stories of rule death variants - Search

Eye and Hand of Vecna

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide

Vecna the Archlich;Vecna was a mighty wizard who, through magic and conquest, forged a terrible empire. For all his power, however, Vecna feared death and took steps to prevent his demise by becoming

a lich. A treacherous lieutenant named Kas the Betrayer;Kas brought Vecna’s rule to an end in a terrible battle. Of Vecna, all that remained were one hand and one eye, grisly Artifacts that

Catoblepas

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the start of the catoblepas’s next turn. Death Ray (Recharge 5–6);{"diceNotation":"1d6", "rollType":"recharge", "rollAction

":"Death Ray"}. The catoblepas targets one creature it can see within 30 feet of it. The target must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw, taking 36 (8d8);{"diceNotation":"8d8", "rollType":"damage

Syndra Silvane

Monsters Tomb of Annihilation

spells on herself before combat. Death Curse. Syndra’s hit point maximum has been reduced to 79 by the Soulmonger’s death curse, and it decreases by 1 every midnight. If her hit point

maximum drops to 0, Syndra dies and can’t be brought back from the dead until the death curse has ended (and if her soul hasn’t been devoured). Destroying the Soulmonger is the only way to halt

Derro

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

some duergar, derro are descended from a dwarven community that was left behind when the others escaped the rule of mind flayers. These remnants were so distorted by the mind flayers’ psionic

power that the dwarves became Aberrations. Derro tell their own stories of flight and survival in the Underdark, in which mind flayers aren’t always the enemy. They tell of two brothers, the

Death Kiss

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

. Lacking the egotism of their stronger kin, a death kiss usually submits to the rule of its creator or any other beholder it encounters, but it tries to escape as soon as the beholder is preoccupied. A

Lightning Blood. A creature within 5 feet of the death kiss takes 5 (1d10);{"diceNotation":"1d10", "rollType":"damage", "rollAction":"Lightning Blood", "rollDamageType":"lightning"} lightning damage

Darkling

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Death Flash. When the darkling dies, nonmagical light flashes out from it in a 10-foot radius as its body and possessions, other than metal or magic objects, burn to ash. Any creature in that area

’ wrath, she cursed every member of his house. The seelie fey’s true name has been stricken from history, but the stories call him Dubh Catha (“Dark Crow” in Common), and other Fey

Cultist (Knights of the Black Sword)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

have perished in the wilderness had Levistus not intervened on their behalf. The cultists’ stories are all the same: the archdevil reached out to them in their minds as they were freezing to death

Ankhtepot

monsters

spellcasting ability (spell save DC 19): At Will: Dispel Magic, Divination, Mage Hand (hand is Invisible), Power Word Stun 1/Day Each: Animate Dead, Sunburst Touch of Death (Recharge 6

);{"diceNotation":"1d6", "rollType":"recharge", "rollAction":"Touch of Death"}. Ankhtepot touches one creature within 5 feet. If the creature has 80 Hit Points or fewer, it dies. Otherwise, it takes 52 (8d12

Darkling Elder Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

Death Burn. When the darkling elder dies, magical light flashes out from it in a 10-foot radius as its body and possessions, other than metal or magic objects, burn to ash. Any creature in that area

must make a DC 11 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the creature takes 7 (2d6);{"diceNotation":"2d6","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Death Burn","rollDamageType":"radiant"} radiant damage and

Darkling Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

Death Flash. When the darkling dies, nonmagical light flashes out from it in a 10-foot radius as its body and possessions, other than metal or magic objects, burn to ash. Any creature in that area

speak of a seelie fey who betrayed the Summer Queen. His true name has been stricken from history, but the stories call him Dubh Catha ("Dark Crow" in Common). So great was the Summer Queen's wrath

Abhorrent Overlord

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

creatures whose gray, leathery skin is in stark contrast to the gleaming jewelry made of Underworld gold that they adorn themselves with. Their appetite for pain and death is eclipsed only by their greed

continue to flock around the demon, offering fealty and squabbling for scraps. Some foul souls can't let go of the miserable lives they had. Having been despicable in life, these spirits fester in death

