before battle down curses run - Search

Witherbloom Professor of Decay

Monsters Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

; subjects. The professors use the gathered essence to feed their magic, snuffing the life and decaying the bodies of the living, entreating and commanding the dead and Undead, and twisting curses around

their foes. In battle, they steal the essence of their enemies to heal their own wounds and create spears of sickly green life-draining energy. Witherbloom teachers who espouse the decaying side of the

Dwarf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

industrious labor, skill in battle, and devotion to the forge. Individual dwarves are determined and loyal, true to their word and decisive in action, sometimes to the point of stubbornness. Many dwarves

identities and affiliations, recognize related dwarves, and invoke their ancestors’ names in oaths and curses. To be clanless is the worst fate that can befall a dwarf. Dwarves in other lands are

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

gnomes and other humanoids, the kobolds instinctively attack the gnomes. Kobolds in battle with gnomes are much less likely to run away because their hatred overrules their sense of self-preservation

other useful items, but if they are at risk of discovery, they run away rather than attack anyone in the house. By fleeing before they can be seen or identified, they avoid getting into a situation

Deck of Many Things Legacy

Magic Items Basic Rules (2014)

-like visage curses you. You take a −2 penalty on saving throws while cursed in this way. Only a god or the magic of The Fates card can end this curse. The Fates. Reality's fabric unravels and

you, warning all others that you must win the battle alone. The avatar fights until you die or it drops to 0 hit points, whereupon it disappears. If anyone tries to help you, the helper summons its

Cleric Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

Arms and eyes upraised toward the sun and a prayer on his lips, an elf begins to glow with an inner light that spills out to heal his battle-worn companions. Chanting a song of glory, a dwarf swings

provoke awe and dread, lay curses of plague or poison, and even call down flames from heaven to consume their enemies. For those evildoers who will benefit most from a mace to the head, clerics depend on

Goblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

appreciation for the finer things! — Volo Goblins occupy an uneasy place in a dangerous world, and they react by lashing out at any creatures they believe they can bully. Cunning in battle and

traps, snares, and nets to catch the unwary, and when their hunting patrols encounter other beings, they always look for ways to capture their foes instead of killing them. Goblins that run up against

Exploration Encounters

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

well as run them. Various sections in chapter 3 can also help you detail obstacles and dangers in an exploration encounter: see “Chases,” “Curses and Magical Contagions,” “Doors,” “Environmental Effects,” “Hazards,” “Poison,” and “Traps” in particular.

Order of the Emerald Claw NPCs

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

its enemies than crush them in battle. 5 An artificer is obsessed with infusing necromantic curses into their construct creations. 6 A changeling necromancer often poses as a vampire or a mummy, even though it’s still alive.

evil, and that revel in their villainy. Emerald Claw NPCs d6 NPC 1 Though mortal, this fanatical warrior drinks the blood of those he slays in battle. 2 A cleric tries to convince her enemies to

Deck of Several Things

Magic Items Lost Laboratory of Kwalish

space you occupied when you disappeared. You draw no more cards. Euryale. The card’s medusa-like visage curses you. You take a −1 penalty on saving throws for the duration of the

tattered black robe. It appears in a space of the DM’s choice within 10 feet of you and attacks you, warning all others that you must win the battle alone. The avatar fights until you die or it

Aarakocra Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

letting the thermals hold them aloft. In battle, they prove dynamic and acrobatic fliers, moving with remarkable speed and grace, diving to lash opponents with weapons or talons before turning and flying

lies on the slopes of the Star Mounts’ southernmost mountains. At the headwaters of the Unicorn Run, the Last Aerie is home to several dozen aarakocra. Recently, aarakocra elders detected

Introduction

compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->One-Shot Wonders: Holiday Adventure Pack

One-Shot Wonders The one-shots and battle maps in this collection are based on the adventure design of One-Shot Wonders and The Map Library, the multi-award-winning book and map compendium by Roll

& Play Press. One-Shot Wonders is full of ready-to-run adventures designed for easy prep and maximum impact. Each session plan breaks down the key characters, locations and plot points you need to run a

