battle barriers diffusing contrast reflected

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

Soulknife Legacy

Classes Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

Most assassins strike with physical weapons, and many burglars and spies use thieves’ tools to infiltrate secure locations. In contrast, a Soulknife strikes and infiltrates with the mind

, cutting through barriers both physical and psychic. These rogues discover psionic power within themselves and channel it to do their roguish work. They find easy employment as members of thieves&rsquo

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

Lizardfolk Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

hold and controls their actions. In contrast, lizardfolk see emotions as traits assigned to other creatures, objects, and situations. A lizardfolk doesn’t think, “I’m scared.&rdquo

in the other humanoids and makes them less helpful in battle. Utility and Survival The lizardfolk mindset might seem unnecessarily cruel, but it helps them survive in a hostile environment. The

Mapping a Wilderness

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

Mapping a Wilderness In contrast to a dungeon, an outdoor setting presents seemingly limitless options. The adventurers can move in any direction over a trackless desert or an open grassland, so how

uneven ground. Valleys and ridges channel travel in certain directions. Mountain ranges present forbidding barriers traversed only by remote passes. Even the most trackless desert reveals favored

Preparing for Battle

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

Preparing for Battle When the characters and people of Vogler arrive at High Hill, read the following description: Passing through woods and fields, Vogler’s parade of militia members and reenactment

spectators finally reaches High Hill. The grassy slope is spotted with trees and crumbled stone fencing. Near the base, several dozen soldiers in matching armor stand in even formation. The contrast

Para-elemental Planes

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

Ice, home to yetis, remorhazes, white dragons, and other creatures of cold. The inhabitants of the plane engage in a never-ending battle to prove their strength and ensure their survival. The

fundamentally similar to places found on the Material Plane—the place where all four elements mingle freely. At a symbolic level, the Para-elemental Planes represent the interaction and sometimes the contrast

Multiclassing

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice Compendium

concentration. Can a barbarian/fighter (Battle Master) use maneuvers while raging? Nothing in the barbarian’s Rage feature precludes the use of maneuvers. Can a rogue/monk use Sneak Attack with unarmed

strikes? The Sneak Attack feature works with a weapon that has the finesse or ranged property. An unarmed strike isn’t a weapon, so it doesn’t qualify. In contrast, a rogue/ monk can use Sneak Attack with a

Studies and Philosophy

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

of chaos, by contrast, emphasizes individual actions, personal bonds of families and friends, and the disruptive force of lone, passionate people in history. Scholars of chaos gravitate toward

conflict a scholar more likely aligns with. Lorehold Scholars d10 Scholar Principle 1 Archaeoscribe, chronicling historical truths for posterity Order 2 Battle medium, strengthening summoned spirits

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

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

The Planes of Eberron

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

eldritch machines or interaction with extraplanar entities. There are also manifest zones: places in the material plane where the barriers are thin and where some aspects of a plane can bleed through

Shavarath since the dawn of time, asserting that their struggles are reflected in the balance of good and evil across all reality. Syrania: The Azure Sky. Crystal spires float in a perfect blue sky. Farms

Purphoros's Influence

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

in a particularly destructive battle with Heliod. The forge god spent years addled and incomplete. He has since recovered his faculties, but he mourns the things he might have made during that lost

Purphoros, deeply involved in the project of civilization. Purphoros’s desire to overturn the established order with violence stands in stark contrast to their measured ways. As a result, Purphoros stands aloof from them.

Setessa's Surroundings

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

Setessa’s Surroundings Beyond the city’s encircling trees, the territory of Setessa extends to cover about a third of the Nessian Wood and a wide swath of the open chaparral. In contrast to Meletis

lions to get them ready to accompany Setessans in battle. Here men live and work alongside women, collectively training and caring for the animals that live here. Nessian Wood The vast wilderness of the

Goblinoid War Camp

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

. If an enemy force does approach, though, these barriers do a good job of delaying any incursion until the goblinoids can rally their defenses. Inside the surrounding bulwark, the goblinoids all have

. 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

City of Skophos

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

Skophos that can coexist in some measure of peace with the wider world. Mogis’s Chalice Many grand temples to Mogis stand in Skophos, presenting a stark contrast to the crude shrines that usually serve as

enemy in the main room of the Temple to Mogis, they will be blessed by the god of wrath. Even the minotaurs of Skophos will not interfere with such a battle, and the victor is always allowed to depart without further bloodshed.

