beast before define contested rather

Biha Babir

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

a cunning mind. Biha Babir is politically savvy and prefers to outsmart her opponents rather than battle them, though she doesn’t shy from combat if necessary. Biha Babir covets opulence, but

punished.Acid, Cold, LightningFluid Form. Biha Babir Shape-Shifting;shape-shifts into a form resembling a Beast or Humanoid that is Medium or smaller, while retaining her game statistics (other than her size), or returns to her true marid form.

Ancient Gold Dragon Legacy

Monsters Basic Rules (2014)

polymorphs into a humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating no higher than its own, or back into its true form. It reverts to its true form if it dies. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying is

action to make a Charisma check contested by the dragon’s. If the creature wins, it escapes the dream plane. Otherwise, the effect ends on initiative count 20 on the next round. When the effect

Adult Gold Dragon Legacy

Monsters Basic Rules (2014)

polymorphs into a humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating no higher than its own, or back into its true form. It reverts to its true form if it dies. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying is absorbed

make a Charisma check contested by the dragon’s. If the creature wins, it escapes the dream plane. Otherwise, the effect ends on initiative count 20 on the next round. When the effect ends, the

Auril (Third Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

, define her. Lesser gods in the D&D multiverse are extremely powerful and arrogant, but also fallible and blind to their own flaws. It’s appropriate for Auril to act as though she’s

. A stat block is given for each of Auril’s three forms. These descriptions do not reflect Auril at full power, but rather Auril as she is encountered in this adventure.Lair Actions Auril

Auril (First Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

demystifying her in the eyes of your players. Let her actions, not her words, define her. Lesser gods in the D&D multiverse are extremely powerful and arrogant, but also fallible and blind to their

rather Auril as she is encountered in this adventure.Lair Actions Auril dwells on Solstice, a frozen island hidden among the titanic icebergs in the Sea of Moving Ice. Few creatures know of this

Forlarren

Monsters Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1

bound to their fey lord and unable to bargain away their souls. So rather than claim them, Fierna warped and twisted them before returning them to the Feywild, content that the corruption of the satyrs

might present itself as a friendly, agreeable guide that helps travelers survive the Nine Hells. Another is a howling beast that attempts to destroy all in its path. One will show mercy and empathy

Nass Lantomir's Ghost

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

overheard her master talking to another wizard about a covert expedition to Icewind Dale being undertaken to seek out long-lost magic from a bygone empire. Rather than carry out her original plan, Nass

Zelennor, watches over the wizard’s frozen remains. It uses the weasel stat block in the Monster Manual but is a fey instead of a beast. If Zelennor is reduced to 0 hit points, Nass’s

Auril (Second Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

. The less she talks, the less risk you have of unintentionally demystifying her in the eyes of your players. Let her actions, not her words, define her. Lesser gods in the D&D multiverse are

forms. These descriptions do not reflect Auril at full power, but rather Auril as she is encountered in this adventure.Lair Actions Auril dwells on Solstice, a frozen island hidden among the titanic

Ox

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

Ox An ox is mainly used for draft work rather than meat or milk. Oxen have the following additional trait: Beast of Burden. The oxen is considered to be a Huge animal for the purpose of determining its carrying capacity.

Lizardfolk Names

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

Common words. Lizardfolk use active verbs to describe the world. A lizardfolk in cold weather might say, “This wind brings cold” rather than “I feel cold.” Lizardfolk tend to define things in terms of actions, rather than effects.

