monsters some with openly amuse for for lives

Wizard

Classes Player’s Handbook

explosive fire, arcing lightning, subtle deception, and spectacular transformations. Their magic conjures monsters from other planes of existence, glimpses the future, or forms protective barriers. Their

pursue lives of crime or domination. But the lure of knowledge calls even the most unadventurous Wizards from the safety of their libraries and laboratories and into crumbling ruins and lost cities. Most

High Fae Kindguard

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

amuse themselves over the long centuries of their lives, high fae frequently engage in deceptions and other complex games of wits against one another. Most high fae remain secluded deep within the wilds

Boneclaw

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Rejuvenation. While its master lives, a destroyed boneclaw gains a new body in 1d10;{"diceNotation":"1d10", "rollType":"roll", "rollAction":"Hours"} hours, with all its hit points. The new body

monsters share a few of liches’ attributes, but while liches are immortal masters of the arcane, boneclaws are thralls to evil, hatred, and pain. The most important part of the transformation

High Fae Impostor

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

spoken (though misdirection and riddles are always welcome). To amuse themselves over the long centuries of their lives, high fae frequently engage in deceptions and other complex games of wits against

High Fae Mage

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

always be repaid, promises must be honored, and outright lies must never be spoken (though misdirection and riddles are always welcome). To amuse themselves over the long centuries of their lives, high fae

Catoblepas

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

necrotic damage. The target dies if reduced to 0 hit points by this ray.The catoblepas is as loathsome as the vile swamplands in which it lives, a conglomeration of bloated buffalo, dinosaur, warthog

, drinking the monsters’ milk and using them as guardians or pets. Other legends say that those of impure heart can tame a catoblepas and whisper of malevolent warlocks and wicked knights who ride them into battle.

High Fae Noble

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

, and outright lies must never be spoken (though misdirection and riddles are always welcome). To amuse themselves over the long centuries of their lives, high fae frequently engage in deceptions and

Halfling Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

the glassy surface of Maer Dualdon. — R.A. Salvatore, The Crystal Shard The comforts of home are the goals of most halflings’ lives: a place to settle in peace and quiet, far from

marauding monsters and clashing armies; a blazing fire and a generous meal; fine drink and fine conversation. Though some halflings live out their days in remote agricultural communities, others form

Dhampir

Species Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

. Their reasons are often deeply personal. Some seek danger, imagining monsters as personifications of their own hungers. Others pursue revenge against whatever turned them into a dhampir. And still

to share their hunger. 3 You survived being attacked by a vampire but were forever changed. 4 A parasite lives inside you. You indulge its hunger. 5 Tragedy interrupted your

Moloch

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

time in preparing for his return. He amassed an army of devils and monsters and left them to make final preparations for invading the Nine Hells, while he ventured to the Material Plane in search of an

until he leaves. Thus, he lives a split existence, sometimes plotting in Malbolge or other layers of the Hells and at other times wandering the planes in search of magical might or secrets that might help

Mercenary Veteran

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

operate up and down the Sword Coast and throughout the North. Most are small-scale operations that employ a dozen to a hundred folk who offer security services, hunt monsters and brigands, or go to war in

a crude sense of humor. 8 I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is the best path to success. d6 Ideal 1 Greater Good. Our lot is to lay down our lives in

Folk Hero Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

tyrants and monsters that threaten the common folk everywhere. Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Survival Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan’s tools, vehicles (land

, or recuperate among other commoners, unless you have shown yourself to be a danger to them. They will shield you from the law or anyone else searching for you, though they will not risk their lives for

Wizard Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

-force mind control. Their magic conjures monsters from other planes of existence, glimpses the future, or turns slain foes into zombies. Their mightiest spells change one substance into another, call

the fey) that are steeped in magic. The Lure of Knowledge Wizards’ lives are seldom mundane. The closest a wizard is likely to come to an ordinary life is working as a sage or lecturer in a

Faction Agent

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

operated openly or secretly, depending on the faction and its goals, as well as how those goals mesh with your own. Becoming an adventurer doesn’t necessarily require you to relinquish membership

provide you with access to a hidden safe house, free room and board, or assistance in finding information. These agents never risk their lives for you or risk revealing their true identities.

Bugbear Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

individuals in a group typically number fewer than a dozen, consisting of siblings and their mates as well as a handful of offspring and an elder or two. A gang lives in and around a small enclosure

. 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

Cycle of Dread

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

Cycle of Dread Monsters and wild beasts mysteriously appear to menace the people of Yeonido A bitter spirit and strict local traditions trap Yeonido in a cycle of quiet suffering. While spirits

called gwishin are well known among the city’s populace, social mores prevent people from speaking openly about their dead ancestors. One vengeful gwishin takes advantage of this custom to torment the city.

Kalashtar Legacy

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

me in dreams, and at times her voice whispers in the silence of my mind. As long as at least one of my sisters is alive, Kashtai will survive — and as long as she lives, she will fight il

kalashtar communities focus on acts of devotion known as the Path of Light. But the dark powers of Dal Quor have their own plans for Eberron. Through the force known as the Dreaming Dark, these monsters

Belashyrra

Monsters Eberron: Rising from the Last War

places where such creatures are willing to live side by side. Some beholderkin serve Belashyrra as guards and agents, while others spend their lives in deep meditation, pursuing inner visions known only

“I perceive certain types of people — vocations or entire societies — as hideous monsters.” 3 “Someone is watching everything I do.” 4 “When I

Druid Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

aberrations (such as beholders and mind flayers) and undead (such as zombies and vampires). Druids sometimes lead raids against such creatures, especially when the monsters encroach on the druids&rsquo

character lives in a society where the Old Faith still thrives, or was raised by a druid after being abandoned in the depths of a forest. Perhaps your character had a dramatic encounter with the spirits of

