bards battle diffusing contained reflected

College of Dance

Classes Player’s Handbook

Move in Harmony with the Cosmos Bards of the College of Dance know that the Words of Creation can’t be contained within speech or song; the words are uttered by the movements of celestial

bodies and flow through the motions of the smallest creatures. These Bards practice a way of being in harmony with the whirling cosmos that emphasizes agility, speed, and grace.

Battle Master Legacy

Classes Player’s Handbook (2014)

such as weaponsmithing and calligraphy. Not every fighter absorbs the lessons of history, theory, and artistry that are reflected in the Battle Master archetype, but those who do are well-rounded fighters of great skill and knowledge.

Those who emulate the archetypal Battle Master employ martial techniques passed down through generations. To a Battle Master, combat is an academic field, sometimes including subjects beyond battle

Viari

Monsters Acquisitions Incorporated

adventurer was nearly cut short during a battle of which the bards still sing. Unleashing a devastating attack with the aptly named Apocalypse Dagger, the rogue destroyed a giant single-handedly — and lost

Giant Foundling

Backgrounds Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

embody the might of giants. You are used to moving through a world much bigger than you, and that is reflected in your skills, attitude, and perspective on life. Skill Proficiencies: Intimidation

. 4 Your farm was crushed and your family killed in a battle between warring groups of giants. Racked with guilt over the destruction, a sympathetic giant soldier promised to care for you

Hobgoblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

banners, each one made up of a group of interrelated families. Members of a banner live, work, and fight together, and each banner has a separate status within the legion that is reflected in the power of

greatest respect is reserved for those who earn their glory in battle. In theory, the fortunes of war can elevate the lowest-ranking banner in a legion to the highest status. In practice, warlords are

Way of the Ascendant Dragon (FToD)

Classes Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

who follow this tradition augment their prowess in battle, bolster their allies, and can even soar through the air on draconic wings. But all this power is in service of a greater goal: achieving a

written in Draconic that contained inspiring new techniques. 6 After a dream featuring a five-handed dragonborn, you awoke with the mystical breath of dragons.

Way of the Ascendant Dragon

Classes Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

who follow this tradition augment their prowess in battle, bolster their allies, and can even soar through the air on draconic wings. But all this power is in service of a greater goal: achieving a

written in Draconic that contained inspiring new techniques. 6 After a dream featuring a five-handed dragonborn, you awoke with the mystical breath of dragons.

Deck of Many Things Legacy

Magic Items Basic Rules (2014)

you, warning all others that you must win the battle alone. The avatar fights until you die or it drops to 0 hit points, whereupon it disappears. If anyone tries to help you, the helper summons its

apply it. The Void. This black card spells disaster. Your soul is drawn from your body and contained in an object in a place of the GM's choice. One or more powerful beings guard the place. While your

Bards

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

Bards Bards hold a special place of responsibility and respect in the Forgotten Realms. They are bearers of news, gossip, and messages in their travels from place to place, in addition to being

living storehouses of history and folklore. Bards know a great deal, and they tend to be willing to share what they know, or at least barter for it. The arrival of a renowned bard is a special occasion

Bard Subclasses

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player’s Handbook

Harmony with the Cosmos Bards of the College of Dance know that the Words of Creation can’t be contained within speech or song; the words are uttered by the movements of celestial bodies and flow

Bard Subclasses A Bard subclass is a specialization that grants you features at certain Bard levels, as specified in the subclass. Bards form loose associations, which they call colleges, to preserve

The Heirs of Dhakaan

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

commanders, typically having the skills of fighters, bards, or rangers. Bugbears cultivate a focused battle rage and are typically barbarians. Goblins are largely artisans and laborers, but

, or druids. Their focus is on martial excellence, and their spiritual leaders are bards, who tell tales of past glory. Among the Dhakaan, goblinoids work together. Hobgoblins are the strategists and

Personal Goal

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

sworn to do, or die trying. 4 Leadership. You will win a great battle that bards will sing about, and in so doing, you will become an example to inspire others. 5 Faith. You know your path is righteous

