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Returning 35 results for 'battle before defies could runes'.
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Magic Items
Princes of the Apocalypse
A mighty axe wielded long ago by the dwarf king Torhild Flametongue, Orcsplitter is a battered weapon that appears unremarkable at first glance. Its head is graven with the Dwarvish runes for &ldquo
;orc,” but the runes are depicted with a gap or slash through the markings; the word “orc” is literally split in two.
You gain the following benefits while holding this magic weapon
Monsters
Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
lava. As the scion dreams of battle—perhaps a battle to rouse Annam from seclusion by uniting the giants or a war to conquer all in Surtur’s name—the volcano rumbles and spews molten
;s volcano, or misguided fire cultists offer sacrifices meant to appease or awaken the volcano, and the awakened cradle defies all their expectations. Like a living volcano, the cradle hurls balls of
Monsters
Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
plume of smoke to rise, sometimes lit from below by fiery bursts of lava. As the scion dreams of battle—perhaps a battle to rouse Annam from seclusion by uniting the giants or a war to conquer
cradle defies all their expectations. Like a living volcano, the cradle hurls balls of magma at intruders, exhales fiery gases, and causes molten stone to erupt from the ground around it.
If the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
two sections. The riotous din of the battle taking place far below the city is louder here, echoing up and through the jagged open chasm.
A bridge twenty feet wide and more than a hundred feet long
spans the chasm. Holy runes etched into the stonework of the bridge indicate that the structure has been consecrated in the name of Torm, god of courage and self-sacrifice. Six infernal creatures stand
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things
: Creatures. Not every adversary wants to engage in mortal combat. Certain creatures might delight in a battle of wits. The reward for answering a creature’s riddle might be a small treasure, a bit of
inscrutable runes carved onto a cursed bow might hold the key to undoing the weapon’s evil magic. Locations. Mystical grottoes, forgotten temples, and secret hideouts might all be locked behind befuddling
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
Personality Trait d6 Personality Trait 1 Once an enemy defies me, I dedicate everything to its destruction. 2 The best enemy to fight is one caught by surprise. 3 I hate the sun and travel only by night
. 4 I have stopped using language and instead rely on growls and shrieks. 5 I have no fear of death and welcome it in battle. 6 My berserk fury makes a rabid dog look gentle. Gnoll/Cultist Ideals d6
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
battle-helm consists of a sturdy open-faced steel helmet, decorated with a golden circlet above the brow from which seven small gold spikes project upward. You gain the following benefits while
Dwarvish runes for “orc,” but the runes are depicted with a gap or slash through the markings; the word “orc” is literally split in two. You gain the following benefits while holding this magic weapon
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
islands, who shares tales of mighty wyrms. Battle a dragon who guards a hidden vault. Some say the mysterious dragons of Argonnessen hide in plain sight, that shapechanged dragons scattered across
leather cords 5 A dagger carved from a dragon’s talon 6 A brass disk bearing the silhouette of a black dragon 7 A small egg-shaped piece of polished bone 8 A bone fragment with brass inlaid runes 9 A leather pouch filled with tiny draconic teeth 10 A single large seed that’s warm to the touch
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
15. Way to Wyllowwood The drow cornered and killed several troglodytes in these caves after the reptilian creatures refused to be enslaved. 15a. Battle Scene The floor here is stained with blood and
. Characters must be 8th 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
if needed. Hanging on a stone peg that juts from the wall, the gold-plated shield is etched with arcane runes. A detect magic spell reveals an aura of necromancy magic radiating from the shield. A
character who examines the runes and succeeds on a DC 18 Intelligence (Arcana) check can ascertain that the runes give the shield the magical ability to trap creatures inside it. Any creature that
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
battle, both princes thank the characters for their assistance. Kirina, Prince of Niba As the eldest son of the king of Niba, Kirina (chaotic evil, human veteran) was raised knowing he might be named
, the least you can do is fake it.” Bond. “I respect my father even as he grovels to the empress on my behalf.” Flaw. “I don’t want the life I’m supposed to want.” Searching the Alley After the battle
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
17. Battlefield Cavern This 30-foot-high cavern was the main front of the battle between the yuan-ti and the nagas. 17a. Bones in the Mud The water here is 2 feet deep, and the cavern floor beneath
to 0 hit points during this fight immediately come to their senses and take 22 (4d10) psychic damage from the shock of their illusory demise. Unlike any damage sustained in the battle, this psychic
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
code, a faith, or an ideal. But a true pragmatist fights only for coin, understanding that battle is a means to an end and not an end in itself. A fighter in an Acquisitions Incorporated campaign
fighters use any means necessary to gain the edge in battle, whether those tricks were learned from a long-gone drill instructor, first used by an opponent against you, or an original tactic perfected by
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
Xen’drik Map 2.3: Continent of Xen’drik View Large Version In Xen’drik, you could… Seek to destroy an ancient mystical weapon before it falls into the hands of villains. Battle savage giants in the
large collapses into madness. The Traveler’s Curse twists space, and explorers might follow the same path twice only to end up in entirely different locations. Xen’drik is a continent that defies
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
of battle as they traverse the hall leading to this 10-foot-high room, which has partially collapsed and contains the following: Light. The room is lit by a single lantern resting in the middle of the
floor.
Equipment. Mine carts about the room contain glittering heaps of copper ore.