Cult Fanatic (Knights of the Black Sword)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

’ stories are all the same: the archdevil reached out to them in their minds as they were freezing to death, offering a second chance at life in exchange for their absolute devotion. After they

Derro Savant

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

histories of some duergar, derro are descended from a dwarven community that was left behind when the others escaped the rule of mind flayers. These remnants were so distorted by the mind flayers

’ psionic power that the dwarves became Aberrations. Derro tell their own stories of flight and survival in the Underdark, in which mind flayers aren’t always the enemy. They tell of two

Storm Sorcery (SCAG)

classes Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

Your innate magic comes from the power of elemental air. Many with this power can trace their magic back to a near-death experience caused by the Great Rain, but perhaps you were born during a

howling gale so powerful that folk still tell stories of it, or your lineage might include the influence of potent air creatures such as djinn. Whatever the case, the magic of the storm permeates your being

Storm Sorcery

classes Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

Your innate magic comes from the power of elemental air. Many with this power can trace their magic back to a near-death experience caused by the Great Rain, but perhaps you were born during a

howling gale so powerful that folk still tell stories of it, or your lineage might include the influence of potent air creatures such as djinn. Whatever the case, the magic of the storm permeates your being

Lady Illmarrow

Monsters Eberron: Rising from the Last War

, polymorph 5th level (3 slots): cloudkill, cone of cold, hold monster, scrying 6th level (2 slot): chain lightning, circle of death, create undead 7th level (2 slot): finger of death, forcecage

— an ancient lich said to dwell in a castle of bone and ice in the coldest regions of the Lhazaar Principalities. Some stories say that she is served by a legion of undead and that she maintains a

Eater of Hope

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

death. The worst of these hateful dead, through ages of bitterness, gradually transform into fiends, the tormentors of the Underworld. The people of Theros know these fiends as demons. Immortal Nature

, feel free to use whatever fiends you wish when telling stories in Theros—the Underworld’s a big place with room for all the incarnate wickedness you desire. PoisonCold, Necrotic

Nightmare Shepherd

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

miserable lives they had. Having been despicable in life, these spirits fester in death. The worst of these hateful dead, through ages of bitterness, gradually transform into fiends, the tormentors of

plane might consider it a rarity from some undiscovered Abyssal layer. In general, feel free to use whatever fiends you wish when telling stories in Theros—the Underworld’s a big place with room for all the incarnate wickedness you desire. PoisonCold, Necrotic

Eye and Hand of Vecna Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

power, Vecna couldn’t escape his own mortality. He began to fear death and take steps to prevent his end from ever coming about. Orcus, the demon prince of undeath, taught Vecna a ritual that

would allow him to live on as a lich. Beyond death, he became the greatest of all liches. Even though his body gradually withered and decayed, Vecna continued to expand his evil dominion. So formidable

Archaeologist

Backgrounds Tomb of Annihilation

practice archaeology travel to the far corners of the world to root through crumbled cities and lost dungeons, digging in search of artifacts that might tell the stories of monarchs and high priests, wars

Preservation. That artifact belongs in a museum. (Good) 2 Greed. I won’t risk my life for nothing. I expect some kind of payment. (Any) 3 Death Wish. Nothing is more

Kenku

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

that there are as many kenku origin stories as there are kenku. Some of them paint their genesis as a curse, being a flightless bird people doomed to mimic other people’s creations. Other kenku

;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 the scores, such

Dragon Turtle Wyrmling

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

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

table offers suggestions for stories and adventures involving dragon turtles. Dragon Turtle Adventure Hooks d8;{"diceNotation":"1d8","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Adventure Hook"} Adventure

Moonstone Dragon Wyrmling

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

, encourage 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 Dragon Adventure Hooks table offers suggestions for stories and adventures involving moonstone dragons. Moonstone Dragon Adventure Hooks d8;{"diceNotation":"1d8","rollType":"roll

