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Inspired (Hashalaq variant)

Monsters Eberron: Rising from the Last War

who can dream can volunteer to serve as a quori vessel. But the Inspired of Sarlona are humans bred to be such vessels. They have no choice in this destiny, since they can't resist quori possession

Dreaming Dark has long experience in weaving dreams that can convince mortals to surrender their bodies. VARIANT: QUORI VESSEL The Inspired are vessels for quori spirits, allowing the quori to

Inspired (Tsucora variant)

Monsters Eberron: Rising from the Last War

can volunteer to serve as a quori vessel. But the Inspired of Sarlona are humans bred to be such vessels. They have no choice in this destiny, since they can't resist quori possession. Physically

has long experience in weaving dreams that can convince mortals to surrender their bodies. VARIANT: QUORI VESSEL The Inspired are vessels for quori spirits, allowing the quori to manifest a portion

Inspired (Kalaraq variant)

Monsters Eberron: Rising from the Last War

choice in this destiny, since they can’t resist quori possession. Physically, Inspired resemble the kalashtar, possessing an almost supernatural beauty. Most of the people of the Five Nations have

Dreaming Dark. Such Inspired have to willingly accept quori possession, but the Dreaming Dark has long experience in weaving dreams that can convince mortals to surrender their bodies. VARIANT: QUORI

Entertainer Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

liking to you. Variant Entertainer: Gladiator A gladiator is as much an entertainer as any minstrel or circus performer, trained to make the arts of combat into a spectacle the crowd can

for that “special someone.” 4 Nobody stays angry at me or around me for long, since I can defuse any amount of tension. 5 I love a good insult, even one directed at me. 6

Necrichor Legacy

monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

sludge in the crypts of failed liches. Despite the loss of a solid physical form, these foul creatures retain their terrible intellects and aspire to megalomaniacal goals—the first of which

difficult to destroy, since they leave a trace of their essence within the veins of every creature they’ve controlled and can regenerate themselves from those creatures’ blood. Unable to

Inspired

Monsters Eberron: Rising from the Last War

bred to be such vessels. They have no choice in this destiny, since they can’t resist quori possession. Physically, Inspired resemble the kalashtar, possessing an almost supernatural beauty

surrender their bodies. VARIANT: QUORI VESSEL The Inspired are vessels for quori spirits, allowing the quori to manifest a portion of their power while the vessel is possessed. An Inspired can

Azalin Rex

monsters

demeanor. However, his true form was that of a moldering lich, eyes ablaze with blasphemous energy. Since arriving in the Domains of Dread, Azalin has been unable to learn new magic. For a wizard who

forsook his mortality to pursue arcane studies, this was the ultimate frustration. Despite the limits on his studies, Azalin numbered among the few Darklords who understood the mysterious nature of the

Sailor Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

Master will determine how long it takes to get where you need to go. In return for your free passage, you and your companions are expected to assist the crew during the voyage. Variant Sailor: Pirate

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

Sailor - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

the Gray Wavers—the Flaming Fist harbor guards—and have a sense of how to operate the city’s mechanized cranes. Variant Sailor: Pirate You spent your youth under the sway of a

. 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

Ezmerelda d'Avenir Legacy

monsters Curse of Strahd

, a Vistana, is the protégé of Rudolph van Richten—despite the fact that her first encounter with the vampire hunter was anything but pleasant. Witness to Tragedy. When Ezmerelda

agreed. Ezmerelda’s Prosthetic. Since bidding farewell to van Richten, Ezmerelda has amassed a sizable personal fortune, some of which she used to buy a wagon to carry her vampire-slaying

Gladiator Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

collect local rumors and spread gossip. 3 I’m a hopeless romantic, always searching for that “special someone.” 4 Nobody stays angry at me or around me for long, since I can

. 4 I once satirized a noble who still wants my head. It was a mistake that I will likely repeat. 5 I have trouble keeping my true feelings hidden. My sharp tongue lands me in trouble. 6 Despite my best efforts, I am unreliable to my friends.

