before band defusing combat reality

Deck of Many Things

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide

effect. Comet. The next time you enter combat against one or more Hostile creatures, you can select one of them as your foe when you roll Initiative. If you reduce your foe to 0 Hit Points during that

combat, you have Advantage on Death Saving Throws for 1 year. If someone else reduces your chosen foe to 0 Hit Points or you don’t choose a foe, this card has no effect. Donjon. You disappear

Ruinstone

Magic Items Divine Contention

combat it’s simplest to allow them the opportunity to “rewind” one action and take it again, or to reroll a failed saving throw (if it can still take actions). Each use of the

artifact has a terrible side effect: someone known to the wielder is also erased from reality. After the villain uses the ruinstone, roll a d20: on a 5-20, one of their allies disintegrates, on an 1-4

Knight of the Order

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

. The reality of the dangers they faced eventually sank in, as did Lurue’s tenets. Over time the small group grew and spread, gaining a following in places as far as Cormyr. The Knights of the

their completion, and everyone should be praised for their strengths and comforted in their weaknesses. Knights of Myth Drannor. Long ago, the Knights of Myth Drannor were a famous adventuring band

Alkilith

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

combat, it has advantage on its initiative roll. Moreover, if a creature hasn’t observed the alkilith move or act, that creature must succeed on a DC 18 Intelligence (Investigation) check to discern

demonic nature of the alkilith, making what should be a dire warning appear strange but otherwise innocuous. Wherever alkiliths take root, they weaken the fabric of reality, creating a portal through

Ranger Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

skills as part of a band of rangers affiliated with a druidic circle, trained in mystic paths as well as wilderness lore. You might be self-taught, a recluse who learned combat skills, tracking, and even

hiding themselves in brush and rubble. Rangers focus their combat training on techniques that are particularly useful against their specific favored foes. Thanks to their familiarity with the wilds

Urchin - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

Bands of orphans and runaways band together in the Outer City, running after passersby in ragged throngs to plead for scraps. In the Lower City, urchins are often recruited into the lowest echelons

can find passages through the urban sprawl that others would miss. When you are not in combat, you (and companions you lead) can travel between any two locations in the city twice as fast as your

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

scythe. Only a skilled and determined hero can hope to survive single combat with an orc. Savage and fearless, orc tribes are ever in search of elves, dwarves, and humans to destroy. Motivated by their

while learning to fight, to survive in the wild, and to fear the gods. The children that can’t endure the rigors of a life of combat are culled from the main body of the tribe, taken into the

Testing Phase

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

, green, gray, and death slaadi requires a successful DC 12 Intelligence (Arcana) check. Defusing Slaad Confrontations. Writing short essays about commonly accepted ways to keep slaadi calm during

fireballs and magical flames at its foes. Death slaadi are rumored to have a stench so bad it can be deadly. In reality, they can cast the cloudkill spell. Inexperienced scholars and adventurers

Mercenary Veteran

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

a large outfit such as the Zhentarim or the soldiers of Mintarn, or a smaller band of sell-swords, maybe even more than one. (See the “Mercenaries of the North” sidebar for a collection of

tales from my military experience relevant to almost every combat situation. 5 I can stare down a hell hound without flinching. 6 I enjoy being strong and like breaking things. 7 I have

Fellow Travelers

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss

the other and assume they neutralize each other — for example, a band of shield dwarves fighting for the adventurers against a band of orcs. During such combat, the force on the losing side is wiped

(see chapter 8). This changes some of the conditions described in “Underdark Travel” in chapter 2. ATTACKING IN FORCE When dealing with combat between large groups of creatures — either the

Domains of Ravenloft

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

Domains of Ravenloft In a far-flung corner of the Plane of Shadow drifts a hidden expanse of roiling mist and vague semi-reality. At this eerie edge of the multiverse, the Dark Powers collect the

sampling of the terrifying domains, dreaded Darklords, and daring wanderers trapped in the Dark Powers’ clutches. Dr. Viktra Mordenheim, Darklord of Lamordia, crafts the perfect body for her newest band of golem-hunting mercenaries

Paladin Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

an orc war band celebrating its recent victory. Silently, he stalks into their midst and whispers an oath, and two orcs are dead before they even realize he is there. Silver hair shining in a shaft

skills of combat, mastering a variety of weapons and armor. Even so, their martial skills are secondary to the magical power they wield: power to heal the sick and injured, to smite the wicked and the

Journey down Esker Brook

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

province of Nightlund, which encompasses both the Dargaard Mountains and Kalaman, is widely said to be a land of eternal twilight where the sun never shines. In reality, the area is gloomy and sees

