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Minotaur

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

carve their horns to sharpen their edges, etch symbols of power into them, or sheathe them in bronze to prevent them from shattering during battle. Thick hair extends down minotaurs’ necks and

you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy. The “Quick Build” section for your character’s class offers suggestions on which scores to increase. You can follow

Crook of Rao

Magic Items Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

wizard Tasha). Although she was defeated, Iggwilv managed to damage the crook during the battle, infecting it with an insidious curse—and the potential for future victory. In the aftermath, the

;potentially for the final time. Random Properties. The artifact has the following random properties, which you can determine by rolling on the tables in the "Artifacts" section of the Dungeon Master

Beast of Grakenok

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Turn of Fortune’s Wheel

Beast of Grakenok When Grakenok comes into sight, read or paraphrase the description below. If Sytri or Tol reached Grakenok before the characters, they are already engaged in battle. With its

Schley Map 9.1: Courier Four-Way Battle The characters, Sytri, and Tol all seek the glory of defeating the elder whirlwyrm. Track how much damage each character and the rival heroes deal to the monster

Fighter Subclass

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

devastating blows, withstand peril, and garner glory. Whether in athletic contests or bloody battle, Champions strive for the crown of the victor. Level 3: Improved Critical Your attack rolls with weapons and

Style feat of your choice. Level 10: Heroic Warrior The thrill of battle drives you toward victory. During combat, you can give yourself Heroic Inspiration whenever you start your turn without it. Level

During the Siege

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

deliver orders from General Drakov (likely related to the siege’s climax). As the battle reaches what you determine to be the halfway point, start rolling 2d6 on the Zombie Siege Encounters table and

During the Siege Run the siege as a series of encounters rather than one extended battle. As terrible events unfold around the characters, it’s up to them to determine who and how they’ll help. Begin

Treasure Hoards

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

belongs to a large group of monsters, use the CR of the monster that leads the group. Each row includes average results for monetary treasure, which you can use instead of rolling. To create a hoard

Hoard CR Monetary Treasure Magic Items 0–4 2d4 × 100 (500) GP 1d4 − 1 5–10 8d10 × 100 (4,400) GP 1d3 11–16 8d8 × 1,000 (36,000) GP 1d4 17+ 6d10 × 10,000 (330,000) GP 1d6 Sam Keiser A climactic battle at the Temple of Elemental Evil brings an adventure to a dramatic end

Assault on Hawker's Grove

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

Battlefield Events During this battle, roll on the Hawker’s Grove Battlefield Events table each round on initiative count 0. Also consider rolling on the table when a red dragon is slain or if a

and his dragonnels stay out of battle unless attacked. Unless the characters prepared another strategy, they begin this encounter adjacent to the tree stump at the southeast corner of the map. The

Initiative Variants

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

initiative that introduces more uncertainty into combat, at the cost of speed of play. Under this variant, the participants in a battle roll initiative each round. Before rolling, each character or

completed their turns. If more than two sides take part in a battle, each side rolls for initiative. Sides act from the highest roll to lowest. Combat continues in the initiative order until the battle

Cult of Zariel

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

Cult of Zariel Goals: Conquest, glory in battle, fame and fortune derived from military victory Typical Cultist: Berserker, cult fanatic, cultist, gladiator, guard, knight, veteran Signature Spells

creature hits with an attack that isn’t a critical hit, it can turn the hit into a critical hit. Infernal Tactics. This creature has a keen eye for seizing a tactical advantage. Immediately after rolling

Battle of High Hill

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

Battle of High Hill The unexpected sound of metal clashing on armor rings across the field, silencing laughter and melodramatic boasts. A ribbon of red splashes over the grassy hill, followed by

shocked screams. Any pretense of a reenactment shatters—High Hill is the site of a true battle once more. Within moments, all around you, armed mercenaries attack unprepared villagers fighting for their

Handling Mobs

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

Handling Mobs Keeping combat moving along at a brisk pace can be difficult when there are dozens of monsters involved in a battle. When handling a crowded battlefield, you can speed up play by

forgoing attack rolls in favor of approximating the average number of hits a large group of monsters can inflict on a target. Instead of rolling an attack roll, determine the minimum d20 roll a creature

