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Returning 35 results for 'story of runes descent variant'.
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Entertainer
Legacy
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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
1
I know a story relevant to almost every situation.
2
Whenever I come to a new place, I collect local rumors and spread gossip.
3
I’m a hopeless romantic, always searching
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
high-minded ideals about the practice of art and the appreciation of beauty.
d8
Personality Trait
1
I know a story relevant to almost every situation.
2
Whenever I come to a new
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
lock of a loved one’s hair, or a painting of a favorite place. A story of happy times fondly remembered is more precious to a moonstone dragon than a sack of gold.
Creating a Moonstone Dragon
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
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
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
Chapter 5: Escape from Avernus All adventures must end, but the best ones end with a bang. The climax of Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus comes when the characters try to redeem Zariel, save
story evolve beyond the suggested endings outlined in this chapter. If the characters don’t want to save Elturel, they don’t need to. However, if they intend to save Elturel, the players should be
Magic Items
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
a random destination, which could be on a different world of the Material Plane.
Destroying the Teeth. Each tooth must be destroyed individually by sowing it in the area where the tooth’s story
;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
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Traveler, and Touched by the Far Realm: A Wizard’s Lamentable Descent into Lunacy. Tucked among these mundane tomes is Melissara’s spellbook, which bears the (right side up) Shadowdusk family crest on the
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
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
11. King’s Walk This interconnected series of rooms tells the story of King Melair’s life in art. The duergar have looted each chamber. 11a. Training Years Pillars. Stone pillars support a series of
stone arches beneath a 30-foot-high domed ceiling.
Frescoes. Stone panels set into the walls bear frescoes and Dwarvish runes.
The frescoes chronicle the birth of Melair, a common shield dwarf
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
is consistent with the character’s personality trait, flaw, or bond. The character’s action should be notable in some way. It might drive the story forward, push the adventurers into danger, or make
characters agree to help a suspicious but seductive noble and thereby become entangled in a web of intrigue and betrayal, reward them with inspiration. Similarly, characters in a horror story typically
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
descent dominate the central lands of Faerûn, around the Inner Sea. Chondathan Names: (Male) Darvin, Dorn, Evendur, Gorstag, Grim, Helm, Malark, Morn, Randal, Stedd; (female) Arveene, Esvele, Jhessail
, Ramondo VARIANT HUMAN TRAITS
If your campaign uses the optional feat rules from chapter 6, your Dungeon Master might allow these variant traits, all of which replace the human’s Ability Score
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
”). Each apparition takes a harmless swing at any creatures that pass through the area before sinking back into the fog. 9c. Unpleasant Descent This 10-foot-high passage slopes down gently as it runs
higher to pass through this gate (see “Jhesiyra 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 34a on level 6, in the closest unoccupied space next to the identical gate located there.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves
twelve runes engraved around the sphinx statue. Each is an ancient symbol for a different hour. If the characters fail to answer the riddle correctly, Oliekintara seems pleased with her own cleverness
. She offers to tell them what she knows in return for a gift. This can be anything the characters think a sphinx might like—perhaps a song, a story, a meal, a future visit—or treasure worth at least
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh
broke in half during its descent, its bow section gone missing but its stern plunged backward into the seafloor like a spike.
The sandy bed around the wreckage is scattered with partially buried
to be inscribed with ancient runes. A character who succeeds on a DC 14 Intelligence (Investigation) check deduces that the slab is the product of magic. A subsequent successful DC 16 Intelligence
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
, paladins might not swear their oaths to ideals, but instead swear fealty to powerful sorcerers. To capture this story concept, you could build a new paladin spell list with spells meant to protect
opportunity to develop the character’s story and that of your world, rather than shutting down possibilities. Substituting Class Features If one or more features of a given class don’t exactly fit the theme
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
moments from the character’s story and how they can be reflected in the events of their final descent. Maybe they see the souls of friends, allies, or loved ones who perished, whether their fates are
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
assassins congregate in secret in communities across Theros, engaging in campaigns of violence. The only major festival dedicated to Erebos, called the Katabasion or “the Descent,” features a ceremony
wealth of the Underworld, and the inevitability of death.
Kytheon’s Escape. Many know the story of Kytheon Iora, an Akroan orphan who took up Heliod’s spear and attempted to kill Erebos himself
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
Origin of the Raven Queen For those who seek to unravel the enigma of the Raven Queen, the story of her origin comes from the ancient history of the elves. It is said that she was once an elf queen
drow who have forsaken the evil ways of their kind. I give these stories no credit, though Elminster himself swears they have validity. Never trust a drow, or the word of an archmage.
