gaining corrupt like

Thurstwell Vanthampur

Monsters Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

(Cantrip). Flame-like radiance descends on one creature Thurstwell can see within 60 feet of him. The target must succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or take 4 (1d8);{"diceNotation":"1d8

","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Sacred Flame","rollDamageType":"radiant"} radiant damage, gaining no benefit from cover.Thurstwell is a pale and sullen recluse in his forties. A veritable shut-in, he uses

Rahadin

Monsters Curse of Strahd

. Exile. Rahadin was exiled for refusing to bow down to a dusk elf prince whom he considered weak and corrupt. When the dusk elves later declined to pay fealty to King Barov, Rahadin helped Barov

conquer them. The elf kingdom's royal line was obliterated, the dusk elves hunted like rabbits. The few that survived were either subjugated or forced to live among the Vistani. So pleased was Barov with

Inquisitor of the Mind Fire

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

ensure that those powers never rose again. Strahd, Ulmed, and their companions hunted Fiends, Undead, Aberrations, and other supernatural threats and were tireless foes of cults like the priest of

, it would also hunt the seeds of evil that can corrupt a person. Ulmed and his friends Cosima, Ansel, and Tristian organized the inquisition into three orders, with each one specializing in a type of

Neogi Hatchling

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

, and each one starts its training by gaining mastery over an umber hulk. Neogi A neogi looks like an outsize spider with an eel’s neck and head. It can poison the body and the mind of its

Inquisitor of the Sword

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

, and their companions hunted Fiends, Undead, Aberrations, and other supernatural threats and were tireless foes of cults like the priest of osybus;priests of Osybus. When Strahd fell into darkness

, Ulmed was heartbroken at his friend’s transformation and changed the inquisition’s mission. Instead of focusing on hunting monsters, it would also hunt the seeds of evil that can corrupt a

Ebondeath

Monsters Divine Contention

, including gaining access to the target's knowledge, class features, and proficiencies. The possession lasts until the body drops to 0 hit points, Ebondeath ends it as a bonus action, or Ebondeath is turned or

forced out by an effect like the dispel evil and good spell. When the possession ends, Ebondeath reappears in an unoccupied space within 5 feet of the body. The target is immune to Ebondeath

Blindheim

Monsters Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1

","rollDamageType":"radiant"} radiant damage and be blinded until the end of the blindheim's next turn. Creatures with the Sunlight Sensitivity trait have disadvantage on this saving throw.These frog-like

when their folk dwelled upon the surface. According to their tales, their ancestors stole a piece of the sun, then fled to the Underdark before devouring it and gaining the ability to project radiant

Gremorly's Ghost

Monsters The Book of Many Things

, class features, or proficiencies. The possession lasts until the target drops to 0 hit points, Gremorly ends it as a bonus action, or Gremorly is turned or forced out by an effect like the Dispel Evil

, Prestidigitation 2/day each: Bestow Curse, Dispel Magic 1/day: SlowYears ago, a wizard named Gremorly drew the Throne card from a Deck of Many Things, gaining ownership of a small castle called Sovereign

Hag of the Fetid Gaze

Monsters Candlekeep Mysteries

like another creature of her general size and humanoid shape. The illusion ends if the hag takes a bonus action to end it or if she dies. The changes wrought by this effect fail to hold up to physical

decade ago, during a time when the boundaries between the planes thinned, the hags became aware of the magic spring controlled by Sylvarie—and decided to control and corrupt it for their own purposes

Inquisitor of the Tome

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

like the priest of osybus;priests of Osybus. When Strahd fell into darkness, Ulmed was heartbroken at his friend’s transformation and changed the inquisition’s mission. Instead of focusing on

hunting monsters, it would also hunt the seeds of evil that can corrupt a person. Ulmed and his friends Cosima, Ansel, and Tristian organized the inquisition into three orders, with each one

Isolde

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

known only as “the Caller” to corrupt and slay all of Isolde’s companions, leaving Isolde alone, bitter, and vulnerable. The insidious archfey then befriended Isolde and offered to

. Eladrin crave change, yet Isolde felt like she was frozen in time. She wished to leave the fey carnival and pursue other dreams, but Zybilna wouldn’t hear of it and secretly used wish spells to make

