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Returning 35 results for 'secrets of runes defined variants'.
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Backgrounds
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
be found. Unearthing the deepest secrets of the multiverse can require an adventure or even a whole campaign.
BALDUR’S GATE FEATURE: RUMOR MONGER
Via your personal rumor mill and articles
published in Baldur’s Mouth, you can surmise a great deal about Baldurians’ secrets — who’s practicing necromancy, who’s involved in spying or smuggling, who would purchase or
Sage
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Backgrounds
Basic Rules (2014)
an almost inaccessible place, or that it simply cannot be found. Unearthing the deepest secrets of the multiverse can require an adventure or even a whole campaign.
Suggested
Characteristics
Sages are defined by their extensive studies, and their characteristics reflect this life of study. Devoted to scholarly pursuits, a sage values knowledge highly—sometimes in its own right
Backgrounds
Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica
5th
dominate person
Your magic often takes the form of blue or golden runes floating and glowing in the air in circular patterns or of shimmering azure barriers of magical energy. If you
recruited me into the Azorius left and joined the Boros.
3
I have a friendship with a Dimir agent who sometimes funnels me secrets about Azorius activities.
4
A Golgari spore druid would love to
classes
Basic Rules (2014)
, defined and united as a class by the spells they cast. Drawing on the subtle weave of magic that permeates the cosmos, wizards cast spells of explosive fire, arcing lightning, subtle deception, and brute
library or university, teaching others the secrets of the multiverse. Other wizards sell their services as diviners, serve in military forces, or pursue lives of crime or domination.
But the lure of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
mystic shapes of our runes.
—Diancastra
You’ve dedicated your life to studying runecraft. Whether you were taught by a master rune carver or learned by poring over ancient engravings, you can tap into
the supernatural power held within runes. The art of runecraft was initially created by giants, but over time, the practice has been adopted by many peoples. As such, though Giant runes are the most
classes
Player’s Handbook
;Arcane Focus (Quarterstaff), Robe, Spellbook, Scholar's Pack, and 5 GP; or (B) 55 GP
Wizards are defined by their exhaustive study of magic’s inner workings. They cast spells of
Wizards believe that their counterparts in ancient civilizations knew secrets of magic that have been lost to the ages, and discovering those secrets could unlock the path to a power greater than any
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
barbarian or your spellcasting as a sorcerer. Giant Foes Your character’s relationship to giants might be defined by animosity. You could choose class features specifically to target giants or all creatures
with the Giant type, or you could write enmity toward giants into the tenets of your paladin’s Sacred Oath. Giant Lore You might have learned magic, martial techniques, or other secrets from studying
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
Warlocks are finders and keepers of secrets. They push at the edge of our understanding of the world, always seeking to expand their expertise. Where sages or wizards might heed a clear sign of
that combination as evidence of madness. Warlocks see it as a demonstration of bravery. Warlocks are defined by two elements that work in concert to forge their path into this class. The first
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules
, Scholar’s Pack, and 5 GP; or (B) 55 GP Wizards are defined by their exhaustive study of magic’s inner workings. They cast spells of explosive fire, arcing lightning, subtle deception, and spectacular
civilizations knew secrets of magic that have been lost to the ages, and discovering those secrets could unlock the path to a power greater than any magic available in the present age. Becoming a Wizard... As a
classes
Basic Rules (2014)
, hags, and alien entities of the Far Realm, warlocks piece together arcane secrets to bolster their own power.
Sworn and Beholden
A warlock is defined by a pact with an otherworldly being. Sometimes the
are comfortable in light armor and know how to use simple weapons.
Delvers into Secrets
Warlocks are driven by an insatiable need for knowledge and power, which compels them into their pacts and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player’s Handbook
Daggers, Arcane Focus (Quarterstaff), Robe, Spellbook, Scholar’s Pack, and 5 GP; or (B) 55 GP Wizards are defined by their exhaustive study of magic’s inner workings. They cast spells of explosive
believe that their counterparts in ancient civilizations knew secrets of magic that have been lost to the ages, and discovering those secrets could unlock the path to a power greater than any magic
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
it simply cannot be found. Unearthing the deepest secrets of the multiverse can require an adventure or even a whole campaign. Suggested Characteristics Sages are defined by their extensive studies
. . . to me.
