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Returning 35 results for 'bards before down comes runes'.
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Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
, works on astronomy, and star charts. When it comes to magical treasure, they seek items and spells that predict the future, create or manipulate light, or channel positive energy for healing and
rain from the sky in a beautiful but dangerous display. Rumors quickly spread that a crystal dragon is responsible.
3
A crystal dragon invites the greatest bards and philosophers to partake in
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
, collections of prophecy, works on astronomy, and star charts. When it comes to magical treasure, they seek items and spells that predict the future, create or manipulate light, or channel positive energy for
Prismatic shards rain from the sky in a beautiful but dangerous display. Rumors quickly spread that a crystal dragon is responsible.
3
A crystal dragon invites the greatest bards and philosophers
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
Magic Items
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
weapon is searching for a new owner.
Azuredge has a solid steel handle etched with tiny runes, wrapped in blue dragon hide with a star sapphire set into the pommel. The axe head is forged from silver
adhere to any Medium or larger object or surface it comes into contact with. Once it does so, the axe can’t be wielded. Nothing short of a wish spell can separate the axe from the item or surface to
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
refract light, collections of prophecy, works on astronomy, and star charts. When it comes to magical treasure, they seek items and spells that predict the future, create or manipulate light, or channel
bards and philosophers to partake in “the Great Dialogue” in the dragon’s mountaintop lair. But only the dragon knows that the Great Dialogue has no end, and no one can leave the lair
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
baubles that refract light, collections of prophecy, works on astronomy, and star charts. When it comes to magical treasure, they seek items and spells that predict the future, create or manipulate
the greatest bards and philosophers to partake in “the Great Dialogue” in the dragon’s mountaintop lair. But only the dragon knows that the Great Dialogue has no end, and no one can
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
Legends of Dayawlongon Ancient belief states that all life on Dayawlongon is born from the spoken words of a poet goddess—known as Kamatayang-Langit—from which comes the people’s deep reverence for
poetry and song. This is why every community has one or more binukots, bards who serve as living repositories of art, culture, custom, and law. The death of a binukot can result in the loss of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a7
8. Gargoyle Lair When any door leading to the lair is opened, it frees the room’s occupant from temporal stasis. What appeared to be a statue an instant ago comes to life before your eyes. The
parchment with the following written on it in magical code (requiring comprehend languages to understand): “Look low and high for gold, to hear a tale untold. Take the archway at the end, and on your way you’ll wend.” Beneath the runes, the initial “A” is inscribed.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hoard of the Dragon Queen
glowing white runes wink into existence, drifting about the room like snowflakes. This is the castle’s steering chamber. When no one is present, the castle is under the control of the spirit of Esclarotta
, who is bound to the fortress by powerful magic that cannot be dispelled. Touching one of the glowing runes issues a specific command to Esclarotta’s spirit. A character who understands Dwarvish or
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
stones form one of Halaster’s magic gates (see “Gates”). When a creature comes within 5 feet of the gate, rivulets of blood begin to seep from the rocky pores of the standing stones. The rules of this gate
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 8b on level 12, in the closest unoccupied space next to the identical gate located there.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk
earlier in this chapter as examples of strange locales the characters might visit as they explore the Far Realm. Ilvaash’s Revenge Any place of safety in the Far Realm soon comes under attack, however, as
interlocked links of Ilvaash’s runes (knots of tentacles, brains, and jagged lines reminiscent of jaws). A brain breaker uses the stat block of an infected elder brain (see chapter 7) with the following
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
scrap metal dominates the middle of the cavern. Hiding in it are nine lava children (see appendix A).
Runes carved on the inside walls of the forge channel magical energy from the Elemental Plane
through metal as though it doesn’t exist. Those here lurk in the pile of scrap metal, emerging to attack any creature, other than Zox or the azers, that comes within 5 feet of their scrap heap.
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->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->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->Spelljammer: Adventures in Space->Light of Xaryxis
Ship of the Dead The Last Breath is a space galleon that has been reduced to 90 hit points. Unless the characters take defensive measures, the galleon comes close enough for its captain, Grimzod
sensitive to holy praise. While aboard the ship, bards and other musicians are allowed to play only secular tunes.
Article 3: Coward’s Consequence. Those who abandon their post or shirk their duty
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
faint runes etched among the ornate carvings on the lock. A subsequent DC 16 Intelligence (Arcana) check to study the runes reveals that they can emit a wave of transmutation magic throughout the room
the same character is submerged in all four pools, that character receives the blessing of That-Which-Endures. This blessing comes in handy later in area 7. Key. To make the key appear, one or more
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer Academy
Simulation Chambers Each simulation chamber is a broad circular space with a domed ceiling, its stone walls carved with arcane runes that fill the area with bright light. Each chamber is equipped
void of Wildspace comes into view.
Mister Blip (Academy Quartermaster)
Autognome Quartermaster
Mister Blip is an odd but well-loved member of Spelljammer Academy. During a ship attack some years
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things
Gremorly. Ritual Rod. Set into a metal tripod in the center of the room is a 3-foot-long metal rod decorated with runes and glowing with necromantic magic. The entire assembly weighs 8 pounds. This is one of
assembly has AC 19, 5 hit points, and immunity to poison and psychic damage. The rod is protected with a Glyph of Warding; if anyone comes within 5 feet of the rod or anything touches it, explosive
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1
believe that their appearance derives from the primal fear inspired by fiendish creatures, while bards assert that panic, being such a repulsive emotion, is embodied by an equally ugly creature
runes. Living creatures wither and rot within the entropic energy emanated by Ygorl’s magic.
