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Deathless Rider

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

Queen, who rules from a castle called Dynnistan. It isn’t known whether these legends are based on any true experience or are simply the result of imagination trying to account for a terrifying and

called lich-knights or fell horsemen. In stark contrast to the knights of Eldraine, the deathless riders are without virtue of any kind. They are few in number—unless many more lurk in the dark

Folk Hero Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

) Equipment: A set of artisan’s tools (one of your choice), a shovel, an iron pot, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp Defining Event You previously pursued a simple

randomly determine a defining event that marked you as a hero of the people. d10 Defining Event 1 I stood up to a tyrant’s agents. 2 I saved people during a natural

Criminal / Spy Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

than most people to the world of murder, theft, and violence that pervades the underbelly of civilization, and you have survived up to this point by flouting the rules and regulations of society

. 4 I have a “tell” that reveals when I’m lying. 5 I turn tail and run when things look bad. 6 An innocent person is in prison for a crime that I committed. I’m okay with that.

Criminal - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

underbelly of civilization, and you have survived up to this point by flouting the rules and regulations of society. Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Stealth Tool Proficiencies: One

tail and run when things look bad. 6 An innocent person is in prison for a crime that I committed. I’m okay with that.

Saving Throws

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

Saving Throws In contrast to an ability check, a saving throw is an instant response to an effect and is almost never made by choice. A saving throw makes the most sense when something bad threatens

Atmosphere

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

your players. Settle on a single defining factor that sums up a settlement’s personality and extrapolate from there. Maybe a city is built around canals, like real-world Venice. That key element

cities present a distinct aesthetic, clearly identifiable in contrast to human-built ones. Soldiers patrol the streets to quell any hint of dissent in a city ruled by a tyrant, while a city fostering

Using These Rules

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

Using These Rules Each of the book’s adventures includes Exams. Though each character might be a member of a different college at Strixhaven, the adventures assume that the characters take at least

one general education or interdisciplinary course together each year. It is this course that the Exam rules represent. Each Exam encounter has a Studying phase followed by a Testing phase. In general

Using This Book

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

. Chapter 3 offers twelve classes to choose from, along with forty-eight subclasses. Chapter 4: Character Origins. Background and species are key elements in defining a character’s origin, which further

game information for creatures that certain characters can befriend or transform into. Appendix C: Rules Glossary. The game’s main rules terminology is summarized in this appendix, making it an invaluable reference during play.

The Middle Path

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

between relying on their bonuses and abilities and paying attention to the game and immersing themselves in its world. Remember that dice don’t run your game — you do. Dice are like rules. They’re

bad die roll foiling the character’s plans. By the same token, a bad plan or unfortunate circumstances can transform the easiest task into an impossibility, or at least impose disadvantage.

Continuing the Adventure

compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->One-Shot Wonders: Holiday Adventure Pack

Regions The citizens of Mirabilis share much, including a common language, but different regions also have their own unique identities. Villages in the Jabali Tundra are often cut off due to bad

periods of conflict. In contrast, the dangers of travel in the Wychwood Marshes are sometimes less obvious. There are limited main roads through this rugged landscape, so residents rely on their knowledge

Table Rules

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

Table Rules Ideally, players come to the gaming table with the same goal: to have a fun time together. This section gives recommendations for table rules you can establish to help meet that goal

. Here are some fundamentals: Foster respect. Don’t bring personal conflicts to the table or let disagreements escalate into bad feelings. Don’t touch others’ dice if they’re sensitive about it. Avoid

Mounted Combat

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules

Mounted Combat A willing creature that is at least one size larger than a rider and that has an appropriate anatomy can serve as a mount, using the following rules. Mounting and Dismounting During

. A controlled mount can move and act even on the turn that you mount it. In contrast, an independent mount—one that lets you ride but ignores your control—retains its place in the Initiative order