Zariel

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes

angel, but her impetuous nature and love of battle led to her fall. In her previous life, she was charged with observing the battles on Avernus and tracking their progress. From this exposure, she

grew obsessed with the Blood War, and a thirst for battle grew within her that she couldn’t ignore. In time, she became frustrated that she and the other angels were forced to remain spectators while

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

Fierna and Belial

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes

contrast to the stiff regimentation of the rest of the Nine Hells, the laws that govern Abriymoch allow the place to operate as a carnival in which any wanton desire can be fulfilled. Justice in All Its

Forms Phlegethos is the center of the Nine Hells’ judicial system, which is overseen by Belial. Any disputes regarding contracts, accusations of cowardice in battle or dereliction of duty, and other

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 amass as much wealth and power as possible. The Gem Circle, by contrast, might be dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, while the Metallic Circle is more altruistic, working to further the

Classes

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

pragmatic terms of strategy and maneuvering, and see herself as just a pawn in a much larger game. A cleric, by contrast, might see himself as a willing servant in a god’s unfolding plan or a conflict

. Classes Summary Class Description Hit Die Primary Ability Saving Throw Proficiencies Armor and Weapon Proficiencies Barbarian A fierce warrior who can enter a battle rage

The Wards of Waterdeep

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

,” “bullyblades,” and “alleyblades” Those who boast of martial skill but who shrink from violence or lack real ability are “sharpjaws.” In sharp contrast are Waterdeep’s “fastfists” (any lout easily provoked to

violence), “bullyblades” (battle-hardened mercenaries hired as muscle), and “alleyblades” (muggers and thieves). “Longride” and “Last ride” To a caravan merchant, a drover, or a farmer from the lands

Church of the Silver Flame

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

and battle evil can draw on the power of the Silver Flame to aid them, but they must beware of the Shadow in the Flame, the demon that still lingers and yearns to trick good people into evil. A

Khorvaire. In contrast to the Sovereign Host, the church maintains a defined structure and creed. Archbishops monitor regions; cardinals lead the church; and the ultimate authority is the Keeper of the

Temple Crypts

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

to stand against him in battle. Hidden somewhere in the chambers ahead is an elven relic known as the mirror of reflected pasts (see appendix A). Those who view the mirror see glimpses of their past

mirror on the ceiling radiates an aura of necromancy. If the characters return Cithcillion’s bones to the slab, the reflection in the mirror is of him as he was in life. His reflected image opens its eyes

Fighter Subclasses

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

Fighter Subclasses A Fighter subclass is a specialization that grants you features at certain Fighter levels, as specified in the subclass. This section presents the Battle Master, Champion, Eldritch

Knight, and Psi Warrior subclasses. Battle Master Master Sophisticated Battle Maneuvers Battle Masters are students of the art of battle, learning martial techniques passed down through generations

Xen'drik

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer

relics of the ancient giants weren’t meant for the eyes of prying adventurers. No one knows better than the scholars of Morgrave University how to circumvent those barriers and plunder the continent’s

empire’s fall, they retain a spiritual and physical connection to the darkness below. Umbragen shadow walkers weave shadow magic to confound foes. Jordan Kerbow Vulkoori and Umbragen drow battle in a

House Tarkanan

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer

battle against the dragonmarked houses. Thora remains the Son of Khyber’s second-in-command and the public face of the gang. A House Tarkanan Arc The conflict between adventurers and House Tarkanan

dragonmarks. Any Humanoid in the Monster Manual or another source could be a House Tarkanan agent with a mark that doesn’t affect the creature’s use in combat or that is reflected in the creature’s existing

Dragon Encounters

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

seeing the inside of the dragon’s home. This scenario also means an adult or older dragon has access to lair actions. In contrast, a dragon fighting outdoors can more easily fly out of reach of opponents

ranks of the dragon’s minions erupt when the characters challenge the dragon, resulting in infighting that might tip the odds in the main battle in either direction. 12 A feature in the

Dungeon Characteristics

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a5

, Ooze Grottos, Predator Pools, Golem Laboratories, and Temples of Extraction. Zones are also labeled on the map. Areas are identified by numbers. Map 5.1: The Doomvault Dimensional Barriers Magic

or ethereal creature can’t pass between zones. A detect magic spell can’t penetrate the structure of the Doomvault to sense the dimensional barriers. Magic Gates Two types of magic gates, white and

Hobgoblins

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

legion that is reflected in the power of its officers. For instance, the captains of the highest-ranking banners can expect their orders to be followed by the captains of any banners of lower rank. Rank

means. But the 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

Combat

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice Compendium

by rolling initiative and then undermine turn order with a delay option. Moreover, we felt that toying with initiative wasn’t where the focus should be in battle. Instead, the dramatic actions of the

modifier to the attack and damage rolls of the attack. In contrast, if you make the spell attack of the fire bolt cantrip, you add your spellcasting ability modifier to the attack roll. If you’re a

D&D Beyond

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