driven instance are based

Ki-rin

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

violet eyes. In a breeze or when aloft, the creature’s scales and hair appear to blaze with a holy, golden fire. Beyond their coloration, ki-rins vary in appearance based on the deity each one

advancement of just societies. For instance, in the Forgotten Realms, ki-rins rally mostly to Torm, although they also serve his allies Tyr and Ilmater. Ki-rins that serve good deities go wherever they

Obzedat Ghost

Monsters Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

Council of Five. The ghost has a trait based on who it is, as shown below: Enezesku: Enfeebling Ray. Enezesku’s Innate Spellcasting trait includes ray of enfeeblement, which he can cast at

Obzedat function as a unit, driven by their shared desire to accumulate ever more wealth for the guild. In times of disagreement, the eldest of the council exerts his seniority to bend the council to

Urchin - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

their torch-based code. From the lighting, placement, and type of torch arranged on or near a structure, you can gather a great deal of information about those who live or do business there, particularly

of desperate poverty, for good and for ill. They tend to be driven either by a commitment to the people with whom they shared life on the street or by a burning desire to find a better life &mdash

Tabaxi Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

, wandering tabaxi are catlike humanoids driven by curiosity to collect interesting artifacts, gather tales and stories, and lay eyes on all the world’s wonders. Ultimate travelers, the inquisitive

on a particularly interesting item when an owner refuses to sell or trade it. Tabaxi Names Each tabaxi has a single name, determined by clan and based on a complex formula that involves astrology

Half-Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

, wandering the wilds as trappers, foresters, hunters, or adventurers and visiting civilization only rarely. Like elves, they are driven by the wanderlust that comes of their longevity. Others, in

-Elf Variants Some half-elves in Faerûn have a racial trait in place of the Skill Versatility trait. If your DM allows it, your half-elf character can forgo Skill Versatility and instead take the elf trait Keen Senses or a trait based on your elf parentage:

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

their savagery. Green dragons, for instance, sometimes use orcs as sentinels or shock troops. Orcs are sometimes attracted to the service of frost giants or fire giants, who then “reward&rdquo

; their loyalty by turning them into slaves. If a tribe is defeated and driven from its lair, the survivors might come under the sway of a strong but dimwitted creature, such as a hill giant or an ogre

Lizardfolk Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

have more in common with iguanas or dragons than they do with humans, dwarves, or elves. Lizardfolk possess an alien and inscrutable mindset, their desires and thoughts driven by a different set of

rage against their enemies. They simply observe and react as a situation warrants. Lizardfolk lack meaningful emotional ties to the past. They assess situations based on their current and future

The Moonstalkers

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

city, but enchanted doors in the guildhall access other settlements during different phases of the moon. For instance, in a Forgotten Realms campaign, you might set the guildhall in the city of Neverwinter, with the phase-based doors connecting to Waterdeep, Port Nyanzaru, Baldur’s Gate, and elsewhere.

Greyhawk

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

as the elemental prophets, the cults’ use of devastation orbs, and the search for the missing delegation make this a much more far-reaching and event-driven adventure than the original site-based campaign.

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

with that of snakes, producing a caste-based society of hybrids in which the most snakelike are the leaders and the most humanlike are spies and agents in foreign lands. Humans Transformed The

caste system based on how complete a person’s transformation was. The vast majority of yuan-ti fall into three categories — abominations, malisons, and purebloods — while the mutated

Spellcasting Services

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

cast higher-level spells are rare, typically found only in the dragonmarked houses or the wizard circles; the cost and availability of such services varies based on the caster. LIFESTYLE AND STANDARDS OF

in a given area, and also of the costs of goods and services there. For instance, a restaurant that is said to serve food of comfortable quality is one where a patron who lives a comfortable lifestyle (or better) can afford anything on the menu.

