given contrast learning

Ezmerelda d'Avenir

Monsters Curse of Strahd

they had given him. Ezmerelda witnessed van Richten’s act of mercy and was deeply moved by it. Van Richten’s Tragic Tale. At the age of fifteen, Ezmerelda, still troubled by what her

to earn his trust and respect. To that end, she has been poring over van Richten’s research and learning about Strahd and Castle Ravenloft, with every intention of dispatching the vampire

Alhoon

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

minds are never accepted as part of the collective. For them, death means oblivion. Lichdom offers salvation and the prospect of being able to pursue knowledge indefinitely. Yet learning the secret of

achieving lichdom requires an arcane spellcaster to be at the apex of power—a significant challenge for mind flayers, given the scarcity of available mentors and training. Confronting this

Gnome Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

his or her appearance. A male gnome’s beard, in contrast to his wild hair, is kept carefully trimmed but often styled into curious forks or neat points. A gnome’s clothing, though usually

enjoy a mix of serious learning and delighted enjoyment. A gnome might tutor several generations of a single human family over the course of his or her long life. Gnome Names Gnomes love names, and

Half-Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

contrast, throw themselves into the thick of society, putting their charisma and social skills to great use in diplomatic roles or as swindlers. Half-Elf Names Half-elves use either human or elven

naming conventions. As if to emphasize that they don’t really fit in to either society, half-elves raised among humans are often given elven names, and those raised among elves often take human names

Genasi Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

, while those of air or fire tend to be lighter. A given genasi might have some features reminiscent of the mortal parent (pointed ears from an elf, a stockier frame and thick hair from a dwarf, small

, or a member of a desert tribe, is an auspicious event. Most Athasians believe a given genasi is destined for greatness—or infamy. Those living on the frontier, though, have a much harder

Sister Garaele's Quest

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

Sister Garaele’s Quest Learning what Agatha knows about the missing spellbook completes a quest given to the party by Sister Garaele in Phandalin. The characters should report to Sister Garaele to receive their payment of three potions of healing.

Daran Edermath's Quest

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

Daran Edermath’s Quest Learning about the Red Wizard’s presence at Old Owl Well completes a quest given to the party by Daran Edermath in Phandalin. The characters should meet with Daran in Phandalin to receive their reward of boots of striding and springing.

Location Overview

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm Lord’s Wrath

bandits. Others have given up relatively quickly, when the dangers become apparent. The current owner of the Wayside Inn is Martisha Vinetalker, a striking half-elf whose pleasing features contrast with

Lizardfolk Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

hold and controls their actions. In contrast, lizardfolk see emotions as traits assigned to other creatures, objects, and situations. A lizardfolk doesn’t think, “I’m scared.&rdquo

notable deeds or actions. For example, Garurt translates as “axe,” a name given to a lizardfolk warrior who defeated an orc and claimed his foe’s weapon. A lizardfolk who likes to

Kenku Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

a talent for learning and memorizing details. Thus, ambitious kenku can excel as superb spies and scouts. A kenku who learns of clever schemes and plans devised by other creatures can put them to use

might sound like fun, but it can prove distracting and could slow down the game. Kenku Names Given that kenku can duplicate any sound, their names are drawn from a staggering variety of

Preparing for Battle

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

spectators finally reaches High Hill. The grassy slope is spotted with trees and crumbled stone fencing. Near the base, several dozen soldiers in matching armor stand in even formation. The contrast

are given wooden spears with padded tips to prevent them from dealing damage. The mayor reminds everyone not to use real weapons during the reenactment so nobody gets hurt. Mercenaries of the Ironclad

Part 4: Wave Echo Cave

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lost Mine of Phandelver

prize. Nezznar and his followers dealt with the two Rockseekers who were guarding their find, then arranged for Gundren’s ambush. Learning of the adventurers’ involvement with Gundren or their

exploits in and around Phandalin, the Black Spider has given orders for the characters to be dealt with. Meanwhile, Nezznar has begun his exploration of Wave Echo Cave. The drow is searching for the Forge

