#d&d things

[punishthemplease]

my lil guy has really been put through the wringer

[tempestuous-tempest]

A Semi-Relevant Guide To Tieflings

Based on my own ideas/beliefs/opinions. This is a part 3. Part One and Part Two are out already. I'm glad I could share my own ideas with a community. [Linking @tealfling]

Tiefling Society

Cultural Aspects:

Many adopt a second name to relect their true self, some infernal or exhibiting virtues to defy stereotypes; These names are often inscribed onto a personal talisman

Often they enjoy high-stakes games of chance or philosophical debates where wit and cunning are just as important as the subject matter

Structures/Communities:

Community structures vary widely, with some forming tight-knit clans while others integrate into broader societies

Some specimens prefer to travel in groups, forming wandering caravans to follow trade routes or avoid persecution

In larger cities, tieflings may form distinct neighborhoods where their customs and heritage are embraced rather than shunned

Due to historical discrimination, some may fom underground networks for mutual aid, intelligence gathering or occult study

Traditions:

Coming-of-Age ceremonies often include mastering latent magical abilities or ritual horn carving

Horn engraving can symbolize personal achievements, lineage, or even spiritual beliefs; Some families pass down traditional designs that represent lineage or infernal ancestry

Infernal festivals include magic performances, blood offerings (Symbolic or real) and competitive duels that can test wit, strength or magic ability

Funerals may involve sealing the deceased within a magically warded tomb to prevent soul theft as many believed their souls are claimed by powerful fiendish ancestors

Many engage in storytelling and oral traditions that preserve their infernal heritage

"Night of Burning Echoes" where they light a large bonfire and write down past mistakes/regrets onto parchment, burning them as an act of renewal

Beliefs/Philosophy:

Many believe destiny is not fixed and seek to forge their own paths, whether by seeking power, defying expectations, or proving their worth

Some struggle between honoring infernal legacies and rejecting them; some embracing fiendish patronage for power while others work to cleanse themselves of dark influences

Some cultures view morality as a balance between chaos and order rather than good and evil and may have different view on justice and punishment

Fashion/Adornments:

In certain societies, specimens wear adornments like tail jewelry to signify status or accomplishments

Tail jewelry like rings, chains or bands are commonly used to signify rank, relationships, or achievements (Some are enchanted to reinforce durability or provide minor protective charms)

Some may practice controlled scarification rituals to create patterns that enhance magical energy or symbolize life experiences

Marriage/Bonding Rituals:

Tail binding to signify commitment

Partners may polish, engrave or anoit each other's horns in scented oils/enchanted dyes as a sign of trust and love

Rather than traditional rings, some forge their wedding bands in ritual flames, infusing them with personal magic or protective charms

Wedding celebrations may include a ceremonial fire dance where partners perform together before their community and the flames are sometimes guided by manipulation magic

Some believe the flickering flames fortell the couple's future

[just-dnd-thingys]

Thinking about some songs by The Mountain Goats and how they were made to be used by Bards in D&D

All the albums and songs but alot of the songs from Bleed Out are really perfect for it; Bleed Out is a great song for when you're in desperate need of healing, Choked Out is great for any battle, Make You Suffer is also great for battle, Training Montage is self explanatory(inspiration), Need More Bandages again for healing or intimidation, Bones Don't Rust, the list goes on and on

[sharkwhale]

I have a theory about D&D Bugbears (which you can feel free to incorporate into your own games):

We are told by The MOM (Monsters of the Multiverse) that Bugbears’ fey ancestry grants them two fey gifts. The first gift is, of course, a resilience against charms. The second gift is one of stealth; A magical ability to stay hidden “just out of sight” by hiding “…in spaces seemingly too small for them.”

HOWEVER, we are still given no explanation as to how Bugbears’ arms can reach as ridiculously far as 10 ft., other than “idk arms kinda long I guess lol”. I’m sure this answer is fine for some people, but not for me—especially since I just thought of an alternative that I’m MUCH more excited about:

The REAL reason Bugbears can reach 10 ft. with their arms and easily fit into spaces that should be a Size too small for them, is that their second fey gift is not one of stealth, but one of space manipulation; They have an innate magical ability to alter how space works, but only for themself.

- Can’t hit enemy cuz they’re a little too far away? Alter the space around your arm so you hit them anyway.

- Can’t fit in that drawer? Alter how your whole body takes up space so you can squish in there.

- Trying to hide behind a tree but you’re too big? Once again, alter the space your whole body takes up, so the tree fully covers you!

It’s possible that this ability is very limited due to Bugbears’ far removal from their fey roots…

But it may also be that this distance has not made Bugbears any less powerful—they’ve simply forgotten this ability of theirs, and thus can only use it unconsciously via belief of how things “should” work for them. They think their arms are long enough to reach 10 ft., so they are. They think they can fit in that drawer or be entirely covered by that little tree, so they can. Maybe that’s also why they can lift the same amount of weight as a Large creature—they think they can.

TLDR: Bugbears have space-warping abilities, which is why they can reach so far. Their stealthiness results from them using their space-warping to hide in too-small spaces. Also they might be similar to Orks from WH40k.

[dracomeir]

Thief Pico & Mage Darnell Designs by @darnellthefirestarter I was going to do a background too, but it was ugly af, so yeah.

[echogekkos-writes]

Regular DM life. Or when you find out one of your player's ranger has a +9 to hit at level 5.

[captainofthetidesbreath]

Hunter's Mark being always prepared and no longer requiring concentration is all I have ever wanted for Rangers.

It's REALLY good. I'm actually generally anti-Hunter's Mark, and that's a huge reason why. The concentration cost is just incredibly prohibitive.

I'm also talking to some folks on Twitter who were saying it would be nice to not have that be so hard-baked in for everyone. Like, maybe have a small selection of spells that could gain the same benefit of not costing concentration and you have to choose your personal signature spell at that level. (Sort of like a miniature warlock's Arcanum!)

Or, maybe the Hunter's Mark benefits is something specific to the Hunter subclass and all rangers get the tracking and lore bonuses back. I do very much miss the bonuses and advantage on tracking people and recalling information about creatures and environments.