After the fifth artist dispatched to record Ygorl ’s appearance failed to return, I let the matter rest
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
seals each door.
If the duergar hammerers have been defeated or lured elsewhere, add: Loud banging from one cell causes the bar on its door to tremble in its brackets. From another cell comes a gentle
tapping sound.
After its bar is removed, each iron door pulls open to reveal a cramped cell with no furnishings. The tapping comes from the cell of a doppelganger that was caught trying to
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
do the same to her. Drow scouts use the giant lizards as mounts. Each comes equipped with a saddle, reins, stirrups, and saddlebags containing 30 days of rations (dry moss and mushrooms). The giant
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
. Although some of the dancing is wanton and performed for show, large-scale ring dances in the street for all ages are also popular. All the dancing ends at dusk, after which bards and minstrels perform at
. The height of the celebration comes when the effigy of Kistarianth the Red is burned on the slopes of Mount Waterdeep. A dracolich version of Kistarianth is then carried up the slopes and burned as
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sleeping Dragon’s Wake
) check. The DC is 7 plus the number of feet the target creature has sunk into the slime. A creature that comes into contact with the slime takes 11 (2d10) acid damage. The creature takes this damage again
depicts a city map, and the south wall displays a map of the Sword Coast. Both maps are dotted with Draconic runes.
Claugiyliamatar’s magical connection to her lair allows her to control the moss in this
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
it comes to Memnor, the wisest policy is the simplest: don’t believe a single thing you read.
—Diancastra
Memnor is an ambiguous figure in the mythology of giants, and the tales concerning him are
treasures, and the secrets of the earth. It is said he gave Surtur the secret of smelting, showed Thrym how to carve magic runes on weapons, and crafted spears for Hiatea so she could complete her tasks of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Entrance. Sgothgah’s advanced magical knowledge has allowed it to set up dozens of wards to protect the temple, each treated as a casting of glyph of warding using the explosive runes option. All but
the death if it comes to that. This is not the lair of these creatures, so they can’t use lair actions or regional effects. In the event that the characters could use some help in a battle, one of the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a5
pillars, all carved of black jet. Glowing arcane runes surround the top edge of this shrine. Between the pillars, an unconscious humanoid is suspended in a roiling field of golden light.
Thereafter, you
may disable its magic by making three successful DC 15 ability checks: Strength to smash the pillars, Dexterity to remove elements and disable key arcane runes, or Intelligence to disrupt the flow of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
Three interlocking circles
Alathrien Druanna N Runes, writing, spellcasting Arcana,** Knowledge A quill or glyph
Alobal Lorfiril CG Revelry, mirth Life, Trickery Wine glass
be with. Stories of Hanali’s romantic adventures among elves and other mortals are perennial favorites when sung by elf bards and poets. In Arvandor, Hanali maintains a hidden pool called Evergold
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault
guard the secret door, which leads to a hidden room (described below). The mimic attacks if a character comes within 5 feet of it. Hidden Room. The wooden plaque behind the mimic is a lever of sorts
of the room are noticeably cleaner than the others.
The two suits of animated armor on the west side of the room attack if a character comes within 5 feet of either of them. They fight until
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Nest of the Eldritch Eye
holy symbol of Oghma, god of knowledge and patron to bards and wizards. If the check succeeds by 3 or more, the character intuits that rededicating the shrine to Oghma could help against the zombies
flashes with lurid light. As if being extinguished, the glow of the runes dims as shadowy smoke rises from the carvings. The smoke gathers in the center of the chamber, where it coalesces into an
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a1
quite a while, and rats have gnawed at them. The bodies have been looted. If someone removes the spear pinning the goblin to the wall, the body slumps to reveal Draconic runes on the wall behind it
. Those who know the Draconic language can read the runes as “Ashardalon.” Secret Door. A trapped secret door leads to area 5. Finding the door requires a successful DC 20 Wisdom (Perception) check. The
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
he relinquish his weapons in order to accompany them, the Zhent assassin laughs at them and attacks. E6. Binding Chamber A circle inscribed with runes is carved into the alabaster floor of this room
now, saying that he will reward them for their discretion “when the time comes.” In exchange, he allows the characters to return to Waterdeep and promises them positions of power in his organization
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
appropriate roleplaying or ability checks. Easy-to-acquire information comes earlier in the list, while the details that are harder to acquire are provided later. Dispense the following points as you see
wizard to place a glyph of warding (explosive runes) on the false book to keep it from being opened. Also on Omin’s order, she doesn’t know how to bypass the glyph. The doppelganger knows that Omin
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
giant gods about magic, wards, banes, hidden treasures, and the secrets of the earth. Skoraeus gave the secret of smelting to Surtur. Skoraeus showed Thrym how to carve runes on his old weapons to
interest in how soon Annam’s return comes to pass — they all want to live to see it. Some individuals gain a measure of immortality for themselves by merging with elemental forces. These storm giant
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a6
shortsword, coated with one dose of the poison noted in the assassin statistics). If worst comes to worst, he bolts for room 12B and bars the door once he is inside. Treasure. Obmi uses a plain wooden
six bone batons with Dwarvish runes upon them. Each of the batons is a token of free passage whose runes read, in Giant, “Official Business on Behalf of King Snurre the Fearsome.” Any individuals or






