Search Results
All Results
Characters
Compendium
Spells
Items
Monsters
Vehicles
Forums
Returning 35 results for 'bards before descent contain runes'.
Other Suggestions:
bards before descend certain rules
bark before descent certain rules
birds before descent certain rules
bird before descent certain rules
bards before descent contact runes
Bard
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
Learn More
Classes
Basic Rules (2014)
of song, speech, and the magic they contain. Bards say that the multiverse was spoken into existence, that the words of the gods gave it shape, and that echoes of these primordial Words of Creation
still resound throughout the cosmos. The music of bards is an attempt to snatch and harness those echoes, subtly woven into their spells and powers. The greatest strength of bards is their sheer
Magic Items
Storm King's Thunder
the ground and is a massive thing made of polished obsidian with oversized feet — the impaled skulls of four ancient blue dragons. Runes glisten in the carved obsidian, winking to life with blue
breaking at least five Ruling Scepters of Shanatar simultaneously on it. This fact has never been recorded or sung of among the dwarves or any bards or storytellers, and it can’t be discovered
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
Music and Magic In the worlds of D&D, words and music are not just vibrations of air, but vocalizations with power all their own. The bard is a master of song, speech, and the magic they contain
. Bards say that the multiverse was spoken into existence, that the words of the gods gave it shape, and that echoes of these primordial Words of Creation still resound throughout the cosmos. The music of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
Music and Magic In the worlds of D&D, words and music are not just vibrations of air, but vocalizations with power all their own. The bard is a master of song, speech, and the magic they contain
. Bards say that the multiverse was spoken into existence, that the words of the gods gave it shape, and that echoes of these primordial Words of Creation still resound throughout the cosmos. The music of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm Lord’s Wrath
to its final destination. When the characters arrive, there is no one here, but there are several closed crates awaiting transport. Most of the crates contain commercial goods like cloth, crafted
runes on the edge of the lid, which can be noticed with a DC 20 Intelligence (Investigation) check. The runes can be deactivated with a dispel magic spell, or carefully filed away with a DC 15 Dexterity
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->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
spies are after the puzzle box, which is believed to contain a copy of the fiendish contract Thavius signed to seal Elturel’s doom. If the characters wish to help Baldur’s Gate further, they must
box. She can also facilitate the characters’ descent into Avernus and provide them with a map (albeit an unreliable one). Sylvira advises characters to leave the Shield of the Hidden Lord in her
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
retreat’s flooded library holds five crystalline, coral archives that contain knowledge preserved in crackling lightning. The formations are 10 feet across and 20 feet high. Two are shattered and useless
spirits of the slain storm giants congregate in this chamber, harmlessly but mournfully wailing their sorrow. A circle of Giant runes on the floor hums softly (see “Storm Call” below). Trench. The oceanic trench dives into darkness (see “Planar Crossing” below).
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
wall above the arch are the following words in Draconic: “Only a dragon can unlock this gate.”
Fountains. Alcoves to the west and east contain stone fountains, each carved to look like a perched
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 30a on level 15, in the closest unoccupied space next to the similar gate located there.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the gate appears in area 9 on level 5, in the closest unoccupied space next to the identical gate located there. Armor and
Weapons The racks contain a total of twenty suits of dwarf-sized scale mail, twenty battleaxes, twenty war picks, and twenty steel shields emblazoned with the symbol of Dumathoin. All the equipment
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation
48. Shagambi’s Tomb Each character who teleports into this tomb from area 47C appears atop a randomly determined teleportation rune (see “Teleportation Runes” below). Characters can also enter the
this area: Nervous Unkh suggests that her host leave the tomb at once using one of the teleportation runes, though she can’t decide which rune is best. Impulsive Wongo thinks it’s a good idea to shatter
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
Encounters in the Forge
Map 3.5: Bel’s Forge View Player Version The following descriptions correspond to areas marked on map 3.5. F1. Descent to the Forge Read the following boxed text to the
giants despise Bel but are bound by magic to do as he demands. The chains that bind them can’t be broken or unlocked except by Bel. F3. Weapons Rack These racks contain weapons awaiting delivery to the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
archway is 40 feet wide and 40 feet tall. Six different runes are carved into it, each one inlaid with mithral, and a glowing mist fills the arch. Niches in the walls on either side of it contain empty
weight of each weapon and the archway rune associated with each weapon (see “Archway and Runes”). Each statue has AC 20, a damage threshold of 10, and immunity to poison and psychic damage. The statue of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
doorway in runes that anyone who knows Dwarvish or Giant understands: The past is a crystal, for it can be seen from many facets yet it always remains the same.
These rooms contain crystals of many
, monoliths, and stelae fitting neatly in niches carved into the walls of every room. Thanks to the library’s comprehend languages effect, anyone can easily decipher and understand the runes and glyphs
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a1
, using the wall to brace themselves. Using the carved indentations is slower but only slightly harder. The descent is 50 feet to the ledge (area 1). GENERAL FEATURES
The following facts about the
assume that the characters have a suitable light source and are able to see their surroundings.
