badly bow diffusing contests rather

Urchin Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

life — and maybe get some payback on all the rich people who treated them badly. d8 Personality Trait 1 I hide scraps of food and trinkets away in my pockets. 2 I ask a lot

;d rather kill someone in their sleep than fight fair. 5 It’s not stealing if I need it more than someone else. 6 People who can’t take care of themselves get what they deserve.

Urchin - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

; and maybe get some payback on all the rich people who treated them badly. d8 Personality Trait 1 I hide scraps of food and trinkets away in my pockets. 2 I ask a lot of questions

from a fight. 2 Gold seems like a lot of money to me, and I’ll do just about anything for more of it. 3 I will never fully trust anyone other than myself. 4 I’d rather

Frost Giant

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual

titanic game or creating sanctuaries from the cold (frequently featuring hot springs or snowy contests). Frost giants sometimes forge partnerships with icy Fey or fire giants dwelling underground

Languages Giant CR 8 (XP 3,900; PB +3) Actions Multiattack. The giant makes two attacks, using Frost Axe or Great Bow in any combination. Frost Axe. Melee Attack Roll: +9, reach 10 ft. Hit: 19 (2d12

1. Spiral Staircase

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a4

1. Spiral Staircase The staircase is badly rusted but appears to be sturdy. The air inside the passageway is warm, humid, and rather foul. You reach the bottom of the stairs with a splash—the floor

Champions of Rock Throwing

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters

, and sport — is a tradition that goes back to the ancient times of the giants. Other races developed the sling, the spear-thrower, or the bow to artificially improve the strength and accuracy of their

throwing rocks in ways that hone their skills for hunting and war. One of the most popular contests, especially among fire giants, involves nothing more than taking turns trying to knock each other down with

Zariel's Fall

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus

grace. Haruman followed his master into damnation willingly and was transformed into a narzugon devil, while Olanthius, who took his own life rather than bow before Asmodeus, was brought back to serve as a death knight under Zariel’s burning gaze.

Walking a Different Path

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

other skilled warriors. Rather than worshiping Tempus or Bane, Gruumsh or Tyr, you instead bow down before the altar of your own superiority, channeling your ego to drive your franchise’s success

the Ancestral Guardian Rather than calling upon the spirits of your ancestors, you are in communion with the franchise executives and corporate raiders who have traveled your path before. These paragons

Flight to Steel Springs

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

Flight to Steel Springs Assuming the characters head to Steel Springs, they arrive as Kalaman’s forces engage the Dragon Army. However, Kalaman received faulty intelligence, and its troops are badly

outnumbered. Rather than joining the Kalaman forces in their advance, the characters find themselves defending a retreat. The adventure unfolds in one of two ways: With Mass Combat. If you’re using

Hazlik

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

petty contests, victories, and embarrassments, he grew increasingly arrogant, orchestrating events that left his rivals scarred by his spells or their own backfiring magic. During these feuds, there was

impress his people’s rulers and gain their patronage. Instead, the zulkirs revealed that Indreficus had not betrayed him. Rather, the zulkirs had watched the pair’s ascent and, wary of their potential

Nautical Adventures

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros

steeped in magic as Theros. Knowing the difference between port (left) and starboard (right), or a ship’s bow (front) and stern (rear) isn’t necessarily important to legendary heroes, particularly when

journeys is ultimately up to you and the players to decide, but consider cleaving to what the group thinks is fun rather than stretching for unnecessary accuracy (whatever that might mean for a world

Mogis's Villains

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros

unknown assailants and their temples desecrated. 6 An archmage is corrupted by Mogis and begins summoning demons to savage the population. 7 A badly wounded caravan guard (bandit captain

associated with vicious monsters bent on wholesale destruction. He isn’t at all concerned with subtlety, but rather with creating mayhem. Adventures that bring characters into conflict with agents of

Ability Checks

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

. Contests A contest is a kind of ability check that matches two creatures against each other. Use a contest if a character attempts something that either directly foils or is directly opposed by another

creature’s efforts. In a contest, the ability checks are compared to each other, rather than to a target number. When you call for a contest, you pick the ability that each side must use, deciding

Nylea's Influence

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros

weather, both natural and supernatural in origin. Nylea is the best archer in the world, and contests of archery are often held in her name. Those who hunt their own food pray to Nylea for success, and

