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Returning 35 results for 'stories of runes defeat variants'.
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Backgrounds
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
greater rewards as an adventurer. Your experience makes you familiar with the ins and outs of mercenary life, and you likely have harrowing stories of events on the battlefield. You might have served with
never leave a friend behind.
3
My honor is my life.
4
I’ll never forget the crushing defeat my company suffered or the enemies who dealt it.
5
Those who fight beside me are those
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
Folk Horror Plots Folk horror stories often involve outsiders or an unwitting new member of the community discovering a unsettling practices. Folk Horror Plots d8 Plot
1 Recover a missing
horseback is imprisoned and sentenced to death.
4 Help a cult summon a fiend to combat an impending greater evil.
5 Defeat a violent hag who’s protected by everyone in town and called
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
accident of their birth as a kind of cruel joke they have chosen to embrace. Equally intriguing and disturbing to followers of some faiths in Faerûn are stories spread by tieflings who claim to have
lady of fortune” (Tymora) — an indication, tieflings say, that one’s outward appearance and bloodline are less important to the gods than the heart and soul within. TIEFLING VARIANTS
Since not all
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
Khorvaire pull the strings of civilization. According to some stories, the dragons seek to protect the younger races from vile fiends. In other tales, the dragons see the people of Khorvaire as fodder for
leather cords 5 A dagger carved from a dragon’s talon 6 A brass disk bearing the silhouette of a black dragon 7 A small egg-shaped piece of polished bone 8 A bone fragment with brass inlaid runes 9 A leather pouch filled with tiny draconic teeth 10 A single large seed that’s warm to the touch
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
reflects the structure of dramatic stories. At the beginning of a story, something happens to shake the protagonists’ world and spur them into action. The characters take action to resolve their
adventure hooks and affect the characters’ lives directly. In the middle, they make great turning points as the characters’ fortunes reverse — rising after a defeat or falling after a victory. Near the end
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
An Uncertain Future Celebrations and enthusiasm fill Kalaman for days after the Dragon Army’s defeat, and its people begin to make hopeful plans for the future. Here are the plans of just a few of
and begin work on new inventions. Use these plans to wrap up the stories of these characters or to foreshadow future adventures.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
Using an Overarching Story This section presents a couple of examples of overarching stories which have, over the years, fueled many classic D&D campaigns. The adventurers’ goal in the first example
is to amass the power they need to defeat a powerful enemy that threatens the world. Their goal in the second example is to defend something they care about by destroying whatever threatens it. The
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a3
stone around it can be chipped away over several hours of tedious labor until the edge of the slab no longer holds in place. A knock spell can also defeat the locking mechanism. Treasure. The silver
. Written on the side of this figurine are strange runes. On the slimmer end is a small arched square panel.
The runes are in a script similar to Elvish and spell out the name Ilnedraw. Deft fingers
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ravenloft: The Horrors Within
potential defeat of a Darklord? Or would you rather keep a Darklord in the background and focus on other stories? Darklord Downfalls. Can a Darklord be defeated, or are they an enduring and recurring threat
work only a spirit can do? Survival. Do you expect any or all of the characters to survive the campaign? Will the players be satisfied if their characters’ stories end in defeat, transformation, or
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
damage is real. A character free of the vision can free another character from it by using an action to shake or slap them. If the characters defeat Hexacali, their last collective memory is of pinning
Kestellharp”). The first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the gate appears in area 25b on level 10, in the closest unoccupied space next to the identical gate located there.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
burn victims close in on the characters and attack. What the Soldiers Know If the characters defeat the wraiths, the camp’s commander, Captain Atoy, thanks the characters and welcomes them to rest
. Swapping Stories. The camp’s inhabitants are starved for stories of the outside world. After the attack, several ask the characters to share a meal and tell them of their travels. If the characters
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Quests from the Infinite Staircase
within the hall. Nafas delights in hearing the stories of his visitors, especially tales of adventures beyond the Infinite Staircase. Easily moved, the djinni disarms audiences with his booming laugh and
, seated on his throne: a weightless, high-backed chair sculpted from the clouds that pervade the misty chamber. The djinni reflects on each wish he hears, contemplating the stories behind them. Each
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
stubbornness. Countless tales tell of him or his champions besting terrible beasts, enemy armies, or threats to the world. Still other stories rise beyond accounts of his victories.