Game Customization

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

Rules House rules include optional rules, such as those presented in chapter 9 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide, and rules you create. If you plan to use any house rules, session zero is a good time to

discuss those rules with the players and solicit their input. House rules are best presented as experiments, and time will tell if they’re good for your game. If you introduce a house rule in session

Introducing the Game

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Borderlands Quest: Goblin Trouble

Introducing the Game Once the players have familiarized themselves with their characters, you’re ready to introduce the game. Now that you’re familiar with your characters and the basics of the rules

, we’re going to play a short adventure to introduce you to Dungeons & Dragons. As the Dungeon Master, I tell you what’s going on in the world around you, and I use the rules and dice rolls to

Mounted Combat

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

a mount, using the following rules. Mounting and Dismounting During your move, you can mount a creature that is within 5 feet of you or dismount. Doing so costs an amount of movement equal to half

only three action options during that turn: Dash, Disengage, and Dodge. A controlled mount can move and act even on the turn that you mount it. In contrast, an independent mount—one that lets you ride

Rules of Conduct

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

Rules of Conduct Although Zybilna is indisposed, three of the rules she put into place when she created her Feywild domain continue to hold weight: the rule of hospitality, the rule of ownership, and

the rule of reciprocity. These three rules are common knowledge in Prismeer, and both natives and visitors would do well to abide by them: Rule of Hospitality. When a friend, an enemy, or a stranger

Raiders of Clan Ironeye

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

contrast to the usual duergar focus on utility. The duergar she leads are content to follow her for the sake of what their raids will earn them, and they care nothing for the historical value of the relics

stole from Azrok, the hobgoblin warlord who rules Stromkuhldur on level 3 of Undermountain (see “Legion of Azrok”). Returning this dagger to Azrok completes a side quest.

Monsters with Classes

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

Monsters with Classes You can use the rules in chapter 3 of the Player’s Handbook to give class levels to a monster. For example, you can turn an ordinary werewolf into a werewolf with four levels of

little or increase dramatically. For example, a werewolf that gains four barbarian levels is a much greater threat than it was before. In contrast, the hit points, spells, and other class features that an ancient red dragon gains from five levels of wizard don’t increase its challenge rating.

Folk Hero

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

artisan’s tools (one of your choice), a shovel, an iron pot, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp Defining Event You previously pursued a simple profession among the peasantry, perhaps

as a farmer, miner, servant, shepherd, woodcutter, or gravedigger. But something happened that set you on a different path and marked you for greater things. Choose or randomly determine a defining

Folk Hero

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

artisan’s tools (one of your choice), a shovel, an iron pot, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp Defining Event You previously pursued a simple profession among the peasantry, perhaps

as a farmer, miner, servant, shepherd, woodcutter, or gravedigger. But something happened that set you on a different path and marked you for greater things. Choose or randomly determine a defining

Foreword

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

. We’ve visited Waterdeep before, but not like this. Clever heroes will respect the city’s rules. Those who get on the city’s bad side are in for a rough time, as the City of Splendors is home to some of

Horror in Your Game

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

threat. Use this book to help you and your players communicate about a game’s rules, plots, and other content, assuring it includes only the elements you all enjoy. Focus on Fun. Suspenseful stories don’t

attention for both of us. We’ve found no trace of Vhorishkova since arriving, but I feel her watching. It’s like she’s everywhere. It’s bad here, Uncle. Not snake-headed hogs bad. Like, full Delmunster

Quest Goals

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon of Icespire Peak

, full of dust and bad memories. It’s quiet most of the time, except when the sorrowful wails of the banshee fill the place. The following features are common throughout. Arrow Slits. When using an arrow

slit for protection, a creature gains three-quarters cover (see the Basic Rules) against outside threats. A Medium character can’t squeeze through an arrow slit, but a Small character can with a

Chapter 3: Classes

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

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 brewing

continuing to advance as a barbarian. Elves are known to combine martial mastery with magical training and advance as fighters and wizards simultaneously. Optional rules for combining classes in this

Multiclassing

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

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

they are on the sorcerer spell list, or do they have to gain them from sorcerer to trigger? From the multiclassing rules: “Each spell you know and prepare is associated with one of your classes”. This rule means only the spells gained from levels in sorcerer trigger Wild Magic Surge.

