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Returning 35 results for 'before bards deciding contrast rule'.
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Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice Compendium
weapon, and if you hit, you add the same ability modifier to the damage roll, which is normal for weapon damage rolls. A specific rule, such as the rule for two-weapon fighting, might break the general
rule by telling you not to add your ability modifier to the damage. Polearm Master doesn’t have such a rule. Does Polearm Master let me make an opportunity attack against a target that is being forced
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
creature’s efforts. In a contest, the ability checks are compared to each other, rather than to a target number. When you call for a contest, you pick the ability that each side must use, deciding
crowd, lie to someone convincingly INTELLIGENCE CHECK VS. WISDOM CHECK
If you have trouble deciding whether to call for an Intelligence or a Wisdom check to determine whether a character notices
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
the purest souls can. Gazing toward that peak fills even the most jaded of travelers with awe. Optional Rule: Blessed Beneficence In contrast to the dissonance experienced by evil creatures here, good
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
Halflings Folk think of elves as aloof and graceful, dwarves as fierce and hardy, and of gnomes — if they think of them at all — as clever and shy. Halflings, in contrast, have the reputation of
travelers as a rule, with tongues and hearts as nimble as their feet. Whereas if strongheart halflings are on the move, it always seems driven by a desire to return to home or find and settle in a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
agents include sophisticated bards, zealous paladins, talented mages, and grizzled warriors. They are chosen primarily for their loyalty and are experts in observation, stealth, innuendo, and combat
the glory and security of their people, and for the lords who rule over them. However, Alliance operatives are often glory hounds, looking to gain a leg up on their counterparts from other Alliance
Orc
Legacy
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
Luthic. He predicts that the war will end with Luthic the only deity standing, as the cave mother ascends to rule her warrior children.
Life in the Tribe
Orcs survive through savagery and force of
more than a few hundred members, because a larger group would need a prohibitive amount of resources to remain strong. As a rule, a tribe is violently hostile toward any other tribe it meets, seeing the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
example, a fighter wants to turn a winch to raise a portcullis. This is a complex, difficult action. You could rule that it incurs a -5 initiative penalty. Rolling Initiative. After deciding on an action
Initiative Variants This section offers different ways to handle initiative. Initiative Score With this optional rule, creature don’t roll initiative at the start of combat. Instead, each creature
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.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice Compendium
spell learned through your Magical Secrets feature counts as a bard spell for you, so it can be replaced upon gaining a bard level later. But it must be replaced by a bard spell, according to the rule
in the Spellcasting feature. Which spell scrolls can bards understand—spells from the bard list only, or spells from the bard list plus spells from Magical Secrets? A bard can use any spell scroll
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
circle. Bards are expected to set aside personal rivalries while in a circle outpost, and any kind of combat or violence is prohibited. Violating this rule results in immediate expulsion from the
city of Sharn, which is both the cultural heart of Breland and a nexus for intrigue and diplomacy. Bards have much to gain from the company of other bards, as they exchange news, stories, and songs
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
a way of life in this forested domain, with everyone from the bards of Skald to the actors of Emherst pursuing dazzling dreams. Here, the people live by a simple rule: never let an audience grow bored
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
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
adjacent to the square you’re in. (The rule for diagonal movement sacrifices realism for the sake of smooth play. The Dungeon Master’s Guide provides guidance on using a more realistic approach.)
If
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice Compendium
rule states that if you are surprised, you can’t move or take an action. A surprised rogue can use Evasion, since that feature doesn’t require the rogue to take an action or move. Can the rogue’s
, but using a magic item doesn’t fall under Use an Object, as explained in the Dungeon Master’s Guide (see "Activating an Item"). In contrast, using a nonmagical item, such as a healer’s kit, is in
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice Compendium
sides. What happens with surprise when a third group of combatants sneaks up, hidden from the melee, and ambushes? The surprise rule is relevant only when a combat is starting. Any ambushes during the
. Can you move through the space of a prone enemy? The prone condition doesn’t override the rule that prevents you from moving through an enemy’s space, unless that enemy is at least two sizes larger or
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Adventure Atlas: The Mortuary
to expel a dybbuk† from a corpse. The exorcist asks the characters to help in dispatch the Fiend. 9 Two bards† in the Heralds of Dust approach the characters and sing a ballad honoring the dead. If the
characters interrupt or otherwise ruin the tune, 1d4 irascible specters emerge from the walls and attack, causing the bards to flee. 10 Three skeleton farmers quietly tend to corpse-white grave
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
fortress-palaces of tyrants, the lairs of monstrous oracles, and cavernous indoor markets also stand as destinations at the end of confounding avenues. Priests and warlord champions of Mogis rule the
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
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)
found on the Material Plane. The rest reside on the Elemental Planes, where they rule from lavish palaces and are attended by worshipful servants. Genies are as brilliant as they are mighty, as proud as
wind, a flash of fire and smoke, or a burst of water and foam. Rule or Be Ruled. Mortal servants validate a genie’s power and high self-opinion. A hundred flattering voices are music to a genie’s ears
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
, Fierna and Belial rule in strange tandem. They are variously thought of by mortals as mother and son, daughter and father, wife and husband, or ruler and consort, but none of those terms can capture
Belial, but his contingency plans rescue him from possible disaster. Other devils might gain a brief advantage over the two lords because of their infighting, but whenever any true threat to their rule
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
to the highest standards of behavior, and wields cold magic. The Brass Order could be a loose affiliation of good-hearted scoundrels, including rogues and bards, who favor fire magic and trickery. An
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
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
, died. His unprepared twin sons shared the rule until the elder, Bromm, was himself killed by a dragon, leaving young King Harnoth with the rule of the ancient citadel. What followed was a great bleeding
known written copies have ever been reported. Only a privileged few non-dwarves have ever heard the Dirge in its entirety, and dwarf bards who want to perform this epic must demonstrate great skill in
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
spice that you can use to enhance your campaign. Some DMs forgo using inspiration, while others embrace it as a key part of the game. If you take away anything from this section, remember this golden rule
: inspiration should make the game more enjoyable for everyone. Award inspiration when players take actions that make the game more exciting, amusing, or memorable. As a rule of thumb, aim to award
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
and keep the city strong through the trying times following the recent conflicts. Although the two monarchs share the rule of the city, and speak with absolute authority, their citizens are wise to
listen to what both have to say before deciding how to act on royal edicts. Most humans know Citadel Felbarr from a distance. They see only a great raised road winding through a vale of broken rock
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
despotic rule of a shadow dragon—but fail to mention that the dragon pursues them.