Menzoberranzan

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

Menzoberranzan If the City of Spiders is the site of the demon lords’ battle, it is damaged even more than it was by Demogorgon’s arrival. Word of the city’s misfortune spreads throughout the

challenges to their power even as they make concessions to their rivals. A civil war between the drow isn’t likely to remain contained within Menzoberranzan — or even the Underdark — as different sides look

Lords' Alliance

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

agents include sophisticated bards, zealous paladins, talented mages, and grizzled warriors. They are chosen primarily for their loyalty and are experts in observation, stealth, innuendo, and combat

cold and rain, waiting for battle while hunger gnaws at their bellies? Many wish to reap the rewards of a good harvest, but few care to remove the stones and till the fields for planting. “The Lords

Redcloak Battalion

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

Battalion. This elite unit fought at the forefront of the Last War, and Brelish bards still sing of the exploits of Khandan the Hammer and Meira the Huntress. At the end of the war, the battalion was split

snarling displacer beast surrounded by the words, “First in battle, last to fall”—the Redcloak insignia and motto—on the right. Allies. As part of Breland’s military forces, the Redcloaks can count on

Background

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lost Mine of Phandelver

Echo Cave. In addition to its mineral wealth, the mine contained great magical power. Human spellcasters allied themselves with the dwarves and gnomes to channel and bind that energy into a great forge

wizards fought alongside their dwarf and gnome allies to defend the Forge of Spells, and the ensuing spell battle destroyed much of the cavern. Few survived the cave-ins and tremors, and the location of

Credits

compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerûn

history. HINCHEL OR On the Cover Vajra Safahr, Karlach, Minsc, Boo, and Jarlaxle array themselves for battle in the ruins of Myth Drannor in this majestic illustration from Billy

Christian. On the Alt-Cover Vajra Safahr, Karlach, and Jarlaxle Baenre lead an army—and a gold dragon—into battle in this scintillating illustration from Dominik Mayer. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D

A Bard's Muse

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

A Bard’s Muse Naturally, every bard has a repertoire of songs and stories. Some bards are generalists who can draw from a wide range of topics for each performance, and who take pride in their

versatility. Others adopt a more personal approach to their art, driven by their attachment to a muse — a particular concept that inspires much of what those bards do in front of an audience. A bard who

Chapter 1: A Dangerous Journey

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

known as Wave Echo Cave. In addition to its mineral wealth, the mine contained great magical power. Human spellcasters allied themselves with dwarves and gnomes to channel and bind that energy into a

their dwarf and gnome allies to defend the Forge of Spells, and the ensuing spell battle destroyed much of the cavern. Few survived the cave-ins and tremors, and knowledge of the location of Wave Echo

Bastion of Takhisis

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

throws, as the characters may wish to heal her. Her name is Amelia Ghallen (neutral good, human veteran). She remembers being captured during a battle with the Red Dragon Army and taken alongside

, or face her in honorable, one-on-one combat. Regardless of their response, she begins battle by using her Terrifying Litany action. Kern fights to the death and prioritizes attacking foes that seek

Denizens

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder

Denizens Despite its grandeur and immense proportions, the castle is fairly self-contained, and loud sounds in one area can easily be heard in other locations. Any adult giant who yells really loud

If these simulacra are drawn to area 29 by sounds of battle, they aren’t encountered here. The water elemental hides in its pool. 27 2 helmed horrors, 30 suits of animated armor The constructs remain

Grisha's Greeting

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

. Filthriddens is contained within a cave roughly 100 feet long and 60 feet wide. The characters enter from a natural tunnel along one of the shorter walls, with another tunnel exiting on the opposite side

cultists who have died and risen as undead are kept. If battle erupts, the cultists open the door and release six ghouls. The ghouls ignore the cultists as long as there are other creatures to feed on.

