matter some with only advances fear for logic

Half-Orc Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

orc comrades didn’t last long among the Bloody Skulls or any other orc tribe for that matter. But it was often true that a bit of human blood gave a warrior just the right mix of cunning

exult along with him or shiver with fear and loathing. Beyond the rage of Gruumsh, half-orcs feel emotion powerfully. Rage doesn’t just quicken their pulse, it makes their bodies burn. An insult

Pirate Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

deserving soul to a briny grave. Fear and bloodshed are no strangers to you, and you’ve garnered a somewhat unsavory reputation in many a port town. Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Perception

you may roll for a random trinket on the Trinkets table in chapter 5 of the Player’s Handbook), a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp Feature: Bad Reputation No matter where

Sailor Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

more than one deserving soul to a briny grave. Fear and bloodshed are no strangers to you, and you’ve garnered a somewhat unsavory reputation in many a port town. Variant Feature: Bad

Reputation If your character has a sailor background, you may select this background feature instead of Ship’s Passage. No matter where you go, people are afraid of you due to your reputation. When

Soldier Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

combined with the rigid discipline of military service leave their mark on all soldiers, shaping their ideals, creating strong bonds, and often leaving them scarred and vulnerable to fear, shame, and

Let Live. Ideals aren’t worth killing over or going to war for. (Neutral) 6 Nation. My city, nation, or people are all that matter. (Any) d6 Bond 1 I would still

Nilbog Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

;goblin” spelled backward), and they revel in the fear that a nilbog sows among the ranks of the bugbears and hobgoblins in the host. Goblins’ Revenge. When goblinoids form a host, there

prompts the spirit to possess another goblin. The only way to keep a nilbog from wreaking havoc is to treat it well and give it respect and praise. No Joking Matter. The possible presence of a nilbog in a

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

Lord Dagult Neverember once told me, during a drunken tirade, that orcs are fearful of their gods, and, if one plays one’s cards right, they can be controlled through that fear and made to

the world. For no matter how thick its walls, skilled its archers, or brave its knights, few settlements have ever withstood a full-scale onslaught of orcs. Every soldier who lives through a fight

Azorius Functionary

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

-minted 1-zino coins) Feature: Legal Authority You have the authority to enforce the laws of Ravnica, and that status inspires a certain amount of respect and even fear in the populace. People mind

exactly what I mean, no matter how many words it takes to communicate the particular nuance I am attempting to convey. 7 I’m very literal and don’t appreciate metaphor or sarcasm

Simic Scientist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

our work is to hurry it along — no matter what must be upended along the way. (Chaotic) 3 Knowledge. Understanding the world is more important than what you do with your knowledge

. (Neutral) 4 Greater Good. I want to reshape the world into higher forms of life so that all can enjoy evolution. (Good) 5 Logic. It’s foolish to let emotions and principles

Golgari Agent

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

Golgari, no fear of death or taboo about the dead, just a fierce affirmation of the cycle. Skill Proficiencies: Nature, Survival Tool Proficiencies: Poisoner’s kit Languages

approaching or talking to me. 5 I have accepted my death. Hence, I don’t fear it. 6 Like roots growing through stone, I am relentless and determined in my action. 7 I put my

Sailor - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

. Fear and bloodshed are no strangers to you, and you’ve garnered a somewhat unsavory reputation in many a port town. Variant Feature: Bad Reputation If your character has a sailor

background, you may select this background feature instead of Ship’s Passage. No matter where you go, people are afraid of you due to your reputation. When you are in a settlement, you can get away with

City Watch / Investigator

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

’t worth killing over or going to war for. (Neutral) 6 Nation. My city, nation, or people are all that matter. (Any) d6 Bond 1 I would still lay down my life for the

1 The monstrous enemy we faced in battle still leaves me quivering with fear. 2 I have little respect for anyone who is not a proven warrior. 3 I made a terrible mistake in battle that

Cosmic Horror Settings

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

realms, cosmic horror dimensions trend toward being unnatural, logic-defying places. Cosmic Horror Settings d8 Setting 1 A wind-blasted dimension of indigo sand and eyeless statues 2 A

world with slowly vanishing land masses being consumed by an obsidian sea 3 A kingdom of rusting spires ruled by oblivious academics 4 A land possessed by fear of the colossi that move only

