently have only the shallowest roots in the city. Followers of the Dead Three have done more to incite dread than faith. As a result, their numbers remain

rages, and a propensity for biting off the fingers of those who disappoint him. Behind his viciousness, though, Goblin Behnie has a keen eye, making him and his forgers the city’s best source of illicit

Strahd von Zarovich

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin

, and Barovia became a Domain of Dread. Now the Dark Powers keep Strahd trapped in his realm, tormenting him with his inability to escape for all eternity. He spends his days amusing himself as best

Strahd von Zarovich Martin Mottet Strahd von Zarovich is the Darklord of Barovia, a Domain of Dread. Little happens there without the Darklord’s knowledge, although Strahd rarely pays

Traditionalists

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

is young and unpredictable, but he has supported the traditionalists’ viewpoint on most issues. At their best, traditionalists are community-minded folk who want Saltmarsh to return to its old way of

Gellan (NE male human noble) is a well-spoken, dapper older gentleman with a neatly trimmed beard and a fancy wardrobe. With his cunning instincts, he has positioned his family to become the most prominent

Renown

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

Master of the Wild Lioncrown Dread Lord Benefits of Renown The benefits of increasing renown within an organization can include rank and authority, friendly attitudes from members of the organization

network that seeks to expand its influence and power throughout the Forgotten Realms. The public face of the Black Network appears relatively benign. It offers the best and cheapest goods and services

Githzerai in the World

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

blot on the natural world. Life, the one thing that can’t be spontaneously created from the stuff of Limbo, is driven away from the location in a wave of dread. Depending on the size of the citadel

best interest to keep their citadels safe from discovery. Menyar-Ag prefers to plant them in desolate and rarely frequented places such as barren deserts or remote locations in the Underdark. The primary

Athreos's Champions

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

stands for. (Any) 2 Tradition. Honor the dead through rites of respect and by continuing their ways. (Lawful) 3 Dread. Mortals put their fear out of mind, but through me, they will remember the

inevitable. (Evil or neutral) 4 Apathy. Life is but a rehearsal for death, and it’s best not to grow too attached to it. (Neutral) 5 Succor. I offer balm to the dying—which, to varying

Horror Pacing

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

of calm. The best horror adventures are like roller coasters, ratcheting up suspense and releasing it before building toward the next harrowing moment. Also, mix up social interaction, exploration

. Undermine Reality Dread and uncertainty are keys to engaging horror adventures. Horrific experiences or supernatural settings undermine assumptions about what can or can’t happen. Have a character

Abyss

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

this layer the best way to escape the horrors of the Abyss. Iron fortresses dot the landscape, homes to petty lords and upstart demons that are as changeable as the Abyss itself. The portal leading to

would crumble and all mortals would embrace their predatory instincts. Baphomet’s layer is a never-ending dungeon with the Horned King’s enormous palace at its center. A confusing jumble of crooked

Life as a Halfling

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

closer to their goal. Rangers who have encountered halflings or lived among them know of this effect, and they learn to trust their other senses and their instincts rather than relying on sight. A typical

the traditional sense; they are respected, and their words are heeded, because of the stories they tell. Their best tales deliver practical knowledge within the framework of a mythic saga. An elder

Fellow Prisoners

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

that Jimjar finds it difficult to refuse a wager. His behavior is unusual for the dour deep gnomes, and others of his kind (including Topsy and Turvy) find Jimjar annoying at best, and unstable and

twins Topsy and Turvy, but he keeps his opinion to himself unless asked. He does his best to get along with everyone, although some find his gregariousness and constant wagers grating. Ront A male orc

Temples of Extraction

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a5

chamber, as if someone is whipping the air and it is bleeding. Mennek, Red Wizard Enchanter Creatures. A Red Wizard enchanter and a Thayan apprentice work here, guarded by two dread warriors (see

best that one can do is to suffer those blows that can’t be avoided, and then deal as much pain back to those who offend. Temples of Oppression The dark of living night and deadly abominations fuels the

People of Phandalin

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

Redbrand Ruffians, a bandit gang that did their best to set up a reign of terror in Phandalin some years ago. Brawn came very late to the Redbrands’ operation, and thus did only a little intimidation

adversary. He invites the characters to explore the manor if they desire, reminding them that he still owns the place. He also tries to get the best of the characters, offering money, land, goods, or

The Nine Hells

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

high with treasures left behind by those who tried — and failed — to best him in a deal. Phlegethos. Phlegethos, the fourth layer, is a fiery landscape whose seas of molten magma brew hurricanes of hot

demeanor. He trades in souls, as do other archdevils, but he rarely gives his time to any creatures not worthy of his personal attention. His instincts are as razor sharp as Cania’s frigid winds, and

Roleplaying a Giant

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

overt displays of it. 6 Ancient dragons fill me with dread. My knees grow weak in their presence. Cloud Giants Cloud giants are aptly named, or at least were at one time. Few of them live literally on

eye toward how the giving can elevate its status. Memnor and his trickery play a role in this “game.” The very best gift (from the giver’s perspective) is one that everyone believes to be far more

Temple Locations T1-T9

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

asked of them. Both are disguised scarecrows (see “Coven Minions” earlier in the adventure). The music is a permanent auditory illusion. During the day, the hag Dread Morgan is often here in the guise of

their best. Azirssa’s Workouts. Any character who wants to can join in one of the hag’s workouts. If any characters look particularly unfit or scrawny, Vile Sazha singles them out and tries to goad

Cultists of the Dead Three

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus

. Bhaal and His Followers Bhaal is a god of murder who lends power to those whose killings invoke fear and dread. The act of murder is only half the equation. The second half is the suspicion, paranoia

best a tedious distraction. He is happiest when surrounded by his tomes of lore and the undead he has called forth to do his bidding. Those who follow Myrkul are either wizards or those who seek to

Gibbet Crossing Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

momentary flash of dread, as though being awoken by a warning of an ambush occurring nearby. This is a psychic remnant from the mind flayer attack. G14: Toppled Tower The east side of this room bears a

, Qunbraxel studies the obelisk fragment to determine how to best help the mind flayer fanatics. G24: Guard Room Lily Abdullina Qunbraxel, leader of the grimlocks in Gibbet Crossing, sits on a throne The east

Locations I - L

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

cold, cold north. Roaming this expanse are hundreds of sheep, goats, and cattle plucked from other regions of the North by the vale’s dread overlord, the red wyrm Klauth. Scattered here and there are the

on the Sword Coast). The High Captains have no influence over the actions of the Arcane Brotherhood, nor is it apparent that the wizards have any allegiance to Luskan. Luskan’s best-kept secret is

Lower Palace Locations

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

convince Shon that they have Prismeer’s best interests at heart, he gives them the horn and tells them where to find Zybilna (area P22), warning them about the jabberwock if he hasn’t already done so. P29

characters parley with Kelek, he sneers that the palace is now his to rule, though any mention of the Hourglass Coven or the jabberwock causes a flush of dread to pass over Kelek’s face. Throughout any

D&D Beyond

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