Baphomet Legacy

Monsters Out of the Abyss

cultists become tainted by his influence, gaining bloodshot eyes and coarse, thickening hair. Small horns eventually sprout from the forehead. In time, a devoted cultist might transform entirely into a

casts this deadly weapon aside so that he can charge his enemies and gore them with his horns, trampling them into the earth and rending them with his teeth like a beast.Baphomet’s Lair Baphomet

Titivilus

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

labyrinthine corridors, iron walls, diabolical traps, and monstrous servants. Knowing he has enemies on all sides and fearing he’ll be displaced like Moloch, Geryon, and so many others, he almost never

, Titivilus has manipulated everyone along his path to power, either to win them over to his cause or to remove them as a threat. Since gaining his position, Titivilus has convinced Dispater that countless

The Abbot

Monsters Curse of Strahd

some much-needed light to Barovia. His efforts worked for a while, but then the Dark Powers began to corrupt him. Imperfections. The Abbot's fall from grace started when the Belviews—a family of sickly

meant to be perfect. They didn't want to be ordinary humans. They wanted the eyes of a cat, wings to fly like a bat, the strength of a mule, and the guile of a snake. In short, they craved bestial

Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

high cliff over the fabled city of Qualinost. Four slender spires rose from the city’s corners like glistening spindles, their brilliant white stone marbled with shining silver. Graceful

, bronze, and almost bluish-white, hair of green or blue, and eyes like pools of liquid gold or silver. Elves have no facial and little body hair. They favor elegant clothing in bright colors, and they

Dragonborn Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

calling in life. Proud Dragon Kin Dragonborn look very much like dragons standing erect in humanoid form, though they lack wings or a tail. The first dragonborn had scales of vibrant hues matching the

DRACONIANS In the Dragonlance setting, the followers of the evil goddess Takhisis learned a vile ritual that let them corrupt the eggs of metallic dragons, producing evil dragonborn called draconians

Criminal / Spy Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

; specifically, you know the local messengers, corrupt caravan masters, and seedy sailors who can deliver messages for you. Variant Criminal: Spy Although your capabilities are not much different

sold the secrets you uncovered to the highest bidder. Suggested Characteristics Criminals might seem like villains on the surface, and many of them are villainous to the core. But some have an

Moonblade Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

, the sword lies dormant. It functions like a normal longsword until a worthy soul finds it and lays claim to its power. A moonblade serves only one master at a time. The attunement process requires a

special ritual in the throne room of an elven regent or in a temple dedicated to the elven gods. A moonblade won’t serve anyone it regards as craven, erratic, corrupt, or at odds with

Baphomet

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

brass decorate their profane altars. Over time, a cultist of Baphomet becomes tainted by his influence, gaining bloodshot eyes and coarse, thickening hair. Small horns eventually sprout from the

civilization. Baphomet wields a great glaive called Heartcleaver. He also charges his enemies and gores them with his horns, trampling his foes into the earth and rending them with his teeth like a

Soldier - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

, blacksmith, or the like) FEATURE: MILITARY RANK You have a military rank from your career as a soldier. Soldiers loyal to your former military organization still recognize your authority and

the behaviors common to corrupt guards and military officers a mile away. While awareness of such corruption doesn’t equate to evidence of it, and your sense certainly isn’t foolproof, your

Optimizing

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

Optimizing Players who enjoy optimizing their characters’ capabilities like to fine-tune their characters for peak combat performance by gaining levels, new features, and magic items. They welcome

any opportunity to demonstrate their characters’ superiority. Engage players who like optimization by… ensuring steady access to new abilities and spells. using desired magic items as adventure hooks

Criminal - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

to and from your contact, even over great distances; specifically, you know the local messengers, corrupt caravan masters, and seedy sailors who can deliver messages for you. BALDUR’S GATE

Characteristics Criminals might seem like villains on the surface, and many of them are villainous to the core. But some have an abundance of endearing, if not redeeming, characteristics. There might be honor

Optimizing

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

Optimizing Players who enjoy optimizing their characters’ capabilities like to fine-tune their characters for peak performance by gaining levels, new features, and magic items. They welcome any

opportunity to demonstrate their characters’ excellence. Engage players who like optimization by... Using desired magic items as adventure hooks and rewards. Including encounters that let them leverage

Ephara's Champions

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

invading armies—to internal enemies—like corrupt leaders or dangerous criminals. In any of these cases, Ephara cares about protecting cities from the poison of corruption and tyranny as well as threats