Zombies

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

Zombies From somewhere in the darkness, a gurgling moan is heard. A form lurches into view, dragging one foot as it raises bloated arms and broken hands. The zombie advances, driven to kill anyone

too slow to escape its grasp. Dark Servants. Sinister necromantic magic infuses the remains of the dead, causing them to rise as zombies that do their creator’s bidding without fear or hesitation. They

Soldier - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

soldiers, shaping their ideals, creating strong bonds, and often leaving them scarred and vulnerable to fear, shame, and hatred. d8 Personality Trait 1 I’m always polite and

. (Neutral) 6 Nation. My city, nation, or people are all that matter. (Any) d6 Bond 1 I would still lay down my life for the people I served with. 2 Someone saved my

Stars

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

; sages and prophecy Three of stars Enchanter Inner turmoil that comes from confusion, fear of failure, or false information Four of stars Abjurer Those guided by logic and reasoning; warns of an

Elf Adventurers

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

existence the most satisfying experience possible for an elf’s later years. Nevertheless, this fear is immune to logic when it arises in adult elves. To avoid the fate they dread, consciously or

situations. On extremely rare occasions, an elf might join an adventuring party for reasons that are based in fear. A tiny percentage of elves develop an irrational fear of the serene, contemplative

Mercenary Veteran

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

people are all that matter. (Any) d6 Bond 1 I would still lay down my life for the people I served with. 2 Someone saved my life on the battlefield. To this day, I will

worth dying for. 6 I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. d6 Flaw 1 The monstrous enemy we faced in battle still leaves me quivering with fear. 2 I have

Aftermath of the Last War

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

Aftermath of the Last War The farmers of the eastern Eldeen seceded from Aundair during the Last War, and tensions between the two nations remain high. Most Reachers believe it’s only a matter of

time until Aundair tries to reclaim the region, and every village has a militia ready to serve. The people of the Reaches value hospitality and regard all people as equals, but the fear of Aundairian aggression can cause Reachers to treat foreigners with suspicion or hostility.

Saidra's Torment

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

Saidra’s Torment Duchess Saidra is finally the noble she always wanted to be, but a number of circumstances prevent her from enjoying her reign: Saidra is plagued by the fear of being unmasked and

Chateaufaux. As a wraith, Saidra is incapable of enjoying the pleasures her station affords her. No matter how lavish her parties, the fact of her true form taints every moment of the charade.

Strahd's Vistani Servants

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

extends to the present day. Thus, Vistani can travel freely through the fog that surrounds Barovia, without fear of harm or entrapment. Strahd honors his debt to the Vistani in part because he envies

the Vistani way of life—the freedom they have to go where they please, their devotion to family, and their festive spirit. The courtesy he shows them is not simply a matter of honor but is also born

The Last War

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

nation of Cyre was consumed in a magical cataclysm now known as the Mourning. The cause of the Mourning remains unknown; many fear it was caused by unbridled use of war magic. Shock and fear brought the

one won the war. Even though people optimistically refer to it as the Last War, most believe that it’s only a matter of time until conflict begins anew. The mystery of the Mourning is the only thing

Roleplaying an Orc

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

. I can get what I want from weaklings that fear me. (Evil) 5 Glory. The goals of the tribe don’t concern me. Personal glory is what I crave. (Chaotic) 6 Savagery. I will not be controlled. (Chaotic

calm temperament and let insults roll off my back. 2 I don’t fear the gods and have no patience for superstitions. 3 I am slow to anger, but when I do become enraged I fight until my enemies are dead

Roleplaying a Beholder

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

, emotionless logic is the way I defeat my foes. 3 I determine if a creature is worth keeping alive within the first minute of speaking to it. 4 I frequently dream of [a particular creature] and am

loneliness. 8 I sometimes fear that I am a flawed abomination. Beholder Ideals d6 Ideal 1 Greed. My trophies are proof of my success. (Evil) 2 Community. My hierarchy of minions keeps me safe

Invitation to Nightmare

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

participating in a fear-focused D&D adventure. Horror, as a genre, covers broad swaths of material. What you shrug off other players might find personally unsettling—everyone’s experiences and tolerances are

content warning for the story you’ll all be creating. If you’re uncertain about aspects of the game, ask about them—before the game, during play, or whenever a concern arises. Everyone’s comfort and enjoyment of spooky adventures are what matter most!