7 I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations.
8 I’m convinced that people are always trying to steal my secrets.
d6 Ideal
1 Knowledge. The path to power
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
or other learned person or creature. Your DM might rule that the knowledge you seek is secreted away in an almost inaccessible place, or that it simply cannot be found. Unearthing the deepest secrets
of the multiverse can require an adventure or even a whole campaign. Suggested Characteristics Sages are defined by their extensive studies, and their characteristics reflect this life of study
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
came here to learn secrets and receive divine guidance. While attuned to the room and inside it, a dwarf can cast the divination spell at will. Answers provided by the spell come from an unknown source
(perhaps the Keeper of Secrets under the Mountain, perhaps the mountain itself). Too many castings of the spell in a short amount of time can lead to false readings, as noted in the spell’s
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Turn of Fortune’s Wheel
cleft surrounded by foul, bleeding runes. Inside is the Book of Vile Darkness. Secrets of Eternity If a character agrees to let the Scholar share a forbidden secret, the baernaloth requests that the
was meant to know with one interested character (see the “Secrets of Eternity” section below). If the characters ignore the baernaloth, leave its cave, or refuse its offers, it lets them go. If the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
; it isn’t maug, but it isn’t maat, either. Mastering the secrets of magic, though, demands a degree of devotion that would take giants away from pursuits that are valued by the ordning. As a
consequence, it’s a path rarely taken. The exception is rune magic. Giants are drawn to the solidity and permanence of magical runes. Stone giants are great practitioners of rune carving, both because of the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
by Melissara. Inside is a small black journal. The first page of the book is trapped with a glyph of warding spell, whose explosive runes deal fire damage (save DC 15). The glyph is keyed to go off if
anyone but Melissara opens the journal (a precaution to prevent her cousins from reading it and discovering her secrets). The journal details Melissara’s unease with her family, as well as her growing
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual
Archmage Archmages have mastered incredible magical power. While some use their magic to protect the world, others become tyrants or pursue forbidden secrets. Many archmages retain magical servants
and collect magic items and occult lore. Have you gazed on the Runes of Chaos, held the Death Moon Orb in your trembling hands, entered the Devouring Portal and walked the Paths of the Doomed, or sat
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk
include Chalnefaaz, a community of myconids that bud tiny, wailing faces, and the Bulwark of Secrets, an abbey of guardian nagas who protect dangerous lore. You can use the nodules in the Endless Void
interlocked links of Ilvaash’s runes (knots of tentacles, brains, and jagged lines reminiscent of jaws). A brain breaker uses the stat block of an infected elder brain (see chapter 7) with the following
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
approach the characters take, remember that learning the full scope of the orrery’s history, the secrets of its creator, and the range of its powers is the goal of the whole campaign. Whatever small bits
Waterdeep can undertake research to study its mysterious runes, which can lead to information regarding That-Which-Endures (see the sidebar in the “New Race: Verdan” section in chapter 3.) Gorkoh the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
grants immortality to its wearer, was last seen in the possession of a human adventurer (and former Harper) named Artus Cimber. Guided by magical runes of tracking, Storvald plans to find the ring and
empower his runes. Unbeknown to Storvald, the runes are steering the frost giants not to Artus Cimber but to other, closer individuals who carry the Cimber bloodline — Artus’s living relatives, most of whom
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
Incorporated characters to be aware of. Mask is the god of acquisition, after all, and governs the secrets that any successful Acq Inc franchise will be dealing in. Whether personal, professional, or business
-related, secrets are an important component of gaining leverage over others. Moreover, your successful franchise will eventually have many secrets of its own that you desperately need to keep quiet
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin
front of the ship. During the Lambent Zenith’s crash, arcane wards should have sealed the safe room’s doors. The safe room is inaccessible while the wards are active. Ward Runes. Two runes hidden on the
ship power the wards. Kycera knows one rune was placed in the ship’s stateroom, but she doesn’t remember the second rune’s location. She believes that magic or a pass phrase can deactivate the runes
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Sigil and the Outlands