1 Light rain falls for an hour, and distant lightning is visible over the Dargaard Mountains. 2 A band of 2d4 bandits heads northwest, paying the characters no mind. The bandits have no interest in

Suggested Characteristics

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

Baldur’s Gate. On a lark, they took the unicorn goddess Lurue as their mascot and went on various adventures for fun. The reality of the dangers they faced eventually sank in, as did Lurue’s tenets

their weaknesses. Knights of Myth Drannor. Long ago, the Knights of Myth Drannor were a famous adventuring band, and Dove Falconhand, one of the famous Seven Sisters, was one of them. The band took

Creating a Ranger

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

skills as part of a band of rangers affiliated with a druidic circle, trained in mystic paths as well as wilderness lore. You might be self-taught, a recluse who learned combat skills, tracking, and even

protecting the borderlands, or a significant change? What made you join up with a band of adventurers? Do you find it challenging to teach new allies the ways of the wild, or do you welcome the relief from solitude that they offer?

Planes of Existence

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

is the heart of its own Material Plane. It is surrounded by the Ring of Siberys. Beyond this band of dragonshards, twelve moons orbit the world. To date, no creature from Eberron has explored the moons

altered reality. As such, venturing beneath the surface of Eberron can lead you to a network of caverns and passages, and if you find the right passage, it can take you to fantastic and deadly places inhabited by fiends, aberrations, and other children of Khyber. Planes of Existence View Larger Version

The Material Plane

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

The Material Plane Eberron is the heart of the material plane. It is surrounded by the Ring of Siberys, a band of golden dragonshards. Beyond this, twelve moons orbit the world. To date, no creature

Khyber contains a host of demiplanes: tiny pockets of reality that exist within the underworld. As such, venturing below the surface of Eberron can lead you to a network of caverns and passages… but if you

Surprise

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

Surprise A band of adventurers sneaks up on a bandit camp, springing from the trees to attack them. A gelatinous cube glides down a dungeon passage, unnoticed by the adventurers until the cube

doesn't notice a threat is surprised at the start of the encounter. If you're surprised, you can't move or take an action on your first turn of the combat, and you can't take a reaction until that turn ends. A member of a group can be surprised even if the other members aren't.

Surprise

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

Surprise A band of adventurers sneaks up on a bandit camp, springing from the trees to attack them. A gelatinous cube glides down a dungeon passage, unnoticed by the adventurers until the cube

doesn’t notice a threat is surprised at the start of the encounter. If you’re surprised, you can’t move or take an action on your first turn of the combat, and you can’t take a reaction until that turn ends. A member of a group can be surprised even if the other members aren’t.

Yargath's Patrol

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

Yargath’s Patrol As they move through the forest, the characters are beset by Yargath, an anchorite of Talos, and a band of orcs — two orcs per character in the party, including sidekicks. Set the

. The orcs unleash terrible battle cries as they are joined by a humanoid with elongated claws. On the first round of combat, Yargath casts bless on up to three orcs. Meanwhile, the orcs charge across the ravine and close to melee range. Treasure. Yargath carries a potion of greater healing.

Trepsin the Troll

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons

delightful terror of his more intelligent victims. Trepsin cares mostly about combat and mayhem, but he has found that serving the cult makes combat and mayhem more likely. He’s very devoted to Talis, and he

call the “Tiamat salute.” In addition, the phrases “All hail Tiamat!” and “They shall rise!” are frequently used pass phrases. In addition to their signals, cultists often wear a five-colored band or

Trepsin the Troll

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hoard of the Dragon Queen

delightful terror of his more intelligent victims. Trepsin cares mostly about combat and mayhem, but he has found that serving the cult makes combat and mayhem more likely. He’s very devoted to Talis, and he

call the “Tiamat salute.” In addition, the phrases “All hail Tiamat!” and “They shall rise!” are frequently used pass phrases. In addition to their signals, cultists often wear a five-colored band or

13. Vestibule

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

has betrayed his kin by choosing to serve Xarann A’Daragon, a House Freth spy who has infiltrated Muiral’s Gauntlet. When combat erupts, Sornnozz switches sides and helps the characters kill the

phase spiders and the other guards. He then offers to lead the characters to Xarann in area 17d. If pressed for details, Sornnozz claims that Xarann is looking for ways to weaken House Auvryndar’s hold over Muiral’s Gauntlet, and he thinks a band of adventurers might be the answer to Xarann’s prayers.

