mechanics some with openly also forging for loyalty

Sword of Kas

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide

Kas was a powerful warrior who served Vecna and whose loyalty was rewarded with this sword. As Kas’s power grew, so did his hubris. The sword urged Kas to destroy Vecna and usurp his throne

. Legend says Vecna’s destruction came at Kas’s hand, but Vecna also wrought his rebellious lieutenant’s doom, leaving only Kas’s sword behind. Bloodthirst. The sword thirsts for

Dolgaunt

Monsters Eberron: Rising from the Last War

sensitive cilia that cover its skin. It can also absorb life through its tentacles, allowing it to drain the vitality out of any creature it touches. Warped by Chaos. When the daelkyr emerged from

into intelligent, cold, and efficient killers. When the daelkyr were defeated, the dolgaunts descended into the depths of Khyber with their masters. There, they study in cavernous monasteries, forging

Dragonblood Ooze

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

incorporated parts of dragons’ bodies into magic items, crafting dragon hide into armor and forging weapons from claws and teeth. Alchemists have found beneficial uses for dragon blood, but ill-advised

experiments have also given rise to dragonblood oozes. The congealed blood of a dragon given mobility and hunger, the ooze tries to shape itself into a draconic form. It cannot hold a coherent shape

Deathlock

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

to serve another powerful creature or might need to gather servants of its own. Deathlocks The forging of a pact between a warlock and a patron is no minor occasion—at least not for the

, a foul Undead driven to serve its otherworldly patron. An powerful necromancer might also discover the wicked methods of creating a deathlock and then subjugate it, acting as the deathlock’s patron.PoisonNecrotic; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks that aren't Silvered

Deathlock Mastermind

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

forging of a pact between a warlock and a patron is no minor occasion—at least not for the warlock. The consequences of breaking that pact can be dire and, in some cases, lethal. A warlock who fails

to live up to a bargain with an evil patron runs the risk of rising from the dead as a deathlock, a foul Undead driven to serve its otherworldly patron. An powerful necromancer might also discover

Deathlock Wight

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

personDeprived of much of its magic as a special punishment, a deathlock wight lingers between the warlock it was and the wretched existence of a wight. Deathlocks The forging of a pact between a

with an evil patron runs the risk of rising from the dead as a deathlock, a foul Undead driven to serve its otherworldly patron. An powerful necromancer might also discover the wicked methods of

Howler

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

hesitation. Howler packs course over the battlefields of the Blood War and also serve evil mortals powerful and vicious enough to command their loyalty. Howlers rely on speed, numbers, and their mind

College of Lore Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

to be true, from their faith in the priesthood of the local temple to their loyalty to the king. The loyalty of these bards lies in the pursuit of beauty and truth, not in fealty to a monarch or

sometimes in actual colleges, complete with classrooms and dormitories, to share their lore with one another. They also meet at festivals or affairs of state, where they can expose corruption, unravel lies, and poke fun at self-important figures of authority.

Kolyarut

Monsters Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse

melee weapon.Created by Primus, the leader of the modrons, the Kolyarut is a wondrous machine capable of forging binding contracts between parties. From the Hall of Concordance in Sigil, the Kolyarut

of itself into the planes to seek the truth. Also known as kolyaruts, these manifestations of the great machine function as multiversal investigators and pursue answers to specific quandaries. Once

Rahadin

Monsters Curse of Strahd

informing Patrina that her presence at the castle was no longer desired. Rahadin's loyalty didn't waver after Tatyana died and Strahd became a vampire. Rahadin continued to do his master's bidding. Eager

elves. Rahadin slew the female elves so that the males couldn't breed. He also sliced off the ears of Patrina's brother, Kasimir, who had orchestrated the stoning. Screams of the Dead. So dreadful a

Combat Robot

Monsters Quests from the Infinite Staircase

grappled condition (escape DC 16). While grappled, the target also has the restrained condition. The robot has two tentacles, each of which can grapple one target. Laser Beam. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5

are programmed with intelligence, understanding, and usually loyalty to their creators. Despite that, long-operating robots sometimes develop their own personalities and ideas. Robots that endure long

Orb of Dragonkind Legacy

Magic Items Basic Rules (2014)