Para-elemental Planes

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

fundamentally similar to places found on the Material Plane—the place where all four elements mingle freely. At a symbolic level, the Para-elemental Planes represent the interaction and sometimes the contrast

between the forces and ideals embodied by their constituent elements. The Plane of Ash, for example, highlights the commonality between air and fire—the tendency to movement and change, given a

Planar Portals

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

. A portal can have any requirement, but the following are the most common: Command. The portal functions only if a particular command is given. A command is usually a word that can be invoked in any

language (including a signed language). Sometimes the command must be given as a character passes through the portal (which is otherwise a mundane doorway, window, or similar opening). Other portals

Folk Horror

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

adventures, particularly as they contrast with what majorities consider the status quo. In folk horror tales, characters often discover that their beliefs aren’t as universally held as they assumed, and

stories are rarely tolerant of nonbelievers. Outsiders might be given a chance to adopt the community’s ways, but otherwise are considered heretics or corrupting elements. Assuredly, their ancient

Warlock

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

are added to the warlock spell list for the character, who can choose them when learning a new warlock spell of the appropriate level. Once learned, such a spell does count against the number of

, but the feature doesn’t give that creature the ability to telepathically reply. In contrast, the telepathy ability that some monsters have (MM , "Telepathy") does make two-way communication possible

Silverymoon

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

the bridge when no one else is watching. Given its beauty, a visit to Silverymoon is among the most memorable experiences most non-Silvaeren might have. Even among those that regularly fight monsters or

handle magic, Silverymoon is a place of quiet, contemplative beauty, splendid opportunities for learning, and respite from the harsher realities of the North. Folk seeking knowledge that has been

Snack Sampling

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

available at any given table. All these dishes include magical ingredients meant to give the dishes a little extra flair. The first time a creature samples any of these dishes, it must succeed on a DC 12

this adventure). At the moment, characters have no way of learning this, and no one lets it dampen the reception’s atmosphere for long. If the characters follow the sick student or check up on them

Variant Abilities

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

), wall of force (1 minute; one 10-foot-square panel) Beholders rule territories and try to manipulate the wider world from them. For adventurers, the trick is learning where a given beholder believes its

Childhood

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

is an elf of their own kind, for when the primal elves went against Corellon and took permanent shapes, they chose this fate for themselves. How many elves are born to which parents or in any given

numbers of elves will be needed to withstand. In contrast, if an elven community goes a century or longer without a new birth, members take this as a sign that the community has stagnated and must disband

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

while learning to fight, to survive in the wild, and to fear the gods. The children that can’t endure the rigors of a life of combat are culled from the main body of the tribe, taken into the

fight another day. Orc Names Orc names don’t always have meaning in the Orc language, and most noteworthy orcs are given epithets by their tribe mates. Orc Names d12 Male Name

Godefroy's Powers and Dominion

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

does, it’s to possess those who can work his will elsewhere in the domain or to expand the eclectic structure that is the House on Gryphon Hill. The Apparatus. Lord Godefroy has not given up hope that

Godefroy eagerly seeks news of anyone with the ability to exorcise spirits, learn secrets from those long dead, or slip beyond the boundaries of the Mists. His most useful contact in learning news and

Into the Doomvault

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

present only as an image through which she can sense and communicate. She goes on as follows. “Many Red Wizards chafe under the rule of Szass Tam. Once, Thay was a land of learning and power. Now, death

. Unfortunately for the characters, Syranna isn’t familiar with the inside of the Doomvault. Her position as overseer of the gatehouse has given her only general knowledge of the dungeon. She explains that her

Genies

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

gender, as well as one or two key personality traits. Although they resemble humanoid beings, genies are elemental spirits given physical form. They don’t mate with other genies or produce genie

their thralls, but never to the extent that they can no longer work. In contrast to their love of servants, most genies loathe being bound to service themselves. A genie obeys the will of another only

