before barely defusing contract rather

Half-Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

friends and loved ones age while time barely touches them. Others live with the elves, growing restless as they reach adulthood in the timeless elven realms, while their peers continue to live as

. EXCELLENT AMBASSADORS Many half-elves learn at an early age to get along with everyone, defusing hostility and finding common ground. As a race, they have elven grace without elven aloofness and

Halfling Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

, even by the standards of his diminutive race, with the fluff of his curly brown locks barely cresting the three-foot mark, but his belly was amply thickened by his love of a good meal, or several, as

treasures locked in a cellar rather than on display for all to see. They have a knack for finding the most straightforward solution to a problem, and have little patience for dithering. Kind and

Giff Legacy

Monsters Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes

refuse to fight other giff, and will never agree to a contract unless it stipulates that they can sit out a battle rather than wage war against their kin. A giff prizes the reputation of its unit above its

Breaking the Contract

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus

Breaking the Contract Voiding the infernal contract between Zariel and Thavius Kreeg causes the hellish chains binding Elturel to crumble to ash. This can be accomplished by either killing Zariel or

by destroying the original contract. Zariel can use an action to summon the contract, which appears in her one hand. The contract is otherwise hidden in a secret place known only to her. Getting

Infernal Contracts

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus

would rather risk death than demotion to a lower form of devil and the scorn of its peers. A devil might be persuaded to void a contract in exchange for one of the following: One or more soul coins

Infernal Contracts Once the devil and the character agree to the terms of a deal, the agreement must be sealed with a contract, which the devil can produce as an action. The contract often appears in

Finding the Book

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

Finding the Book Characters receive a contract from a mining and exploration group to find out what happened to Vermeillon. Through divination magic, the speculators learned that a book in Candlekeep

holds clues to the mystery. They give the characters another book to use as a means of entrance, which gets them in … barely. The Avowed at the front gates are initially doubtful about the quality or

18. Hallway of the Ancestors

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a3

took damage from the monsters must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or contract sewer plague (see “Sample Diseases” in chapter 8 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide). Unlike the normal disease, symptoms of this disease manifest in an infected creature after 1 hour rather than 1d4 days.

Lizardfolk Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

pleasurable creatures and things are ones that allow lizardfolk to assess more situations as benign rather than fearsome. Cold and Calculating Most humanoids describe cold-blooded people as lacking in

pity. Born into the world lacking stout scales and sharp teeth, it’s a wonder they have managed to survive for so long. The typical human would barely make it through a day in the swamps. Still

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

interest of maintaining the strength of their personal bloodline. The yuan-ti have abandoned their humanity and consider non-serpentine humanoids to be lesser creatures, barely more civilized than

of evil that calls for them to butcher or eradicate all who oppose them. In keeping with their goal of domination, the yuan-ti would rather capture potentially useful opponents than kill them. They use

Fey Contracts

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Domains of Delight: A Feywild Accessory

Fey Contracts A fey contract is formed when a creature receives a gift (or the promise of a gift) from a Fey and is expected to give the Fey something in return. The gift can be almost anything, and

the contract forms as soon as the gift is received. Accidental Fey Contracts A creature can accidentally stumble into a fey contract in a number of ways. The one bit of good news for the novice

Asmodeus

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

mortals to evil, but he and his minions never breached a contract and explained the terms clearly. Had they not obeyed the rule of law in doing so? Was it not mortal ambition, rather than infernal deception

Primus, leader of the modrons. As a creature of absolute law, Primus could be trusted to issue a fair and impartial verdict. Asmodeus drafted a contract to seal the deal, and the angels — after carefully

Secret Doors

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

, as shown in the Secret Doors table. You can instead call for an Intelligence (Investigation) check if the challenge involves deducing that a door is present from noticeable clues, rather than

spotting those clues in the first place. See “Perception” in chapter 2 for more advice. Secret Doors Secret Door DC to Detect Barely hidden secret door 10 Standard secret door 15 Well-hidden secret