Action Options

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

get into position and onto the larger creature, the smaller creature uses its action to make a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check contested by the target’s Dexterity (Acrobatics

wall, or grabbing and throwing it—by making a Strength (Athletics) check contested by the smaller creature’s Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. The smaller creature chooses which

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

other useful items, but if they are at risk of discovery, they run away rather than attack anyone in the house. By fleeing before they can be seen or identified, they avoid getting into a situation

divination (to find raw materials and foresee threats to the tribe). The main reason why kobolds depend on arcane magic rather than divine is Kurtulmak’s imprisonment, which makes it difficult for

Druid Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

of nature itself or from a nature deity. Many druids pursue a mystic spirituality of transcendent union with nature rather than devotion to a divine entity, while others serve gods of wild nature

2 1 1 1 — 17th +6 — 4 4 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 18th +6 Timeless Body, Beast Spells

Monsters and Motivations

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

adventurers. Characters might be able to appease a hungry beast by offering it food, and smarter creatures have complex motivations. The Monster Motivation table lets you use a monster’s goals to define its

Creating a Bronze Dragon

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

strategy. A quick death in combat is its own kind of courtesy. 6 I trust my gut. I’d rather act on incomplete information than be hamstrung by indecision. 7 I’m fascinated by other species

lie outright, though I choose my words carefully. I will fight to the death rather than break my word or abandon a comrade. (Lawful) 4 Discipline. Disorganization breeds defeat. I demand self

Transferring Colleges

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

Transferring Colleges The loose association of minstrels and masters that was your bard college helps to define your knowledge and skills. Still, no matter what your original collegiate connections

your wheelhouse. Being able to make friends and influence people is the bread and butter of your profession. Rather than ply this trade in public squares and seedy alehouses, however, you have trained

Path of the Totem Warrior

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

you choose a totem animal at 3rd level. As with the spirits in the Player’s Handbook, the options here require a physical object incorporating some part of the totem beast, and you might acquire minor

animal similar to one listed here but more suitable to your homeland, such as a horse or stag, rather than an elk, or a lion, panther, or other big cat, rather than a tiger. Elk. While you’re raging

Campaign Events

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

Campaign Events The Dungeon Master’s Guide includes a discussion of world-shaking events that might define turning points at the start, middle, or end of a campaign. One way to give dragons a

. Established territories are suddenly contested or might be undefended against other perils. The dragon’s hoard represents tremendous wealth flowing through a single region. Entire populations of

Chaos Incarnate

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

no such principles exist, how that power might be seized. Most mortals would rather be annihilated than have their souls travel to the Abyss, but some see its chaos as something that can be harnessed

discuss such matters use the term “layer” to define a certain part of this infinite expanse. That nomenclature, to the extent that it implies a particular configuration, is misleading. The Abyss is a

Other Things Characters Can Do

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

duergar 10–14 Malevolent townsfolk 15–16 Thieves 17–18 Trapped beast 19–20 Walking wounded Building Collapse A damaged building collapses twenty feet away from you. The

on a hit. These townsfolk act on the same initiative count. Rather than make saving throws for the commoners to end the effect of the dragon’s Malevolent Presence on them, roll a d6 at the end of each

Mastermind

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

within 30 feet of you, rather than within 5 feet of you, if the target can see or hear you. Insightful Manipulator Starting at 9th level, if you spend at least 1 minute observing or interacting with

level, your thoughts can’t be read by telepathy or other means, unless you allow it. You can present false thoughts by succeeding on a Charisma (Deception) check contested by the mind reader’s Wisdom

Mastermind

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

bonus action. Additionally, when you use the Help action to aid an ally in attacking a creature, the target of that attack can be within 30 feet of you, rather than 5 feet of you, if the target can see

. You can present false thoughts by making a Charisma (Deception) check contested by the mind reader’s Wisdom (Insight) check. Additionally, no matter what you say, magic that would determine if you

General Features

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

“Cover” in the Basic Rules). DISGUISED CHARACTERS Rather than storm Cragmaw Castle with weapons in hand, clever characters might try to talk their way inside. For example, they might don the scarlet

) check contested by the monsters’ Wisdom (Insight) checks, and give the characters advantage on their checks if the deception is particularly well planned or roleplayed. If at least one character wins

Kwilgok

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation Supplement

rides in a howdah on the ankylosaurus’s back and guides the beast using a 10-foot pole with succulent leaves tied to one end. Although he doesn’t allow others to ride the beast, many would-be explorers

the Aldani Basin and the surrounding region quite well. He’s also led expeditions to Orolunga, though he’s never encountered the elusive oracle rumored to dwell there. One place he’d rather not