Ephara’s Quests table suggests a few adventures the god’s champions might involve themselves in. Ephara’s Quests d6 Adventure Goal 1 Oust the corrupt leader of a town or a city. 2 Reclaim a

Aarakocra Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

. Beak and Feather From below, aarakocra look much like large birds. Only when they descend to roost on a branch or walk across the ground does their humanoid appearance reveal itself. Standing

brightly colored, with feathers of red, orange, or yellow. Females have more subdued colors, usually brown or gray. Their heads complete the avian appearance, being something like a parrot or eagle with

Coins

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

Card Name Represents Master of coins Rogue Anyone for whom money is important; those who believe money is the key to their success One of coins Swashbuckler Those who like money yet give it up

black markets; fair and equitable trades Four of coins Merchant A rare commodity or business opportunity; deceitful or dangerous business transactions Five of coins Guild Member Like-minded individuals

Sharn Watch Villains

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

Sharn Watch Villains Corrupt or extremist members of the Sharn Watch are villains of a special sort: legitimate authority figures who have access to the city’s law-enforcement resources. The

her superiors but making it look like they died in the line of duty. 5 An elf in the lower wards comes to the aid of only those who pay a monthly protection fee. 6 A Blackened Book mage confiscates magic items from others to auction off to criminals.

7: Bank

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Heroes of the Borderlands

provisioner’s shop can outfit you with quality gear.” (True) “I’ve heard dragons are a bit like bankers—we obsess over every coin. If you ever encounter a dragon, don’t touch its hoard unless you want to

meet its wrath.” (True) Jane Katsubo Yvette Human Bank Guard Stat Block: Guard This corrupt guard exploits her station for selfish ends. Bitter. Yvette thinks the world owes her

Proud Dragon Kin

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

Proud Dragon Kin Dragonborn look very much like dragons standing erect in humanoid form, though they lack wings or a tail. The first dragonborn had scales of vibrant hues matching the colors of their

ritual that let them corrupt the eggs of metallic dragons, producing evil dragonborn called draconians. Five types of draconians, corresponding to the five types of metallic dragons, fought for

Casino Pit Masters

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

and the soul within, which has left Kaylan perpetually hungry for more. Gaining Kaylan’s Favor. Kaylan desires to feed off as many Soul Coins as he can. The characters can give Kaylan three Soul

Windfall’s leadership. Khai dedicates every death in the coliseum to Tiamat. Gaining Khai’s Favor. Khai prizes battle prowess above all else. Should the characters win three matches in the coliseum

Fruit Stalls

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

of a Speak with Animals spell for 8 hours. 9 The creature gains 4d4 + 4 temporary hit points. 10 The creature sprouts dragonfly-like wings, gaining a flying speed of 30 feet for 1 hour. Price

fruit or make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw, gaining 1 level of exhaustion on a failed save. Magic that ends the charmed condition cures the cravings, which otherwise end after 1 hour. 2 The creature

Baphomet

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

and brass decorate their profane altars. Over time, Baphomet’s cultists become tainted by his influence, gaining bloodshot eyes and coarse, thickening hair. Small horns eventually sprout from the

. Baphomet wields a great glaive called Heartcleaver. He sometimes casts this deadly weapon aside so that he can charge his enemies and gore them with his horns, trampling them into the earth and rending them with his teeth like a beast.

Body Horror

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

heart beats, the lungs pump air, and the gastrointestinal system labors to supply us with nutrients. But we don’t ponder the minutiae. Like whether embryonic parasites encyst in our brains, or what stage

bodies, turning to stone, or even gaining one’s ideal form might all feature in this genre. The genre has a history of portraying disability as monstrous. Be aware of those tropes and avoid them.

Cursed Villagers

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

Cursed Villagers As they walk through the village, the characters notice many locals huddled in corners, bundled in blanket-like sarapes and trembling with cold despite it being a warm but cloudy day

hit points, and must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw at the end of every hour, gaining 1 level of exhaustion on a failed save. The creature automatically succeeds on this saving throw if it is

The Hunters' Role

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

the priests and the pharaoh search for Ankhtepot’s lost treasure in hopes of gaining leverage over the ruler. 3 The sphinxes of Har’Akir know that Ankhtepot is close to finding his lost ka. They

hope to find it first and place it outside the Darklord’s reach. 4 A Child of Ankhtepot, either a loyal servant like Nephyr or a traitor like Senmet, tasks the characters with finding the lost

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