, blaming her fellow gods for the spread of civilization rather than the mortals themselves. Divine Relationships Nylea seldom comes into open conflict with the other gods, and she would say that all her

Let This Be Their Battlefield

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

, you can add some action for those who remain behind by having a small number of the demons summoned by the ritual attracted to the site of the ritual rather than the location of the dark heart

chapter 16 is a good potential site. If the vast fungal colony is already dead or badly damaged by its abuse at Zuggtmoy’s hands, it’s in no position to object. Otherwise, it opposes becoming a

Gnoll Tactics

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters

to spawn more gnolls. In this manner, gnolls replenish their ranks before wandering off in ragged bands to continue their rampage. Kill from a Distance Almost every gnoll carries a bow scavenged from

a past victim. Gnolls use ranged attacks mainly to prevent their prey from fleeing, rather than softening up their targets with an initial barrage of arrows before an assault. A target wounded by a

Nobility

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

. Above all, be polite. Always address a known noble as “Lord” or “Lady.” A short bow or a nod of the head to acknowledge a noble upon each meeting and parting is customary. Obsequiousness and servility

abroad, as well as the many expressions of the arts. They spend coin to fund celebrations, contests at the Field of Triumph, upkeep at the city’s temples and shrines, civic projects, guild events, and

Copper Dragon Adventures

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

buried in a rock slide, badly injured and unable to recall what happened—or the location of the dragon’s lair. 4 A reclusive, eccentric noble who sometimes employs adventurers turns out to be a

copper dragon working through various intermediaries. 5 An adult copper dragon wants griffons nesting near the dragon’s lair gone but hopes to have the griffons—and their eggs—relocated rather than

Upper Deck

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh

and aft appear intact, as does the metal grate in the deck that offers access to the lower decks. Aside from the rhythmic creak of the ship’s badly weathered timbers, all seems quiet. This area is

appears as little more than a vague shape. Hidden in the webs are a narrow staircase down and, near the bow, a table and four chairs. The weathered furniture here is worthless, but the table is still

Resolving Interactions

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

condescending noble might wish to see a group of upstart adventurers fail so as to keep them from becoming rivals for the king’s attention, thwarting them with slander and scheming rather than direct threats

the creature cares about. They can guess, but doing so runs the risk of shifting the creature’s attitude in the wrong direction if they guess badly. After interacting with a creature long enough to get

Tips for New Dungeon Masters

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

creature has fewer than half its hit points remaining, you can describe it as being badly wounded or on the ropes. Such information gives the players a sense of accomplishment and might spur them to press

double damage from a fireball spell, be sure to let players know how badly the fire hurt it. Don’t be afraid to dole out information to characters who have the applicable knowledge. If you’re not sure

Festivities

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

advantage on this check if they brought their own fishing gear to the contest rather than borrowing gear. If a character fails this check by 10 or more, they are pulled into the water and are out of the

Contests. Characters can participate in the fish catch as many times as they like. On future rounds, the best villager catches fish totaling 1d4 + 3 feet. Mayor Raven doesn’t participate again. Bad

On Board The Maverick

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

, a bow tie, and spectacles. Bracus (N lizardfolk with the iconic hoardsperson feature; see “Iconic Faction Features” in appendix B) studies the characters, touching his fingers to his chin as he

to escape if it can seize the components or if it is badly wounded, leaving its lackeys behind to deal with the characters. Treasure In addition to the book, the study holds 30 pp, 150 gp, two pieces

16. Talis's Hall

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hoard of the Dragon Queen

, she would much rather send them against her rival than fight them. At the same time, she knows she cannot be seen as disloyal to the cult’s interests. Negotiating with Talis Talis is wary of the

, and the kobolds from area 12 running, and even yells out the window for Trepsin the troll. Pull out all the stops — and if things go badly, Talis climbs out a window and flees into the woods or through

16. Talis's Hall

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons

turned to her advantage, she would much rather send them against her rival than fight them. At the same time, she knows she cannot be seen as disloyal to the cult’s interests. Negotiating with Talis

6, and the kobolds from area 12 running, and even yells out the window for Trepsin the troll. Pull out all the stops—and if things go badly, Talis climbs out a window and flees into the woods or

Pursuit Level

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

drow pick up the trail once more. NARROW ESCAPES If an encounter with the drow is going badly and you don’t want the characters recaptured, you can always have fate intercede on their behalf with

tunnel between the party and their pursuers, and dropping the pursuit level by 1 or 2. Don’t do this so often that the players feel they haven’t earned it, but use it as an option to keep the pursuit going rather than coming to an anticlimactic conclusion.