Government

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

a matter, usually after much heated debate, it presents its position to the Council of Four. Three dukes and one grand duke make up this ruling council (see “Council of Four,” below, for more

bribed for their votes. Corrupt parliament members don’t wish to be caught taking payments, usually not out of fear of legal reprisal, but of being perceived as incompetent among their peers. The

Cosmic Horror

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

Cosmic Horror Cosmic horror revolves around the fear of personal insignificance. The genre is predicated on the idea of entities so vast and so genuinely beyond our comprehension that we cannot

fathom their simplest motivations. To see them is to become lost in their magnitude and the evidence that we have never, will never, and could never matter to the cosmos at large. The genre deals with how

Orcs: The Godsworn

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

Orcs: The Godsworn To feel the thunder of orcish war drums outside the gate and to hear a chorus of voices growling, “Gruumsh!” is the nightmare of every civilized place in the world. For no matter

are fearful of their gods, and, if one plays one’s cards right, they can be controlled through that fear and made to dance to any tune. — Volo

Government

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

a matter, usually after much heated debate, it presents its position to the Council of Four. Three dukes and one grand duke make up this ruling council (see “Council of Four,” below, for more

bribed for their votes. Corrupt parliament members don’t wish to be caught taking payments, usually not out of fear of legal reprisal, but of being perceived as incompetent among their peers. The

Cultural Specifics

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

as it has always been, and forces within a domain contort to maintain this status quo. For inspiration into your domain’s culture, consider the following questions: What does the culture fear? What

Darklord? Don’t get bogged down with the particulars of a working society. It doesn’t matter how a village in a domain of endless night grows crops, but it does matter that the supplies are about to run

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

Ye cannot goad one of the serpent folk into hatred or fear, or evoke in it love or friendship. They may feign such things to cozen ye, but within they are always coldly, calmly calculating. &mdash

territory to their former minions. The yuan-ti crawled away and hid in a matter of weeks, all but disappearing from the world. Yuan-ti structures throughout the land were torn down to celebrate liberation

Troll and Friends

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

and howls, you can see that a half-dozen bat-like creatures are attached to its body, with three more circling above it like flies. Everyone in the tavern reacts in fear except for the barkeep

. To any characters who help defeat the troll, Durnan says matter-of-factly, “You fought well.” If any of the characters are reduced to 0 hit points during the fight, employees of the Yawning Portal step forward to stabilize them.

The Vanthampur Family

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

. Thurstwell’s real problem is that his mother doesn’t see him as her successor, and is grooming Amrik to fill that role. Despite his jealousy, Thurstwell would never visit harm upon Amrik for fear of incurring

his mother’s wrath. Mortlock is a different matter, as it’s been made abundantly clear that Thalamra would disown him had she not agreed to the dying wish of her third husband to look after Mortlock

Alanik Ray and Arthur Sedgwick

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

published two volumes to date: The Life of Alanik Ray and The Casebook of Alanik Ray. Alanik Ray’s Traits Ideal. “Logic is a guide but also an illusion. Order and reason don’t supersede what is right

to be trusted.” Arthur Sedgwick’s Traits Ideal. “The sicknesses of the world are vast, but I can help others find the medicine they need.” Bond. “I can’t withhold care, no matter how ill a soul might

Ten-Towns Quests

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

complete them all, but completing at least five of this chapter’s quests advances characters to 4th level (see “Character Advancement” below). Ten-Towns Rumors If the characters complete a town’s quest

interlopers. 5 In Dougan’s Hole, people live in fear of winter wolves that haunt the outskirts of the town. As big as horses they are, and smarter than normal wolves. 6 In Easthaven, they caught an

Gambler

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

addicted to the thrill of winning or losing everything on a turn of fortune. For some, gambling is less a matter of chance and more a matter of seeking every advantage to ensure the outcome. The best

You can loan me a little, right? I’ve got a sure thing. I’ll double your money, guaranteed. 5 I was once a terribly flawed person, like you. Let me tell you how you can save yourself. 6 I’m a great gambler. I’m just bad at math and logic.

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