Other Inquisitive Agencies

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

inquisitives devoted to solving crimes and tracking down the perpetrators. Warning Guild. Affiliated with but largely independent from House Medani, the Warning Guild provides certification and contract

inquisitives are often called upon to solve mysteries that baffle local law enforcement. Running Your Own. Rather than join an existing inquisitive agency, you can start your own. You need to establish

Going in Style

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

at the characters’ location within a few days — accompanied by a voluminous contract and an extensive list of penalties to be paid if anything should happen to it. The primary focus of the agreement

available to operate the balloon and its weapons alongside the characters. STICKING WITH WHAT THEY’VE GOT If the characters’ mobile headquarters is something cool enough that they would rather use it

Treasure

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

and serve as a final, vexing puzzle for anyone who tries to make use of an item without her consent. A hag’s treasure — like a gift from a fey being — should be doubted and even feared rather than

simply being scooped up and carted away. Treasure-seekers are likely to fare better if they consider a hag’s booty to be trapped, exercising caution rather than giving in to greed or curiosity

Warlock

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

point in tough business negotiations. Likewise, a warlock’s pact is the definitive binding contract, providing a unique insight into matters of debt and obligation. The only thing you need to watch out

always chuckling maniacally to yourself. As convenient as it might seem, remember that interns are not automatically potential sacrifices. Always check the individual contract first. A diligent

The Second Wind

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer: Adventures in Space->Light of Xaryxis

comparison. The ship’s sails are patchworks of mended canvas, while its hull seems barely held together by thick vines that bind it like rope. Its strangest feature is the full-grown tree that sprouts

tiefling has turned to smuggling to make enough coin to buy her way out of an infernal contract she entered into many years ago. Fel Ardra Although Krux doesn’t approve of Fel’s line of business, the giff

The Role of Rules

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

The Role of Rules Why even have Sage Advice when a DM can just make a ruling? Rules are a big part of what makes D&D a game, rather than simply improvised storytelling. The game’s rules are meant to

typical D&D session, a DM makes numerous rules decisions—some barely noticeable and others quite obvious. Players also interpret the rules, and the whole group keeps the game running. There are times

The Role of Rules

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

The Role of Rules Why even have a column like Sage Advice when a DM can just make a ruling? Rules are a big part of what makes D&D a game, rather than simply improvised storytelling. The game’s rules

things they don’t. In a typical D&D session, a DM makes numerous rules decisions—some barely noticeable and others quite obvious. Players also interpret the rules, and the whole group keeps the game

Starting the Adventure

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

mask. The rider barely manages to stay in the saddle, his body bristling with cruel black arrows. Blind with panic, the horse plows on, threatening to trample travelers in its path. Before it can

black blood. His mask is clearly a funerary mask, though it’s cast of gold rather than clay. Characters who succeed on a DC 10 Intelligence check recognize the strange individual as one of the

The Mortal Realm

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

The Mortal Realm Compared to most worlds of the Material Plane, the mortal realm of Theros is small. The known world is barely two hundred miles across, with unexplored wilderness beyond. And some

destination. If you are running a campaign in Theros, you can adjust distances between locations to suit the needs of your adventures. The distance might not be the same for two successive journeys; any trek across Theros can expand or contract to accommodate adventures and encounters as you wish.

Yellowcrest Businesses

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

who stake out any of those locations can see Faerl as he arrives just after noon in a private coach, which barely fits along the narrow Trades Ward streets where the Yellowcrest businesses are located

others surrender. All are Waterdeep mercenaries on long-term contract to guard Faerl when he visits the city. They don’t know Lord Viallis personally and know nothing of the cult, but they can provide

Acquisition as a Holy Chore

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

want a model for efficiency and motivation in an organization, look no further than the infernal expanse of Nessus. You want to talk about a perfect sales pitch and a diabolically intricate contract

the rhetorical question, “Would you rather be lucky or good at something?” Because no matter how good you are, you’ll eventually have the bad luck of facing off against someone who’s a whole lot

Mirabar

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

collections of unusual and rare gems, to use seals made of gems carved into signet rings, and to be investors in ventures (rather than property) up and down the Sword Coast. They are sophisticated and

, rather than being hidden away. Semiprecious stones line many of the streets in Mirabar, and gorgeous inlays mark important corners and intersections, some so new that one can still smell the jeweler’s