Tortle Legacy

Species The Tortle Package

test, and make new acquaintances. Life of a Tortle A tortle hatches from a thick-shelled egg and spends the first few weeks of its life crawling on all fours. Its parents, old and near death, spend

what little time they have left telling stories to their offspring. Within a year, the young tortle becomes an orphan, though not before it learns to speak and to survive on its own. A young tortle

Young Moonstone Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

. They sometimes give guidance to those in need or request help from adventurers to encourage them to greatness. As a rule, moonstone dragons are not particularly interested in gold or copper

stories and adventures involving moonstone dragons. Moonstone Dragon Adventure Hooks d8;{"diceNotation":"1d8","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Adventure Hook"} Adventure Hook 1 A

Yakfolk Warrior

Monsters Storm King's Thunder

face is worn smooth into a featureless mask. The deity is appeased by sacrifice, which its followers carry out by capturing Humanoids and putting them to death by fire (immolation), earth (live burial

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

a male Yikaria, but its face is worn smooth into a featureless mask. The deity is appeased by sacrifice, which its followers carry out by capturing Humanoids and putting them to death by fire

, 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

Young Dragon Turtle

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

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

suggestions for stories and adventures involving dragon turtles. Dragon Turtle Adventure Hooks d8;{"diceNotation":"1d8","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Adventure Hook"} Adventure Hook

Forlarren

Monsters Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1

, set itself up as a petty lord, and rule over all those who fall into its grasp. A Sinister Cycle. A forlarren in its fey aspect demonstrates self-destructive urges that reflect the inherent tension in

its nature. That aspect might drive it to drink itself nearly to death, or to throw itself into caring for others with such relentless energy that it eventually collapses from exhaustion

Hobgoblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

death becomes a hero eternal. Young hobgoblins start soldiering when they can walk and heed the mustering call as soon as they can wield their weapons capably. Every legion in the hobgoblins&rsquo

discipline, and he is thought to be pleased by displays of those principles. In the stories that hobgoblins tell one another, Bargrivyek serves as Nomog-Geaya’s second in command. Nomog-Geaya

Sea Spawn

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

grappled (escape DC 12) if it is a Medium or smaller creature. Until this grapple ends, the sea spawn can’t use this tentacle on another target.Many of the stories sung as sea chanteys and

death. Sea spawn come in a wide variety of forms. An individual might have a tentacle for an arm, the jaws of a shark, a sea urchin’s spines, a whale’s fin, octopus eyes, seaweed hair, or

Dullahan Legacy

monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

a specific location their battlefield. This gives rise to stories of haunted battlegrounds, ruins, roads, river crossings and other strategic locations where a dullahan continues a terrifying

campaign against the living. In death, dullahans are often rejoined by those who followed them in life, either in the form of lesser undead, like skeleton;skeletons or wight;wights, or terrifying mounts

Sword of Kas Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

power grew, so did his hubris. His sword urged him to supplant Vecna, so that they could rule the lich’s empire in Vecna’s stead. Legend says Vecna’s destruction came at Kas’s

) from it: call lightning, divine word, or finger of death. Once you use the sword to cast a spell, you can’t cast that spell again from it until the next dawn. Sentience. The Sword of Kas is a

Reborn Legacy

Species Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

Death isn’t always the end. The reborn exemplify this, being individuals who have died yet, somehow, still live. Some reborn exhibit the scars of fatal ends, their ashen flesh or bloodless

veins making it clear that they’ve been touched by death. Other reborn are marvels of magic or science, being stitched together from disparate beings or bearing mysterious minds in manufactured

Mark of Shadow Elf

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

Thuranni, Regalport (Lhazaar Principalities) Elves have carried the Mark of Shadow for thousands of years. The mark’s bearers left Aerenal after the conflict that wiped out the Mark of Death

espionage in the lands west of the Mournland, while Thuranni operates in the eastern lands. As a rule, Phiarlan elves are the better spies and Thuranni agents are superior assassins. Thuranni and Phiarlan

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