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Returning 35 results for 'before bards direct composed rune'.
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Magic Items
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
The amulet is a 4-inch-wide disk composed of silver-framed wood, with a rune carved into its face. A detect magic spell reveals a magical aura of enchantment around the amulet.
Every shield
is created.
A shield guardian’s amulet is subject to direct attack if it isn’t being worn or carried. It has AC 10, 10 hit points, and immunity to poison and psychic damage. Crafting an
Monsters
Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos
exploration and discovery through the lens of creating a direct conduit to the past.
She founded Lorehold College to ensure mortals would never forget the lessons of the past. After living for centuries
accompanied by visual effects resembling tomes and scrolls composed of golden light, perceptible distortions as time doubles back on itself, and thunderous sounds.Thunder
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation
48. Shagambi’s Tomb Each character who teleports into this tomb from area 47C appears atop a randomly determined teleportation rune (see “Teleportation Runes” below). Characters can also enter the
this area: Nervous Unkh suggests that her host leave the tomb at once using one of the teleportation runes, though she can’t decide which rune is best. Impulsive Wongo thinks it’s a good idea to shatter
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
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
(see appendix B). The rune targets the creature closest to the open door. It then vanishes until the door is closed, whereupon another elder rune appears in its place. Treasure The harp played by the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
is one of Halaster’s gates (see “Gates”). Its frame is composed of an assemblage of hundreds of tiny, interlocking stone gears. This gate’s rules are as follows: Any creature that inspects the frame
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 25b on level 10, in the closest unoccupied space next to the identical gate located there.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
chamber on the lowest level. A detect magic spell reveals a magical aura of enchantment around the amulet. The amulet is a 4-inch-wide disk composed of silver-framed wood, with a rune carved into its
examination. Neither the simulacrum nor Krintaas know what the amulet does, nor do they care. The simulacrum will happily give it to the characters if one or more of them agrees to accompany it to the rune
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->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
is one of Halaster’s gates (see “Gates”). It is composed of one hundred stone jigsaw pieces, each weighing 10 pounds. The rules of this gate are as follows: Only one piece of the arch can be removed at
first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the gate appears in area 15 on level 15, in the closest unoccupied space next to the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
Bard: College of Spirits Bards of the College of Spirits seek tales with inherent power—be they legends, histories, or fictions—and bring their subjects to life. Using occult trappings, these bards
, you can use a bonus action to expend one use of your Bardic Inspiration and roll on the Spirit Tales table using your Bardic Inspiration die to determine the tale the spirits direct you to tell. You
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos
and discovery through the lens of creating a direct conduit to the past. She founded Lorehold College to ensure mortals would never forget the lessons of the past. After living for centuries, Velomachus
effects resembling tomes and scrolls composed of golden light, perceptible distortions as time doubles back on itself, and thunderous sounds. Velomachus Lorehold
Gargantuan Dragon (Wizard), Lawful
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
Bladesinging When faced with the endless onslaught of magical possibilities, many wizards suffer identity crises. Some overcome, some break, and some become sword-bards.
Tasha
Bladesingers master
the Attack action on your turn. Moreover, you can cast one of your cantrips in place of one of those attacks. Song of Defense 10th-level Bladesinging feature You can direct your magic to absorb damage
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
government is composed of groups or individuals primarily seeking wealth for themselves, often at the expense of their subjects. The grasping Bandit Kingdoms in the Greyhawk campaign setting are prime
examples. A kingdom run by thieves’ guilds would also fall into this category. Magocracy. The governing body is composed of spellcasters who rule directly as oligarchs or feudal lords, or participate in a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
this kind of work. Characters with the criminal background excel at putting their skills and contacts to use on the church’s behalf. Prophet. The Prophet is a visionary with a more-or-less direct
Persuasion (or sometimes Intimidation) and Religion can be useful for this character. Many clerics fill this role, but devout bards can also be effective Teachers. Some Teachers bring skills from the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
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
property. 30b. Play-by-Play Generator This dusty room has a 10-foot-high ceiling. A 3-foot cube composed of equal parts adamantine and flesh sits atop a 3-foot-tall hexagonal plinth of carved stone
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
in direct conflict with the other two factions, but that doesn’t always inspire cooperation. For example, the Chromatic Circle might focus on self-aggrandizement, as each member of the faction tries
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
every location in Muiral’s Gauntlet. The orb loses its magic if it is torn free of the throne, or if the throne is destroyed. Mirror Gate to Level 8. The mirror’s frame is composed of an assemblage of
, causing all the gears to lock again. Characters must be 10th level or higher to pass through this gate (see “Jhesiyra Kestellharp”). The first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
the throes of combat and has recently slain one of her foes, she often forgoes a direct attack on her remaining enemies and instead takes a moment to feed on the corpse, dismembering it and tearing
. Additionally, difficult terrain composed of ice or snow doesn’t cost her extra moment.
Innate Spellcasting. The hag’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
rune-carved iron ingot embedded in its forehead (see “Treasure”). Although golems normally have elemental spirits of earth trapped within them, this golem holds an elemental spirit of fire. The golem
in the iron golem’s forehead is an ingot of the skold rune (see appendix B). It can be removed only while the golem is deactivated or when it is destroyed. 28. Assembly Hall, Lower Level Pools of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
a small arcane rune engraved above the keyhole on the journal’s lock. A character who casts the detect magic spell also sees a faint aura around the keyhole. This rune is a magical trap that triggers
carefully scratching over the rune with a dagger, a sharp piece of wire, or a similar implement. Once this is done, the journal can safely be opened either by picking the lock with thieves’ tools and making
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault
duration of the spell). Once the glyph is triggered, the trunk is safe to open. Treasure. The trunk contains, among personal items and clothing of little value, the instrument of the bards (Canaith mandolin
corner, and an oak door leads to each tower.