What You Need

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

adventurers also solve puzzles, talk with other characters, battle fantastic monsters, and discover magic items and other treasure—all while supporting each other’s fun. Learn by Watching A great

polyhedral dice (shown in chapter 1). You can find dice like these in game stores and from online retailers. Dice-rolling apps are also available. Character Sheet. To keep track of important

The Three Pillars of Adventure

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

day crossing a rolling plain or an hour making their way through caverns underground. On the smallest scale, it could mean one character pulling a lever in a dungeon room to see what happens. Social

forcing a rout. Combat is the most structured element of a D&D session, with creatures taking turns to make sure that everyone gets a chance to act. Even in the context of a pitched battle, there’s

Retreat from Steel Springs

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

represented on map 4.3. As the characters arrive, six Kalaman soldiers (see appendix B), each with 8 hit points, flee south from the battle occurring up the road. They’ve reached the islet at the center of

battle might arrive, as detailed in the following section. Map 4.3: retreat from steel springs View Player Version Steel Springs Battlefield Events During this encounter, as long as there are still

Setup

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

new Sembian-sponsored merchant coster called the Rolling Wheel. Shopkeepers affiliated with the Black Network approach the characters. They are prepared to do so several times, with each potential

wagons to hunt down attackers, and they assist the characters in battle only if doing so offers minimal risk to what the thugs consider to be their primary duties. If characters decry this behavior

The Northlook

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

or two, which you can determine by rolling on the Ten-Towns Rumors table (See "Ten-Towns Rumors"). The inn’s proprietor, a retired sellsword named Scramsax (neutral human veteran), knows full well

answer. Ol’ Bitey Stuffed and mounted on a plaque above the hearth in the common room is a battle-scarred knucklehead trout named Ol’ Bitey, who pulled many a fisher into the icy depths of Maer

Escape from Vogler

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

crewed by four baaz draconians (see appendix B). This battle takes place in front of Vogler’s wharf, depicted on map 3.3. The “Vogler Battlefield Features” and “Vogler Battlefield Events” sections detail

elements of this battle. The boilerdrak is positioned on the scorched ground. The characters start the battle anywhere on the wharf. On the first round of battle, three draconians use their actions to

Attack Rolls

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

Attack Rolls An attack roll determines whether an attack hits a target. An attack roll hits if the roll equals or exceeds the target’s Armor Class. Attack rolls usually occur in battle, described in

calculate AC must choose which one to use; only one base calculation can be in effect for a creature. Rolling 20 or 1 If you roll a 20 on the d20 (called a “natural 20”) for an attack roll, the attack hits

Acheron Attacks

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Turn of Fortune’s Wheel

During this battle, roll on the Gate to Acheron Battlefield Events table each round on initiative count 0. Also consider rolling on the table if a character tries to leave the mapped battlefield. Gate

berserk invaders charges through the gate. In moments, dozens of Rigus guards and berserkers from Acheron clash in battle. Three massive projectiles—slivers of the great iron cubes that make up the

Attack Rolls

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

Attack Rolls An attack roll determines whether an attack hits a target. An attack roll hits if the roll equals or exceeds the target’s Armor Class. Attack rolls usually occur in battle, described in

calculate AC must choose which one to use; only one base calculation can be in effect for a creature. Rolling 20 or 1 If you roll a 20 on the d20 (called a “natural 20”) for an attack roll, the attack hits

Battle Master

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

Battle Master Those who emulate the archetypal Battle Master employ martial techniques passed down through generations. To a Battle Master, combat is an academic field, sometimes including subjects

beyond battle such as weaponsmithing and calligraphy. Not every fighter absorbs the lessons of history, theory, and artistry that are reflected in the Battle Master archetype, but those who do are

Battlefield Events

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Divine Contention

Battlefield Events The following events correspond to boxes marked on the Battle Flowchart. Event 1. Dawn of the Dead The battle begins when Ularan Mortus orders his ghoulish army to attack the south

gate. When the party arrives on the scene, the battle is already underway. Read the following boxed text aloud: The din of battle echoes from the palisade as you approach. Through the rain, you see

Bugbear Lair Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Heroes of the Borderlands

Initiative. On the goblins’ turn, they attempt to scramble up the stairs and activate the rolling log trap (detailed below). The goblins then fight the characters. Rolling Log Trap. This 10-foot-long

Warrior—the self-proclaimed boss of the cave—scolds two Goblin Warriors for sleeping on the job. When they notice the characters, the bugbear commands the goblins to fight and joins them in battle. The