Ages past, elves and humans waged a terrible war against evil dragons. When the world seemed doomed, powerful wizards came together and worked their greatest magic, forging five Orbs of Dragonkind

magic has been warped and twisted over the centuries, so although their primary purpose of calling dragons still functions, they also allow some measure of control over dragons. Each orb contains the

Knight of Eldraine

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

(Vantress). The knight has advantage on Intelligence checks and Intelligence saving throws. Loyalty (Ardenvale). The knight has advantage on Charisma checks and Charisma saving throws. Persistence

species—including griffon;griffons in Ardenvale, giant owl;giant owls in Vantress, and giant ravens (use the giant vulture stat block) in Locthwain. Some knights also wield powerful magic drawn

Grung

Species One Grung Above

THIS IS NONCORE D&D MATERIAL These game mechanics are usable in your campaign if your DM allows them but not refined by final game design and editing. Grungs are aggressive froglike

;600 Naturally Toxic. All grungs secrete a substance that is harmless to them but poisonous to other creatures. A grung also uses venom to poison its weapons. Slavers. Grungs are always on the

Orthon

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

save, or half as much damage on a successful one. On a failure, the target is also poisoned for 1 minute. The poisoned target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the

(2d10 + 3);{"diceNotation":"2d10+3", "rollType":"damage", "rollAction":"Brass Crossbow", "rollDamageType":"force"} force damage. The target also suffers one of the following effects of the orthon’s

Waterdhavian Noble

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

your family, possibly in line to become its leader one day. Or you might be one of any number of cousins, with less prestige but also less responsibility. Skill Proficiencies: History

and raised in a different world from the one that most folk know—one that grants you privilege but also calls you to fulfill a duty befitting your station. Your bond might be associated with your

Archduke Zariel of Avernus

Monsters Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

":"necrotic"} necrotic damage and be poisoned for 1 minute. While poisoned in this way, the target is also blinded and deafened. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns

other. To keep Bel busy and out of her sight, Zariel tasks him with forging weapons, armor, and gruesome demon-slaying machines. To replenish her legions, Zariel needs the souls of mortals to create

Changeling Legacy

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

changelings use this gift as a form of artistic and emotional expression. It’s also an invaluable tool for grifters, spies, and others who wish to deceive. This leads many people to treat

changelings with suspicion. A Hidden People Wherever humans live, changelings reside also; the question is whether their presence is known. Changelings are born to one of three paths. A few are raised

Hutijin

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

all their backbiting and betrayal, devils do occasionally display loyalty, offering unwavering service to their masters. One such example is Hutijin, a duke of Cania and loyal servant of Mephistopheles

command, Hutijin can easily crush any rival who gets in his way while also defending Mephistopheles against armies seeking to contest his dominion. Hutijin has amassed enough power to challenge the

Dwarf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

human standing nearly two feet taller. Their courage and endurance are also easily a match for any of the larger folk. Dwarven skin ranges from deep brown to a paler hue tinged with red, but the most

typically artisans, especially weaponsmiths, armorers, and jewelers. Some become mercenaries or bodyguards, highly sought after for their courage and loyalty. Gods, Gold, and Clan Dwarves who take

Zariel

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

’s rise in status came at the expense of Bel, her pit fiend predecessor. Zariel and Bel hate each other. To keep Bel busy and out of her sight, Zariel tasks him with forging weapons, armor, and

her most loyal cultists. They can gain the Ferocious Surge trait, and her cult’s leaders can also gain the Infernal Tactics trait. Ferocious Surge (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). When

Tiefling Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

. Their skin tones cover the full range of human coloration, but also include various shades of red. Their hair, cascading down from behind their horns, is usually dark, from black or brown to dark red

him or her, the tiefling learns to extend the same trust to them. And once a tiefling gives someone loyalty, the tiefling is a firm friend or ally for life. Tiefling Names Tiefling names fall into

Ki-rin

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

coronation, everyone present understands that the creature is telling them the person so honored could become a great force for good. Ki-rins have also been known to appear at the sites of great battles

to inspire and strengthen the side of good or to rescue heroes from certain death. Ki-rins are attracted to the worship of deities of courage, loyalty, selflessness, and truth, as well as to the