Dragon Turtle Wyrmling

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

characters, and use the Dragon Turtle Spellcasting table to help select spells for a spellcasting dragon. (Though the Monster Manual doesn’t explicitly include dragon turtles in the variant rules for

refuse to recognize my rule over these waters suffer my displeasure. (Lawful or Evil) 5 Preservation. I am the ocean’s steward, tending reefs and waters to ensure that they remain unspoiled

Vellynne Harpell

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

—a nervous disorder that manifests as trembling. It can affect her balance and her stride, but she has learned to cast her spells unimpeded by it. Despite her firm grasp of the dark arts, she

. Companions. Since arriving in Icewind Dale, Vellynne has secured the services of six icewind kobold;Icewind kobolds that act as her valets and guides. Two of them were killed by a Melf's acid arrow spell (cast

Hazlik

monsters

", "rollDamageType":"Force"} Force damage. Hazlik can’t take this action again until the start of his next turn.The paranoid, egomaniacal archmage Hazlik clings to his power despite his magical ambitions

being supernaturally smothered. Since Hazlik entered Hazlan, his magic has become unstable. Spells he casts behave erratically and fade swiftly—most lasting no more than an hour—while his

Yakfolk Warrior

Monsters Storm King's Thunder

serve the Forgotten God and its minions—and forbidden to attack them—“for a thousand years and a year.” The sentence has since expired, and yakfolk can no longer summon dao as

that image until the strangers can be disarmed and taken prisoner. In their seemingly idyllic hideaways, the yakfolk rule with iron fists, and for all their learning and culture, they are enormously

Yakfolk Priest

Monsters Storm King's Thunder

: the dao were forced to serve the Forgotten God and its minions—and forbidden to attack them—“for a thousand years and a year.” The sentence has since expired, and yakfolk can

, and the yakfolk foster that image until the strangers can be disarmed and taken prisoner. In their seemingly idyllic hideaways, the yakfolk rule with iron fists, and for all their learning and

Entertainer - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

occupation or social class that frequents the establishment. This contact is delighted to talk with you, and to listen. Variant Entertainer: Gladiator A gladiator is as much an

, since I can defuse any amount of tension. 5 I love a good insult, even one directed at me. 6 I get bitter if I’m not the center of attention. 7 I’ll settle for nothing

Lizardfolk

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

The saurian lizardfolk are thought by some sages to be distant cousins of dragonborn and kobolds. Despite their resemblance to those other scaled folk, however, lizardfolk are their own people and

have lived on the worlds of the Material Plane since the worlds’ creation. Gifted by the gods with remarkable physical defenses and a mystical connection to the natural world, lizardfolk can

Young Dragon Turtle

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

explicitly include dragon turtles in the variant rules for making a dragon a spellcaster, you can apply those rules to these aquatic dragons.) Dragon Turtle Personality Traits d8

the surface world. (Any) 4 Supremacy. Creatures who refuse to recognize my rule over these waters suffer my displeasure. (Lawful or Evil) 5 Preservation. I am the ocean’s steward

Waterdhavian Noble

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

Faerûn for being eccentric, spoiled, venal, and, above all else, rich. Whether you are a shining example of the reason for this reputation or one who proves the rule by being an exception, people

. 6 Despite my noble birth, I do not place myself above other folk. We all have the same blood. 7 My favor, once lost, is lost forever. 8 If you do me an injury, I will crush you, ruin

Kenku Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

master took away their voices. Once the entity was satisfied that they had been sufficiently punished, the kenku were set loose on the Material Plane. Since then, the kenku have wandered the world

capable of flight, and similar objects provoke a great desire for the kenku to acquire the items for themselves. Despite their lack of wings, kenku love dwelling in towers and other tall structures

Bugbear

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

lurking just out of sight, and many of them have sneaked away from that god’s influence. They are long of limb and covered in coarse hair, with wedge-shaped ears and pointed teeth. Despite their

your character’s ability scores, increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine

Githyanki

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

psionic powers and built a great city called Tu’narath. They have since spread throughout the multiverse, starting in outposts outside the Astral Plane, called creches, where time passes and their

by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy. The &ldquo

Tying Knots

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

Sleight of Hand with Intelligence, rather than Dexterity. This is an example of how to apply the rule in the “Variant: Skills with Different Abilities” section in chapter 7 of the Player’s Handbook.