Battle. A wounded warrior named Rex the Hammer (LE male Illuskan human champion with 22 hit points remaining
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
grants immortality to its wearer, was last seen in the possession of a human adventurer (and former Harper) named Artus Cimber. Guided by magical runes of tracking, Storvald plans to find the ring and
empower his runes. Unbeknown to Storvald, the runes are steering the frost giants not to Artus Cimber but to other, closer individuals who carry the Cimber bloodline — Artus’s living relatives, most of whom
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a5
the demons fight, the battle can be heard in every chamber in this zone (see “Pit Battle” in area 2 to aid in narrating the noise). 1. Chandelier Chamber Scorched and shattered plaster shows faint
can’t leave the pit until all the demons within it are destroyed. The pit is otherwise easy to climb. Shalendra Floshin Pit Battle. In the pit, a reduced-threat vrock (see “Reduced-Threat Monsters
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm Lord’s Wrath
thieves’ tools. Also, the doors and windows have an AC of 12 and break with 25 points of damage. Magical runes, as per the glyph of warding spell, protect the cloak room and barn doors. If the party
opens the doors without first removing or disabling the runes, they take thunder damage as per the spell. A window at the back of the inn on the second floor is open (see “The Upstairs” below). A
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
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->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
doesn’t rejoin the battle. It might reappear later to exact its revenge on those who harmed it, in a place and form of your choosing. 9b. Shapes in the Fog As the characters move through this 10-foot
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->Divine Contention
speed of 25 feet. When characters enter the inner circle of moon runes, Sister Silvergranite emerges from the moonstone to assess the situation, then withdraws and animates her sacred statue. She attacks
Dumathoin. If any adventurers took control of the sacred statue during the battle, the eidolon allows the party to leave unharmed. If not, a successful DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check is required to
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Heroes of the Borderlands
demon worshiper.” (Partially true; Xanthe is referring to Ivlis, the former priest)
Occult Ritual Eventually, you come across an eerie statue in a forest clearing. Strange runes are etched into
refuses.
Completing the Ritual. If the characters join the ritual—or observe it without drawing attention—the statue’s runes begin to glow with an eerie red light. After 10 minutes, the sky darkens
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault
without being caught by guards. In battle she poses a potent threat, creating blasts of flame and striking with magical force in both melee and ranged combat. She spends her time contemplating the web
down her left arm, ending in runes on the fingers of her left hand. Knotwork. Purple and blue knotwork and runes run down her right arm, across the back of her right hand, and down the length of each
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Prisoner 13
without being caught by guards. In battle she poses a potent threat, creating blasts of flame and striking with magical force in both melee and ranged combat. She spends her time contemplating the web
down her left arm, ending in runes on the fingers of her left hand. Knotwork. Purple and blue knotwork and runes run down her right arm, across the back of her right hand, and down the length of each
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
outward from its circumference (Xanathar’s symbol).
Noise. Sounds of mock battle emanate from the tunnel to the west (leading to area 20b).
The beholder zombie attacks anyone who enters the room
her out of the circle. Nadia relishes any opportunity to fight and kill, and she hurls herself and her forces into battle without a second thought. 20c. Arch Gate to Level 6 This hallway has three
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
close examination of the work. Kavil won’t start a fight, but he sides with the nycaloths if a battle erupts, which is likely since the fiends have orders to slay intruders. If reduced to 33 hit points
through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the gate appears in area 16 on level 18, in the closest unoccupied space next to the identical gate located
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
Pack Lord Most war bands are led by pack lords. These champions of Yeenoghu curry their lord’s favor with living sacrifices. They mark their hides with bloody runes, which sometimes grant supernatural
battle, the better to imbue their victims with the magic needed to spawn more gnolls. Gnoll Warriors Common gnolls comprise the bulk of a war band. They fight mainly with spears fashioned from wood and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
guards.
Standing Stones. The northern part of the cave contains two large standing stones, each of which has an inanimate minotaur skeleton embedded in it.
If a battle erupts here, the drow in area
Barrek’zorn. If the battle turns against them, the drow use darkness spells to cover their retreat to the fortress (area 18). They know the tunnels well enough to navigate them blindly. Xaphtal seizes
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
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
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
. Hill giants who choose that path make themselves maug. Non-giants are considered maug out of hand and must usually prove themselves maat to gain a giant’s respect. Runes and Tale Carvings For much of
Evils. Rodvind Tusenmaug er meg nom.
Attack our enemies! Anfel su uvenir!
Lead me to your king. Fang meg zo dun kong.
A Glossary of Giant Words armor — harbunad
arrow — pil
battle — slag
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
visitors, preferring to let Rojkarn answer any questions they might have. If a fight breaks out, the duergar in areas 16b and 16d quickly join the battle. (The duergar in area 16c is deaf.) The forge puts
out tremendous heat thanks to a fire elemental magically trapped inside it. Runes carved on the inside walls of the forge prevent the elemental from escaping or harming anyone outside the forge
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
are afraid she may run headlong into the wrong battle before the couple can provide the realm with an heir, and so they hope that King Morinn’s softer influence will help to temper her impetuous nature
or the shorthand runes carved throughout the city, have a far more difficult time. Following the war, most Felbarran applauded the dissolution of the Silver Marches. In its time of greatest need, no
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
The End of the World This is it! The showdown with Splugoth! The moment of truth as the characters battle for control of the orrery and try to stop the world’s end! The read-aloud text below assumes
Dran
Map 6.2 shows the setup of the ritual site and the final battle. The inky black space above is now dotted by pulses of purple and green fire. The canyon narrows, then opens again into a cavern
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
character notices that the floor in this area shows signs of charring that obscures faint runes. A weak fire trap triggers if any creature enters the area, which radiates evocation to a detect magic spell or