Bulwark of Brotherhood
. Iroas carries a battle-worn bronze shield called the Bulwark of Brotherhood. It symbolizes the protective bond shared by all soldiers at war and his determination, ironically, to defeat his own brother
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
in this era, including the Knights of Solamnia, the Mages of High Sorcery, and the dwarven kingdom of Thorbardin. Ironically, these cultures often dismiss one another’s foundational stories as
used it to defeat the evil god Takhisis the Dragon Queen and end the war, forcing the god and her dragons to leave Krynn. The good dragons of Krynn soon departed as well, leaving the world to mortals
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries
Optional Encounter If the characters are struggling or you worry about their ability to defeat the dracolich at the end of the adventure, this encounter adds a “here comes the cavalry” possibility to
in their path. The journey to Azumar takes a few days. A Bedine guide fills each night around the campfire with horrifying stories about the accursed city. Ogruhl the Dragon Tortoise If you use this
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->Volo's Guide to Monsters
. Hill giants who choose that path make themselves maug. Non-giants are considered maug out of hand and must usually prove themselves maat to gain a giant’s respect. Runes and Tale Carvings For much of
are illiterate or nearly so — particularly hill, frost, and fire giants, which place little value on learning. Instead of writing stories with words, they typically tell their tales with pictograms
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
) bludgeoning damage from the fall. Climbing the rough walls requires a successful DC 10 Strength (Athletics) check. Development. If the characters defeat the scarecrows and search the constructs, large
desiccated and skeletal humanoid corpses litter the floor of this small chamber. The stone of the north wall has been etched with intricate runes, but the pattern ends abruptly.
Bodies and Runes. A closer
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm Lord’s Wrath
thieves’ tools. Also, the doors and windows have an AC of 12 and break with 25 points of damage. Magical runes, as per the glyph of warding spell, protect the cloak room and barn doors. If the party
opens the doors without first removing or disabling the runes, they take thunder damage as per the spell. A window at the back of the inn on the second floor is open (see “The Upstairs” below). A
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
intrigue in the city of Menzoberranzan, written in Elvish by an unknown author), and Demonic Infestations (a collection of stories about demonic possession, written in Common). None of the books are
”). The first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the gate appears in area 41 on level 7, in the closest unoccupied space next to the identical gate located there.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
to defeat a much larger foe. The elders know that the world outside is dangerous and that their kin must understand how to deal with those dangers. Stories about Arvoreen are told in such a way that
between them and their gods. To halflings, their gods are part of the family. And as family members do, the gods set an example that is reaffirmed through the stories of their heroic deeds, with each tale
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
. The follower of a god serves as an agent of that god in the world. The agent seeks to further the ideals of that god and defeat its rivals. While some folk might refuse to honor the gods, none can
know the area they live in well. They’ve heard stories of other places from merchants and travelers, but few know what lies beyond the mountains or in the depths of the great forest unless they’ve
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
Celebrity Adventurer’s Scion Your family name strikes fear and admiration in the hearts of the common folk — but that’s got nothing to do with you. Songs and stories celebrating the adventuring
in the campaign, at the DM’s discretion. Additionally, the common folk treat you with deference, and your heritage and the stories you tell might be good for a free meal or a place to sleep
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron
turned on the others, killing noble Siberys and scattering the pieces of his body. Eberron fought Khyber, but couldn’t defeat the dark wyrm. And so Eberron wound Khyber in her coils and transformed
artifacts and other treasures far beyond the capabilities of any modern artificer. But there is more to the past than treasures waiting to be found. Stories say that demons and dragons are fighting a long
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
characters’ stories and share anecdotes. When you decide it’s time, read the following: The doors to the great hall fly open and a sentry from the pinnacle shouts, “Manticore! It’s on the move!”