The Dungeon Master

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

and villains the adventurers battle against, choosing their actions and rolling dice for their attacks. The DM also plays the part of all the other characters the players meet in the course of their

Swarmkeeper

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

connection to the environment around them, some rangers reach out through their magical connection to the world and bond with a swarm of nature spirits. The swarm becomes a potent force in battle, as

Swarm 3rd-level Swarmkeeper feature A swarm of intangible nature spirits has bonded itself to you and can assist you in battle. While you’re alive, the swarm remains in your space, crawling on you or

Ferocity

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

, and of how those things build in battle. As a companion’s ferocity increases, they gain access to powerful new actions, but they also become more difficult for a caregiver to control. If a companion

companion to build up their ferocity during a fight. However, a too-easy target doesn’t rile up a companion the way being threatened by an enemy combatant in a battle for survival does. As such, the GM

T13: Great Statue of Orcus

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves

defeat them on his own. If combat breaks out in T12 and Nezzarum is aware of it (either because Xia comes and implores the statue of Orcus for aid or because he notices the battle unfolding from his

approach Nezzarum without first fighting Xia, the dragon is initially Indifferent. Indifferent Dragon. If Nezzarum hasn’t seen the characters prove themselves in battle, he errs on the side of caution and

Starting the Adventure

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

, read the following text: The sound of racing hooves rises like rolling thunder from the direction the fallen rider emerged. Two more riders round the bend, both wearing dark tunics. The fading light

riders attack the mortals closest to the body, trying to ensure that no witnesses escape. “Get away from the heretic, bleeder,” one Returned snarls as she strides into battle. Both ignore any mortals

Attack on Bryn Shander

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder

their NPCs during the battle is up to them, but encourage the players to review their NPCs’ ideals, bonds, and flaws. For more information on how to use and run these NPCs, see the “Special NPCs

loose. Each other frost giant carries a sack that holds 1d6 mundane items, determined by rolling on the Items in a Giant’s Bag table in the introduction, as well as 1d4 art objects worth 25 gp each

Attack on Triboar

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder

Attack on Triboar Thousands of years ago, giants and dragons fought a great battle here, during which the giants unleashed an enormous dragon-slaying construct called the Vonindod. Part of the

players run their NPCs during the battle is up to them, but encourage the players to review their NPCs’ ideals, bonds, and flaws. For more information on how to use and run these NPCs, see the “Special

Running Combat

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

Running Combat This section builds on the combat rules in Playing the Game and offers tips for keeping the game running smoothly when a fight breaks out. Rolling Initiative Combat starts when—and

You can get to the action of combat more quickly by using Initiative scores instead of rolling. You might decide to use Initiative scores just for characters, just for monsters, or for both. Initiative

Fighter Subclasses

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

Fighter Subclasses A Fighter subclass is a specialization that grants you features at certain Fighter levels, as specified in the subclass. This section presents the Battle Master, Champion, Eldritch

Knight, and Psi Warrior subclasses. Battle Master Master Sophisticated Battle Maneuvers Battle Masters are students of the art of battle, learning martial techniques passed down through generations

Casino Pit Masters

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

Windfall’s leadership. Khai dedicates every death in the coliseum to Tiamat. Gaining Khai’s Favor. Khai prizes battle prowess above all else. Should the characters win three matches in the coliseum

green abishai (see appendix A), is the master of the casino’s games of chance. His nickname “Snake Eyes” comes from his penchant for rolling ones in Triple Hydra (see the “Viridian Den” section for

Encounter Pace and Tension

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

danger and urgency by rolling dice behind your DM screen, even without an actual encounter!) Drain Character Resources. By draining the party’s Hit Points and spell slots, leaving the adventurers feeling

your campaign, you might design random encounter tables to reinforce the ever-present threat of that conflict, including encounters with bedraggled troops returning from battle, refugees fleeing

Carousel

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

in battle. The cruel hag magically fused the bodies of Diana and her horse, giving her the appearance of a centaur. Diana fled Prismeer and befriended Mister Witch and Mister Light, who offered her a

“Pride goes before a fall.” Fall’s name tag is complete, but Pride’s name tag reads PR _ _ _. Third Pair. These unicorns’ names are Stone and Moss, from the proverb “A rolling stone gathers no moss

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