Ability Checks

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

something, think of it in terms of what a very high or low score in those two abilities might mean. A character with a high Wisdom but low Intelligence is aware of the surroundings but is bad at

. In contrast, a character with high Intelligence and low Wisdom is probably oblivious but clever. The character might not spot the clean section of wall but, if asked about it, could immediately

Overkill Attacks

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Flee, Mortals! Rule Primer

creatures succeeding on their saving throw. By contrast, under this book’s minion rules, spellcasters still have a good reason to use high-level spells against minions.

damage other minions with this attack. Outnumbered? Switch to area-of-effect powers. Otherwise you’re gonna have a bad day, which will probably last the rest of your life. The Sun, Senior

Moving Around Other Creatures

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

Moving Around Other Creatures You can move through a nonhostile creature’s space. In contrast, you can move through a hostile creature’s space only if the creature is at least two sizes larger or

, there’s little room for anyone else. In contrast, as many as twenty Medium creatures can surround a Gargantuan one. Squeezing into a Smaller Space A creature can squeeze through a space that is

Personal Characteristics

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

your goals and ambitions? What is the single most important thing you strive for? You can choose any ideals you like, but your character’s alignment is a good place to start defining them. Each

bad fall during her career as a thief. Artemis Entreri is always prepared for the worst and moves with a quick, precise confidence. Consider their ideals. Tika Waylan is innocent, almost childlike

Narration in Combat

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

Narration in Combat Although it’s important that the players understand what’s going on in terms of the rules, the game can get dull if everyone uses only “gamespeak”: “That’s an 18 to hit,” “You hit

; now roll damage,” “11 points,” and “OK, now we’re to Initiative count 13.” Instead, use the rules and your knowledge of the scene to help your narration. If 18 is barely a hit, but the 11 points of

Creature Size

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

. Because larger creatures take up more space, fewer of them can surround a creature. If four Large creatures crowd around a Medium or smaller one, there's little room for anyone else. In contrast, as many as

miniatures or other tokens, follow these rules. Squares. Each square on the grid represents 5 feet. Speed. Rather than moving foot by foot, move square by square on the grid. This means you use your speed

Deathless Rider

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monstrous Compendium Volume Four

deathless riders serve a warlock-queen, known simply as the Shadow Queen, who rules from a castle called Dynnistan. It isn’t known whether these legends are based on any true experience or are simply the

through the remotest parts of the wilds. They are sometimes called lich-knights or fell horsemen. In stark contrast to the knights of Eldraine, the deathless riders are without virtue of any kind. They are

Nib's Cave

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

these riches by exploiting my tenants’ misery, buying up condemned property and renting it out for an exorbitant fee. Granny Nightshade is helping me to make amends. I told her I wanted to put my bad

hospitality (see “Rules of Conduct” in chapter 2), Nib offers to craft a gift for each character. Taking up a pair of knitting needles, he swiftly knits his gold yarn into an object that retains a golden

D6. His Royal Majesty Gullop XIX

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

treats visitors as honored guests in accordance with the rule of hospitality (see “Rules of Conduct” earlier in the chapter), but he expects a measure of kindness in return. If a fight breaks out

lap—Bavlorna’s Big Book of Bad Blood—in which the hag’s displeasure with her enemies is spelled out in detail. He procured the book from a darkling merchant (see area B10), who stole it from Bavlorna

Air Envelopes

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer: Adventures in Space->Astral Adventurer’s Guide

is humid and smells bad. Any creature that breathes foul air becomes poisoned until it breathes fresh air again. The air aboard a ship with a normal crew complement degrades from fresh to foul on day

121, and the foul air turns deadly 120 days later. Deadly air is unbreathable. Any creature that tries to breathe deadly air begins to suffocate (see the rules on suffocation in the Player’s Handbook

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