At this
the spire (area S11). The aarakocra in area V8 come to the characters’ aid in that event. If the characters defeat their attackers, surviving knights flee on hippogriffs and giant vultures. They lead
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
about these travelers are, and the stories behind them, as you see fit. Mysterious Passengers d100 Passenger 01–02 A human merchant of obvious means seems to be deliberately drawing attention, loudly
unremarkable farmers are transporting a strange device that bears Draconic runes. 93–94 A cleric of the Sovereign Host seems annoyed and is rude to several pious passengers who ask for blessings. 95–96 An
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
stalkers to carry on the fight. Each creature summoned in this manner appears in an unoccupied space of Reggaryarva’s choice within the circle of thrones. If the characters defeat the frost giant skeleton
through. Stone Braziers. Any character who understands Dwarvish or Giant can interpret the runes on the six braziers as follows: dod (death), fjell (mountain), krig (war), liv (life), vind (wind), and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the gate appears in area 40 on level 6, in the closest unoccupied space next to the
, killing all the creatures it encounters. If the characters defeat the behir — and eliminate any drow of House Freth they encounter along the way — Tsabdrar promises that House Auvryndar will let them keep
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
found on level 15.) Characters must be 13th level or higher to pass through this gate (see “Jhesiyra Kestellharp”). The first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes
containing it. Yaveklar is not convinced that her forces are strong enough to defeat the neothelid and still maintain a foothold on this level. If the characters can communicate with the knights, they can
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things
Gremorly. Ritual Rod. Set into a metal tripod in the center of the room is a 3-foot-long metal rod decorated with runes and glowing with necromantic magic. The entire assembly weighs 8 pounds. This is one of
runes on the rod fill the room with acid. All creatures in the room must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 5d8 acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Once the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
Black Dragon Adventures The Black Dragon Adventure Hooks table offers suggestions for stories and adventures involving black dragons. Black Dragon Adventure Hooks d8 Adventure Hook
1 A
water elementals to the task of bringing food to the dragon’s lair.
7 A bullywug community seeks help to defeat an adult black dragon who has been feasting on the bullywugs’ domesticated giant
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
Red Dragon Adventures The Red Dragon Adventure Hooks table offers suggestions for stories and adventures involving red dragons. Red Dragon Adventure Hooks d8 Adventure Hook
1 A red dragon
master can defeat the consort in single combat and claim a place at Tiamat’s side.
4 A balor demon hopes an ancient red dragon’s dragonsight can help the demon coordinate a multidimensional play for power in the Abyss.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
defeat her or retreat. Both options are discussed below: If the characters destroy all three of Auril’s forms, any character who has the Midwinter Child secret (see appendix B) loses the benefit of that
holding greataxes. Runes are carved into the door’s surface.
The runes on the door, written in the Dwarvish script, read as follows: In ice and blood, our folk are born.
To our great queen, we
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
Shadow Dragon Adventures The Shadow Dragon Adventure Hooks table offers suggestions for stories and adventures involving shadow dragons. Shadow Dragon Adventure Hooks d8 Adventure Hook
1 A
common foes.
4 An adult shadow dragon and a beholder share a precarious bond, allied against an ancient sapphire dragon neither can defeat alone.
5 An adult shadow dragon is gathering a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide
Campaign Setting Just like an adventure’s setting (as described in chapter 4), a campaign setting is an essential part of a campaign’s premise, shaping the kinds of stories that unfold there. As the
-forgotten empires. Greyhawk As tensions rise among warring nations, heroes plunder dungeons to gain the magic and might they need to defeat the growing forces of evil. Planescape Sigil, the City of Doors