Folk Hero - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

their champion, and your destiny calls you to stand against the tyrants and monsters that threaten the common folk everywhere. Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Survival Tool

, unless you have shown yourself to be a danger to them. They will shield you from the law or anyone else searching for you, though they will not risk their lives for you. BALDUR’S GATE FEATURE

Canyon Shrine

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

Canyon Shrine Aside from the other dangers of the twisting canyons of Phoberos, followers of Mogis openly worship and offer sacrifices to their dark god in these places. Twisting cave systems run

through the canyon walls, offering shelter to both fugitives and monsters, and the darkness within the caverns provides a suitable environment for the bloodthirsty deeds of the god’s most depraved

Baldur's Gate Gazetteer

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

Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer Even the most hardened adventurers watch their steps in Baldur’s Gate, where lives hold prices in copper and greed proves deadlier than dragon fire. Baldur’s Gate has a

living in the city, their talents traded as briskly — and often just as openly — as those of any other professional. For all its shadows and dark dealings, Baldur’s Gate is not without its lights. Some

Vistani

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

whatever they earn to support a lavish lifestyle, display their wealth openly as a sign of prosperity, and share their good fortune with family and friends. Each family or clan of Vistani is its own little

are closely knit. They resolve disagreements through contests that end with reconciliatory singing, dancing, and storytelling. The Vistani are quick to act when their lives or traditions are threatened and are merciless when they believe they must be.

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

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

represents both life and the grave. It is her worshipers that raise young orcs to be warriors, and then, at the end of their lives, take them to Yurtrus and Shargaas to be carried into death and the

Classic Monsters

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

Classic Monsters Numerous creatures hold special places in the lives and myths of Theros’s people. Some are beings said to have been created by the gods—often for special purposes or as divine

punishments. Others roam particular territories—lands that have become synonymous with a monstrous population. And still other monsters are in some way unique to Theros, exhibiting appearances, behaviors

D: Goblin Lair

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

D: Goblin Lair A violent band of goblin warriors lives in this cave. It’s the goblin boss’s birthday, and she demands a celebration! Engrossed in the revelry, the goblins ignore their recent captive

: a dwarf named Vinx. You can add monsters to the cave to make this scenario longer and more difficult. The goblins might have invited Hobgoblin Warriors from the adjacent cave (cave F) as party guests or bodyguards. To make the scenario easier and shorter, reduce the number of Goblin Warriors.

Gothic Horror Villains

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

creating the perfect poison, machine, or lifeform 4 A beloved magnate who abducts commoners to steal their blood for his beauty rituals 5 A celebrity who openly murders innocents but uses

terrible deeds 8 A poisoner who seeks to manipulate history through targeted killings 9 An artist who manufactures terrible accidents to provide inspiration and reference for her art 10 A monster hunter who accuses those they consider sinful of being monsters

Chapter 4: Creating Nonplayer Characters

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

Chapter 4: Creating Nonplayer Characters A nonplayer character is any character controlled by the Dungeon Master. NPCs can be enemies or allies, regular folk or named monsters. They include the local

innkeeper, the old wizard who lives in the tower on the outskirts of town, the death knight out to destroy the kingdom, and the dragon counting gold in its cavernous lair. This chapter shows you how

Baldur's Gate Gazetteer

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

Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer Unit Image/Larian Studios Even the most hardened adventurers watch their steps in Baldur’s Gate, where lives hold prices in copper and greed proves deadlier than dragon fire

or throats make a decent living in the city, their talents traded as briskly — and often just as openly — as those of any other professional. For all its shadows and dark dealings, Baldur’s Gate is not

It's Your World

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

by monstrous rulers. The populace lives in perpetual terror of these darklords and their evil minions, but other monsters rarely trouble people’s daily lives. Magic Is Everywhere. What if every town is

a great empire, and magically aided travel between its cities is commonplace. Monsters Are Uncommon. What if monsters are rare and terrifying? In the Ravenloft setting, horrific domains are governed

Investigating Rivergard

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

recruit thugs and monsters to join the Cult of the Crushing Wave. When the characters arrive at Rivergard, read the following text: A small castle overlooks the mighty Dessarin River, which is a good half

depends on why the characters are here and how they approach. Peaceful Approach If the characters approach openly and politely ask for admittance for almost any plausible reason, the cultists welcome

Zombie Resurgence

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragons of Stormwreck Isle

hear cries for help. Read the following text: Two residents of Dragon’s Rest are running for their lives up the lower path, their fishing equipment discarded behind them. Blood and dirt stain their

robes. Three figures shamble after them—bloated corpses dressed as sailors, moaning and gurgling. The characters have another opportunity to fight the three zombies, this time with the lives of two

Mogis's Villains

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

lives seemingly at random. 4 An oracle (see chapter 6) of Mogis marches into town and predicts doom on the populace within a fortnight. 5 Priests of Iroas and Heliod are being murdered by

) accuses the characters of murder and banditry. 8 A cabal of Mogis’s cult fanatics have almost succeeded in finding a way to summon Mogis’s warhound to their service. Mogis’s Monsters Mogis is

Roleplaying

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

Roleplaying For some DMs, roleplaying comes naturally. If it doesn’t come naturally for you, don’t worry. The main thing is for you to have fun portraying your NPCs and monsters and to amuse your

effect, be ready to shout out a battle cry or speak in a conspiratorial whisper. Also, characters and monsters with distinctive voices are memorable. If you’re not a natural mimic or actor, borrowing

Beginning

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

involved in the adventure. Maybe the adventurers stumble onto something they’re not meant to see, monsters attack them on the road, an assassin makes an attempt on their lives, or a dragon shows up at the

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