Evil Inchoate

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

demon sees itself as the rightful inheritor of the cosmos. It is driven to destroy all other living creatures, or at least command their absolute loyalty. In due time, the laws of the universe will

status, and they typically don’t set impossible goals — a lesser demon, for instance, might simply run amok when unleashed into the world, its only desire to spread chaos, but a marilith or other

The Rank and File

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

allow for variations. A pit fiend, for instance, might take the form of an imp in order to personally infiltrate a kingdom on the Material Plane. The hierarchy of the Nine Hells has thirteen tiers or

all. Rules for Everything Devils are evil schemers by nature, but they must operate within the bounds of the Nine Hells’ intricate legal code. A devil’s attitude toward the law is in part driven by its

Setting the Tone

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

campaign isn’t driven by material wealth. Even when you go on expeditions, the University will lay claim to most of the treasures you find. Instead, the rewards of Morgrave adventures are measured in

use story-based advancement instead of standard XP. Level advancement could be based on time: player characters gain one level each semester, leveling up after finals. Alternately, advancement could

Multiclassing

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice Compendium

Multiclassing Are ability score improvements class-level dependent, rather than total level? Ability score improvements are based on your level in a particular class, not your total character level

if you multiclass. For instance, if you’re a 4th-level multiclass character, you haven’t yet received the Ability Score Improvement feature because you haven’t attained 4th level in one of your classes

Bound to Spirits

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

the nature of the linked spirit. Typically, a kalashtar knows the name and nature of their spirit, but for some—for instance, an orphan kalashtar raised among outsiders—may know nothing of their

the emotions of those around you. 8 You prefer to find nonviolent solutions to problems whenever possible. 9 You are driven by a warrior spirit and will fight for any noble cause. 10 You are obsessed with Dreaming Dark conspiracies.

Mixed Heritage

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

that they make an effort to fit in with humans or elves when possible. For instance, half-elves born and raised in human settlements tend to have human names, while half-elves in elven communities

allows it, your half-elf character can forgo Skill Versatility and instead take a trait based on your elf parentage: A half-elf of wood elf descent can choose the wood elf’s Elf Weapon Training

Adventure Duration

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

specific starting point and endpoint. A good way to get around this restriction is to create an adventure with multiple possible endings. Location-based adventures also work well with this format. A

can be different for each group. For more narrative adventures, try to focus on simple but flexible encounters or events. For instance, an adventure requires the characters to protect a high priest of

Group Attacks

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Flee, Mortals! Rule Primer

many minions join a group attack. For instance, if five minions surround a target, the GM may decide to have all five attack at once to speed up combat, or may break up the attacks among smaller groups

the minions into multiple groups based on the type of cover or concealment they have, then make a separate attack for each group. Target Response Effects If a group attack triggers a reaction or

Chapter 6: Bestiary

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

Fiend Folio published in 1981. Many of these monsters, old and new alike, are ideal for use with the earlier chapters of this book. For instance, the demons and devils presented here — lesser varieties as

well as the greatest of the demon lords and the archdevils — can add even more chaos and savagery to a campaign based on the Blood War. Similarly, you’ll find a selection of specialized duergar to

Magic Items

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

campaign. Gaining Treasure Points Each character earns treasure points based on an adventure’s tier and its intended playing time: 1 treasure point is awarded for every 2 hours played in a tier 1 or

tier 2 adventure. 1 treasure point is awarded for every 1 hour played in a tier 3 or tier 4 adventure. As with the variant rules for gaining levels, this award is based on the adventure’s projected

Darguun

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

many human cities are built on goblin foundations. This empire collapsed into savagery, and when humanity arrived, goblins were driven from their ancestral lands or enslaved. Galifar ended the

hobgoblin clans known as the Ghaal’dar were based in the Seawall Mountains, but during the Last War the demand for mercenaries drew an ever-increasing number of goblins out of the mountains to fight

Intrigue

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

Intrigue Intrigue adventures are event-based adventures that revolve around power struggles. Intrigues are common in the courts of the nobility, but power struggles can play out just as easily in

the event-based goals discussed earlier in this section lend themselves to intrigue adventures. For example, if the adventurers must uncover a conspiracy, negotiate a peace treaty, or secure aid from

Death Dog

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

, favoring the wounded or infirm. They attack recklessly, infecting as many creatures as possible with their diseased jaws. If driven off, death dogs linger close to their victims, letting infection weaken

their prey before they attack again. Legends tie death dogs to malicious death gods, the underworld, and cursed rulers. These stories are based on the malady death dogs spread. Roll on or choose a result