Other Things Characters Can Do

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

on a hit. These townsfolk act on the same initiative count. Rather than make saving throws for the commoners to end the effect of the dragon’s Malevolent Presence on them, roll a d6 at the end of each

19, the figure is a badly wounded member of the local militia (an unarmed tribal warrior with 1 hit point remaining). On a roll of 20, the figure is an uninjured, opportunistic doppelganger posing as

Lower Deck and Cargo Hold

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh

Hold Access. A wooden grate covers a hole in the deck that leads down to area 12. The grate is badly rotted and covered in webs, and its unsafe nature can be noticed only by a character who probes the

quarterstaff. He has the flaming sphere spell prepared rather than animal messenger. In addition to Krell, this cabin also contains two giant spiders lurking in a far corner, and Krell’s pet phase

39. Big Ears Watch Post

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

gold rather than stone. Treasure. The gold circlet is a circlet of blasting. 39b. Bugbear Den Three bugbears sit in the middle of the floor, eating from a sack of dead rats and stirges. One of them

scraps of moldy food in this long hall. Dead Goblin. A twentieth goblin lies dead on the floor, the victim of an argument that ended badly. 39d. Old Forge Ettins. Two ettins, a female named Krung-Jung

Children of the All-Father

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters

regional, and usually involved bragging rights or hunting territory. Differences were settled by individual contests of might, wits, or skill. That situation persisted for generations, until the red

northern sea might pay homage to Thrym rather than to Stronmaus. Giants that have given up hope of rising in the ordning sometimes worship Vaprak the Destroyer, who is recognized by giants as the father

Yartar

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

“civilized” folk for a short time — but occasionally, a strong hand or a skilled warrior can be culled from the bunch. While this event is going on, Yartar is overrun with visitors it would rather not welcome

Fortuitous Happenstance. The Shieldmeet festival features a number of games of chance, skill, and bravery, from dice and darts, to drunken running, to wrestling and other physical contests

Dreadnaught Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Divine Contention

Dreadnaught Locations The following locations are keyed to the map of the death knight-dreadnaught. D1. Skeletal Figurehead The animated skeleton of a stone giant is lashed to the ship’s bow. This

death but is terrified of failing Talos: if the characters enter her cabin, she chooses to drunkenly unload the details of her plight rather than fight them. Did she not honor her god with chaos and

Alley: Autumn

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

when it comes to helping his friends. Squiddly is a slim 9-year-old tiefling boy with an eye patch, a small bow, and a quiver of toy arrows. He rarely thinks before he talks or acts. Jarlaxle in

is why he would rather send a small group of adventurers than call upon a Bregan D’aerthe attack force.) Characters who are suspicious of Laeral’s intentions can ascertain that she’s hiding something

Above the Ashen Spires

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fated Flight of the Recluse

ship’s bow is pointing frantically to the northwest. A character that takes the Search action and succeeds on a DC 13 Wisdom (Perception) check faintly sees an immense dark shape moving through the

incident if its attitude is shifted to Friendly. Fleeing from the Dragon If the characters decide to flee rather than fight, Brynshal’duun gives chase. Use the rules for running chases in chapter 3 of the

Annam and the Ordning

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

her father of her clever deeds rather than her feats of strength: she solved a sphinx’s riddles, plumbed the secrets of the ocean, and stole a string of pearls from a god of the kuo-toa. Through these

cleverer of the two, often outwitting his brother in contests where Thrym’s greater strength might otherwise let him prevail. Their history of competition ranges from striving to outdo each other in

Anatomy of a War Band

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters

, and the flesh gnawers, which rely on natural savagery rather than weapons to tear apart their foes. A pack of hyenas is always part of the band, and sometimes these beasts are as numerous as the

springs into action, its blades and teeth turn it into a whirling dealer of death, able to dash from one target to the next as though it had been shot from a bow. Gnoll Witherlings A war band might go for

D&D Beyond

Search Results