Ventilation. All keyed areas contain an adequate air supply. The air is renewed from countless cracks
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
; for example, the “Orcs” section contains stat blocks for various kinds of orcs, including tanarukks (demonic orcs). Immediately following this chapter are two appendices that contain additional stat
chapter, the lore and maps in chapter 1 might inspire you. Similarly, the racial traits in chapter 2 can be applied to the stat blocks in appendix B to create such memorable NPCs as goliath champions, kenku master thieves, and tabaxi bards.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
6. Special Effects These areas contain some of the Mad Mage’s harmless regional effects (see “Halaster’s Lair”). The earthen floor throughout is covered by a 2-foot-thick layer of fog. 6a. “Help Me
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”). A creature that passes through the gate
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin
between the segments contain a multitude of hungry astral predators. The creatures trapped in the segments don’t traverse the wreck for this reason. When the characters enter one of these areas, roll on
lock himself in his quarters, where one of the safe room’s ward runes is located. Characters approaching this wreck segment can land on either the sterncastle deck (area Z1a) or in the companionway
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->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
in the crate’s sides. These devils burst forth and attack intruders on sight. The other crates in the middle of the cellar contain dried meat, loaves of bread, wheels of cheese, and other assorted
foodstuffs — enough to sustain the Vanthampurs and the cultists in the dungeon for a month. The crates by the south wall contain candles, oil flasks, incense, and rat traps. Six of the barrels contain
Kobold
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
Learn More
Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
earth are strong or weak, are bearing a load or are safe to excavate, or are likely to contain minerals or offer access to water. This ability enables them to fashion secure homes in places where other
they were demigods — mighty beings of divine descent. This isn’t a casual sort of worship or lip service; kobolds are awed in the presence of a dragon, as if an actual avatar of a deity
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->Acquisitions Incorporated
, and both wear ornate collars of silvery metal. Each stands within a square scribed onto the floor, ten feet on a side and edged with runes. The rune-marked boundaries appear to push the creatures back
“crated” here. The hell hounds can’t leave the rune-bounded areas unless the runes are disturbed (including by a character who enters the warded area), or if the characters activate the runes on the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries
alchemical materials. In addition, two of the vials contain potions of healing. Puzzle Book. The puzzle book with the letter B on its spine is propped up against a large beaker. M18. Summoning Room This dark
, stone-walled room contains only a few objects. A five-foot-diameter circle of intricate runes covers the floor. There’s an empty wooden bookstand opposite the door and bronze braziers at the other
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
spore drifted into this cave from area 8. Its spores contain memory fragments of the dead beholder that birthed it. A creature that inhales the spores inherits a random memory, determined by rolling on
must be 16th 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”). A creature that passes
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
spellbooks that Arcturia has accumulated over the years. They contain most of the wizard spells in the Player’s Handbook, plus any others of your choosing. All the 8th-level and 9th-level spells that
arcane runes and phrases. The book is titled Arcturia’s Arcane Esoterica: Vol. IX, and it contains the following spells: antimagic field, astral projection, dominate monster, feeblemind, gate, incendiary
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
. Inscribed on the floor in the middle of the room is a 40-foot-diameter circle of glowing runes. Halaster uses it to summon an empyrean who owes him a favor. (The circle serves no other purpose
of runes on the floor to summon Nalkara (see “Nalkara the Empyrean” below). He then uses the power of the throne to throw his voice so that he doesn’t betray his location when he speaks to the empyrean
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
succeeds on a DC 10 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check can safely retrieve the three alchemist’s fire flasks, disarming the trap. The crates and casks contain building supplies (nails, mortar, glue
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->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a5
hall are scorched. Cracks in the panels reveal bare stone. Three mystic circles have been scribed in the floor, each edged with rough runes.
Locked Doors. These steel double doors are locked. Tarul
orb is part of the mystic circle trap. Mystic Circle Trap. The circles are magical but misleadingly so. A successful DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana) check reveals that hidden among gibberish runes are
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
otherwise avoid combat. Southeast Door This door has a stone wall behind it, inscribed upon which is an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). Determine the rune randomly by drawing a card from the Elder Rune Deck
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.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
gold, and the pendant bears the symbol of two hands cupping the sun. Summer Star Summer Star. This magic item looks like a 6-inch-diameter gyroscope featuring two scorched rings inlaid with runes and a
below: Step 1: Identify the Item. Any creature or spirit that studies the runes on the device’s rings and succeeds on a DC 18 Intelligence (Arcana) check ascertains that the device was designed to
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
obelisk to the west, north, and east. They contain a dozen goblin beds made of bundled rugs and torn fabric. (The beds have nothing of value.)
A detect magic spell reveals a faint aura of divination
receives the following telepathic message in Common: “I cast my eye into the future and see in yours a perilous descent. South of here, beyond a secret passage, waits the Two-Headed King. Look to his
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
Anatomy of a War Band A gnoll war band is likely to contain a variety of gnolls and other creatures, and no two of these groups have the same composition. The gnolls that make up the rank and file
gnolls themselves. A war band that has been through hard times might contain a number of gnoll witherlings, while one that enjoys Yeenoghu’s favor might be led by a flind — the scarcest and strongest of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk
Indigo Sanctum later in this chapter, has a key. The goblin leader doesn’t allow any others access to this room. These personal quarters contain a large, plush, four-poster bed covered in silk sheets
. Stone shelves bearing books and ornamental ceramic jars line the walls alongside dust-covered banners embroidered with Dwarven runes. In one corner stands an elegant mahogany desk, on top of which is a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
alcoves: The two southernmost alcoves contain secret doors to areas 20b and 20d, respectively. The alcove to the north has an arch embedded in its back wall. Carved into the arch’s keystone is an image of
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