Lorwyn Changeling

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lorwyn: First Light

shapeshifters, however, their innate powers don’t allow them to truly disguise themselves; rather, their transformations are purely surface level. No matter their form, Lorwyn changelings keep their

to a four-legged Beast shape. While you have a Humanoid shape, you can wear clothing and armor made for a Humanoid of your size. Darkvision. You have Darkvision with a range of 120 feet. Delightful

Re-created by the Doctor

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

. Self-Sacrifice. A massive sea beast attacks the characters’ ship. The characters save the other passengers but fall into the icy water. They awake to discover that Dr. Mordenheim has “saved” them

. Worse Than Death? The characters are legitimately defeated during another adventure. Rather than the campaign ending, they awake in Dr. Mordenheim’s clutches, delivered there by the Mists.

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

to be invincible. They see the principles that define them and their deities at work every day in the world around them — nature rewards the strong and mercilessly eliminates the weak and the

they are more interested in grabbing plunder and food rather than in wanton slaughter. The elderly, children, and any who seem weak or meek enough might escape death. If they leave the population more

Wuxia

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

Asian martial-arts movies is a perfect match for D&D. Players can define the appearance of their characters and gear however they like for the campaign, and spells need only minor flavor changes so

character works just fine in a game inspired by medieval Asian cultures. Wuxia Weapon Names Having players refer to a tetsubo or a katana rather than a greatclub or a longsword can enhance the flavor

Alignment

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

, evil, or neutral), and the other describes attitudes toward society and order (lawful, chaotic, or neutral). Thus, nine distinct alignments define the possible combinations. These brief summaries of the

lawful evil. A devil does not choose to be lawful evil or tend toward lawful evil, but rather it is lawful evil in its essence. If it somehow ceases to be lawful evil, it changes into something new—a

Dinosaurs

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

rather than fight. However, even though not trained for battle, they can deliver a vicious bite if pressed. Fastieth Medium beast, unaligned Armor Class 14 Hit Points 9 (2d8) Speed 50 ft. STR

. Clawfoot Medium beast, unaligned Armor Class 13 Hit Points 19 (3d8 + 6) Speed 40 ft. STR 12 (+1) DEX 16 (+3) CON 14 (+2) INT 4 (–3) WIS 12 (+1) CHA

Roleplaying

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

that best describe the creature. Knowing the creature’s alignment can also help with your portrayal. The classic advice for writers holds true: show, don’t tell. For example, rather than describe an

facial expressions help convey a creature’s emotions. Smile, scowl, snarl, yawn, or pout, as appropriate. Use Motions and Posture. Movement and posture can help define an NPC’s personality. You might

4. The Alchemist

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

. For now, it has adopted the guise of a scatterbrained, shabbily dressed young man who has, for reasons he would rather not divulge, set up an alchemist’s lab in this cave. The slaad refers to itself

pilfer one with a successful Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check contested by the slaad’s Wisdom (Perception) check. Potion of Comprehension. When you drink this potion, you gain the effect of a

Thassa's Champions

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

campaigns to overturn it. Rather, her champions’ work often serves her immediate interests or embodies her ire about some recent slight. The Thassa’s Quests table suggests a few adventures the god’s

. 4 Find a magically stolen vessel sequestered high in the mountains and return it to the ocean. 5 Capture a great beast of the land and bring it to the shore as an offering for a kraken

High Deck

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd

High Deck The cards that compose the high deck aren’t considered to be one suit, although they are often denoted with a crown icon to mark their importance. Rather, each card is an important power in

Represents Artifact The importance of some physical object that must be obtained, protected, or destroyed at all costs Beast Great rage or passion; something bestial or malevolent hiding in plain sight

Life in the Domains of Dread

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

your adventures, you define what deities are worshiped in a domain and whether those deities are actual gods, manifestations of the Dark Powers, or one masquerading as the other. EZRA, GOD OF THE MISTS

players who want to create characters devoted to Ezra to define the god’s role in their domain of origin. Time and Dates The Domains of Dread don’t share a unified calendar. However, in most

D&D Beyond

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