Fhenimore and Whymsee

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Locathah Rising

driven from the area, or the characters simply never visited this area of the coral mountain. This scenario also works even if the characters did befriend the kraken priests, but never learned of Gar’s

Shatterkeel arrives. In this instance, Gar’s plans unfold as shown in the “Killing Fhenimore and Whymsee” sidebar. KILLING FHENIMORE AND WHYMSEE Round 1. Not suspecting treachery, the kraken priests aren’t

7. Mad Wizard's Retreat

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

. Darribeth Meltimer The woman is Darribeth Meltimer (CG female Chondathan human mage, with the darkvision spell cast on herself and prepared instead of suggestion). A former adventurer, she was driven

torments her with false hopes of escape before dashing them. It has told Darribeth, for instance, that hezrou demons are nearby to keep her from leaving this cavern. If attacked or exposed, the quasit turns

Attitude and Race

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

stress and reacts based on its attitude. Ship Disposition d10 Disposition 1 Diseased 2 Emergency 3 Help with purpose 4 Mutiny 5 Trading 6–10 No special disposition Diseased Roll percentile dice

a sandbar. 4 The ship is sinking. Help with Purpose Ship crews looking for help with their purpose approach the characters asking for direct aid in a task. For instance, mercenaries ask for help

Orc Culture and Beliefs

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

based in events that the tribe has experienced. Here are a few examples: If a dwarf or a human invokes its god upon dying, you must carry the corpse’s ears for three days to ward off any retribution, and

these colors on itself and its personal items. For instance, the chief of one tribe might be the only one that has the right to stain its tusks with red ochre, while the warriors of another tribe rub streaks of ash into their garments to signify their safe return from a raid.

Commoners and Crews

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

one’s crew, and such “drowners” are universally shunned. The dozens of crews calling Baldur’s Gate home are as different in attitude and approach as the city’s residents. For instance, everyone in the

, is one of the most powerful in the city, thanks to the information it gathers from its clients. Some crews are simply neighborhood-based, their association based on territory rather than trade, such

Commoners and Crews

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

one’s crew, and such “drowners” are universally shunned. The dozens of crews calling Baldur’s Gate home are as different in attitude and approach as the city’s residents. For instance, everyone in the

, is one of the most powerful in the city, thanks to the information it gathers from its clients. Some crews are simply neighborhood-based, their association based on territory rather than trade, such as

Cults of the Dragon Below

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

of a greater whole. Cults of the Dragon Below are based on madness or power. A cult that seeks power chooses to serve a dark force because of the gifts they receive from it. A cabal of scholars might

, not from faith. Cults driven by madness have a warped view of reality. A cultist might believe aberrations are a higher form of life and that the daelkyr will elevate mortals. Other cultists may not

Vampire Spawn

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

water. Stake to the Heart. The vampire is destroyed if a piercing weapon made of wood is driven into its heart while it is incapacitated in its resting place. Sunlight Hypersensitivity. The vampire

damage resistances, darkvision, traits, and actions. Attack and damage rolls for the vampire’s attacks are based on Strength. The save DC for Charm is 8 + the vampire’s proficiency bonus + the vampire’s

Running the Adventure

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd

presenting a D&D adventure that was as much story-driven as location-based, featuring a villain who was complex and terrifying. Castle Ravenloft, with its amazing three-dimensional maps, remains to

Solitary but Social

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

receive relatively cordial treatment from those other hags instead. Every hag has a particular status relative to others of her kind and to hags of all sorts, based on age, abilities, influence

. This arrangement is potentially a dangerous proposition for the mortal, but a pair of hags might agree to it if their needs are served. For instance, a human member of a coven makes an ideal spy and

Journey Stage Challenges

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

different types of terrain. You can adjust these DCs based on the specific terrain features and the nature of what the characters are trying to find, using the guidelines for setting DCs earlier in this

chapter. Tracking A specific instance of searching on a journey is when adventurers choose their path by following the tracks of other creatures. To track, one or more trackers must succeed on a

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