Soldier - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

influence, and they defer to you if they are of a lower rank. You can invoke your rank to exert influence over other soldiers and requisition simple equipment or horses for temporary use. You can also

other soldiers. You can also pass through the city’s gates without question — although you can’t bring guests into the Upper City as a member of the Watch might. Additionally, you&rsquo

Adept of the Black Robes

Feats Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

You chose the moon Nuitari to influence your magic, and your ambition and loyalty to the Order of the Black Robes have been recognized, granting you these benefits: Ambitious Magic. You learn one

long rest before you can cast it in this way again. You can also cast this spell using spell slots you have of the appropriate level. The spell’s spellcasting ability is the one chosen when you

Acolyte - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

It’s said that every faith in the world has a believer in Baldur’s Gate. Not only are most established faiths tolerated — even if some of them, including most of the openly evil

you) at a modest lifestyle. You might also have ties to a specific temple dedicated to your chosen deity or pantheon, and you have a residence there. This could be the temple where you used to serve

Uthgardt Tribe Member

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

Reghed Glacier in the far North near Icewind Dale. You might also be of the nomadic Rashemi, noted for their savage berserkers and their masked witches. Perhaps you hail from one of the wood elf tribes

tattoos marking your loyalty to Uthgar and your tribal totem, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp FEATURE: UTHGARDT HERITAGE You have an excellent knowledge of not

Honor and Family

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

utmost for family and clan. This loyalty and sense of duty sustained the dragonborn during their long history of enslavement and also enabled them to form communities and nations of free dragonborn

in Faerûn seek to recapture the sort of connection they had with a now-lost clan or family by forging new relationships among their non-dragonborn allies and companions. Dragonborn in Faerûn have the racial traits of dragonborn in the Player’s Handbook.

Bugbear Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

. Bugbears understand that by venerating Hruggek and Grankhul, they also give tribute to Maglubiyet, even though they don’t openly pay homage to their overlord. When bugbears are called to join a

other creatures, using no other sort of ceremony to show obeisance — with one exception. In an act of worship that also sometimes attracts favorable attention from their gods, bugbears sever the

Feral Tiefling

Species Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

. Their skin tones cover the full range of human coloration, but also include various shades of red. Their hair, cascading down from behind their horns, is usually dark, from black or brown to dark red

him or her, the tiefling learns to extend the same trust to them. And once a tiefling gives someone loyalty, the tiefling is a firm friend or ally for life. Tiefling Names Tiefling names fall into

Forging an Alliance

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

Forging an Alliance King Bruenor has called representatives of the Harpers, the Order of the Gauntlet, the Emerald Enclave, the Lords’ Alliance, and the Zhentarim to Gauntlgrym to hear about the

factions to help — and in some cases, can’t even openly negotiate with them. As King of Gauntlgrym, he can’t be seen to favor one faction over another. He is therefore relying on the characters to do the

Franchise Advancement

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

more space beneath Tresendar Manor. But it also might arise as a result of the franchise moving its headquarters to the Silent Sound lighthouse — or even claiming both sites as a joint headquarters

NPCs during preceding episodes, those NPCs might be taken on as official staff members at this time. This is also an excellent time to bring in an NPC the characters enjoyed interacting with, making

Cult of Fierna

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

become beloved leaders at the head of a band of fanatics are drawn to striking bargains with her. Her cultists can gain the Infernal Loyalty trait. Cult leaders can also gain the Loyalty beyond Death

trait. Infernal Loyalty. This creature has advantage on saving throws while it can see a creature within 30 feet of it that has the Loyalty beyond Death trait. Loyalty beyond Death (Recharges after a

Using an Overarching Story

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

and using it to defeat a cosmic threat. Example 2: Agents of X You can also build a campaign around the idea that the adventurers are agents of something larger than themselves — a kingdom or secret

organization, for example. Wherever their allegiance lies, the adventurers are motivated by loyalty and the goal of protecting whatever it is they serve. The characters’ overarching mission might be

Chapter 8: Adventuring

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

if all goes well, your character will survive to claim rich rewards before embarking on a new adventure. This section covers the basics of the adventuring life, from the mechanics of movement to the

complexities of social interaction. The rules for resting are also in this section, along with a discussion of the activities your character might pursue between adventures. Whether adventurers are

D&D Beyond

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