Developments

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

Developments This battle will likely be a challenge to run. It is designed to create an emotional low spot in the adventure, during which overall defeat for the forces of good looks like a real

possibility. Character death—even if temporary—can crush some players’ spirits. For those players, don’t make this battle just a relentless slog toward death. Give the adventurers opportunities to save

Developments

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat

Developments This battle will likely be a challenge to run. It is designed to create an emotional low spot in the adventure, during which overall defeat for the forces of good looks like a real

possibility. Character death — even if temporary — can crush some players’ spirits. For those players, don’t make this battle just a relentless slog toward death. Give the adventurers opportunities to save

Joint DMs

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

enjoy or the DMs trading focus from session to session. One DM might run combat description and keep a battle moving while the other focuses on miniatures and music. The two DMs can play two different

characters step out of the action when their players take their turns as DM. Joint DMs can also team up to run each session of a campaign, with each DM focusing on the aspects of the game they most

Morale

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

Morale Some combatants might run away when a fight turns against them. You can use this optional rule to help determine when monsters and NPCs flee. A creature might flee under any of the following

circumstances: The creature is surprised. The creature is reduced to half its hit points or fewer for the first time in the battle. The creature has no way to harm the opposing side on its turn. A

Components of a Curse

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

Components of a Curse Most curses have three distinct components: pronouncement, burden, and resolution. Whatever form these take, at least one of them, especially the burden or resolution, should

have an ironic connection to the action that triggered the curse.A dying priest of Ezra curses his murderer Pronouncement The first component of a curse is the pronouncement, which amounts to a threat

Running the Siege

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

Running the Siege You have a few options on how to run the battle. Consider the following: You can treat each defender and orc as an individual, and run the combat as a long, complex encounter. If

you do so, the players should control some of the NPCs. You can streamline parts of the fight. The map of the ranch has been divided into specific zones, and you can run regular battles only in the zone

Portents of War

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

. They have no concern for the implications of their actions, which could be a precursor to war. The smugglers currently run weapons for a clan of lizardfolk living near Saltmarsh whose queen, Othokent

, is preparing her clan for battle against a terrible enemy: the sahuagin. The peaceful town of Saltmarsh knows nothing of the coming war, or the fact that a sahuagin invasion threatens them as much as the lizardfolk do.

Special NPCs

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

the player characters, rather than have the players run the NPCs in addition to their own characters. If the NPCs survive the battle, award one special quest per character in the party.

, give one NPC to each player and put the extra NPCs aside. These leftover NPCs don’t participate in the battle. After giving out the NPCs, read the following explanatory text to the players: In addition

Nemesis

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

Nemesis During the Last War, you had a run-in with a particularly dangerous foe, one who still haunts your nightmares. One day you’ll have your revenge. Consult the Nemesis table to determine the

identity of your foe. Nemesis d6 Nemesis 1 Necromancer. You lost a lot of friends in battle, but what made it worse was watching that cackling wizard raise them as zombies and turn them against you

Chapter 4: Sharn Inquisitives

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer

Chapter 4: Sharn Inquisitives Chapter 04 Sharn Inquisitives Chapter 04 Adventure Genre: Film Noir Pop Culture: Philip Marlowe, Sam Spade, Mike Hammer, Dick Tracy Kuno A Battle Smith

murders, or dispel the magic keeping a noble scion in comatose slumber. Run a Sharn inquisitives campaign if you want to emulate the film noir adventures of detectives like Philip Marlowe, Sam Spade, Mike

Endgame in Elturel

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

the River Styx while Zariel and her forces battle an army of demons beneath the city. A demon lord — either Baphomet or Yeenoghu — has launched an all-out attack on Elturel before it’s dragged into the

River Styx. This section includes encounters that you can run to challenge the characters as they maneuver to confront Zariel. These encounters are suitable for a party of four 13th-level characters. If the party is weaker or stronger, adjust the encounters accordingly.