Descent into
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
of many Material Plane worlds, as a reflection of that primordial story. It begins to explore the connections linking dragons on different worlds, which is elaborated throughout the rest of this book
. Chapter 1 introduces draconic-themed options for adventurers, including three variant dragonborn races, two dragon-oriented subclasses (the Drakewarden ranger and the Way of the Ascendant Dragon monk
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
matter what. 2 I work hard so that I can play hard when the work is done. 3 I enjoy sailing into new ports and making new friends over a flagon of ale. 4 I stretch the truth for the sake of a good story
, it’s hard for me to stop. 5 I can’t help but pocket loose coins and other trinkets I come across. 6 My pride will probably lead to my destruction. Variant Sailor: Pirate You spent your youth under the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
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
examination of the still-intact bodies reveals that each bears tattoos matching the runes carved on the walls. The corpses wear a wide range of clothing and armor, but have been stripped of all
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Heroes of the Borderlands
hermit invites the party into her hut, where she shares her story and the rumors on her NPC Card. On a failed check, Xanthe slams the door in their faces. Alexander Mokhov Xanthe
Elf Hermit
demon worshiper.” (Partially true; Xanthe is referring to Ivlis, the former priest)
Occult Ritual Eventually, you come across an eerie statue in a forest clearing. Strange runes are etched into
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
, all its answers support Awa’s story from the “Death in the Mines” section. Multiple Paths. Awa wasn’t sure which of the southern tunnels he fled through. Characters who search the area and succeed on
commoner stat block. Suspicious Runes. Characters who investigate the area where the survivors were hiding can make a DC 14 Intelligence (Investigation) check. If they succeed, they find a series of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
2. Giants’ Lodge This two-story lodge is partially buried in the ice. It has three possible entrances: the main entrance on the ground floor (leading to area 2A), an ice tunnel that leads to a door
looking toward the southeast contains a wooden brace supporting an ancient red dragon’s horn that the frost giants have etched with runes and made into a musical instrument. The horn weighs 450 pounds. Only
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
more than three hundred years. The recent story of Citadel Felbarr is the story of my fallen friend, King Emerus Warcrown. In 1367 DR, Emerus led a force of dwarves to seize on the advantage when, to
or the shorthand runes carved throughout the city, have a far more difficult time. Following the war, most Felbarran applauded the dissolution of the Silver Marches. In its time of greatest need, no
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
story. It was built before the Cataclysm by the Mages of High Sorcery, but its intended purpose is lost to time. Many extradimensional spaces within it remain active, though they’re accessible only
the door, read the following text: The door opens into a wide rotunda with black stone floors and walls carved with elaborate runes. The interior is empty save for a single pedestal at the room’s center
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
appreciation of beauty. d8 Personality Trait 1 I know a story relevant to almost every situation. 2 Whenever I come to a new place, I collect local rumors and spread gossip. 3 I’m a hopeless
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. Variant Entertainer: Gladiator A gladiator is as much
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)
Cathedral, Protector of the Malachite Scepter, and so on and so forth.”
— Gargoyle seneschal’s standard greeting
Genies are rare elemental creatures out of story and legend. Only a few can be
believing they are as powerful as the gods. Some go so far as to demand that mortals of other realms — even whole continents or worlds — bow down before them. VARIANT: GENIE POWERS
Genies have a variety
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide
each member of the party? Does the group have a patron—an individual or organization that points them toward their adventures? If the players are having trouble coming up with a story for how their
the variant rules presented in this or any other book, let your players know about them. Remember, you’ll always know more about your campaign world than the players do. Having spent all their lives in
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
this gate (see “Jhesiyra 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 2d on level 14
lizards have the Spider Climb trait (see the “Variant: Giant Lizard Traits” sidebar in appendix A of the Monster Manual), which allows them to climb over the web cables and exit this area. Treasure. Fastened to Talabsyn’s cloak is an obsidian scarab engraved with the insignia of House Freth (25 gp).
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
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
older human reads the Korranberg Chronicle, loudly proclaiming outrage at every story. 97–98 Roll again; the travelers are one or more changelings appearing to be whatever the second roll indicates
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->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
creatures that enter the room using their Psychic Crush action option (see the “Variant: Psychic Gray Oozes” sidebar in the “Oozes” entry in the Monster Manual). While contained in the altar, the oozes
.
Examination of the altar reveals Elvish runes worked into the harp. Any character who understands Elvish can translate the words as “The hymn is the key.” A character who succeeds on a DC 20 Intelligence
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
corner. These docile reptiles are used as mounts by the drow scouts in area 25b and have the Spider Climb trait (see the “Variant: Giant Lizard Traits” sidebar in appendix A of the Monster Manual
“Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the gate appears in area 17c on level 8, in the closest unoccupied space next to the identical gate located there. 25c. Entrance Stairs. Stairs carved
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
composed recounting of deeds, events, and important persons. Dwarves combine their runes into patterns, present pictorial histories in seemingly unconnected murals and images, and otherwise leave their
clan’s legacy of accomplishments hiding in plain sight. The story of the clan is meant to be appreciated by clan members and fellow dwarves, not the few outsiders who might be allowed inside the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
trap’s pressure plate in a dungeon is good. Avoiding an awkward social situation might be even more important. Explosive runes warding a treasure chest go off once, maybe no one spotted them, big
weight in performance bonuses. Sign of Success Every rogue has a story about that one big score. With enough ales and a bit of prompting, you can easily be convinced to tell the tale, highlighting all