Religious Institutions

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

Religious Institutions Those who serve as priests of a god aren’t necessarily clerics. Indeed, the power invested in clerics and other divine spellcasters by the gods is given out only rarely (see

can accommodate groups of acolytes, each learning under the direction of one or more mentors responsible for training them in the duties and skills of the priesthood. Once acolytes complete their

Biblioplex Locations (B1-B9)

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

varies. Roll below to determine which sandwich is available on any given day in the café. Café Sandwich of the Day d6 Sandwich 1 Grilled halloumi with morels on wheat 2 Toasted cockatrice gizzards on

” section) is here, recruiting first-year students to the club. The Biblioplex is a storied hall of learning on campus as well as a meeting place for friends of all stripes

Inside the Combine

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica

means of transformation. Learning the secrets of the universe lets you shape the world as you desire. The Upwelling encourages every creature to discover its full potential. WILLIAN MURAI The Holdfast

time, a growing faction within the Simic believes that an all-out war among the guilds is inevitable, given the growing unrest in the city. These members, the Adaptationists, believe that the guilds

Brass Dragon Lairs

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

columns carved to resemble warriors watch over the main entrance to the canyons; the dragon has given them whimsical names and ascribed unique personalities to them. Grand Hall. At the deepest part

everything any other one is aware of. Aasterinian encourages all dragons to think for themselves rather than relying on the ideas or opinions of others. She cherishes learning and invention and

Old Owl Well

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lost Mine of Phandelver

tiny jeweled box (25 gp) containing a ring of protection from ancient Netheril, the Red Wizard’s most interesting discovery so far. Awarding Experience Points Learning about the Red Wizard’s presence at

Old Owl Well completes a quest given to the party by Daran Edermath in Phandalin. Divide 200 XP equally among the characters if the party parleys with Hamun Kost and reports back to Daran. Divide 800 XP equally among the characters if the party defeats Hamun Kost and his zombies.

Enemies All Around

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

reminisce over the defeat of a dragon, or weep as they recall the death of a beloved elder. In contrast to clan gatherings, dwarves who drink alone invariably become morose and sullen — when

war wagon laden with gold, gems, stout armor, and sharp weapons. Given the orcs’ propensity to rely on brute force rather than cunning, they can overcome only severely weakened dwarven strongholds

Bardic Colleges

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

master bard attended each of the elder colleges, seeking to learn its musical and magical secrets. Traditionally, the colleges were attended in the order given above, starting with Fochlucan. That

a considerable library of songs) and more with history, heraldry, and folklore, making it a key center of learning for bards of the College of Lore, as described in the Bard College class feature in

Cult of the Crushing Wave

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

was an elemental sent by the sea. From that day forward, he devoted himself to the ocean, teaching himself its secrets and learning powerful water magic over years of lonely wandering. He despised all

cultists to be hostile, short-tempered, and unforgivably rash. The Howling Hatred cultists aren’t as hostile, but they are likewise given to sudden impulses and are unreliable. The water cultists get along

Alhoon

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monsters of the Multiverse

—deviant minds are never accepted as part of the collective. For them, death means oblivion. Lichdom offers salvation and the prospect of being able to pursue knowledge indefinitely. Yet learning the

secret of achieving lichdom requires an arcane spellcaster to be at the apex of power—a significant challenge for mind flayers, given the scarcity of available mentors and training. Confronting this

Plague-Mort

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Sigil and the Outlands

. Each time, however, Blightsteel Keep remains, stubborn and eternal. Outlying Farms The gate-town’s desecrated farmlands lie at the edge of town. Given the gate-town’s steady supply of corpses, some

cursed blight goads farmers to wade into the stalks and reap what they sow. Razed Altar Believed to have once been a temple to a god of learning, Plague-Mort’s abandoned cathedral has become a monument

The Ordning

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

, no giant can transcend the ordning of the six giant kinds; the most accomplished fire giant artisan ranks below the poorest cloud giant, for example. For any given giant (except a storm giant), you

giant captures a renowned Humanoid smith in the hope of learning a new technique, and the smith’s spouse begs the adventurers to help. 6 A fire giant offers adventurers an extravagant sum for metal

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