7 A shadow dragon has seized control of a city’s criminal underworld. Those who want to depose the dragon face
.
4 A shadow dragon wyrmling and a shadow demon have become unlikely companions as they compare and contrast their parallel evolutions.
5 Two shadow dragon wyrmlings of different dragon kinds
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
, called Solamnia in his honor. King Solamnus sought above all to rule this new society justly. On the Isle of Sancrist, at a black granite stone in a secluded glade, he prayed to the gods for guidance
Honor Is My Life.” This principle—to sacrifice all for the sake of honor—guides the actions of every knight, at least in theory. The Measure. In contrast to the Oath, the Measure is a staggeringly
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
Creatures In contrast to most chromatic dragons, blue dragons see value in relationships with other creatures, even if the power balance in those relationships is always weighted in the dragon’s favor
blue dragon’s family was killed, and the dragon is building a whole realm as a base for exterminating those responsible.
2 A young blue dragon claims the rule of a fast-growing city to impress
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
champions of the gods. Many leonin suffered under the rule of the archons and at the whim of fickle gods, a grim history that taught them well-remembered lessons about trusting strangers or relying on
Swiftclaws, and many bards and wizards come from these prides as well. Speaker Brimaz looks beyond Oreskos and wonders
if there is a future for his people in the outside world
(PETER MOHRBACHER)
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
children are sacred to Karametra, so they are brought into the city and tended just as Setessa’s own children are. In contrast to the discipline associated with educating children in other poleis
in life. Nonhumans in Setessa Setessa doesn’t welcome outsiders, as a rule, except the orphaned and abandoned children brought to live in the polis. But the polis can be more hospitable to nonhuman
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
to use humanoids as thralls, since they have a good balance of physical attributes and proper anatomy. Animals, in contrast, require a lot of direct oversight and lack the ability to use tools to help
and easily controlled. The clever duergar threw off the long-ago attempt by the mind flayers to rule them and have been enemies of the illithids ever since. Grimlocks The first grimlocks were descended
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation
Merchant Princes Seven merchant princes rule Port Nyanzaru, each one with an equal vote in matters of state. All are Chultan. Their single qualification is that they’re the seven richest people in
Jessamine (N female Chultan human assassin, her hit point maximum reduced to 58) doesn’t speak often. When the council finds itself divided on an issue, however, Jessamine usually casts the deciding vote
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
(or unlucky) ones who survived? Describe what the area looks like after the disaster, in contrast to how it looked before. 4. Assault or Invasion One of the most common world-shaking events, an
power. Large and powerful organizations can exert enough influence to rule the world. Some new organizations benefit the populace, while others grow to threaten the civilization they once protected
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Sigil and the Outlands
power does—the power to influence, administer, and evade the rule of law. Despite its luxuries and breathtaking vistas, the Lady’s Ward is quieter than other wards, its solemn streets frequented by
, supposedly impartial magistrate appointed by the Guvners. Punishments are tailored to fit the crime, and advocates are strongly encouraged. Lawyers and orators, these civil servants include bards
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
patriars, traveling nobles, famed bards, and socially ambitious Lower City residents hoping to rub shoulders with the elite. The inn is unfussy, but conducts its service with flawless technique and the
already prepared. This results in a certain degree of corruption, naturally, which is compounded by the proxy judge’s near-absolute discretion in deciding whether to accept a conviction or exonerate a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer
patriars, traveling nobles, famed bards, and socially ambitious Lower City residents hoping to rub shoulders with the elite. The inn is unfussy, but conducts its service with flawless technique and the
already prepared. This results in a certain degree of corruption, naturally, which is compounded by the proxy judge’s near-absolute discretion in deciding whether to accept a conviction or exonerate a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
be with. Stories of Hanali’s romantic adventures among elves and other mortals are perennial favorites when sung by elf bards and poets. In Arvandor, Hanali maintains a hidden pool called Evergold
least a century. More than a few elves claim to have experienced this benefit, and the truth of it is attested by many bards — sometimes in all earnestness, sometimes with a knowing wink. Priests of