The Rank and File

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

capabilities. Imps are used as spies and messengers rather than combatants, and they are the infernal agents most often encountered on the Material Plane. Lesser devils rarely command other devils, aside

recognize a devil’s deeds. Souls. Each time a devil signs a contract that pledges a mortal’s soul to the Nine Hells, that devil receives credit for the achievement. A stronger soul, such as a mighty

Warehouse Environs

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

is Captain Mergen Truff (NG female elf veteran), a laconic figure who would rather be doing “real work” than standing here warning off vagrants too foolish to avoid falling into a massive hole in the

pack and squints at its barely legible writing. “So which one of you is Ozgood the Ugly? I need you to sign before you go in. Nothing but paperwork and signatures since the newest Masked Lords got

Other Nonplayer Characters

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

long distances. But that’s what fills Sechepol’s wagon. He will make his money on the road, selling his stock to his fellow travelers in the caravan. He is diplomatic and has a gift for defusing

silent as the grave, staring sullenly at the road ahead, barely moving on the seat of his wagon, seeming hardly to breathe. No one knows what he transports in his wagon, but it is guarded by a brooding

Giff

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

serving in units composed entirely of giff; a giff hiring itself out individually is unheard of. Giff refuse to fight other giff, and will never agree to a contract unless it stipulates that they can

sit out a battle rather than wage war against their kin. A giff prizes the reputation of its unit above its own life. Life is fleeting, but the regiment endures for generations or even centuries. A

Other Nonplayer Characters

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

distances. But that’s what fills Sechepol’s wagon. He will make his money on the road, selling his stock to his fellow travelers in the caravan. He is diplomatic and has a gift for defusing arguments

as the grave, staring sullenly at the road ahead, barely moving on the seat of his wagon, seeming hardly to breathe. No one knows what he transports in his wagon, but it is guarded by a brooding

Excelsior

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Sigil and the Outlands

such as altruism, agency, or the gods and their portfolios. The forum is deliberately located on the surface district rather than the Chandelier—a reminder that the venue is more for Excelsior’s

, including the characters, to wrestling matches in his tower. 3 Allowed into the forum on an ancient contract, a silver-tongued pit fiend invites Excelsior’s orators to debate the worth of a soul. An angel

Life in the Domains of Dread

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

domains, locals measure time by “moons” rather than months. As a measurement of time, each moon begins on the first night of a full moon and lasts a full lunar cycle. A year consists of twelve moons, or

maintained by the Keepers. Individuals and businesses friendly with the Keepers—such as a village notary or inn—might surreptitiously contract their services, allowing customers to send a letter for 1

Demons

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)

Demons Spawned in the Infinite Layers of the Abyss, demons are the embodiment of chaos and evil — engines of destruction barely contained in monstrous form. Possessing no compassion, empathy, or

promotions never stem from a demon’s deeds or accomplishments. Rather, a demon lord might warp a manes into a quasit when it needs an invisible spy, or turn an army of dretches into hezrous when

Dolindar Tomb Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin

. She’s not interested in fighting, since fights make messes. Nikki Dawes Newmy Talking with Newmy. Newmy would rather talk than fight. She shares the following points: Crypt Cleaner. The Dolindars

is illegible due to advanced age, but the carved phrase “Home Again, To Rest Forever” is barely legible above the tomb’s doorway.

Alley: Autumn

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

the stone. After searching Fenerus’s home and finding nothing, they were waiting for Fenerus to return when the drow showed up. The drow barely got away with their lives. THE THREE URCHINS Three

is why he would rather send a small group of adventurers than call upon a Bregan D’aerthe attack force.) Characters who are suspicious of Laeral’s intentions can ascertain that she’s hiding something

Quandrix Scholars

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

themselves in the magic of geometry and metaphysics. Their ultimate goal isn’t mastery, however. Rather, in their projects they explore and expand knowledge without expecting concrete answers. Whether

if there is sufficient room for it to grow. It has advantage on attack rolls and on ability checks and saving throws that rely on Strength. Contract. The professor becomes Small. Its walking speed

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