Vistani

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

now are full-fledged members of Vistani culture (see the “Vistani Characters” sidebar for details). As they travel, members of a Vistani band walk, ride on horseback, and drive ledge wagons, stopping

. The Mists can carry travelers between lands and can be coerced but never controlled. Evil is real and embodied by individuals of terrible power. Time, reality, and memory don’t always move in reliable

Random Encounters

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

war band* — 2 2d6 jackalweres 3 3 1d3 manticores 4 4 1d3 + 1 trolls 5 5 Elk tribe hunters* — 6 1d8 will-o’-wisps 6 — Knights of Samular* 7 — Homestead* — 7 1d2 ghasts and 1d4 + 2 ghouls 8 8 1d4 + 1

gargoyles 9 9 Air cult skyriders* 10 10 Water cult raiders* 11 11 1d6 + 2 bugbears 12 12 Fire cult war band* 13 13 Earth cult marauders* 14 14 2d4 ogres 15 — Caravan* — 15 1d4 + 1 wights 16 16 2d4

Keeping Combat Moving

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

Keeping Combat Moving Sometimes even the best-planned combat encounter can turn into a slog, where no one’s moving and neither side is hitting or dealing much damage to the other. When that happens

chase the character. Move the monsters somewhere else. Hasten a Monster’s Demise If a combat has gone on long enough and the characters’ victory is almost certain, you can simply have the monster drop

By Land

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh

close to the temporary lair of a band of bullywugs. Bullywug scouts patrol the area and, unless spotted, return to the larger group after identifying the adventurers to organize an ambush. Bullywug

Transients. The bullywugs are a roving band but they have set up a defensive camp here because they have happened upon a considerable treasure. Rather than risk traveling through the swamp with their

Centaur

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

both hunting and combat. Often a band is led by the strongest and most dominant warrior, called the charger. However, some bands elevate a tactician or strategist to this venerated position. The

the far-traveling Lagonna band and the proud raiders of the Pheres band. These bands occupy territories situated between the three major human poleis, making them common sights to those who travel human

Creating a Ranger

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

skills as part of a band of rangers affiliated with a druidic circle, trained in mystic paths as well as wilderness lore. You might be self-taught, a recluse who learned combat skills, tracking, and even

protecting the borderlands, or a significant change? What made you join up with a band of adventurers? Do you find it challenging to teach new allies the ways of the wild, or do you welcome the relief

Classes Summary

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

, sickles, slings, spears Fighter A master of martial combat, skilled with a variety of weapons and armor d10 Strength or Dexterity Strength & Constitution All armor, shields, simple and martial

nature magic to combat threats on the edges of civilization d10 Dexterity & Wisdom Strength & Dexterity Light and medium armor, shields, simple and martial weapons Rogue A scoundrel who

Using These Rules

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

character attempts, and describes the three broad categories of activity in the game: exploration, interaction, and combat. Part 3 is all about magic. It covers the nature of magic in the worlds of D

that characters can become associated with. Appendix D explores the multitude of worlds and alternate dimensions of reality, called the planes of existence. Finally, players can use the character

Quill's Party

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries

middle of the room, surrounded by a crowd of thirty villagers dressed in fine attire, all having a good time. Five villagers have gathered on the stage to perform instrumental music. This band includes a

engage in battle and flee if combat erupts. Renekor can tell the real Quill from the fake one. When it notices the characters and the real Quill, the beholder attacks, hovering just out of reach of melee

Wilderness Encounters

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

flee once combat is joined. Goblins. The goblins know the location of Cragmaw Castle and can provide directions if they are captured and threatened. Each one carries a pouch containing 1d10 cp

hobgoblin carries a crudely drawn sketch of one party member, with “25 gold pieces for this one” and a symbol of a black spider drawn beneath it. Orcs. These scouts are part of the band currently based at

The Winged God

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

The Winged God Adventure for Level 3 Characters Situation. A few weeks ago, a Red Dragon Wyrmling drove a band of kobolds out of their warren to claim the place as its lair. Now some of the kobolds

Warriors (Neutral) who demand that the merchant surrender his goods. In combat, the kobolds shout things like “For the Winged God!” and “Fight to reclaim our home!” If four of them fall in battle, the

Stage 2: Little Inn of Horrors

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

Stage 2: Little Inn of Horrors The Test Market warps reality the moment any character opens a door within the Dran & Courtier. The first time this happens, all the characters find themselves back in

. Inside the room are two chuuls. One has grappled Chance (from area 3), and both are feasting on the unconscious half-elf spy. The chuul drops Chance as combat begins, leaving the spy unconscious with

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