. The heat from the glowing lava fall behind the bar keeps drink orders coming. Loose-lipped nobles regularly spill secrets and rumors to Sparax, who always keeps one antenna to the ground. Citadel of
of the Nine Hells. Their jurisdiction is loosely defined, however, and creatures that break laws elsewhere in the Outlands sometimes wind up in the Court of Cinders due to fine print in devil-authored
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
or fewer, Kavil switches sides and offers information in exchange for his life. He knows one random Undermountain secret, determined by drawing a card from the Secrets Deck (see appendix C), as well as
through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the gate appears in area 16 on level 18, in the closest unoccupied space next to the identical gate located
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
runes. The doors have neither handles nor hinges. The writing on them reads, “THE THREE KEYS. BRING THEM FORTH.” The doors part, sliding back into the walls, when the three correct keys are brought
side of the hammer that was facing the wall is the following inscription in Dwarvish runes: “Let hearts be lifted and battles won.” The hammer must be removed from its indentation for the inscription
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
to its patron might be a clearly defined exchange, or it could be uncertain or forceful. Whatever the nature of the being, as long as your group fulfills its role, the being offers rewards. Roll or
scroll. Research. Relying on an ancient being’s network of contacts, the being’s vast collection of lore, or perhaps the being’s direct teaching helps you unearth hidden secrets. If you can contact
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
is hope and the fragile promise of peace. Types of Sovereigns Broadly defined, a sovereign ranges from the head of a government to the leader of a powerful, private institution. Queens, chieftains
patron’s permission, you can gain access to the halls of power, from national capitols and military headquarters to noble estates and troves of state secrets. You can also request that the sovereign
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
treasures, and the secrets of the earth. It is said he gave Surtur the secret of smelting, showed Thrym how to carve magic runes on weapons, and crafted spears for Hiatea so she could complete her tasks of
her father of her clever deeds rather than her feats of strength: she solved a sphinx’s riddles, plumbed the secrets of the ocean, and stole a string of pearls from a god of the kuo-toa. Through these
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin
: Escape Tunnel This tunnel stretches one hundred feet before ending at a flat wall.
The secret door in the wall is obvious: emblazoned on the masonry is a wide circle of dimly glowing runes. A character
who examines the secret door immediately realizes they can trace the runes to cause that circular section of wall to disappear, revealing the remainder of the tunnel on the other side. The wall re
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
warrior researches ways to assert his will over the artifact known as the Hand of Vecna, so he can use its secrets to free the evil dragon queen Tiamat from the Nine Hells. Arkhan has traveled to a nearby
shell is carved with Draconic runes that spell out prayers to Tiamat, is joined by four ghouls that serve as his assistants. The ghouls gnaw on bones and eye the characters hungrily as Krull negotiates
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
Encounters
Cloud Giant Encounters Cloud giants and related creatures thrive where there is fantastic wealth to be earned, plundered, or swindled; where there are secrets to be uncovered; and where
diplomacy or guile can carry the day. Cloud Giant Encounters d12† Encounter
1 1 cloud giant seeking to learn the secrets of 1 spectral cloud* (attitude for both: 1d8)
2 1 cloud giant
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Nest of the Eldritch Eye
catacombs several months ago, whispering about strange rituals and secrets. Delvin. Chanelle saw a man matching Delvin’s description flee through the rotunda from deeper within the catacombs, pursued by
the symbol of Vecna, a powerful lich and god of secrets known and feared on many worlds. Any loud noises here awaken the cultists in area N13, who investigate at once. N13: Cultist Quarters If the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
dictates that he cannot draw first blood. Thus, he tries to goad characters into wounding him first. S5. Shrine of Mind and Spirit An eight-foot-tall stone inscribed with runes stands in the middle of
). GRIFFON TAMING
Goliaths of the Akannathi clan can learn to raise and tame griffons using secrets passed down through the generations. The clan’s griffon trainer, Rahi, shares these secrets with clan
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault
secrets of longevity, but difficult to decipher.” This oversized tome is full of esoteric, archaic text that would require extensive research to decipher. A character who spends 12 weeks studying it
and succeeds on a DC 22 Intelligence (Arcana) check finds a page that serves as a spell scroll of sequester. (The thesis is worth 500 gp.) Each item is protected by two separate abjuration runes that