to untie a knot or slip out of one. Here’s an optional rule for determining the effectiveness of a knot. The creature who ties the knot makes an Intelligence (Sleight of Hand) check when doing so. The

Initiative Variants

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

remembering where you are in the list can bog the game down. If you want quicker combats, at the risk of those combats becoming unbalanced, try using the side initiative rule. Under this variant, the

is complete. This variant encourages teamwork and makes your life as a DM easier, since you can more easily coordinate monsters. On the downside, the side that wins initiative can gang up on enemies

Leveling Up

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

expended. Variant: Training to Gain Levels As a variant rule, you can require characters to spend time between adventures training or studying before they gain the benefits of a new level. This

variant slows the passage of time in the game world, which can help support a more realistic or gritty tone in your campaign. If you choose this option, after earning enough Experience Points to attain a

Knight of the Order

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

and responsibility to rule, and the demigod is incarnated as a different noble mortal in each generation. By the decree of the Siamorphe at that time, the Knights of the Silver Chalice took it upon

themselves to put a proper heir on the throne of Tethyr and reestablish order in that kingdom. Since then they have grown to be the most popular knighthood in Tethyr, a nation that has hosted many knighthoods in fealty to the crown.

Adult Moonstone Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

great thinkers, and spur adventurers to heroic deeds. They sometimes give guidance to those in need or request help from adventurers to encourage them to greatness. As a rule, moonstone dragons are

a night hag (coven variant);night hag coven are determined to prevent an adult moonstone dragon from contacting creatures in the dream realm, and the dragon has no idea why. 7 An adult

Simic Scientist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

offer bribes, favors, or other incentives to induce people to reveal their secrets. Your DM might rule that the knowledge you seek is secreted away in an inaccessible place, or that it simply can

adaptations of life. 7 I can’t resist prying into anything forbidden, since it must be terribly interesting. 8 I employ a highly technical vocabulary to avoid imprecision and ambiguity

Ancient Dragon Turtle

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

table to help select spells for a spellcasting dragon. (Though the Monster Manual doesn’t explicitly include dragon turtles in the variant rules for making a dragon a spellcaster, you can apply

) 3 Curiosity. I want to know about everything that enters my domain, especially oddities from the surface world. (Any) 4 Supremacy. Creatures who refuse to recognize my rule over these waters

The Pudding Court

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

the “Royal Oozes” sidebar). Since his return, the Pudding King has been using the power granted him by Juiblex to summon and command every ooze in the region. ROYAL OOZES Princess Ebonmire is a

as the black pudding’s Pseudopod attack. Prince Livid is a gray ooze with 30 hit points (use the psychic gray ooze variant).

Rest Variants

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

within an inch of their lives, yet still be ready to fight again the next day. If this approach doesn’t fit your campaign, consider the following variants. Epic Heroism This variant uses a short rest

of 5 minutes and a long rest of 1 hour. This change makes combat more routine, since characters can easily recover from every battle. You might want to make combat encounters more difficult to

Teeth of Dahlver-Nar

Magic Items Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

;green hags in a Green Hag (Coven Variant);coven When you damage a target that hasn’t taken a turn in this combat, the target takes an extra 3d10 slashing damage from ghostly blades. 5

property, it can’t be used again until the next dawn. Whenever you finish a long rest, if you haven’t used the tooth to counter a spell since your last long rest, your hit point maximum is

Ship-to-Ship Combat

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer: Adventures in Space->Astral Adventurer’s Guide

ballistae and crossbows 1,000 feet Beyond the range of most ranged weapons Initiative The Dungeon Master’s Guide presents a variant rule called side initiative, which is ideal for ship-to-ship engagements

, since it saves you the trouble of tracking initiative for individual creatures aboard each ship. SHIPBOARD WEAPONS A spelljamming ship typically has one or more shipboard weapons, ballistae and

Skill Variants

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

the following variants. Choose whichever one best suits your campaign. Ability Check Proficiency With this variant rule, characters don’t have skill proficiencies. Instead, each character has

distinction among characters. For example, a character can’t choose to emphasize persuasion or intimidation; he or she is equally adept at both. Background Proficiency With this variant rule, characters don’t

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