Redcloak Battalion

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

snarling displacer beast surrounded by the words, “First in battle, last to fall”—the Redcloak insignia and motto—on the right. Allies. As part of Breland’s military forces, the Redcloaks can count on

run both ways. Among the Redcloaks, tensions still run hot regarding their former rivals, particularly those from the following nations: Darguun. The hobgoblins of Darguun fought alongside Brelish

Ogres

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual

such as Erythnul, Takhisis, and Vaprak. They magically emerge from the earth of lands corrupted by evil gods, sinister magic, or ancient curses. Some bear evidence of the places that spawned them

for food, riches, and promises of battle. Hinchel Or Ogres Ogre Large Giant, Chaotic Evil AC 11 Initiative −1 (9) HP 68 (8d10 + 24) Speed 40 ft. Ability Score Mod Save Str

During the Siege

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

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

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

Battle in the Skies!

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

Battle in the Skies! Immediately after the last “Riders on the Storm” event ends, the characters come under attack by an airship controlled by the Six. If anyone needs healing, you could let the

the sigil of the Six! A crew of hobgoblins and goblins can be seen swarming the deck, and a ballista and three harpoon guns are trained on your vessel. To arms! If the battle balloon took more than

Fight or Flight

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

confronted by obviously more numerous or powerful opponents usually try to avoid battle. But brave, desperate, or devoted creatures might never retreat from a battle. If you can’t decide whether a

behalf of the group. When creatures that are already engaged in battle realize they’re likely to lose, they usually try to exit that battle. A monster is likely to flee if either of the following is true

4. Naergoth Bladelord

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat

ago, its contents now covered in dust and hung with cobwebs and pathos. Intruders skulking through the warrens can run into Naergoth anywhere. Use him as a roleplaying encounter or add him to a battle that is going well for the party at a time of your choosing.

23. Desecrated Sanctuary

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

tapestry depicts a wilderness battle between primitive human hunters and one or more monsters, including a unicorn, a displacer beast, an owlbear, a pack of worgs, and a griffon. Casting a mending cantrip

on a tapestry restores its value (25 gp). 23b. Initiates’ Quarters Furnishings. Eight rows of bunk beds stacked four high run the length of this room. Wreckage. Along the walls are piles of

The Attack

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm Lord’s Wrath

run this encounter. As the characters load the wagons, storm clouds descend and block the sun. Argus Skeel (male vampire spawn) and two ghouls, plus one ghoul per character, including sidekicks

appropriate. (See “Running a Three-sided Battle” sidebar for advice.) RUNNING A THREE-SIDED BATTLE Combat is a highlight of the game for a large number of players: they love the challenge, the

Fighting the Reavers

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer Academy

initiative order, after the characters have taken their turns. More reavers then appear during the round (see below). At the start of each character’s turn, roll on the Battle Events table to

help identify specific reavers in combat. When you’ve played two full rounds of combat, proceed to the “End Simulation” section below. Battle Events d20 Event 1–12 A new astral reaver (bandit) jumps

Useful Additions

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

products, but many DMs (and players) find them to be exciting additions to the game. Battle Grid and Miniatures Some DMs use a battle grid and miniatures to run combat encounters, which helps players

battle grid. The grid should be marked in 1-inch squares. You also need plastic or metal miniatures to represent characters and monsters in the game, but you can use coins, extra dice, paper counters

Useful Additions

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

products, but many DMs (and players) find them to be exciting additions to the game. Battle Grid and Miniatures Some DMs use a battle grid and miniatures to run combat encounters, which helps players

battle grid. The grid should be marked in 1-inch squares. You also need plastic or metal miniatures to represent characters and monsters in the game, but you can use coins, extra dice, paper counters

Day of Dread

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

been spotted to the northwest of the city. Beneath it, the Red Dragon Army has begun to march toward Kalaman. This news ushers in an uneasy day of waiting as the city braces for battle. As the day

progresses, run the following encounters, using the Dread in the Streets table to set the mood as the characters venture across the city. Dread in the Streets d6 Event 1 A makeshift aid camp has taken

4. Naergoth Bladelord

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

, its contents now covered in dust and hung with cobwebs and pathos. Intruders skulking through the warrens can run into Naergoth anywhere. Use him as a roleplaying encounter or add him to a battle that is going well for the party at a time of your choosing.

Search Results