A five-foot-wide walkway wraps around a convex structure composed of eight large stained-glass windows in lead frames. Each skylight is a work of art, its
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
. Two magic items are displayed here as well. Anstruth Harp. An exquisitely crafted harp sized for a human rests on a shelf. This instrument of the bards was acquired from a human bard who counseled
Sansuri for a few months. She had him hurled from the battlements for joking about her quick temper and kept his harp as a memento. Banner of the Krig Rune. This magical war banner (see appendix B
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things
. 19: Knight A being composed of golden light and clad in plate armor rests on one knee in the center of the room. Chains of shadow wrap around its neck, wrists, and waist, binding it to the floor. A
one willing character to receive the Charm of the Flames (see chapter 8), marking that character’s skin with an infernal rune. If the character whose soul has been lost is adventuring with the party
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
stops the island from falling, returns the rune to its original orange color, and disables the console. The experience is startling, but it doesn’t harm the tower or creatures on the island. If the tower
. Console. A character adjacent to the console who succeeds on a DC 20 Intelligence (Arcana) check can use an action to direct one of the Istarian drones in this room to move or attack a creature. The
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk
know how many pieces of the obelisk exist. The mind flayers direct characters who express interest in worship to the adjacent feeding room (area X11). The mind flayers don’t prolong the discussion, and
magic rune in each rift to bolster a larger gateway to the Far Realm in their private ritual chambers. (See the “Far Realm Rifts” section later in this chapter.) Hated Lieutenant. The fanatics
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault
answered truthfully or not at all. Rune Tile. The Elvish rune for “winter” is inscribed on the wall opposite the stairs. A character who examines that wall and succeeds on a DC 20 Wisdom (Perception) check
spots the rune, which can also be found with a detect magic spell. Pressing the rune’s tile opens hidden pipes at the bottom of the pool and drains it completely in 1 minute. The pool remains empty
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Sigil and the Outlands
clear faction allegiance to enlist in the Harmonium and reap its benefits. Parade Grounds. Composed of four identical sections and the squat towers that join them, the Barracks surround a wide parade
, 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->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a5
master’s final judgment. The lich attacks immediately. His guards emerge from various positions to screen him from direct attack. Tarul Var can cast any of his spells from one of the dread warriors
spells, but it still can’t summon demons. Shackles. The ten sets of shackles and their chains are made of rune-scribed iron. A demon held in them can’t escape them while the shackles are closed. The
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Turn of Fortune’s Wheel
unfathomable distance away, two incredible beings composed of stars and crackling magic are locked in the throes of a cosmos-shaking battle while the audience shouts and cheers. A single gate filled with violet
). Treasure. A character who searches the room finds curios worth 15,000 gp, a dagger of venom, a suit of demon armor, and an instrument of the bards (Anstruth harp), all designed with vulpine shapes
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
, a beat-up fishing boat, a dilapidated store or farm, or any similar structure or site. The DM might direct the characters toward a single ideal location, or might provide a range of options for
in the wake of an existing business. Somebody else did the market research and decided this was a good location? Awesome! Now use that decision against them. Set up direct competition. Then spread
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
no direct involvement from the characters — at least not to start.
These kinds of side ventures can easily expand to become adventures of their own. For example, one of the franchise NPCs handling
of a unique necromantic ritual that can turn any creature into an undead creature when it dies. (The characters will see this rune and this magic again later. See the sidebar “The Magic of Convenience
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
is a tunnel cloaked by a 6th-level major image spell to look like a solid stone wall. Discovering its nature from a distance requires a DC 19 Intelligence (Investigation) check, although direct
composed of thick, dripping mud.
The river of mud flows into this cavern from area G6. An earth elemental myrmidon (see chapter 7) stands guard, ignoring the taunts of six mud mephits. The myrmidon is
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a5
appendix B) guard the apprentices. All the Thayans attack as soon as they notice intruders. Each round of combat, the Thayans direct one giant spider and one giant centipede to join the fight
Constrict or Swallow traits) Cage G. Two hook horrors Cage H. One wyvern Each cage has rune-scribed bars of steel. Transmutation magic on the bars renders them unbreakable, so a creature inside can’t
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault
of its magically binding employment contract prevent Nebukath from taking direct action against Vrakir, his forces, or his property (for example, by attacking the hold’s defenders). If Nebukath
here when he isn’t conducting business in area B25 or entertaining visitors in area B26. Treasure. The lyre is an instrument of the bards (Cli lyre) decorated with carvings of phoenixes. Jarazoun
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk
creature must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes damage that varies depending on the last rune the creature tapped: Death. 13 (3d8) necrotic damage Light. 13 (3d8
where Ruxithid went by succeeding on a DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check or by offering coins or gems worth at least 50 gp total. The psionic ashenwights direct the characters to the sanctum crossing
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation
Old Omuan. A character with the Cloistered Scholar or Sage background can translate an Old Omuan inscription with a successful DC 10 Intelligence (History) check. A warlock with the Eyes of the Rune
her beloved Thiru-taya. As long as the meeting remains cordial, Zalkoré can reveal much about Omu. She can direct characters to its general location (“between the fire peaks and the great iron mine