By Land

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

his prowess in battle. A dozen more bullywugs appear at the edge of the battlefield but do not approach. An equally aggressive response from the characters, verbally or through gestures, and a

successful DC 16 Charisma (Intimidation) or Charisma (Persuasion) check convinces the king to retreat and take his remaining warriors with him. If the king is attacked or goaded into battle (on a failed check

Deathly Interludes

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

. Hero’s Epilogue Most adventurers hope their lives come to an end with some worthy conclusion. Sometimes in the heat of battle, though, that end can be abrupt and without real resolution. An epilogue

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

Battle Master

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

beyond battle such as weaponsmithing and calligraphy. Not every fighter absorbs the lessons of history, theory, and artistry that are reflected in the Battle Master archetype, but those who do are

Battle Master Those who emulate the archetypal Battle Master employ martial techniques passed down through generations. To a Battle Master, combat is an academic field, sometimes including subjects

Giant Foundling

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

kind. With the aid of this magic, you have learned how to embody the might of giants. You are used to moving through a world much bigger than you, and that is reflected in your skills, attitude, and

, you survived. 4 Your farm was crushed and your family killed in a battle between warring groups of giants. Racked with guilt over the destruction, a sympathetic giant soldier promised to care for you

Goblinoids

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

fighters, bards, or rangers. Bugbears cultivate a focused battle rage and are typically barbarians, serving as shock troops. Goblins are largely artisans and laborers, but exceptional goblins join the

Dhakaani. The Heirs of Dhakaan are an agnostic society and don’t have clerics, paladins, or druids. Their focus is on martial excellence, and their spiritual leaders are bards, who inspire their warriors

Viari

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

vengeance. Viari’s career as an adventurer was nearly cut short during a battle of which the bards still sing. Unleashing a devastating attack with the aptly named Apocalypse Dagger, the rogue destroyed a

Goblinoid War Camp

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

maintain their own battle gear, but ammunition and replacement gear are kept on hand, as well as other nonperishable supplies. Rather than being contained in a building, these items are on wagons

. Library Hobgoblins know the value of improving one’s base of knowledge, and so they value any documentation about the world around them — maps, accounting records, battle reports, and other important

Cult of the Black Earth

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

such as ankhegs or bulettes, normally too stupid and ravenous to be trained, submit to the will of the Black Earth. The monsters allow themselves to be herded or ridden into battle against the enemies of

common courtesy as a way for the weak to put limits on the behavior of the strong, and they scorn empathy or friendship as weakness. In battle, Black Earth cultists are brutal and straightforward. They

Secondary Tables

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

contained. 6 You were affected by teleportation magic. 7 You turned invisible for a time. 8 You identified an illusion for what it was. 9 You saw a creature being conjured by magic. 10 Your fortune was read

d12 War Outcome 1 You were knocked out and left for dead. You woke up hours later with no recollection of the battle. 2–3 You were badly injured in the fight, and you still bear the awful scars of

Introduction

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

, talk with other characters, battle fantastic monsters, and discover fabulous magic items and other treasure. One player, however, takes on the role of the Dungeon Master (DM), the game’s lead

new capabilities. This increase in power is reflected by an adventurer’s level. There’s no winning and losing in the Dungeons & Dragons game—at least, not the way those terms are usually understood

Introduction

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

with other characters, battle fantastic monsters, and discover fabulous magic items and other treasure. One player, however, takes on the role of the Dungeon Master (DM), the game’s lead storyteller

capabilities. This increase in power is reflected by an adventurer’s level. There’s no winning and losing in the Dungeons & Dragons game—at least, not the way those terms are usually understood

17. Arcturia's Court

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

humanoids wearing armor are champions (see appendix A) with the heads of a dingo, an iguana, and a stork. If Arcturia becomes embroiled in a battle, two of them fight on her side. The one with the dingo

butterfly swarm is an instrument of the bards (Anstruth harp). The yellow sapphires carried by the animal-headed guards fit into the pillars in area 8. Each gemstone is worth 1,000 gp.

Dragon Factions

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

for organizing Humanoid forces to battle their chromatic kin. These factions are devoted to common goals—constraining the rampages of the chromatic dragons and limiting Tiamat’s influence in the world

to the highest standards of behavior, and wields cold magic. The Brass Order could be a loose affiliation of good-hearted scoundrels, including rogues and bards, who favor fire magic and trickery. An

D&D Beyond

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